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  1. The Challenges of the Talent World and Staying True to Oneself with Vinnie Postestivo Evergreen Podcasts 56:29

Join me, Furkhan Dandia, on this captivating episode of EZ Conversations as I sit down with the incredibly talented Vinnie Potestivo. Together, we delve into the intricate world of talent management, exploring Vinnie’s remarkable journey and the many labels that often accompany it.

As Vinnie opens up about his experiences, we follow him through the industry’s highs and lows, shedding light on his challenges and triumphs. From navigating the complexities of early childhood to carving a path in the competitive realm of talent management, Vinnie offers invaluable insights into the nuances of his profession.

But our conversation doesn’t stop there. We delve deeper into the significance of mental health in the talent world, unravelling the misconceptions and stigma surrounding it. Vinnie shares his struggles and triumphs, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental well-being in an industry that often demands perfection.

Through candid anecdotes and thought-provoking discussions, Vinnie Potestivo and I explore the multifaceted landscape of talent management, offering listeners a glimpse into the realities behind the glitz and glamour. Please tune in to this enlightening episode, as we embark on a journey of discovery and introspection only on EZ Conversations.

Vinnie Potestivo is an Emmy Award-winning Media Advisor who helps clients build and maintain the media platform they need to reach and sustain their goals.

He is the Host of “I Have A Podcast®” and the Editor-in-Chief of ihaveapodcast, a Google News source that connects independent creators with opportunities to grow their careers and get discovered.

As a television network executive at MTV Networks (98-07), he discovered talent and developed new ways to support their goals. Pioneering how brands and business owners could contribute to their public narrative, he helped them become hosts, stars, and producers of their TV series. Early hits include Punk’d, The Osbournes, Wild ‘N Out, TRL, 8th & Ocean, Laguna Beach, & The Challenge. Talent brands he helped launch include Mandy Moore, Beyoncé Carter, Nick Cannon, Molly Sims, Lindsay Lohan, Ashlee & Jessica Simpson, Kelly & Jack Osbourne, and so many more.

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Or find Furkhan’s Book, Pursuit of Self Love: 30 Uplifting Messages and Reflections. The Kindle version is available on Amazon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.ca/Pursuit-Self-Love-Uplifting-Messages-Reflections-ebook/dp/B0C4D1XYL1⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to the EZ Reflections Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ez-reflections-newsletter.beehiiv.com/

Furkhan Dandia Therapist and Coach

I am a men's coach, therapist, group facilitator, podcaster and author. My journey began five years ago when I was going through a separation. I found myself alone and in a shame spiral that our culture and society covertly exert on people due to the perceived "failure" of a marriage. Unfortunately, I personalized that message which led me to fall deeper into a hole, causing me to surround myself with people that did not serve me and engage in substance abuse. While seeking therapy, I was not making the wholesale changes I needed.

As part of my experience with therapy, I realized that I am not alone in the challenges men my age experience (I separated at the age of 34/35). I realized I could be a voice for men like myself and offer support in this space. In the middle of the pandemic, I applied for a Master's degree in Psychology to become a therapist. This change was a significant shift for me as I worked in the corporate world as an engineer. Once I leaned into the space of supporting other men, I also started a podcast to normalize these difficult conversations and started a men's group a year later with the support of a friend.

I thought I was giving something back when I started the men's group. However, I quickly realized I was getting substantially more from the connections I built than I initially anticipated. It was also something I needed because I was going through another breakup.

At that point, I also realized that I had not taken the time to heal, and I was outsourcing my healing through romantic relationships, substances, material acquisitions and superficial relationships. I decided to step away from the outgoing lifestyle and started to focus on my healing which was another phase of evolution for me on my journey. Over the last year and a half, I have become mindful of the people I spend my time with. I have cleaned my lifestyle of substances, toxic environments and behaviours. I have focused on my sleep, my health and my knowledge. I have improved my spiritual relationship with myself, which was lacking the most over the past five years. This is the best I have felt.

As part of my solitude journey and to find myself again, I also released a book encapsulating my journey, which I hope to share with others. My book is titled: The Pursuit of Self-Love.