Nick Santonastasso - The biggest disability is a bad mindset

Legacy of Monsters An Apple original series. The world is on fire. I decided to do something about it on November 17th. This place, it's not ours. Believe me, the most massive event of the year arrives. If you come with me, you'll know everything. I promise.

Oh, my God.

Go, go, go. Legacy of monsters streaming November 17th only on Apple TV. Plus.

Hold music. You want to avoid it and so do your customers. So say goodbye to holdmusic and hello to faster, smarter support with Salesforce. Make service more personal and agents more productive using built in trusted AI. Then watch costs and wait times drop and satisfaction soar. Support customers in a whole new way with Service GPT. Learn how@salesforce.com ServiceGPT what's going on, everyone? Casey Adams here. Welcome back to the Rise of the Young podcast. And on today's episode, I am very excited to say that I had the pleasure of sitting down with an individual known as Nick Santonastasso. And his story is by far one of the most inspirational and motivational stories I've ever had the pleasure of hearing. If you don't know, Nick was born with no legs and one arm. And the fact that he's been able to persevere through his challenges and overcome his obstacles to now be such an inspiration to millions of people all over the world. He just got back from a China speaking tour, and overall, the speech that I heard of his, we actually spoke at the same event in Tampa, Florida, known as Social X. And literally when I heard him speak, I began to pretty much cry because his story and the way he tells it is, like I said, one of the most phenomenal stories ever. And overall, I know it will be amazing for you to listen to. So that being said, I want to introduce the one and only Nick Santinistasso. And I'm going to be playing the audio clip that we got while in Tampa. So go ahead, sit back, relax, and give it up for Mr. Nick Sansonistasso. What's going on, everyone? Casey Adams here. Welcome back to the Build you'd Empire podcast. We got the legend, Nick Santinostaso, and we're here in Tampa, Florida.

Pleasure to have you. I'm excited, dude.

So, first things first. Yesterday, I'm sitting in the audience hearing you speak. I've been following you for a while on your Instagram, just, like, seeing everything you're doing. I'm like, dude, like, you not only are changing my life and millions of others, but it's like you truly bring perspective, perspective to, like, what you're speaking on. But you do it in a way where it's like, authentic. You make jokes, you're funny, you know, I'm saying, like, you just, you know what you have, and you're like, completely taking full advantage of it. So first of all, I just want to say thank you. Appreciate that, everything you're doing, brother. Because, like, yesterday, like, I know the entire audience, man, they were getting teared up, they were crying, and like, then you switch it up.

Yo, roller coaster.

That's my job, you know, like, it's amazing, man, honestly. And it's such a pleasure to have you on the show, for sure.

I'm excited. And it's just. It's just like that emotional roller coaster.

Right?

Like, just. I need to make everyone. Not only as a speaker, like, you need to go on there and realize that it's not about you, it's about everyone else and their comfortability and them being vulnerable and transparent. And so it's just like, you know, you got to make them laugh, you got to make them cry, you got to make them piss off at themselves. It was good stuff. I was sweating. I was. I was soaked. I always. I always build up so much energy when I speak because I'm a little dude. My back. So my like.

So how long have you been speaking now?

It's been two years.

Okay, it's been two years.

Yeah. So we created the speaking company probably two years ago. And it was funny because we were self reflecting on this and like, at first, like, no one knew me in the speaking industry. Yeah. So I was coming up. I was the viner and I was the bodybuilder and kind of the model, but not speaking. Right. And so just started building credibility, you know, and things like the book, like, doing things like the book I got. I got published in Forbes magazine. But like, I. We were talking about this yesterday. I want to start educating people. I'm gonna. I want to create like a course or something where I could teach people not only how to build a speaking company, but how to speak.

Yeah.

I think it's a great idea.

Speaking always been, like. Because for me, like, I used to hate public speaking up in the middle of class. Like, I would hate it. Like, was that always your thing or was it something that you kind of, like, grew on you? Yes. As you had a story to tell. That's a great question.

So my, you know, like, my dad is like, kind of weirdly always. Right. Does that make sense? You know, like, dads have their superpowers or something, but my dad would always tell me, like, you're gonna be a speaker. You're gonna be on, like, broadcast, like, air. He's like, you have a great voice. Like, I also sing, so he always wanted to be a singer. But anyway, when I was in, like, fifth and sixth grade, I had a guidance counselor, and she. They called me Nikki then. And she was like, nikki, like, if I help you write a speech for, like, the DARE program, will you do it on stage with everyone? And I'm like, you know, super uncomfortable situation. But, like, yeah, sure. So I wrote a speech, and that was my first ever speech where it's just like, I was. I was, like, reading off a paper. But, like, people were like, oh, man, you could be a great speaker, you know, and, like, at that age, I'm like, no, I don't want to be a speaker. You know, I'm probably thinking about being an astronaut or something. Like, not a speaker. But it grew on me. There was two things it grew on me. One, when. When I met Ratmere, the. My business, one of my business partners, he opened my eyes up of, like, dude, like, you could be doing this big, like, immediately, the first time he met me, he was like, you could be on stage with Tony. You could be a stage. Like, just started. And I wasn't too. I guess deep into the personal development space. I wasn't doing much of it. And so Ratmere opened my eyes. But then when I started speaking, I think my first year, even. Even if we were just, like, doing it for free, right? Just to get out there, like, I probably spoke, like, 50 times that year, my first year. And, like, repetition, yeah, like, just became a monster. And just, like, I think a speaker, it's, like, speaking, right? But it's the confidence and the energy that you put behind it. Like, people want to know that, like, you fully believe, fully walk the walk, you know, talk the talk.

Yeah. And I think one of the phenomenal things, because I obviously saw you speak yesterday at Social X, shout out to Justin and the whole jcap. And, like, you were, like, you said, bringing people through these emotional roller coasters. But you always found a way to, like, have a story attached to it. And, like, you telling the story about the rock and on the flight and, like, going over, like, your personal, emotional roller coaster, you know what I'm saying? And, like, to me, I feel like you did that. Like, I said yesterday, that was the best speech I've ever heard. Like, hands down, like, 100%. And I'm not even just saying this because you're here. The impact that you had and the confidence you bring to the table, it's phenomenal. But the first thing I want to say, because the people watching this, obviously, I've known your story. I've been following you for a while now. I've seen your social media crushing it. Almost a million followers, and you've truly created this worldwide impact. But for the people, people that may not know, I don't want to spend too much time on the entire Backstory and spend 30 minutes on it. Like a lot of podcasts, I just want to kind of give it to them. Like, where are you from?

Yeah.

How did you grow up, obviously, with. When you were born? I know you talked about it yesterday. It's like things were different. Yeah. Yeah. And people watching this video, you can see that. And I believe the people that you said have the real disability is the mindset. And you.

Oh, man, I got fired on that.

And that shit hit me hard, brother. I was like, that is the truth. Yeah. That's one thing you can control. You know what I'm saying? So I'd love for you to just kind of give people, if they don't know who you are, where you're from, what you do besides speaking. Yeah, I'd love for you to kind of just give the brief rundown.

Yeah, absolutely. So I was born in New Jersey. I was born in North Jersey, and then we moved to Jersey Shore. And so I spent the majority of my life. I'm 22. I spent all of high school. I meant, you know, all of my. All of my school in Jersey Shore. And. But basically, I was born with super rare genetic disorder called Hanhart syndrome. And so at the time of my birth in 1996, I was the 12th baby in medical history that they've ever seen it happen to. And out of the 12, eight have passed previously. And so they gave me a 30% chance to live. Survived that. And from there, just. My parents were like the cultivators of my mindset. Right. Because that's what parents do. And so basically, like, they were just like, yo, this is your situation. Like, born with no legs, one arm. Like, things are gonna. Like, things are gonna take a little bit more time, Nick. And. And, you know, you're gonna have to fool around with things and, you know, and just. They didn't treat me any different. That was the superpower. Like, they didn't coddle me. Like, you know, like, I probably got beat up more than, like, regular kids. Like, I have siblings. Like, I got thrown into the mix. Like, that is what. What propelled me because there Was no holding back. Like, he let Nick fall on his face. Like, if you try to get on a chair and he falls, like, oh, well, whatever, you know, like, I think. I think that was a huge role in my life. And so growing up, you know, know, had a great support system, had great friends and. But kind of like middle school and high school dropped into that low point. I think we all struggle with something in middle school and high school. It's like, it's right. Like you're just coming out, right?

Totally graduated last year. Exactly.

And so, like, we all struggle with something. I want you guys to take a sense of comfort in that. Like, we all struggle with something. Like, don't think you're different. I mean, like, don't think you're weird or out of place because you're going through some stuff, right? And so I went through some stuff and I started looking for an out, right? Bowling. And then I. I wanted to be a wrestler. And this arm was five inches longer than it is now. My bone was going faster than my skin, so I made the decision to amputate it so I could wrestle. Just for a shot to wrestle. And we can even self reflect on that point. What are you willing to give up? What are you willing to do just for a shot, Just for a shot at your dreams? Right? And so the reason why I share stories like that is because, not to say, hey, look at me, but perspectives, everything, man. If you can just be in a room with a bunch of people that are crushing it or on their way or whatever it may be, but can see how they. What their problems are and how they overcame things, like, that's the most powerful thing, like, man, perspective and experience.

That's so powerful, man. So. So wrestling, you touched on that yesterday. Yeah, that was the past few years. When did you start wrestling?

Yeah, so my sophomore year, we did the surgery. I never wrestled before.

I did not know you were 22 when you said that yesterday. I was like, dude, I'm 18. Yeah, that's probably like 25, 26. Then I was like, holy shit. Yeah. What year did you graduate high school?

14.

14? Yeah. That's so sick.

Wait, so it would have been in high school together or. No, maybe I graduated. You came in.

You graduated in 2014? Yeah, yeah, I came in at like 24.

Okay.

Okay.

But yeah. Wait, what did you say? I forgot.

I said wrestling. Yeah. When would that take place? Obviously you said you had the surgery. Yeah. Sophomore year to have that. That chance. Yeah. That's a lot of people. Like, they are Willing to take that chance and whatever it is in life. So you took that chance.

Sophomore year, amputated the arm. Junior year, came out from my wrestling team, was a JV wrestler and basically just told my guys, like, my best. It was all my best friends in the room, right? I was like, just put it on me, you know, like, don't hold back, right? Because people aren't gonna hold back in the real world, and people aren't gonna hold back on the wrestling mat. Like, you know, like, just. It's kind of like prepping for life anyway. And so, you know, they beat me up and, you know, I lost. And actually there was a kid at the event at Social X that wrestled on another team, like in high school.

On the same team?

No, not the same team, but like, we versed each other. I didn't wrestle him, but our teams versed each other. He knew me as a wrestler. He's like, dude, like, I can't believe it. But senior year, I came out as the 106 pound varsity wrestler from a high school. And this like, was like that morale boost, right? I wanted. I was labeled an athlete. I was labeled a varsity athlete. I was leading the team when I. When I. It was like. I think it's the funniest thing. My wrestling career is such a big troll, right? Because not only was I popping off on vine, like, literally, like vine demographic was all kids, right? So I was like a superstar in high school, like at my senior year. And I think it was like the biggest troll because, like, wrestlers, like, we run out and I would lead the team and I'd lead a team and then we do our huddle and I'd go out and get my butt kicked every time. Like, I look like so, you know, I'm like. And I look like such. Such like an intimidating, like, oh my God. Like, and I just go out and get my butt kicked. But I loved it. You know, it was a challenge for me. But like I said, the impact that I had in other people really opened my eyes up to, you know, the superpowers.

Yeah. That's insane. So what you did that software or. Junior year. Senior year.

Junior year.

Senior year.

Junior year was a JV wrestler. Senior year I was a varsity wrestler. And then senior year, I also was doing the vine. And like, literally I would go to like, other schools and the cheerleaders be cheerleading for me and, like, taking pictures with me. But I suck. Like, I wasn't. I had. I was 2 and 17 my senior year.

Like, okay.

Oh, man. And then I Kind of self reflect. I'm like, I wish I would have started lifting. Like, imagine if I started lifting freshman year, but then like, would I be sitting here with you if I. Yeah.

Right.

Like so like I just take things as it is, you know, because you never know what, where that path would take you. I could be wrestling in college right now, who knows? Right.

So graduated 2014.

Yeah.

Before we move on to like high school in a sense that like you said, like, everyone has their challenges and I believe that people can definitely like learn a lot from you.

Yeah.

Through your experiences. Yeah. Like, what would you say? Because I think people up to this point in the podcast, like they're listening like, boom. Did wrestling, you're all confident, you're killing. Like what were some of the times, like especially throughout high school where it's like you're finding yourself, you're trying to figure out who you, what's the group of friends you're in, you know what I'm saying? Like, what was some of the times where like you had to really self inflict, you weren't confident, you were really getting down to yourself because like when you're talking about yesterday, it's like there's always the pros and cons. Right.

Yeah.

So for you, what were some of the times that led you into that dark? How did you actually get out of it?

Yeah, absolutely. So, dude, driving in a car and seeing kids riding their bikes, I'm just like, dad, like, can I, can I ride a bike? I don't know, Nick. And then my dad went and got me a three wheeled bike. My dad always wanted to make sure I was good. Shout out to you, pops. All my parents in general, but like, yeah, seeing kids like riding bikes and then middle school, like your formals, like you're. I didn't go to any of that. I didn't go to any of my dances throughout middle school, high school. I never went any, any of my proms or formals except one. I went to one winter formal. But yeah, middle school, you know, in high school, I think, like I was saying on stage, I think we all want the other energy, whatever you crave, right. The masculine energy or the feminine energy. Like girls were a big deal. Like girls just like, we're guys. That's how it is. Especially in middle school and high school, everyone's like, I want a girlfriend.

Right.

I didn't get that energy, I didn't get that love. And so, and especially like sharing the story about the girl, like making fun of me on the bus, like it just. It's stacking like humans. We stack, bro. We either stack positively or we stack negative. And so, like, having a girl say that to me, like, I immediately was just started thinking about these thoughts of, like, dude, you're disgusting. Girls don't like you. Like, you're a freak. And like. Like, how you gonna walk to the locker and open her locker? And is she gonna want to hold your finger or hold your hand? Like, like all, like, stab. Just digging myself so deep. And that's. And humans, like, we're very disempowering creatures, and so if you let it happen, it's gonna sink you. And so my advice, like, so girls were my biggest suicidal trigger. And I didn't. I wasn't able to reframe it until after high school, by the way. But during high school, I was just in this low point. And so for those. For those of you that are in a low point, like, the biggest key is self awareness. So one realizing, like, the state you're in, realizing your physiology, like, the words that are going through the thoughts that are going through your head. And, like, sitting and sitting in the guck, you got to sit in the mud for a little bit. Like, that's the only way for you to sit there, self reflect, and go, wow, I don't like the way I'm feeling right now. I don't like the thoughts that are.

Going through my head.

Let me switch that. But that's the thing that, you know, it's hard for people to switch those thoughts. They just get into this zone, and they're just, like, digging themselves deep. And so my advice is, like, self awareness, boom. Realizing you're the state you're in. But then, like, you got to sit in your mud. You got to sit in the muck and then reframe it. Get yourself out of that, start thinking positive thoughts. And so with the reframing that changed my life, which this only happened, like, two. Two years ago, I realized that with girls, right? If a girl doesn't want to be with me because of who I am or further a conversation or have a deeper connection with me because of my physical differences, well, then these physical differences are an organic filter, and it's weaning out the type of girls that I don't want in my life anyway.

Yeah.

And, like, how empowering is that? Like, how empowering is that? And. And that's for all of you guys out there, right? Like, everything's about reframing. It's just the meaning you attach behind things. It's like, you can have a victim. Victim frame or a victor frame, right?

Yeah. The victor frame is what we all need.

I just came up that the victim frame or the victor frame. I like it.

Stick it to it on the podcast. So kind of to jump a little bit. I see that you're all tatted up. Super dope. When was the first tattoo?

My first tattoo was my ribs.

Okay.

The eye looks like a J. I'm over it. But it said inspire.

Okay.

So I got my parents. Let me get that. When I was 16. And also, if you were a wrestler and you had a tattoo, you're even more intimidating. So even bigger troll. Like, oh, he has a tattoo. He must beat me. And then I just lose. But inspire. Because I feel like if I can at that age, at 16, if there was one word that I wanted to do was inspire. Just like, help, you know, that's when I finally realized the impact they have on other people. And helping people fulfills me. Makes me feel good. It fills up my lantern and, you know, like, so that was my first tattoo, and then my whole arm was kind of like a process. And So I have 3% tatted on my wrist. And so there's a lot of studies around 3%, but one of them is, like, out of all the Harvard graduates, there was 3% of the colleagues that consistently wrote down their goals and had a vision were exponentially more successful than the rest. So 3%. Always a reminder who I am. Right? 3%. There's only 3% of the world that thinks a certain way. And then I have anything but typical, which was our wrestling slogan. So anything but typical. And then I have a dove flying into a peace tree with a key of happiness through it, because life's, like, at the end of the day, it's, like, all about how you feel. You have all the money in the world. You have no money in the world. But at the end of the day, like, your quality of life is determined on how happy you are and fulfilled you are. And then I have a quote on my bicep. It's a Kurt Cobain quote. It says, you laugh at me because I'm different. I laugh at you because you're all the same. And so, like, that's not just a nick quote. That's an everyone quote. And that's going back to the fact that, like, the most attractive thing, the most sexiest thing, the thing that you can stand out in business personally, is just being yourself, Your authentic self, showing up like yourself every single time. And then I have some. I Have a lotus. The story behind the lotus flower. Some temples. And then the dragon koi fish. Because in Japanese mythology, the koi fish has to swim upstream to reach the dragon gate to become a dragon. So it's like overcoming obstacles. And then all my. I just got my test. All my chest all tatted.

Okay. I just want to ask. Cause it's super simple. Yeah.

Chest is all tatted. This is a perspective piece. So, like, one of my main messages. Perspective. Like, I'm all about perspective, Right? So in the middle of my chest, I have an eyeball. Then inside the eye, because I like perspective. But inside the. I have time, because what's time? Time's fake times not real. And then I'm blowing your mind right now. And then strategically, like, I have numbers.

So I have.

I have 14 tatted on me. That was suicidal, Nick. I have 16 tatted on me. That was when I did my arm.

Yep.

And then I have 21. I started my company. And then I have a 35 tatted on me. Because that's. That's my prediction of probably when I, like, settle. Like, not settle, but, like, maybe with the chick or like, a woman. But, like, I gotta grind now and, like. Like, strike the iron while it's hot.

Yeah.

So it's just like a big perspective piece. Because, like I said, I think everything goes back to perspective.

For sure. Like, life.

Life's for sure.

Absolutely. So. So nowadays, you were saying yesterday you're going all over the world speaking, and I think it's something that everyone needs to really comprehend because you're going from suicidal to thinking you can't do something, to going all in on wrestling and then modeling. And now, like, Fast forward, you're 22, a couple years older than me, and, like, you're speaking all over the world. You publish your book, you're hanging out with these legends, and you're still the same person at heart.

Right.

You just only learned and grew from your experiences. So nowadays, like, what are you focused on? What are you looking forward to in the sense of, like, you're doing these world tours. I know that you said you're going to China and all these places. I'd love for you to just kind of give the people, like, some context about, like, what you're currently doing.

Secret sauce and some secret sauce about.

Just, like, what you're looking forward to. Because I believe if people aren't following your journey, they, after listening to this podcast, they will be advocate of who you are, what you're doing. And I'd love to Give them some context where you're heading.

I appreciate it. So I'm excited. I'm excited about the future. So right now, my plan so focusing right now on systemizing, the business of speaking, getting the funnels, everything, you know, planned out. So speaking is like my main. My main focus. But my biggest dream as a kid was to be a singer and a rapper. And so, like, I used to sing and my dad was just like, man, you haven't. My dad. Like, my parents always just like, you're the best.

You're the best.

And. And so, like, young. Like, young nick. I was 16. I tried out for American Idol. Didn't make it. I tried out for the Voice. I didn't make it. And then I took second in Disney's American Idol. And then I kind of just like kicked it, so to say, kicked it under the rug. So I was like, oh, it's too hard. Like, I didn't make it. Like, literally, no joke. Like, I want to express my mindset of where I was as a 16, 17 year old kid. I was like, I'm gonna go on America Idol, win it. Like, I'm gonna be famous. Like, so easy. Like, I was just like, yeah, like, Like, I got it, you know, and then it didn't happen. And I'm like, whoa. Like, got smacked in the face with reality.

Yeah.

And so. But now reflecting as like, adult Nick, like, I'll circle this around, but I'm saying, like, as an adult Nick, I'm like, who are you to, like, quit? Because it's. That didn't happen. Like, you know, now reflecting on all the things that I did, I'm like, bro, you don't quit. And so this past year, my soul has been like, nick, like, make some music. Like, just make some music. Let's put it out. And so what I want to do is I figured out that, like, okay, I can reach thousands and thousands on a stage speaking. Right. But not all people go to personal development seminars. And so what better way to impact the youth or the world is music. I love music. I love music. And so I analyze the industry and like, the rap industry, like, it's not positive stuff. Like, you know, this stuff's not helping. Suicide rates are skyrocketing because they're talking about lean and Xanax and popping pills. So sad. And you, like, just like, bad stuff.

Yeah.

And so I have a few, like, role models, kind of like mentors and inspirational figures in the rap industry that I want to be like, like Russ. I love Russ. Like, Russ, Russ. Literally I met. I met Russ. I just sent them. I just sent him and all my guys my book.

Okay, but you met Bugas.

Yeah.

Oh, yeah.

And so Boogas got the Bentley waiting for me. Yeah. And so Russ, like, that's personal development. You're literally, like, planting seeds while you're listening. He's talking about manifesting. He's talking about Deepak Chopra. Like, yeah, that's the first thing. When I met him, I was like. I spoke on stage with Deepak Chopra. He's like, dude, like, you're doing bigger things than me. And I was like, I just need.

To let you know. You know?

Yeah, but, like, impactful. So right now I'm writing an album, basically. So right now I'm writing an album, and I'm gonna. I'll probably talk to you about this just to get your insight, but I'm gonna figure out a strategic way to release this and how I'm gonna release it. But literally, like, over in Asia, they love me. Like, it was my first year in China this past year, this past year, and I. And I flew into me on young, and 10,000 people showed up to see me speak. And, like, I've never been to China, so just think of, like, the impact I have. But I'm gonna collab with the biggest China rappers now and do that and do that stuff. But, like, meaningful stuff. Like, I have, like, I have a line, and it's like, life is a wave and I'm staring at a title. I'm just trying to be the light for the kids at a suicidal. That was me. Come and step into my shoes. I'll crack the no legs joke first. So technically you lose. Like, I'm trying to spit some.

Like, oh, my God, this is exclusive.

I've never said that.

I've not.

I've never said that on air yet. That's just a snippet. Of what? Like, meaningful stuff. Like, bro, I want to move people. I want to go, like. I want to go out and, like, Staples Center. Like, Russ sold it out. 13,000 people put them through a gratitude exercise, get them emotionally peaked, and then just, like, rip some good music. Yeah, dude. Like fire. Like, impactful, meaningful stuff that you want your kids to hear 100%.

That's so. What?

Fire stuff that you, like, you know.

Buy to get Russ on the check. Yeah.

Oh, no, dude. Okay, so, like, no. Oh, I've been so. Just so you know, this ain't no, like, we really do this stuff. This manifesting stuff. So, like, bro, I'm always like, Russ featuring Santo. My rap name is Santo. My last name is Santa Nestasso. So Russ featured in Santo, Santo feature, Russ feature and post Malone. I meant Santo feature and post Malone. I'm always manifesting that.

Okay. All day, every day, speaking it into existence, brother. So real quick, book Victim to Victor. Yep. When did that come about? What was the inspiration with that? And just.

Yeah, yeah, to be fully honest, I needed some credibility when I started speaking. So I was like, I already need a book. And. And my buddy Mike Fallot, he's an amazing guy, actually just did interviews and they wrote the book for me. And so basically it's Victim to Victor. How to overcome the victim mentality to live the life you love. And I think we can all agree that we've all been in a victim mentality once in our life, right. When we ask like, why me? Why is this happening to me? And so I wanted to create a book where basically it's just storytelling because I think that's the best way to share or teach people stories. So it's story lesson application and then we have some strategic questions afterwards for people to self reflect on themselves. But this was like not only a credibility tool, but a product.

Right?

Like to get a product there. Maybe it's a leak out like this. This is so many things. Like this is just like a very expensive business card. Yeah, right. I mean, what are your thoughts?

You know, Cuz I actually I self publish a book. Yeah. In 2017 called Rise Young. Same thing as my podcast. And I looked at it as just like another form of content. Like it's like you post an Instagram story, you post on Instagram, post a Facebook video. I looked at it as another, another form of content in a physical form that like I said, credibility. But you can actually physically hold it. And it's not just like it's tangible. And like a lot of people there, it's so social media nowadays where it's like having something tangible. Would that be like a golden business card or whatever it is? Like people remember those things. Especially a book where there's context to it. Like I'm gonna read on the flight home, you know, it's like, yeah, it's a quick read. Yeah, for sure.

And did you ever think you'd be able to write a book? Because I did not. I did it.

I hate dude.

So the story about this book, right. So Ratmere, it's early in our career, it's probably like three, four months. And he's like, hey bro, I need, I need you to write a book. I'm like, all right. Like, I get on my laptop, I get like 10 pages done. I'm like, dude, that's all I got. I just wrote my whole story in 10 pages. I need someone to put some meat behind this. And because it was funny, like, two weeks, he's like, when do you think you have the book done? Like, writing, like, writing yourself. And, you know, like, I take a challenge, like, whatever. I'm just gonna try. So, yeah, bro, I'll have it in like, two weeks. So, like, two weeks later, I'm like, Bro, I only got 10 pages. Like, let's find someone. So. Yeah, but I never thought I'd be able to, like, write a book, right?

Yeah, that's cool, dude, that's so sick, man. I'm looking forward to getting into it. So I have a couple more questions. So we're talking about Ed Mylett earlier, right? Huge inspiration to you. And Ed's impacted my life tremendously. And I know we got Mr. Andy in the room, and he knows Ed, but who would you say nowadays, in forms of collaboration or mentors, like, who are some of the people that you look up to that you've not only been around, but just give you that? Like, you wake up in the morning and you want to hear that person and Millet, the Rock, whoever it is, like, who would you say some of your mentors are? Ed.

Oh, man, Ed. Ed put me on. Like, Ed gave me so much confidence. And the reason why I say that is, like, the man's like, top tier, right? He's like the Rock. Like, just like in speaking world, like, so credible, right? And he. I want. Okay, this is going to be a little bit long. But when I did the podcast with him, by the way, like, when I did. When we did the podcast with Ed, I was like, this guy's gonna be my mentor. I'm gonna kidnap him. Like, you know, like, ed, you gotta be my mentor. So I was like, alright, I'm gonna burn down this podcast and ask him to be my mentor. So I did the podcast and he asked to be my men. He asked for him to be my mentor. Yeah, but. But what he said to me, he was like, nick, I've been. I've been best friends with Tony, Tony Robbins for like, 22, 25 years. And he said, you know, I probably wouldn't be on this couch with you if it wasn't for that man. And he said, I want to be that man in your life. Like, I want to be that Tony in your life. And so, like, I Was like, you know him. I just like, he's a big, cuddly bear. But literally, like, even then, even on that podcast, he was like, man, like, even offline, he was just like, I think you're one of the best speakers in the world I've ever seen. And I'm like, dude, like, I kind.

Of looked at the guys.

I'm like this guy blowing, you know, smoke up my. You know, like, blowing smoke, trying to blow my head up. And Ed was like, just like, no, dude. And so I was writing. I write in my journal, right? And I write my goals as they already been. And so, like, one of them is, I am the greatest speaker on Earth. I'm the greatest speaker on Earth. I'm the greatest speaker on Earth. And so I did a. I did a live stream with Ed Milette on igtv. Like, randomly, like, he was just on. And I like, hey, brother, get in here. And so, like, I'm in a car. And he's.

And he.

And he said to his audience, he's like, I just want to let you guys know, like, not only is Nick one of the most inspirational figures, but this man, like, living and breathing right now, is one of the greatest speakers on Earth. And I was just like, I'm not saying this to, like, say, look at me. I'm just like, dude, dude, that man, like, instilled a monster in me. Like, Like, I. I watch, like, Ed. Like, Ed sends me, like, videos. I'll watch him before I go out on stage sometimes. Just because, like, if a big event, I'm just like, maybe I'm not in my zone. I'll just play watch Ed. But Ed for sure. Actually, one of my. My first taste of personal development was Grant. Was Grant cardone. I read 10x and be obsessed to be average. And that was like, wow, I'm not doing much with my life. I felt like I wasn't doing much. I like reading Grant stuff, right? But Tony, I went to. Went to some Tony events. And, like, I'm just. I'm just a student of the game, you know? Like, I. Like, I was in the. The front row of the event the whole entire time, like, looking at all the speakers and, you know, analyzing, and I'm just here to learn. And, like, I want to be around you like you're younger and fucking. Sorry, you can't say that.

We can cuss, but good.

Sorry.

Sorry.

And so I want to be around people like you, bro. Like, you're. What are you, 18 now? Yeah, just, like, crushing it. So, like, that's that's my goal, like, is to just be with people who are elevating and, you know, buzzing off that frequency. And that's just, like. That requires people to drop your ego and realizing you only know what you know. Like, you only know what you know. And, like, you can learn any. You can learn, like, a golden nugget from, like, anyone, like, the janitor, the CEO.

Like, come on. Totally. No, that's the truth, man. That's true. So two more things. Wrap it up, man. So nowadays, daily life, you're living in Tampa, right? Like, what is an average week with, like, for you? Because I think a lot of people, it's like, sometimes it's routine, sometimes it's all over the place. Like, what's your schedule? Like?

No routine.

Okay.

No routine. I'm getting used to. Used to this busyness and good business, productive business. And so I live in Tampa. I'm probably here 20% of the year. And so, like, I leave in a couple. I leave in a couple days.

China?

No, no, no, no. I go to Texas, doing some speaking engagements, and then May to June, I'm in China. August, I'm in China. Then November, December, I'm in China.

But China's dope. I went. I've been there.

Yeah.

Hong Kong, Beijing. Yeah.

Beijing's wild. Yeah. So just getting used to, like, the hustle and bustle, living out of a suitcase. Like, I'm kind of used to it. I think everything's like exercising a muscle. So, like, you get used to it. But in the midst of the chaos, right? Like, when I'm like, man, I got so much going on, I have to, like, be grateful that I have stuff going on, because I remember sitting on the couch and the calendar wasn't. And no one knew that I was a speaker. Like, I always reflect on that. I'm like, man, forget that. I'm so glad that I'm grinding my face off and have things to do because I don't want to be stagnant. And I feel like that's when my darkest, lowest moments come, when I'm not really doing much.

Totally. So, last thing to wrap it up, this is what really, truly impacted me. When you made us do the breathing exercise yesterday, and the music was going. Everyone's putting their hands on their hearts. And after that, you said, you can't be grateful and sad or grateful and angry. And you listed out so many different things that you can't be while you're grateful. Right. And I was thinking about it even last night, just reflecting on it. And it's like, that's the truth. And you just said grateful and kind of brought it back up to me. So I'd love for you to kind of just go over that concept with people in your perspective. Because like I said, that truly impacted me. And how do you remain grateful? Because I think sometimes people get caught up in the business, this is happening. So many things are like, quote unquote, like falling down on them, but they forget to reflect on their family or like what they can be grateful for.

Yeah. So it's wild.

How would, how do you remain grateful on a day to day basis?

Yeah, I was just thinking about this too, because maybe not in the morning. I start my day off with gratitude because I'm, I'm already like, I'm a grateful dude. But like I self reflect all throughout the day. I always say, like, if, if every single human being at least once a day self reflected on the fact that you are literally on a rock right now. You're on a rock and it's spinning around in the middle of like, we don't know. Do you realize, like, we don't know what that is like for sure. How great is life? Like, who cares? Like, you're in traffic, like, okay, but you're still alive. Like, you have the opportunity, the experience, like, feel air in your face, like, oh my God. Like, I just want like. And it's hard for me to come off and say that because some people just don't operate that way. But there's so much that you can be grateful for. And even in my situation, I know that there are millions of kids and adults that would switch places with my body in the instant because they just don't have it. Like I do their health or whatever it may be. There are people that have it in every situation. Everyone's. And so that stuff grounds you, man. Like when your head gets big, like our egos get, get filled, right? Like, we're around these people, they love us and stuff. And just like that stuff grounds me and makes me realize like, what's truly important and that like at the end of the day, like, it's about experiences, it's about love, it's about relationships. Like, yeah, money's great, but like, we've met so many amazing people with so much money and they just have, that they're not fulfilled. And so like, and it's a muscle. You have to, you have to exercise gratitude. You got to exercise gratitude. And a great way like with this is like holding people accountable. Like, give your buddy A book, or give your mom a book or give your siblings a book and be like, what are you grateful for today? Like, that's like a pattern interrupt. Like asking people what they're grateful for because they don't usually. Yeah, it's a pattern interrupt. And how about. And so like what he was talking about with the breathing exercises, I had them close, close their eyes, put their hands in their heart, and six deep breaths. Because that changes your physiology. It relaxes you, relaxes your mind. And I had people self reflect on what they're grateful for and what they're proud of. And was it hard, I want to ask you this, was it hard for you to think of a moment you're proud of? Because a lot of people have a hard time reflecting on a moment they're proud of because they don't reflect enough.

Yeah, I think for me, and it was like I was, I was bouncing. Yeah. Going from this moment to that moment, there was no, like one.

Yeah.

One thing, you know. Yeah. For me, I was trying hard to like just. I was bouncing, like 2, 3, 4.

I bounced too.

You know what I'm saying? Yeah. But it definitely. And that's something worth, like, for me personally, having you do that yesterday, it's like, it reminded me, like, I don't believe I do reflect enough. So that's something. Like after reading your book and just meeting you today, man, like, that's definitely something I'm going to personally work on. You're definitely that catalyst to do so.

And how did it make you feel?

Dude? It's just like I was texting my mom and dad after. I'm just like, yo, I'm so grateful for you, man. Just like the simple things, you know, the simple things I feel like a lot of people take for granted.

And you felt great.

I felt phenomenal.

Right. It changed.

Everyone's just smiling, walking around, end of the day day for sure.

And, and, and I think we all struggle with that is like self reflection. Right. Because we're hard on ourselves and you know, life gets hectic and, and that's why I was like, you guys realize you woke up today like, oh, yeah, you're right.

Oh, you have.

We have clothes on our body and you know that thing you were holding, your heart, you know, that's. That's a gift, you know, it's given to you. Like, oh man. Like, look up into the sky more. Yeah, like, look up, like, look at like what this is like, oh my God. It's unbelievable. Like, it blows my mind. Like, I'm So weird when it comes to life and like, that stuff. Like, we don't know what that is. Still do. Like, people, like, just enjoy this experience. Like, we're here for like such a sliver of a small time, like this ride.

Just ride with them 100%. So, Travito, man, I just want to say thank you so much because, I.

Mean, grateful for that.

So grateful for you, man. And just what you've taught me in the last 24 hours is really gonna stick with me. But for people that want to follow you and listen to more about your journey, where's the best place that they can follow you more? Figure out where you're up to, Figure out where you're speaking. I'd love for you just kind of give them some context so that they can follow the journey.

Yeah. So Nick Santa estaso, It's the guy with the really long last name. But if you type in Nick Santo S A N T O, everything will.

Be linked down below 100%.

And also my website's just booknick santo.com and so it's got all the information on there, but I'm mostly on Instagram and Facebook. I'm going to chat with you on more things because I just want to just, you know, collaborate on some things.

Last thing, we're gonna manifest this podcast.

Oh, yeah, I'm starting a podcast. Yeah, we're starting a podcast. So, okay, this guy's gonna come back on and crush it.

We're gonna do it.

The roles have been switched, so we're gonna do that. But, yeah, they can. You can find me. I'm very. I'm very hard. I'm not very hard to find, honestly. The guy with the really long last name and the no legs.

Got it.

But, yeah, Santo Santa's Tasso.

I'll pop up.

And if you guys want to check out, like, the vine stuff, you can type in, like, Nick Zombie prank. My old high school self will pop.

Up for sure, man. Last things, everyone watching. I just want to say thank you so much for tuning in to the Build you'd Empire podcast. Everything will be linked down below where you can figure out where you can book Nick. If you want him to speak at your event, listen to his podcast because they'll be dropping soon. And that being said, Nick, thanks so much for coming.

Thank you, brother. Appreciate it. Dope.

That being said, wow. Just want to take this moment before we wrap up this show to truly reflect on what I learned listening to that podcast and being there with Nick. I just want to give a Huge shout out to Nick. Once again, if you're not already following following him, please go give him a follow. Let him know you came from the Rise of the Young podcast. Like I said before, this was one of the most phenomenal, life changing experiences of my life. Huge shout out to Social X for putting on that event that we connected at. And thanks again, Nick for the beautiful opportunity to just inspire thousands of people and millions of people on your platform. And if you're listening, make sure you subscribe. Make sure you leave a review. Share this episode with a friend. Go give this show a screenshot, put it on your Instagram story, tag myself and Rise the Young on Instagram. And that being said, thank you so much for tuning in to the Rise of the Young podcast. We have new episodes coming out every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so make sure you stay tuned. Talk to you soon.

Monarch Legacy of Monsters An Apple Original Series the world is on fire. I decided to do something about it on November 17th. This place, it's not ours. Believe me, the most massive event of the year arrives. If you come with me, you'll know everything. I promise.

Oh my God.

Go, go, go. Monarch Legacy of monsters streaming November 17th only on Apple TV.

Plus.