The Dream Lounge » Interviews

The Community Tapes are on DVD + Orlando News

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 17:45:09 +0000

Ah how I long to rant and rave about nutrition, exercise, travel, government, politics, guns, and freedom.

That time is soon coming, but right now it’s crunch time for The 21 Convention. As such, I have managed to push through a first run production of The Community Tapes on DVD that is being manufactured as we speak by the DVD elves of Orlando.

Above is the graphic art for the cover produced by a one Matthew Macar. Matthew is new to still graphic work for T21C (he did not produce the previous event DVD artwork), but he is familar with the convention.

He worked heavily on the event trailer for T21C 2009.
He worked as an assisant on the live event for 2009.
He single handedly filmed The 21 Convention 2010 of Stockholm Sweden.
And he filmed the first three episodes of The Community Tapes [Volume 2].

The DVDs will be shipping off this week, and a few dozen copies will be available at the live event in Orlando no later than Friday.

The cost online is $30 plus shipping/handling. At the live event they will be available for a flat rate of $25.

As you guys know the production quality of The Community Tapes is astounding. Total run time of all six episodes is about 3 hours. Not bad for the first volume.

If you’d like to own a copy of the footage, this is your chance to do so.

In other news, today is the last day for tickets to The 21 Convention 2010 of Orlando Florida.

Full access tickets are $400 online, and $500 at the door. There is also a limited access ticket available for $200 online, and $250 at the door. That special access ticket grants you entrance for all health, fitness, and business related presentations (total of 5).

Both tickets grant you advanced free access to all event footage that corresponds with your ticket.

You can sign up for the main event here, and the special access ticket here.

The line up for both tickets is … well, pretty bad ass no matter what your interests are.

Today is also the first day tickets are available for The 21 Convention 2011 (North America). This will be the final “21 Convention” held in Orlando next summer. After that we will be moving to another major North American city. Mega early bird tickets are available here, and a full post on The21Convention.com will be released later today regarding the event.

And in case you missed it, we’re heading to London June 2011.

The Community Tapes [Volume 1]: Adam Lyons

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Sun, 30 May 2010 22:27:23 +0000

“AFC” Adam Lyons: world renowned dating coach, CEO of Pua Training (North American branch), consistently ranked the number one pick up artist on the planet, and recently married – all at the same time you ask? So did we during The Community Tapes. Get inside the mind of one of the most influential, well known, and highly regarded coaches in the industry, and what led him to where he is today in this episode of The Community Tapes, filmed in beautiful South Beach Miami during one of Adam’s weekend workshops.

View all of Adam’s content (including over 3 hours of event footage) on The21Convention.com here.

See Adam at T21C 2010 of Stockholm Sweden AND Orlando Florida. (Sign up before June 9th for either event to save 50 dollars/euros and receive massive discounts on event DVDs). Two unique events, two unique opportunities to meet and talk with Adam Lyons, and hear him speak live and in person among other top authorities on dating, relationships, and other topics of importance to men of all ages.

See in depth discussion of this interview on our newly redesigned community here :compliments of Jonas Sandstrom.

The Community Tapes [Volume 1]: Bijal

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Sun, 23 May 2010 14:39:03 +0000

You’ve seen the speakers interviewed in The Community Tapes, and you’ve heard what they have to say about The 21 Convention, but what about hearing from an attendee?

Our question exactly, and Bijal fits the bill perfectly in this regard. Bijal is a three year attendee of The 21 Convention, and has seen it grow and evolve over the years like few have – as well as me personally throughout our friendship that spawned from The 21 Convention.

Get behind the scenes of The 21 Convention in this episode of The Community Tapes and be sure to register for the 2010 Orlando convention before June 9th for a $50 discount off the door price. (Ticket prices also rise June 9th for the Central Florida Exercise & Nutrition Seminar).

The Community Tapes [Volume 1]: Drew Baye

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Sun, 16 May 2010 07:07:11 +0000

Drew Baye: easily one of the most knowledgeable exercise authorities on the planet; has extensive experience training clients one on one, and is the author of the world’s most popular high intensity training blog. Drew has had the opportunity to meet and learn from the some of the most knowledgeable people in history regarding exercise, including Nautilus inventor Arthur Jones, Ellington Darden, Ken Hutchins, Jim Flanagan, Joe Mullen, John Little, Greg Anderson, Doug McGuff, Ryan Hall and others.

Drew was interviewed at his current training facility near his home in Altamonte Springs, FL and is on the verge of completing his first book. Visit his blog at Baye.com, and see his free ~2 hour presentation at The 21 Convention 2009 here (or buy the DVD).

Drew Baye is also confirmed to speak at The 21 Convention 2010 of Orlando Florida. Sign up here for a full access ticket, and here for a limited access ticket to health/fitness presentations only.

The Community Tapes [Volume 1]: Tim the “Right Hand Man”

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Sun, 09 May 2010 14:57:04 +0000

Tim the “Right Hand Man”: in his own words a “father, son, brother, former husband, and sometimes a lover”. We should probably add to that: mentor, leader, and one of the wisest men interviewed to date for The Community Tapes. Tim aka “Right Hand Man” brings an entirely new twist to this documentary series with his age, ideas, and experiences that other dating and relationship coaches, simply haven’t had.

Tim was interviewed on the infamous “Wall Street” of downtown Orlando Florida in the Spring of 2010. Find out more about him at his blog, RightHandManifesto.blogspot.com, and see his speech at T21C 2009 here. Tim will also be speaking for his third year at The 21 Convention during our Orlando event this July 22nd-25th.

My comments: Tim just totally crushes it in this interview. By far and large, I believe this one of the most professional interviews out of the entire first volume, and will catch a lot of people by surprise Dj Fuji 2009 style, simply because Tim has an awesome message to send, is coming from such a different angle, and excels so well at communicating in this medium.

The Community Tapes [Volume 1]: Steve “El Topo” Mayeda

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Sun, 02 May 2010 17:00:54 +0000

Steve “El Topo” Mayeda: the most down to Earth, honest, genuine, no BS lifestyle and dating coach, on the planet – period. Known for his revolutionary “Red Stack” coaching program and unparalleled personal attention, Steve was interviewed for The Community Tapes during the late Fall of 2009 in downtown Orlando Florida.

See Steve’s presentation at The 21 Convention 2009 here. Find out more about him at his website TheRedMole.com, and view further discussion of Episode 2 of The Community Tapes [Volume 1] here.

My Comments: Steve is a real bad ass, and this documentary style interview proves it beyond the shadow of a doubt. While a little long winded at first, I believe this is by far the most raw and powerful interview of the entire series. Really, Steve says things that just knock your socks off – especially about me – and for that, I thank him. He’s actually helped me realize a lot in my life, and I think you see that reflected recently on TDL, and will continue to see such reflection.

To Step Aside or Step Up

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:23:23 +0000

A few weeks ago I came to a crossroad in my life. I haven’t mentioned it anywhere online before, nor have I discussed it with more than a handful of individuals that I have been close with for many years.

That crossroad was a simple, yet extremity difficult decision to make: do I step aside, or step up?

Do I rise above and meet a challenge head on with everything I have, and more? Or do I fall below and succumb to self doubt, fear, and the individual weight of the world that is resting on my shoulders.

I struggled for days with the challenge and difficult decision that lay before me. There really was no easy answer. Each side of the coin had it’s own pro and cons, benefits and consequences, so on and so forth.

…

And then something snapped. I’m not sure at what point it happened, but somewhere along the decision making process, I realized I was going about making my choice entirely wrong.

This wasn’t a logical see-saw of pros and cons, risks and benefits, and whatever other jargon belongs here – what needed to be decided was what am I made of?

That was the real, soul purging question at hand, in all it’s forms.

What am I made of?
What do I stand for?
Am I a man of principle?
Is my word my bond?
Will I stand up for what I believe is right?
Am I willing to do what is necessary to realize my dreams?
Do I have what it takes to continue sparking change in an entire generation?
Am I naive fool?
Am I willing to let myself down, as well as those who have invested their time and effort into what I have dedicated my life to?

Am I going to step aside, or step up, and rise to the challenge?

My decision: step up.

Nothing else is even possible. It’s simply a part of who I am, and what resonates at my core. It always has, and I’ve decided, it always will, because if there is one mark and legacy I want to leave with the world, it’s that there are people who are willing to stand up for what they believe in – whatever the odds may be.

As my chief editor and video director Michael Gottino has said, The 21 Convention has far surpassed me, and I am simply playing catch up with something that has a potential and power I can hardly begin to grasp.

That said … I believe what I’ve done, and proven with The 21 Convention is that the little guy can stand up, rise to the occasion, and make great things happen – with little more than the sweat of his brow, a keen eye for opportunity, and the guts to seize that opportunity (that we all possess, but are often times afraid to embrace).

I’ve decided it’s once again time to fight for what I believe in, and what I believe in, and will sacrifice anything and everything for, is The 21 Convention – and everything it represents.

It is the expression – and perhaps to some degree source – of virtually every ounce of passion and purpose in my life since it’s founding in July of 2007. Every breath, every blink, every heart beat, every ounce of effort … it’s all been in one way or another leading to The 21 Convention and related endeavors (such as this blog).

And I’m not about to abandon it now. The convention has served us all well, and I owe it, along with everyone involved – myself included – 100% of my drive, determination, intellect, and everything synonymous.

What the hell is going on you ask?

Well, I’m not about to die from some medical complication if that’s what you were thinking. Nor will I be getting mauled by bears anytime soon in the wilderness (hopefully).

What is going on however – the cause of this critical decision in my life – is that the pressure is on like never before to make or break an entire event.

The 21 Convention 2010 of Orlando Florida is fine of course – more than fine actually. Four years of consistent and constant hard work is finally paying off. Ticket sales have consistently remained at 2.5-3x what 2009 event sales were, year round.

We actually had over a dozen people sign up for July 2010, in July of 2009. That alone was enough to take my breath away.

And in addition to that ‘organic’ growth, I have killer ideas to be implemented in the coming weeks and months for the Orlando convention. Both to pack the event out with over 250 people as the speakers deserve, and to make the 4 day event something attendees will never forget. Something to go down in our minds for decades to come, something that changes lives, and something that turns a phenomenon into a revolution.

High hopes? Maybe. But I’m done kidding around. Play time’s over, the big guns are coming out, and skyrocketing in popularity is only more reason to push harder than ever before.

The 21 Convention 2010 of Stockholm Sweden is a different story however. People have signed up, yes, but simply not enough considering the proximity of the event (June 11th-13^th).

It may be obvious at this point, but this hit me like a bookshelf size brick across the face just a few weeks ago, causing me to seriously analyze what I had going on inside, where I wanted this event to go, and what it’s impact would be on the world.

Where do I want it to go?

Well, more importantly (and this will lead into the where question), what do I want it’s impact on the world to be?

That’s simple at this point, very simple, and clear as anything ever could be – I want it to help change the course of a generation.

That phrase, “change the course of a generation” has been on my mind since the early Fall of 2009, and while it may not be the catchiest sub title for the event (or perhaps it is?), I believe it encompasses what The 21 Convention has stood for from the very beginning – yes even in 2007.

It was the start of something new, and something great – like minded young men coming together to freely exchange ideas. Men who were fed up or outright disgusted with various areas of their lives, with a desire for change – sick of false hopes and quick fixes fed to us from birth from virtually every outlet imaginable.

That my friends, is how changes starts. People coming together, and openly sharing ideas that otherwise remain in the back of our minds, underdeveloped, unrefined, and avoiding challenge.

In 2010, all roads lead to Stockholm and Orlando.

On hindsight, and in regards to Europe, I probably should have picked London over Stockholm due to The21Convention.com having even more popularity there than in Sweden (not to mention a higher population), but that is neither here nor there. Stockholm will be the birth place of The 21 Convention in Europe – perhaps London it’s first birthday.

Wait, let’s back up a second, why Europe in the first place?

Well, it’s been my dream for some time to make this an international event. I mean really, host it all over the world, not just fly people in to the United States from around the world. That is so 2007 (kidding).

But seriously, there is a demand for The 21 Convention in Europe. People have sent me e-mails for years requesting a convention on this level, and of this degree, in Europe. Never before has something exactly like it happened, and it’s now or never.

But I can’t do it alone. I have never been able to, and neither can anyone else as far as I know.

I can provide the spark, but the tinder, the fuel for something great has to come from a consensus among those who are most passionate about their lives, and whatever chosen areas they have dedicated themselves to. That’s how this event started, and that’s a huge part of how it has become such a wild success online, and in the United States – and now perhaps Europe as well – along with my consistent, and sometimes radical passion for running the convention from day one.

In any case, running The 21 Convention in Europe will be a dream come true. In Stockholm, London, or anywhere else for that matter. It’s simply part of the path I see for The 21 Convention, as well as myself personally.

And you know what? When I came to that step aside or step up crossroad – the do or die move for the whole convention there, and Europe forever for all I know – that vision was fading in and out. One minute I was sure we could pull it off … the next it seemed vague, foreign, almost alien in nature.

But since I made the call, every day that’s gone by, that image, that vision has become just a little bit clearer, a little bit brighter, and a little bit more vibrant. Day by day, minute by minute, second by second, move by move …

This convention belongs in Europe every bit as much as it does in the states.

Had my birth place been there instead of Florida, and the tables were turned, the same would be true – so why not give it my all and make it happen?

The more I think about it, the more I realize just how ridiculous the idea is that I can’t host this convention in Stockholm – that I can’t bring something as awesome, with beacon like consistency to Europe, where other conferences and conventions come, go, and fade with the simple passing of time or change of interests.

…

My dream is for every guy in high school or college to be aware of the event footage at The21Convention.com, around the world. How awesome would that be? To find such a wealth of information, a search for truth, and a growing sense of right and wrong – at no direct cost – at such a young age!

People have commented on this blog for months, and elsewhere for years, about how fortunate I am to have found the information that I have and learned from it, at such an age.

I ask: why can’t everyone with access to the internet, find that information? Whether or not an individual learns from it (and has the wisdom to value something lacking an arbitrary cost) is entirely up to them, but providing it is the first step – the most crucial step towards changing the course of a generation.

A lost generation

A generation that didn’t trade guiding principals for the highest of ideals – but never had any instilled to begin with. A hypersensitive generation, utterly lost in ambiguity and hypocrisy, too busy chasing material wants that are “of dust” to stand up and fight for what they believe in – if that is even so defined.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – we are the greatest generation, and most often, the least aware of it. The challenges we face are so deep they are difficult to measure, but that doesn’t make them not so. They do exist, are catching up with us fast, and we are suffering as a result – with everything from our health, to relationships, and even the way we carry ourselves as men on a day to day basis.

Something needs to be done … and while I don’t have all the answers, this is what I’m doing, The 21 Convention.

It’s everywhere – on the web, TV, in Orlando Florida, and now Stockholm Sweden – if I and everyone who decides to help can make it happen.

Again, I can’t do it alone. I need help, and plenty of it. I always have … like we all do at times. And right now, our first convention in Europe needs the most support – and we’ve got less than 6 weeks.

Here’s how you can help.

A. Share this post with as many people as possible, that you think should see it, as I won’t be aggregating it in any way.
B. Visit The 21 Convention Phenomenon and find out more specific and actionable ways to get involved.
C. Sign up early for The 21 Convention 2010 of Orlando Florida if you were waiting to buy your ticket. You save a good chunk of change, and it allows for a little more wiggle room on my end with advertising and other costs for Stockholm.

To kick start everything, and demonstrate how serious I am about making T21C Stockholm a reality, I sold my car on Monday for extra revenue. Nope, not a joke. The car is gone, I’m back to the bike. – which I may even sell in favor of walking everywhere, simply for more advertising funds.

…

This post is about to be wrapped up, but I will state one more thing: while I am going 110% forward with Stockholm, I am not about to hinder or undermine T21C Orlando for it.

In that sense, there has to be a cut off date with an actionable goal. If we hit it, we’re more or less “in the clear”. If we don’t … then I have to immediately consider calling the whole event off, and refunding all tickets – while trying not to vomit in the process. The very idea of doing that, and missing an opportunity as great as hosting this convention in Stockholm, would definitely make for one of the saddest days of my life.

The most tragic thing of all not being the minor reputation hit, financial loss, or any of that BS – but knowing that I was capable of making this happen, and that I didn’t live up to my potential this time around. That, and there a great number of individuals already signed up for this event, and excited to attend – just not enough right now.

Whatever happens, there will definitely be a day in my life I never forget within the next few weeks. While there’s no guarantee, I damn sure hope it’s in Stockholm on June 11^th.

The actionable goal will be 30 new seats moved by May 15^th. That’s really not that many. Hell, we moved 14 in a day last year for a group buy. But never the less, that’s the amount I come up with after crunching a few numbers. Is it doable? Certainly. And if we do, we’ll be past the necessary threshold. If not, then other options will have to be considered.

…

In the closing of this post, I’d like to thank everyone for their time, effort, encouragement, praise, criticism, humor, feedback, advice, love, support … and anything else given to me personally, or this convention over the years (my fingers would fall off before that list is completed).

I appreciate it in a way I can hardly begin to express, regardless of what happens.

-Anthony ‘Dream’ Johnson

Director, Founder, President & CEO of The 21 Convention

The Community Tapes [Volume 1]: Dj Fuji

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 15:20:26 +0000

Dj Fuji … life coach, ex-marine, rising star of The 21 Convention, and former chief instructor for Mehow Inc. – was interviewed for The Community Tapes during the Fall of 2009 in Orlando Florida. Move past the fame and inside the mind of one of the greatest dating and lifestyle coaches of our time, Dj Fuji, with the ground breaking new lens that is Episode 1, Volume 1 of The Community Tapes.

See Dj Fuji’s outrageously popular speech at T21C 2009 by clicking here.

Visit his blog at TaoofDjFuji.com and see him this July at T21C 2010 (USA).

My comments: Dj Fuji is an awesome guy – seriously. I got a great first impression when I met him in July of 2009 at T21C, and my respect only grew after he gave his ~2 hour presentation (that inevitably blew up online). All that was further compounded (and amplified) during this interview, that really helped me get to know the man behind the name. I believe it will help others in the same regard. Enjoy guys, and stay tuned next Sunday afternoon for Episode 2 of The Community Tapes.

The Next “Big Thing” Goes Live April 25th

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 03:55:27 +0000

That’s right, it’s finally here, the independently produced documentary series for men, we’ve all been waiting for.

What will begin releasing this Sunday evening (5pm EST) is singlehandedly the most professional series of videos that I or The 21 Convention has ever played a hand in.

If you think the 2009 trailer or past event footage is impressive … you’re in for quite a surprise. What began as a collective documentary has transformed into what we are now calling “The Community Tapes: Volume 1”.

Volume 1 of this documentary series contains the cumulative effort of over half a dozen people during the course of the past ~7 months, represents hundreds of hours of work planning/filming/editing, and quite literally: multiple thousands of dollars of investment.

How does it differ from event footage?

Event footage is more … “educational” shall we say? This documentary series is just that – a documentary series of episodes, much like a TV show you would see a new episode of every week.

The difference there being, this is really cool, and doesn’t suck like a lot of the crap we are fed on TV =).

On a more serious note, I believe each episode is dramatically more powerful than it’s corresponding event speech (or speeches). It really is a whole new lens and an inside look into what convention speakers have to say on various topics of importance (and one 3 year convention attendee who has watched The 21 Convention, and myself, grow first hand over the years).

…

The bottom line is: if you love the free event footage, you’re going to love this documentary series. Perfectly complimenting each other is an understatement, and doesn’t grasp what I suspect will happen as this series “picks up steam”.

Picking up Steam

I’m a big believer in pouring your heart and soul into something bigger than yourself – something you feel will have an impact on individuals, and as a by product, the rest of the world as well. Big or small, it makes little difference – it’s the idea and intent that count more than anything*.

*Although I would caution: be careful not to perpetuate what you set out to solve or improve upon. This is a trap our entire species seems hell bent on continuing =/.

In line with that, that’s what everyone involved has done with this documentary over the past 7 months. From the speakers that dug deeper than ever before during their interviews (and said things they may not have normally), to those who helped in the production and direction of the entire project (more than they know), to the director and editor (who spent countless hours toiling over every single second of footage) – to myself.

I really feel like this is a perfect extension of everything I have ‘done’ up to this point in my life, and believe this will fill in a lot of the gaps – that I see personally – not yet addressed at T21C or here on The Dream Lounge, for whatever reason.

It’s powerful stuff, and I’m excited to share what I’ve spent so much time and effort (along with many others) working on this year.

…

In any case, I hope this has a real impact – however big – on our generation, and I hope individuals benefit from Volume 1 of The Community Tapes.

If one or two end up on the front page of Digg or get a Tweet from a person with a 6 or 7 digit following, that would be nice too =), but ultimately aside the point.

Learn more here on The21Convention.com about the coming documentary series (that will be distributed both on TDL and on The21Convention.com beginning this Sunday), and check out teaser trailers below of all those interviewed up to this point.

ps- I should add, both site disclaimers have been updated with the following, simply because so much was said, that it would be impossible to stand behind every little detail within this series – and I like keeping The 21 Convention relatively unbiased.

The opinions expressed here on TheDreamLounge.net through event footage/articles/videos and at corresponding live events are entirely the opinions of the independent and individual speakers and/or contributors to the web site, or live event – unless otherwise explicitly stated within the video, article, or similar media item under scrutiny – and do not necessarily reflect those of ANY organization, including those in which an independent speaker/contributor has or currently plays any sort of role – up to and including the role of ‘leader’ in all its forms.

Follow Up Interview With Bill De Simone

Anthony 'Dream' Johnson — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:20:19 +0000

As promised, my latest interpretation of mixing the concepts between MAE and Body by Science.

Also, be sure to check this interview out from Conditioning Research.

It’s a great follow up to my recent interview with Bill about Moment Arm Exercise. New videos from Bill are included at the bottom of the interview as well (regarding congruent exercise for the chest).