Ep. 17 - Building Good Baggage: Guest - Cory Heimann

Dive into Fulfillment Project with Andy and uncover the spark that fuels a purpose-driven life! In this episode, Building Good Baggage, join guest Cory Heimann as he shares his wild ride—from crafting interactive children’s books like Light of the Saints to pitching an epic Samsonite docu-series inspired by a life-saving briefcase from his dad’s Vietnam days. Expect raw, heartfelt stories about business, family, and the courage to chase audacious dreams, all while balancing the chaos of everyday life. Filled with practical wisdom and infectious enthusiasm, this episode will inspire you to create something from nothing and live boldly. Tune in, get fired up, and start your own fulfillment journey!

Chapters

1. Introduction (00:00 - 00:09)
   Andy kicks off the episode with enthusiasm, introducing guest Cory Heimann and setting the stage for a dynamic conversation about faith, creativity, and purpose from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

2. Cory’s Roots and Likeable Art (00:09 - 01:15)
   Cory shares his background in Fort Wayne and his journey as the founder of Likeable Art, a Catholic creative studio, highlighting his 18 years of blending faith with innovative projects.

3. Shining a Light on Children’s Books (01:15 - 04:01)
   Dive into Cory’s interactive children’s books, Light of the Saints and Light of the Sacraments, where shining a flashlight reveals hidden images, sparking wonder for kids and parents alike.

4. Pivoting to Purpose-Driven Work (04:01 - 07:18)
   Cory discusses Likeable Art’s shift to documentary production and consulting for ministries, emphasizing his strategy of aligning with clients’ missions to create meaningful impact.

5. Aligning Values and Vision (07:18 - 12:43)
   Explore Cory’s evolution from chasing a big production company to embracing a lean, passion-driven model, focusing on collaboration and staying true to his core values.

6. Balancing Family and Passion (12:43 - 19:06)
   Cory shares practical tips for “wasting time” with family, creating intentional moments, and separating work from home life to nurture relationships amidst a busy schedule.

7. The Samsonite Docu-Series Dream (19:06 - 27:15)
   Cory unveils his bold passion project: a docu-series inspired by a Vietnam-era briefcase that saved his dad’s life, exploring fatherhood and “good baggage” through adventures with his sons.

8. Creating Something from Nothing (27:15 - 33:38)
   Andy and Cory reflect on the thrill and challenge of bringing ideas to life, encouraging listeners to pursue their own creative projects despite uncertainty.

9. Finding Runway for Passion Projects (33:38 - 36:33)
   Cory explains how he carved out a summer for his Samsonite project by rethinking finances as “runway,” prioritizing passion over equipment upgrades or excessive client work.

10. The Power of a Misogi (36:33 - 41:55)
    Andy introduces the Japanese concept of a “misogi,” an annual challenge to anchor life’s memories, sharing his marathon experience and its impact on his fulfillment.

11. Defining Fulfillment (41:55 - 46:20)
    Cory reveals his motto, “content with never being content,” and how a hunger for growth drives his sense of fulfillment, inspiring listeners to embrace the chase.

12. Closing Call to Action (46:20 - 46:48)
    Cory encourages fearless creation, and Andy wraps up with a passionate call to share the episode, subscribe, and live boldly in pursuit of purpose.

Quotes

1. “I want to give my boys good baggage, not the negative kind.” – Cory Heimann (23:34)

2. “I’m content with never being content.” – Cory Heimann (41:55)

3. “A meal tastes better when you’re hungry, and I’m hungry.” – Cory Heimann (42:21)

4. “The most successful person at work is a failure if they’re not successful at home.” – Andy, quoting John Savage (12:29)

5. “You can’t live if you’re avoiding suffering.” – Andy (39:30)

6. “Create something out of nothing. It’s the thrill of life.” – Andy (28:00)

7. “Wasting time with your kids is success.” – Cory Heimann, inspired by Pope Francis (15:06)

8. “The perfect time to plant a tree was 100 years ago. The next best time is today.” – Andy (33:38)

9. “Life is the little moments, not just the peak ones.” – Andy (45:54)

10. “I try to visualize the moment I walk in the door and what kind of dad I need to be.” – Cory Heimann (15:32)

11. “Comparison is the thief of joy.” – Cory Heimann (43:49)

12. “You don’t have to see the finish line. Take the first step and let it unfold.” – Andy (33:38)

13. “Every creative project has a dark night of the soul.” – Cory Heimann, referencing Steal Like an Artist (20:49)

14. “Perfection is consistent effort toward the best version of myself.” – Andy (17:39)

15. “If you’re not exercising your passion, do it. It will make your whole life better.” – Andy (36:33)

16. “Don’t be afraid to make stuff.” – Cory Heimann (46:20)

17. “I wonder if [Indiana is clean] because it’s so flat that any litter can just be blown away into another state. I think maybe that’s what we got going for us.” – Cory Heimann (00:26)

18. “If you need anything broken, we’re open to it. We can break anything. We’re really good at that.” – Cory Heimann, on raising six boys (23:13)

19. “I suck at social media. I was off of it for six years, 100% nude in the social media game.” – Andy (29:21)