Impact in the 21st Century

EP #32: Frank Solomon - Riding Giants | Facing Fear | Protecting the Ocean

Frank Solomon is a world-renowned big wave surfer, ocean adventurer, and the founder of Sentinel Ocean Alliance. Raised on the rugged coastline of South Africa, Frank has ridden some of the most dangerous waves on Earth, from Mavericks in California to the legendary Dungeons in Hout Bay. But beyond pushing the limits of human courage, he has dedicated his life to protecting the ocean and empowering coastal communities through education, safety, and conservation.

In this powerful and grounded episode, Frank takes us deep into the world of big wave surfing and ocean stewardship, exploring:

• What it takes mentally, physically, and emotionally, to ride waves over 50 feet tall
  
• The unique danger and beauty of Dungeons, one of the world’s most feared big wave surf breaks
  
• How fear becomes a tool rather than an obstacle in extreme environments
  
• Why the ocean is not just a playground, but a living system under real threat
  
• How Sentinel Ocean Alliance is transforming coastal communities through ocean education, safety training, and conservation initiatives
  
• What everyday people can do to reconnect with, respect, and protect the sea, even if they never surf
  

This is a raw, reflective, and inspiring conversation about courage, humility, and responsibility, where adventure meets advocacy, and where loving the ocean means standing up for it.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?

Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and Founder of the Simbi Foundation.

🦻 Who makes it sound good?

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP #31: Nelson Dellis - Unlocking Superhuman Memory | Building Memory Palaces | Remembering Everyone's Name

Nelson Dellis is a six-time USA Memory Champion, Grandmaster of Memory, and one of the world’s foremost experts on training the mind. Driven by his grandmother’s struggle with Alzheimer’s, he turned an average memory into a world-class superpower using ancient techniques and now teaches others to do the same. As founder of Climb For Memory, he scales the planet’s highest peaks, including multiple Everest expeditions, to fund Alzheimer’s research and prove that mental and physical resilience go hand in hand.

In this mind-expanding episode, Nelson reveals how anyone can transform their memory from forgetful to unforgettable, including:

• The ancient origins of the memory palace and why these techniques powered civilizations long before writing existed
• Step-by-step guidance on building your first memory palace and mastering the Major System for numbers
• Instant hacks for remembering names, speeches, grocery lists and a live demo that will blow your mind
• Why memory training builds focus, presence, and creativity in an age of endless digital distraction
• The future of human memory as AI takes over storage and how keeping this skill sharp could define our humanity

This is a thrilling, practical conversation for anyone ready to reclaim their mind, boost daily performance, and discover that superhuman memory isn’t a gift. It’s a skill waiting to be unlocked.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?

Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻 Who Makes It Sound Good?

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP #30: Dr. Raoul Goldberg - Integrative Medicine & Empowering Health

Dr. Raoul Goldberg is a renowned integrative medicine practitioner with decades of experience blending conventional medical expertise with holistic approaches to empower individuals toward optimal health. As a leader in integrative health practices, he has inspired countless people through his innovative methods, combining physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of healing. His work emphasizes patient empowerment, preventive care, and the transformative potential of addressing the root causes of illness.

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Goldberg shares his insights on revolutionizing health and wellness, including:

• The principles of integrative medicine and how they bridge conventional and holistic approaches
• How the PATH method helps break free from addictive behaviors by addressing underlying emotional and psychological patterns
• The role of nutrition, lifestyle, and emotional well-being in preventing and healing chronic conditions
• Practical tools for fostering resilience and vitality in the modern world
• The future of healthcare in integrating holistic practices with cutting-edge medical advancements

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone curious about the future of medicine, the power of holistic health, and the path to a vibrant, balanced life.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?

Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻 Who Makes It Sound Good?

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP #29: Jonathan Lowenhar - Great Founder ≠ Great CEO | The Leap That Saves 90% of Missions | Staying Curious Over Toxic Certainty

Most world-changing startups don’t die from lack of money or market fit. They die because the founder never becomes the CEO the mission needs.

Jonathan Lowenhar has spent 10 years helping hundreds of founders make that leap before it’s too late.

In this episode he gives you the exact tools that decide whether your mission lives or dies:

• The critical difference between being a great founder and a great CEO
• Why 90 % of startups fail, and the day-one patterns that predict it
• Venture funding vs. philanthropic capital: how to choose the model that protects your mission
• The live 5-minute exercise Jonathan used to stress-test Aaron’s own clarity and blind spots
• Staying Curious Over Toxic Certainty: the mindset that turns conflict into alignment
• Aligning leadership, systems, and purpose from day one
• The daily ritual Jonathan has kept for twelve years that prevents burnout
• Real examples of founders who recovered after hitting hidden failure modes

Want to make the leap yourself? Jonathan just opened CEO Bootcamps built exactly for this moment: → (December 2 & 3, 2025): https://enjoythework.com/a-new-kind-of-ceo-bootcamp/

Required pre-reading (5 minutes that will change everything): From Founder to Master Operator – the blog post that started it all https://enjoythework.com/blog/from-founder-to-master-operator

If you’re building something that has to outlive you, this episode + bootcamp combo is the fastest way to guarantee it does.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?

Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻 Who Makes It Sound Good?

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP #28: Jamie Brooker - Revolutionizing Learning with Kahoot! | Crafting Tech for Global Good | Igniting Purpose with Project Align

Jamie Brooker is the co-founder of Kahoot!, the game-based learning platform that has transformed education for over 70 million users worldwide, and the visionary behind We Are Human, a collective dedicated to building values-driven tech for social good. Now, with his latest venture, Project Align, Jamie is helping organizations realign teams and leaders around transformative, purpose-led goals. His innovative approach to behavioral design and habit formation has sparked positive change across education, health, and beyond.

In this inspiring episode, Jamie dives into the power of intentional tech design, sharing:

• How Kahoot! revolutionized learning by blending fun with lasting behavioral change
• Lessons from Nir Eyal’s Hook Model and building “tech for good” that fosters positive habits
• The mission of We Are Human and its focus on values-based solutions for global challenges
• The mission of We Are Human and its focus on values-based solutions for global challenges
• How Project Align empowers organizations to reconnect with their core purpose
• The magic of working with the same trusted team across Kahoot!, We Are Human, and Align

This is a must-listen for anyone curious about using technology to drive meaningful impact, align teams, and create a better world through purposeful innovation.

 

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?

Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻 Who Makes It Sound Good?

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP #27: Colleen Dwyer - Breaking Free from Addiction and Rewiring the Brain

Colleen Dwyer is a Senior Therapist with Allen Carr’s Easyway (20+ million copies sold), a globally recognized program for smoking and vaping cessation, with over 20 years of experience helping individuals overcome addiction through innovative behavioral change methods. As a leader in online programs, international seminars, and therapist training, she has empowered countless people to reclaim their health and freedom from nicotine and digital dependencies. Her compassionate approach and deep insights into human behavior make her a transformative figure in the fight against addiction in the 21st century.

In this thought-provoking episode, Colleen takes us into the heart of addiction and recovery, sharing:

• The unique Allen Carr’s Easyway method and how it rewires the mind to break free from smoking and vaping
• The rise of vaping and digital addiction, and their surprising parallels in today’s tech-driven world
• How corporate wellbeing initiatives and community-driven programs can transform lives and workplaces
• Practical strategies for overcoming addiction and fostering lasting behavioral change
• The future of addiction cessation in an era of evolving habits and technologies

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone curious about the psychology of addiction, the power of behavioral change, and the path to a healthier, freer life.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?
Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?
Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻 Who Makes It Sound Good?
Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP #26: Dr. Patricia Wright - Discovering New Species and Saving Lemurs

Dr. Patricia Wright is a world-renowned primatologist, conservationist, and National Geographic Explorer whose groundbreaking work has redefined our understanding of lemurs and their fragile habitats. As the founder of Centre ValBio in Madagascar, she has discovered new species, championed biodiversity, and empowered local communities to protect one of the planet’s most unique ecosystems. Her passion for lemurs and tireless advocacy for conservation have made her a global icon in the fight to preserve our natural world.

In this captivating episode, Dr. Wright takes us deep into the rainforests of Madagascar, sharing:

• The thrill of discovering new lemur species and what these findings reveal about biodiversity
• The urgent need to protect Madagascar’s ecosystems from deforestation and climate change
• How Centre ValBio blends cutting-edge science with community-driven conservation
• The profound lessons lemurs teach us about resilience, adaptation, and survival
• Herelectronics

This is an inspiring conversation for anyone passionate about wildlife, conservation, and the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe, and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?

Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻 Who Makes It Sound Good?

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP #25: Rita Moreno - Rebuilding, Reconnecting, and Restoring | Sustainable Living with Project Kamp

Rita is a visionary member of Project Kamp, a Portugal-based research community dedicated to prototyping a sustainable way of living in harmony with the planet. As a key collaborator in this innovative experiment, Rita has helped transform a 9-hectare plot of abandoned land and kick start a research place for sustainable practices, from upcycling plastic waste with Precious Plastic to building communal spaces with recycled materials. Her work embodies a bold reimagination of how humans can live, eat, and connect within nature.

In this inspiring episode, Rita shares the journey of Project Kamp and her insights on sustainable living, including:

• The spark behind Project Kamp and its mission to rethink modern living
• The challenges and triumphs of transforming raw land into a sustainable community
• How Project Kamp’s connection to Precious Plastic drives innovative plastic recycling
• Lessons on sustainable food systems, community cooperation, and living closer to nature
• A vision for a future where humanity thrives in balance with the environment

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about sustainable living, community-driven innovation, and the power of collective action to reshape our world.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?

Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻 Who Makes It Sound Good?

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP #24: Alberto Manguel – Why We Read | The Memory of Books | Stories that Shape Civilizations

Alberto Manguel is the acclaimed author of A History of Reading, The Library at Night, and dozens of other works exploring literature, memory, and the profound human need for stories. A lifetime reader and former Director of the National Library of Argentina, Manguel has lived a life shaped by books - reading to Jorge Luis Borges as a teenager, curating libraries across continents, and writing deeply about the roles books play in our personal and collective lives.

In this episode, Manguel offers a masterclass on the power of reading in shaping empathy, identity, and civilization itself. We explore:

• What it means to read deeply in a distracted age
  
• How libraries function as the “memory of humanity”
  
• Why stories hold the key to understanding ourselves and our societies
  
• His reflections on the current state—and future—of reading
  

This is a timeless conversation for lovers of language, ideas, and the written word.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe, and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?
Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and the Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻Who Makes It Sound Good? 

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.

EP#23: Hylton Kallner – Reimagining Financial Wellness | Discovery Bank | Leading with Purpose

Hylton is the CEO of Discovery Bank, a trailblazer in digital banking and behavioral economics. With a background in actuarial science and a deep passion for innovation, Hylton has helped shape Discovery’s vision of a shared-value ecosystem—one that rewards people for living healthier and more financially responsible lives.

In this episode, Hylton shares the journey of building Discovery Bank from the ground up, the power of incentives to change behavior at scale, and how technology, when aligned with purpose, can redefine financial services. From tackling inequality to enabling better money habits through gamified banking, Hylton’s insights are both practical and inspiring.

We also dive into his personal motivations, the future of finance, and why South Africa is uniquely positioned to pioneer inclusive banking solutions that make a real difference.

🎙️ What is Impact in the 21st Century?

Impact in the 21st Century is a podcast that celebrates the impactful work being done around the globe, and shares the stories of the inspiring individuals who are behind it.

👤 Who hosts the podcast?
Aaron Friedland is a National Geographic Explorer, PhD Candidate in Econometrics at UBC, and the Founder of Simbi Foundation.

🦻Who Makes It Sound Good? 

Tom Foster is an Award-Winning Recording Engineer and Cinematographer, Up-and-Coming Composer, Film Scoring Student at Berklee College of Music, and Head of Audio & Music for the Sea Change Project.

This podcast is brought to you by Simbi Foundation & The Goood Life.
This episode is sponsored by RBC.