@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Yeah, I think I like the idea that Hank owes me a favor more than I probably would like any actual favors, but who knows, time will tell. So weird how well known John and Hank have become that I could even name drop, my kids are assigned Crash Course videos they are in at school! I never expected they would become so famous in 2008 when I drove from the suburbs of Chicago to Grand Rapids because I thought it might be the only chance I'd ever get to meet them in person!
I think we can all agree that in this new endeavor and all the rest of them Hank has in fact not forgotten to be awesome. (Honored to be on that burned CD 🥰)
Discovered your music a year ago when you played a show with The Other Favorites. Somehow not surprised to discover this connection. P.S. Come back to SF!
Oh wow completely random comment but we have the same last name and I've never randomly encountered someone with it online (or even at all apart from my family)
Gosh, I have SO MUCH respect for Sarah. I can't imagine giving up any of my OG Nerdfighteria stuff, even to Hank. That's amazingly generous and selfless, and I feel like in some way we all owe her a thank you.
Hank, you’ve not only failed to make me think less of you but stopped my nightly depression spiral by reminding me there are still people who give a shit about others, out there doing good Much love, wish you amazing success as always, it truly feels like we all win when you do
Thank you for your comment. I've been having a real rough time with depression recently. I didn't even realize night depression was a thing, but that, too. It is comforting to know there's good people in this community, supporting other good people in making the world a better place. Thank you, again! 💚✌️😎🍀
Hank: "I am going to get a good grade in beating a salad dressing company: something that is both normal to want and possible to achieve" DFTBA you mad lad. You've been incredibly successful
I'm not sure how anyone could think less of you for this. "Hey sorry guys. I'm using my influence and skills and power to help others as much as I can I hope you guys understand."
My mom taught me that one of the hardest parts of being an adult is continuing to work hard even when you're not having fun and aren't necessarily "good" at what you're doing. It's an unappreciated strength that you were able to keep chugging along - and equally impressive that you were eventually able to break free.
I’ve been procrastinating a research paper until now, but this helped give me that little bit of motivation I needed. Thank you, stranger! Update: got a 96/100 😎
Doing something hard can be scary, tough, and challenging. Even if it's something we've done a thousand times before. Having done something hard, however, is often satisfying and fulfilling in a way that's impossible to replicate.
You and John (with his ethically sourced unpaid internship) remain two of my favorite people precisely because you have both recognized that one can earn an amount of money that is enough. (A concept that society at large seems incapable of understanding.) But even after recognizing that you both still decide to work hard to help others. It's admirable. I haven't been great at the plenty of money part of my life, but I do aspire to never decide that it's the only thing worth striving for.
Agreed! At my previous job, I was at that point, and family members were constantly confused at why I donated "so much money" to charity. I was just like, "...because I don't need it, and these other people do?" Of course, now at my new job I'm living paycheck to paycheck and can't afford charity anymore, which breaks my heart, but it's super wholesome to know that there are some people, like John and Hank, who understand that the utility curve of money does, in fact, flatten, and other people are to the left of that curve who could use the help making it over that hump.
I'm so excited that you'll be adding tea. I've wanted to support this idea, but I rarely wear socks, don't make coffee, and am sensitive to some of the oils in your soaps. I drink several cups of tea/day, so you've finally found my weakness
I have no idea at what point I was supposed to think less of Hank. He’s literally always trying to do the right thing and he’s in such a good position to do that. Keep doing what you’re doing, just the fact that you and John exist is such a hopeful thing 😌
If there is a part to think less of him, it would be if he employs people but doesn't pay them the value of their labor. He can donate that extra money all he wants, but if he extracts surplus value from people, he is still exploit them. If he is. I'm not sure if he is employing others.
@@whiteerdydude I think that part of giving it all away implies that the salaries will be fair or more than fair. To me, good to great compensation in exchange for one's services, is part of giving it all away. I dare believe that this is how Hank also sees it. Even more than that, I am sure this is part of the business model.
@@cinthyamorin8506the point is he’s a bandaid, not a solution. He tweeted years ago, capitalism isn’t the problem it’s the people use capitalism as an excuse to be bad. Which is a dumb take.he is doing good, but still supports a system that doesn’t work. There’s only one hank, and we can’t employ more hanks, the fans are supporting him to support others when our taxes and our dollars should already be ethically spent guaranteed by the state, instead we have hank as a middle man, who is just one person.
Hank, being motivated to work hard to raise money for someone else is commendable, not something you should in any way be ashamed of. The community is super proud of you!
Also worth saying out loud, in case someone needs to hear it: being motivated to work hard to raise money for yourself is also not something the be ashamed of. Exploitation is wrong, rampant greed is wrong, but honest work for self-enrichment is not. Too many people feel guilty just for wanting to improve their own lives, and if that's you, allow this internet stranger to remind you of the Wisdom of the Airlines: secure your own mask first, then help others.
I just wish the part where I was helping the team and the customers and the clients was enough to motivate me, y'know. Like, that seems like it should be enough, but pretty soon after I had enough money I was like "THIS IS VERY HARD AND STRESSFUL WHY AM I EVEN DOING IT." It makes me think a little less of me, but I'm not ashamed or anything, just kinda surprised.
@@vlogbrothers No matter where you go in life Hank, what you chose to do or what not to do moving forward, you've already done so much for everyone who watches you and John. Thank you for just being you. Change is good and should be embraced for the most part, but only when it's something *you* want.
Being motivated by trying to beat Newman's Own at what they do is perhaps the most pure-hearted thing I've ever heard. Someone needs to make up a word for that feeling, and that word should be the new motto of humanity. Hank you are a treasure.
@@jenrosejenrose7417 I think the opposite of schadenfreude is compersion. Where shadenfreude is joy in someone else's misfortune, compersion is joy in someone else's happiness. Not sure that's the exact word that was needed here, but it's something.
My biggest takeaway from this is somehow Newman's Own hasn't made a billion dollars in profit yet. We've bought the salad dressing and spaghetti sauce since I was a child over 30 years ago. It really goes to show how obscenely large a billion dollars is.
After Hank and John talk about philanthropic endeavors, does anyone else have the urge to reach out to their parents and thank them for raising such rad sons? Hank and John could you pass on that message from us?
Always. I have lots of friends in Indianapolis and I joke that if I visited, I’d almost be more excited to meet Mike and Sydney Green than I would be to meet John. Like, how do I help mold my kids to be such awesome humans, I’d really love to know!
The turn that nerdfighteria made toward philanthropy was a shift that we didn’t know we needed. It makes this community that I have always loved mean so much more to me and the world. Now I’m like PLEASE ask me about the authors and TH-cam channels I have talked about for forever because I have *updates*.
How amazing would the world be if big companies competed for how much they could HELP the world?? This is amazing news, Hank, and I love that this motivates you! ~Trav
Yes, 100x yes. This is a world I would like to live in. And eventually, it could move beyond really urgent awful needs and into cool desirable stuff once all the people had like, food and warmth and healthcare 😍
Funny we used to have that in ancient Rome where the wealthiest people would fight to be the ones funding public construction and works, they should definitely get that back instead of host hoarding it
@@ElEscoltaNo, the Roman government forced those companies to fund public projects and rewarded them when they did. They were not doing it out of kindness.
I’m confused about why anyone would think less of you for this?!? You are the entrepreneur that people should be looking up to! I do! My kid does! Thank you for being such a bright light!!!!
I have been hoping/wishing/begging for a more pick-and-choose mix-and-match subscription that combines the things Good Store does and I am so excited to see how everything keeps moving forward!
Yes! I'm so excited about it. Especially because this means there might be opportunities for one offs (like maybe I only need soap sometimes or just for holiday gifts) and that's very exciting! Also, given how much nerdfighteria is capable of, it does feel like it's only a matter of time until we pass Newman's Own.
Hank, you’ve not only failed to make me think less of you but stopped my nightly depression spiral by reminding me there are still people who give a shit about others, out there doing good
Now this is getting meta! You’re worried that the reason you’re worried is not worrying enough… Might I suggest.. maybe… not be worried, and trust that the whole community loves and supports the work you do? Just an idea, though, don’t you worry about it too much ^^
I will always condone the use of click baity titles for charity. I am so happy that you and everyone at DFTBA made this happen so that I can be a current and future customer of the good store!
LOL. My favorite quote from this video: "... so I know a fair amount about business now, which isn't really what I had intended to have happen..." @6:24
I found this channel in March/April of 2007, I was 15. And as the community grew, this is the kind of stuff that always got me excited. It's meaningful, it's important, it's different. It's so cool to finally be an adult who can purchase things from these and send money during fundraisers. Growing up alongside this project I think shaped my ambitions or maybe rather made me feel less alone in my ambitions. And being able to contribute to these projects and projects likes these has motivated me more than abstract amounts of money over the years. Which is all just to say, I'm sure this work has been extremely difficult over the years, but the impact you both have had is deep. So excited to see this project grow!
YES and there is a tiny gremlin in my brain that says "come on, why aren't you doing big rad things to change the world for the better like this guy?" But then reason kicks in and I remember that I bought some soap, I give what I can and that is something and for now it's enough. It is cool that I grew up with these guys as an example and 15 years later I'm able to contribute in small ways. Plus I'm probably a better person because of them. Wow.
So wait, why would anyone think less of you? You and your brother and team are doing incredible things? You are honest? You know what you can do and what you need help with? Like what on earth is anyone supposed to think less of? 😅
Maybe because it was the switch from "we are building a thing, this is amazing" to feeling " I'm only doing this out of obligation" and he had to wrestle with his own emotions. There are time in our lives when we are going through and doing the things because it is what's expected of us and while people around us appreciate it, their feelings may be hurt to find out it was out of obligation. I have completely been in charge out of obligation. I was depressed and resentful. OTHERS remember that time as normal or look back on it fondly. They'd be upset to read my journal from that time. Situations are different but I understand. Like the saying of "we judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions", but you peel back the curtain and share your intentions.
we are literally in the process changing our whole thing to do exactly this -- like Newman's Own and Awesome Coffee Club are the two brands we're emulating and have documented as such in a giant strategy document that's guiding our forthcoming rebrand as Blending For Good. i hope this reaches you so you can feel extra good about the good you're doing and spreading
Shooting my shot! I think there is a .01% chance you will see this and less of a change anything will come of it. But if DFTBA continues to grow and you need a recruiter/HR/People specialist, I would LOVE to work for an organization who’s values and work I truly love, and hire people who are doing things to change the world in a way I am excited to see. I’m so proud of all the work you a guys have done. Let’s give it all away!
I see DFTBA and Complexly post job listings on social media from time to time. So if you aren't following them already, that's probably a decent way to hear about opportunities when they arise!
I live in Australia and have previously been a member of the awesome socks club! However the climate emergency is a serious issue for me and recently I’ve been less inclined to joining your new subscriptions because of the ‘food miles’ to consider having these products shipped to Australia. I think what you’re doing is incredible and amazing and I would love to get involved but personally I won’t be signing up for any of these physical subscriptions. I’ll stick to getting my digital bundle during the P4A and supporting local charities :)
I am in the food lion parking lot right now and this video is keeping me from going in for the grocery trip that I very much so don’t want to do, so THANKS HANK!
Hank, becasuse of your transparency and being so up front about what you do well and what you don't do as well, you just make me believe that me, an ordinary human like you, can also do big things with life. SO thank you for encouraging me to believe in myself and my unique talents adn gifts.
The scary thing for me is that the bigger a company gets, the bigger its' (honest) mistakes are. For example, I worked with someone from a certain outdoor clothing company trying to do something similar -- they give away a tremendous amount of money, but she confided that she worried sometimes it was all cancelled out by the amount of plastic clothes they produce. As scales of production increase, so does inefficiency and your impact on the planet.
Somewhere recently I saw one of the brothers say something along the lines of, they are grateful to this community for holding them accountable for making sure every part of the making of the Good Store products is done ethically and sustainably. So that it's not just about where the profit goes, it's also about doing good the whole way through. It's really hard to achieve that within modern capitalism, so keep making this kind of comment! We keep reminding, they'll keep improving.
It reminds me of that episode of the Good Place where they meet with some guy who’s doing everything he can to get into the good place but they discover that he’ll actually end up in the bad place when he dies because it’s literally impossible to live absolutely ethically in this day and age. The guy was so obsessed he was even being careful not to step on any bugs and recycling water from his own pee to drink.
Idk, the thing is these are products that people are buying anyway, no matter where you buy coffee there will be some of those negative impacts, but at least through the good store they're doing good elsewhere as well
It is not at all surprising or weird that you’re not as motivated to make money anymore and much more motivated to put good into the world. Many of us can relate. It’s exciting to impact others and to do it well and thoughtfully.
My wife is an mechanical engineer with a PhD researching soft robotics, she is BRILLIANT. She has done amazing work in developing standards to make robots safer. However, at some point when a project scales up she gets out of her skill set and out of her depth trying to run it. That's when people like me step in as project managers and above me, program managers, and above that the c-suite. It is not my wife's failure, it is her success that she knows when it's time to hand off responsibility to those who are suited for the task so that she can do what she does best. Take this as a lesson learned. You burned a little too hard, as did my wife when she learned this lesson. Take a step back. Rest. Recover. You have more ahead of you.
Hank, i have watched you and John since i was 16 years old and since then neither of you have ever waivered on your integrity, convictions and desire to always do the right thing. No matter what challenges you faced or what direction your lives have taken. Thank you to you both for this and i wish you well for the future. Regardless of what you both do, we all know that both of you will never forget to be awesome.
This video came to me at the right time. I work in public health doing research. I like what I am doing and I feel that it helps people, but I have felt called to do more as I get older. It is inspiring to see people who are dedicated to doing good. I am not sure what that looks like yet, but I know better what to look for through your work with PIH and all the other work you have done.
Newman's Own was a genius idea. He was a great actor, director...but his foundational values and beliefs led him to make a great company. I'm so glad you want to compete!
I've been buying only Newman's Own lemonade for years now, and i had no context on the company i just love that one specific lemonade more than any other. What a pleasant surprise that it's a decent company. Thanks Hank
I was thinking recently how it felt like i lost hope. It felt like everything was too big and im just way too small. And i was tired of fighting for things that never seemed to get any better. But this community always reminds me that im not alone, and what we do makes a difference. There are good people here, and i am so proud to be counted among you
I'd love a video on how exactly a business can function with this non-traditional model. The way you and John think about business is really inspiring to me, and I didn't know that I was lacking hope in this "big fish eat little fish" economy until you showed me an alternative option and gave me that hope I was missing.
Thank you for rescuing a greyhound way back in the day and posting about Lemon. That’s how I found Nerdfighteria! It’s been a privilege to have been a part of how much you and John and everyone here have built over the years since!
What Hank described of external motivation instead of internal motivation is 100% a thing I experience constantly as a person with ADHD. I would rather clean every room in our house with roommates before cleaning my own room which is a primary mess for example. It's just one type of neurodivergent brain thing that I try to use to my advantage when possible and find neurodivergent tools and methods that jive with my brain type.
My job is 90% scheduling and spreadsheets and making appointments. So, time management and organization. My room, however, is a mess and it takes me two weeks to do my laundry. ADHD at its finest 😮💨
Hank, I have been sober for 4 and a half years now and very happy. I have been filling up my life with positive things to do and positive people to know that I find enriching my heart. You are someone positive to know and I thank you for existing ♥️🍀
I saw your tweet RE products for teachers, and this video made me think of one! Time bound subscriptions for products, eg stickers, post-its, generally things teachers are always using up that they might not have standard suppliers for, that would also not be too expensive for someone to buy say 6 months of. Also one non-subscription idea, stamps for marking student work!
I have been collecting Awesome socks and the soap for months now. My adult kiddos and their wives and a couple teenage Grandkiddos are gonna be so happy in late December ❤
Why would anyone think less of you? If anyone does then they have no clue about life. You are an inspiration. I love the way you think and so grateful there are people such as yourself out there doing good things for others. BTW I’m so happy you’re back to your old self and feeling good.
Pretty sure its impossible to think less of you after you took the time to explain in detail with backstory why you are motivated to help others with your time and efforts. We need more of you in the world. 💜💚🧡
Thinking about how wonderful this community is makes me want to cry happy tears on the regular. Thank you to Hank and John for doing all that you do. And thank you nerdfighteria for helping make it all possible 💕
Literally the fact that Hank & John are the type of people who are not motivated by gaining wealth and instead are motivated by raising money for the benefit of others is why I (and probably many of us) are a part of this, follow them, and respect them. Love and am inspired by the type of people you two are.
I understand. When we don't stand up to our own ridiculously high standards for ourselves we think others will think less of us for not meeting them. Hank, you've shot past the shoulders of giants and, with John, continue to blaze high in the sky with everything you have and continue to achieve. It's a strong person who can admit they need help and can change their path. You are a role model and someone we all should endeavor to emulate. ❤
Sarapocial stigmas be damned; the way you (both of you, and all those involved in your endeavors) walk in this crazy world make it a better, kinder, more hopeful existence... even- and *especially* when such concepts seem in direly-short supply. And I love you all for it. **Thank you.**
I work for a VC-backed company, and i am grateful every day that my bosses don't ask me to sacrifice morals for growth. Watching what you (and this community) do with your projects continuously inspires me that there are ways to deliver great products in a way that helps others. I'll definitely be joining the Founder's club, and hopefully I can give you some good feedback!
Love how you described your desire to enrich the unenriched. One of the reasons I like working for my company (Bosch) is that the main parent entity is owned 94% by a German charitable foundation. So that charity is entitled to the majority of the earnings. The charity has sponsored programs in social, cultural, and scientific projects. Always nice to know that your efforts are being used to help more than just the pocketbook of a few.
I am proud of this. You, John, everyone working with you, every soul in this community. I feel nothing else. Just...I'm so proud. May Good Store and everything you do from here on out go from strength to strength. 💙
Hank the need of doing for others as motivation is absolutely awesome. It means you are dedicating your life to bettering the world in order to better yourself.
You're a person who does so much good for so many people. No one has endless motivation for endless things, and that's so okay! The amount of things you constantly have going on amazes everyone. John has made it very clear that it's incredible how you can do what you do and make it look easy. We are all human, and have thoughts like these. But from the bottom of my heart, you are doing all of this well enough to wow us all.
I just signed up YESTERDAY for socks club and a one time soap purchase. I saw the Good stuff and said "oh Hank, something new??" So glad to hear consolidating will help us reach our goals in a new way!
Thank you for valuing this community as much as you do. It brings a sense of security, belonging, and just the sense that I am valued which as a disabled person I don't feel very much.
I dont remember when I first started watching you two "write letters" to each other over youtube, but its been crazy to see how much you all have created and built and done over all these years. and as happy as it makes me to see all that. It makes me wonder if I have wasted my life not doing 1% as much as you all have done. Keep doing amazing things for amazing people!! I hope to one day do something with my life.
I think it's super important to talk about these types of feelings of uncertainty and insecurity and lack of motivation. Even though I'm an adult and I know not to trust social media 100%, I still often feel like everyone else knows what they are doing and that they are living life and going somewhere - and meanwhile I'm lost and stuck in place. So when people like you Hank, who are successful and frankly very impressive in so many ways, openly admit to having at least somewhat similar feelings as I do... It's so relieving. Because it proves that you don't have to be perfect and have everything under control in order to succeed and do well. And that is something I think a lot of us need to hear.
This message came into my life at the perfect time. I make ads and brands for a living and I want to be really really great at it. I love doing it. But as my life has approached having "enough" (or more!), it's felt harder to motivate myself to sell the next can of fizzy sugar water or even the next wonderful healthy product for profit. I deeply appreciate the perspective into changing motivations and the clear community vision. I look forward to supporting in any way I can.
Im in the same boat as a designer. While I still love what I do it’s gotten to that point for me too - Im switching careers, but not everyone can start over like that.
I don’t know how your brain works but from my perspective it sounds like you aren’t really aware of just how much you mean to the vast majority of your audience. You’re an idol for nearly everyone who continues to stick with you. You are real with us and real with yourself at the same time and that builds endless respect through trust. I wouldn’t care if you changed your entire life’s perspectives, trajectories, or goals if you were real with yourself and real with us about it. Disappointment from my selfish expectations would never outweigh my love, respect, or care for you. As far as I’m concerned, you’re the enigma I cannot figure out and I’ll always be here to discover your future in real time as you do. You connect with your audience better than anyone else.
All the content creators I follow use apology videos as product launches... Because they're good people who have nothing to apologize for. And I think that's pretty neat.
I've always thought you're super thoughtful and sharp like a tack, yet I think I see something new. There's new drive, and it feels real. Also, I'm envious of your hair growth. Mine was well robbed from years in the service industry, I've made peace.
Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts and challenges you've faced throughout the years, Hank. I could NEVER think less of you. In fact, seasoned resilience and healthy, ethical competition that motivate oneself to do better are very important ingredients to reaching fulfillment in life.
I am so excited to hear about this Hank! I hope to be a part of the founders club, as a huge fan of the premise of Good Store! Very proud of everyone who facilitates the lovely work of this community.
I have also found good fortune in a way that was destabilizing to my sense of self and motivation. It happens. It's weird. It will work out. Also, good job picking a direction!
Hank: Don’t judge me for landing on being incredibly motivated to be philanthropic and working to execute it properly by doing much soul searching for said motivation. Me: Judging. And watching again to find out how to be involved. ❤❤❤
You are such an inspiration Hank! Thank you for being so open hearted, so thoughtful and not least such an inspiration! I’m starting my own business, and I find a lot of comfort and inspiration in all your words. Thank you so much! 🙏
You can find the good store here: good.store -John
Thanks for always pinning the relevant links, John! 😄
I love that John is the one pinning this comment on a Hank video. Truly the best ethically sourced unpaid intern!
Hi John ❤
thank you unpaid social media intern!
Ahhh! It is my old CD! Excited to see it here!!!
A millionaire owes Sarah a favour. Well played, Sarah. Well played.
Thanks! ;)
So either you cash in the favor and get something from Hank, or you don't and you still get to namedrop that Hank Green owes you a favor.
@@vigilantcosmicpenguin8721 Yeah, I think I like the idea that Hank owes me a favor more than I probably would like any actual favors, but who knows, time will tell. So weird how well known John and Hank have become that I could even name drop, my kids are assigned Crash Course videos they are in at school! I never expected they would become so famous in 2008 when I drove from the suburbs of Chicago to Grand Rapids because I thought it might be the only chance I'd ever get to meet them in person!
@@SarahEZieglerit is you :o
@@certifiednerd542 Yes! It is me! I'm so excited to have been mentioned in this video!
I think we can all agree that in this new endeavor and all the rest of them Hank has in fact not forgotten to be awesome. (Honored to be on that burned CD 🥰)
Yes!
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What is this, a crossover episode?
Discovered your music a year ago when you played a show with The Other Favorites. Somehow not surprised to discover this connection. P.S. Come back to SF!
Oh wow completely random comment but we have the same last name and I've never randomly encountered someone with it online (or even at all apart from my family)
“And now it’s almost 2024” - you’re right Hank, I do think less of you now for forcing me to face that reality 😂
Time is fake. ^^
@@untappedinkwellmoney is fake, time is inescapably, soul crushingly real
@@bigbundle3223 True, but sometimes time *feels* fake. The relentless march of time is hard to process sometimes!
"Almost." If you think "almost" is a full month away, then sure. It's "almost" here.
I neither think less of Hank, nor think of Hank less.
Gosh, I have SO MUCH respect for Sarah. I can't imagine giving up any of my OG Nerdfighteria stuff, even to Hank. That's amazingly generous and selfless, and I feel like in some way we all owe her a thank you.
You are totally right, that giant squid of anger t-shirt that is way too small for me now is going to be with me for the rest of my days x.x
@@Somniator7You definitely don’t know Hank.
@@Somniator7babe there are over 50 different kinds of chemo drugs what are you on about?
@@Somniator7 No, they havent
@@Somniator765% or so of modern Chemo drugs cause hair loss. What are you on about?
“i am, to some extent, who i am” is the best sentence i’ve read in ages
But not entirely!!
Hank, you’ve not only failed to make me think less of you but stopped my nightly depression spiral by reminding me there are still people who give a shit about others, out there doing good
Much love, wish you amazing success as always, it truly feels like we all win when you do
This comment made me tear up!! So true!
the nightly depression spiral is real as hell
Thank you for your comment. I've been having a real rough time with depression recently. I didn't even realize night depression was a thing, but that, too.
It is comforting to know there's good people in this community, supporting other good people in making the world a better place.
Thank you, again! 💚✌️😎🍀
Hank: "I am going to get a good grade in beating a salad dressing company: something that is both normal to want and possible to achieve"
DFTBA you mad lad. You've been incredibly successful
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But first he has to get a million followers on LinkedIn 😂
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I'm not sure how anyone could think less of you for this. "Hey sorry guys. I'm using my influence and skills and power to help others as much as I can I hope you guys understand."
My mom taught me that one of the hardest parts of being an adult is continuing to work hard even when you're not having fun and aren't necessarily "good" at what you're doing. It's an unappreciated strength that you were able to keep chugging along - and equally impressive that you were eventually able to break free.
I’ve been procrastinating a research paper until now, but this helped give me that little bit of motivation I needed. Thank you, stranger!
Update: got a 96/100 😎
Stoicism
Doing something hard can be scary, tough, and challenging. Even if it's something we've done a thousand times before. Having done something hard, however, is often satisfying and fulfilling in a way that's impossible to replicate.
You and John (with his ethically sourced unpaid internship) remain two of my favorite people precisely because you have both recognized that one can earn an amount of money that is enough. (A concept that society at large seems incapable of understanding.) But even after recognizing that you both still decide to work hard to help others. It's admirable.
I haven't been great at the plenty of money part of my life, but I do aspire to never decide that it's the only thing worth striving for.
❤many continued blessings to you❤
Agreed! At my previous job, I was at that point, and family members were constantly confused at why I donated "so much money" to charity. I was just like, "...because I don't need it, and these other people do?" Of course, now at my new job I'm living paycheck to paycheck and can't afford charity anymore, which breaks my heart, but it's super wholesome to know that there are some people, like John and Hank, who understand that the utility curve of money does, in fact, flatten, and other people are to the left of that curve who could use the help making it over that hump.
I'm so excited that you'll be adding tea. I've wanted to support this idea, but I rarely wear socks, don't make coffee, and am sensitive to some of the oils in your soaps. I drink several cups of tea/day, so you've finally found my weakness
I wanted to check out the soaps too, and same. Yay for a pending tea option!
soooo excited for the tea option toooo :))
Yay for tea! I've found my people!
Sensitive skin tea drinkers unite! 😂
Relatable! I'm a dancer so i am super picky about my socks, not a coffee person, and don't really care about soap. Tea on the other hand..
I have no idea at what point I was supposed to think less of Hank. He’s literally always trying to do the right thing and he’s in such a good position to do that. Keep doing what you’re doing, just the fact that you and John exist is such a hopeful thing 😌
If there is a part to think less of him, it would be if he employs people but doesn't pay them the value of their labor. He can donate that extra money all he wants, but if he extracts surplus value from people, he is still exploit them. If he is. I'm not sure if he is employing others.
@@whiteerdydude I think that part of giving it all away implies that the salaries will be fair or more than fair. To me, good to great compensation in exchange for one's services, is part of giving it all away. I dare believe that this is how Hank also sees it. Even more than that, I am sure this is part of the business model.
@@cinthyamorin8506the point is he’s a bandaid, not a solution. He tweeted years ago, capitalism isn’t the problem it’s the people use capitalism as an excuse to be bad. Which is a dumb take.he is doing good, but still supports a system that doesn’t work. There’s only one hank, and we can’t employ more hanks, the fans are supporting him to support others when our taxes and our dollars should already be ethically spent guaranteed by the state, instead we have hank as a middle man, who is just one person.
Hank, being motivated to work hard to raise money for someone else is commendable, not something you should in any way be ashamed of. The community is super proud of you!
Yeah, I was super confused! Why would I think less of hank for this?
Some people will find reasons to hate him for doing something good. It always happens.
Also worth saying out loud, in case someone needs to hear it: being motivated to work hard to raise money for yourself is also not something the be ashamed of. Exploitation is wrong, rampant greed is wrong, but honest work for self-enrichment is not. Too many people feel guilty just for wanting to improve their own lives, and if that's you, allow this internet stranger to remind you of the Wisdom of the Airlines: secure your own mask first, then help others.
I just wish the part where I was helping the team and the customers and the clients was enough to motivate me, y'know. Like, that seems like it should be enough, but pretty soon after I had enough money I was like "THIS IS VERY HARD AND STRESSFUL WHY AM I EVEN DOING IT." It makes me think a little less of me, but I'm not ashamed or anything, just kinda surprised.
@@vlogbrothers No matter where you go in life Hank, what you chose to do or what not to do moving forward, you've already done so much for everyone who watches you and John. Thank you for just being you. Change is good and should be embraced for the most part, but only when it's something *you* want.
Being motivated by trying to beat Newman's Own at what they do is perhaps the most pure-hearted thing I've ever heard. Someone needs to make up a word for that feeling, and that word should be the new motto of humanity. Hank you are a treasure.
it's like the diametric opposite of schadenfreude.
@@jenrosejenrose7417 I think the opposite of schadenfreude is compersion. Where shadenfreude is joy in someone else's misfortune, compersion is joy in someone else's happiness. Not sure that's the exact word that was needed here, but it's something.
I believe the word you might be looking for may be "hopeful".
philanthropy possibly?
Hank is competitruistic
My biggest takeaway from this is somehow Newman's Own hasn't made a billion dollars in profit yet. We've bought the salad dressing and spaghetti sauce since I was a child over 30 years ago. It really goes to show how obscenely large a billion dollars is.
That is insane to think about.
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After Hank and John talk about philanthropic endeavors, does anyone else have the urge to reach out to their parents and thank them for raising such rad sons? Hank and John could you pass on that message from us?
Seconded 🎉
Thirded
Fourthed
Major fifth! 🎶
Always. I have lots of friends in Indianapolis and I joke that if I visited, I’d almost be more excited to meet Mike and Sydney Green than I would be to meet John. Like, how do I help mold my kids to be such awesome humans, I’d really love to know!
The turn that nerdfighteria made toward philanthropy was a shift that we didn’t know we needed. It makes this community that I have always loved mean so much more to me and the world. Now I’m like PLEASE ask me about the authors and TH-cam channels I have talked about for forever because I have *updates*.
How amazing would the world be if big companies competed for how much they could HELP the world?? This is amazing news, Hank, and I love that this motivates you!
~Trav
Yes, 100x yes. This is a world I would like to live in. And eventually, it could move beyond really urgent awful needs and into cool desirable stuff once all the people had like, food and warmth and healthcare 😍
Funny we used to have that in ancient Rome where the wealthiest people would fight to be the ones funding public construction and works, they should definitely get that back instead of host hoarding it
@@ElEscoltaNo, the Roman government forced those companies to fund public projects and rewarded them when they did. They were not doing it out of kindness.
@@ElEscoltagovernment needs to incentivize companies to do so instead of rewarding greed
“It’s okay if you think less of me for wanting to raise over $600 million dollars for charity” lol I love Hank
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I’m confused about why anyone would think less of you for this?!? You are the entrepreneur that people should be looking up to! I do! My kid does! Thank you for being such a bright light!!!!
I have been hoping/wishing/begging for a more pick-and-choose mix-and-match subscription that combines the things Good Store does and I am so excited to see how everything keeps moving forward!
Yes! I'm so excited about it. Especially because this means there might be opportunities for one offs (like maybe I only need soap sometimes or just for holiday gifts) and that's very exciting!
Also, given how much nerdfighteria is capable of, it does feel like it's only a matter of time until we pass Newman's Own.
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Hank, you’ve not only failed to make me think less of you but stopped my nightly depression spiral by reminding me there are still people who give a shit about others, out there doing good
I feel tricked. I'm not even sure what part of this Hank is embarrassed about. Why am I supposed to think less of him?
You're doing great, Hank! ♥️
It's the part where, as a white man, he's fine with being in charge of big things even though he's well aware he doesn't really know what he's doing.
Now I'm afraid you're going to think less of me because the title is clickbait!
Now this is getting meta! You’re worried that the reason you’re worried is not worrying enough…
Might I suggest.. maybe… not be worried, and trust that the whole community loves and supports the work you do?
Just an idea, though, don’t you worry about it too much ^^
@@vlogbrothers Damn, anxiety sure is flexible hahaha
@@vlogbrotherslol
Vihart is one of my favorite youtubers and her uploads every 7-12 months always make me so happy. 😊
I will always condone the use of click baity titles for charity. I am so happy that you and everyone at DFTBA made this happen so that I can be a current and future customer of the good store!
LOL. My favorite quote from this video: "... so I know a fair amount about business now, which isn't really what I had intended to have happen..." @6:24
I found this channel in March/April of 2007, I was 15. And as the community grew, this is the kind of stuff that always got me excited. It's meaningful, it's important, it's different. It's so cool to finally be an adult who can purchase things from these and send money during fundraisers. Growing up alongside this project I think shaped my ambitions or maybe rather made me feel less alone in my ambitions. And being able to contribute to these projects and projects likes these has motivated me more than abstract amounts of money over the years. Which is all just to say, I'm sure this work has been extremely difficult over the years, but the impact you both have had is deep. So excited to see this project grow!
Thank you for being a part of our community for so long! Congrats on OG nerdfighter status! DFTBA!
I was 25 in March/April 2007 when I too discovered a nerdy man trying to give away peeps. And I agree with everything you've said here.
Well spoken! I was entering into college 2007. But all of that really same. I feel the same.
YES and there is a tiny gremlin in my brain that says "come on, why aren't you doing big rad things to change the world for the better like this guy?" But then reason kicks in and I remember that I bought some soap, I give what I can and that is something and for now it's enough. It is cool that I grew up with these guys as an example and 15 years later I'm able to contribute in small ways. Plus I'm probably a better person because of them. Wow.
Occasionally (often & very often) I feel very proud that I found ur channel when i was a kid in 2006.
So wait, why would anyone think less of you? You and your brother and team are doing incredible things? You are honest? You know what you can do and what you need help with? Like what on earth is anyone supposed to think less of? 😅
I don't get it either 🤔
Maybe because it was the switch from "we are building a thing, this is amazing" to feeling " I'm only doing this out of obligation" and he had to wrestle with his own emotions.
There are time in our lives when we are going through and doing the things because it is what's expected of us and while people around us appreciate it, their feelings may be hurt to find out it was out of obligation.
I have completely been in charge out of obligation. I was depressed and resentful. OTHERS remember that time as normal or look back on it fondly. They'd be upset to read my journal from that time.
Situations are different but I understand. Like the saying of "we judge others by their actions and ourselves by our intentions", but you peel back the curtain and share your intentions.
Clickbait
right like i made it all the way to about 7:30 before i realized that whatever it was i had missed it and this wasn't just all buildup
@@tylergoldstein1133maybe the clickbait is the reason we might think less of him?🤔🐓🥚
we are literally in the process changing our whole thing to do exactly this -- like Newman's Own and Awesome Coffee Club are the two brands we're emulating and have documented as such in a giant strategy document that's guiding our forthcoming rebrand as Blending For Good. i hope this reaches you so you can feel extra good about the good you're doing and spreading
Shooting my shot! I think there is a .01% chance you will see this and less of a change anything will come of it. But if DFTBA continues to grow and you need a recruiter/HR/People specialist, I would LOVE to work for an organization who’s values and work I truly love, and hire people who are doing things to change the world in a way I am excited to see. I’m so proud of all the work you a guys have done. Let’s give it all away!
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I see DFTBA and Complexly post job listings on social media from time to time. So if you aren't following them already, that's probably a decent way to hear about opportunities when they arise!
Good luck!
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I live in Australia and have previously been a member of the awesome socks club! However the climate emergency is a serious issue for me and recently I’ve been less inclined to joining your new subscriptions because of the ‘food miles’ to consider having these products shipped to Australia. I think what you’re doing is incredible and amazing and I would love to get involved but personally I won’t be signing up for any of these physical subscriptions. I’ll stick to getting my digital bundle during the P4A and supporting local charities :)
I am in the food lion parking lot right now and this video is keeping me from going in for the grocery trip that I very much so don’t want to do, so THANKS HANK!
“i am, to some extent, who i am”
Hank, becasuse of your transparency and being so up front about what you do well and what you don't do as well, you just make me believe that me, an ordinary human like you, can also do big things with life. SO thank you for encouraging me to believe in myself and my unique talents adn gifts.
The scary thing for me is that the bigger a company gets, the bigger its' (honest) mistakes are. For example, I worked with someone from a certain outdoor clothing company trying to do something similar -- they give away a tremendous amount of money, but she confided that she worried sometimes it was all cancelled out by the amount of plastic clothes they produce. As scales of production increase, so does inefficiency and your impact on the planet.
Somewhere recently I saw one of the brothers say something along the lines of, they are grateful to this community for holding them accountable for making sure every part of the making of the Good Store products is done ethically and sustainably. So that it's not just about where the profit goes, it's also about doing good the whole way through.
It's really hard to achieve that within modern capitalism, so keep making this kind of comment! We keep reminding, they'll keep improving.
It reminds me of that episode of the Good Place where they meet with some guy who’s doing everything he can to get into the good place but they discover that he’ll actually end up in the bad place when he dies because it’s literally impossible to live absolutely ethically in this day and age. The guy was so obsessed he was even being careful not to step on any bugs and recycling water from his own pee to drink.
which episode was it@@linmonPIE
@@Aethelhadas Season 3 Episode 8 “Don’t let the good life pass you by”
Idk, the thing is these are products that people are buying anyway, no matter where you buy coffee there will be some of those negative impacts, but at least through the good store they're doing good elsewhere as well
It is not at all surprising or weird that you’re not as motivated to make money anymore and much more motivated to put good into the world. Many of us can relate. It’s exciting to impact others and to do it well and thoughtfully.
My wife is an mechanical engineer with a PhD researching soft robotics, she is BRILLIANT. She has done amazing work in developing standards to make robots safer. However, at some point when a project scales up she gets out of her skill set and out of her depth trying to run it. That's when people like me step in as project managers and above me, program managers, and above that the c-suite. It is not my wife's failure, it is her success that she knows when it's time to hand off responsibility to those who are suited for the task so that she can do what she does best. Take this as a lesson learned. You burned a little too hard, as did my wife when she learned this lesson. Take a step back. Rest. Recover. You have more ahead of you.
That is awesome, I love hearing people hype up their partners! 🩵
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Hank, i have watched you and John since i was 16 years old and since then neither of you have ever waivered on your integrity, convictions and desire to always do the right thing. No matter what challenges you faced or what direction your lives have taken. Thank you to you both for this and i wish you well for the future. Regardless of what you both do, we all know that both of you will never forget to be awesome.
This video came to me at the right time. I work in public health doing research. I like what I am doing and I feel that it helps people, but I have felt called to do more as I get older. It is inspiring to see people who are dedicated to doing good. I am not sure what that looks like yet, but I know better what to look for through your work with PIH and all the other work you have done.
Newman's Own was a genius idea. He was a great actor, director...but his foundational values and beliefs led him to make a great company.
I'm so glad you want to compete!
We’ve been privy to lots of honest Hank lately and I’m a big fan of him 💐
I love earnest Hank.
Hank! I work on the hospital outreach side for the org Newman started. We support you!
I kept thinking, "I want multiple things, but I don't want multiple subscriptions." So this sounds good to me.
I've been buying only Newman's Own lemonade for years now, and i had no context on the company i just love that one specific lemonade more than any other. What a pleasant surprise that it's a decent company. Thanks Hank
Giving back to communities instead of creating massive generational wealth piles is always commendable. I strive to be more "Hank green" all the time.
I was thinking recently how it felt like i lost hope. It felt like everything was too big and im just way too small. And i was tired of fighting for things that never seemed to get any better. But this community always reminds me that im not alone, and what we do makes a difference. There are good people here, and i am so proud to be counted among you
I'd love a video on how exactly a business can function with this non-traditional model. The way you and John think about business is really inspiring to me, and I didn't know that I was lacking hope in this "big fish eat little fish" economy until you showed me an alternative option and gave me that hope I was missing.
Thank you for rescuing a greyhound way back in the day and posting about Lemon. That’s how I found Nerdfighteria! It’s been a privilege to have been a part of how much you and John and everyone here have built over the years since!
What Hank described of external motivation instead of internal motivation is 100% a thing I experience constantly as a person with ADHD. I would rather clean every room in our house with roommates before cleaning my own room which is a primary mess for example.
It's just one type of neurodivergent brain thing that I try to use to my advantage when possible and find neurodivergent tools and methods that jive with my brain type.
My job is 90% scheduling and spreadsheets and making appointments. So, time management and organization. My room, however, is a mess and it takes me two weeks to do my laundry. ADHD at its finest 😮💨
Hank, I have been sober for 4 and a half years now and very happy. I have been filling up my life with positive things to do and positive people to know that I find enriching my heart. You are someone positive to know and I thank you for existing ♥️🍀
I saw your tweet RE products for teachers, and this video made me think of one! Time bound subscriptions for products, eg stickers, post-its, generally things teachers are always using up that they might not have standard suppliers for, that would also not be too expensive for someone to buy say 6 months of. Also one non-subscription idea, stamps for marking student work!
It’s safe to say I think more of you after this! Good Store is such a phenomenal concept and I can’t wait to get all my essentials there :)
Aw dear Hank. You’re such a wonderful lovely unicorn. Continued blessings to you, as apparently we all are enriched, when you are.❤❤❤
I have been collecting Awesome socks and the soap for months now. My adult kiddos and their wives and a couple teenage Grandkiddos are gonna be so happy in late December ❤
I’ve always wanted an Amazon that was ethical. Like a one stop shop that I could feel
Good about. Thank you Hank. Thank you.
Oh yeah!
cool!
Yeah!
Why would anyone think less of you? If anyone does then they have no clue about life. You are an inspiration. I love the way you think and so grateful there are people such as yourself out there doing good things for others. BTW I’m so happy you’re back to your old self and feeling good.
"I do not usually know what I'm doing"
"I oftentimes wish that I was different from me"
That is super relatable, and I don't think less of you!
Pretty sure its impossible to think less of you after you took the time to explain in detail with backstory why you are motivated to help others with your time and efforts. We need more of you in the world. 💜💚🧡
Something about Hank saying he wishes he was different than he was has me bawling. Thanks for persisting Hank.
Thinking about how wonderful this community is makes me want to cry happy tears on the regular. Thank you to Hank and John for doing all that you do. And thank you nerdfighteria for helping make it all possible 💕
Literally the fact that Hank & John are the type of people who are not motivated by gaining wealth and instead are motivated by raising money for the benefit of others is why I (and probably many of us) are a part of this, follow them, and respect them. Love and am inspired by the type of people you two are.
It sounds like giving yourself space and support to be creative again has been a great shift for you and the people who work for you.
I understand. When we don't stand up to our own ridiculously high standards for ourselves we think others will think less of us for not meeting them. Hank, you've shot past the shoulders of giants and, with John, continue to blaze high in the sky with everything you have and continue to achieve. It's a strong person who can admit they need help and can change their path. You are a role model and someone we all should endeavor to emulate. ❤
Sarapocial stigmas be damned; the way you (both of you, and all those involved in your endeavors) walk in this crazy world make it a better, kinder, more hopeful existence... even- and *especially* when such concepts seem in direly-short supply. And I love you all for it.
**Thank you.**
I work for a VC-backed company, and i am grateful every day that my bosses don't ask me to sacrifice morals for growth. Watching what you (and this community) do with your projects continuously inspires me that there are ways to deliver great products in a way that helps others. I'll definitely be joining the Founder's club, and hopefully I can give you some good feedback!
You guys make my heart hurt less. Thank you!
Hank, all I can say is you and John would have made Mister Rogers so very proud. That's the best measure for a good person that I can think of. ❤
❤ stepping back when you need to is the epitome of strength
Thank you for being a positive force to the world. It's so heartwarming to see you guys make a difference.
Love how you described your desire to enrich the unenriched. One of the reasons I like working for my company (Bosch) is that the main parent entity is owned 94% by a German charitable foundation. So that charity is entitled to the majority of the earnings. The charity has sponsored programs in social, cultural, and scientific projects. Always nice to know that your efforts are being used to help more than just the pocketbook of a few.
I am proud of this. You, John, everyone working with you, every soul in this community.
I feel nothing else. Just...I'm so proud.
May Good Store and everything you do from here on out go from strength to strength. 💙
Not very many people have it in them to create something for someone else without having personal gains. You and your teams are one of the rare ones
Hank the need of doing for others as motivation is absolutely awesome. It means you are dedicating your life to bettering the world in order to better yourself.
You're a person who does so much good for so many people. No one has endless motivation for endless things, and that's so okay! The amount of things you constantly have going on amazes everyone. John has made it very clear that it's incredible how you can do what you do and make it look easy. We are all human, and have thoughts like these. But from the bottom of my heart, you are doing all of this well enough to wow us all.
I just signed up YESTERDAY for socks club and a one time soap purchase. I saw the Good stuff and said "oh Hank, something new??"
So glad to hear consolidating will help us reach our goals in a new way!
Thank you for valuing this community as much as you do. It brings a sense of security, belonging, and just the sense that I am valued which as a disabled person I don't feel very much.
Same:)
I dont remember when I first started watching you two "write letters" to each other over youtube, but its been crazy to see how much you all have created and built and done over all these years. and as happy as it makes me to see all that. It makes me wonder if I have wasted my life not doing 1% as much as you all have done. Keep doing amazing things for amazing people!! I hope to one day do something with my life.
I think it's super important to talk about these types of feelings of uncertainty and insecurity and lack of motivation. Even though I'm an adult and I know not to trust social media 100%, I still often feel like everyone else knows what they are doing and that they are living life and going somewhere - and meanwhile I'm lost and stuck in place. So when people like you Hank, who are successful and frankly very impressive in so many ways, openly admit to having at least somewhat similar feelings as I do... It's so relieving. Because it proves that you don't have to be perfect and have everything under control in order to succeed and do well. And that is something I think a lot of us need to hear.
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This message came into my life at the perfect time. I make ads and brands for a living and I want to be really really great at it. I love doing it. But as my life has approached having "enough" (or more!), it's felt harder to motivate myself to sell the next can of fizzy sugar water or even the next wonderful healthy product for profit. I deeply appreciate the perspective into changing motivations and the clear community vision. I look forward to supporting in any way I can.
Im in the same boat as a designer. While I still love what I do it’s gotten to that point for me too - Im switching careers, but not everyone can start over like that.
I don’t know how your brain works but from my perspective it sounds like you aren’t really aware of just how much you mean to the vast majority of your audience. You’re an idol for nearly everyone who continues to stick with you. You are real with us and real with yourself at the same time and that builds endless respect through trust. I wouldn’t care if you changed your entire life’s perspectives, trajectories, or goals if you were real with yourself and real with us about it. Disappointment from my selfish expectations would never outweigh my love, respect, or care for you.
As far as I’m concerned, you’re the enigma I cannot figure out and I’ll always be here to discover your future in real time as you do.
You connect with your audience better than anyone else.
You two are just the best kind of humans, and I really wish more CEOs and owners had the same giving back mindset.
Yet again, I love the nuance you speak with, and I am so happy there ar people in the world like you, John, and the community of Nerdfighteria. ❤
I don’t understand what I might’ve thought less of you for. I’m super proud of you, Hank!
All the content creators I follow use apology videos as product launches... Because they're good people who have nothing to apologize for. And I think that's pretty neat.
I've always thought you're super thoughtful and sharp like a tack, yet I think I see something new. There's new drive, and it feels real. Also, I'm envious of your hair growth. Mine was well robbed from years in the service industry, I've made peace.
The feeling of being ready for the next big step even though you're not positive where it goes is its own exhilaration and peace.
Thank you for sharing your personal thoughts and challenges you've faced throughout the years, Hank. I could NEVER think less of you. In fact, seasoned resilience and healthy, ethical competition that motivate oneself to do better are very important ingredients to reaching fulfillment in life.
I am so excited to hear about this Hank! I hope to be a part of the founders club, as a huge fan of the premise of Good Store! Very proud of everyone who facilitates the lovely work of this community.
This person is the kind of man and father I want to be and I'm barely an adult woman (and barely a person)
Welcome back Hank's Channel viewers
I have also found good fortune in a way that was destabilizing to my sense of self and motivation. It happens. It's weird. It will work out. Also, good job picking a direction!
hank: it's okay if you think less of me
also hank: my new goal in like is to donate hundreds of millions of dollars
I continue to be so grateful I get to live at the same time on the same planet as you and John. Thanks for always giving me hope.
Hank: Don’t judge me for landing on being incredibly motivated to be philanthropic and working to execute it properly by doing much soul searching for said motivation.
Me: Judging. And watching again to find out how to be involved. ❤❤❤
You are such an inspiration Hank! Thank you for being so open hearted, so thoughtful and not least such an inspiration! I’m starting my own business, and I find a lot of comfort and inspiration in all your words.
Thank you so much! 🙏
I love the stuff we build together. What an amazing community we have.
Hank you're one of my biggest inspirations in life why in the WORLD would wanting to make Earth a nicer place to live diminish that in any way?
We still love you Hank (haven’t watched yet might update if needed)