Interviews and Articles
By, Johnny Guns
Enemy Number One
Ding, Ding.
Round 1: I remember the first time I was thrown from a horse.
Round 2: I was five years old visiting my Aunt Gale and her husband at their horse ranch up on the side of this big cliff in New Hampshire. I had just gone through the abandonment of my mother, and my father flew me and my brothers from LAX to Manch Vegas (Manchester, NH) to spend time with family. Gale's husband picked me up and sat me on the large beast; my Aunt had been into horses from a very young age and as she held the horses face in front of me, I could only imagine her love had been passed down the same way. Gale began to walk the horse with me on top, gently and with care, but I was an angry youth and wanted to run so I squeezed and the horse popped. BAM! I remember vividly the feeling of the moment I hit the ground. Frozen. Stunned. Pain creeping over the shock. After Gale's husband dusted me off, Gale grabbed me in a warm bear hug and I'll never forget what she said, "Get back up on the horse; You're going to be just fine."
Round 3: When I was 18, Gale sat the family down and told us she had Breast Cancer. She told us she would fight it. She told us the Cancer would not ruin her life. She told us that she would not accept any pity, shame, or sadness from herself or from her family. We immediately believed her; that's who she was to us. She didn't accept any pity, shame, or sadness from herself or from her family. She did not let the cancer ruin her life. She fought it. She beat it. And Gale didn't have Cancer anymore. She was always a beacon in our lives for support and strength. She was as solid as they came and we proudly told people her story.
Round 4: Then Gale died, nine years later. There was a complication during surgery because of the treatment she had received years earlier. The day before she died my father had called me and told me to e-mail Gale to cheer her up because I was living in California and couldn't go visit her. I planned to order her flowers the next day when I went into the office. I didn't e-mail. The next day before I had the chance to order the flowers, my father called me and told me what had happened. I never e-mailed her.
Round 5: Sixteen months after, I was shown the trailer for the documentary, "What the F@#- is Cancer and Why Does Everybody Have It?" It's the story of Author/Filmmaker, A.W.Gryphon, and her battle against Breast Cancer. The first 20 seconds blasts: "Getting Cancer...I think it pissed her off." It was the only hook I needed. This women's story, rattling around in my brain like an unfed animal, was my Ghost of Christmas Past and as much as my Conservative Blame-Shuffling Liberal Give-Up Attitude wanted to look away, I couldn't. I saw a fighter; and it made me want to fight.
Round 6: Immediate Social Network Search: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/What-the-F-is-Cancer-and-Why-Does-Everybody-Have-It/291687730891900; Twitter: https://twitter.com/Why_Foundation; YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_lVczsB9kk; Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-moon-a-w-gryphon/1008907162?ean=9781596636736; Foundation Page: http://www.thewhyfoundation.org/. No Wiki Page; Interesting.
Round 7: Seven days later, I got to speak with A.W.Gryphon about her documentary and subsequent foundation it stemmed, The Why? Foundation. "Why did you choose to deal with Cancer with a more heavy handed attitude than others would?" "You know, I've never really thought of it that way. Looking back I know I had a heavy handed attitude, but I was just doing what felt right and going at it in the only way that made sense for me." "Why did you choose to create a documentary as opposed to writing a novel, which is also your wheelhouse?" "When I was diagnosed with cancer I was handed a jaw dropping amount of reading material. It was totally overwhelming. I was diagnosed on a Wednesday and by Saturday I was in overload. The amount of reading materials were daunting so I went to Netflix looking for a movie that would give me an overview before I dug in. I couldn't find what I needed and I was floored. Working in the movie business I said, fuck it, we have got to do this. I sent an e-mail out to everyone I could think of and what I got back still brings tears to my eyes. Hollywood showed up in a huge way and now here we are, with a movie coming out in January and a web series coming out later in the year."
Round 8: "If people are so supportive now a days with foundations and awareness months, why does Cancer still feel so lonely and how does your foundation, The Why? Foundation, handle this challenge?" "The Why? Foundation, like the movie, brings together all of the things I, and many people I met along the way, wanted but couldn't find in one place. I wanted answers, solutions, ideas, support and most of all straight up honesty. The tag line of The Why? Foundation is 'Fighting cancer on the ground level, day-to-day, hour-to-hour, minute-to-minute' and that's exactly what we're about. That said, it's still lonely. When you get right down to it, it's you alone with an enemy that is living inside your body...an enemy that knows how to navigate your physical self better than you do and there are no words for how scary that is. Cancer is an extraordinary symphony of destruction. It's incredibly important to have love and people around you, but that doesn't change the fact that you're staring down the barrel of your own mortality all by yourself. What I hope The Why? Foundation can do is provide strength, knowledge and support that is backed by real experience to let cancer fighters know that even though they are lonely, they are not alone." "When faced with your own mortality, does the 'How' ever relieve the 'Why's'?" "I've never wondered why me. Why not me? Why not me when you look at the statistics? My "Why's" came from a lot of misunderstandings, incorrect advice and confusing information about cancer in our society rather than from "Why Me?". I found myself saying "Why?" primarily because I wanted real answers and real back up for those answers. I asked "Why?" and that's how The Why? Foundation" came to be. We're going to answer as many "Why?"s as we can here."
Round 9: Four hours after the interview I found myself back on the foundation website staring at the screen. The Why? Foundation began it's roots in the documentary. It's sole purpose was to support, listen, share, and inspire those affected by Cancer. They used everything from legitimate sourced factoids about Cancer to "Creative Ways to Fight Cancer." They only exist to help. They could always use more help.
Round 10: That night I sat thinking. After all the conversations and readings and watchings and sharings, you can't help but feel revived. That's the thing about truly inspirational material; no matter what mood you enter with, you're forced to leave inspired. And that's all well and good and flowery. But at the end of the day, in the five minute gap after you close your eyes in bed and before you fall asleep, and you're all alone with just yourself and whatever creator you believe in, that lingering resentment grabs hold of even your most gracious self and you realize the fight isn't over.
Round 11: The following morning this somehow found me, “I will never attend an anti-war rally; if you have a peace rally, invite me.” - Mother Teresa. This quote reminded me what the deeper goal was here. The thing Cancer really took from anybody it touched was their peace of mind. The goal was always to find peace. That's really what A.W.Gryphon and The Why? Foundation is all about. They help others find peace of mind.
Round 12: Dear Gale, My dad told me you are in the hospital for some chest pains. I'm sure it's nothing. Grandpa had three different types of Cancer, two major strokes, and one minor stroke and he lived to be 87, this should be a cake walk for you haha. I'm here for anything you need and we'll talk soon. Love You, -X.
1...2...3...4...5...6...7...8...9...10...That's It!
"It ain't over 'til I say it's over, enough when I say enough." -Em, Survival.
I win.
Ding, Ding.
-Johnny Guns
The Documentary is now open for pre-sale here:http://bit.ly/1cWwWOw
The College Flu
Flu season is upon us! With the coming of November, doctors' offices have become flooded with patients complaining about all the same symptoms; stuffy nose, headache, and sore throat. But this season, one virus in particular has shocked the world, specifically because it has targeted a single demographic: Celebrity pigs.
More and more cases have been confirmed that celebrity pigs are coming down with a rare virus called The College Flu. Originating from a small college campus in central Vermont, The College Flu attacks the "mental immune system" and slowly destroys all common sense and reason. Some major symptoms are depression, lack of motivation, mood swings, doing stupid things in the middle of the day for no reason and, of course, vomit and diarrhea.
We tried to reach Piglet, a central character from the children's books "Winnie-the-Pooh," but he was unavailable for comment due to his declining health. Winnie himself spoke with us. "That poor little pig is inches from his life. Do you have any fucking idea what the smell of vomit and shit does to a 10 by 10 foot cabin? Destroys it! And as far as depression goes, you think Eeyore was bad? Piglet makes Eeyore look like fucking Richard Simmons."
Some major celebrities are speaking out against The College Flu and are raising money to find a vaccine for the virus. Kermit the Frog spoke very candidly about the influence the virus has had on his own relationship. "Ever since Ms. Piggy has gotten The College Flu, she's been out all night getting fucking smashed, posting half angled selfies on Instagram like she's fucking Amanda Bynes. I think she's cheating on me with that yellow beaked mutant, Big Bird. She stomps around like a god damn Clydesdale swinging those massive pig arms, screaming at me while I'm trying to practice my monologues for the show. Like four or five more months of this and I'm fuck out; see ya fucking later."
Babe the Pig's third movie "Babe: Pig-Me Some Cancun," which was supposed to complete the trilogy of Babe the Pig movies, has shut down production due to The College Flu. Babe was very upset. "I'm trying to fucking sheep-dog 30 oiled-up bikini models in 100 degree weather, I can't even fucking breathe. If I shit myself one more time, I'm getting fucking diapers; I don't give a shit."
Wilbur, from the cult classic Charlotte's Web, has also been pulled from his sequel because of The College Flu. Allegations from the director of the movie said that Wilbur's attitude had turned very negative and he was extremely difficult to work with. Wilbur spoke with us: "I don't know if it was so much The College as it was that bitch, Charlotte. I got news for you, Charlotte's a real diva piece of shit. I'm supposed to be Some Grand Pig. Who gives a shit about the fucking spider?"
As of now there has been no cure found and the list of celebrity pigs who are ailing keeps growing longer with names like Porky Pig, all Three Little Pigs, Man-bear-pig and Beabop from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Scientists are furiously scurrying to find a cure.
-Johnny Guns
Bullying...Again?
Once again, we have seen an outbreak of bullying, this time in the locker room. And I can't help myself from saying, "At what God damn point is the victim going to stand up for themselves?"
I think most of us fall in this hybrid bracket where, of course bullying is wrong and should be punished, but people have to learn to be strong. It's a weird place. Families tell their children to turn the other cheek, and it seems like all that's doing is getting both cheeks hit.
I am all for protecting the geeky kid with the glasses in grade school who can't protect himself. The NFL? Really the NFL now? I don't give a shit about a grown man, who has been in a locker room filled with animals for the last 20 years, crying about being bullied.
You got to be kidding me. Is the media really going to make us feel bad for one athlete harassing another athlete? I've been in the locker rooms all my life, football, hockey, and lacrosse. If you take out any conversation that makes fun of another athlete in the room, every locker would be dead silent. Fighting is ALLOWED amongst teammates; they happen all the time in every sport. This ain't the school yard where the principle will send you home.
OF COURSE, children should be protected.
MARTIN doesn't need protection.
-Johnny Guns
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Help the Philippines: http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/09/world/iyw-how-to-help-typhoon-haiyan/index.html
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Please Wait
(***Before reading this article go to the following link and please turn on the song "Wait For Me" and listen to it low while reading. It's written this way on purpose: http://www.wearecablecar.com/#!sounds/c14o2***)
Jesus.
What time is it?
It's four in the afternoon on a Monday and the television is still running. The days are starting to run together, but that's what happens when you get laid off from a corporate movie job and still can't find work. I stand up from the couch and can still picture her laying there. Her brown hair she won't dye blonde swirled around my face and pillow, the curves of smoke mimicking her terrain. She's away filming, but somehow finds a way to get me to the shower so I don't miss the band I have to go see. The water spikes off the ground, cold then hot. She stands on the other side of the glass watching me, drawing scenes of graphic nudity with the steam and laughing with me. I wonder if she can still see me where she is? I get dressed, hop in the car and head to a dive bar in Hollywood.
The band I'm seeing is Cable Car. I roll the windows down and open the sunroof and light up half a deck. I tag in the iPod.
I turn on the first Cable Car song and suddenly I'm in my own movie:
The lights of Santa Monica drive over my eyes and into the smoke getting shot fast around the dark sky. Not even the consistent reds I hit in Beverly Hills can slow-mowsh the image of her shades pinning back the smile on her face or the conversation of future dreams that bring it. "Will you wait for me?" comes out of the speakers at the moment she would have kissed me. The song brings her to life and so I am alive now too. I reach the venue.
The line is huge, but I got song juice in me and I give out a loud "Heya" to the crowd before Big Rich lets me in with a bro-hug. I running-back my way through the packed trendy and self-proclaimed underground. I love the way insider music fans, that up-coming bands are forced to play for, sit on their horses with a high high booster seat. I match their judging eyes with waves of bad kid smirks. They'll eventually stamp Cable Car's ticket to the Bowl when they hear the legitimacy; they'll never stamp mine haha.
I knock on the band's door and the boys let me in.
Nate throws me a pat. Nate sings for Cable Car; he shares my same New England upbringing and haircut along with Ryan, spinning his sticks at the table between laughs. Jack has his guitar leaning against his chair, "Ey, brotha," he says in a deep English accent.
"You boys ready for the questions?" I laugh at them.
"Fire them off," chuckles Jack.
"Why would three people move over three thousand miles from home to pursue a career most will fail at?" I asked realizing that someone could ask me the same question about my career choices.
Jack answers, "Well Ryan and Nate came out from Rhode Island and I met up with them here in L.A. from London because I am acting as well. We were all doing a bunch of different kinds of projects in all different fields and began playing music together. We had this natural sync with each other and the music that came out was so different and interesting, we couldn't look away so to speak. So we just kept playing. I think we all came out here to fulfill this need to create stuff, in whatever medium, on the greatest most challenging stage we knew.
I feel the same way and I begin to wonder if that unrelenting need to create is the very same reason I write in the style I had cultivated thus far. So I ask, "Why do you think you play the kind of music you play?"
Ryan looks at Jack and Nate and smiles, "Once we realized that our sound was unique, our writing became very intentional. We aren't just musicians; for lack of a better term I guess you would say we are Artists. We wanted our music to reflect this hybrid idea. It's not just enough to be ONE thing anymore. You have to push yourself. We wanted the music to be classic album music, mainstream radio music, movie music, and just all around good songs."
Interacting with them reminds me of home, the messing around, the explosive laugh made of equal parts "Fuck You" and "Brother's Forever." This environment forces my mind to think. I can feel it. I ask about the song. I have to ask about the song, "Why did you write the song 'Wait For Me'?"
Nate looks right at me, "An Image. I started with an image in my head, and then wrote lyrics for that image. I brought it to the boys and we kicked it around like we always do, trying new ideas together, new kinds of rhythms, beats, riffs. Jack added this haunting sound. We are always trying to develop and intertwine our ideas. The song then transforms itself after all this shuffling and we kind of sit back and say how did we come up with this? We have a couple of things we like to remember when we go in like always trying to keep our ego's out of the music, the sum of our parts is always greater, you know pretty standard stuff to keep us moving forward. I think what we try to do is get ourselves out of the way, so the best possible music can be created. As long as we keep that number one, we won't starve," as he breaks in laughter.
I can't tell you what it is when motivation or inspiration hit the body. A scientist would probably tell you that the moment the thoughts hit the brain a release of Serotonin is what makes you happy, but why the synapses fire the way they do, good luck. I just know what it feels like and I feel it.
"I gotta go," I say in a hurry.
"You're not going to stay for the set?" laughs Nate.
I turn around, "I don't need to."
I hustle back into the hornets nest wearing Heath's grin, pushing the masses like Hunter S. with screaming wicks calling my excitement to the possibilities of interwoven Cannon finales. My car "Minds the Gaps", catching floating green flies like Diesel came back for. I can hear the friends I miss dearly from the streets of Darien, CT yelling, "Hey, Paul Walker, Click it or Tick it." But the road doesn't care about friends or girls, the music does that. I get home and in the darkness the keyboard preys on my self-worth. I sit down and write a full story until the light comes back.
I'm becoming real again.
The band is real. The music is real.
-Johnny Guns
A New Voice
Memo - FOR every new generation that comes up through the ranks of civilization in the culture of the United States, there is a challenge when declaring their seat at the table. I could sit here and bore you with example after example of your parents struggle and their parents struggle, but I think what best sums it up is an excerpt from a novel coming out this winter, "To Be Fearless", written by Johnny Guns, and published by new E.C.B. Publishing Ind.
"The other major problem is that in our culture in the United States there are no ways for our youth to matriculate into society as adults. There is no legitimate initiation process like in other cultures. The Maasai in Africa have to kill a lion, the Spartans in Greece had the lone walk and the Aborigines in Australia had the walk about. We have nothing. I believe we, the youth of today, have this innate desire to show the world that we are strong, but how do we prove our strength physically and mentally? Our grandfathers fought in the World Wars while our grandmothers worked in the factories. Most of them experienced extreme racial prejudice, poverty, immigration, and death. They lived through a national depression. They worked hard for very little. They cherished and respected the idea of family. And they never complained. Our parents were raised with a strong religious moral code and a firm hand to enforce the rules. Their parent’s humility easily matriculated into their well-built ethics. Where is our societal validity? Where is our great life changing experience? So many of us turn to drugs, alcohol, fighting, athletic or academic greatness to reach that higher level of understanding because we yearn for something more, our moment to shine, and we don’t know where to find it. "I can drink the most, I can do the most drugs, I have slept with the best looking people, I am the toughest, I am the smartest; I am the best athlete; I am the most popular. This makes me the best." With these singular acts we try to achieve dual outcomes: to experience a higher existence and to parade a fierce will. We are like small children nagging at our parent’s clothes, "Look what I can do?" This is our feeble offering to the elders. But none of this can live up to the strength from where we’ve come. We tear ourselves apart to grab even the slightest bit of clout, when all the while we just want somebody to tell us that we are ok, that we are good enough, that we are loved, as equals. Still, we are the generation of Blacksheep. Our character will always be questioned." - Johnny Guns
As with any generation of people in any society, we see this uneasiness and exciting challenge bleed itself through the arts. Movies, writings, paintings, pictures, music, and yes, even Dance Dance are what sooth these growing pains for their creators and the masses they are made for.
We are starting to feel this Tylenol kick for our generation. As younger authors begin to be considered and musicians with a YouTube reach become tech savvy, I have on tap (as I'm sure you do) a laundry list of websites I go to for new material to consume and enjoy that relates to my interests. How much music, writing, Videos (both funny and interesting), Visual Memes and Artwork can one human consume until they are satisfied? INFINITY AMOUNT! That's how much.
Our generation wasn't born as individuals, we were born with a Twin we didn't know we had; The Computer. And growing up with this Twin, it has pushed our brains to know more faster.
And I like it.
One Hub I check in with regularly for New Music, Movies, and Artwork, is the website, "The Art Of Theft". The Art Of Theft shares with us good and interesting material through the filter of our generation; Lo-Fi on Insta haha. I follow this website in my favorites and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theartoftheft and every time I go back I always find something that entertains me and/or makes my day better somehow. Check it out here: http://theartoftheft.com/
All this whining about generational unfairness is really silly against the backdrop of the reality that people in many many other countries and even our own are dying and fighting everyday to make sure we have the opportunity to bitch about our oatmeal. (I mean they've made it Instant now; how much more can we complain!? Buuuuuut, the fruit chunks aren't organic... ha ha.)
It really all comes down to the Hunter S. Thompson quote I was reminded of when I went on The Art Of Theft Website:
YouTube Everything
I'm not going to sit here and tell you how YouTube started as a simple idea and is now a giant because we all know that "Just YouTube it" is main stream now. You can find anything and everything and probably a little you don't want on YouTube. We have seen people like Bieber become legends from the living room. South Park does an entire episode making fun of these people; and spot on might I say.
But, YouTube is not only a place to get recognized anymore. It is becoming the Television. It is now a necessity for corporations to have their own channels to stay relevant in the changing environment. People are consuming original content produced solely for this medium.
Web Series are popping up left and right, using YouTube to reach the countless people searching for the New Thing. One of the best is Web Series, Youthful Daze. Youthful Daze is a Drama about rebel students at a Prep School. It's edgy, it's funny, and right around episode four or five they really start to get good and begin to find their rhythm. They have finished a full 12 episode Season 1 and are beginning to rack up views worthy of studio recognition. Definitely check it out: http://www.youtube.com/user/YouthfulDazeTube/videos
YouTube has also seen the rise of what I like to call the Johnny Carson Effect. People hosting their own shows on all subjects in all ways. Guys like Phil DeFranco and Fred Figglehorn appeal to their key demos with a wide fan loyalty section. But, my pick for the watch list would be up-and-comer animator/gamer/comedian RoyStClair (my_name_is Matt). RSC began his YouTube Channel Battle Scars by animating FML Videos so well he received a letter from their corporation to cease. He then preceded to animate his own sketch comedy gaining steady growth. And now his videos mix and match animation, comedy, and finally a place for gamers to share high scores and tips. RSC is always a good channel to add to the favorites for a weekly shot of post work humor and I wouldn't be surprised if we saw more production heading his way. Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/user/RoyStClair/videos
I don't know whether or not I will watch the First YouTube Music Video Awards coming up here soon. I don't know if I care enough yet to consider it a must watch. It's not the VMA's or even TRL. I know YouTube is throwing the money around with live performances by Lady Gaga and Em and having a live host even if it is just Jason Schwartzman.
I'll probably just catch the highlights on YouTube. Ha...Ha.
You Hate Tebow because of Tebow Fans
You hate Tim Tebow only because you hate Tebow Fans.
Tim Tebow has been one of the most talked about football players of all time. As a football player and avid fan I have come to realize that most people don't hate Tebow because he's a bad guy or because he ran his mouth and is now getting punished, most people, if they were honest, hate Tebow because of the obnoxious Holy Saint like personification that the Tebow fans slam in your face.
The Tebow Nation loves to remind us how great he is and this annoying barrage makes us want Tebow to fail just so they shut up. But, Tim Tebow is a player, whether you think he can play quarterback at the NFL level or not. Without his loud mouth younger brother fan group, Tebow is really a guy to learn from and here's why:
Tebow has faced adversity. Like the famous FRS Commercial reminds us, Coaches, Recruiters, and other players have always told Tebow he can't.
The doctors told Tebow's mother he would be still born and because of their faith had the child anyway and Tim survived.
You hate that Tebow is so Religious. Tim was born into a super religious family that homeschooled their children. What choice did Tim have in the matter?
At Tim's first high school he was a tight end because of his size. He wanted to be a quarterback so moved schools to Nease and played an entire game with a broken leg. Fans love that one, but in reality it is true. He literally played with a broken leg.
Tebow went on to play Quarterback for Florida as we all know, winning the Heisman and Nat. Championship. And well, you know the rest. But the thing I can't deny Tebow, is that every person who plays with him or works with him, says over and over again, that the kid keeps his mouth shut and works harder than anybody else, probably because he had the body of a tight end, but he wanted QB and went after it. How can we fault the guy for going out and working harder than the rest, and only because of some of his idiot fans, we completely write the guy off.
I like Tim; it reminds me that no matter what anybody says, just keep moving forward. I am sure right now, nobody is working harder than Tim to get back in the NFL. Obnoxious Tebow fans can't stop a legend haha.
-Johnny Guns
A Drive
I woke up slow to the full brightness of my cell blinking trying to grab my attention. I rubbed my eyes and squinted to a text from Actor Brian Scannell, "Hey, pretty boy, you got time for me today?" Most people take one look at Brian and would hope to never wake up to a text from him of that nature, but I know Brian through my cousin when they used to run around West Roxbury, Mass and cause trouble. Brian's tough guy persona has landed him in movies and shows like Gone Baby Gone, The Town, Botherhood, Cold Case, and Pineapple Express.
This particular morning's text reminded me of a drive we once took, when I first met Brian and was picking his brain about the movie industry. I asked:
"Who were your big gun actors as a kid?"
"Duvall for sure, and McQueen was a big one for us."
Brian's Boston smirk was always a loaded favorite and you could tell their was more than just an affinity for those actors; he smirked as if they were his best friends, as if he had studied their skill; either that or he was going to chuck me out of his car, you could never tell; I guess that's what made him a good actor. I laughed.
"Why is it that you always play tough guy roles?"
"Take one look at me, you Sachmo. You know most tough guys come from a place of fear. Afraid of loosing something they have, or not getting something they want. That's what makes them interesting."
Brian had done his homework, or either trying to bring the hammer down on his Mini Me counterpart; me.
"Alright, Judge Toughy, then how do you bring that soft soft vulnerability through the character?"
"You got a smart mouth," he laughed, "It's all about what's driving the scene. I think vulnerability is important. Most tough guys are vulnerable if you look close enough."
"Which director you like working with the most?"
"Oh we're going back to easy now?"
I mimicked the Irish guy from Braveheart, "Just answer the fuuuucking question?"
"Affleck....obviously. I recently worked on an AMC Pilot with Jonathan Demme. He is a close second."
Bri showed me the rest of the south bay beachness and introduced me to some of the boys that day; always looking out.
Staring at the text screen, groggy, another text popped up, "Don't screen my texts, either." I laughed.
-Johnny Guns
The Guru of the Guru's
Whether you believe in the Self Help industry or not, it's hard to deny Tony Robbins.
The problem that most people have with the Self Help Industry, minus the already glowing suspicion of fraud, is that we keep coming back to the same question: If this Guru has all the answers to make me be more successful, then why is said Guru not independently successful outside of their self help gig?
And I think this is a valid concern. The main reason Self Help Guru's make so much money is for two reasons. One, human beings love to hear a sales pitch, but hate doing the actually work. Two, life is not static, it's always evolving and new conflicts will always arise. What these reasons really do is allow the GURU to make you feel good and confident knowing most people won't actually do the necessary work, continuing the discomfort of your problems and urging you to go back to the Guru who provided you with your confidence fix like a hamster on one. It's the fault of both parties involved. The Person is at fault for laziness and stupidity and the Guru is at fault for the manipulation and greed. I'm not saying all Self Help Gurus are this way; it's simply the current temperature of the water.
Not Tony.
Nobody is more critical or harsh on this industry than me. Inspiration is not meant to be used for personal gain. The product of inspiration is the responsibility of the Inspiring. This isn't a popular idea screened against free speech rights and shouts of individuals reaction controls, but if you think I'm wrong ask Salinger why he never published a novel after Catcher. Inspirational products should be so true the reactions productivity should be automatic, whether it's to inspire people to laugh, produce, or succeed. The only guy, I have come across, coming out clean is Tony Robbins.
Here's the layout:
Tony was ranked in the Top 50 in the world for Business Intellectuals. He has achieved success outside of Self Help and continues to grow other businesses. He was asked to speak at Harvard Business School, and they're the snootiest of the snootiest, maybe Yale haha; they do their homework.
Tony's style of inspiration has ACTUALLY helped people grow their businesses. You can plow over the bleeding heart testimonials yourself, but major corporations are paying a lot of money to use his knowledge and I don't know of any corporation that doesn't have to answer to their CFO about why they are spending a grip of cash to have a Single Person come in and just talk. Do you?
Tony evolves. He does the work to stay relevant in our time and grow his own businesses to be more successful in the changing sceneries. Like a year ago, the guy re-designed how his own business ran because he ran a test company through his seminar and it failed. This shows the consumer that the business owner cares about the products they are selling.
Tony is extremely generous. Besides his standard charities, run through his businesses, Tony's employees try to do everything they can to help poorer people get to the seminars. Most companies do that because they want your money, yes I know that. But here's the kicker. Tony has hundreds of videos on YouTube. They aren't product selling videos with snip-its or half ideas; FULL hour long seminars, FULL stories, FULL interviews. Tony makes it so that anybody can learn from his ideas.
I didn't want to like Tony Robbins. I wanted to crush his Andre The Giant voice like Hulk Hogan in WrestleMania 1. I was 13 when introduced to his material by my father and purposely neglected the message out of teenage spite, typical. I ran into some real trouble in my life around 22 due to an angry athletic drug and alcohol consuming personality haha. After the initial blow passed, I was left on my parents couch with nothing, no car, no money, no school, no electronics (that was the tough one haha). Along with other stuff I had to do to get out of the hole, I began reading and watching (once I got my cpu back) Tony's stuff because I had nothing to lose. I hated Self Help people and after the first video, I stopped and wrote my first novel in 30 days. A month later, by some grace of God, it was in the hands of a publisher. Six months later it was at Barnes & Noble.
The book did okay for the reach it had, but not monetary success. Six years later, I now live in California and due to standard layoffs, I find myself back in the position I started, no job, no money and wondering. Still hating Self Help, I go back to the Tony videos and besides the good feeling fix it delivers, it reminds you to stay diligent in your craft.
Probably why this blog exists.
Tony gets a Self Help pass in my book.
-Johnny Guns
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