going the distance like a boxer

Unfiltered Discussions podcast by Brian Howard. Pura Vida and Pinball with Philly expat Richard Blank.

Pura Vida and Pinball: Building a Business in Costa Rica

Unfiltered Discussions is a podcast focused on talking about tough subjects and pivotal moments. Host, Brian Howard, talks with his guests about the moments that have impacted them and how they were able to grow and move forward.

Brian Howard
Founder and Host

Unfiltered Discussions is Brian's passion project. He has long had an intrigue for discussing heavy topics and getting to know people. This project is meant to give people a voice, a platform, to share and learn from others.

The "Pura Vida and Pinball" episode of the Unfiltered Discussions podcast features host Brian Howard interviewing Richard Blank, a Philadelphia native who relocated to Costa Rica to build a successful nearshore business. Episode Overview The conversation centers on pivotal life moments, entrepreneurial risks, and the unique personal philosophies that drove Richard Blank to leave the United States at age 27. He successfully established ⁠Costa Rica's Call Center, turning a bold cross-border move into a thriving corporate culture. Key Themes Discussed The "Pura Vida" Philosophy: Embracing the traditional Costa Rican lifestyle mindset centered on gratitude, community, and peace. The Art of Pinball: How Richard’s passion for collecting classic, vintage pinball machines serves as a metaphor for focus, resilience, and personal strategy in business. Human-Centric Leadership: Balancing modern business technology with essential human connections, empathy, and workplace soft skills.

Unfiltered Discussions is an interview-based podcast hosted by Brian Howard that focuses on tough subjects, pivotal life moments, and personal growth. The show provides a platform for guests from various backgrounds to share raw, candid stories about overcoming tumultuous events and finding success or clarity afterward. Podcast Overview Host: ⁠Brian Howard, a financial sector professional and family man based in Northern Nevada.Core Theme: Raw, honest, and unedited storytelling highlighting how people push through adversity. Production: Produced by the B-Word Media Group and distributed via Spreaker Prime. Notable Episode Themes & Guests The show spans multiple seasons with a wide variety of guest perspectives:Fitness & Recovery: Featuring guests like Katrina DuMond ("Amputee to Advocate") and fitness guides for busy professionals.Mental Health & Overcoming Trauma: Deep dives into military mental health, dealing with genetic health insights (like BRCA2), and emotional recovery. Creatives & Entrepreneurs: Conversations with authors, content creators, and local leaders about their professional and personal turning points.

https://youtu.be/u9-DjTc7iAA