David & Goliath - The Art of Battling and Tearing Down Giants

I launched this podcast to help you face whatever challenges life is throwing at you right now. But above all so that I can find the strength to achieve the giant that stood in front of me I also do this to believe in faith again. That all this will be useful to become more humble, stronger and more determined. I'm doing the same thing Kobe did, after losing the NBA Finals and getting back on his feet again. I had to learn to like myself again, I had to not care about what others might think or talk about me. I had to learn to believe in myself, that I can be much better than I was before, living a true life. Whose first 46 years were done in reverse. I started to discover that you had superpowers. And that I was helping people even though I didn't know I was. I started being true to myself. And, finally, I began to see reality as it is and not as I would like it to be. For the first time in my life, I’m starting to have joy in being alive. And what a blessed person I am.

David and Goliath is nothing more than a story in which the Davids of this world are confronted by Giants. And by giants I mean, armies, England National Teams, bullying school mates, terrible misfortunes. Everything you can imagine as terrifying!! And when confronted by these enormous opponents, should I play by the rules of the game? Should I give up, run away or face him? Should I submit to fate and see confrontation as a fatality in life? From the start, David already knew he was going to beat Goliath when he decided to face him. He was used to kill Lions and Bears that attacked his flock of sheep. Large animals. Nothing new to face this type of opponents. Then David faced Goliath, not following the so-called conventional rules of the time. David used his sling to knock Goliath down and then with him on the ground cut off his head. David used “his weapons”.

I like public speaking. It's one of my passions. When I started, I made tons of mistakes. I said many "ums," made lots of grammatical errors. My stage posture was anything but correct. I had no vocal variety and sometimes lacked projection. In other words, I wasn’t loud enough. That was two years ago. What did I do to improve? Well, the first thing was not to give up. Then I started watching speeches on YouTube by renowned speakers, observing how they did it. I used these "notes" when I went on stage. After two years, my oratory skills have become fantastic. I mean, I’m not the best in the world, for sure, but I feel so at ease that everything flows when I’m speaking. Have you listened to the episode "My Story"? There, you can hear my story. If it weren’t for my story, my journey, my battles, I would never have created this podcast or become a better person. One thing certain, nothing comes by accident

Last Monday, at the end of the day, I was watching a news program that I have loved for a long time: 60 Minutes. It’s a program that is essentially a storyteller. And what fantastic stories it has! In that episode, they talked about a medical scientist, a neurosurgeon who, through a non-invasive technique, “cured,” or rather, stopped the progression of Parkinson's disease. All this through the use of high-frequency ultrasounds that “straighten the person.” Also in that episode, they talked about a case where the doctor managed to make a drug-addicted person become “cured.” They even spoke with this person, asking if he had relapsed or if he was truly clean. I was simply amazed. At the point that science has reached. Since I am a dreamer, I immediately began to imagine scenarios where we could use this to cure many of the world's problems. This could revolutionize the world. The way we can live our daily lives. would be living in a better world?

Have you ever noticed that the wealthiest people in the world are excellent communicators? In the Netflix documentary about Donald Trump, it was said that many of his clients came in with a preconceived idea, and after talking with Trump, they ended up buying what he wanted them to buy. Okay, you can say he's manipulative. Let me give you another example. Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin Group. In 1985, Sir Richard Branson began running marketing campaigns that were totally different from what was being done at that time, just to put the Virgin name in every corner of the world. I'm not saying I have to ride in a hot air balloon at 250 mph between Japan and the Canadian Arctic, breaking the time record just to get my message across. No! Much simpler and less exhausting than that. Just like Shakespeare conveys in his sonnet "The memory of his beloved's love is so powerful that it makes him feel as though he possesses..". So, I just have to use my strengths

Here is the one the most beautiful myths about love and trust. Not only love and trust but other lessons on we can take to our dally lifes.  Are you confindent in you?  Is your faith bigger than anything else? Do you trust your talents and gifts? Orpheus played the lyre and was an excellent poet. Whenever he played and sang, nature and people were captivated by his music. It was his superpower. He fell madly in love with Eurydice. One day, she was by a river when she was bitten by a snake, leading to her death. Orpheus was desperate and heartbroken. He went to the underworld with his music and lyre to rescue Eurydice.

Jesus said: Give to everyone who asks you, and if they take what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others what you want them to do to you.” How is this possible? Well, this was put into practice by Diane Foley. And who is Diane Foley? She is the mother of James Foley. James Foley was killed by ISIS in 2014, decapitated, with the video filmed and posted on YouTube. The terrorist who killed, or was involved in the murder of James Foley, was known within the terrorist group as “The Beatle,” because he was English, but his name is Alexander. Diane went to meet him to get to know him and talk to him. She reconciled with the man Alexander Kotey. How is this possible? Could I do it? Could you, my listener, do it?

I love listening to podcasts (who would've thought that!!!). One of the podcasts I listen to is called "Bit of Optimism" by Simon Sinek. I was looking through the episodes and was drawn to the latest one titled "Moral Courage with Diane Foley, mother of executed journalist James Foley." I was so wowed by what I heard that the next day I went to YouTube to see if I could find more about this woman. In short, she is the mother of a journalist who was kidnapped and killed by ISIS in 2012. The person who killed him was called The Beatle within the terrorist group. He was captured and tried for the crime he committed. After some time (I don't know exactly how long), Diane Foley went to the prison to meet and talk to her son's killer, face to face, and the first thing she said to him was, "Hello Alexander, it's a pleasure to meet you." A book was written about James's death, about Diane's act, and everything involved in it. How can we love more?

In today's episode, I spoke with a businessperson from the region who had a lot of success in the heavy truck and automobile mechanics field. However, in 2012, with the Portuguese public debt crisis, he had to close and file for bankruptcy. As he told me during our conversation, "I went from being great, to being despised in the blink of an eye." Today, I will talk about the anguish he suffered during this period, the personal and family consequences, and finally the health problems that ensued. He managed to overcome all of this with true mastery, becoming a phoenix reborn. Not only did he overcome it, but he is now better off than he was before. As with the other episodes, I hope you love it and feel motivated by getting to know António's story. Porto Moniz and Madeira Island - https://visitmadeira.com/en/where-to-go/madeira/north-coast/porto-moniz/

Not everything life serves us is to our liking, and it is precisely in these moments that we eat without saying, "I don't like it!" Because we are afraid. We all fear something. As the saying goes, "He who has a butt, has fear." This is directly related to the monstrous amount of divorces occurring in the society where I live, at least in the Portuguese society. You will understand more later on. Suddenly, it seems almost all middle-aged couples are getting divorced. At first glance, we might say that nowadays people are less willing to put up with their partners. But the root of the problem if we can say problem, is much deeper than a simple lack of willingness to tolerate the other's personality after some time. Immediately, I thought of several people but particularly of a family member who recently . My cousin Paulo's divorce. It was a bombshell for all of us!Because we all thought they would be together until death. That they would never, ever separate. Here is the story

The fact that people dislike us for invented and ridiculous reasons should not bother us. Superficial and unfounded criticisms are not what we should be concerned with. Instead, let’s focus on what we know we can improve, where we are not meeting our own standards. And if there is any external feedback we consider, any approval we seek, let it come from people who know us well, whom we admire. We can ignore everyone else. This immediately reminded me of a colleague from university. The name I will use is not their real name, but their story is true. It's like superheroes: we all know their story, why they exist, but we don't know their real name. However, I think it hardly matters because he has passed away. He died due to his diabetes. He died before finishing his degree. And the short time I spent with him made me like him a lot. In fact, he probably liked me more than I liked him. Unfortunately, I say now. His name will be João. The same name as my middle brother.

the grape. Wine is made from grape must, which undergoes a natural fermentation process through the action of yeasts that transform the sugar present in the grape into alcohol and carbon dioxide. When there's no more sugar in the liquid, the yeasts die and the fermentation ends. So the grape came into this world to either be eaten or to be turned into wine. If it's eaten, well, its mission on earth is over. But if it's turned into wine, its life will be prolonged for many, many years, and in the best cases, for centuries. This transformation is a very tough process for a grape. And you'll soon understand what I'm trying to say here. The same processes the grape undergoes happened to our heroine today. Her name is Cristina, a widow, with three children, who turned the loss of her husband 30 years ago into something wonderful. Just like wine. But like the grape before turning into wine, Cristina went through hell and back. Today, the hero’s cape will be worn by a woman.

Many times, if not always, the plans we draw up are not the plans that God wants for our lives. That's what happened to Isabel. That's what happened to me. No, I don't have cancer, but life also threw me a curveball. Most likely, I have more than 6 months of life left, although nothing is certain. If you listened to episode 10 of my podcast, you'll hear my story from when I was born until today. I always aspired to higher dreams and goals. One of those dreams was to turn my old company into a major multinational. I was born in July, and according to the zodiac horoscope, my sign is Cancer. These are people who value family a lot. In 2023, I divorced from my former partner, stopped living with my daughters, and a month later, closed my company. I lost the house where I lived, I can't have anything in my name or I lose it. I live in fear of opening the mailbox because a seizure or a court letter could suddenly appear. I live alone, and three weeks ago, I lost my father.

In the last episode, we talked about a King. King David, and today I'm going to talk about another king. Not a king with the royal title, but a king who, although he has already died, continues to transmit his faith to his Brazilian brothers and sisters, and beyond. The three-time Formula 1 champion, one of my heroes since the late 80s, the great Ayrton Senna. He was always someone who brought great joy to the Brazilian people. Firstly, with victories in Sunday races after lunch (in Portugal's time zone) and then, after his death, providing conditions for everyone to have the chance to succeed in their lives. One of Ayrton's dreams was to help his people so that everyone could have the same opportunities to succeed in life. The right to have a future and to have hope. To change the scenario of Brazil.

There's a story of Buddha where a huge number of disciples were meditating, seeking spiritual enlightenment. It only happened with one, who when he discovered what it was to be an enlightened being, began to laugh. The disciple whom no one gave anything for. The same thing happened with today's hero. I mean, he's the reference hero of this podcast. Our young David. Who became the King of all Israel for 40 years. The prosperous reign that made Israel a great country. If you ask an Israeli to tell the story of King David, you'll notice the pride with which they speak of their King. If you go to Israel, you'll see all kind of things in honour of his King: King David Hotels, King David Souvenirs etc. Even the star on the flag of Israel is related to David. He was the most successful king in the history of Israel. Today it's him, once again. Ladies and gentlemen, His Royal Highness King David.

In today's episode, I'll tell a story of a 17-year-old Brazilian girl who understood the true meaning of success in life. To reach this conclusion, she had to go through a very painful process that she has not yet finished. It seems it's always like this: we have to "kill" ourselves to reach the treasure. In this girl's case, she literally had to "kill" herself to discover that true happiness lies in serving others, not being served, that it's the little things that bring beauty to our journey on this earth, not the grand moments, and finally, feeling grateful for being here. This last part may be difficult to understand in the case of Isabel, our heroine today. Isabel Veloso, her name, is 17 years old, Brazilian, and a beautiful girl. Unfortunately, she will only live for another 4 months (according to doctors) because she has an incurable cancerous tumor. But even so, let's make the most of these 4 months of her life left to learn from her what it means to live with purpose.

I'm tired. I was away from Madeira Island last weekend, so I didn't have time to prepare today's episode like I usually do. However, I have this commitment to you, so I made this episode, albeit shorter than usual. That's why I removed the part from the episode "My Story" about why I'm doing this, why I'm making this podcast. Making this podcast has also given me strength to overcome my Goliath who is currently challenging me. I appreciate all of you who regularly listen to my podcast, and I sincerely hope it helps you in your daily life. In the final part, there's an excerpt from Brad Pitt that explains my gratitude to you. Thank you once again!

In the first episode, I said I would talk to you about stories of people who overcame great and enormous challenges in their lives and, as Malcolm Gladwell wrote in his book "facing enormous, overwhelming adversities, produces greatness and beauty." For me, these people are heroes. If it were not for them, I would not be doing this podcast today. Today, I'm going to talk about someone who, although I didn't spend much time with him, left a mark on me. And I only realized that years later. He passed on unique values and ways of living life, leaving me with the commitment to continue her legacy for others. Unfortunately, he is no longer with us. But I am sure that his spirit is around here influencing the lives of other people. I'm going to talk about my basketball coach from the 1989 children's basketball team, where he was my coach and how he galvanized a team to focus on that year's regional basketball title.

In today's episode I explain how I'm passing by my message to my fellow workers. How can I make them feel that they belonging to the team? Communication. The foundation of the human success, here in this planet How also Shakespeare inspired me to make today's episode. I hope you enjoy it and hope by the end you realise and there is no "Us & Them". Only Us

At 15th March by 7:30 PM that same day, I was checking in to embark on one of the most fantastic adventures I've ever had in my entire life. And it was on this adventure that I met someone who inspired me immensely. His name is Vitor Cardoso, a former football player from Sporting's of Lisbon youth teams. Life led him away from his football career due to a major injury and a significant loss, subsequently taking him down dark and winding paths. What's certain is that at the end of our training session, the craziest of our lives, I saw him laughing again. And what a smile he was showing! And it's him that I'm going to talk about today. The man who didn't smile. Vitor Cardoso.

Easter B.C. was meant to celebrate the liberation of the people of Israel from the clutches of Pharaoh by Moses. So at this time of year it was customary among the Jewish people to sacrifice a lamb. In the Christian religion, Easter is celebrated to remember the death of Jesus. The death of the "Lamb who came to save the World." And it is Him that we will talk about today in this episode: Jesus Christ! My greatest beacon. I deeply believe that Jesus walked on this Earth. I fully believe that He was also divine so that God could teach us to love one another. To teach us what love is. The message is so impactful that it changed the trajectory of humanity until today.

I know a guy that us these principles into his life. Well start to use… He does not call the 5-step process but he’s facing reality, continues to dream and continues to have big determination. Not the reality his faced for the last 46 years, but the one his now facing in his life, right now. His name is… me! I really want to share my story with you, today, in this episode. I hope by the end of it, you’ll find out why I’m doing the weekly based podcast and the true meaning of telling you about these stories. I’m feeling uncomfortable doing it but I fell I have to do it. I hope I’m not doing another mistake. But if I don’t go for it, I will not know the result. And I’m very curious on that… Today is my turn. I truly hope you enjoy.

Carlos worked for 25 years in an mortuary of one the hospital in Portugal. One of his duties was to bring the dead body’s and place them in the freezer, waiting for the family to say they final Fairwell or waiting for authorization to place in a coffin for his funeral. In subconscious level of the mind, the depression and hurt would start to appear, without him noticing. A couple months later we would start drinking… every day… at the same hour. In the mortuary… with his work companions… He recalls: “It was like drinking in a pub, like normal people do after work. We had so much laugh, until one day…” But you know that we’re talking about heroes in this podcast. And Carlos used his drinking problem not only for helping his community to have a better understanding of what was his life for 25 years in that place but also to help others who are helpless facing the alcohol and emotions.

The Portuguese are best people in the world. We’re really great. No seriously, yes we are. We’re very worm, Cousy, very friendly people. We know how to welcome all the people in the world. One of proves of this is that we have more and more foreigners people choosing Portugal to leave. I don’t know if there is a ranking of the nicest people in the world, but if there is, I think we were on top 5. Maybe it’s because of the nice weather, having the ocean nearby, the great food that we eat… Not only we’re very friendly but also we have the best football player in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo, we had in the near past, the best football coach in the world, José Mourinho, now we have one the best swimmer in the world, Diogo Ribeiro. We won a lot of prices regarding the tourism. We have great cooks But we suck managing our country. Even worse, we’re not a very demanding people when the subject is the Political party’s and Government. Well, we suck!

In today’s episode the drama, faith, heavy and dark emotions will be very presence. I’m sure that who is listening knows or heard someone who had identical problems with (or similar). Someone who’s life was kind and very brutal in a blink of an eye. Our hero is guy who is successful on his professional life, a very well known lawyer who was always searched for solve the complicated cases that appear in courts. Apparently, everything was going well but inside of him a different giant was trying to defeat him, like Goliath tried to defeat David. This time, Goliath is not an external problem like we had in the last episodes. For João, that was something inside, eating him alive and even worse, without him noticing. It could be considered as a freak but no, is not. He’s a heroe!

Is there anything more motivating to see someone who had every odds against and, nevertheless, wining in life? I think that’s is the most inspiring thing we can see during the time that we’re living here, on this earh. You don’t know but I’m an entrepreneur. I can say, for now, not very successful one. Well not for now. Why? Well let me say like this. I was in the pick of mountain, 6 years ago, thinking my life would be even better in a matter of years. In terms of materialistic way of speaking! But didn’t go as I was hopping would be… Life threw at me one of those mighty, huge and gigantic challenge. I’m facing right now my Goliath but like David, the shepherd, the underdog, I’m goanna defeat him and cut is head of.

5 times NBA championships and influence an all planet on becoming a better person, facing his Goliath day by day. (and that’s what we like to talk about on this Podcast). Yes you guessed right, I’m talking about Kobe Bryant. His greatness was, and still is, so beautiful that also inspired a young girl. Not that she heard about Kobe’s story but, like Kobe, she’s a special girl, since from her first day here on earth. I’m going to tell a story of a little, skinny girl who became one of my hero’s. How she with a lot of brave, face her challenges and overcome them. Who could imagine that a young girl, apparently an underdog would be one the person’s that I admire so much. A truly hero!

In todays episode I’ll tell you Antonio’s life after he been relieved from the army, how he got is first boat and also how he return to Portugal, after the civil war in Angola back in 1974. All stories are filled with unbelievable courage and strength. I know that many of you thinks that the Antonio’s success were because of his genes. Jordan B. Peterson, the author of “12 rules for life” book said that for you to have a great life and to be on your best YOU, you must pass throughout challenges and difficulties. This is the only way to be at your best version. Antonio lived his best version throughout his life

Our hero from today episode is humble, stoic and brave. He’s a guy who was born in 1945 in the North Side of the Island, in a place call Ponta Delgada. A man who was born into extreme poverty, who had everything to go wrong with is life. His name is, not Superman but António Justino Ferreira. As it is written at the beginning of his book “António Justino never surrendered to the fate of what he encountered in life and soon began to chart his destiny […] still very young, upon discovering that he did not have his luck, he picked up a knife and He traced his destiny in the palm of his hand.” Life was never his allied. Quite the contrary! Many of us couldn't handle 1/3 of what António handle and overcome. A true David! He showed us time and time again that it is in the desired difficulties that we find the glory of victory, even though the victory is not always the thing we think it is.

We have all read or heard the story of David and Goliath. The story of someone very tiny, with everything against him, defeating the all-powerful and all mighty giant. Who has never heard at a football match in the telly or any other sporting event saying, “This is a David against Goliath match!”. Did the little shepherd had great luck in defeating the almighty giant? Some divine intervention caused David to win? Is the probability of this happening so small that they made this an entertaining story? Just like with Santa Claus story? Just as Malcolm Gladwell shown on in his book David and Goliath, this podcast will also tell you that the story of David and Goliath has been told in the wrong way. I'm going to tell real stories from normal people or people known from the public who, after all, always has great and enormous chances of beating their giants. What you ultimately need is five stones and a sling!