The Personal Side of Josh Spaulding – Good and Bad
September 7th, 2009 | 71 comments
Sometimes it’s good to get your mind off of Internet Marketing and just take a break. And although I can’t force that upon you, I can give you some info that has nothing to do with Internet Marketing for once.
Today I’m going to talk about me, as a person. In response to one of the questions I asked in a survey I sent out to my list a few weeks ago asking what I can do to build more trust, many people requested that I talk more about myself outside of IM. You asked and I listened. I’m not going to hold back, not even some of the very embarrassing things that I’ve gone through. One part of this post may really shock some people.
The more I thought about it, the more I realized this is a good idea. It’s always neat to learn more about the personal life of a friend or acquaintance and if you follow this blog, you’re a friend of mine!
You’re about to learn more about me than you ever wanted, or cared, to know 
Just random details
I’m 29 years old (at the time of writing.) I am originally from Washington, Indiana, but now live in Indianapolis, Indiana (I like Indianapolis MUCH better.) I am very happily married to my wife, Claudia. We have one child, Aaron, who will be 3 years old in February.
I smoked for about 12 years before Claudia and I both quit January 2008, cold turkey, and never looked back!
I am one of six children. I have two older sisters (Dana & Kelly,) one older brother (Matt,) one younger brother (Jon) and one younger sister (Emily.)
… one niece, seven nephews, one more on the way.
We all grew up in the “middle class” I would say. My father was, and still is, a conductor for the railroad and made/makes good money, but with 6 kids money was still tight. We weren’t poor, but we weren’t rich by any means either. My mother cleaned houses for extra cash when she could, but she was always so busy cleaning up after us she couldn’t do that very often.
Work
My first “real” job was, you guessed it, flipping burgers. I was a grill cook at “The New White Steamer” in Washington, IN for a few years. I think I started when I was about 16. My salary was something like $4/hour, yes really lol
After that I got on at a Furniture Factory in Jasper, Indiana (Jasper Wood Products,) which is now closed. I was a machine operator, running various machines, making all kinds of furniture parts. I worked there for about 3 years.
Then I got tired of my boring life in Indiana and decided to join the Army. The $17,000 sign on bonus made up my mind for me haha I signed a 5-year contract and left for Basic Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma February 28, 2002. My MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) AKA job, was 13M Multiple Launch Rocket System crew member.
I was then stationed in Babenhausen, Germany. Not long after I got there I was deployed to Iraq for the initial invasion. One year later I returned to Germany, traveled all over Europe and met my wonderful wife, who is from Frankfurt, Germany.
I started my online business late 2004, while still serving in the Army. I got out of the Army May 31st 2007 as a Sergeant and started working online full-time from there on out.
My Idiot Phase
You know how children go through “phases?” When I was a teenager I went through what I call my “Idiot Phase.”
I got multiple tattoos, which I regret now. I was arrested for drinking and driving. I did drugs, which luckily didn’t do any permanent damage before I got smart and quit. But worst of all, I beat up a guy, which resulted in a Class-C Felony. Yep, I’m a felon. Sorry if that disappoints you. Luckily the guy recovered fully, but that charge is on my record for life. It’s something I regret more than anything I’ve ever done in my entire life, but it happened and I can’t change the past.
To make a long story short I thought the guy was a child molester because I listened to unconfirmed rumors and I decided to take the law into my own hands. It probably had something to do with my 18 year old ego too, since a group of my friends were there too. It turns out he wasn’t a child molester, or at least he had never been convicted of it. I was arrested and sentenced to 4 years in prison. But in reality a 4 year sentence really means one year. Half of the sentence is almost always “suspended” and you almost always do half of what’s left, for “good behavior.”
I was given the choice by the judge of 1 year in jail, or 2 years of house arrest. I chose 2 years of house arrest and spent 2 of the most boring years of my life EVER sitting at my parents house, but during that time I had plenty of time to think about my past and more importantly, my future. Lesson: Don’t listen to rumors!
My Hobbies and Passions – My #1 passion is spending time with my wife and son. That’s corny and of course I know Claudia is going to read this But it’s also very true. My online business is also a great passion of mine because I am privileged with the ability to help people and make money at the same time! But below you’ll find some recreational things I like:
I have several hobbies, some of them are also passions.
1. Health and Fitness – I can’t stand the feeling of being weak and unhealthy!! I HATE it! I honestly enjoy going to the gym and although I love food, I eat fairly healthy and watch what I eat. I work out 6 days a week and do alot of strength training. I wouldn’t consider myself a bodybuilder, but I constantly work on increasing muscle size, strength and endurance. But, I never have and never will use illegal drugs to improve that like so many do. I spend a good deal of money on legal supplements though. If you’re interested in health and fitness I highly recommend my trainer’s blog “Personal Training Dude” at http://www.PersonalTrainingDude.com/. Health and Fitness is a hobby and a passion!
2. Geocaching – I started Geocaching in the summer of 2008 while visiting friends in Germany. I LOVE this hobby, it’s fun! I run a Geocaching blog at http://www.MadCacher.com/ and if you have no idea what it is, read this post: What is Geocaching?
3. Fishing – I’ve loved fishing since I was a kid. I like fishing for just about anything, but I primarily like bass fishing. I love the feeling of a big bass grabbing the lure, jumping out of the water, then fighting to get him in.
4. Collecting sports cards – Yeah, I know. It’s for kids, right? lol I was a big card collector as a kid, then got away from it as I got older, like so many others. But several months ago I’ve picked it back up and have a growing collection of Gem Mint sports cards, primarily basketball.
5. Football (Colts) – I’m a horrible Football fan because I just started getting into it last year and I don’t even know half of the rules, but I LOVE watching our Colts play and will be attending several games this season! oops, I just lost some blog readers from New England, huh? 
I hope not.
Beliefs
Politically I tend to lean more toward conservative views, but I try to stay away from politics and there are a few liberal views I agree with as well. If I did get into politics, I guess I would be more independent.
I believe children should be treated better than the average child is treated in the World and that definitely isn’t limited to third-world countries. I believe many children, even in the U.S.A. are treated poorly no child deserves that, no matter who their parents are.
I’m against abortion because I don’t think any person who has already been born should have the right to decide whether or not someone else should be born. “I’ve noticed that everyone who is for abortion has already been born” – Ronald Reagan
I believe all people should be judged by their character, not by anything else. But I also believe many people get away with far too much because they know people are afraid to say anything.
I believe most people have NO CLUE how much potential they possess!
I believe people should be judged by the type of person they are, not by what church they go to (if any) or by what religion they observe.
I believe the famous quote “You can do anything you want, if you put your mind to it” is false, but has great intentions.
I believe most people measure and accept their destiny by how they are raised. I believe this is a bad thing 99.9% of the time and a good thing 0.01% of the time.
Well, that’s all I can think of right now. If I think of more I’ll edit this post and add those things.
That’s a snapshot of my life. Complete honesty! I hope it hasn’t driven you away
Related Posts
- Learn All About Me – You Know you Want to
- NON-Internet Marketing Musings by Josh Spaulding
- Get Organized with a Ticket Support System
- How to be a Power Stumbler on StumbleUpon
- My Internet Marketing History from Then to Now
- Being Helpful Invites Good Things – Another Example
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7th September, 2009 at 9:51 pm
sounds like you turned it all around when the time was right. keep it up mate. been reading tony robbins, yeah I think your right Josh, most people have no clue how much potential they hold. Mr Robbins makes that abundantly clear. Speak later. doctoralgorithm
8th September, 2009 at 6:18 am
Hey Josh,
Thanks for sharing your personal side with us. Yeah it was a bit shocking to learn about you beating up a guy. But hey, that’s life and we all make mistakes.
The most important thing is to learn from them and become a better person.
Cheers!
Welly Mulia
8th September, 2009 at 10:54 am
Cool post Josh and “no” I’m still here.
Even though I am not for or against abortion that was one of the best quotes I’ve read in a long time (the Reagan one).
Awesome that you wanted to share so much personal information.
/Mikael
8th September, 2009 at 2:38 pm
You are my favorite Felon. LOL
Seriously. All people make mistakes. It is the people that learn from their mistakes and do something with their lives that are truly great.
This is a fantastic post because it shows people that your standards for marketing (transparency and integrity) are real and extend into your personal life.
I am proud to be associated with you.
Regards,
Mark
8th September, 2009 at 2:40 pm
LOL…this was excellent, Josh. Now I know to keep my distance from you!
Actually, I enjoyed this a good bit. And I think most people are independent politically…whether they know it or not. Very few people would toe the line with a particular party on every issue. It’s just that there’s so much anger out there now that people can’t even think straight…and we’re getting no real political leadership from anyone (which leaves us with a bunch of blowhards on radio and TV shilling for ratings) and a media which is more interesting in entertaining and making money than in keeping our political leaders honest.
Glad to hear that you got “the stupids” out of your system at an early age. Now you can enjoy a smart, healthy life for as long as you’re here!
8th September, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Josh I love this post! I voiced in the survey that I wanted you to share more of “you” and that’s certainly what you’ve done here.
Complete honesty drive me away? No, quite the opposite.
The events you describe in your ‘idiot phase’ are highly regretful of course, but making this type of mistake is unfortunately a common one particularly for teenage males.
Telling the world about your biggest regret in life takes courage, which I believe you have in abundance and I truly admire that in you.
Look at the path you’ve trodden since those troubled times, you certainly have a great deal to be proud of!
Now about that Geocaching! It sounds like a whole load of fun and I can see how easy it would be to get into it. I can’t keep up with my “Josh inspired” FarmTown farm so I best not start searching for caches right now but it’s certainly on my ‘things to do eventually’ list. Thanks for the inspiration.
Now you know I want to see you chat to us on video, how about a view of your next cache hunt, that would be fun!
8th September, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Am on your list and glad I came and had a look – you sound like a really nice guy. Interested in the IM but at the minute just surviving with not enough hours in the day
Thanks for sharing yourself and your family – your little boy looks like a proper lovable Cheeky Monkey
)
8th September, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Nice post! I have 5 kids make a decent living as a director at my job and never see my family. Boo-hoo right. LOL. Anyway out of all of the experts on generating income from home, you seem to be the most authentic. Hoping you can help.
8th September, 2009 at 3:02 pm
Josh –
This cracked me up (so true):
>I believe the famous quote “You can do anything you want, if you put your mind to it” is false, but has great intentions.<
And passing along to my dh who needs to hear this right about now (imho) – one too many "have you ever been a felon" questions on JOB apps has taken a toll.
Oop – that means he'll read this too … lol OH WELL
Appreciate you,
Andrea
8th September, 2009 at 3:05 pm
What a refreshingly honest “reveal”.
I share many of the same beliefs that you do.
8th September, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Hey Josh…
Kudos to you for making this post!
I have been on your list and following you… on and off… since downloading your $5 mini-site formula almost a year ago.
It goes a long way in solidifying the phrase… “when you know… like… and trust a person… you are more likely to do business with them.”
I would much rather look to someone who admits their past mistakes and moves forward than someone who pretends to be someone they’re not.
God knows I’ve done some things I’m not proud of in my sixty years but hey… I can’t change the past… all I can do is learn from my mistakes and work to improve myself a little more each day!
Thank You…
Bill Fleming
Denver, CO
8th September, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Josh,
I enjoyed learning more about your background.
I found it especially interesting that you are into health and fitness, as I am also a health and fitness enthusiast and have a health and fitness website.
Regards,
Jim
8th September, 2009 at 3:34 pm
Thanks for sharing, Josh…
Reminds me of a TV commercial for the military awhile back, “If you wrote a book about your life, would anyone read it?”
Most of us have a story to tell and, as a former law enforcement officer/instructor, I can almost guarantee you that about 70% of the adults walking around could have been arrested for something at one time or another.
You did your time and paid your debt but, if you are still concerned with that charge being on your record, check with an attorney on getting it expunged – Your “clean” record since that incident (except for being an internet marketer)
should put you in good standing with the court…
Stay Well, my friend
MikeRogers
8th September, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Hi Josh.
I doubt you will drive anyone away because transparency is huge in this business. I can relate to many of your life experiences and of course some of it I can’t, but all in all your honesty is refreshing.
You have to continue dealing with having me around as I’m sure many others!
Jimmy Adames
8th September, 2009 at 4:15 pm
It takes a lot of courage to open up like that, Josh. Thanks for the peek into your life.
It’s important to carry on regardless of the pitfalls we’ve encountered during our lives. As long as we’ve learned from them and attempt to improve ourselves everyday, that’s all we can do. We’re a “work in progress”.
8th September, 2009 at 4:19 pm
Wow Joshie, that was worth the wait!
I feel like I know you on a more personal level now… and we need to chat about some of that stuff!!
Thanks for sharing bro, that took some guts I bet.
Take care,
Andrew
8th September, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Dear Josh,
What a brave and honest thing to do!
Those who have floundered and then righted themselves, in my book, reflects courage and strength.
You are worthy of all you have.
Bravo!
8th September, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Thanks for spilling, Josh. It must take guts to tell it all and I appreciate your honesty.
As a parent of teens, I worry about them. It does me good to hear when a teenager figures it out and picks a better path.
Thanks,
Peggy
8th September, 2009 at 4:31 pm
Josh, I think your honesty on your past will help others achieve higher goals in internet marketing. When people read stories like that, the first thing they usually think is “man, if this guy can be successful after going through the ringer like that, I certainly can!” Congrats on all your success. Many people would have just tossed in the towel.
8th September, 2009 at 4:34 pm
I thought felons were not allowed to serve in the military?
Hey, I don’t think you scared most of us away. We all have things we did when we were young that we now regret. Lord knows I have! I think it’s part of growing up. If we can learn from our mistakes, and sounds like you definitely did, then something good came out of it.
8th September, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Wow Josh this post is going to rack up the comments.
From speaking to you on your private forum I already had no doubt that you are a good solid family guy and I respect that a lot.
The teenage stuff was interesting and I wouldn’t say I was surprised as I have known many people who made mistakes of this nature… But it’s brave of you to tell everyone…. If only you were into Internet Marketing for time at home with your parents!
Politically, no one every fully lines up. I would say I am pretty much a complete liberal and in many ways a socialist (damn the CIA are going to be watching me for saying that!)… However I respect everyone and their views and think it’s important to disagree and get things sorted out democratically.
Abortion…. I do believe that the right lives with the person who is carrying the child up until a certain point. Especially since sending a child for adoption is not a flawless process but that quote from Regan is magic and gives you a moment of reflection….
I’m rambling too much now…. so i’ll finish just by saying thanks again.
8th September, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Nice to see your life story (well part of it). We all do stupid things when we are young and it seems like you and I would have been best buds in those regards.
8th September, 2009 at 4:38 pm
Hey Josh,
Really like the personal blog post. It’s also always inspiring to see someone who has made some mistakes, owns up to them, and then really pushes themselves to make it up in life. Always inspiring. Keep it up, and thanks for sharing this with us!
Best,
Shane “Master” Dayton
8th September, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Wow Josh,
I really like to follow your posts but never realized that you were such a bad boy in the past!
Well, keep it real …
8th September, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Woohoo, another geocaching nerd! We love it too, here in Chicago!
Loved this post, btw!
8th September, 2009 at 5:05 pm
That’s awesome! It will forever humanize every blog post you ever produce and establish yourself as a credible and honest IM’er.
Thanks for the share and keep up the good work.
8th September, 2009 at 5:19 pm
Josh,
I respect your honesty. While I would never encourage anyone to commit assault, I do find it interesting that in many courts you will probably get a worse sentence for assaulting a child molester than you will if you molested a child!
Anyway, if there are people out there reading your post that have never made a mistake and they are offended enough to want to leave, then let them go, there are not that many of them!
I have always felt that I have received honest information from you and now I am convinced of it!
If I could only stay on one mailing list it would be yours…
Jim
8th September, 2009 at 5:26 pm
Josh I have always found you trustworthy. Nothing that I have read has changed that opinion. I once did drugs but luckily I have a non-addictive personality.
You had the courage to change and thats what counts.
8th September, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Great post! I think it is great to get to know a bit more about you.
8th September, 2009 at 5:37 pm
I’ve been reading your blog for some time now and am just now compelled to make my first comment.
The one overriding character trait I get from you is your love for children…even for those yet to be born (thank you).
You learned your lesson about believing rumors, but your heart was in the right the place.
Aaron is a lucky child to have you as a Father and I suggest you look into coaching Aaron in some sport when he is old enough. My wife and I have 3 boys and she coaches their team during basketball season and I coach their team during baseball season. They also play football and we help out those coaches when needed. We absolutely love being around all those children and teaching them how to play sports. And our own children love it as well.
Thank you for allowing us to take peek ‘behind the scenes’ and keep up the good work!
8th September, 2009 at 6:21 pm
Congrats on having the courage to make a personal post! I enjoyed learning about your past, the good and the bad.
All of it made you the great teacher and leader that you are today!
8th September, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Fantastic post Josh and what came through was your passion and commitment to your family and those that you care about.
I began Internet marketing as a result of your sound down to earth advice and I look forward to your emails. Nothing in this post has diminished my regard for you, quite the opposite. I am sure that that post has and will do you no harm at all. Even if you did agonise about whether to share it.
I am also sure that it will do you good and establish a deeper trust. I certainly hope that it does increase your capacity to make money, because I am certain that I am not hhe only person that you have inspired to make money online.
Be happy
Catherine
8th September, 2009 at 6:43 pm
Hi Josh,
Wow look at the response! We all like seeing the ‘humanity’ in those we are dealing with.
I loved the movie “Natural Born Killers” because it had a very real point to it that takes courage to own up to: we have all done our share of violence to others by thinking violent thoughts – it does more harm than you think.
I respect a guy who has stuck his neck out for his beliefs, right or wrong. You see, it’s like my high school choir; the director told us to sing out loud so that a wrong note could be heard and corrected. Don’t hide. It just takes longer to find the correction.
That’s the reason we’re all here, right? To move toward an experience of Love by healing our unloving thoughts.
OK that got pretty philosophical, NOW who’s revealing themselves?
I like knowing you have a deep desire for justice, and that you want that for those who are less able to fend for themselves.
Thanks for being in the community of man. I’m glad I know ya.
8th September, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hello Josh,
It’s really nice on your part to come out and share some of the most private incidents of your life. It has again revealed how honest and truthful a human being are. Your story is inspiring and touching. Now I think I know you better than ever.
Regards
8th September, 2009 at 7:15 pm
Very honest and good post. It makes me realize that this community is really a community and not just a cyber world. While we will probably never meet, you are still bringing positive things in my life through your blog. So keep on doing what you are doing.
8th September, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Comment removed at the request of the commenter.
8th September, 2009 at 7:50 pm
Full marks for honesty Josh.
It takes a lot of guts to be so open, and risk losing friends and business – you haven’t lost my friendship or my business. You have gained my respect which is hopefully worth something to you.
8th September, 2009 at 8:05 pm
Hey Josh,
Great article on becoming more personal in your Blog. I have followed you for a long time and enjoy your thoughts. I follow Justin Brooke also and he is always talking about life around him. Keep up the good work.
Rick
8th September, 2009 at 8:13 pm
Honest enough. I don’t share many of you ideas (politic, abortion, etc), but who care? Sincere people are more important than everything else. About your “felony thing” I think it was just bad luck (if every time youngsters are fighting, one of them sue the other, we’ll never emptied jails!). Just a lesson to learn indeed.
Anyway, good material for a shrink (ha,ha). You’re really “ubuntu”.
Regards
8th September, 2009 at 8:46 pm
Hi Josh,
Straight and to the point. You sound like a fairly normal guy to me.
I think a lot of us did things we regret in our youth but I believe if you get the message and move on then one of life’s lessons was learned.
Thanks for the honest post. Good luck to you, Claudia and Aaron.
Dave
8th September, 2009 at 9:19 pm
It is good to read something else apart from internet marketing from someone who is doing so well in internet marketing
I see a lot of successful people seem to have certain things in common, physical exercise being one of them.
Keep up the good work!
8th September, 2009 at 9:24 pm
Hi Josh,
Thanks for sharing your story.
From your email message : “Hopefully my past doesn’t scare you away, “.
I’m more worried about you collecting sports cards again. Now that’s a felony. It sounds pretty boring to me.
“I believe most people measure and accept their destiny by how they are raised. I believe this is a bad thing 99.9% of the time and a good thing 0.01% of the time.”
So true. But from age 15, I was always the odd one out, I wouldn’t listen and make my own decisions. When I decided I wanted to study Industrial Design, my parents said “Stick to your roots. No one in our family tried that ever before.”. LOL! Well I finished it but ended up in IT. (Long story, YAWN!)
My 15 year old son is just like me. Sometimes it drives me up the wall.
BTW, you are a lucky guy. German women are ueber.
When I here the name Monika Thiel, my heart still skips a beat (maybe two), and good memories of the Werderstasse in Wiesbaden come back. God I loved her. It lasted nearly 2 years. Eventually distance (Netherlands-Germany) and she being homesick for her friends and family, having to quit her job in Germany, and being alone at home most of the day (language barrier) caused the breakup.
Also, her parents wouldn’t accept a poor bum like me. Not good enough to take good care of their daughter. Yes, Wiesbaden at the time had the highest concentration of multi millionaires in Germany. But I was only interested in one of their daughters.
But that’s 20 years ago now. Damn, I’m getting old.
Apologies for blabbering on.
You 3 take good care of eachother.
8th September, 2009 at 10:10 pm
Very nice Josh. A personal touch is always a good thing. Now we know you are human.
8th September, 2009 at 11:31 pm
wow. I can’t believe you went through an idiot phase. You are fortunate to have come out victorious. Not everyone can get out of that phase quickly and easily. There is a very small gap between our ages Josh and I just came out of the phase. Sheesh. It took me this long.
9th September, 2009 at 1:26 am
Hey Josh…Man your life almost mirrors mine only 30 years back. You could take some stuff out and add some other crap that I’ve been through.
Spent 2 years in Hanau Germany. Did stuff that most folks won’t admit during the early seventies.
And at the ripe old age ot 59 I am beginning to realize my potential. You are an inspiration to me. My anticipation of your emails motivates me to continue my online education.
Paul
9th September, 2009 at 1:54 am
Nice post josh. I recently started following this blog and now that you’ve added this post I’m gonna follow it even more. I’m learning a lot from you. Just to let you know I recently started doing your $5 dollar mini site formula. I’m new to this whole internet marketing thing so I decided to add a little twist to the formula just for fun. So if I don’t get results its my fault. lol! Again, thanks for this post! Take care bro.
9th September, 2009 at 2:39 am
Great post. From the first I have felt that you were an honest individual trying to help us newbies. I respect your love and commitment to family.
I will continue to follow your blog.
Thanks for sharing,
Dianna
9th September, 2009 at 2:41 am
Josh, you seem to have packed a whole lot of living into little bit of time. Thanks for the share. Like Andrew says, well worth the wait.
I think you are perhaps a joy to your folks now. Good on ya.
Gary
9th September, 2009 at 3:56 am
Wow, that took a lot of guts to reveal such deep personal stuff, I have a whole new level of respect for you Josh and I respect your honesty. I also commend you for turning your life around and learning from your mistakes. Good for you!!!
9th September, 2009 at 6:36 am
I have been following your blog for quite some time and this post is very in-depth about “you”. Yeah, something talking about personal stuffs are definitely more interesting than “make money online”
9th September, 2009 at 8:21 am
Well Alex Yeo, we are all listening.
Just kidding.
9th September, 2009 at 9:49 am
I don’t think anyone in their right mind would be driven away from you as a result of this post, Josh. People admire honestly and love a good ‘nose’ into other people’s lives!
Some may not agree with you on everything, but hey, isn’t that part of being human? You made some bad moves early on in your life, but soon saw the error of your ways and started making good life choices, and I’m pleased to see things worked out for you. I’m sure you’ll continue to do well in this business, but I wouldn’t take up politics, Josh!
9th September, 2009 at 11:19 am
Is there anybody who never ever was an idiot? I think we all have our own little “idiot phase or phases”. I’m actually going through one lately. But that’s a nice way of putting it Josh. And this was a very interesting post. 50+ comments attest to that.
9th September, 2009 at 12:51 pm
That was a very interesting and brave post Josh – I’m not sure I could be so candid on my own sites, but I respect those who are unafraid to be totally open in this way. I strongly disagree with you on the abortion issue (I think a woman’s right to have control over her own body always supersedes that of a fetus), but that certainly wouldn’t drive me away – yours is one of the few IM blogs I still read these days, since it’s one of the few that has consistently great information and no ‘wannabe guru’ BS!
9th September, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Good post, Josh. It’s tough to post something this personal on a site devoted to other subjects, but it was really fun to read.
10th September, 2009 at 1:03 am
ahhhh omg sweetest baby ever!
I’m so happy you did a personal post. I really enjoyed reading it. I think so many of those “make money online” gurus lack personality in their blogs and it gets really monotonous and boring to read the same thing over and over again.
Tips and good information is essential, but so is personality.. and it’s nice to glimpse into the people behind the success once in a while and realize they’re regular people just like us that wake up and brush their teeth every morning.. well hopefully :p
Keep up the fabulous work!
TriNi
10th September, 2009 at 1:04 am
Josh,
I could not help but notice that this information provided is not that much more enlightening than what is posted on your “About” page.
I mention this as a confirmation regarding a training program I just completed that stressed the importance of what people desire in knowing whom they are aligning with, either business or personal. One of the most important aspects of our blogs, whatever our desires or intentions, is what we provide in our ‘About’ page(s). I believe this is also confirmed by the number of positive responses provided here.
As a recovered ‘rummy’ and addict for nearly 25 years, I have worked hard to live a life of transparency – no one can come and say ]do you know this about Al?’- I have taken responsibility and accountability for my past, present and future. I must if I wish to live the life that was given me with an attitude of gratitude.
My respect for all you do,
Al
10th September, 2009 at 1:24 am
Why would you lose New England fans? We just love watching the Colts lose to us.
11th September, 2009 at 8:30 am
Hi Josh, very nice to see you (meeting you in blog). Your life story was amazing. But I have to say, you still darn lucky for being american. You got to travel easily, and in fact found your sweet heart in german. Me, I am stuck since birth in my country. Even during economic recession like we currently facing, i have to say US still provided larger opportunities. Take online opportunity as an example. Anyhow I dont wanna sound bitter to you. And I admire your courage to finally stand on your feet. Your life can be inspiration to million of people out there. I am too trying to quit smoking. Reducing to be exact for I can no longer afford to buy cig regularly.
Btw, u dont mind me hanging around a little while in your nice home (blog) here, do ya?:)
11th September, 2009 at 7:15 pm
It has been a while since I last stopped to comment on your blog Josh. No pictures of tattoo? …
I am glad (and a little jealous) you both were able to quit smoking- I am still struggling with it.
And thanks for introduction to Geocaching, I have never heard of it before. I might just give it a shot.
13th September, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Hey Josh, it’s really interesting to hear the personal side of your success story. Also – can I just say Aaron really is the cutest baby!!!
It’s really good that you keep up a regular gym routine and Geocaching sounds so cool! I’ll have to give it a try!
Anyway, I’ve only just signed up to your blog but your posts are genuinely useful and inspiring.
Keep up the great work dude!
Si
13th September, 2009 at 10:07 pm
Hi Josh,
You’re still one of my online favorites no matter what.
Hell, I ain’t one to talk as I see very clearly my own imperfections.
Nice family pic –
Cheers,
JANE BOSS
14th September, 2009 at 12:28 pm
Your post confirms what I’ve been suspecting for a long time: You are human
I salute you for your honesty. You set an example for the most of us. Being honest is a virtue, and I still think you are one of today’s best Internet marketing mentors, no matter what you have done in your past. (I’m pretty sure most of us have gone/are going through an idiot phase.)
14th September, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Thank you all for your comments. I read every single comment and I’m grateful to have so many good people following me
I tend to let the past stay in the past, as many of you recommended, but still, it’s great to know I’m not the only one who understands people make mistakes!
Thanks again everyone! I would love to reply to each and every comment, but wow, that could take all day lol
16th September, 2009 at 2:44 am
You’ll be glad you and your wife quit smoking! My wife and I quit back in the 60’s when we found we may never live to see our grand kids if we didn’t. I’m 64 now and have 7 great grand kids. Sadly all our relatives that smoked are gone now. They are missed greatly and they missed so much.
Thanks for your honesty…a rare trait these days!
Also thanks for your e-books. No fluff and powerful stuff…I mean that!
19th September, 2009 at 10:21 am
Who doesn’t make mistakes in life. But not many have the courage to stand up and tell about it. Most will suger coat it blame someone else. You didn’t have to share this, nor did you have to be so honest.
That in itself speaks volumes about your personality today.
21st September, 2009 at 2:43 am
Very brave and interesting post.
BTW, how bad do you have to beat a guy up to get a felony for it? Wow! That’s a tough sentence.
23rd September, 2009 at 1:53 am
I get inspired as i read your post Josh. It’s good to know about your personal life. All of us have good and bad attitude. What important is we learn from our mistakes.
30th September, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Now THAT was gutsy. You sound like the kind of guy I would thoroughly enjoy having a cup of coffee or a beer with. Cheers for that. Do drop in and see me in England some time. Look forward to reading more of your stuff.
19th October, 2009 at 3:09 pm
I think that more people in any business industry today should give us more insight as to who they are or were as a person. I am happy that you have been able to grow from your past mistake and also able to quit smoking. Two large hurdles in life. I wish you the best in all that you do in years to come.
8th November, 2009 at 5:49 pm
Congrats on the quitting smoking. My mom smokes and I hate it. Having been a fitness professional for over 25 years and working out since I was 10 years old, I just don’t get it, but for you to quite cold turkey that’s awesome. Nice to hear your personal side as many of the BIG IM’ers don’t. You’ve also put together a great blog. Keep up the great info.
Cheers,
Mike