Lifestyle

Eric Oberembt Believes in Authenticity and Becoming The Human You Were Born To Be, Here’s Why

Published

2 years ago

November 6, 2022

Authenticity and becoming the person you were born to be are highly desirable traits. Most people want to be appreciated for who they are. They want to be supported in becoming the human they were born to be. This endeavor contributes to a holistic well-being that makes you happier. What’s more, authenticity makes you feel fulfilled and boosts your self-esteem.

Eric Oberembt says that everyone should strive to become the human they were born to be. Relentless is his belief; Eric hosts a podcast where he tells people to keep it real or GTFO.

Eric is an entrepreneur, author, business coach, and keynote speaker. He owns several businesses, including D&M Roofing and Siding, in Omaha, NE. He is also the co-founder of the nonprofit “Roofers in Recovery,” the author of two books about residential and commercial roofing, and co-founder of the National Vendor Network “Advanced Roofing Technologies.”

Eric owns the podcast dubbed “Be Authentic or GTFO.” He started the podcast to create a comfortable space where people can have authentic conversations.

Why authenticity

Eric says that if there’s one thing he is sick and tired of, it’s the ‘fake,’ ‘look at me,’ inspirational bullshit. We are a society with people who are accustomed to putting on masks. We make excuses, and some avoid taking action for the fear that things may not work. We may think it’s okay to put on masks and avoid taking action, but to Eric, such behavior doesn’t help you or others.

Eric believes in authenticity because of his life experiences. About 13 years ago, this entrepreneur was struggling with alcohol addiction. Eric always fought alcoholism. But after two failed marriages, he fell into the depths of addiction with no end in sight but jail or death. He started selling cocaine, and at the age of 28, he got arrested for a 4th offense DUI while narrowly dodging drug charges. Eric was looking at 1-5 years in prison. However, after going to a 30-day rehab facility, the judge showed him mercy and didn’t give him the maximum penalty.

While in rehab, Eric says that he experienced this ‘aha’ moment that helped him face reality. It hit him that normal people don’t need rehab. The second time he came face to face with the truth was after a relapse. He got a blow to the head that night, and when he got home the next day, he looked at himself in the mirror and realized that things had to change.

Becoming the human you were born to be

Eric says that becoming the human you were born to be and embracing authenticity helps you achieve success. There may be a talent or a trade that you’re pretty good at but have been postponing as a business venture. When you finally realize that this skill is something you’re good at, you can set up a business that outperforms competitors.

According to Eric, you’re more likely to pursue your passions, believe in yourself, and have confidence in your opinions when you choose to be authentic. So how do you become authentic?

To Eric, you become authentic by being honest with yourself and others. Be confident and comfortable in expressing your own opinion, and keep an open mind about other people’s opinions.

Authenticity requires you to be self-aware. You must be mindful of how your upbringing, home, and environment influence your behavior. This calls for you to ask yourself the tough questions: Are you happy? Does your job give you satisfaction? At what times do you feel like your best self?

You were meant for success

Eric says that if he could take the garbage that was his life and use it to help other humans become the best versions of themselves, then anyone can do it. His life journey taught him never to be afraid to say what he thinks or how he feels about any subject. Eric also learned that others out there need help becoming the human they were born to be. This realization enabled Eric to help hundreds of people through his podcast, coaching, and speaking events.

Curious for more? Connect with Eric via his socials:

Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, YouTube, Podcast

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

1 day ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.