About the Authors, Randy Russell + Rich Joy

Randy Russell

Randy Russell M.S. has been mentoring empowered self-discovery within individuals professionally since 1974. His graduate training was in Education at Andrews University/Seminary along with Recreation & Leisure Studies at the University of Tennessee, with additional post-graduate training in organic and ecopsychology, deep nature connection, and indigenous philosophy. His work experience includes being a secondary teacher, a summer camp director, and a recreation/wilderness therapist.

Randy was instrumental in designing and directing four successful Gap Year/Transition into Adulthood programs, which included parent training for attending families. He has been a presenter at the Gap Year Association, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, Association for Experiential Education, and the Wilderness Therapy Symposium.

Randy has had the privilege of working with adult children from some of the most influential families throughout the United States and abroad. These young people have gone on to find careers and lifestyles that are making the world a better place. Randy is married with three adult children and one grandchild.

Randy Russell
Rich Joy, Author, Businessman

Rich Joy

Rich Joy is a self-made businessman, with a heart to positively make a difference in others, who currently owns and directs a successful international business, Over the years Rich has been instrumental in the success of several non-profit organizations, as well as, having a successful career as a Fortune 500 consultant. In addition, he’s developed a myriad of real estate projects including a 73-acre spiritual retreat center, owner of a real estate development company, and is in the midst of developing multiple projects to support the vision of Exploring Soul Identity.

Rich has also developed practical business training, which is used in “GETTING PAID TO BE YOU” for the benefit of our readers. Rich lives in North Idaho with his wife of 40 years, and together they have two adult children and two grandchildren.

Testimonials

“As a mentor working for Randy in his gap year program, I witnessed the transformation of a young adult growing from being lost in a confusing world to stepping into their adult life with confidence and self-reliance, was awe-inspiring. Students have the opportunity to heal their past, creating new pathways and discovering what they are truly passionate about. Empowering them with life skills and the mindset that there is no such thing as failure.”

Karie Lee
Founder of Sacred Cedars, and contestant on Alone, season 9, History channel

“Randy served as a mentor, teacher, consular and friend to me when I was in a vulnerable place in need of healing. The unique guidance of Randy’s experiential curriculum was the turning point in my life that laid the foundation for my future success.”

Patrick Lucke Esq
Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

“Randy is the Mentor who put a guitar, a paintbrush, and a hammer in my hand and convinced me I could actually be the thing I’d previously only dreamed of. Following your heart is a cliche; he taught me to actually locate it.”

Jesse Young
Paralegal at Eagan Immigration

“Randy taught me to tend the fire within me so expertly. He showed me the fuel and energy I needed to keep the fire burning for the rest of my life.”

Marina Rivera
Deep Nature Connection and Wilderness Survival Specialist

“I met Randy at a time in my life where the road split – a decision to stagnate or transform. My life forever changed at that fork in the road; I am eternally grateful for his guidance, support and love.”

Justin Pane
Director, Multi-Mission Operation Center at NASA

“I wouldn’t be who I am today without the wisdom and support that Randy gave me. I was fortunate to learn early on how to better live selflessly, and thus was better equipped to deal with the world.”

Evan “Kidd” Bogart
Songwriter, Record Producer, Music Publisher and Record Executive

“Randy is able to move you deeper into yourself-quite simply the inward journey so many myths are written about (See ‘A Hero with a Thousand Faces’ by Joseph Campbell). In this program you cultivate a deep connection to the earth and to yourself. I am searching inward and coming face to face with my fear and have the courage to meet whatever comes up, I am the happiest I have been in years, and most importantly, I am more present than I have ever been.”

Jacob Sanditen
Actor and Teacher

“Randy inspires his students to want to learn and discover what holds passion and meaning to them. He trains his students how to develop a deep level of personal awareness and a consciousness for the community and the planet.”

Kim Mlinarik
Owner of Alchemy Adventures, Life Coach, Therapist, Adventure Guide

Randy offered a unique self-discovery program that was full of mystery and inspiration. I did not see that in other programs out there. I saw a unique opportunity that would allow me to fully be myself and explore my potential and my inherent gifts.

Ryan Holsapple, Ph.D.
Director, Center for Creative Choices

“The learning and constant practice of awareness was amazing, it was like realizing that I had lived color-blind, and it opened me up to make great connections with nature, and through nature, with myself. Most important is what I gained: empathy towards people and nature, tools and habits to increase my self-awareness, and skills and confidence of expression.”

Ivan Rivera Waterhouse
Assistant Director at Ponguinguiola

“After the training I got from Randy, I can now say that I know who I truly am.”

Andres Carvallo
Assistant Vice President – Personal Banking Officer at Grove Bank & Trust

“I am very grateful to have spent almost a year of my life studying under Randy Russel, a dear mentor who significantly influences the way I show up in the world personally and professionally. Not only does Randy steward a wealth of knowledge both practical and philosophical, but he actually uses and models it in everyday life. Someone who is equally astute in both brain science and human psychology as well as how to chop wood and make a fire without matches. One of the most important things Randy teaches is finding your creative genius, your north star, the nexus of gifts and purpose you are uniquely equipped to pursue. He is a rare leader that inspires by stoking the curiosity and individual passions of his students rather than telling people to mimic his path. Randy balances a strong masculine energy, motivating people to show up fully while taking serious ownership and responsibility with the caring heart of someone who is genuinely doing this work for the love of his students and deep desire to help the planet thrive. I am excited to know Randy will be able to teach and inspire many more people through these books and am honored to help carry the teachings Randy has taught me into the world.”

In Gratitude, Andrew Shofer

Rich Joy and Randy Russell

Don't miss out on living who you were meant to be. Discover your authentic self and unique purpose starting today!

Exploring Soul Identity