#60: Selfless Help and Eliminating Fear with Noa Shaw
After navigating the twists and turns of life, including selling drugs and multiple trips to rehab, 57-year-old Noa Shaw discovered his purpose of helping and being of service to others, using what he calls “selfless help.” He channeled his top lessons and advice into his debut book, Stop Thinking Thoughts That Scare You: A Selfless Help Guide of Practical Tools to Eliminate Fear and Anxiety and Live a Life of Abundance.
We’re diving headfirst into the book, Noa’s life journey — which he dubbed a trip “to hell and back” — and ways we can be kind and selfless to others in our daily lives.
Noa’s got plenty of fascinating stories to share, too, like how he owns a piece of Sixth Street in Austin and how his dogs literally saved his life. Adopt, don’t shop!
“The tiniest acts of kindness can have the largest resonance.”
Highlights of our conversation include:
Noa talks about his background and how he’s been “to hell and back,” plus how he felt something telling him to help people. (2:14)
A look at the term “selfless help” and what it means in our relationships with others. (4:44)
How Noa’s book, Stop Thinking Thoughts That Scare You: A Selfless Help Guide of Practical Tools to Eliminate Fear and Anxiety and Live a Life of Abundance, came together, and a peek inside his writing process. It’s especially helpful for anyone who wants to know how to write a book but may not be a prolific typer. (7:20)
The Instagram algorithm and the ways it’s started invading our lives. (12:48)
How we can be kind and show selfless help around others in our day-to-day. (14:23)
Noa talks about his dogs and how they’ve literally saved his life. Also, a reminder to adopt, don’t shop. (18:20)
The simple mantra Noa lives by when he thinks about comparing himself to other people, especially on social media. (22:33)
Why you should ask more people how they’re feeling. (26:43)
Noa shares a wild story about investing in Austin’s popular Sixth Street during the 1980s. (29:50)
We discuss the musical artists that speak to us the most. (33:12)
Where to Find Noa Shaw:
Follow Noa on Instagram or shoot him an email at noashaw@mac.com. Pick up a copy of his book here and listen to his podcast, I’m Here to Help.
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