THE RAAD LIFE by Raad Ghantous

What if the most addictive sport in the world isn’t tennis or pickleball… but something you’ve barely heard of?In this episode of The RAAD Life Show, we step خارج the studio and onto a padel court in Southern California with Amir Palmén, founder of Padel California. From its global roots to why it’s exploding in the U.S., Amir breaks down everything you need to know about padel — and why once you try it, you won’t stop playing.We talk about how padel compares to tennis and pickleball, why it’s so social and accessible, and how it became a personal escape during challenging times. Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or just looking for a fun way to stay active and meet people, this episode might just introduce you to your next obsession.If you’ve been looking for something new, something social, and something that actually makes fitness fun again… this is it.Try it once — and you’ll understand.00:00 – Welcome to The RAAD Life (On the court, not in studio)01:10 – What is padel and why most people haven’t heard of it02:30 – Amir Palmén’s story and discovering padel during COVID05:20 – Why padel is so addictive and social08:10 – The global rise of padel (from Mexico to Europe to the U.S.)11:00 – Padel vs tennis vs pickleball: key differences15:40 – Why padel is easier to start but harder to master18:30 – The “athletic chess” strategy behind the game22:10 – Equipment breakdown: rackets, shoes, and gear27:00 – Cost, accessibility, and how to get started30:20 – Building Padel California and challenges in California35:10 – Community, friendships, and the social impact39:00 – Why padel is growing faster than any other racket sport42:30 – Olympics potential and the future of padel45:00 – Final thoughts: why you need to try itIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with someone who needs to discover padel.For more content, stories, and experiences, visit TheRAADLife.comFollow The RAAD Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theraadlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRaadLifeFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheRAADLifeTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theraadlife#Padel #PadelTennis #TheRAADLife #AmirPalmen #RacketSports #Pickleball #Tennis #FitnessLifestyle #EntrepreneurLife #SocialSports #SportsInnovation #ActiveLifestyle #CaliforniaLife #WellnessJourney #OutdoorFitness

What happens when a simple idea becomes a global movement rooted in joy, family, legacy, and human connection?In this deeply personal and inspiring episode of The RAAD Life, Rad sits down with entrepreneur, inventor, author, and longtime friend Joe Burke — creator of the award-winning OllyBall, the revolutionary indoor play ball that has sold nearly 3 million units worldwide.But this conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship.Together, Rad and Joe explore identity, purpose, legacy, archetypes, creativity, fatherhood, resilience, and what it truly means to build something that outlives you. From inventing OllyBall for his daughter at a kitchen table to surviving COVID disruptions, battling counterfeiters, and discovering the emotional impact his product has had on families around the world, Joe shares the untold human story behind the brand.This episode is a masterclass in self-authorship, creative courage, entrepreneurship, emotional intelligence, and living life on your own terms.If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, founder, artist, parent, or simply someone trying to build a meaningful life, this conversation will resonate deeply.Subscribe for more conversations about purpose, reinvention, creativity, mindset, entrepreneurship, culture, and designing life on your own terms.The RAAD Life is where philosophy meets entrepreneurship, culture, creativity, and human connection.Follow The RAAD Life:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theraadlifeWebsite: https://www.theraadlife.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheRaadLifeFollow Joe Burke & OllyBall:Website: https://www.ollyball.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollyballAmazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/stores/OllyballListen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms.Key Moments00:00 – Introduction to Joe Burke and The RAAD Life03:12 – What is OllyBall? The revolutionary indoor play ball05:40 – Joe Burke before entrepreneurship09:22 – The emotional origin story behind OllyBall15:10 – Why invention is really about problem-solving19:45 – The unexpected emotional impact of OllyBall23:30 – Dementia, memory, and the power of play27:55 – Becoming a “core memory” for families33:20 – The responsibility of creating something meaningful38:44 – Why people didn’t understand OllyBall at first44:15 – Surviving COVID and reinventing the business model49:50 – Turning crisis into opportunity56:40 – Entrepreneurship, suffering, and resilience1:02:18 – Legacy, stewardship, and identity1:09:05 – The Anatomy of Yes and archetypes explained1:16:12 – Joseph Campbell, mythology, and the Hero’s Journey1:21:35 – Restoration of the wasteland and leaving the world better1:28:20 – Self-authorship, sovereignty, and fear1:35:42 – The future collaboration between The RAAD Life and OllyBall1:41:30 – Life is a dangerous adventure or nothing#TheRAADLife#JoeBurke#OllyBall#Entrepreneurship#FounderStory#Innovation#Mindset#Leadership#Purpose#Legacy#BusinessPodcast#Creativity#SelfAuthorship#Podcast

In this episode of The Raad Life, host Raad Ghantous sits down with longtime collaborator and creative force Shannon Ratcliffe for a deeply personal and unfiltered conversation about identity, reinvention, and what it truly means to live with freedom.This isn’t just a conversation about design, media, or career pivots — it’s about something deeper.After decades in the design and editorial world, Shannon shares her journey from leading established platforms to stepping into her own authorship — building experiences, creating art, and reconnecting with her true creative self. What looked like a career shift was actually a reclamation.Together, they explore the idea that life is no longer about performance identity — the curated version we show the world — but about sovereignty: the freedom to redefine who you are on your own terms, especially in midlife.They dive into:– Reclaiming your identity after unexpected life shifts– Why midlife is an opportunity, not a limitation– The difference between performance and presence– Creativity as a path to healing and self-discovery– The power of community, connection, and shared experiences– Why traditional platforms are evolving — and what comes next– Building The Raad Life as a movement, not just a media platformShannon also shares the pivotal moment that changed everything — losing her job, rediscovering her artistic voice, and stepping fully into a new chapter rooted in purpose and creative expression.This episode is a reminder that your next chapter isn’t about starting over — it’s about returning to who you’ve always been.Subscribe, like, share, and comment to join the conversation.For more content, updates, and exclusive experiences, visit TheRaadLife.com#TheRaadLife #RaadGhantous #ShannonRatcliffe#FreedomAlways #DesigningTheRaadLife#MidlifeReinvention #PersonalGrowth #Identity#CreativeLife #Entrepreneurship #Community#LifeTransitions #Authenticity #Purpose#CreativeExpression #Sovereignty #podcast

In this episode of The Raad Life, host Raad Ghantous sits down with Derek Gehl, CEO of Modern Elder Academy (MEA), to explore midlife reinvention, identity after success, and how to design a meaningful next chapter of life.Many of us reach midlife having checked all the boxes — career, relationships, success, and hustle — yet still feel restless, disconnected, or quietly asking: Is this it? What now? Who am I now?This deep conversation dives into midlife transitions, purpose versus performance, happiness versus joy, and why hustle stops working when your soul wants something real. Derek shares how Modern Elder Academy helps people get unstuck through small, cohort-based retreat experiences focused on clarity, courage, community, and personal growth.If you’re navigating a career pivot, identity shift, empty nest, or searching for deeper meaning beyond achievement, this episode will resonate.🌐 Learn more about Modern Elder Academy: meawisdom.com🎧 Listen to Chip Conley’s podcast: The Midlife Chrysalis PodcastSubscribe to the channel, like this video, share it, and leave a comment — your engagement helps grow The Raad Life community.🌐 Visit theraadlife.com for the magazine, exclusive content, and more conversations designed to help you live with intention.🎧 Watch and listen to the Raad Life on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and YouTube00:00 Midlife isn’t a crisis — it’s a reboot01:45 Identity after success and achievement06:20 Midlife chrysalis vs midlife crisis12:10 Purpose, legacy, and meaning-driven living18:30 Why hustle stops working24:50 Stillness, uncertainty, and the valley31:10 Community, connection, and longevity38:40 Technology, anxiety, and modern culture46:20 What Modern Elder Academy is and why it works#meawisdom #midlifechrysalispodcast#chipconley#theraadlife #mea #meawisdom#modernelderacademy#raadghantous#freedomalways#designingtheraadlife

Shepherd Mafundikwa, founder of Mosi Oa Tunya Cigars, joins The Raad Life Podcast to discuss building Zimbabwe’s first premium cigar house. From leaving corporate life in the U.S. to returning home in Harare, Shepherd shares his bold vision of turning Zimbabwe’s world-class tobacco into artisanal cigars.Host Raad Ghantous explores the entrepreneurial mindset, challenges of starting a business without a blueprint, and the resilience required to succeed in uncertain climates. Together, they uncover the craft, culture, and global potential of Zimbabwean cigars.Tune in for insights on entrepreneurship, heritage, and how bold ideas can spark reinvention at any stage.#TheRaadLife #ShepherdMafundikwa #ZimbabweCigars #MosiOaTunya #Entrepreneurship #PremiumCigars #CigarCulture #RaadGhantous #Podcast

In this episode of The Raad Life Podcast, host Raad Ghantous sits down in Victoria Falls with Blessing Munyenyiwa, Managing Director of Love for Africa. From his early days as a safari guide to leading hospitality ventures across Zimbabwe, Blessing shares an inspiring journey of resilience, entrepreneurship, and giving back.He reflects on working with Disney, the lessons from Make-A-Wish, and how those experiences shaped his mission to connect people to the beauty, culture, and opportunities of Africa. Together, they discuss midlife reinvention, the power of service, and why true legacy is built by lifting others. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation on leadership, safari stories, and Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit.#TheRaadLife #BlessingMunyenyiwa #LoveForAfrica #SafariLife #TourismLeadership #Zimbabwe #VictoriaFalls #Podcast #RaadGhantous

James Baker, co-founder and chief pilot of Rogue Aviation, joins The Raad Life Podcast to talk about pursuing passion, embracing freedom, and reinventing life at midlife. From working in luxury retail to finding his calling in aviation, James shares how a single radio ad changed his entire path.In this episode, host Raad Ghantous explores themes of uncertainty, curiosity, and the pursuit of purpose through James’s inspiring story—complete with highs, setbacks, and life lessons from the cockpit. From learning to fly helicopters to teaching others the joy of flight, James reveals how reinvention can happen at any stage of life.Discover why freedom often lies in uncertainty, and how aviation became a metaphor for growth, resilience, and living life on your own terms.#TheRaadLife #JamesBaker #RogueAviation #MidlifeReinvention #FlyingHigh #AviationPodcast #HelicopterPilot #LifePurpose #Freedom #Raad Ghantous #Podcast

Veteran promoter Scott Tucker joins The Raad Life Podcast to dive deep into the power of music, memory, and reinvention. In this episode, we explore why 80s music continues to resonate across generations—from Gen X nostalgia to Gen Z rediscovery—and how it has transformed from concert stages to cultural touchstones.Scott shares his journey in the music industry, from his early days as a DJ and promoter to curating legendary concerts and festivals. Now, he’s the mastermind behind the 80s Rewind Festival in Huntington Beach, bringing together iconic alternative bands that defined an era.Host Raad Ghantous also reflects on midlife reinvention, turning 60, and why music remains a universal language that connects generations, heals memories, and creates legacies. Whether you grew up blasting cassette tapes, experienced the rise of MTV, or are discovering 80s bands for the first time, this conversation will strike a chord.Tune in for stories of resilience, the magic of live shows, and why the 80s never left—they just keep evolving.#TheRaadLife #ScottTucker #80sMusic #RewindFestival #GenX #MusicAndMemory #AlternativeMusic #Podcast #HuntingtonBeach #MusicFestival #LiveMusic #MusicCulture #80sVibes #RetroMusic #RaadGhantous

Join Greg Scheinman, founder of the Midlife Male platform, performance coach, and podcast host, in this inspiring episode of The Raad Life Show. Greg shares his journey of transformation at 47, when he realized that success defined by salary, title, and material achievements was leaving him unfulfilled. Instead of “reinventing,” Greg describes how he “released” himself into a more authentic way of living.Through can-do storytelling, Greg introduces his powerful Six Fs framework — Family, Fitness, Finance, Food, Fashion, and Fun — which became the cornerstone of his definition of true success. He explains why midlife should be seen as a time of power, not crisis, and how men can balance responsibility with growth, purpose, and freedom.From risk management lessons to designing a Midlife Action Plan, Greg outlines practical steps for men in their 40s, 50s, and beyond to align their personal and professional lives. His philosophy empowers high-performing men to shift from chasing endless ambition to embracing fulfillment, authenticity, and a high-performance lifestyle.If you’re navigating midlife transitions or searching for purpose beyond titles and possessions, this conversation will spark clarity and courage.#GregScheinman #MidlifeMale #TheRaadLifeShow #MidlifeReinvention #SixFs #Leadership #SelfDiscovery #Success #Fulfillment #Podcast

In this powerful episode of The Raad Life, host Raad Ghantous sits down with Stephen M. R. Covey, renowned author of the bestselling books The Speed of Trust, Smart Trust, and Trust & Inspire.Stephen unpacks how trust isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the new currency of leadership and performance. We explore how cultivating high-trust environments leads to faster execution, stronger relationships, and greater innovation.In this episode, we discuss:Why trust is a measurable, actionable assetThe difference between naïve trust and Smart TrustThe shift from command-and-control to Trust & Inspire leadershipHow leaders can empower others by unleashing greatnessThe real impact of trust on culture, business, and personal growthWhether you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or simply aiming to lead a more intentional life—this conversation offers the mindset and tools to lead with purpose, connection, and authenticity.Subscribe for more inspiring conversations on leadership, life design, and living with impact.Learn more about Stephen M. R. Covey’s books:The Speed of Trust: https://www.speedoftrust.comSmart Trust: https://www.smarttrustbook.comTrust & Inspire: https://www.trustandinspire.com Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of The Raad Life.#StephenMRCovey #TheRaadLife #SmartTrust #TrustAndInspire #SpeedOfTrust #Leadership #RaadGhantous #PodcastInterview #BusinessWisdom #PersonalDevelopment #LeadWithTrust

Join Jerry Colonna, acclaimed coach and author of Reboot and Reunion, as he explores radical self-inquiry, growing up as leaders, and cultivating belonging in midlife. In this episode of The Raad Life Show, Jerry sits down with Rod to share powerful insights on what it really means to “grow up” — not just in age, but in how we lead, love, and live with integrity.From his early experiences in Brooklyn to becoming a trusted executive coach for founders and leaders around the world, Jerry opens up about the importance of facing ourselves honestly. Through radical self-inquiry, he encourages us to pause, reflect, and ask the difficult questions that can transform both our personal and professional lives.This conversation goes beyond leadership tactics — it’s about reconnecting with who we are at our core, understanding our longing for belonging, and embracing the courageous work of becoming whole. Whether you’re navigating midlife, leading a team, or simply curious about your own inner journey, Jerry’s wisdom offers a roadmap to greater clarity, compassion, and authenticity.If you’re ready to challenge old narratives, rediscover your voice, and lead from a place of truth, this episode will resonate deeply. Don’t miss this transformative discussion with one of the most thoughtful voices in modern leadership.#JerryColonna #Leadership #Podcast #Reboot #Reunion #RadicalSelfInquiry #TheRaadLifeShow #GrowthMindset #ExecutiveCoaching #Belonging #SelfDiscovery