#197 My appearance on 'All About The Voice' podcast with Victoria Rader.

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EPISODE TRANSCRIPTION
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Please note, while an effort is made to provide an accurate transcription, errors and omissions may be present. No part of this transcription can be referenced or reproduced without permission.
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Agi Keramidas  0:02  
Welcome to the personal development mastery podcast. I am Agi Keramidas and my mission is to inspire you to grow, stand out and take action towards the next level of your life. I interview leaders, authors, successful entrepreneurs, spiritual teachers, exceptional people who will inspire you to improve your life. Tune in for two episodes each week, and make sure you subscribe to get them as soon as they are released. 

Welcome to Episode 197. I'm very excited today to share with you my appearance on Victoria Rader's podcast all about the voice. Victoria guided the conversation beautifully around authenticity, my journey of personal development, the leaps of faith I do following the voice. And I also discussed about the top three benefits of having a podcast. It was a very enjoyable conversation and please check out victorious podcast I will put the links in the show notes. So here is myself at all about the voice with Victoria Rader podcast. I hope you enjoy!

Victoria Rader  1:25  
Alright, and here with me is a new friend. But I have a feeling a soul I have known for a very long time Agi Keramidas Agi welcome to all about the voice podcast.

Agi Keramidas  1:37  
It's a real pleasure to be here. I'm very excited for this conversation.

Victoria Rader  1:42  
Now, Agi your podcast, you kind of come through as a podcast or knowledge broker, I will want to dig into both of these concepts. But your podcast is called Personal Development mastery. How did you come up with that name, and that podcast?

Agi Keramidas  2:01  
The name of what personal development has been my big calling in my passion since about 2016. When I went through a midlife crisis of some kind, which leads me to go into personal development, I realised very quickly, it became a passion of mine and the dietary mastery of the podcast. I think it came as an inspiration. You know, I was doing this kind of brain dumping and finding under ideas, but that popped us, it popped out to me. And it only realised many months after I had started the podcast that inadvertently by naming it personal development mastery, I hit set the bar very high for myself, without even knowing it. So then I needed to actually rise up to the mastery over it. So love

Victoria Rader  3:03  
how would you define somebody to be a master?

Agi Keramidas  3:10  
Um, that's a great question. And I will I will not even go near that title for myself. And for me, mastery is a journey. It's it's not about arrive in somewhere and then you can say I have mastered that. I will leave that completely vague and I will for me mastery is the the art of perfecting your your craft or whatever it is, in this case, personal development. So it's, it's ongoing. Yes.

Victoria Rader  3:47  
You know, and I find that so many of us are woken up to that inner calling through a crisis we go through and you've mentioned a midlife crisis. Take us through that journey to the degree that you feel comfortable sharing.

Agi Keramidas  3:59  
Sure, sure, it was I had just finished the Master's master's degree. So I, my background is in dentistry. And then this my profession, so had finished a master's degree. And instead of feeling very motivated to pursue that knowledge that I had acquired, I felt very unsatisfied and empty and not really wanting to do any more of that. And that really led me to some kind of exploration because it didn't make sense. And that led me to some personal development and that led me to a Tony Robbins event really where I had the big click a big shift and then from a very shy and introvert person which I had been all my life I won't speak out to people because I was shy or reserved. I tend very, very quickly to I went into public speaking I started the podcast. So it was a very quick change in my, my whole behaviour really? And I'm not sure if I'm answering your question or if I'm taking it to a different direction. So I'll take a poll. Yes,

Victoria Rader  5:16  
we're going in the direction that we're supposed to be going. So that I am that I'm convinced. Going from that almost from shy to shine a moment, you know, you're shy to shine, what was the shift?

Agi Keramidas  5:34  
The shift the shift towards it happened actually, during the the event with Tony Robbins, the shift was realising a limiting belief that I had in the background that was running play like a voice inside my head, without me even realising it all my life. And it was telling me that people do not care of what you have to say, Were you what you have to say is not interesting to anyone. So that would, I don't know where I picked that from my childhood at some point or how it formed like that. But it was only then when I realised that Oh, my God, this is what is happening, or what has happened. And then I really the shift was, at the understanding their awakening to that fact that this is not who I am, or my life, I thought, that's who I am. I'm a closed person. I'm a shy, I'm an introvert. But I realised that this was not who I am, who I was, it was merely a behaviour that I was having, based on the, the beliefs and then of course, you know, when you start your personal development journey, you go deeper and learn about all these things. Yeah, so that was the that changed things and then massive action to to implement because it does.

Victoria Rader  7:07  
Yes. Tony is big on massive action. I understand that so well, but I'm fascinated by this journey of, of a shy man who's being a mask that master's degree, ironically, in, we talked about mastery and master. So you know, it's too late for you to say you're not a master, you have a degree to show for it. But so I want to go back to you being a little child, and what were your dreams? What did you dream of becoming? What did you want to be?

Agi Keramidas  7:45  
It's funny now that you're asking me them, there were two things. One was completely fantasy, which was to be a pilot and an aeroplane pilot, which I think I just picked up from someone as a friend of mine, and I carried on for a few years. But what I realised that I did have a big desire, when I was a teenager, rather than a child was acting. That's obviously never happened because I was persuaded by my parents to go to university and become a dentist. So but that was something that I had inside of me, and I didn't have the opportunity to pursue it. Sometimes I think that doing the podcasting now, is a different way of myself expressing. Sure I'm not on a stage. But you know, like playing in a theatre, but it is a different stage of speaking

Victoria Rader  8:53  
is beautiful. You know, I've heard that just recently, actually, John Asser have talked about our, our identity has to match our destiny in order for us to fulfil it. You know, and when we go from, I guess, on date, identity that's been conditioned for us, by other people to hearing the quality of the destiny and in your case, to share the light that is in you and to bring on people of significant presence and influence in the world and to shine their wisdom. You know, you've shifted, you've upgraded your identity in a way to be more aligned with your destiny. You know, and so that's what an actor does. In my mind. That's what a great actor does they become the identity of the role they have to play and so you you're acting, your identity aligned with your destiny, your podcast, my understanding is on top two podcasts in great 2% of podcasts in Great Britain incredibly, incredibly successful. Tell us a little bit about your podcasts. What are some of the top lessons you have learned from doing it?

Agi Keramidas  9:59  
Well Where do I start? I'm with episode 185. Now. So it's been a very fruitful journey. And as you told me earlier on, I wasn't planning on any of this it happened. A very big learning that it comes to my it came to mind the moment you ask the question, sure, I will say it, I'm not sure if that I'm sure there is a reason for that. I was interviewing someone who could sanal knowledge from from the stream. And I had the opportunity to have a live just to ask a couple of questions. And one big thing that I learned because I asked, so how could I share my message, like with the podcast to more people, which was that question came to me. And the answer I got back was that the amount the numbers, the quantity of the people that get the message is irrelevant, he actually called it it's very 3d. Rather than that it is the alignment of the people who are ready to receive the message, which is the most important thing and that actually, it made such a big impression. When I heard that maybe six, seven months ago, I kind of stopped looking so much at how my numbers, my podcasting numbers going, and rather focusing on you know, expressing myself in the way that will present a coherent message or my message, or my guests message that will make an impact make a difference, really, to the person that listens to it. And if that is one person, that's amazing, because that one person might have an impact that will impact billions. So it was a very big realisation that came to me when I heard that interview on the podcast. Yeah, I'm picking just one, which was the biggest highlight. But apart from that, I had so many learning something we could talk for hours about that I'm sure you have as well.

Victoria Rader  12:23  
You know, but that that message is very aligned to I think, to the core of who I am, you know, years ago, I had one of the businesses with my brother, actually, we had, I do a lot of spiritual training. And he's done physical training. And we had luxury apartments where he conducted trainings with other trainers for the luxury apartments. And I would come in and, and I would conduct stress release training and a spiritual guide, training all of those things. And so they've booked an event for 50 people on stress release and alignment of peaceful alignment. I was very excited, I prepared I had brochures, everything, you know, prepared to our presentation, came into the building, and there were two rows of 25 seats. And there was one person sitting in the front. And I stood there, and this is about seven years ago now, I guess. And I stood there and I looked at her. And the Spirit immediately came through me it was very clear that you're not looking at a person you're looking at the universe, you either believe in oneness, or you don't. And so right now is your chance to walk the walk. Until this day, you know, I've spoken to 1000s of people till this day, I don't know that there was a more impactful event in my life to be presenting to one know that she is a universe. So I, I applaud you. And we're very aligned. And how about struggles? How about struggles get what's been the biggest struggle and for somebody who's new on this journey, like me, or somebody who's just thinking of starting a podcast, what are possible setbacks and struggles to be looking forward to learn from you.

Agi Keramidas  13:58  
For me, the biggest one, because I started doing everything on my own. I wanted to learn it, I had some free time. It's three plus years ago when I started. So the struggle was learning everything in a way that I present a quality podcast, which it this podcast I have now is my second one. So I had to learn many things. So the struggle was really keeping learning which took time and at some point in LA 2020 When the lockdown happened and I was stuck at home I went from one episode a week to two which I have been doing since then two episodes a week show the the struggle was finding the time really to do two episodes a week. But you know, I found the time because Because I felt it was asked of me to do shows to go to two episodes a week. And the moment I did it. And now I'm just reflecting back where we're speaking. The moment I did it, or very soon afterwards, the moment I went from one episode a week to two episodes a week, podcasting changed from something I was very passionate about to something that is my mission, that now I have really the mission to pass the message to these people and in my way, you know, contribute to the, the shift in human consciousness in in the way that I can with my own piece of the painting to paint it as well as I can. That's how it felt, to me show. I know you asked me about a challenge and probably going in a different direction. But yeah, from challenges come the biggest realisations, I think

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Victoria Rader  17:27  
I trust that I trust that fully. One thing you've said, so beautiful, you said, you know, I felt it was asked of me. And that's of course, for me. That's the whole point of the whole podcast that it's all about the voice. You know, so how when you say that it was asked of you what was the feeling and I know that you've been following that feeling through your life. Talk to me a little bit about the journey of following that it's been asked of me kind of a voice.

Agi Keramidas  17:53  
Yes, it's a beautiful topic. And the biggest moment, or maybe the first real big moment that I was very much aware of it was when I left my my life in Greece, I was about 35 years old at the time, and I I didn't I felt a void inside of me on the outside my life seemed to be really well I was I had my dental practice, I was engaged there was, you know, friends, but I was feeling really empty. And I had this I will call it what you say the voice. I used to call it my instinct or some feeling that was calling me to England and I had no idea why but I was always even from a kid I was fascinated about anything English. So I started hearing that more and more and failing it and daydreaming about my life there and realise that the only thing that draws me towards there is something internal something instinctive it's not that I don't know anyone there I have nothing there. My life is here everything is here. So but I took the big leap because it really felt so good and my life in Greece worse. It didn't seem like I would ever have the kind of life that I wanted even though I didn't know what that was but I knew very very well that what I was leaving there was not right I could feel it rather than explain it. And I'm sure that anyone who's has had the seamless experience knows very well that that feeling and I understood it us a guidance and and when I moved to the UK after a year after I made my decision and to my arrangements I realise and realise that a little bit later on that I was helped. So things happened I met the right people they had the opportunity and given an example to rent a flat after a week of being in the country which you normally need to have a credit history and things like that so it was an extremely fortunate situation and things like that that happened like the lack of a reward a few ways for choosing or for selecting to go with what was asked of me that's how I it's funny I haven't spoken about this in such a way so thank you for your question the way you asked it

Victoria Rader  20:54  
beautiful it's a beautiful journey you know and I I was you for talking as your your ancestors of why don't your deep ancestors quote came in from Seneca Goddess said that destiny? No, how does it go willing, Destiny guides, unwilling Destiny drags them? I think, but I think once we're willing, and and I call it you know, once we're aware and we're aligned, and we take action, then there is the abundance that comes in, in this case, it's the last serendipity it's the universal law sir and did they were things just work out. And then sometimes our interferes of non deserving it kick in and we sabotage the good. Could we go back to learning the slow way? No, because heaven forbid, things will be aligned for us. So yeah, it's a beautiful journey. Now, I know that usually things make more sense looking back looking back now does the move to England have that practical meaning in addition to this spiritual call,

Agi Keramidas  22:03  
of course 100% It allowed me so many words the fact that we're having this conversation here now the fact that I changed my speaking language, my everyday language from Greek to English and then I had the opportunity to find my voice call it like that sometimes from shy to public speaking. And been able to connect with you know, have all these conversations and speak with some amazing people on my podcast and elsewhere at events and things like that. This account see how any of that might have happened if I was still living in my hometown doing the the jobs that my mom was doing before me so it for me it felt like not what was my my calling again, I changed a little bit, the subject of your questions. So

Victoria Rader  23:12  
you have not you have beautifully guided us to exactly where we have to be beauty of it all. So the question I guess I have is that what or if you were to give me top three benefits of having a podcast because I know this is your clearly your passion This is has become a calling and unfolding into your really Destiny like we're using big words, but that's what I see unfolding in front of me this is this is this is what's happening. So what have been the three benefits you've gotten from it?

Agi Keramidas  23:50  
The first one that comes to mind is the ability to express myself because before three years ago, even you know when I was doing my some public speaking, you don't speak all the time. So with podcasting, I have really listened to myself speaking and expressing or articulating some thoughts that otherwise I wouldn't have and that's very valuable because you understand better who you are. That's one you said three didn't. I have a very massive one for me. And I think with people that do interview style podcasts like yourself, I'm sure you will find familiar sounding familiar is the the people that I had the opportunity to speak with which there were times initially my when I started my podcast, I was speaking with many coaches because of personal development and Tony Robbins environment and so on. And I felt like I was having a one to one coaching session with a different person every week. So it felt very beneficial for me. Apart from the listeners that would get the conversation because I could I want, I was asking the questions, I wanted to find out first of all. And so yes, some amazing people that I wouldn't have the opportunity to speak otherwise, even for half an hour, I had the blessing to, to speak with Brian Tracy, about a month ago, and who would have thought that I certainly would have believed the event and told me a few years ago that that's what I would be doing. So for me, it really served us the best or a very I'm trying to find the right word any way we can for my evolution, shall we say? So that's two and you said you want another Thursday?

Victoria Rader  26:09  
It'll come, it'll come and we'll all benefit from it. I'm going to get a sip of water while you're thinking soon.

Agi Keramidas  26:19  
You know, yes. The third one is that now that I think about it, it's it's clear that this became, from a from a hobby or something that I was curious about and intrigued about, it became a passion, it became a mission. At least for now, this, this feels like really my mission for the time being. And I think that, you know, finding one's mission or feel having the feeling that this is the right place the right time. For me what I'm doing right now, I think that's a very big, tremendous benefit, isn't it to be able to realise that?

Victoria Rader  27:02  
Well, I think what I would like for both of us realise the power of your three very intuitive answers, because the first one is expressing yourself, which is speaking your truth, and then evolving through interaction into fulfilling your mission. That my friend is a definition of personal mastery, if anybody wanted to come up with one. So now, we've defined your podcast through the three steps of development, because until you're authentic, you know, you have to live your truth, as you live your truth, you empower others to do the same and, and that opens your freedom to fulfil your mission. And there's so that's, that's, that's to me, the beauty to me is that, the chance that I get to interview people like you that are unconsciously competent, and the joy that I have is to just let them peek into their unconscious competence and become consciously competent, you know, and say, Oh, that's why I'm doing this podcast, because these are the three top benefits I'm getting. It's amazing. It's just amazing to me. Wow, amazing.

Agi Keramidas  28:04  
You have asked like, that's because I hadn't, you know, generally these questions, what are the three most important or the most important, they're very difficult to answer, because it's not just three, or just certainly not just one. So but yes, you allowed me the opportunity to answer intuitiveness, you said, which I'm grateful for that.

Victoria Rader  28:27  
Thank you. Well, now I have these three questions that I usually ask if you've listened to, as you've mentioned, to one of the episodes, but they always come out a little bit different. But I know that my family here that listens his his story, you know, I have these the feedback there will listen through any interview to get to the last three I'm like, Is that is that anyway, so I want you to kind of think of your life. And I know that every person who is appearing to be successful is successful, has had their share fair share of challenges and maybe dark moments in their life. And so if we had some kind of this magic wand right now, for you to go back to any point in your life, where you probably need encouragement the most you need support the most. I want you to tell me where your mind is taking you. What moment is that? And more importantly, OGGY today, what would you tell that OGGY that needed the support?

Agi Keramidas  29:34  
I think in more important than which period of my life I mean, that period we talked about earlier about me leaving my home country, Greece to move to the UK. That's a great example of situation. I could go back, but we thought this as well. The what I would say I think it's the same that I will say it applies to all have meant that is that don't worry, have faith, it's going to be alright, this too shall pass. When you feel it inside you and you do it, it's going to be alright, it's going to be exactly as it meant to be just have trust and follow the path, I think it would be this kind of words of reassurance that there is a bigger picture out there and it's going to be alright.

Victoria Rader  30:34  
It's beautiful. You know, a, just a couple of days ago, I was reading an article by Sean Dean and I've never read anything by him. And there was this quote that he said that the doubt is the breeding ground for spiritual hurricanes. You know, and that, and your antidote of just this quiet phase and that this too shall pass I think is beautiful will be alright. So, alright, now we're gonna take you forward in future and argue from 20 years from today comes and sits right by you there and what does he have to tell you? What do you need to hear today from him?

Agi Keramidas  31:19  
I think it would be and forgive me if you get the background noise at the same time. Right? So I think it would be similar to what I just said in a way because it's one thing to say it's going to be alright. And there is a different level when things go difficult to actually embody 100% and leave it so there is you know, an element of doubt sometimes that is this really what is right and so that piece of advice that trust that it's going to be alright, provided that you're doing what feels in your heart that it is the right thing to do. Keep doing it and don't worry about the details of course work hard, but make the effort Don't you know that we'll have a phrase it's in Greek from the the gods of Olympus so there was a phrase that you have to Yes, the gods will help you but you first need to take the action yourself so it was something like that someone's cart will broke and he was waiting for the gods to help him move on with his journey and the gods said we will help you but you know, lift your arms and take the wheel and start fixing it and then we will help you so yeah, a similar thing then it's going to be alright, it's going to be awesome

Victoria Rader  33:06  
and I love that it's going to be alright follow your heart though right follow your heart did not get missed on me that's a powerful advice. And finally the third thing is there was one thing on one phrase or one teaching one story whatever it is that you would like to share by which the listeners will remember you by what would be your impact for our family if there was only one thing you could convey

Agi Keramidas  33:31  
when you say one thing how long can this thing be

Victoria Rader  33:37  
you know we can go on Einstein your time Yeah.

Agi Keramidas  33:44  
I have a phrase that I always sent in my own podcasts which came out of my own transformation which is standout don't fit in. And by that I mean standout mean, I mean be authentic, be true to who you are, it doesn't mean stand out in any other way. But in a way that show your show the world who you are. And if that is different, and it is different because we each are unique. Don't be afraid to show it to don't try to fit in we are so much conditioned to fit into patterns and behaviours and actions that it's not who we are. And doing them for the wrong reasons to fit into conform. It's yeah, it doesn't serve anyone. So that's really how I explained my phrase stand out. don't fit in and I would I would do if it was like an epi logo or a phrase I would use that simple phrase which I love using.

Victoria Rader  34:58  
Oh, I love that one. Thank you for being authentic and for standing out for living what you preach. It's been wonderful to have you.

Agi Keramidas  35:08  
Thank you very much absolute pleasure

I hope you enjoyed listening. If you have, please share this episode with someone who you think will benefit from it. If you want to know more about what I do, visit my website AGIKERAMIDAS.COM

And until next time, stand out don't fit in!