The Middle with Matthew Emerzian and Friends

It's hard to believe I haven't even known Marcus for a year yet. What started as a unsolicited outreach by me to Marcus, via LinkedIn, has turned into what I believe will be a life-long friendship.Marcus has accomplished so much at such a young age, but throughout the journey also had to relearn what matters most to him...his family. He has an uncanny way of seeing and creating opportunities that help both some of the largest companies in the world and also individuals like myself. The work I did with Marcus changed me by helping me better understand myself, which happens to be the same person I so intentionally want to help. "We are Noah's walking home together."Join us as we talk about:Identity and growing up in a bi-racial familyNot being black enough or white enoughAlmost losing the thing that matters most to himHow building a play house for his girls changed everything The power of forgivenessConnection is everythingGet ready to enjoy this super rich conversation that covers so many important human topics.About MarcusMarcus Murphy is a business expert who cares deeply about the flourishing and success of entrepreneurs. He previously worked for Yelp in San Francisco, going from start-up to a multi-billion dollar giant. He sits on the advisory board at Linkedin and is a sought after speaker and trainer to LinkedinLearning's more than 22 million students. Marcus worked at Keap as the Global Partner Development Manager where he developed and broadened new international markets throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. Marcus was a senior member of the executive team at DigitalMarketer and is widely known for his business partnerships with people and brands like Tony Robbins, Daymond John, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Linkedin. Marcus is a speaker with keynotes at conferences like INBOUND, Hypergrowth, Dreamforce, Social Media Week, ICON, Digital Sales and Marketing Day, and many more. He is also the host of Traffic and Conversion Summit and Affiliate Summit, boasting more than 20,000 attendees between them. Marcus is currently the co-founder and CEO of The Five Percent, an international community geared toward inspiring, equipping, and facilitating actionable content for emerging entrepreneurs.  On a more personal note Marcus is a husband to his beautiful and talented wife Gina and their two amazing daughters Florence and Pearl.Social:  LinkedIn 

Orly Shani is a blast. Creativity is at the very core of everything she is and everything she does. She learned it from her family, but took it to new heights as she created a life based on the belief that there is not just one right way to do anything. Our conversation was so honest, and I appreciate her willingness to be bold, expressive, and someone who throws herself right out into the middle of life.Join us as we talk about:Being creative, doesn't mean differentEvery detail of life is up for personalizationDealing with the shame of believing in yourself and wanting big thingsThe DUI that changed her lifeWho made the rules anyways?Parenting her way... which is awesomeBecause of Orly, I am now doing the 100 Day Challenge. I have been giving away one copy of my book, You Matter - Learning to Love Who You Really Are, everyday for the first 100 days of 2022. Check out the videos here:  IG @Emerzian.About OrlyOrly Shani is a television host and DIY Queen! She is the creator and host of The DIY Designer, a Youtube Channel featuring show-stopping fashion + home DIY's with nearly 400,000 subscribers.  Orly is the daughter of two Contractor parents, growing up around and loving home renovations since she was a child.  Her career began in fashion, when she was a fan favorite & finalist on NBC's FASHION STAR. she was invited back to Season 2 of FASHION STAR to host a20-episode series that appeared across NBC's digital properties and was branded and supported by Suave Professionals.  From there she co-hosted E!'s The Fabulist (with Kristin Cavallari) and Who Wore It Better (with Catt Sadler) two fashion programs on The E! Network.  her fashion and DIY's have been featured in Glamour Magazine, Rolling Stone, WWD, InStyle, New York Daily News, among other publications.  Orly's love of DIY & Style naturally progressed into the Home space and All of the Style, Customization, Creativity, and DIY she once focused on the CLOSET, now expanded to the whole home.  orly brings this expertise to The Today Show, Access Hollywood, Home &Family, E! News, Fashion Police, E!'s Live From The Red Carpet, The Doctors, KTLA, and many more.Social: @orlyshani

I have known Charles Lee for nearly a decade and have had the incredible opportunity to work with him on projects for the non-profit organization I founded, Every Monday Matters. He is brilliant. I often say, "You can either Google it or just call Charles." But along with his big brain is an even bigger humble heart that appreciates everything and everyone. I promise you will walk away from our conversation with a new way of looking at other people, work, and life in general.Join us as we talk about:From Korea to NYC - the immigrant's journeyReceiving help and being open to people who genuinely careNo one is going to hand you anything, so hustleMisfits and underdogs are uniquely positioned to change the worldIdeas are impotent without actionThe power of giving backGet ready to enjoy this conversation with one of my favorite people. You matter.About CharlesCharles is the Founder & CEO at Ideation  , an idea execution company that specializes in helping executives and  brands scale their business by effectively achieving clarity and integrating their strategic plans into day-to-day implementation. Ideation fills this gap between strategy and implementation with innovative approaches to idea refinement, strategic process & infrastructure development, leadership & team building, brand (re)development & positioning, and creative services that bridge concepts into the real world. He is also the author of Good Idea. Now What?: How to Move Ideas to Execution, a practical book designed to help people move ideas to implementation. Charles is regularly invited to advise and speak to leading brands on topics such as clarity, creativity, leading innovation, idea-making, brand strategy, and ideation. Executive leaders from brands including Toyota, Wells Fargo, Google, TOMS, NBCUniversal, WME, Caterpillar, Sequoia Capital, Vanguard Financial, ONE Campaign, (RED), and many others have benefited from engaging Charles on various projects and endeavors. In addition to advising and speaking, Charles has served as host and/or facilitator for numerous events with NY Times best-selling authors and executives from brands including Google, Twitter, MLB , Starwood, Disney, CAA, Toyota, TOMS, charity: water, United Way, World Vision, and many others.Social: https://linktr.ee/charlestlee

Elizabeth Frame Ellison had endless professional opportunities upon graduating from law school, but she chose the less obvious one. Instead of the "typical" corporate or big firm career path, she chose to serve those who needed it the most. From her experiences in our broken justice system to her travels abroad to her love for her Tulsa community, Elizabeth is changing lives one dish at a time. Join us as we talk about:Everyone deserves a fighting chanceDifferent is great and deliciousEquity is inherently valuable and builds good businessFaking it til you make it... sort ofThe world is your oyster Get ready to pack your bags to head to Tulsa, Oklahoma.About ElizabethElizabeth Frame Ellison is the President and CEO of Lobeck Taylor Family Foundation (LTFF) in Tulsa, Oklahoma. In her eleven years leading LTFF, Ellison has founded Oklahoma's FIRST food hall, Mother Road Market (2018) as well as Tulsa's kickstart kitchen incubator, Kitchen 66 (2016). Ellison is also a founding partner of 36 Degrees North (2016), a co-workspace and basecamp for entrepreneurs in Tulsa's Arts District and a founding board member of Vest (2020).Ellison received recognition as one of Oklahoma's 40 under 40 and several awards for small business and entrepreneurial support. She has given several keynote addresses and served as a panelist at a Google conference on the future of food in 2017.Ellison received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Classical Culture in 2004 and worked for Boren for Congress as the deputy finance director before joining Congressman Boren (OK Dist. 2) as a Legislative Assistant. In 2006, Ellison served as Political Director when her mother, Kathy Taylor, decided to run for Mayor and asked for campaign help. After a successful campaign, Ellison entered Law School at The University of Oklahoma. As the class President, Ellison was honored to give the commencement address at her Law School graduation. In 2012, Ellison was elected to serve as a school board representative for Tulsa Technology Center.When she isn't working, Ellison enjoys travel, culinary exploration, true crime novels and athletic activity alongside her husband Chris and their boys Taylor (9) and Wyatt (6). Ellison lives in Tulsa and San Francisco.Social: @elizabethframeellison

Allison Trowbridge is a tour de force.  She cares deeply about every single individual she encounters, but has also set her eyes on changing the world. Anyone who knows Allison watches in awe as she seemingly fearlessly finds a need or a void and takes it head on. From global slavery to story telling to launching a tech company to build community, you get the feeling that her story has only just begun.Join us as we talk about:Living without regretThe power of connection and communityWriting your storyPursuing ambitionStaying grounded If you needed a flame lit under you, you will love this conversation. Enjoy.About AllisonAllison Trowbridge is the founder and CEO of Copper, a platform connecting authors and readers in community around books (www.copperbooks.com). She published her first book, “Twenty-Two” in 2017 with HarperCollins / Thomas Nelson while completing her MBA at the University of Oxford. Allison fell in love with the publishing world after witnessing a handful of books ignite the global anti-slavery movement, where she worked for nearly a decade leading marketing, fundraising, and international campaigns—at The Freedom Fund, Not For Sale, and as a partner at an impact investment fund, Just Business.Social: @alliebridge  @copper.books 

I've had the privilege of being Jamie Tworkowski's friend for over a decade. I have never met another man so committed to sharing his heart with the world in the hope that it can help heal just one person. The organization he started, To Write Love On Her Arms, has literally help hundreds of thousands of people who were struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. I admire his vulnerability and commitment to helping people know how much they matter, and it gives me great honor to have this conversation with such a beautiful soul. Join us as we discuss:The healing power of hopeManaging life transitionsRaising your hand if help is neededBeing human is being honestYour story mattersStaying for the surprisesGet ready to be moved by a man who feels deeply and spreads hope like no other. Enjoy.About JamieJamie Tworkowski is a NYT Best-selling author, founder of an incredible non-profit organization, inspirational speaker, social media influencer, surf and dog lover, and an incredible human being. His newest creation is Needs An Ocean. If you think your town needs an ocean, check it out and let him know.  Learn more:  www.jamietworkowski.comSocial: @jamietworkowski

Kirsten Powers can be polarizing. I guess it depends on which side of the political aisle you call home. She has worked for Fox News and now for CNN, and she has spent her entire career talking and writing about politics and religion. In my opinion, this is about as "middle" as you can get. But Kirsten is also a dear friend and has just written a new book that I hope everyone reads... and I really mean that. Enjoy our conversation as we discuss:The power of graceHow our brain works to protect usHow we process mediaTechniques to bring grace to relationshipsStanding up for what you believeGet ready to be moved and informed from someone who sits on the front lines of important topics. Enjoy.About KirstenKirsten Powers is a New York Times bestselling author, USA Today columnist, and senior political analyst for CNN, where she appears regularly on Anderson Cooper 360, CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, and The Lead with Jake Tapper. Her writing has been published in The Wall Street Journal, The Dallas Morning News, The New York Observer, Salon, The Daily Beast, the New York Post, Elle, and The American Prospect online. A native of Fairbanks, Alaska, Powers lives in Washington, D.C, with her fiancé, Robert Draper, and their two fur children, Lucy and Bill.Social: @kirstenpowers

I didn't know I needed to meet Nicky until the day I actually did. In the process of launching this podcast, as well as my personal website, a dear friend recommended I connect with Nicky because "she just gets it." My friend was right. Nicky is a wizard with words and the art of selling, but she is also a deeply caring human being who makes sure people feel seen. Join us as we discuss:Bouncing back from griefCelebrating your authentic self and owning itTrusting your gutBeing open and awareLiving this one life to its fullestGet ready to be entertained, moved, and a bit brighter from this massive force of energy. Enjoy.About NickyNicky Pattinson is a leading authority on sales, motivation, what customers really buy, and how to get anyone to relate to you, love you, and buy from you fast. Nicky is highly-sought-after speaker, coach, and consultant for business of all sizes and individual entrepreneurs. She has an uncanny knack for understand human connection and getting to core of how and why people make decisions. Don't want to get deleted in someone's inbox, call Nicky. Learn more:  https://nickypattinson.com/Social: @hiyaitsnicky

I jokingly call my friend, Paul Katami, "MLQ." Yes, that stands for "Martin Luther Queen." I met Paul as a fitness coach, but quickly learned that his biggest muscle is his heart. Because of Paul and his partner, Jeff, same-sex marriage is legal. Yes, that is what I just said. Not sure if it gets any bigger than that. Join us as we discuss:Fighting for what you believe inStaying humbleBuilding a ladderThe power of small actionsEqualityAbout Paul:Paul Katami began his professional fitness career at age 19 after making life-changing decisions about diet and exercise that transformed his body from an obese teen to a lean health expert. He has brought his branded “Katami techniques” to some of the best gyms, body sculpting clubs and leading industry conferences worldwide. Paul has also trained and instructed some of Hollywood's highest-profile executives, actors, models and athletes, and he has stared/has been showcased on EXTRA, Access Hollywood, ABC News, CNN, Self Magazine, Shape Magazine, Fitness Magazine, Us Weekly, People Magazine, Men's Health, among others.In 2013, Paul and his partner, Jeff, sued the state of California in opposition of Proposition 8, which made same sex marriage illegal. Because of these two history makers, the United States Supreme Court ruled that same sex marriage is legal and thousands of same-sex marriages have happened ever since. Learn more:   http://www.katamifitness.com/Social:  @paulkatami

Life can be both beautiful and messy and Lawrence Zarian knows this all too well. He has a job that thousands of people would love to have here in Hollywood, but there is so much more to him than just a personality on television. In this conversation, we talk about:The journey of finding oneselfThe challenge of being comfortable in our own skinLoss and the impact of divorceAddiction and recoveryBeing accountable for one's actionsOh, and we laugh a lot...which is one of the many reasons I love Lawrence so much. Enjoy.About LawrenceIf you watch television, you have seen Lawrence Zarian... several times. For over 15 years he has been one of the most sought after on-camera lifestyle  and fashion experts. His list of credits is incredible:  Kelly Clarkson Show, Home & Family, Live With Kelly & Michael, Dr. Phil, Steve Harvey, Rachel Ray, The Doctors, ABC's Live at The Academy Awards, Inside Edition, EXTRA, KTLA, Red Carpet Fashion Wrap and The Fashion Team, and more.Lawrence has recently launched a fashion line for women that produces affordable, stunning pieces for women of all shapes, sizes, and ethnicities. Check it out: https://connectedapparel.com/collections/caxlzFollow on Social:@lawrencezarian

The day I met John O'Leary, my life won. His personal story is hard to believe, yet the lessons he shares from his story are priceless. John has a wisdom about him that his rare to find, probably because he has a perspective that few of us can have. Join us as we talk about:The power of choicesWhat it takes to live an inspired lifeThe strength of a woman (his mom)The masculinity of leading with heartWhat our world needs to todayI promise, you will be glad you did. Enjoy.About JohnIn 1987, John O'Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, John created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live...and has he ever. Today, John is a two-time bestselling author of On Fire and In Awe .  He is also a world-class keynote speaker, host of the Live Inspired podcast, and, best of all, a husband to his wife Beth and a father to four children.Learn more: https://johnolearyinspires.com/Social: @johnoleary.inspires

There is a difference between success and significance. Bob Goff lives this reality as well as anyone I have ever met. Surely, he was been successful, but he is known and loved for constant generosity of heart. Just mention his name and the response is "Oh, I love Bob Goff" nearly every single time.In this conversation, you will get a better understanding of what drives him to be who he is in every moment. We will talk about:The power of generosity and loveHow faith leads the way for BobThe importance of relationships and meaningful connectionsFinding joy in the whimsicalThe power of laughterBy the end of our conversation, you will feel like you have known him your entire life...and will be glad you did. Enjoy.About BobBob Goff is the author of the New York Times bestselling Love Does and Everybody, Always and his latest book, Dream Big, released June 23, 2020. He is the Honorary Consul to the Republic of Uganda, an attorney, and the founder of Love Does—a nonprofit human rights organization operating in Uganda, India, Nepal, Iraq, and Somalia. He's a lover of balloons, cake pops, and helping people pursue their big dreams. Bob's greatest ambitions in life are to love others, do stuff, and, most importantly, to hold hands with his wife, Sweet Maria Goff, and spend time with their amazing kids. For more, check out BobGoff.com, LoveDoes.org, dreambigframework.com.Social:  @bobgoff