#417 Angel Numbers, The Alchemist, and Shark Tank: How Following Signs Led to a Million‑Dollar Idea with Akeem Shannon

In this episode of Awaken with Oliver, Oliver sits down with Akeem Shannon, founder of FlipStick, to hear his extraordinary story of spiritual awakening, anxiety, angel numbers, and the winding path that led him from a corporate sales career to creating a phone accessory brand and eventually landing on Shark Tank. Akeem opens up about coming out as gay to his devout Christian family, checking himself into a mental hospital, quitting psychiatric medication cold turkey, and learning to follow the omens and signs from the universe.Topics Discussed:Akeem’s spiritual awakening at age 22: anxiety, insomnia, and the mental hospitalComing out as gay to his parents on his father’s birthdayQuitting heavy psychiatric drugs cold turkey and the withdrawal crisisAngel number 747 and the voice that said: “You hate me because people told you I hate you, but you never asked me”The Alchemist appearing three times – from a boss, Oprah/Pharrell, and a mysterious tattered copy on a counterHow following “omens and signs” led to the invention of FlipStick (inspired by NASA gecko adhesive)The power of not giving up too soon – making ten calls instead of fourKnowing when a chapter is over and having the courage to start a new oneEpisode Highlights:[00:00:03] – Akeem introduces FlipStick: a phone accessory that sticks to any flat surface for hands‑free use[00:05:00] – Ten days of insomnia and the thought: “If I felt this way for ten years, I’d probably kill myself too”[00:07:15] – Telling the nurse: “I think the problem is I’m gay and no one knows”[00:08:00] – Coming out to his parents on his father’s birthday – his mother sobbing, years of rebuilding[00:09:00] – Quitting the drugs cold turkey and the unbearable return of anxiety[00:12:00] – Hearing the voice: “You hate me because people told you I hate you, but you never asked me”[00:16:00] – The boss gives him The Alchemist – Akeem refuses to read it[00:19:00] – Finally reading it cover to cover and understanding omens and signs[00:27:00] – Oliver’s parallel story: Tourette’s, medication, speaking to his grandmother’s ghost, and lights flickering[00:30:00] – Applying for Shark Tank, getting rejected, and the pivot that changed everything[00:35:00] – Standing up during a comedy show, holding up the FlipStick – the comedian shouts: “Will it stick to my girl’s ass?”[00:39:00] – Meeting Snoop Dogg, who loves FlipStick – Snoop and Puff call Shark Tank[00:45:00] – Akeem’s realisation: FlipStick made $100,000 in eight minutes on home shopping, but he still felt empty – the chapter was over[00:54:09] – Akeem’s final message: “Don’t give up too soon. When it’s time to move on, move on. But when it’s just time to overcome, keep going.”Send us Fan MailSupport the showRaw, unedited conversations exploring healing, self-awareness, trauma, and personal growth.Hosted by Oliver, who overcame Tourette’s, ADHD, and OCD through lifestyle changes and nervous system regulation, this podcast focuses on real, practical healing — not theory.Each episode covers topics like emotional triggers, inner child healing, mindfulness, identity, and building resilience through honest, lived experience.For anyone seeking clarity, emotional freedom, and deeper self-understanding.Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/yeskingoliverInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeskingoliverDownload my FREE PDF — Take Control: http://www.talkwitholiver.comCommunity for healers, lightworkers & conscious travellers:Connect, exchange services, plan journeys, list retreats, discover festivals, and share your work:https://www.findmytribe.org