What happens when a comic book-loving Utah kid meets the daughter of a prominent Thai family? Something magical, as it turns out.

Cameron and Ying Nance's story reads like the plot of a Netflix original – he was a Dragon Ball Z enthusiast from Salt Lake City who found himself teaching English to one of Thailand's most revered Buddhist monks. She was the youngest child in a family of Thai pop stars and celebrities. Their paths crossed at a temple ceremony, where the monk eerily predicted their future marriage during only their second meeting.

But this episode goes deeper than their romantic journey. Cameron shares profound wisdom learned during his time living at a Thai temple, including life-changing meditation practices that helped him overcome anxiety by learning to stay present. "People who are depressed are living in the past too much," the monk told him. "You're unhappy because you think about the future too much, which causes anxiety."

Meanwhile, Ying reveals her entrepreneurial spirit that emerged despite an uncle's discouraging words that she was "good at many things, but not specifically anything." She proved him wrong by successfully building a business importing Chicago's Garrett Popcorn to Thailand while still in college, making $10,000 without significant startup capital.

Their journey weaves through Cameron's unexpected stint as a Thai TV star (complete with a shaved head), cultural differences, family expectations, and ultimately to Salt Lake City, where they've built two thriving businesses – Chubby Baker Donuts and Bespoke Custom Clothing.

Ready to be inspired? Listen now to discover how this unlikely pair found each other across cultures and continents to create something beautiful together in the heart of Utah.

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Join Erik as he supports Fork Cancer on August 8th at the Gallivan Center—a night of food, drinks, and live music, all for a great cause. Grab your tickets at utah.acscanforkcancer.org and enter Erik Nilsson to help him hit his $12,000 fundraising goal!

Head to www.smalllakepod.com/merchandise for Small Lake City Gear!

Join Erik as he supports Fork Cancer, a night of food, drinks, and live music—all for a great cause. Grab your tickets at utah.acscanforkcancer.org and enter Erik Nilsson to help him hit his $12,000 fundraising goal!

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