The Art of Paying Attention

Hosted by Ryan J. Pelton

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205

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Dec 2025

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About the show

In a world filled with noise and distractions, The Art of Paying Attention is your guide to focusing on what truly matters. Hosted by writer, coach, speaker, and spiritual teacher Ryan J. Pelton, this podcast explores how applying time-tested wisdom can transform your life and work. Each episode dives into the power of attention—how to harness it for creativity, leadership, and meaning and purpose in life. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, parent, or seeker of truth, this podcast will help you invest your attention wisely, create with intention, and shape a life that counts. Because your attention matters. ryanjpelton.substack.com

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60 recent

December 11, 202557 min

Healing Through Connection with Julian Bermudez

Julian Bermudez is a therapist, guide, and companion on the path of healing. He works closely with people navigating trauma, identity, and the integration of psychedelic experiences—helping them reconnect with the deep, unshakable truth of who they are.His work is not conventional. It doesn’t revolve around diagnoses or protocols. Instead, it’s rooted in presence, deep listening, and the belief that healing is a return to our natural state of being: connected, present, and whole.Mentioned on the Show:* Julian’s website: https://www.psychedelic-integration.net/* Work with Ryan: https://www.ryanjpelton.com/coaching Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

October 20, 202548 min

Resilience, Empowerment, and Magic with John Kippen

In this episode, Ryan J. Pelton interviews magician and empowerment coach John Kippen. John’s 12 + year journey of recovering from the trauma of having his face paralyzed after brain tumor removal surgery, has allowed him to triumph over adversity. John uses the stories and lessons from his journey to inspire audiences in his speaking and magic performances. Many clients can be heard saying, “If John can do it, so can I!” * John Kippen: https://www.johnkippen.com/* Newsletter: https://www.ryanjpelton.com/newsletter * Biz/Ministry Coaching/Mentoring: https://www.ryanjpelton.com/coaching Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

October 1, 202542 min

Thinking Like a Pilot with Bobby Dutton

In this episode of The Art of Paying Attention, host Ryan J. Pelton introduces Bobby Dutton, a licensed commercial pilot and event entrepreneur. The conversation explores the importance of paying attention in our lives, the joy that Bobby brings to his work, and the value of creativity and personal development.* Get coaching Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

September 12, 202552 min

Rock Your Retirement with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons

In this episode of 'The Art of Paying Attention', host Ryan J. Pelton engages in a conversation with Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, an expert in thriving during retirement. They discuss the importance of leveraging skills and experiences to create a fulfilling retirement, emphasizing that this phase of life should not be about slowing down but rather about stepping up and making the most of the second half of life.Connect with Elizabeth: https://www.encoraco.com/team/elizabeth-zelinka-parsons/ Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

September 5, 202554 min

Outsmart Your Addictions with Dr. Jason Giles

In this conversation, Dr. Jason Giles discusses the importance of attention in personal growth, particularly in the context of addiction recovery. He shares his personal journey from anesthesiology to addiction medicine, emphasizing the complexities of addiction and the roles of genetics and environment. Dr. Giles highlights the significance of community support in overcoming addiction and provides practical steps for those seeking help. He also reflects on the impact of modern society on addiction and the importance of addressing underlying issues for successful recovery.Find Dr. Jason Giles on LinkedInTakeaways* Paying attention to personal growth is crucial.* Community support plays a vital role in recovery.* Addiction is influenced by both genetics and environment.* Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.* Recovery requires a different way of living.* Understanding the underlying issues is essential for recovery.* Telemedicine can improve access to addiction treatment.* Personal experiences can shape professional paths.* Addiction treatment should be holistic and inclusive.* Connection with others is key to overcoming addiction.Mentioned on Show:* Coaching services with Ryan: https://www.ryanjpelton.com/mentoring Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

September 3, 202538 min

Refugee to Rockstar with Christian Ray Flores

In this conversation, Christian Ray Flores shares his remarkable journey from being a refugee to becoming a pop star in Russia, and eventually transitioning to life in America. He discusses the impact of his tumultuous early life on his creativity and artistic expression, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and mentorship in personal growth. Christian also highlights the unique cultural influences that shaped his career and offers insights from his new book, which reflects on the immigrant experience and the opportunities available in America.* Christian's Substack* Ryan's SubstackTakeaways* Christian's early life was marked by turmoil and displacement.* He became a pop star in Russia during a time of political change.* Creative expression often arises from personal and societal struggles.* The transition to America brought new opportunities and challenges.* Christian emphasizes the importance of community in personal growth.* He believes in the power of deep learning and mentorship.* Resilience is built through facing and overcoming difficulties.* Creativity is a birthright that everyone can access.* Christian's book offers insights into the immigrant experience in America.* He encourages others to embrace uncertainty and pursue their passions. Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

February 5, 202554 min

TAOPA #025: Dustin Baker on the Priority of Health

In this episode, Ryan talks with Dustin Baker, the President and Founder of BioPro+. Dustin and his team created the first non-synthetic alternative to HGH - Human Growth Hormone and Peptide Treatments that works FASTER, EASIER, and SAFER. In this inspirational conversation Ryan and Dustin explore the place of health, and when Dustin was losing the game, entrepreneurship, importance of family health, and much more. Mentioned on Show:* Dustin Baker Linkedin* Subscribe to Motivation Mondays Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

January 18, 202541 min

TAOPA #024: To Goal or Not to Goal in 2025?

In this episode, Ryan discusses the place of goals, resolutions, living an intentional life. Do you set goals? It doesn’t matter. What matters is living with purpose and intentionality. Mentioned on the Show:* Questions to consider: 1. What would happen if I shared my goals in public? 2. How can I be useful in 2025? * Jon Acuff book* Leave a rating or review Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

December 23, 202450 min

TAOPA #023: Don Young on Finding God in Las Vegas

A successful business leader, Don Young lived the American Dream, but he was a very unhappy person. There was something fundamentally missing from his life, so Don chased stuff. Reputation, physical desires, and everything the material world had to offer. Don reduced himself and everyone in the world to objects. Things whose only purpose was to support his desires and an unjust system, but Don remained a very unhappy person.Ryan and Don talk about his story of faith which is unique and universal. Don’s desire to write and tell his story. It's also a story of God's love for a nation and a world that's spiritually famished. Welcome to Don Young’s story, and welcome to the Art of Paying Attention. Mentioned on the Show:* Don Young’s website. * Don’s writings on Substack. * Check out the Merch Store. All the proceeds go to support the podcast, and my work. * Want to be a guest? Need to get unstuck? Contact Ryan. Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe

December 13, 202447 min

TAOPA #022: Amber Byers on 100 Words at a Time

Amber Byers is the founder and CEO of Tadpole Press, where she serves as head judge of the Tadpole Press 100-Word Writing Contest, an international writing contest celebrating creativity and community.She blogs regularly at Living a Life Imagined, which is dedicated to positivity and authenticity as a creative. Amber’s published works include The Magic Door Origin Story, which is a sci-fi story inspired by her childhood, and Sophie and Spot, which won a Gold Medal for Best First Book in the chapter book category from Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards in 2019.Ryan and Amber have a wonderful conversation about starting things, influences in writing, writing for the love, Amber’s 100 word writing contest, and much more. Get full access to The Art of Paying Attention at ryanjpelton.substack.com/subscribe