#365firsts podcast: stories of first times by Ann Bernard

In this episode, I explained what the five types of first times are and which ones you should add to your #365FirstsChallenge list as part of the journey of first times and new experiences. The five types are: spontaneous/random/opportunistic firsts, planned firsts, earned firsts, unexpected firsts, and next level firsts.

In this episode of the First Time Story series, my guest was Jake Gallen, the host of the popular Las Vegas podcast & talk show, The Guest List, and he shared the story of going to his first electronic music festival.

Joining me in this episode is Mary Rensel, MD, the owner of Brain Fresh, and Assistant Professor of Neurology at the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine to dig deeper into the benefits of first times and new experiences on the health of our brains.

In this episode of the First Time Story series, my guest was Ed Sullivan. Ed shared the story of his first time "making the leap" from a comfortable life at a "real job" into the entrepreneurial fray selling the first laser for lasik eye surgery he engineered.

Joining me in this episode is Paula 'Must Try Harder' McGuire to dig deeper into the benefits of first times and new experiences to overcome anxiety. Her story is insanely inspirational!

In this episode of the First Time Story series, my guest was Ronit Plank. Ronit shared the story of the first time she ever went to a giant community coven Wiccan gathering at a Unitarian Church when she was in college.

Joining me in this episode is Marta Brzosko, the founder of the Self-Awareness Blog to dig deeper into the importance and value of self-awareness and to discuss how to go about developing our self-awareness.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series, my guest was Bullseye the Clown. Bullseye shared the story of his very first time clowning...on a clown tour in Russia with Patch Adams and how that one experience changed the course of his life forever.

Joining me in this episode is Ryan Rydzewski, the co-author of When You Wonder, You're Learning: Mister Rogers' Enduring Lessons for Raising Creative, Curious, Caring Kids.

Today on the First Time Story Series my guest was Mike Oulton. Mike shared the story of the first time he used mushrooms as a way to heal himself.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was David Dennis. David shared the story of starting his first successful business.

Welcome 100TH #365FIRSTS PODCAST EPISODE!! In this episode, I reminisce about what the journey of the First 100 Episodes has been like...it didn't turn out to be what I had originally planned. 

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Tisha Michelle. Tisha shared the story of the first time she discovered her spirituality and connected with her purpose through the loss of her best friend Gloria.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Rohit Bhargava. Rohit shared with us the story of the first time he was retrenched in his younger days while working in Australia. In American English – that means fired.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I share the story of investing in my first mutual fund. The significance of this story is that I introduce you to the first person (outside of my family) who took a chance on me and how I'll never forget that. I do get off track a bit and talk about how valuable it is to believe in others.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Eric Wilson and he shared the story of how he became a weatherman for the first time. It was definitely not through the normal process.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Aubrey Wallace. She shared the story of her first time going through a quarter life crisis and how it brought her to spend a summer in the woods and how that redefined her self-identity.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I tell you the story that lead to my first leadership lesson and what I learned from it. If you haven't done so, I recommend first listening to the First Time as a Platoon Commander episode.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Judith Vergara. Judith shared the story of the first time she went to a gay bar and how this unlocked a chain of events that led to the discovery of her strength through vulnerability and self-expression.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Stu Swineford. He shared the story of his first attempt with running 100 miles at one time in the Leadville 100.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I share the story of my first stay in an AirBnB. While I created my AirBnB account in May, 2012, it wasn't until December, 2015, that I booked my first room in someone's home for $27 a night. The whole thing is definitely awkward at first...

In this episode of the First Time Story Series I was joined by Allison Jackson. She shared the story of the first time she competed in a figure competition. She covered her entire journey from deciding to compete to stepping on stage for the first time and eventually earning her pro card.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Ryan Estes. He shared the story of his firs time trying Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Ryan is an excellent storyteller and we had many other great conversations about the beginner's mindset, benefits of first times, and discussed quite a few other topics!

In this episode, of the #365Firsts Podcast, I share my story of my first time out of the gate as an entrepreneur and what I learned along the way. It starts with leaving the Marine Corps, becoming a life coach and the progression from there to what made me realize I didn't have a valid business.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Cynthia de Lorenzi. Cynthia shared the story of the first time she bought a house online and moved to a city she had never visited before!!

In this episode of the First Time Story Series I was joined by Ido Singer. Ido shared the story of the first major loss in his life, that of his father. It's a story he has never shared in this format before.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I share with you my first experience going on a game show, The Price is Right, when I was a young Marine.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series I was joined by Fadi Aabidi. Fadi is an investment manager, pilot, bodybuilder, falconer, hunter, skydiver, biker, and underwater photographer who lives Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series I was joined by Johnni and Chris Gorges - the authors of the newly released children's book series The Fox Family Adventures.

Today on the #365Firsts Podcast I talk about the Introduction to Tutting Class I took last week as part of a series of #365FirstsChallenge Online Events. It had been a long time since I'd had an interactive first time shared with others and it provided me a big dopamine hit that gave me the high I love so much about having new experiences.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest was Dave Taylor. Dave shared the story of starting his first YouTube Channel thanks to the Intel Corporation. It's a story of getting started and making mistakes but constantly growing and learning.

In this episode of the First Time Story series I was joined by Derick Lugo, the author on the Unlikely Thru-Hiker. A Brooklyn-born, New York city urbanite who hopped a trained to Georgia, then grabbed a taxi at the station and told the cab drive to drop him off at the beginning of the Appalachian Trail and set off on an adventure of a lifetime.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I decided to share the story of my first (and only) hit and run. Last week's episode reminded me of this story because it was one I always told my Marines, as an example, that it pays to tell the truth!!

In this episode of the First Time Story series I was joined by Juliana Spaven. Juliana shared with us the incredible story of her first time solo traveling to Egypt when she was only 17 years old (back in 1988) and how it impacted her for the rest of her life.

In this episode of the First Time Story Series my guest is Travis Strong. Travis was in the middle of his second tour in Iraq when the Stryker armored combat vehicle he was patrolling in was hit by a roadside bomb and he lost both of his legs in the explosion.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I share with you my path (albeit the abbreviated version) to becoming a Platoon Commander in the U.S. Marine Corps. It was one of my first major goals in life to stand in front of and be in charge of my own platoon. It's was a tough road but so incredibly worth it. Best job in the Marine Corps is being a Platoon Commander!!

Today on the first time story series my guest was Hannah. Hannah is doing a new thing everyday. After dealing with health issues and limited ability to live last year, she decided 2020 was going to be filled with living and experiences.

In episode 30 of Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series our guest is Nathan Hirsch. Nathan co-founded FreeeUp.com with 5k in 2015, a marketplace that connects businesses with pre-vetted virtual assistants, which he scaled to 12 million dollars in revenue right before it was acquired. He now helps entrepreneurs through his new course Outsourceschool.

In this episode of the #365Firsts Podcast I share with you the story of my first tattoo...which lead me to having a bit of an epiphany. This is the only first time (so far I can think of) I'll be taking to my grave. But that wasn't the epiphany...you'll have to listen to hear it!!

Today on the First Time Story Series my guest was Steve Rast. Steve is also a Marine Corps Veteran and fellow Bunker Labs city leader in Bozeman, Montana. He's a CrossFit Level II Coach, as well as a Running and Endurance Coach. And he works as a Financial Associate at Thrivent.

Episode 29 of Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series was recorded before the COVID-19 Pandemic. It's possible some changes have been made since recording because of the coronavirus; however, I still wanted to share this episode because it's rich with excellent content and advice. If you have had the desire to volunteer for the Peace Corps or have always been curious about it - this is still an excellent starting point.

In this episode I share with you all my first times related to motorcycles...how I became obsessed with wanting one, my first ride as a passenger, my first motorcycle a Kawasaki 750 RZ which was way too big for me, and my first motorcycle accident.

Today, on the First Time Story Series my guest was Brie Burgett. Brie is an adventure seeker, globe trotter and Captain in the Marine Corps. She's traveled to 108 countries on 6 continents so far. She's constantly trying new things and pushing her limits.

In episode 28 of Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series we start thinking about the future sine it's definitely becoming tougher for many people to cope with stay-at-home orders and the requirements for social distancing. I totally get it. As a matter of fact, one of the ways I'm continuing to cope with what's happening with the Pandemic is by researching all the first times I plan on doing once we can safely return to life outside our homes. One such first that's on my list is bobsledding, so it was awesome to have 2018 US Olympic silver medalist in the sport of bobsled, Lauren Gibbs, here to provide expert advice before your first time bobsledding.

In today's First Time Story I was joined by Jennifer Cline. Jennifer is a flag builder - a self-taught woodworker who has found her purpose through honoring first responders and veterans with her flags. She's also been quite busy in the process working to change stereotypes in the trades.

In episode 27 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, we venture into the world of dating where there are constantly evolving options of new things to explore. One such shift is older women dating younger men, and vice versa. We were joined by relationship expert and the best selling author of Older Women, Younger Men: New Options for Love and Romance Susan Winter.

It's true my preference is for dating younger man...this is the story of the first time I was asked out by a younger man, the shock of discovering his age, and the story of how the date went.

In today's First Time Story I was joined by Matt Jaskol a pro skydiver, Ex Red Bull athlete, pro race car driver and racing instructor, and on top of that a small business owner.

In episode 26 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, we explore an option to consider for the first time to remedy the overindulgence of snacking and drinking during your quarantine. I was joined by Ben Azadi who is a genius when it comes to intermittent fasting. A proven method to help improve your health.

In this episode, I tell you the story of a date filled with playing games to include my first time playing disc golf. It turned out I sucked at playing disc golf. I was exhausted by the end because I couldn't get my disc to go more than a few yards and I seem to manage to hit every tree around. But it's still made for one of the most memorable dates I've had so far.

In today's First Time Story I was joined by Deborah Olatunji a writer, award-winning poet, activist, public speaker, and author of Unleashing Your Innovative Genius: High School Redesigned. Did I mention Deborah is a seventeen-year-old high school senior from Delaware? An amazing young woman intensely passionate about education.

In episode 25 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, we get into a topic that I knew nothing about until I met the expert guest, Jamie Lee, who introduced me to animal reiki. When it comes to animal reiki, it does not matter what kind of pet or animal a person has and there are wonderful benefits to it for both animals and humans.

In keeping with the theme I started last week, I share another dating first time story, and this time, it's about the first time I had two dates, with two different guys, in the same day. It was during my road trip in Canada. I left one city, stopped for a lunch date and then had another date once I arrived in a new city.  It made for a really great day!!

In today's First Time Story I was joined by Brad Rasmus all the way from Queensland, Australia. Brad is an intrepid world traveler, Holistic Health Coach of 25 years and Ketone Biohacker. He joined me to share the first time story of starting his first online business, 19 years ago with his now wife, and how that lead them to traveling around the world for 1.5 years and a life of doing online businesses.

In episode 24 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series we are joined by Gary Glass, the Director of the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) because today we'll be looking at a great way for you to stay engaged and occupied while staying at home - homebrewing beer!! Gary has been homebrewing beer since 1993.

In the next few episodes of my first time story, I've decided to share some dating firsts. I'm kicking things off with sharing the story of my first wedding date. After attending all of my brothers and sisters weddings and my friends weddings, without dates, I was done flying solo at weddings. So when my youngest sister go remarried I was determined to have a date. However, going to a wedding in Las Vegas while living in Germany made finding a date...interesting.

In today's First Time Story series I am joined by my friend Renee Bobb, an award winning entrepreneur, a Regional Executive Director for Bunker Labs, an empowerment coach, philanthropist, author, trainer and owner of the Music City Icons Pro Women's Basketball Team. She shared the first time story of becoming the owner of a pro women's basketball team and the madness around her team's first game as an owner.

In episode 23 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series we talk about a fabulous way to realign the energy in your home and in the process try something new with the art doing feng shui. Our guest expert is Candice Berlanga, she's a graduate of the Gold Program School and VIA Feng Shui Training and Mentoring. She is also a certified feng shui practitioner, a red ribbon professional and a lifelong student of Chinese metaphysics.

In this week's episode, we stay in Canada and the epic road trip I took in 2016 when I crossed Canada spending my time hiking, mountain biking, and camping. All that time outdoor in the mountains made it inevitable that I would eventually have an encounter with a black bear...

*New Series* First Time Storytelling. My guest today is Johnny Welsh - a professional bartender in Frisco Colorado, world traveler, and author. He shares the story of having to make the first major decision in his life at age 23 between going to school to become a doctor of chiropractic or go live in a castle in Italy. The decision he made lead him to become the author he is today. We also played the First Time Lighting Round where he confessed to the crime of jumping off a bridge naked...

In episode 22 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, we start discussing one of the many things you can do while having to stay home. Now that many of us are working from home, quarantined, and finding ourselves with a lot more time on our hands, quite a few people are watching a lot more movies, and getting the right training they've been looking for to write their first screenplay.

In this episode, my 50th episode (yea!! thank you for listening), I introduce you to the epic road trip I took back in 2016 when I crossed Canada I spent three months hiking, mountain biking, exploring, discovering my homeland and doing some camping for the first time. This story is about my attempt to start my first camp fire...to brew my morning cup of joe.

In episode 21 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, we are starting to address the many changes impacting our lives due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. With all the school closings, many parents are finding themselves having to homeschool their kids for the first time without having been given time to prepare and little to no guidance and direction on how to do properly.

In this episode we kick things off discussing two new ways for you to share and hear more first time stories. Then we dip our toes in the sea and talk about the first time I went snorkeling, on a date, with a handsome guy and why he told me to "stop smiling."

In episode 20 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, we're back into the entrepreneurial arena and talking about raising money. Ann interviews Jono Bacon a crowdfunding genius who has raised a total of $13,809,171 through three different campaigns. He's also a thought leader who has made waves as a community manager, speaker, author and podcaster. His latest book is called 'People Powered: How communities can supercharge your business, brand and teams'.

In this week's episode, we are staying in Belize for more stories from my month stay there, to include an interesting encounter with two military men with M4s, and my first time exploring Mayan Ruins. The ruins at Cahal Pech, Altun Ha, and Xunantunich and the amazing Maya archaeological site of the Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave.

*SPECIAL EPISODE* The world, our country, and community are facing a major unexpected first time that is disrupting our way of life and requiring us to adapt, adjust, and make the best of a bad situation. This episode is designed to help you formulate your plan to cope with your first pandemic and have the right attitude, outlook, and mindset to make the most of it. You can in fact properly plan and make this a positive experience for you and your family.  Listen, share, and join us on the #365FirstsChallenge Facebook Page to continue the conversation. Use the #365FirstsChallenge hashtag to get inspired, exchange ideas, and continue to explore.

In episode 19 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, we're excited about Spring and looking outside at the possibilities of starting a garden, or planting something for the first time. Ann interviews Melinda Myers a nationally known expert in the world of gardening. She's a TV and radio host, a renowned author and columnist, with over 30 years of horticulture experience.

This is episode takes us to Belize, more specifically, to the small island of Caye Caulker which has the motto of "Go Slow." Where taxis are golf carts since you can pretty much walk or bike everywhere; the island is only 5 miles long and 1 mile wide, after all. I met my windsurfing instructor by the water on a pier smoking a joint. He later asked me to get into positions that just weren't natural for me...have a listen to find out more!!

In episode 18 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, we're discussing a topic that isn't talked about enough; women's health and wellbeing as they enter into and go through menopause.

In Episode 41, I share my most memorable first time in 2019 which was taking a glass flameworking class with my stepmom and making a glass leaf shaped bottle topper and glass leaf shaped pendant at Lefrancis Studio in Las Vegas.

In episode 17 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series, Ann is excited to be talking to Mike Herscott, the senior Southern Africa Specialist in the U.S. for the award winning travel company Audley Travel about how to plan and what to expect on your first safari.

In episode 39 of the #365Firsts Podcast, I share my first time experience with doing a pole fitness class - let me tell you that it's far from easy. Additionally, while I think this is an excellent way to work on your coordination, strength, and flexibility - it is not something I'll personally be doing again. Why? Have a listen and find out!!

In episode 16 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series we're going to be taking a deep dive into the event that brings together the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. We are, of course, talking about South By Southwest, otherwise much better known just by SXSW.

In episode 15 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series we're lucky to be joined by Bobbi Mannino, the Public Relations Director for MardiGrasNewOrleans.com, a 5th generation local New Orleanian, with over 45 years of experience working in the tourism industry for the city of New Orleans.

It's Carnival Season in some places around the world, so I decided in this episode, to talk about my first time attending Carnival in Venice. Venice is such an incredible, unique, and amazing place to visit and being there for Carnival only added to magic and mystique of it all!!

Welcome to Episode 14 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Adrianna Ramos, better known as Ade, of Vibe with Ade, who has years of experience going to music festivals and hosting a YouTube Channel sharing all the dos and don'ts of attending.

Welcome to Episode 13 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Michele Velazquez a Proposal Planner and co-founder (with her husband) of The Heart Bandits, a full-service Proposal Planning Company known for planning proposals and romantic dates all over the world.

The theme this week on the #365Firsts Podcast in recognition of Valentine's Day being on Friday is love and relationships. It was tough to figure out what to talk about for my episode since I'm not good in the love or relationship department. But then, I thought about who it is that has my heart and changed my life after I committed to him. Little Man.

Welcome to Episode 12 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Lisa Concepcion, a certified professional love life strategist. She's an expert in the field, and the founder of the incredible website LoveQuestCoaching.com - a website that is dedicated to helping Type-A professionals who want to improve their love life.

Welcome to Episode 11 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Andrew Alleman host of Domain Name Wire and creator of the site PodcastGuest.com

In Episode 30, I admit to being a sore loser and share with you all the incredible benefits of adding new board games into your life on regular bases.

Welcome to Episode 10 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Laura Briggs an expert in the world of writing, who started off as a teacher but then turned to full-time freelance writing, and quickly established a 6-figure career for herself. Ever since then, she's helped over 8,000 students establish and optimize their own freelance businesses - and she can help you craft your own, too. Have a listen and set yourself up for success!!

Welcome to Episode 9 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Adonis McNeal, an avid football fan, who has been a season pass holder for the Seattle Seahawks for 15 years and has attended two Super Bowls in support of his team. He shares his story, experiences, and advice to make attending your first Superbowl game the best it can be!!

In this episode, in the spirit of the upcoming Superbowl on Sunday, I revisit all of my first times related to football. The first time I watched a game on T.V., tried to play football, and attended my first NFL game.

Welcome to Episode 8 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Dave Jackson from The School of Podcasting, a podcasting legend with plenty of helpful advice for people who are seeking to start up their own podcast. If this is the year you decided to start a podcast - you'll want to listen as we cover everything from planning, producing, to tools, and beginners mistakes in this episode. Everything you need to know to be better prepared!!

Welcome to Episode 7 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Collyn Warner to talk about volunteering for a political campaign for the first time. Ever since 2008, Collyn has been engrossed in political and issue-based campaigns, community projects and training work. Learn about the many volunteering opportunities available, what you'll gain from volunteering, and how to be best prepared to have a rewarding experience!

In this episode, I share with you the story of my first time skydiving - it was a major first and new experience because it was the last item on my childhood list of things I wanted to experience and that lead me down the road of really having to figure out what was next for me in my life. It was also a fear packed experience that reminded me of how I feel about fear.

Welcome to Episode 6 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Rebecca Noelle - Rebecca discusses her artistic history and her experience with starting off as a painter. Rebecca's advice for first time painters is to simply start creating and consuming art. Don't compare your work to others, and don't feel the need to spend tons of money on the best brushes that you can buy. Simply create, evaluate and try to continue learning at all times.

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews the CEO of Slidebean, Caya. One of the most anxiety inducing aspects of starting your own business is pitching to investors, which is what we discuss in this episode. Get the information you need to know about creating your first pitch deck, finding investors to pitched to, and making the pitch. Have a listen and set yourself up for a successful first time and new experience!

In this episode, I start talking about my first time using an air fryer but end up talking about many other things to include making the differentiation between first times and new experiences. Because they are not the same - a new experience will always be a first time but a first time might not be a new experience...

Welcome to Episode 4 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews Robert Farrington from TheCollegeInvestor.com. The world of investing is often thought of as being confusing but there's an easy way to get started. Today's guest is here to provide you simple, easy steps, and encouragement for you to start investing in your future today. Have a listen and set yourself up for a successful first time and new experience!

In Episode 3 of Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series we talk with Ben and David of Cruising with Ben and David to get the expert advice and tips you need before you set off on a cruise for the first time. Have a listen and set yourself for success!

My big first so far in 2020 took place on January 1st and it was driving in a Ferrari on a race track for the first time!! Ever since going with my family to the speedway to watch racing - I had wanted my turn on a race track and being behind the wheel of a Ferrari, well that was sheer joy.

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Expert Advice Before Your First Time Series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this episode, Ann interviews celebrity trainer and actor Aaron Williamson. The New Year is here and many people are seeking to get in better shape for the new decade. Today's guest is here to provide insight, advice, and tips as you go about making your selection for hiring a personal trainer for the first time to help you reach your fitness goals. Have a listen and set yourself up for successful first times and new experiences!

Welcome to Episode 1 of the new Expert Advice Before Your First Time series on the #365Firsts Podcast. In this first episode, Ann interviews Al Jensen in order to get you the advice and best tips you need before your first time public speaking. Have a listen and set yourself up for a successful first time and new experience!

In this final episode of 2019, I talk about all the components of good journey and am officially inviting you to start your own Journey of First Times and New Experiences!! 😊