00:00

You know, it turns out that the Red Cross is not looking for a night club promoter.

You know, it turns out that the Red Cross is not looking for a night club promoter.

00:04

Doctors without borders are they're looking for credible

Doctors without borders are they're looking for credible

00:07

doctors, not, you know, djs

doctors, not, you know, djs

00:10

or or promoters.

or or promoters.

00:12

So I remember being so,

So I remember being so,

00:15

dejected

dejected

00:16

by the rejections.

by the rejections.

00:18

And then one organization

And then one organization

00:20

wrote me back and said, if you are willing to pay us five hundred dollars a month to volunteer,

wrote me back and said, if you are willing to pay us five hundred dollars a month to volunteer,

00:25

And if you're willing to go live in the poorest country in the world, a country I'd never even heard of called Liberia.

And if you're willing to go live in the poorest country in the world, a country I'd never even heard of called Liberia.

00:34

And it was at the bottom of the United Nations development chart because it had just come out of a fourteen year civil war. And it was finally data on the country. That they could stack rank it at the bottom of the world. And they said we are taking a medical mission into this country,

And it was at the bottom of the United Nations development chart because it had just come out of a fourteen year civil war. And it was finally data on the country. That they could stack rank it at the bottom of the world. And they said we are taking a medical mission into this country,

00:49

and we'll take you. If you pay us

and we'll take you. If you pay us

01:00

What's up? I have Scott Harrison here. We've been, I don't know, maybe planning to do At least in my hand, I've been planning to do an episode like this for a long time.

What's up? I have Scott Harrison here. We've been, I don't know, maybe planning to do At least in my hand, I've been planning to do an episode like this for a long time.

01:09

So that I invited myself on. Let's be honest. You did invite yourself on that's something I love about you. That's because I like you. You are you're also, like, kinda unashamed. You you are unashamed

So that I invited myself on. Let's be honest. You did invite yourself on that's something I love about you. That's because I like you. You are you're also, like, kinda unashamed. You you are unashamed

01:19

at, like, doing getting the right thing done.

at, like, doing getting the right thing done.

01:23

I met this guy once and he said, if your intentions are good, you can get away with anything. And I don't know if that's, you know, I don't know if that's a hundred percent true, but I but I I do think it's, it's it's a good motto. Don't don't be don't be too shy. So, yes, you invite yourself on, but I think it's gonna be a good one. Well, the alternative was you want people to die a bad water. So, I mean,

I met this guy once and he said, if your intentions are good, you can get away with anything. And I don't know if that's, you know, I don't know if that's a hundred percent true, but I but I I do think it's, it's it's a good motto. Don't don't be don't be too shy. So, yes, you invite yourself on, but I think it's gonna be a good one. Well, the alternative was you want people to die a bad water. So, I mean,

01:42

Right. Yeah. Well, which one is it?

Right. Yeah. Well, which one is it?

01:45

I'm just kidding.

I'm just kidding.

01:47

Scott's a good friend.

Scott's a good friend.

01:48

We met through, mutual friend, Michael Birch, and then,

We met through, mutual friend, Michael Birch, and then,

01:52

I went on a trip to Africa with Scott and saw the work that he was doing. So that was kinda cool. I I'll say this. So a lot of people click on this podcast because they're schemers and dreamers. They're trying to figure out how to make money and we don't shy away from the fact that we enjoy making money and we enjoy the game of business.

I went on a trip to Africa with Scott and saw the work that he was doing. So that was kinda cool. I I'll say this. So a lot of people click on this podcast because they're schemers and dreamers. They're trying to figure out how to make money and we don't shy away from the fact that we enjoy making money and we enjoy the game of business.

02:09

I think

I think

02:10

for most people, here's their mindset coming in. It's gonna be charity episode.

for most people, here's their mindset coming in. It's gonna be charity episode.

02:15

Okay. You know, maybe if I'm in the mood, but I'm gonna tell you this. So that person who's a little on the fence, let me tell you this right now.

Okay. You know, maybe if I'm in the mood, but I'm gonna tell you this. So that person who's a little on the fence, let me tell you this right now.

02:21

You're gonna love this episode way more than the normal one for two reasons.

You're gonna love this episode way more than the normal one for two reasons.

02:25

The first is you're gonna be inspired. Scott's story is is very inspiring. I've heard him tell it many times I'm giving gonna give them the opportunity to tell it here because it's kinda one of these, like, real life movies

The first is you're gonna be inspired. Scott's story is is very inspiring. I've heard him tell it many times I'm giving gonna give them the opportunity to tell it here because it's kinda one of these, like, real life movies

02:35

in a way. And, he started off as a not so do gooder turned into a very do gooder, and I think the story is very good.

in a way. And, he started off as a not so do gooder turned into a very do gooder, and I think the story is very good.

02:43

And two, he's, basically, he's an entrepreneur, and he took an entrepreneurial approach to charity, which I think very few

And two, he's, basically, he's an entrepreneur, and he took an entrepreneurial approach to charity, which I think very few

02:48

I know I know personally a very few examples of that and is a very good storyteller. And for all of you, people who reach out to me saying, oh, Sean, I love your stories.

I know I know personally a very few examples of that and is a very good storyteller. And for all of you, people who reach out to me saying, oh, Sean, I love your stories.

02:57

Well, the master is here. He's a much better storyteller than me. So if you take nothing else away from this, you'll pick up a lot on storytelling. That's what those are my promises to you.

Well, the master is here. He's a much better storyteller than me. So if you take nothing else away from this, you'll pick up a lot on storytelling. That's what those are my promises to you.

03:06

Scout, how did I do you think That's a high bar properly?

Scout, how did I do you think That's a high bar properly?

03:09

I know. No pressure.

I know. No pressure.

03:12

Luckily, you've told this story once or twice before. Well, I okay. I I like schemers and dreamers. So I was definitely a schemer and dreamer at eighteen years old.

Luckily, you've told this story once or twice before. Well, I okay. I I like schemers and dreamers. So I was definitely a schemer and dreamer at eighteen years old.

03:21

I was born in Philadelphia

I was born in Philadelphia

03:23

raised in a conservative Christian family. And when I was four,

raised in a conservative Christian family. And when I was four,

03:27

my mom passed out on the

my mom passed out on the

03:30

bedroom floor, due to a carbon monoxide gas leak in our house. So we just moved into this new house.

bedroom floor, due to a carbon monoxide gas leak in our house. So we just moved into this new house.

03:36

My dad was excited because it was reducing his commute He wanted to spend more time with me, have a big family,

My dad was excited because it was reducing his commute He wanted to spend more time with me, have a big family,

03:43

and she was the canary in the coal mine,

and she was the canary in the coal mine,

03:46

which her her unconsciousness

which her her unconsciousness

03:48

led to the discovery of this gas leak.

led to the discovery of this gas leak.

03:51

And life was

And life was

03:53

never the same again. Mom never recovered. Affected her she was at home all the time. You guys were twenty four seven. That's right. She was unpacking boxes from the move, you know, putting frames on the walls.

never the same again. Mom never recovered. Affected her she was at home all the time. You guys were twenty four seven. That's right. She was unpacking boxes from the move, you know, putting frames on the walls.

04:04

Dad was working, you know, long hours at a job. I was at school playing with my friends,

Dad was working, you know, long hours at a job. I was at school playing with my friends,

04:08

at their houses, and she was she she bore the brunt of it. And we my dad actually got sick. So we had some weird food allergies, some migraines,

at their houses, and she was she she bore the brunt of it. And we my dad actually got sick. So we had some weird food allergies, some migraines,

04:17

but she got really sick. And this led to the discovery of the gas leak. My dad ripped out the furnace with his bare hands. He threw it out on the curb.

but she got really sick. And this led to the discovery of the gas leak. My dad ripped out the furnace with his bare hands. He threw it out on the curb.

04:27

And from that point on, her immune system was irreparably

And from that point on, her immune system was irreparably

04:32

disabled.

disabled.

04:33

And

And

04:35

unfortunately,

unfortunately,

04:36

I have forty years of experience

I have forty years of experience

04:38

with the three m family of masks, so my mom was always masked from that point on. Charcoal mass, n ninety five mass.

with the three m family of masks, so my mom was always masked from that point on. Charcoal mass, n ninety five mass.

04:47

Everything chemical made her sick.

Everything chemical made her sick.

04:50

So she was able to survive by creating

So she was able to survive by creating

04:54

isolation rooms for herself.

isolation rooms for herself.

04:57

This sounds strange, but my mom lived in a tin foil covered bath. Through, and she slept on an army cot that had been washed in baking soda twenty times. She was so sensitive

This sounds strange, but my mom lived in a tin foil covered bath. Through, and she slept on an army cot that had been washed in baking soda twenty times. She was so sensitive

05:07

that if she wanted to read a book, I would have to either bake her book in the oven

that if she wanted to read a book, I would have to either bake her book in the oven

05:13

or set it outside for a couple days in the sun to get that smell of print out. Then I would knock on the door. I would hear the tinfoil Russell. I would hand her the lightly baked book.

or set it outside for a couple days in the sun to get that smell of print out. Then I would knock on the door. I would hear the tinfoil Russell. I would hand her the lightly baked book.

05:24

And with her mask on in a pair of gloves, she would receive the book for me and shut the door. So all that to say, a very weird childhood,

And with her mask on in a pair of gloves, she would receive the book for me and shut the door. So all that to say, a very weird childhood,

05:33

in a caregiver role, doing the cooking, doing the cleaning, you know, helping my dad. My dad was an amazing loyal man, stuck by her,

in a caregiver role, doing the cooking, doing the cleaning, you know, helping my dad. My dad was an amazing loyal man, stuck by her,

05:41

believed that one day god would make sense of all this.

believed that one day god would make sense of all this.

05:44

And, you know, my mom just lived with this for the rest of her life. So, you know, the first kinda chapter of my life, if you'd run into me, As a young teenager, I was gonna be a doctor. I was gonna cure mom and everybody else sick with a condition like her.

And, you know, my mom just lived with this for the rest of her life. So, you know, the first kinda chapter of my life, if you'd run into me, As a young teenager, I was gonna be a doctor. I was gonna cure mom and everybody else sick with a condition like her.

05:59

Instead I became a schemer and a dreamer. And at eighteen

Instead I became a schemer and a dreamer. And at eighteen

06:03

yeah. I moved to New York City and

yeah. I moved to New York City and

06:06

Just had that wake up moment. Now it's my turn. Now it's my turn to break the rules. I don't wanna take care of anyone anymore. I wanna take care of myself. And I wanna have sex, and I want to do drugs, and I wanna drink, and I wanna be rich and famous.

Just had that wake up moment. Now it's my turn. Now it's my turn to break the rules. I don't wanna take care of anyone anymore. I wanna take care of myself. And I wanna have sex, and I want to do drugs, and I wanna drink, and I wanna be rich and famous.

06:22

And I stumbled into this job,

And I stumbled into this job,

06:25

as a New York City night club promoter where you had a pretty good shot at achieving

as a New York City night club promoter where you had a pretty good shot at achieving

06:29

those markers of success.

those markers of success.

06:31

And I I became

And I I became

06:33

Really good at throwing

Really good at throwing

06:35

parties,

parties,

06:36

at the high end, selling thousand dollar bottles of crystal, selling twenty five dollar Bodka Red Bulls that cost us twenty five cents.

at the high end, selling thousand dollar bottles of crystal, selling twenty five dollar Bodka Red Bulls that cost us twenty five cents.

06:44

And creating spaces for movie stars and actors and

And creating spaces for movie stars and actors and

06:49

musicians and you know, fashion moguls and designers

musicians and you know, fashion moguls and designers

06:53

to party.

to party.

06:54

And,

And,

06:55

you know, it couldn't have been more opposite, maybe from the the slightly repressed

you know, it couldn't have been more opposite, maybe from the the slightly repressed

07:00

Christian upbringing.

Christian upbringing.

07:02

And,

And,

07:03

you know, a picture of my life ten years later was

you know, a picture of my life ten years later was

07:06

me and a DJ booth with a famous DJ

me and a DJ booth with a famous DJ

07:09

spring champagne down over the crowd, puppies at table one, Jay z's at table three, and I'm at table two, thinking I'm a rock star because we had prettier girls at our table than Jay Z or Poppy.

spring champagne down over the crowd, puppies at table one, Jay z's at table three, and I'm at table two, thinking I'm a rock star because we had prettier girls at our table than Jay Z or Poppy.

07:21

And and this was, you know, it was dinner at ten the night club at twelve,

And and this was, you know, it was dinner at ten the night club at twelve,

07:26

and then after hours at five AM,

and then after hours at five AM,

07:29

and Tibet at noon taking Ambien to come down.

and Tibet at noon taking Ambien to come down.

07:32

With a whole lot of self loathing, you know, if it if it caught up to us, which it it did, you know, far too often towards the end of that. So

With a whole lot of self loathing, you know, if it if it caught up to us, which it it did, you know, far too often towards the end of that. So

07:41

it was ten years for me to realize that

it was ten years for me to realize that

07:46

I had made a mess in my life. I had come so far from the spirituality

I had made a mess in my life. I had come so far from the spirituality

07:51

from the morality that my parents had tried to instill in me so far from wanting to become a doctor to help others.

from the morality that my parents had tried to instill in me so far from wanting to become a doctor to help others.

07:57

And one day, half my body went numb.

And one day, half my body went numb.

08:00

And, you know, maybe no surprise to anybody listening as I just described what I was doing,

And, you know, maybe no surprise to anybody listening as I just described what I was doing,

08:06

but I just remember thinking, like, I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I've been living, like, I'm gonna live forever, and now I'm gonna die in a week. I've got some brain tumor. I've got something very wrong with me because I can't feel half my body.

but I just remember thinking, like, I'm gonna die. I'm gonna die. I've been living, like, I'm gonna live forever, and now I'm gonna die in a week. I've got some brain tumor. I've got something very wrong with me because I can't feel half my body.

08:19

And I went to doctors and had MRIs and CT scans and, you know, they hooked diodes up to me and

And I went to doctors and had MRIs and CT scans and, you know, they hooked diodes up to me and

08:25

electromagnetic

electromagnetic

08:26

pulsing all that. They couldn't figure out anything wrong with me.

pulsing all that. They couldn't figure out anything wrong with me.

08:30

But it was a wake up call,

But it was a wake up call,

08:32

Sean, that if I did die,

Sean, that if I did die,

08:35

My tombstone,

My tombstone,

08:36

the best it could read, would be here lies a man who's gotten a million people wasted.

the best it could read, would be here lies a man who's gotten a million people wasted.

08:42

Is the only thing I had to show for when you were in the doctor's office and you fill out the little form where you just, like, yes, on all the questions. It's, like, have you in the last six months consuming

Is the only thing I had to show for when you were in the doctor's office and you fill out the little form where you just, like, yes, on all the questions. It's, like, have you in the last six months consuming

08:52

drugs. Oh, yeah. I remember being brutally honest. Yeah. Right? Because because I think everybody kinda cheats a little. Like, how many alcoholic drinks. Right? You you shave that by half, typically. I think I was honest. I'm like, how many alcoholic drinks, like, a hundred and sixty five a week? You know, something just Yeah. How many packs of cigarettes? Two and a half a day.

drugs. Oh, yeah. I remember being brutally honest. Yeah. Right? Because because I think everybody kinda cheats a little. Like, how many alcoholic drinks. Right? You you shave that by half, typically. I think I was honest. I'm like, how many alcoholic drinks, like, a hundred and sixty five a week? You know, something just Yeah. How many packs of cigarettes? Two and a half a day.

09:13

You know, anyway, they they couldn't find anything wrong with me, but this led to, you know, a pretty radical life change and and maybe the close of chapter two as this sycophantic

You know, anyway, they they couldn't find anything wrong with me, but this led to, you know, a pretty radical life change and and maybe the close of chapter two as this sycophantic

09:22

hedonistic nightclub promoter living

hedonistic nightclub promoter living

09:25

only for himself

only for himself

09:26

And I I wondered whether I could start life over at twenty eight. And

And I I wondered whether I could start life over at twenty eight. And

09:32

really asked myself, what would the opposite of my life look like? You know, I realized a pivot was not in order. Yeah. This was,

really asked myself, what would the opposite of my life look like? You know, I realized a pivot was not in order. Yeah. This was,

09:40

this was not a small course correction that needed to happen. This was, like,

this was not a small course correction that needed to happen. This was, like,

09:44

Do and think and say the hundred and eighty degree opposite of everything you've

Do and think and say the hundred and eighty degree opposite of everything you've

09:50

done and thought and said for the last ten years and see how that plays out. And I live for these kinda like

done and thought and said for the last ten years and see how that plays out. And I live for these kinda like

09:56

these moments, these self talk moments. I think most of life is just in my own head. It's me it's me with me, and we're having a conversation. And so a lot of times it's small talk, it's surface level stuff. And then there are these times where I have the, like, the real conversation with myself in my head. Do you Do you remember what that, like, well, those days or, like, what made you really, like, have that that that conversation with yourself at that point? Yeah. Well, there was a faith piece, so I started praying again and, you know, kind of

these moments, these self talk moments. I think most of life is just in my own head. It's me it's me with me, and we're having a conversation. And so a lot of times it's small talk, it's surface level stuff. And then there are these times where I have the, like, the real conversation with myself in my head. Do you Do you remember what that, like, well, those days or, like, what made you really, like, have that that that conversation with yourself at that point? Yeah. Well, there was a faith piece, so I started praying again and, you know, kind of

10:22

going back and like, hey. What do I believe any of that stuff from childhood?

going back and like, hey. What do I believe any of that stuff from childhood?

10:26

You know, there was a lot of religion, there was a lot of rules,

You know, there was a lot of religion, there was a lot of rules,

10:30

you know, but but there was a lot of good in there as well. So I sort of, you know, try to kind of come back to faith again. So there was a lot of prayer. Like, you know, god, are you there? And what should I be doing? And is there is there anything else for me?

you know, but but there was a lot of good in there as well. So I sort of, you know, try to kind of come back to faith again. So there was a lot of prayer. Like, you know, god, are you there? And what should I be doing? And is there is there anything else for me?

10:44

And I remember the self talk,

And I remember the self talk,

10:46

really saying, okay. Well, if you're if you're exploring the opposite of your life,

really saying, okay. Well, if you're if you're exploring the opposite of your life,

10:51

what would that look like? And I thought, well, it would be volunteering

what would that look like? And I thought, well, it would be volunteering

10:56

on a humanitarian mission in the poorest country in the world. That was the spec. That would be the opposite of a night club, you know, bottles and models lifestyle.

on a humanitarian mission in the poorest country in the world. That was the spec. That would be the opposite of a night club, you know, bottles and models lifestyle.

11:06

And

And

11:07

I remember it from a I I was I'd taken some time driving just aimlessly north trying to, you know, find myself. I wound up in Maine in an internet cafe on Moosehead Lake,

I remember it from a I I was I'd taken some time driving just aimlessly north trying to, you know, find myself. I wound up in Maine in an internet cafe on Moosehead Lake,

11:19

with dial up Dell computers,

with dial up Dell computers,

11:21

and I started applying to humanitarian

and I started applying to humanitarian

11:24

aid organizations that I'd tangentially heard of over the decade. Certainly not that I'd given any money to, but doctors without borders save the children, oxfam,

aid organizations that I'd tangentially heard of over the decade. Certainly not that I'd given any money to, but doctors without borders save the children, oxfam,

11:34

world vision, the Red Cross.

world vision, the Red Cross.

11:37

And I I was very clear that this is what I wanted to do. Give one year.

And I I was very clear that this is what I wanted to do. Give one year.

11:42

Of the ten years that I had selfishly

Of the ten years that I had selfishly

11:44

wasted or lived,

wasted or lived,

11:46

and see if I could be useful.

and see if I could be useful.

11:48

Well, maybe no surprise I was denied by the first ten organizations.

Well, maybe no surprise I was denied by the first ten organizations.

11:52

You know, it turns out that the Red Cross is not looking for a night club promoter.

You know, it turns out that the Red Cross is not looking for a night club promoter.

11:56

Doctors without borders are they're looking for credible doctors,

Doctors without borders are they're looking for credible doctors,

12:00

not, you know,

not, you know,

12:01

djs or or promoters.

djs or or promoters.

12:04

So I remember being so,

So I remember being so,

12:07

dejected

dejected

12:08

by the rejections.

by the rejections.

12:10

And then one organization

And then one organization

12:12

wrote me back and said, if you are willing to pay us five hundred dollars a month to volunteer.

wrote me back and said, if you are willing to pay us five hundred dollars a month to volunteer.

12:18

And if you're willing to go live in the poorest country in the world, A country I'd never even heard of called Liberia.

And if you're willing to go live in the poorest country in the world, A country I'd never even heard of called Liberia.

12:26

And it was at the bottom of the United Nations development chart because it had come out of a fourteen year civil war, and there was finally data on the country that they could stack rank it at the bottom of the world.

And it was at the bottom of the United Nations development chart because it had come out of a fourteen year civil war, and there was finally data on the country that they could stack rank it at the bottom of the world.

12:38

And they said we are taking a medical mission into this country,

And they said we are taking a medical mission into this country,

12:41

and we'll take you if you pay us every month. And, the the job where the the volunteer role signed up for was a photo journalist.

and we'll take you if you pay us every month. And, the the job where the the volunteer role signed up for was a photo journalist.

12:50

So I was gonna be taking pictures and writing, and I was always a pretty good writer and a pretty good hobby photographer, you know, through the club club years, and I had gotten a degree part time at NYU for that because it was it was the easiest degree. You basically did the real life version. I I don't even watch Seinfeld, but I know about this of where George is like, Jerry, I'm doing the opposite now. Whatever I used to do, I do the opposite. You basically have the real life version of that where you're like, go from

So I was gonna be taking pictures and writing, and I was always a pretty good writer and a pretty good hobby photographer, you know, through the club club years, and I had gotten a degree part time at NYU for that because it was it was the easiest degree. You basically did the real life version. I I don't even watch Seinfeld, but I know about this of where George is like, Jerry, I'm doing the opposite now. Whatever I used to do, I do the opposite. You basically have the real life version of that where you're like, go from

13:16

New York City, nightlife,

New York City, nightlife,

13:18

you know, rich, famous, fast living to I'm gonna go to the poorest country on earth, pay to volunteer,

you know, rich, famous, fast living to I'm gonna go to the poorest country on earth, pay to volunteer,

13:25

and, and basically donate a year of my time just to kind of course correct and, like, break my own frame and shift just It it sounds like you didn't even have, like, a long term plan or, like, this grand vision for yourself. It's like, I just need to shift,

and, and basically donate a year of my time just to kind of course correct and, like, break my own frame and shift just It it sounds like you didn't even have, like, a long term plan or, like, this grand vision for yourself. It's like, I just need to shift,

13:37

like, where I'm this direction I'm going now into some I need a swerve a in a hard hard turn. And then a couple of things happened. Yeah. That that's exactly right. I wouldn't have told you more than a year of line of sight.

like, where I'm this direction I'm going now into some I need a swerve a in a hard hard turn. And then a couple of things happened. Yeah. That that's exactly right. I wouldn't have told you more than a year of line of sight.

13:49

I met the chief medical officer. So I was gonna be living on a hospital ship, a five hundred foot

I met the chief medical officer. So I was gonna be living on a hospital ship, a five hundred foot

13:55

converted ocean liner that was fifty plus years old, so not not a nice cruise liner.

converted ocean liner that was fifty plus years old, so not not a nice cruise liner.

14:00

And it had been gutted and turned into a state of the art hospital with a very simple idea for this charity. Let's sail a giant hospital ship with the best doctors in the world on their vacation time, and let's take it to people who can't afford medical care.

And it had been gutted and turned into a state of the art hospital with a very simple idea for this charity. Let's sail a giant hospital ship with the best doctors in the world on their vacation time, and let's take it to people who can't afford medical care.

14:14

And and because we can control the environment, let's bring them on the hospital ship, perform these life changing surgeries, and then set them, you know, back on land with transformed lives and transformed help. So I met the guy who is running this whole thing, and his name was Doctor. Gary Parker,

And and because we can control the environment, let's bring them on the hospital ship, perform these life changing surgeries, and then set them, you know, back on land with transformed lives and transformed help. So I met the guy who is running this whole thing, and his name was Doctor. Gary Parker,

14:31

And I learned that he was a plastic surgeon from California who had heard about this opportunity, and he signed up for three

And I learned that he was a plastic surgeon from California who had heard about this opportunity, and he signed up for three

14:39

And when I walked up the gangway of this hospital ship to to surrender my passport,

And when I walked up the gangway of this hospital ship to to surrender my passport,

14:44

he had been there twenty one years.

he had been there twenty one years.

14:47

So he never went back to his California plastic surgery,

So he never went back to his California plastic surgery,

14:50

practice, and he dedicated two decades

practice, and he dedicated two decades

14:53

of his life to this work. So I remember just thinking,

of his life to this work. So I remember just thinking,

14:57

what if that's me? What if it's not a year? And I wanted to know everything I could about him and what two decades of service would look like or feel like or the imp that a person could have. So my third day there,

what if that's me? What if it's not a year? And I wanted to know everything I could about him and what two decades of service would look like or feel like or the imp that a person could have. So my third day there,

15:11

is the patient screening.

is the patient screening.

15:13

So the the ship's arrival has been announced

So the the ship's arrival has been announced

15:17

by an advanced team. Flyers have been posted throughout the country,

by an advanced team. Flyers have been posted throughout the country,

15:21

and

and

15:22

We have been given the football stadium

We have been given the football stadium

15:25

in the center

in the center

15:27

of town, the the soccer stadium by the government,

of town, the the soccer stadium by the government,

15:30

to triage the people who might come to visit our doctors. Now I know we have fifteen hundred available surgery slots to fill. Remember thinking to myself, like, are there fifteen hundred sick people

to triage the people who might come to visit our doctors. Now I know we have fifteen hundred available surgery slots to fill. Remember thinking to myself, like, are there fifteen hundred sick people

15:41

with facial tumors or cleft lips or blind or lame,

with facial tumors or cleft lips or blind or lame,

15:45

with leprosy, like,

with leprosy, like,

15:47

You know, that sounds like a lot of people. And I remember at five fifteen or five thirty AM, putting on hospital scrubs, It was still pitch black out jumping into this convoy of land rovers, with doctors and surgeons and nurses, and we kinda snaked through the city.

You know, that sounds like a lot of people. And I remember at five fifteen or five thirty AM, putting on hospital scrubs, It was still pitch black out jumping into this convoy of land rovers, with doctors and surgeons and nurses, and we kinda snaked through the city.

16:02

And we came to the stadium, and there were five thousand people standing in the dark in the parking lot waiting for us to open the doors.

And we came to the stadium, and there were five thousand people standing in the dark in the parking lot waiting for us to open the doors.

16:11

And that was such a powerful moment for me

And that was such a powerful moment for me

16:14

realizing.

realizing.

16:15

Oh, crap.

Oh, crap.

16:17

We're gonna send

We're gonna send

16:18

three thousand five hundred of these people home,

three thousand five hundred of these people home,

16:21

without seeing a doctor,

without seeing a doctor,

16:23

without any answer,

without any answer,

16:25

for their affliction.

for their affliction.

16:27

And I laid out the keys to, you're probably used to having a long line outside the door. That was a good thing. This was a bad thing now. The the parallels, you know, there there have been some interesting ones.

And I laid out the keys to, you're probably used to having a long line outside the door. That was a good thing. This was a bad thing now. The the parallels, you know, there there have been some interesting ones.

16:36

I later learned some of these people had walked from more than a month with their children from neighboring countries,

I later learned some of these people had walked from more than a month with their children from neighboring countries,

16:43

just hoping that a doctor might save their child's life.

just hoping that a doctor might save their child's life.

16:48

So I remember doctor Gary, said to me focus on the hope. You know, don't focus on the thirty five hundred people. We're gonna send home. Focus on the fifteen hundred people who are gonna help. And that's what I really did for that first year on the ship. And I was documenting every single one of them before surgery

So I remember doctor Gary, said to me focus on the hope. You know, don't focus on the thirty five hundred people. We're gonna send home. Focus on the fifteen hundred people who are gonna help. And that's what I really did for that first year on the ship. And I was documenting every single one of them before surgery

17:05

and after surgery for the medical library.

and after surgery for the medical library.

17:08

And

And

17:09

that, you know, Mercy Ships would be able to use those photos to raise money and spread awareness to the work. The other cool thing that happened was I was blasting my club list of fifteen thousand emails

that, you know, Mercy Ships would be able to use those photos to raise money and spread awareness to the work. The other cool thing that happened was I was blasting my club list of fifteen thousand emails

17:21

with pictures of facial tumors. And flesh eating disease and leprosy,

with pictures of facial tumors. And flesh eating disease and leprosy,

17:25

you know, being healed. And,

you know, being healed. And,

17:28

you know, or or or patients being operated on, And, you know, back then, email open rates were like a hundred percent.

you know, or or or patients being operated on, And, you know, back then, email open rates were like a hundred percent.

17:35

So there were definitely a lot of unsubscribes.

So there were definitely a lot of unsubscribes.

17:37

You know, I signed up for that cool Prada party you threw once, but not like the tumor party.

You know, I signed up for that cool Prada party you threw once, but not like the tumor party.

17:43

But then, you know, most people were in Trigue, they were fascinated. I had no idea that there were doctors on a ship, saving people's lives. How do I get a piece of this? How do I sponsor a surgery?

But then, you know, most people were in Trigue, they were fascinated. I had no idea that there were doctors on a ship, saving people's lives. How do I get a piece of this? How do I sponsor a surgery?

17:55

How do I come on the ship like you? I remember somebody riding me from Chanel once. She's like, I sit here in a brightly lit cosmetic headquarters, and I'm weeping.

How do I come on the ship like you? I remember somebody riding me from Chanel once. She's like, I sit here in a brightly lit cosmetic headquarters, and I'm weeping.

18:05

You know, because I want more. Like, I want more.

You know, because I want more. Like, I want more.

18:10

Then to sell makeup

Then to sell makeup

18:12

every day. I want more for my life. I want more purpose.

every day. I want more for my life. I want more purpose.

18:16

So, I learned that maybe the same gift of promoting,

So, I learned that maybe the same gift of promoting,

18:20

getting people to stand outside of velvet rope to queue, to hope to get into a night club, telling the story

getting people to stand outside of velvet rope to queue, to hope to get into a night club, telling the story

18:27

that if you came in my club and you spent thousands of dollars and you left with a cute boy or a cute girl, then your life had meaning.

that if you came in my club and you spent thousands of dollars and you left with a cute boy or a cute girl, then your life had meaning.

18:34

You know, that same

You know, that same

18:36

Maybe gift or skill of of promoting could be used to promote something

Maybe gift or skill of of promoting could be used to promote something

18:40

entirely different

entirely different

18:42

and redemptive and important for other people.

and redemptive and important for other people.

18:46

So the year ended, and I just signed up for a second year, because I didn't know what was next. So, well, let me go do this again for another year. And that was when I found water.

So the year ended, and I just signed up for a second year, because I didn't know what was next. So, well, let me go do this again for another year. And that was when I found water.

18:55

So the second year I got off of the ship, I spent more and more time. I I bought a motorcycle.

So the second year I got off of the ship, I spent more and more time. I I bought a motorcycle.

19:00

So I'm driving around West Africa, Liberia, you know, with fourteen thousand United Nations, peacekeepers, and soldiers, and I've got this little press badge.

So I'm driving around West Africa, Liberia, you know, with fourteen thousand United Nations, peacekeepers, and soldiers, and I've got this little press badge.

19:09

And I'm spending time in these rural areas, and I see the water people are drinking.

And I'm spending time in these rural areas, and I see the water people are drinking.

19:16

And they're drinking from swamps and ponds and rivers,

And they're drinking from swamps and ponds and rivers,

19:19

round,

round,

19:20

green, viscous water.

green, viscous water.

19:22

And I learned two things. I learned half the country

And I learned two things. I learned half the country

19:25

is drinking dirty water.

is drinking dirty water.

19:27

And I learned half the disease in the country.

And I learned half the disease in the country.

19:30

Is because we were drinking dirty water.

Is because we were drinking dirty water.

19:33

So, you know, for contrast,

So, you know, for contrast,

19:35

you know, a year previously, I'd been selling Vaf water for ten dollars a bottle

you know, a year previously, I'd been selling Vaf water for ten dollars a bottle

19:41

to people who would just order twenty bottles for the table and not open any of them because they were drinking vodka champagne.

to people who would just order twenty bottles for the table and not open any of them because they were drinking vodka champagne.

19:48

So there was just something so, you know, profoundly,

So there was just something so, you know, profoundly,

19:51

contrastful

contrastful

19:53

of

of

19:54

watching a human

watching a human

19:56

drink dirty water that was making them sick in real time

drink dirty water that was making them sick in real time

19:59

and knowing the excess

and knowing the excess

20:01

of my former life. And I remember showing these photos to Doctor. Gary, And I'm like, Doctor. Gary, no wonder five thousand sick people are standing outside a parking lot of a stadium. You should see what they're drinking.

of my former life. And I remember showing these photos to Doctor. Gary, And I'm like, Doctor. Gary, no wonder five thousand sick people are standing outside a parking lot of a stadium. You should see what they're drinking.

20:12

And he said, yeah, I know. And in fact, a billion people. Drink this water every day. One and six people alive on the planet. He said, why don't you go do something about it?

And he said, yeah, I know. And in fact, a billion people. Drink this water every day. One and six people alive on the planet. He said, why don't you go do something about it?

20:22

Why don't you make this your mission?

Why don't you make this your mission?

20:25

Instead of raising money for, you know, the next fifteen hundred surgeries on this ship, why don't you just go get everybody in the world clean water.

Instead of raising money for, you know, the next fifteen hundred surgeries on this ship, why don't you just go get everybody in the world clean water.

20:33

He said, yeah, something like you'll be the you'd be the greatest medical professional in the the history of the world. If you just brought people the most basic need

He said, yeah, something like you'll be the you'd be the greatest medical professional in the the history of the world. If you just brought people the most basic need

20:43

for health, the most basic need for life.

for health, the most basic need for life.

20:45

And I was thirty at the time. I'm like, Well, okay, doctor Gary?

And I was thirty at the time. I'm like, Well, okay, doctor Gary?

20:50

That sounds good. You know what? I came back to New York City

That sounds good. You know what? I came back to New York City

20:53

and

and

20:55

said what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna try to bring clean and save drinking water to every single human

said what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna try to bring clean and save drinking water to every single human

21:00

on earth before I die because that seems like a good idea.

on earth before I die because that seems like a good idea.

21:04

And it'd be great if five thousand people didn't have to stand outside a stadium if three thousand five hundred people didn't have to get turned away because they had clean water. In their villages.

And it'd be great if five thousand people didn't have to stand outside a stadium if three thousand five hundred people didn't have to get turned away because they had clean water. In their villages.

21:14

And that was really the start of charity water, you know, now seventeen years ago.

And that was really the start of charity water, you know, now seventeen years ago.

21:19

And you,

And you,

21:21

This story I wanna say two things. One is your story is so good that the first time I heard it, I thought That sounds almost too good, like, too good to be true. Like, the story is almost like Hollywood in that in that sense.

This story I wanna say two things. One is your story is so good that the first time I heard it, I thought That sounds almost too good, like, too good to be true. Like, the story is almost like Hollywood in that in that sense.

21:36

As I got to know you, I learned that you're the real deal. I went with you to Africa. I saw the wells that you guys have created. I saw the drinking water. We did the water carry of, you know, how far the women and children have to carry

As I got to know you, I learned that you're the real deal. I went with you to Africa. I saw the wells that you guys have created. I saw the drinking water. We did the water carry of, you know, how far the women and children have to carry

21:48

water. That's not even that clean, but the clean air water back to back home just so they have water.

water. That's not even that clean, but the clean air water back to back home just so they have water.

21:55

You know, we saw the schools that were, like, you know, now could function because they had this. We saw so much stuff. So I've seen the impact of it on that side. Yeah. I remember thinking this this almost sounds too good to reach you. It it it it turned out to be the real deal. That's the first thing I wanna say. The second thing is When you have that moment, or you're like, alright. Here's what I should do with my life.

You know, we saw the schools that were, like, you know, now could function because they had this. We saw so much stuff. So I've seen the impact of it on that side. Yeah. I remember thinking this this almost sounds too good to reach you. It it it it turned out to be the real deal. That's the first thing I wanna say. The second thing is When you have that moment, or you're like, alright. Here's what I should do with my life.

22:15

I know I've felt this. I'm sure other people have felt this too. The difference between what you feel like you should do and what you actually do is often held back by some sort of fear or limitation.

I know I've felt this. I'm sure other people have felt this too. The difference between what you feel like you should do and what you actually do is often held back by some sort of fear or limitation.

22:25

Did you, like, Once you left Africa and you get back to the to to New York,

Did you, like, Once you left Africa and you get back to the to to New York,

22:31

did doubt creep in, or did you have any second thoughts of, like, yeah, well, maybe I'll just send the check and go get a job somewhere, like, you know, or were you really are you just wired differently where you were just sort of gung ho? Like, no, I'm doing this.

did doubt creep in, or did you have any second thoughts of, like, yeah, well, maybe I'll just send the check and go get a job somewhere, like, you know, or were you really are you just wired differently where you were just sort of gung ho? Like, no, I'm doing this.

22:43

I think what helped was that I had lived there for almost a year. You know, you hear about a lot of people that go on a mission trip with their church, and they spend five days in Guatemala

I think what helped was that I had lived there for almost a year. You know, you hear about a lot of people that go on a mission trip with their church, and they spend five days in Guatemala

22:53

or in Africa. Five days is not enough to change.

or in Africa. Five days is not enough to change.

22:56

Right. You change everything about your life for for most people.

Right. You change everything about your life for for most people.

23:00

A year of immersive

A year of immersive

23:03

Proximity?

Proximity?

23:04

To an issue was.

To an issue was.

23:06

So there was a responsibility

So there was a responsibility

23:08

to do something about what I'd seen.

to do something about what I'd seen.

23:10

That that took more than a week or even a month. Right. So I I remember coming home, in fact, the ship was sailing to South Africa, while it was gonna be dry docked every year so they would kind of make repairs on the ship, and everybody went on vacation to wine region for a month. I'm like, I don't wanna waste my time doing that. I'm gonna go back to New York City, and I'm gonna put on a gallery exhibition

That that took more than a week or even a month. Right. So I I remember coming home, in fact, the ship was sailing to South Africa, while it was gonna be dry docked every year so they would kind of make repairs on the ship, and everybody went on vacation to wine region for a month. I'm like, I don't wanna waste my time doing that. I'm gonna go back to New York City, and I'm gonna put on a gallery exhibition

23:33

of all the photos that I've taken I'm gonna invite all my club friends in, and I'm gonna ask him for money.

of all the photos that I've taken I'm gonna invite all my club friends in, and I'm gonna ask him for money.

23:38

And I did that. I got a gallery donated in Chelsea.

And I did that. I got a gallery donated in Chelsea.

23:41

I got a bunch of, you know, the printers to donate, you know, high res giant photographs, and I put together a hundred and eight of my before and afters

I got a bunch of, you know, the printers to donate, you know, high res giant photographs, and I put together a hundred and eight of my before and afters

23:51

In a gallery, and I invited everybody from the clubs to come in, and we raised about a hundred thousand dollars. And then I went back on the ship to show people what we had done with their money. Right. To kind of follow the donation. And so let's talk about the approach that you used to build Cherry Waters. So first, let's zoom out. At this point, Charity Water's been around for how many years and how much money has been,

In a gallery, and I invited everybody from the clubs to come in, and we raised about a hundred thousand dollars. And then I went back on the ship to show people what we had done with their money. Right. To kind of follow the donation. And so let's talk about the approach that you used to build Cherry Waters. So first, let's zoom out. At this point, Charity Water's been around for how many years and how much money has been,

24:13

donated

donated

24:14

and how many people have been given clean drinking water since -- Sure. -- this moment.

and how many people have been given clean drinking water since -- Sure. -- this moment.

24:18

We're in year seventeen. Just started year seventeen, we've raised seven hundred and fifty million dollars.

We're in year seventeen. Just started year seventeen, we've raised seven hundred and fifty million dollars.

24:24

And we've helped,

And we've helped,

24:26

sixteen point eight million people get clean water.

sixteen point eight million people get clean water.

24:29

Amazing about. And and in the world, there are seven hundred and seventy million people without water. So it's now one in ten people alive as we record this are drinking dirty water. Eighty two percent of them live in rural areas. So So seventeen years later now

Amazing about. And and in the world, there are seven hundred and seventy million people without water. So it's now one in ten people alive as we record this are drinking dirty water. Eighty two percent of them live in rural areas. So So seventeen years later now

24:44

back to your one of that, your approach. So you took a very interesting approach to this. I wanna start with a quote that I had heard you say once. It's like this toothpaste quote.

back to your one of that, your approach. So you took a very interesting approach to this. I wanna start with a quote that I had heard you say once. It's like this toothpaste quote.

24:54

You'll you'll tell it better than me. But I remember I still remember this. I either you first told me this, like, eight years ago or something,

You'll you'll tell it better than me. But I remember I still remember this. I either you first told me this, like, eight years ago or something,

25:01

and that one stood out to me. Stuck with me ever since then. You wanna say the quotes about butcher's exact wording? This was Nick Kristoff from the New York Times. Tooth pays is peddled with far more sophistication.

and that one stood out to me. Stuck with me ever since then. You wanna say the quotes about butcher's exact wording? This was Nick Kristoff from the New York Times. Tooth pays is peddled with far more sophistication.

25:13

Than all the world's life saving causes.

Than all the world's life saving causes.

25:16

Exactly. So is better

Exactly. So is better

25:19

than doctors without borders. At telling the story.

than doctors without borders. At telling the story.

25:23

Right. The marketing, the sophistication, the photography, the story, the storytelling, all of it that goes into selling random commodity products, the odor and toothpaste.

Right. The marketing, the sophistication, the photography, the story, the storytelling, all of it that goes into selling random commodity products, the odor and toothpaste.

25:33

And I I what I what stood out to me when I kind of encountered what you guys were doing at Cherry Water was It was like best in class marketing, best in class product, best in class storytelling,

And I I what I what stood out to me when I kind of encountered what you guys were doing at Cherry Water was It was like best in class marketing, best in class product, best in class storytelling,

25:42

like you would find

like you would find

25:43

with the way that, you know,

with the way that, you know,

25:45

traditional consumer package, good brands are are run, but you were doing it with charity. And I had never seen that. I was used to going to a charity website that was some old and crusty, Craigslist's looking site. And I push a button and it asked me for money through some old payment method that I don't even know how to use. It's six pages long. Right? And then I'm, like, clicking accept, accept, accept, accept, I have no idea where this money is going. Never hear from them again.

traditional consumer package, good brands are are run, but you were doing it with charity. And I had never seen that. I was used to going to a charity website that was some old and crusty, Craigslist's looking site. And I push a button and it asked me for money through some old payment method that I don't even know how to use. It's six pages long. Right? And then I'm, like, clicking accept, accept, accept, accept, I have no idea where this money is going. Never hear from them again.

26:07

You know, and that was my charity experience. And then Charity Waters is very, very different. So talk about

You know, and that was my charity experience. And then Charity Waters is very, very different. So talk about

26:12

how you decided to approach it from, like, first principles and what were those, like, core tenets,

how you decided to approach it from, like, first principles and what were those, like, core tenets,

26:18

that you you you built on top Well, I had the advantage of not knowing what I was doing. With with many entrepreneurs to start, you know, anything

that you you you built on top Well, I had the advantage of not knowing what I was doing. With with many entrepreneurs to start, you know, anything

26:25

that becomes the most entrepreneurial advantage. I didn't know any better. I didn't come from the establishment, so I knew nothing about traditional philanthropy, how to set up a charity.

that becomes the most entrepreneurial advantage. I didn't know any better. I didn't come from the establishment, so I knew nothing about traditional philanthropy, how to set up a charity.

26:35

Actually went and bought

Actually went and bought

26:36

the Yellow Dummies book, you know, nonprofits for Dummies.

the Yellow Dummies book, you know, nonprofits for Dummies.

26:41

Okay? And then I bought HTML for Dummies because I'm like, well, I don't have money for a web designer, so I need to also you know, build our website.

Okay? And then I bought HTML for Dummies because I'm like, well, I don't have money for a web designer, so I need to also you know, build our website.

26:48

So I was living on a closet floor at the time in soho, New York, my old club partner took me in for free rent, And I was sleeping on his walk in closet.

So I was living on a closet floor at the time in soho, New York, my old club partner took me in for free rent, And I was sleeping on his walk in closet.

26:57

And but I had a very clear mission. So if you'd run into me seventeen years ago, I'm gonna bring clean water to everybody in the world. Same thing I'm I'm saying, you know, now.

And but I had a very clear mission. So if you'd run into me seventeen years ago, I'm gonna bring clean water to everybody in the world. Same thing I'm I'm saying, you know, now.

27:07

The

The

27:08

as I talk to everyday people, who worked at MTV or VH one at the time, who worked at Sephora,

as I talk to everyday people, who worked at MTV or VH one at the time, who worked at Sephora,

27:14

who worked at Chase Bank.

who worked at Chase Bank.

27:16

I realized they were cynical and skeptical about charities.

I realized they were cynical and skeptical about charities.

27:20

They just didn't trust.

They just didn't trust.

27:22

Charity, writ large.

Charity, writ large.

27:24

And I remember coming across a USA Today poll found forty two percent of Americans

And I remember coming across a USA Today poll found forty two percent of Americans

27:29

Just flat out said distrustful of charities.

Just flat out said distrustful of charities.

27:32

Seventy percent of Americans in a more recent poll said they believe charities waste their money.

Seventy percent of Americans in a more recent poll said they believe charities waste their money.

27:38

So seven out of ten.

So seven out of ten.

27:40

Potentially

Potentially

27:41

generous people think charities are wasting

generous people think charities are wasting

27:44

their donations.

their donations.

27:46

So I thought this was a huge opportunity.

So I thought this was a huge opportunity.

27:49

And a new business model could solve some of this,

And a new business model could solve some of this,

27:53

skepticism or speak to the skeptic.

skepticism or speak to the skeptic.

27:56

So I thought, well, what if we could open up two separate bank accounts?

So I thought, well, what if we could open up two separate bank accounts?

28:00

And in one bank account, I would raise all of that nasty overhead.

And in one bank account, I would raise all of that nasty overhead.

28:05

The staff salaries, the office cost the toner for the Epson copy machine,

The staff salaries, the office cost the toner for the Epson copy machine,

28:09

the flights

the flights

28:10

to Africa and Indian Asian where we'd eventually build our projects. What if I could raise that in a separate bank account. And then

to Africa and Indian Asian where we'd eventually build our projects. What if I could raise that in a separate bank account. And then

28:17

in the main bank account, a hundred percent of every donation.

in the main bank account, a hundred percent of every donation.

28:22

Whether it was a dollar or a pound or a euro

Whether it was a dollar or a pound or a euro

28:24

or a million dollars or a million pounds or a million euros could go directly

or a million dollars or a million pounds or a million euros could go directly

28:29

to build water projects that saves people's lives.

to build water projects that saves people's lives.

28:32

And, you know, nobody was doing this at the time. I mean, this would have, you know, made us different than ninety nine point nine nine percent of charities in the world. Because it's very difficult to do. But I just thought this would be clear. I could say to a six year old, go sell lemonade,

And, you know, nobody was doing this at the time. I mean, this would have, you know, made us different than ninety nine point nine nine percent of charities in the world. Because it's very difficult to do. But I just thought this would be clear. I could say to a six year old, go sell lemonade,

28:47

turn in seventy five cents, It all seventy five cents will go directly to help people get clean water. So that was kind of number one idea. Number two was then kind of realizing

turn in seventy five cents, It all seventy five cents will go directly to help people get clean water. So that was kind of number one idea. Number two was then kind of realizing

28:58

Wow. Money's not fungible,

Wow. Money's not fungible,

29:00

so we can build technology tools to track

so we can build technology tools to track

29:03

these small amounts of money.

these small amounts of money.

29:06

Down to

Down to

29:07

the project

the project

29:08

that they funded.

that they funded.

29:10

And I remember meeting the the founder of Google Earth, and he progressed this galleon into my palm. So charity water started right before Google Earth and Google Maps. And he says, you know, I'm building a place where you can put every single well. Every water point, and you can show people where their money went.

And I remember meeting the the founder of Google Earth, and he progressed this galleon into my palm. So charity water started right before Google Earth and Google Maps. And he says, you know, I'm building a place where you can put every single well. Every water point, and you can show people where their money went.

29:27

So I'm like, great. We're gonna be the first charity to geolocate

So I'm like, great. We're gonna be the first charity to geolocate

29:31

every

every

29:32

Completed project, and we're gonna build the most transparent charity the world has ever seen. So proof became the second pillar. And then the third thing was this idea of building an epic brand.

Completed project, and we're gonna build the most transparent charity the world has ever seen. So proof became the second pillar. And then the third thing was this idea of building an epic brand.

29:43

Charities so often use shame and guilt.

Charities so often use shame and guilt.

29:46

To peddle their wares. Where would the apple of charities? Where was the Nike?

To peddle their wares. Where would the apple of charities? Where was the Nike?

29:50

You know, Nike doesn't

You know, Nike doesn't

29:52

sell shoes by telling people they're fat and lazy.

sell shoes by telling people they're fat and lazy.

29:56

Your Nike sells shoes by telling inspirational stories of people overcoming adversity.

Your Nike sells shoes by telling inspirational stories of people overcoming adversity.

30:01

Your Nike believes if you have one leg, you can win a marathon.

Your Nike believes if you have one leg, you can win a marathon.

30:05

You know, if you have one arm, you can win the shot put competition at the Olympics with your other arm. And, you know, Nike believed greatnesses inside you, and that's the way that they market. And some maybe I should turn off the TV and stop eating Cheetos and try and go run a quarter of a mile.

You know, if you have one arm, you can win the shot put competition at the Olympics with your other arm. And, you know, Nike believed greatnesses inside you, and that's the way that they market. And some maybe I should turn off the TV and stop eating Cheetos and try and go run a quarter of a mile.

30:20

So I I wanted Charity water to be modeled on you know, the whimsy of Virgin,

So I I wanted Charity water to be modeled on you know, the whimsy of Virgin,

30:25

the kind of beautiful design of Apple, and then this,

the kind of beautiful design of Apple, and then this,

30:30

you know, this opera tunity or inspiration of of Nike, and I just didn't see it out there. So brand was kind of the third thing, the third pillar. And then to actually get the work done, I believed You know, as we built wells and built gravity fed systems and filtration systems and in it would need to be led by the locals in each of these countries.

you know, this opera tunity or inspiration of of Nike, and I just didn't see it out there. So brand was kind of the third thing, the third pillar. And then to actually get the work done, I believed You know, as we built wells and built gravity fed systems and filtration systems and in it would need to be led by the locals in each of these countries.

30:49

To be culturally appropriate and sustainable.

To be culturally appropriate and sustainable.

30:52

When you came with me to Ethiopia, there were three hundred and fifty

When you came with me to Ethiopia, there were three hundred and fifty

30:56

local staff.

local staff.

30:57

Working on the water projects running eight different drilling rigs. There wasn't a single person who looked like you or me. Right. In that entire program of three hundred fifty people. And we just believe that we would create thousands of local jobs as we scaled

Working on the water projects running eight different drilling rigs. There wasn't a single person who looked like you or me. Right. In that entire program of three hundred fifty people. And we just believe that we would create thousands of local jobs as we scaled

31:12

and our our role would be to get people to care about this issue, get people to say, it's not okay on my watch. That we are looking

and our our role would be to get people to care about this issue, get people to say, it's not okay on my watch. That we are looking

31:20

for water on a planet over a hundred million miles away.

for water on a planet over a hundred million miles away.

31:25

And seven hundred seventy million people

And seven hundred seventy million people

31:27

are risking their life every day because they don't have clean water here on our planet. So our job would be to get people to reject the apathy that You know, is is easy to assume with any of these paralyzing global issues and say, let's do something about this. Let's get everybody on Earth clean water.

are risking their life every day because they don't have clean water here on our planet. So our job would be to get people to reject the apathy that You know, is is easy to assume with any of these paralyzing global issues and say, let's do something about this. Let's get everybody on Earth clean water.

31:44

Like, we can all agree on that. Republicans can agree on that. Democrats and independents and libertarians.

Like, we can all agree on that. Republicans can agree on that. Democrats and independents and libertarians.

31:49

And Jews and Christians and Muslims and atheists and Mormons like everybody can think that clean Drinking Water is a good idea.

And Jews and Christians and Muslims and atheists and Mormons like everybody can think that clean Drinking Water is a good idea.

31:57

So it started in a night club. I mean, the only idea I had seventeen years ago was to throw my thirty first birthday party I got the club donated.

So it started in a night club. I mean, the only idea I had seventeen years ago was to throw my thirty first birthday party I got the club donated.

32:05

I got open bar donated, and then I charged everybody twenty bucks to get in as a donation.

I got open bar donated, and then I charged everybody twenty bucks to get in as a donation.

32:11

And at the end of that night, we collected fifteen thousand dollars in this big plexy box. And we counted it, and then we counted it again, and then we photographed everybody counting it. And then we took a hundred percent of the money to Uganda and we built our first well.

And at the end of that night, we collected fifteen thousand dollars in this big plexy box. And we counted it, and then we counted it again, and then we photographed everybody counting it. And then we took a hundred percent of the money to Uganda and we built our first well.

32:24

And then we sent the photos,

And then we sent the photos,

32:27

And the GPS coordinates of that well, back to the seven hundred people, and we say you did this. Here's where your twenty dollars went.

And the GPS coordinates of that well, back to the seven hundred people, and we say you did this. Here's where your twenty dollars went.

32:35

And that sounds so simple, but that was so revolutionary.

And that sounds so simple, but that was so revolutionary.

32:39

People never expected to hear from the charity again. I mean, they went to some party in a club for some dudes thirty first birthday, and they threw twenty bucks in a bin. And

People never expected to hear from the charity again. I mean, they went to some party in a club for some dudes thirty first birthday, and they threw twenty bucks in a bin. And

32:48

that idea, we said let's just put that at the core

that idea, we said let's just put that at the core

32:52

of water. And in everything we do, let's try to connect people to what their money accomplished, to the people who they helped.

of water. And in everything we do, let's try to connect people to what their money accomplished, to the people who they helped.

33:02

I can't find this client info. Have you heard of HubSpot?

I can't find this client info. Have you heard of HubSpot?

33:05

HubSpot is a CRM platform, so it shares data across every application. Every team can stay aligned. No out of sync spreadsheets or dueling databases. HubSpot, grow better.

HubSpot is a CRM platform, so it shares data across every application. Every team can stay aligned. No out of sync spreadsheets or dueling databases. HubSpot, grow better.

33:18

And so you you kick it off like that with a night club.

And so you you kick it off like that with a night club.

33:22

Go back. You go back to the to to your kind of roots as as far as what do I know how to do? Okay. I can throw out a great party, but this time, I'll I'll I'll do it with a twist.

Go back. You go back to the to to your kind of roots as as far as what do I know how to do? Okay. I can throw out a great party, but this time, I'll I'll I'll do it with a twist.

33:31

And then tell the story about Mark Zuckerberg,

And then tell the story about Mark Zuckerberg,

33:34

and, Michael Birch and trying to, scale this up because I thought this was an amazing story. Yeah. And this is where

and, Michael Birch and trying to, scale this up because I thought this was an amazing story. Yeah. And this is where

33:41

at some point, your your genius business model of not seeing all the over yielding all the overhead separate and letting all the donations. One hundred percent of the donations go to the cause sounds good in theory, but there's a reason why charities don't do this. Yeah. Because it's hard to cover the overheads. So talk about how you got into a little bit of a pickle and then what happened from there? Yeah. So about a year and a half in well, let's just say the hundred percent model was working.

at some point, your your genius business model of not seeing all the over yielding all the overhead separate and letting all the donations. One hundred percent of the donations go to the cause sounds good in theory, but there's a reason why charities don't do this. Yeah. Because it's hard to cover the overheads. So talk about how you got into a little bit of a pickle and then what happened from there? Yeah. So about a year and a half in well, let's just say the hundred percent model was working.

34:05

And we we'd raised a few million dollars just right out of the gate. People love that idea.

And we we'd raised a few million dollars just right out of the gate. People love that idea.

34:11

In the other bank account, A lot harder to raise that overhead. So we had a moment where we had eight hundred and eighty seven thousand dollars ready to go out to build water projects

In the other bank account, A lot harder to raise that overhead. So we had a moment where we had eight hundred and eighty seven thousand dollars ready to go out to build water projects

34:21

and we're about to miss payroll

and we're about to miss payroll

34:23

on the overhead bank account. And it was interesting. The advice I was getting from people was Hey. Go borrow

on the overhead bank account. And it was interesting. The advice I was getting from people was Hey. Go borrow

34:30

from that eight hundred eighty seven. Right? I mean, you gotta pay your people. Right. Like, you'll pay it back later. Right? A little I o u in that account. And I remember thinking,

from that eight hundred eighty seven. Right? I mean, you gotta pay your people. Right. Like, you'll pay it back later. Right? A little I o u in that account. And I remember thinking,

34:39

if we borrow one penny,

if we borrow one penny,

34:41

we've compromised our integrity.

we've compromised our integrity.

34:43

There's a crack at the foundation,

There's a crack at the foundation,

34:45

And I don't wanna work here, and nobody will wanna work here again. So I'm just gonna shut the charity down and say that this business model didn't work. And I started calling lawyers to say, like, how do you wind down a charity?

And I don't wanna work here, and nobody will wanna work here again. So I'm just gonna shut the charity down and say that this business model didn't work. And I started calling lawyers to say, like, how do you wind down a charity?

34:57

Eighteen months in because

Eighteen months in because

34:59

all the naysayers were right. It's too hard getting people excited about overhead.

all the naysayers were right. It's too hard getting people excited about overhead.

35:03

At the same time, I had just come up with this idea of trying to scale the birthday party, but not a birthday party in a night club,

At the same time, I had just come up with this idea of trying to scale the birthday party, but not a birthday party in a night club,

35:12

taking it online.

taking it online.

35:14

And, for year to, or the the the one year anniversary of charity water, I donated my thirty second birthday. And instead of throwing a party, I just asked everyone to give thirty two dollars. For my thirty second birthday. And I wound up raising sixty grand.

And, for year to, or the the the one year anniversary of charity water, I donated my thirty second birthday. And instead of throwing a party, I just asked everyone to give thirty two dollars. For my thirty second birthday. And I wound up raising sixty grand.

35:29

Four x because a lot of people had thirty two dollars to give, especially if they could see exactly where it went. Right. So I had, googled, you know, top three social networks.

Four x because a lot of people had thirty two dollars to give, especially if they could see exactly where it went. Right. So I had, googled, you know, top three social networks.

35:38

And, you know, myspace was number one at the time. So I emailed Tom.

And, you know, myspace was number one at the time. So I emailed Tom.

35:43

Facebook was number two, emailed Zuck,

Facebook was number two, emailed Zuck,

35:45

it's like called Bebo that I hadn't heard of was number three. So I remember scraping, Michael Birch's name from the domain registry, you know, who is,

it's like called Bebo that I hadn't heard of was number three. So I remember scraping, Michael Birch's name from the domain registry, you know, who is,

35:53

dot net, And I emailed him. And I said, hey, I'm this kid. I'm trying to bring clean water to the world, and I'd like everybody

dot net, And I emailed him. And I said, hey, I'm this kid. I'm trying to bring clean water to the world, and I'd like everybody

35:59

on your social network to donate their birthdays to my cause. It's your agent dollars. A hundred percent goes. Yeah. This is a great idea. Well, luck didn't write me back. Tom didn't write me back. Michael did. And he said, I actually love this idea. And on the side, I have this site called birthday alarm, which reminds people of their birthdays.

on your social network to donate their birthdays to my cause. It's your agent dollars. A hundred percent goes. Yeah. This is a great idea. Well, luck didn't write me back. Tom didn't write me back. Michael did. And he said, I actually love this idea. And on the side, I have this site called birthday alarm, which reminds people of their birthdays.

36:16

And, he said You know, the timing for me is terrible right now, but, you know, keep up the great work. And by the way, the website design looks awesome.

And, he said You know, the timing for me is terrible right now, but, you know, keep up the great work. And by the way, the website design looks awesome.

36:24

So this was six months before the bankruptcy moment.

So this was six months before the bankruptcy moment.

36:27

And around this time when we're about to wind down, you know, I remember praying I'm, like, on my knees. Like, god, I thought you gave me this dream. Where's the money?

And around this time when we're about to wind down, you know, I remember praying I'm, like, on my knees. Like, god, I thought you gave me this dream. Where's the money?

36:37

Like, show me the money.

Like, show me the money.

36:39

Yeah, you show me the money in the wrong bank account.

Yeah, you show me the money in the wrong bank account.

36:41

And, I I was praying I had no faith that anything would happen. And at this time, Michael Birchstein turns up and he says, hey. I'm gonna be in New York. I've got an hour, you know, can I stop by and and see your office?

And, I I was praying I had no faith that anything would happen. And at this time, Michael Birchstein turns up and he says, hey. I'm gonna be in New York. I've got an hour, you know, can I stop by and and see your office?

36:51

And I remember sitting with him and taking him through a presentation on my laptop and just being really honest about how hard it was to raise money for overhead.

And I remember sitting with him and taking him through a presentation on my laptop and just being really honest about how hard it was to raise money for overhead.

36:59

And I remember thinking he just didn't like me. I mean, he was British. You know, he wasn't smiling. Yep. Not not a lot of warmth.

And I remember thinking he just didn't like me. I mean, he was British. You know, he wasn't smiling. Yep. Not not a lot of warmth.

37:06

Or encouragement.

Or encouragement.

37:08

But two days later, he emails me at midnight, and he says, hey, I really enjoyed meeting you. I just wired a million dollars into your overhead account.

But two days later, he emails me at midnight, and he says, hey, I really enjoyed meeting you. I just wired a million dollars into your overhead account.

37:17

I remember logging on to the bank, and I saw it one comma zero zero zero. It was thirteen months of overhead funding.

I remember logging on to the bank, and I saw it one comma zero zero zero. It was thirteen months of overhead funding.

37:24

So we went from insolvent,

So we went from insolvent,

37:26

and he said I think he said keep rocking.

and he said I think he said keep rocking.

37:29

Just you just need more time. Love the idea. You just need more time. And again, that was seven hundred and fifty million dollars ago.

Just you just need more time. Love the idea. You just need more time. And again, that was seven hundred and fifty million dollars ago.

37:37

And today,

And today,

37:38

we have a hundred and thirty one

we have a hundred and thirty one

37:40

entrepreneurs

entrepreneurs

37:41

and and families that pay all the overhead.

and and families that pay all the overhead.

37:44

And we have never been close to the line since.

And we have never been close to the line since.

37:48

And and, you know, we grow that group by selecting twenty new entrepreneurs and twenty new families or so every single year as the organization

And and, you know, we grow that group by selecting twenty new entrepreneurs and twenty new families or so every single year as the organization

37:56

grows.

grows.

37:57

And, you know, Michael and Zochi have been very generous given over twenty million dollars. They've come in come to fourteen or fifteen countries with me now, bringing their kids all over the world to see the impact that they've they've made. But that was

And, you know, Michael and Zochi have been very generous given over twenty million dollars. They've come in come to fourteen or fifteen countries with me now, bringing their kids all over the world to see the impact that they've they've made. But that was

38:09

that was that was a moment.

that was that was a moment.

38:11

I've asked Michael. I was like, you know, you've done all these different projects. So he did multiple internet companies. He,

I've asked Michael. I was like, you know, you've done all these different projects. So he did multiple internet companies. He,

38:19

he did the battery. He did the battery. So he's got this members club, like, you know, a physical building, a giant beautiful sixty thousand square foot building. He's done, you know, hundreds of investments,

he did the battery. He did the battery. So he's got this members club, like, you know, a physical building, a giant beautiful sixty thousand square foot building. He's done, you know, hundreds of investments,

38:29

whatever. As as, like, you know, what's your favorite? What's the best thing you've done?

whatever. As as, like, you know, what's your favorite? What's the best thing you've done?

38:35

And instantly, he just goes, charity water. He goes, yeah. He goes, the most fulfilling work that I've done is basically help, you know, donating and then helping helping Scott and and taking my family, my kids to Africa. They I think they go, like, almost every year, every other year or something. That to go and see the work and the projects. And he's like, I love those trips with my family. My kids love it. It's taught them so much.

And instantly, he just goes, charity water. He goes, yeah. He goes, the most fulfilling work that I've done is basically help, you know, donating and then helping helping Scott and and taking my family, my kids to Africa. They I think they go, like, almost every year, every other year or something. That to go and see the work and the projects. And he's like, I love those trips with my family. My kids love it. It's taught them so much.

39:00

And, you know, he he's like, that's the best thing I've done, hands down. And I thought that was pretty impressive. Here's the guy who's made, like, a billion dollars and built social networks with, you know, whatever millions and millions of users and all that good stuff. And and I thought that was pretty, pretty remarkable. And it sounds like

And, you know, he he's like, that's the best thing I've done, hands down. And I thought that was pretty impressive. Here's the guy who's made, like, a billion dollars and built social networks with, you know, whatever millions and millions of users and all that good stuff. And and I thought that was pretty, pretty remarkable. And it sounds like

39:16

Because when I met you,

Because when I met you,

39:19

I went to one of your events, and then I went to the Ethiopia trip with you, and the Ethiopia trip, you know, it was like the who's who was, like, you know, famous tech founders,

I went to one of your events, and then I went to the Ethiopia trip with you, and the Ethiopia trip, you know, it was like the who's who was, like, you know, famous tech founders,

39:29

actors, actresses, people from Hollywood, people from the music industry. It was on that trip, I think. A

actors, actresses, people from Hollywood, people from the music industry. It was on that trip, I think. A

39:35

fun group of people.

fun group of people.

39:37

Yeah. It was kind of an amazing group. And,

Yeah. It was kind of an amazing group. And,

39:40

you know, just like the kind of bus ride conversations were were were just incredible for the group. And then,

you know, just like the kind of bus ride conversations were were were just incredible for the group. And then,

39:47

then I played wonderwall at the fire and people saw it. People saw that. I I only know three of four cords of wonderwall.

then I played wonderwall at the fire and people saw it. People saw that. I I only know three of four cords of wonderwall.

39:54

And and so then we we go there and I'm like, this is an incredible way to, like, you know, the best products in the world are products where you can either show somebody a before and after photo, even better. You just put a product in their hands, or even better what you were doing, which is if I let you see it, you're gonna believe. And so what have you learned in that process of, like, going from

And and so then we we go there and I'm like, this is an incredible way to, like, you know, the best products in the world are products where you can either show somebody a before and after photo, even better. You just put a product in their hands, or even better what you were doing, which is if I let you see it, you're gonna believe. And so what have you learned in that process of, like, going from

40:17

almost, almost bankruptcy to down raising seven hundred fifty million dollars for charity. Which, by the way, is a fraction of what we need to raise to make the impact that we wanna make. So, you know, seventeen million people, that's great. That's one forty seventh of the way there. So -- Yes. -- you know, we are we we believe we're in, like, the second inning of this. Right. I looked at the twenty seven stock, twenty seven year, Justin Con tweeted this couple years ago. Twenty seven year stock chart of Amazon.

almost, almost bankruptcy to down raising seven hundred fifty million dollars for charity. Which, by the way, is a fraction of what we need to raise to make the impact that we wanna make. So, you know, seventeen million people, that's great. That's one forty seventh of the way there. So -- Yes. -- you know, we are we we believe we're in, like, the second inning of this. Right. I looked at the twenty seven stock, twenty seven year, Justin Con tweeted this couple years ago. Twenty seven year stock chart of Amazon.

40:42

Seven percent of the value was created in the first twenty years.

Seven percent of the value was created in the first twenty years.

40:46

Ninety three percent of the value, years twenty one through twenty seven. So, you know, things take time, you know, and we believe that, yeah, this is just a biomarker

Ninety three percent of the value, years twenty one through twenty seven. So, you know, things take time, you know, and we believe that, yeah, this is just a biomarker

40:55

on,

on,

40:56

you know, hopefully the expansiveness

you know, hopefully the expansiveness

40:58

of the Charity Water community

of the Charity Water community

40:59

and the generosity that is yet untapped

and the generosity that is yet untapped

41:03

as we, again, try to get everybody clean water. I mean, there's probably nobody listening that thinks people should die by drinking bad water simply because of where they were born. Right. We all agree. And What is the cost to give someone clean drinking water rough? I I know you I remember the number. And then and then I remember you were like, hey, that number's outdated. It doesn't take into account these other things. Let's raise it. And I remember being like, well, I don't know. That do we wanna should we just round the number? And you're like, no. We don't round the number. We just say what the actual cost is. Like, Yeah. I I really appreciate the integrity of it. So I think what this year was it's forty dollars to give one person clean water on average. We work across twenty two countries. I think last year's actual was thirty nine sixty seven.

as we, again, try to get everybody clean water. I mean, there's probably nobody listening that thinks people should die by drinking bad water simply because of where they were born. Right. We all agree. And What is the cost to give someone clean drinking water rough? I I know you I remember the number. And then and then I remember you were like, hey, that number's outdated. It doesn't take into account these other things. Let's raise it. And I remember being like, well, I don't know. That do we wanna should we just round the number? And you're like, no. We don't round the number. We just say what the actual cost is. Like, Yeah. I I really appreciate the integrity of it. So I think what this year was it's forty dollars to give one person clean water on average. We work across twenty two countries. I think last year's actual was thirty nine sixty seven.

41:44

And so so forty dollars and that's for a year or that's for a lifetime. What is that? That's for ten ten plus years. For the life of the project. Some of these projects for forty, twenty years. You can change you could absolutely change somebody's life. I know. Forty bucks. I know.

And so so forty dollars and that's for a year or that's for a lifetime. What is that? That's for ten ten plus years. For the life of the project. Some of these projects for forty, twenty years. You can change you could absolutely change somebody's life. I know. Forty bucks. I know.

41:57

And,

And,

41:59

talk about some of the things that you've tried. So now let's kinda go into the the slightly entrepreneurial

talk about some of the things that you've tried. So now let's kinda go into the the slightly entrepreneurial

42:04

section of, like, you know, stories of stuff you've tried or are opportunities that you see,

section of, like, you know, stories of stuff you've tried or are opportunities that you see,

42:09

more in the spirit of kind of how we typically brainstorm things around here. Yeah. I mean, we've You know, innovation has been a real core of the organization, as you say, trying new things. We made one of the first virtual reality films seven years ago. This is before they had VR cameras that you could buy. We got GoPro donated, made a modified rig and shot a six day journey. Where a thirty year old girl gets clean water for the first time in her life. We debut that at a gala where we put headsets on four hundred people in black tie. We press press play and synchronicity.

more in the spirit of kind of how we typically brainstorm things around here. Yeah. I mean, we've You know, innovation has been a real core of the organization, as you say, trying new things. We made one of the first virtual reality films seven years ago. This is before they had VR cameras that you could buy. We got GoPro donated, made a modified rig and shot a six day journey. Where a thirty year old girl gets clean water for the first time in her life. We debut that at a gala where we put headsets on four hundred people in black tie. We press press play and synchronicity.

42:40

We took them all to Ethiopia

We took them all to Ethiopia

42:41

for this week of, you know, water magic.

for this week of, you know, water magic.

42:45

And then the minute the film ended, we just asked them for money and raised a couple million dollars. So, you know, that that was a fun one.

And then the minute the film ended, we just asked them for money and raised a couple million dollars. So, you know, that that was a fun one.

42:52

You know, couple years ago, we got into the Bitcoin space, and we started a trust

You know, couple years ago, we got into the Bitcoin space, and we started a trust

42:58

called the Bitcoin Water Trust where we raised a hundred Bitcoin to start. And we said, we're gonna lock them all up in cold storage until at least twenty twenty five. So we're not gonna sell it. Charity water charities typically when you give them stock, you know, they immediately liquidate.

called the Bitcoin Water Trust where we raised a hundred Bitcoin to start. And we said, we're gonna lock them all up in cold storage until at least twenty twenty five. So we're not gonna sell it. Charity water charities typically when you give them stock, you know, they immediately liquidate.

43:13

Who are we to ever take a position on any asset? Right? Right. And we said, we're gonna take a position on this. And we think, you know, there will be people who would only give us a Bitcoin donation, you know, to hold past, you know, the next halving and and and and maybe even longer, but would never give us a Bitcoin, you know, to immediately liquidate. They'd rather give us cash or some other asset.

Who are we to ever take a position on any asset? Right? Right. And we said, we're gonna take a position on this. And we think, you know, there will be people who would only give us a Bitcoin donation, you know, to hold past, you know, the next halving and and and and maybe even longer, but would never give us a Bitcoin, you know, to immediately liquidate. They'd rather give us cash or some other asset.

43:34

So we raised over a hundred there, and that's that that campaign is open is still going with that same promise that a hundred percent will then, you know, get unlocked at some point twenty twenty five and beyond,

So we raised over a hundred there, and that's that that campaign is open is still going with that same promise that a hundred percent will then, you know, get unlocked at some point twenty twenty five and beyond,

43:45

and then go to have as much impact as as possible.

and then go to have as much impact as as possible.

43:50

Gosh. I mean, we you know, the birthday idea raised over a hundred million dollars,

Gosh. I mean, we you know, the birthday idea raised over a hundred million dollars,

43:55

by getting over a million people involved just in that simple idea, and that's now been taken by Lots of other charities. And what's the best bet to open up a physical birthdays in my birthdays in two weeks? I wanna give up my birthday. Oh, do it. I'll be your first donor. Alright. It it's it's at least worth it to set up the page in thirty seconds. Is it still at mychurch water dot com, or where where do I go now to do that? I think you just I think it's probably on the home page now. Okay. Wonderful. Yeah. So that's another way people get and then we have, we have an amazing subscription community called the spring,

by getting over a million people involved just in that simple idea, and that's now been taken by Lots of other charities. And what's the best bet to open up a physical birthdays in my birthdays in two weeks? I wanna give up my birthday. Oh, do it. I'll be your first donor. Alright. It it's it's at least worth it to set up the page in thirty seconds. Is it still at mychurch water dot com, or where where do I go now to do that? I think you just I think it's probably on the home page now. Okay. Wonderful. Yeah. So that's another way people get and then we have, we have an amazing subscription community called the spring,

44:24

which is That has really helped the organization triple over the last, five years. And it's I remember being in a land rover with Daniel Ek. From Spotify.

which is That has really helped the organization triple over the last, five years. And it's I remember being in a land rover with Daniel Ek. From Spotify.

44:33

And he's like, Scott, your business model sucks every January one.

And he's like, Scott, your business model sucks every January one.

44:37

All that money you raised last year? Your ticker starts at zero, you gotta go re raise all that and then grow. He said, why don't you build a community of people? Who will sign up every single month to give what they can. And that's the spring. That now has members from a hundred and forty nine countries.

All that money you raised last year? Your ticker starts at zero, you gotta go re raise all that and then grow. He said, why don't you build a community of people? Who will sign up every single month to give what they can. And that's the spring. That now has members from a hundred and forty nine countries.

44:55

And is really the core of so much of our growth. The average is about thirty bucks a month. So it's it's a little less than one person getting clean water, but there are a lot of people They can give one person clean water every single month and not even miss it, not even think about it. You know, it's two Netflix's in a Spotify.

And is really the core of so much of our growth. The average is about thirty bucks a month. So it's it's a little less than one person getting clean water, but there are a lot of people They can give one person clean water every single month and not even miss it, not even think about it. You know, it's two Netflix's in a Spotify.

45:13

Right, or two HBO maxes.

Right, or two HBO maxes.

45:15

And, and instead of, you know, getting content that you probably don't even need to watch more of anyway, You know, humans are getting clean water as a hundred percent of that goes. So that's people could learn more about that at the spring dot com. And there's also a video there that's gotten over a hundred million views, which is a is a short telling of our story with some of the visuals that you mentioned. And I'm gonna ask you one impossible question, which is kinda like, you know, you ask Michael Jordan, how do you do how do you do it? Right? It's like, You've told me little things in passing around because I I kind of admire your brand building, your storytelling, and your event thing also. Like, we didn't even talk about the events that you guys throw and how those drum up so much interest and passion and and donations.

And, and instead of, you know, getting content that you probably don't even need to watch more of anyway, You know, humans are getting clean water as a hundred percent of that goes. So that's people could learn more about that at the spring dot com. And there's also a video there that's gotten over a hundred million views, which is a is a short telling of our story with some of the visuals that you mentioned. And I'm gonna ask you one impossible question, which is kinda like, you know, you ask Michael Jordan, how do you do how do you do it? Right? It's like, You've told me little things in passing around because I I kind of admire your brand building, your storytelling, and your event thing also. Like, we didn't even talk about the events that you guys throw and how those drum up so much interest and passion and and donations.

45:54

And you had told me one thing about the events that I shared on the podcast that a lot of people liked, which was When I asked you, why are your events so good? Why why do people rave about the events? And you said, I got this from from Vic. My wife, she she says,

And you had told me one thing about the events that I shared on the podcast that a lot of people liked, which was When I asked you, why are your events so good? Why why do people rave about the events? And you said, I got this from from Vic. My wife, she she says,

46:06

you know, it's about the moments between the moments.

you know, it's about the moments between the moments.

46:09

And you gave me that little philosophy. And I I don't even think I understand eighty percent of that. But it I don't know. No idea either. We should get my wife in here. It's provocative. Right? It it gave me something to think about. I'm curious. Do you feel, like, is there anything that you've kind of is your your personal philosophies or isms or set up sort of like life hacks when it comes to either the storytelling, the sales, the marketing side, the brand building, like, Do you have any other moments between the moments that I can I could take with me this time? Well, I I think the more you give, the more you give.

And you gave me that little philosophy. And I I don't even think I understand eighty percent of that. But it I don't know. No idea either. We should get my wife in here. It's provocative. Right? It it gave me something to think about. I'm curious. Do you feel, like, is there anything that you've kind of is your your personal philosophies or isms or set up sort of like life hacks when it comes to either the storytelling, the sales, the marketing side, the brand building, like, Do you have any other moments between the moments that I can I could take with me this time? Well, I I think the more you give, the more you give.

46:39

So I think it's like a muscle. And practicing generosity,

So I think it's like a muscle. And practicing generosity,

46:43

practicing saying yes

practicing saying yes

46:45

just makes you wanna say yes more. It makes you wanna help more people.

just makes you wanna say yes more. It makes you wanna help more people.

46:50

You know, I think a lot of people just they have the walls up. Oh my gosh. If I say yes to this charity, I'm gonna have to say next the next one. Yes. To the next one. And, like, everybody's gonna be asking me. Like, that's okay. Try that.

You know, I think a lot of people just they have the walls up. Oh my gosh. If I say yes to this charity, I'm gonna have to say next the next one. Yes. To the next one. And, like, everybody's gonna be asking me. Like, that's okay. Try that.

47:01

You know? And and and if Yeah. If you have to take the amount that you're giving down to all of them so you can say yes to more, try encouraging a social entrepreneur.

You know? And and and if Yeah. If you have to take the amount that you're giving down to all of them so you can say yes to more, try encouraging a social entrepreneur.

47:10

Try encouraging someone who has mustered the courage

Try encouraging someone who has mustered the courage

47:13

Ask you to support their run or, you know, their son's leukemia treatment

Ask you to support their run or, you know, their son's leukemia treatment

47:18

or the food pantry or a cause like water around the world. Like, say yes.

or the food pantry or a cause like water around the world. Like, say yes.

47:22

And it's a joy to give.

And it's a joy to give.

47:24

It it's it's a blessing to give. You know, the first three letters in the word fundraising,

It it's it's a blessing to give. You know, the first three letters in the word fundraising,

47:29

it's fun.

it's fun.

47:31

Like, it should be fun

Like, it should be fun

47:33

to raise money

to raise money

47:34

for important causes to raise money, to give money to end needless suffering around the world.

for important causes to raise money, to give money to end needless suffering around the world.

47:40

And I think the more you do it, the more you wanna do it.

And I think the more you do it, the more you wanna do it.

47:44

And the more you say no, the more you're inclined to say no, and miss out. Right.

And the more you say no, the more you're inclined to say no, and miss out. Right.

47:47

Well, I will, I will take your challenge. I will say yes. So I'm gonna set up a a birthday. My birthday's in a couple weeks. I'm gonna set up a birthday campaign right now. I'm gonna put the link in the description of this podcast. Awesome. I love it. So if you if you love this podcast, if you love me, normally, that we have this thing called the gentleman's agreement. It it the or the lady's understanding, which basically says go subscribe to our channel. Today, it's a little bit of a different, gentleman's agreement. Doting your agent dollars. How old are you gonna be? Thirty five. So there you go. Think is if you wanna give me a gift thirty five bucks towards charity water, I'm gonna put the link in the description, and then I will donate thirty five thousand dollars on top of whatever gets donated from people to to charity water as well. And so that will be my

Well, I will, I will take your challenge. I will say yes. So I'm gonna set up a a birthday. My birthday's in a couple weeks. I'm gonna set up a birthday campaign right now. I'm gonna put the link in the description of this podcast. Awesome. I love it. So if you if you love this podcast, if you love me, normally, that we have this thing called the gentleman's agreement. It it the or the lady's understanding, which basically says go subscribe to our channel. Today, it's a little bit of a different, gentleman's agreement. Doting your agent dollars. How old are you gonna be? Thirty five. So there you go. Think is if you wanna give me a gift thirty five bucks towards charity water, I'm gonna put the link in the description, and then I will donate thirty five thousand dollars on top of whatever gets donated from people to to charity water as well. And so that will be my

48:28

my my gift, and and Scott, thanks for coming on. I promise you I'd get you out of here on time. So I gotta I gotta wrap it here. But thanks for coming on. I'm so generous. That's really incredible. That means so much to me. And, thank you for kind of showing, I don't know. I've learned a lot from you. That's a little bit of my education from you on on brand building storytelling. And doing thing, you know, like, I don't know. You you have the you have a lot of courage. You do you chose to spend your life doing something that matters. Like, You you didn't care about this stuff, but I remember when I went to Ethiopia with you, and we went to one of the schools where a well had been built. And literally, when we were coming in, I was like, are the Beatles behind us? What is this giant crowd?

my my gift, and and Scott, thanks for coming on. I promise you I'd get you out of here on time. So I gotta I gotta wrap it here. But thanks for coming on. I'm so generous. That's really incredible. That means so much to me. And, thank you for kind of showing, I don't know. I've learned a lot from you. That's a little bit of my education from you on on brand building storytelling. And doing thing, you know, like, I don't know. You you have the you have a lot of courage. You do you chose to spend your life doing something that matters. Like, You you didn't care about this stuff, but I remember when I went to Ethiopia with you, and we went to one of the schools where a well had been built. And literally, when we were coming in, I was like, are the Beatles behind us? What is this giant crowd?

49:06

Huge crowd. Like, the whole town was there lined up. And literally, I was like,

Huge crowd. Like, the whole town was there lined up. And literally, I was like,

49:11

Scott is like Jesus to them. Like, there were signs with your name. And I was like, of course, there should be because

Scott is like Jesus to them. Like, there were signs with your name. And I was like, of course, there should be because

49:17

of the impact. And, you know, for somebody who work on the internet? Like, I'm sitting here in my box just right now doing a podcast. Like, we live a pretty charmed life.

of the impact. And, you know, for somebody who work on the internet? Like, I'm sitting here in my box just right now doing a podcast. Like, we live a pretty charmed life.

49:25

We get to do things that are are are pretty pretty, you know, easy in the grand history of the world.

We get to do things that are are are pretty pretty, you know, easy in the grand history of the world.

49:32

I think it's pretty easy just to be disconnected from from reality and what's going on for billions of people out there. And so, you know, I thank you for for giving me that experience. And, you know, if if anybody has the opportunity to kind of turn a little bit of your attention away from kind of the Twitter and the TikToks of the world, and take a look at what's going on in the world. I think it will it'll help you and kinda make, make an impact for them the same way it did for me.

I think it's pretty easy just to be disconnected from from reality and what's going on for billions of people out there. And so, you know, I thank you for for giving me that experience. And, you know, if if anybody has the opportunity to kind of turn a little bit of your attention away from kind of the Twitter and the TikToks of the world, and take a look at what's going on in the world. I think it will it'll help you and kinda make, make an impact for them the same way it did for me.

49:52

Well, man, I I appreciate the the chance to to tell the story. And thanks again for your generosity. That means that means a lot to me. And more more importantly, the people who'll be on the receiving end of it. If people wanna go learn more about you, the charity, shout out where you wanna send people to. I would just say charity water dot org and the spring dot com.

Well, man, I I appreciate the the chance to to tell the story. And thanks again for your generosity. That means that means a lot to me. And more more importantly, the people who'll be on the receiving end of it. If people wanna go learn more about you, the charity, shout out where you wanna send people to. I would just say charity water dot org and the spring dot com.

50:11

Okay. Awesome. Thanks, Scott. Thanks, Ben. Thanks for having you.

Okay. Awesome. Thanks, Scott. Thanks, Ben. Thanks for having you.

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