Eric Farewell
Episode Description:
In this poolside conversation, entrepreneur Eric Farewell shares his transformation from a workaholic aviation CEO to a presence-focused coach helping executives escape the trap of their businesses. After building multiple seven-figure companies but sacrificing his health and relationships, Eric’s brother’s tragic death at 22 became the catalyst for change. Unable to walk due to emotional trauma manifesting physically, he discovered somatic healing, breathwork, and nervous system regulation. Through years of intensive inner work, Eric learned that presence—not productivity—creates true success. He now teaches entrepreneurs how to replace themselves in their businesses (it took 8 people to replace him), build systems that create freedom, and most importantly, heal the childhood programming that drives destructive work patterns. His philosophy: boundaries create presence, presence creates wisdom, and wisdom creates leverage that transforms both business and life.
Listen to the episode on Spotify here or on your favorite podcast platform and check out the Urban Monk Academy here.
Podcast show notes:
Key Topics Covered
[00:00:00] New Format Introduction
- Pedram introduces poolside podcast format
- Moving away from indoor “dungeon” recording
- Post-workout conversation in Austin, Texas
[00:02:00] Eric’s Wake-Up Call
- Brother’s death seven years ago as turning point
- Blood pressure 190/95 – body shutting down
- Realization that making millions wasn’t creating happiness
- Discovery of somatic work, breathwork, and meditation
[00:03:30] Early Life & Entrepreneurial Journey
- Born into family of entrepreneurs in Central Florida
- Started working at age 7 at family restaurant
- Saved $12,000 by age 13 to buy first airplane (kit plane)
- ADHD realization and pivot to selling airplanes online
- Sold 200+ airplanes, owned 49 before age 18
[00:07:00] Building the Aviation Empire
- Wife’s permission to “do what you love” at 23
- Built flight school and manufacturing company
- Became “800-pound gorilla” in the industry
- Department of Defense as biggest client
- 100-hour work weeks destroying health and family
[00:12:00] Brother’s Death & Physical Collapse
- Brother died at 22 in drunk driving accident
- Eric managed the crisis but suppressed emotions
- Six months later: couldn’t walk 30 feet
- Introduction to Emotion Code healing
- Discovery that emotional trauma was causing physical pain
[00:15:00] Marriage Crisis & Nervous System Discovery
- Marriage falling apart from scorekeeping and triggers
- Marriage retreat revelation about nervous system
- Learning self-regulation through breathwork
- Two minutes of breathing = practicing self-control
[00:17:00] COVID & Deep Healing Work
- 2-4 hours daily of energy work during lockdown
- Marriage transformation through meditation and eye gazing
- Children wanting to spend time with him again
- Discovery that “presence is the nucleus of everything good”
[00:19:00] Boundaries Create Presence
- “Demanding radical presence” of himself
- Protocol: Phone down, laptop closed when wife enters
- Posture as tool for witnessing without fixing
- Partners trying to solve each other’s problems creates fights
[00:23:00] The Entrepreneur’s Trap
- Most entrepreneurs trapped by their businesses
- Building companies with real mission attracts right team
- Example: Former CEO took 80% pay cut to join mission
- Starting small: $1,000/month Colombian VA can transform business
[00:30:00] Creating Freedom Through Systems
- Crop duster pilot story: 6 months of VA work done in 3 weeks
- Every founder needs: Coach, Mentor, Community
- Wisdom creates 10x margin and leverage
- Worth millions per year to never miss kids’ experiences
[00:33:00] Reframing Success & Money
- Different people playing same game with different sized chips
- Moving to $12M neighborhood to challenge comfort zone
- Surrounding yourself with people at the level you aspire to
- Numbers are just energy – focus on what freedom costs you
[00:36:00] Resources & Book Announcement
- Website: ericfarewell.com
- Free assessment on business freedom
- New book coming: Stepping into your “royal archetype”
- Building community of present-focused entrepreneurs
Key Takeaways
- Healing yourself first enables helping others
- Childhood programming drives adult workaholism
- Physical symptoms often mask emotional trauma
- Presence, not productivity, creates real success
- You can’t be replaced by one person – build systems
- Boundaries create safety for authentic connection
- The cost of freedom is worth any financial sacrifice
About the Guest:
Eric Farewell is an entrepreneur, executive coach, and author who helps founders create freedom in their businesses while addressing the underlying patterns that drive workaholism. After building a multi-million dollar aviation company (flight school, manufacturing, global dealerships) and working 100-hour weeks, Eric’s life transformed following his brother’s death in 2018, which triggered a physical and emotional breakdown that led him to discover somatic healing and nervous system regulation.
Host: Dr. Pedram Shojai – Documentary filmmaker and wellness advocate
- Creator of “Origins” and other health-focused documentaries
- Expert on natural health approaches and environmental toxicity
- Functional medicine practitioner with 20+ years experience
This episode is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult with qualified healthcare practitioners for personalized guidance.
www.theurbanmonk.com