The School of Greatness Hall of Fame

If you follow UFC and Conor McGregor, you already know him as the man who taught Conor how to move like a monkey. But you also might already know him as a world-renowned movement teacher of all disciplines. I’ve never met someone quite like Ido Portal. He is an obsessed student of movement and the body — which means he has also become an incredible teacher. Ido started studying different kinds of movement when he was a kid, got into martial arts, and from there traveled the world for years studying as many disciplines as he could. But he couldn’t find someone who could teach him what he was looking for — how our bodies are built to move and what they are fully capable of. He became the teacher he was looking for, and over the past decade and more, he has developed a world-wide movement culture. Not only has this caught the attention of elite athletes like Conor McGregor, he has also inspired millions of people to move their bodies in new ways through his workshops and social media. I was so impressed with Ido’s wisdom, clarity, and dedication to his craft. I’ve met few teachers like him and I was so inspired to keep moving my body in new ways after this conversation. Get ready to re-define what you think your body is built for in Episode 532. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why being a good student is a missing art (8:12)Why there is no mastery of movement (11:30)The issue behind pro athletes getting depressed when they retire (26:15)Basic stretches Ido recommends doing daily to improve your body’s functionality (39:06)The most underrated factor in quality of life (40:20)The problem with “working out” (41:25)Why the story you tell yourself is more powerful than reality (1:03:10)How to practice meditation effectively (1:09:45)Why stillness is just as important as movement (1:14:00)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He wanted to be a lawyer. A singer. An actor. He thought he’d never get married, let alone have kids. He just wanted his dad to be around to fill the hole in his heart left by his absence. But instead, life served John Gray a different opportunity. And he has created something extraordinary because he chose to take it. John is one of the most powerful speakers I’ve ever heard (I saw him at Oprah’s Super Soul Sessions recently). He’s also a recording artist, a pastor, an author, a husband, and a father. Yes, all of that is possible together. But what I love so much about John is his commitment to serve others by sharing his truth every day. I’ve met few people as vulnerable and honest about life’s challenges as John. There’s no difference in the way he talks about his struggle with losing weight as he does about his dad leaving at an early age or his experience of being called to the ministry. As John explained, we have to preach to ourselves, in our brokenness, if we want anyone to listen. If you’ve been questioning your value, this conversation is for you in Episode 488. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Where the idea of judging others comes from (13:59)How we are the very thing we need (23:30)Why John is committed to losing weight and getting healthy this year no matter what (33:50)What loving yourself has to do with loving others (38:50)The one question each of us needs to ask ourselves (48:20)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

You’ve never seen her on mainstream TV shows, movies, chart-topping singles, or billboard albums. But you probably have seen her videos on YouTube (or a clip on Facebook). Lilly Singh started making YouTube videos after battling severe depression in college. She started to re-connect with her childhood creativity and she started to get good at it. Good led to great, which led to millions of YouTube fans, huge entertainment opportunities, and one of the most recognized faces in the online entertainment community. And she’s just getting started. Not only is she friends with some of the biggest celebrities on the planet (The Rock to name one), Lilly is re-defining what is possible as an entertainer. She is now a #1 NYT bestselling author, speaker, performer, vlogger, actor, singer, and she is building an empire. But as she admits, that kind of success is not exclusive to her. It just requires you to be obsessed with it — and lots of hard work. The phrase that comes to mind when I think of the success Lilly has created is this: “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” Her commitment to greatness in all areas of her life is so inspiring, and I can’t wait for you to laugh and dream big with her in Episode 506. In This Episode, You Will Learn:How we cause ourselves the most pain (8:15)Why it’s okay to be the dumbest person on your team in some ways (21:51)The best way to pay your team and include them in your success (28:20)Why Lilly wants to be a big star (37:50)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Wilmer Valderrama moved to the U.S. from Venezuela as a teenager with his family, he hadn’t expected he’d need to know English in his lifetime. But when he got to Los Angeles and started getting involved in theater (as he had in Venezuela), he quickly realized not knowing English was the only thing that could stop him from being successful in this craft. So he learned quickly. Not only did he learn English quickly, he rose to the top of his acting classes, got an agent, and despite having an accent (which wasn’t very accepted on TV at the time), he booked his first pilot at the age of 18. You’ve probably heard of it – That ’70s Show. He went on to massive success with an 8 year run of that show, which led to stardom, film opportunities, producing and much more. Wilmer knew that if he wanted a career beyond his first major hit, he’d need to stretch himself into new roles. Which is exactly what he did. Today he is as much an activist as he is an actor, having worked with President Obama on immigration reform, working with the rising generation on voting registration, and much more. Wilmer is one of the most confident, humble, and grounded men I’ve met. I was so inspired by his storytelling and passion for making a difference. I invite you to be inspired as well in Episode 514. In This Episode, You Will Learn:The movie that inspired Wil to become an actor as a kid (9:10)Why learning English was the key to Wil’s early success (11:32)The advice Wil’s dad gave to him right before he got his biggest role (21:10)What Johnny Depp told Wil that changed everything for him (56:30)Why it’s so important to have fun while working towards your goals (1:09:35)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When I met the incredible trainer couple Chris and Heidi Powell a couple of weeks ago (you know them from the hit TV show Extreme Weight Loss), I was immediately impressed by their energy, warmth, and authenticity. But when we started talking about their story, how they met, and what they overcame before they ever became famous, I was really impressed. I know it’s easy to make up stories about how perfect the people we see on TV are — but the truth is they are human just like us. And they have powerful wisdom to share when given the opportunity to tell their stories. Both Chris and Heidi are incredible trainers. But they are also amazing life coaches, spouses, parents, friends, and believers that anyone can transform. That is why they have used their opportunity to be on TV as the springboard for their much bigger vision — to bring their coaching and expertise to the whole world. If you don’t catch their contagious energy and belief that anything is possible from listening to Episode 520, watch the video of this interview. Chris and Heidi are the real deal. It’s time to transform! In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Chris and Heidi worked as a team before Heidi officially came on the show (8:45)The best way to build trust with people who are different from you (11:02)The true story of how Chris and Heidi met (13:30)Whether balance and great achievements are both possible at the same time (43:45)Tips for managing your ego once you achieve some fame (49:10)The power of making and keeping promises to yourself (58:30)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder if there was one type of entrepreneur who is the most successful? When two Princeton University lecturers came to the Greatness Studio to talk about their new book (about personality types of entrepreneurs), I had to ask. And they told me no, there’s not one. In fact, they’ve identified 4 successful entrepreneur types, and according to their research, each is equally effective – but for different reasons. Of course I had to know more, and both John Danner and Chris Kuenne fascinated me with their explanations of these personality types. They identified which one I am right away and gave me great coaching on how I can improve my business strategy. They pointed out that it’s not enough to know your strengths in business – you need to ACT on that knowledge, hire people who compliment you in those areas, and build your team wisely. We talked about how to find the right co-founder (based on your personality and theirs), how and when to bring in investors to your business, and of course, the things to look for in new hires. I loved this conversation so much I want to bring them back on to discuss more. This is the first of two episodes this week with top business professors coming on the School of Greatness. Class is in session in Episode 517. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Whether there is a single best way to build a team (2:40)The 4 personality types of successful entrepreneurs (3:10)Why it’s not enough to “know thyself” (6:20)The 2 strategies to choose from as an entrepreneur (6:30)The most important things to consider when hiring people on your team (14:35)If it’s better to focus on one thing or be good at multiple things (38:20)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I love bringing the brightest minds in the world onto the podcast. Especially when they are experts in an area that most people are confused by. Which is why I thought it would be useful to interview a top world expert on finance. Now before you tune out and think, “This isn’t for me,” let me be honest. I don’t love studying finance either. Charts and graphs and jargon don’t do it for me. But there was something different about Harvard Professor Mihir Desai‘s new book that stuck out to me — it explained basic financial concepts through stories. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that “facts tell, but stories sell.” Stories are also great teachers, which is exactly why Mihir wanted to use the most interesting stories from history and fiction to break down the complexity of finance. Mihir has spent 18 years teaching the brightest students in the world finance. But he knows that if more people don’t understand the core concepts of how to wisely manage finances (and use them to leverage their opportunities), then finance is failing its purpose. I loved this discussion with the third Ivy League professor I talked to this week. Join me for round two of “Professor Week” for a fascinating explanation of finance in Episode 518. In This Episode, You Will Learn:The upside and downside of debt (4:50)How to determine how much to invest in your education (6:20)How stories from history and fiction can easily explain finance concepts (18:14)Why too many options can be a bad thing in finance (19:20)Why we had to re-think our beliefs about failure in finance (22:20)How to use the power of leverage wisely (24:32)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the most famous book in the world was also the most misunderstood? These are the kinds of questions my friend Rob Bell and I end up discussing when we get together. But recently we decided to actually record our conversation for the podcast. If you’re a longtime fan of the show, you already know Rob from his past 3 episodes. So you’ll be excited to know that for this episode, we dived deep into his newest book, all about what the Bible really is, where it came from, and how most of us are reading it wrong. I love Rob for many reasons, but at the top of the list is his ability to open my mind to spiritual truth in a way I never thought about it. Rob is one of the most successful pastors of our day, but he left preaching in a formal church years ago and has expanded his reach and message far beyond. Not only is he a multiple NYT bestselling author, he has been on tour with Oprah, hosts his own popular podcast, and goes on spiritual speaking tours around the world.In this conversation, we went down several rabbit holes around spirituality, but at the core of our questions was this one — Can truth be found in unlikely places? And how do we interpret it once we find it? It’s time to think differently about what we’ve always been told in Episode 484 with Rob Bell. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why so many people are misreading the Bible (3:15)Where despair comes from – and the antidote (7:10)The difference between reading the Bible literately and literally (9:20)Why the sermon needs to be reclaimed (17:40)Why truth always includes paradox (23:56)The best way to serve others (45:38)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andy Frisella is the co-founder of multiple successful real businesses (we’re talking lots of brick and mortar stores as well as a huge online business). He is the host of the popular MFCEO podcast (yes, it stands for what you think it stands for). He is a straight-talking, no BS entrepreneur, coach, and leader. He’s also a big guy – fit, strong, and confident. So he’s the last guy you’d expect to have lasting nerve damage in his face from being stabbed and disfigured when in his early twenties. I met Andy a while ago and we recently spoke at the same event and re-connected. I’ve always looked up to his wise words backed up by real action. So when he came on the podcast, I knew he would deliver some solid gold business advice. What I didn’t know is how deep we would go into the psychological challenges Andy had to overcome after being attacked and disfigured when he was younger — before he was ever successful and people were paying attention to him. I was really impressed with how he chose to shift his perspective (after battling intense depression) and make powerful results in his life despite the adversity he has faced. No matter what you have gone through, there’s no excuses for what you can achieve after listening to Andy in Episode 485. In This Episode, You Will Learn:The power of in-person connection (now more than ever) (5:50)What social media should be used for (6:02)The story of Andy getting stabbed and disfigured (6:24)The moment that changed his perspective on adversity (11:53)What Millenials actually have right in their perspective (33:12)The ultimate competitive advantage for any brand to create (40:00)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly LeVeque is not only positive, glowing, and lives what she preaches when it comes to health and diet, but she is super knowledgeable about the science of how our bodies work. Within 10 minutes of the interview starting she was teaching me about exactly how and why I get hungry, what foods cause what hormones in my body to release, and so much more. I loved how nerdy she got about the science of hunger and healthy eating — but she still kept everything easy to understand. Then we got into the business side of her brand and I was even more impressed. Kelly had a successful career in the corporate world, but she was smart enough to listen to her friends who were encouraging her to go after her passion. Instead of leaping off the cliff of entrepreneurship, she wisely built a side hustle as a health coach, and when she was finally ready, she took the leap with money already coming in. Today she is the beloved nutritionist for celebrities like Jessica Alba and Chelsea Handler, but she is equally passionate about supporting anyone and everyone in falling back in love with their bodies and food. Get ready to learn and be inspired by Kelly in Episode 511. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why having a side hustle before becoming a full entrepreneur is a good idea (3:26)How to fix the problem of being hungry all the time (9:08)The benefits of fasting for 4 days to reset your immune system (16:05)How many times our bodies break down and rebuild themselves during our lifetime (19:27)Why and how intermittent fasting is good for you (29:30)How to get over sugar cravings (35:00)How to build a brand that celebrities are attracted to work with (37:12)The value of getting coaches in multiple areas of life (50:20)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I am stoked to bring my man Aubrey Marcus back on The School of Greatness. Aubrey is one of the smartest business leaders I know, as well as a huge inspiration to me for fitness, mindset, and excellence. Since he was in LA writing his book, we decided to record a podcast about something Aubrey knows A LOT about. He has studied the champion’s mindset extensively and has incredible insight into what makes a champion from talking to his friends, who are world-class athletes. This time around, Aubrey is sharing the 8 major characteristics that create a champion – and they are gold. Get ready to take notes and be hugely inspired by my good friend Aubrey Marcus in Episode 273. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About Aubrey’s new book he’s working on8 Characteristics of ChampionsChampions utilize belief to their advantageChampions are great studentsChampions are toughChampions master their mindsChampions have ritualsChampions are absolutely relentlessChampions are in a serious relationship with their bodyChampions have a great teamPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, we are talking about relationships again on  The School of Greatness. Partly because I love learning as much as possible about how to create and maintain healthy, amazing relationships (and I need a lot of coaching in my love life). But partly because I heard today’s guest speak at Summit at Sea in November and I knew I had to have her on the podcast. Esther Perel is a world-renowned relationship therapist, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker who has focused her career on exploring the role of sex and eroticism in making and breaking intimate relationships. She has an incredible world-view of relationships in many different cultures, which has allowed her to see what works and what doesn’t on a bigger level. I asked her a ton of questions in our interview and she had answers. You may already have set ideas about what intimate relationships should look like, but I know you’ll get some new perspective from listening to this interview. Get ready to get vulnerable with yourself as you take a look at your relationships in Episode 285 with Esther Perel. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why Esther was inspired in her work by the Clinton sex scandalThe cultural differences in how adultery is viewed around the worldThe effects in the U.S. of how sex education is presentedIndifference, contempt, neglect, and violence are the main issues in any intimate relationshipWhy people often treat their partner worse than anyone else.The impact our parents have on our relationship skills (this is big)Women get bored with monogamy sooner than men (because the romance usually dies after marriage)A better question than “What turns me off” is “When I turn myself off is”Why investing in being your best self and pursuing what lights you up keeps you interested in a monogamous relationshipThe relationship between emotional risk and desireWe now expect our partner to be a whole village for us since we live much more private livesThe 4 Pillars of Modern Relationships: Trust, Affection, Intimacy, DesireThe idea that your marriage can have different phases (like a new marriage each time) with the same personThe value of yearly check-ins with your partner (not when a crisis is happening) to see what’s going onWhy it’s important to separate the idea of failure from divorceThe Millenial generation are the children of the divorced and disillusionedThe influx of couples who are married but live apart aka LAT couples (more common in the older generation)What originally attracts you to someone is often what eventually drives you crazy about themPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If I were to ask you what one characteristic makes the biggest difference in how you deal with and get through hard things, what would you answer? Maybe strength or faith or perspective? Would you have thought of resilience? I wouldn’t have, until I talked to today’s guest on The School of Greatness, the incredible Eric Greitens. Eric’s list of accolades is long, but among some of them are that he is a Navy SEAL, a PhD, a Rhodes scholar, an author, and a hopeful for Missouri governor. His newest book is all about how resilience is the characteristic that gets us through the hard stuff – how we process pain in the moment and after. Eric is no stranger to this, as he recounts in our conversation Navy SEAL training, his travels around the world photographing war torn areas, and working with veterans with PTSD. I could have talked to Eric for hours and took plenty of notes, so I expect you to do the same. Get ready to have your eyes opened and learn life-changing insight about resilience in Episode 157 with Eric Greitens. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Navy SEAL training – what it’s really likeThe power of taking the focus off of yourself and onto your purpose during a challengeThe idea of segmenting an overwhelming challenge: breaking it down into small enough pieces that you have one you can start with right nowMental rehearsal: teaching yourself how to worryResilience is the virtue that helps you get better when things are hardThe difference between pain that distracts you and pain that helps you growWhy the first step towards resiliency is taking responsibilityThe downside of making excuses to deal with pain (you can’t run in a suit of armor)The power of breathing to help you get through pain (yes, this is for real)How writing a fear down takes away some of its power over youWhy you need to build a system to remind yourself of the things you knowPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The words “peaceful” and “warrior” don’t usually go together. In fact, they seem to be opposites. But if you’ve read the international bestselling book or seen the movie Way of the Peaceful Warrior, you know there’s something powerful about this idea. Dan Millman is the author of this (and 16 other books) and an incredibly wise teacher. He was an early guest on the podcast, back in Episode 193, and I was excited to have him back on since he just released a new book. When I watched the movie based on his hit book, it was hugely influential to me and became one of my favorites. Sitting down with him 11 years later to discuss the wisdom behind this story was powerful. Dan is the kind of guy who has a quiet way of speaking, takes pauses, and thinks about his answers. But I was hanging on every word. There were times in this conversation where I almost felt like I was in a dream, learning things that he wasn’t even saying. And that was after just an hour of talking together. I loved what Dan taught about what it means to live a good life, why greatness is apparent in every single one of us, and how life teaches us exactly what we’re ready to learn. Whether this is your first experience with the peaceful warrior mindset or you are a fan already, be prepared for some spiritual weight training during Episode 554. In This Episode, You Will Learn:How to practice lucid dreaming (10:30)Why comparison is actually a form of suffering (14:30)The 12 courses that life teaches us (17:20)Why Dan doesn’t encourage anyone to be grateful (29:06)How to take care of your health when you’re young (54:07)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most of us have strong feelings about habits. We love the ones that help us be better and we hate the ones that hold us back. But have you ever thought about how habits affect our happiness? Today’s guest on The School of Greatness has thought a lot about this. Gretchen Rubin is a hugely successful author and blogger (and former attorney) who researches the best ways to create happy, healthy lifestyles. In her newest book, she studies how to use your personality strengths and weaknesses to mindfully create habits that work to your advantage. On a deeper level, she talks about how all of the small daily choices we make add up to our whole lives, and how we can save energy by making good choices a habit. I loved connecting with and learning from Gretchen in this conversation and can’t wait for you to as well in Episode 187 with Gretchen Rubin. In This Episode, You Will Learn: The 4 Tendencies of How We Meet ExpectationsObligers – people who meet others’ expectations but not their ownUpholders – people who meet others’ and their own expectationsQuestioners – people who question every expectation – they need reasons for everythingRebels – people who resist all expectationsHabits are all about decision-making: behaviors that are on auto-pilotWhy life transitions are the best times to make new habits (even when things are crazy)What kind of lifestyles cause unhappinessPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ok. This is big. And it’s not just for parents. I got so much out of this interview and I’m not a parent yet. In fact, I believe in this message so much, I want EVERYONE to hear it, whether they are a parent, a child, or an adult child (that covers all of us). Dr. Shefali Tsabary is one of the world’s leading experts in parenting. As a clinical psychologist, she is well educated in this topic. But that isn’t what’s made her a multiple NYT bestselling author or a favorite of Oprah. Dr. Shefali has spent her life learning from both Eastern and Western philosophy about the relationships between parents and children. This includes learning about how our egos respond to creating life, why we struggle so much with trying to control our children, how we project on them all of the things we didn’t get from our parents, and so much more. In our conversation, we dove deep into why it’s so important to become a conscious parent – beginning well before you decide you are ready to have a child. I was on the edge of my seat during this whole interview because I was learning so much (that made so much sense about my own experience of being a child). I can’t wait to have Dr. Shefali back on the show, but for now, get ready to upgrade your level of consciousness in Episode 526. In This Episode, You Will Learn:The biggest difference between Eastern and Western philosophies of parenting (3:32)The mental illness running through so many parents in our society (6:40)How children are actually our teachers (7:26)The question every person should ask themselves before choosing to become a parent (9:01)Why we need to think of children as coming through us instead of us creating them (14:15)What needs to shift inside women for them to own their power (28:59)How parenting can be a mask (32:40)Why parenting is a “being” more than a “doing” (48:40)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Before you decide that you don’t believe in this kind of stuff, listen up. I met today’s guest, Nick Ortner, years ago in NYC during a mastermind. I have watched his career, success, and the impact he’s making (teaching people how to heal themselves from all kinds of issues) over the years since then. And I know he’s the real deal. But I was especially excited to sit down with him on the podcast to hear about the science behind the method he uses — and he explained it all. If you’ve never heard of tapping, let me introduce you to the technique. Tapping has been around for a long time. It’s a very simple method to calm the mind and body by tapping on the acupressure points around the body that are connected to our meridians. But it has as much to do with slowing down and tuning into what your mind and heart are telling you as it does with touching pressure points. What I didn’t expect during this interview, which was really amazing, was when I asked Nick to do a demo of what tapping looks like on my friend Cesar, who had been suffering from a super stiff neck for days. Cesar happens to be a pretty analytical and skeptical guy when it comes to this kind of stuff. But after spending 5 minutes with Nick (all recorded on the podcast), he was pain free and able to turn his neck freely. It was awesome. Beyond that once instance however, I truly believe that what Nick is up to is valuable, important, and powerful. Let me introduce you to tapping and the power you have to heal yourself in Episode 547. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why we are walking around every day so stressed (7:30)How trauma (even small stuff) affects our subconscious (10:00)How to deal with the issues on the edge and stay safe (15:20)The process of tapping for healing of any kind (live example on Cesar!) (30:23)Why we have a natural bias for negative thoughts (46:15)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coach Chris Lee is a longtime podcast favorite (this is his 12th episode on the show!) and there’s no mistake about why. Not only has he had a massive impact on my life as my coach, from the first time I took his workshop through today, but he has generously shared his wisdom with us on the show for years. There’s a reason I keep bringing him back on. Chris knows the human psyche and heart really well. He understands why we do what we do and how to elevate our whole lives to the next level. That’s what he’s been coaching me on for years. So when I got the chance to sit down with him last week to record this episode, I was excited to see the topic he had ready. He was fresh off of training an intense 5 day workshop so he had a lot of insight to share around how to create a life and mindset that is unstoppable no matter what comes up. By breaking it down into 7 steps, we really got to go deep into each one. I can definitely stand by each of the steps Chris coached since I’ve seen the effectiveness of them in my own life time and again. If you’re ready to live in consistent greatness, it starts with these steps in Episode 503. In This Episode, You Will Learn:The connection between life and energy (6:20)The biggest way people give their power away (7:30)Why having a purpose is so powerful (8:31)How responsibility is actually an interpretation (17:05)The simple exercise that will shift your entire perspective on your life (22:50)How to trust the process when you don’t want to (32:54)How Chris has taken on something in his life that he was resisting (36:34)The secret behind creating consistent enthusiasm (49:06)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As you’ve heard me say often, I wholeheartedly believe in the power of good coaching. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful tools I’ve invested in during my athletic and business careers. So whenever I get the chance to talk to high-level coaches, I jump at it. Recently I got to talk to one of the very best. He coaches not only elite level athletes, but also top CEOs, performers, celebrities, musicians, and more. Dr. Michael Gervais has worked on some of the most ground-breaking projects in the world. So he knows a thing or two about how to get the best performance out of people. Not only is he a high-performance psychologist, he understands the power of our minds to accomplish the extraordinary firsthand. I loved learning his story, how he got into this field, and what he has discovered about our true potential over decades of coaching top performers. What especially struck me was that he acknowledged how we all struggle with the same fears — no matter what the stakes are. Regardless of what level we are starting at, we can begin to develop a high-performance mindset right now. Because life is now. There’s no reason to wait to try your best in Episode 533. In This Episode, You Will Learn:How to manage anxiety so it doesn’t hold us back (10:23)Why the “being” is more important than the “doing” of high performance (12:40)The natural state of our mind (a drunk monkey) (14:25)What we are most afraid of today versus centuries ago (18:50)The 3 ways to create your personal philosophy for life (26:15)The best way to train mindfulness (32:00)How to deal with the loneliness that comes from pushing your edges (39:25)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’d seen Brendon Burchard‘s videos all over Facebook, heard his name in big circles, and seen his bestselling books at the top of the charts. But for whatever reason, I felt like there might be something fake about him. So I never bothered to find out. Until we spoke at the same event and I met him in person. And I realized there was more to the story. When he came by the studio to record a conversation about his newest book, we got to really connect. And I was amazed. Brendon is an incredibly successful high performance coach, speaker and author. He’s advised some of the top executives and performers in the world. It turns out we were totally on the same page about greatness, service, life purpose, and leadership. Brendon gave tons of awesome wisdom in our conversation — I loved talking to him so much that at the end of the interview, I asked him to come speak at the Summit of Greatness this year. And he said yes. This conversation is powerful, authentic, and a game changer in Episode 538. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why creativity is not strongly correlated with high performance (12:20)The 6 Habits of High Performers (13:42)Brendon’s 3 questions he asks himself every morning (23:10)Why high performing executives use up as much energy in a day as elite athletes (26:00)The one habit that surprised me the most about high performers (32:20)Why you don’t have to be cool to gain influence (40:32)The first thing Brendon coaches Fortune 50 CEOs to do (46:37)The kind of courage that matters the most (50:56)Why it’s so important to live with intention (59:30)Brendon’s coaching to me about how to improve my public speaking (1:07:50)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I have always been fascinated by the power of the mind and people who have learned to master it. Especially when it comes to using your mind to read other people. So every time I’ve seen a magician or performer who specializes in this, I get so excited. And when I had the chance to meet one of the best mentalists in the world, Oz Pearlman, I was extra excited. If you watched the show America’s Got Talent a few seasons back, you’ll recognize Oz as the incredible mentalist who nearly won the season with his mind-blowing tricks reading people’s minds. He’s also an accomplished endurance runner who has done several of the toughest ultra-endurance races on the planet. I remember watching Oz on TV and thinking he was amazing. Then he came to the studio to record a podcast interview and this was confirmed. He set up several tricks with me and my team that he blew our minds with during the interview (we literally were trying to figure out how he did these for hours after he left). But some of the best moments of our conversation were when Oz talked to me about the skills he’s developed as an entrepreneur, a negotiator, a salesman, a networker, and a performer. These are the skills all of us can use no matter what kind of business or project we are working on. And learning them from a world-class mentalist is a bonus. Get ready to believe the impossible in Episode 476 with the one and only Oz Pearlman. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Oz reading my mind about the guest I want to get on the podcast that I’ve never told anyone (9:30)How he paid for college by doing magic tricks during high school (13:42)The way to sell yourself so that people can’t say no (14:25)Why having less money as a start-up is good for you (15:44)How to think strategically about where you look for clients (16:45)Why getting on America’s Got Talent was a new challenge for Oz (24:33)Why endurance sports are all mental (32:23)How Oz sets up a trick to get someone to say what he wants (42:14)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’ve talked to lots of incredible, renowned doctors and health experts about the optimal diet and foods to eat. I’ve tried all kinds of nutrition strategies. I’ve cut out gluten, dairy, and sugar from my diet. So you can imagine how surprised I was when I sat down with another world-renowned heart surgeon and doctor, Dr. Steven Gundry, last week and he told me foods that were poisonous to all humans. Peanuts, cashews, raw beans, chia seeds? As Dr. Gundry explained, however, exactly how the bacteria in our guts work, it made sense. He broke down his decades of research and the results he’s gotten with his patients (reversing aging and autoimmune diseases through diet change). He taught how plants are built with incredible defense systems from predators (like humans). And when we eat parts of plants that aren’t meant for us, we get sick from them. The more I learned from him, the more questions I had. But he just wrote a new NYT bestselling book covering all of this in depth, so I’m planning on reading it front to back. If you’re sick and tired of being sick, listen up in Episode 521. In This Episode, You Will Learn:How bacteria make us who we are more than genes do (0:45)The secret to reversing aging naturally (7:05)The plant paradox of how eating some plants is hurting us (11:42)Why gluten makes us sick (20:12)Foods every American should stay away from (24:30)What’s going on in our bodies when we have autoimmune diseases (33:15)What the physician’s job actually is according to ancient philosophers (38:10Other foods you probably think are good for you that aren’t (40:25)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In fact, very few people have the guts to put the F word in the title of their NYT bestselling book (it’s been on the list for 9 months straight). But that’s one reason Mark Manson has become such a popular writer, both in the blogging and the book publishing world. He has spent years studying self-help, traveling the world, living in different cultures, and learning from his own life experiences about what actually makes us happy and successful. And what he has learned runs counter to what a lot of people say is true. I loved diving into these topics with him because I can tell Mark is a truth-seeker. He’s not afraid to speak up about what he has learned, even if it isn’t the most popular idea. That’s exactly why his writing has struck a chord with so many people — he tells the truth about why it’s important to feel sad and angry, he acknowledges the negative voices we all have talking in our heads, and he admits that it’s challenging to not judge ourselves. But Mark also has learned positive, practical methods to navigate these issues without all the sugar-coating that usually goes with them. We dove into all these topics, as well as what he’s learning about himself as mega-writing success has hit him. I learned a lot of new perspectives from Mark and believe you will too in Episode 524. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why negativity matters and shouldn’t be ignored (2:00)How to know if a certain media type is one you should be pursuing (14:50)Why it’s so important to say no sometimes (18:00)Why success and self-improvement don’t always go together (26:30)How to mentally deal with your work being massively successful (32:55)Why it’s so important to be able to fail during the creative process (47:45)Plus much more... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He wasn’t discovered as a teen prodigy. In fact, when he told his mother he wanted to be a big music star, she told him he’d stop shining for her the day he did. But J Balvin knew what he wanted and he started working at it early on. He moved to the U.S. to learn English as an exchange student in high school. He went back to the U.S. after he graduated to work his way into the music business — and the only job he could get was painting walls and roofing houses. So he swallowed his pride, went back to his hometown in Colombia, and spent the next 10 years building his music, performance, and network slowly but surely. Even though he’s the biggest rising star in Latin Music today (think the Justin Bieber of music in Spanish), I didn’t even know J’s name until he started following me on Instagram. And then I saw he had 15 million followers. And then I started listening to his music. It didn’t matter that I didn’t understand what he was saying, I was hooked. So by the time J and I got to sit down in the Greatness Studio to record this episode, I was already really impressed with him. And then he told me his story and I was blown away. If you think that massive success is only for the favored elite, think again as you listen to music superstar J Balvin in Episode 469. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why J moved to the US at age 17 to learn English (2:46)How getting into a terrible plane crash inspired J to do more with his work (6:20)Why having a dream is so important to your success (8:10)How to hustle when you’re working solo and don’t have a team yet (21:19)The way gratitude works to create abundance (25:50)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of my favorite women in the world is back on the show today for her third episode. She is the queen of self-help, spirituality, and wisdom. So I got really excited when I saw that her newest book is an uncensored truth-telling about that world — what most people won’t admit to. Danielle LaPorte is one of the few people who can take on the myths surrounding the world of self-development and expose the truth . . . while still inspiring you to keep going in your own path. And that’s just one reason why I love her. One reason why I think Danielle’s message is so needed is because it’s easy to get lost in the “doing” of self-development and spirituality and forget the “being” part. What Danielle taught me is that all wisdom is paradoxical — there’s truth in both sides of it. If we’re willing to get curious, explore, and trust our gut, we find truth. If we go on auto-pilot and focus only on “doing” things we think should make us better, we will get lost, burnt out, and stuck. Get ready for a breath of fresh air and some powerful truth-telling in Episode 481. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why sometimes less is more when it comes to spiritual support (4:52)The simple key to self-help (9:16)Why it’s okay to change our beliefs often (18:15)How to forgive people when things are a mess (21:27)The keys to getting past judging people (25:05)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, one of the MOST requested guests on the show (since I launched it), has been this incredible woman. She has one of the most watched TED talks of all time. She is a three-time #1 NYT bestselling author (and soon to be four). She has changed the face of emotional intelligence, relationships, and self-acceptance for millions of people. But her area of expertise is one that not many people are willing to talk about — shame and vulnerability. I’m talking about the one and only Brené Brown. Brené is a research professor at the University of Houston. But once her TED talk blew up the internet a few years ago, she has appeared on much bigger platforms around the world, including Oprah, the New York Times, and many others. Not only have her books changed millions of people’s perspectives on what it actually means to be brave, authentic, and loved, she has started a conversation that has created a ripple effect among other thought leaders. I’ve been aware of her work for years, quoted it in my books, and followed her patiently, waiting for the right time to interview her for the podcast. The time has come, on the eve of her newest book launch, and what we discussed was so powerful. Not only did we get into what it means to truly belong (the topic of her newest book), we got real about the tragic events happening in our country and what we get to do to change what’s going on. We recorded this interview just one week before Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, where Brené lives, so all of my thoughts and love go to her and her team as they recover and support their community. It’s time to step up and live the courageous truth we each have inside of us in this episode. In This Episode, You Will Learn:What belonging truly means (3:45)What makes people complex (7:01)What every parent needs to know about when their kids grow up (13:44)Why parents are so defensive about their parenting style (18:52)How to support men in being willing to discuss vulnerable topics (24:30)How to handle speaking up about sensitive topics (30:01)Why people hold onto hate (33:50)Why our avoidance of pain is causing so many huge issues (36:35)What Brene would say to all the men in the world (46:36)How to deal with shame (since we can’t get rid of it) (48:58)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve been following me or The School of Greatness for long, you know I’m a big fan of salsa dancing. In fact, I was obsessed with learning how to get good at it in college and spent A LOT of time practicing. I still love going out and dancing when I can in LA. So when I got the opportunity to interview Julianne Hough, award-winning dancing queen of Dancing with the Stars (and now a judge on the show!) I couldn’t pass it up. And not just because I wanted to hear her story of how she has created incredible success. I wanted to test my salsa skills with a professional. But what I got in addition to a dance with Julianne (she is amazing) was an open-hearted, authentic, first-hand account of her experience in the dance and entertainment world starting as a 10 year old girl in London. Not only did she learn to grow up fast and perform with the pros, she then set her sights on film, singing, and is now working on many incredible projects and tours. In our conversation, Julianne talks about the intense pressure of the dance competition world and the high standards she set for herself. And then she talks about the transformation that occurred within her just a couple of years ago when she attended a Tony Robbins event (you know what a big fan of his I am). I loved every minute of our conversation and dancing and have been so excited to share this episode with you. Sit back and enjoy the light and inspiration of Julianne Hough in Episode 148 and be sure to judge my salsa dancing video with her below

Have you ever asked yourself why you feel so stressed all the time? It’s pretty common these days to just assume a stress-filled life is the norm, especially if you’re an entrepreneur. Today’s guest on The School of Greatness has known stress above and beyond the norm. Amanda Enayati had to flee from her home country of Iran when she was a kid (without her parents), lived in the West Village in NYC during 9/11, worked as an attorney for years and then got late-stage breast cancer (while raising two small children). Yes, that’s all for real. So you can take her word for it when she says she knows about stress. But what is incredible about Amanda (including what she has gone through) is her devotion to researching and teaching the best ways to understand and handle the stress that comes to all of us. If you listened to the last episode with Todd Kashdan, you’ll really enjoy this interview as well. Amanda shares some different and some similar ideas from Todd about how to use stress to your advantage and how to find healing from traumatic stress. I know you’ll enjoy this conversation as much as I did in Episode 155 with CNN contributor and author Amanda Enayati. In This Episode, You Will Learn:What mattered to her when she got diagnosed with cancer:she needed to be who she was meant to beshe didn’t want any strife with anyoneThe fact that life is suffering isn’t all bad“Suck-it-up-itude” – the attitude that failure isn’t an excuse to give upSerenity means that you have found what you are meant to do and you are sharing that with the worldHow the little whys behind what we do add up to the big whysWhy we think of ourselves as so stressed outTo re-frame your stress mindset: 1- Tell yourself better stories about what’s happening 2- Remember all stress isn’t the same 3- Re-draw the map of your stories and what they are telling youThe problem with stress is a design issueWhy kids need some stress to develop into happy, healthy adultsThe power of belonging and its ability to heal usPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I freaking love the Olympics and everything about them. I love the insane training the athletes put themselves through. I love the power of putting all that training to the test in the moment of truth. I love seeing how people from around the world come together to celebrate what is possible in human performance. So whenever I get to meet an Olympian, I’m really excited. And meeting one like Apolo Ohno was no disappointment. If you watched the winter Olympics at all in the past 15 years, you know his name. He is the face of speed skating and is still commentating at Olympics currently. But what you might not know is that Apolo was once a punk kid, who had never met his mother, was angry at life, and had no work ethic. Yes he was talented and powerful. But it wasn’t until he put his mind to train like a champion, committed fully, and became obsessed with his sport that he rose to Olympic glory. There were so many parts of this interview that I loved so much. I can’t wait for you to listen to Episode 470 with Olympian Apolo Ohno. In This Episode, You Will Learn:Apolo’s preparation process before Olympic races (13:33)Why Apolo has never wanted to meet his mother (22:00)The story of how he won his first national competition (27:47)How Apolo had a “peaceful warrior” moment at age 15 (32:50)Why becoming obsessed with your craft is important to succeed (37:58)How to overcome the biggest challenges of leaving an elite sport (43:40)Why losing money in investments can be helpful (47:00)The difference between focusing on competition and what you really want (52:12)What failing teaches us (58:28)Why Apolo and I really want the US to win the bid to get the Olympics in LA (1:01:03)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

He's one of the top dating coaches in the world. He’s also one of the best on stage speakers I’ve ever seen. He’s also a good friend and previous podcast guest. Yes, I’m talking about the incredibly handsome and intelligent Matthew Hussey. If you’re a longtime podcast fan, you remember him from Episode 189. He’s got incredible insight into love, dating, communication, and human behavior. Which is just one reason he’s a celebrity dating coach, an incredibly successful entrepreneur, and a brilliant marketer. So when I was planning the line-up of speakers for the first ever Summit of Greatness, I knew Matt had to be one of them. He gave such an awesome talk on stage (followed by a great Q&A with the audience after) that I haven’t forgotten it. I wanted to share the whole thing with you guys on the podcast because it’s some of the best dating advice I’ve ever heard. Matt agreed to let me publish it, and that’s why you have the chance to hear him speak from the stage at Summit of Greatness in Episode 512. In This Episode, You Will Learn:How cognitive dissonance affects our love lives (6:05)The 2 things we need to succeed in love (7:45)How to use “The Bliss Point” in communication (16:50)Why confidence is a misunderstood concept (20:40)Why it’s so important to make old friends now (25:59)How to get someone addicted to you (26:30)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve never seen a Chicken Soup for the Soul book, I don’t know where you’ve been. But did you know that the same original author of that wildly successful series (7 NYT best-sellers at the same time!) is also one of the experts interviewed in The Secret? And did you know he coaches some of the top leaders and entrepreneurs in the world? Actually, you might. Today’s guest on The School of Greatness has an incredible bio and reputation and it was an honor to sit down with him for this interview. Jack Canfield has given so much wisdom, coaching, service, and insight into the world of self-improvement, positive mindset, and success that it’s hard to imagine it without him. His landmark book The Success Principles has been out for 10 years. But I wanted to take the opportunity to talk to him about it in person because it is one of the first books that helped turn the light on in my mind. In our conversation, we go over a lot (and Jack references a ton of books and people I link below). But our discussion keeps coming back to the basic, core success principles his book is founded on. Ideas like gratitude, abundance, kindness, clarity. You know, my favorites. If you haven’t heard Jack speak before, you’re in for a treat. He is an incredible human, speaker, thought leader, and giver. I am so excited to bring you this episode with the legendary Jack Canfield. In this episode you will learn:How The Success Principles takes the inspiration from Chicken Soup books and shows you HOWThat kids in China learn English in schools by reading Chicken Soup booksHis tips for networking at events if you’re shy (stand by the door and act like it’s your party)How to visualize positive outcomes instead of negative ones to overcome fearWhy he volunteered to be a chauffeur for someone he wanted to learn fromThe Steps of Forgiveness: 1 – Own your anger 2 – Take responsibility 3 – Explain what you want 4 – Express forgivenessHow negative self-talk affects our brains (science on this!)What uncommon appreciation is – verbally appreciate someone five times a dayHow to go on a “rampage of appreciation”What to look for when making an investment (go where there is a line of people waiting)How he manages his emails (so he only gets a few a day) – answer your emails in one block at a timeThe daily review: at the end of your day, ask yourself how you could have improved on your day in relation to your goals and then visualize those changesPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A few years ago, I was working like crazy and not taking care of my health. In fact, I was eating as much sugar as I wanted, all the time, and sitting at  my computer all day. But I finally realized a change needed to happen. So I didn’t eat sugar for 28 days . . . and guess what? I lost 28 pounds and found my abs again. I talked about this experience a while back with my friend Abel James on his podcast Fat-Burning Man and today on The School of Greatness he’s coming on as my guest to talk about his experiences in getting healthy. Abel has a pretty awesome story himself about his transition from overworked and unhealthy consultant to incredibly fit and healthy entrepreneur. In his new book, he goes over all the tips and guidelines he’s discovered that have helped him transform his diet and body. Don’t be alarmed when you hear him talk about not eating much til dinner on a typical day – he explains why and it makes sense. Abel is an awesome guy and I got re-inspired to eat better during our conversation. Open your mind to the Wild Diet in Episode 158 with Fat-Burning Man Abel James. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Where the vast majority of animal products (beef, chicken, eggs, dairy) come from (not what you think)How under-eating during the day (mostly raw foods) and eating a big meal at night (cooked foods) is good for youWhy hydrating yourself constantly is so important to warding off hungerWhat “fat adapted” is and how to get your body to that stateThat healthy fats are one of the best things you eat every dayHow the comfort food we were raised on is not our grandma’s whole grain cookies (they are designed to be addictive)The benefit of working out a little, just some basic movements, first thing in the morningWhy he doesn’t use any tech devices in the morningHow to fall asleep right away and wake up earlyPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m going to take a wild guess that you already know that sleep affects how well you function. You’re also probably aware that sleep quality is part of the equation (not just quantity). But did you realize that what time of day you go to bed, what you do for the two hours leading up to that, and what you do when you wake up have a big impact on your sleep? Because I’m obsessed with learning how to optimize everything for greatness that I can, I’ve started paying more attention to the little habits in my life that can have big results. So when I heard about today’s guest on The School of Greatness, Shawn Stevenson, I knew I had to get him on the show. Shawn is not only a sleep expert and best-selling author, but he has spent the last ten plus years studying how to optimize all parts of your daily routine to help you function at maximum capacity. He is a fountain of knowledge about everything from eating right to setting up your bedroom to how sex affects sleep! I asked him a ton of questions and he gave helpful answers to all of them. If you’re one of many who struggle to get quality sleep, this episode is a must-listen. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why cutting down on our sleep demolishes the rest of our workWhy quality of sleep is more important than quantity of sleepHow exercising early in your day helps you sleep better (even just 5 minutes)That cortisol is the arch-nemesis of melatoninWhat kind of water we need to be drinking (and why water quality is so important)What BPA is and how to avoid drinking itWhy kids have so much more energy than adultsWhy we crave sugar when we are sleep-deprivedThe difference between our willpower and our biology (and how to stack them both in your favor)Why 10 pm is the optimal bedtimeHow eating late at night effects your cortisol levels (and thus your sleep)How you can get sleep benefits from meditationPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let’s say you were the youngest ever news anchor at CNN – and then at CNBC, covering major financial stories. You also reported during one of the biggest financial crises of the century. You have interviewed and rubbed shoulders with the who’s who of the financial world for years. But you don’t know that much about how to manage your own money. Let me introduce you to the motivation behind today’s guest on  The School of Greatness. Nicole Lapin is an incredibly successful and talented reporter and television personality, but it wasn’t until years into her career that she faced the truth about her own financial ignorance. After years of study, credentials, and re-shaping her financial health, she is releasing a new book, Rich Bitch, where she tells the stories of her own journey while offering her best tips to creating a rich life. I met Nicole through our mutual friend James Altucher (a money genius himself) and we had a great conversation about the inspiration behind her book. While her work is largely focused on helping women take control of their finances and learn the language of money, her insight and tips are useful for anyone. She even takes me to task for how I’m investing and I pick up some advice during the interview. If you’re interested in finally understanding the myths surrounding investing and healthy finances, you’re going to love Episode 128 with Nicole Lapin. In This Episode, You Will Learn:How finance is like a language you have to learnHer story of what motivated her to get into finance (hint: she had to buy a plane ticket with actual paper money)Why she wrote her book of money “confessions”The idea of “financial dieting”How to set finance goals around the three F’s: fun, finance, and familyWhy it’s important to come up with a sustainable spending planWhy you should never buy a house just as an investmentThe reason you should think of ALL your time as billable hoursWhat to account for with your savings plans: essentials, endgame, and extrasWhy you should talk about how much you make with your friends (and ask them as well)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When a 60 foot rogue wave crashed into the ship, everyone on board thought they were going to die. This week on The School of Greatness, the founder of Pencils of Promise shares the story of how this near death experience inspired him to make his mark on the world. Pencils of Promise was born then and has gone on to build 200 schools and positively impacted 200,000 lives. In this interview we talk about what it takes to be an ordinary person, have an idea and turn it into something extraordinary. Welcome to episode 56 with the amazing social entrepreneur, Adam Braun. In This Episode, You Will Learn:About the schools Pencils of Promise has builtThe powerful impact of bringing Mozambicans into the familyAbout Adam’s life and death experience while on a Semester at SeaThe single question revealed in such a deep purposeThe value of a definite purposeHow lessons learned at Bain Capital supported the creation of PoPTo infuse your work with purposeAbout the humble beginnings of Pencils of PromiseFinding the courage to pursue your passionTo shift your way of being to create your visionAbout the physical existence of ideasTo cultivate honesty while thriving in uncertaintyHow to build a remarkable business and team of volunteersAbout the massive results that can be found outside of the comfort zoneThe first step when finding ones purposeWhat it means to “Never take a ‘No’ from someone who can’t say ‘Yes'”Keys to getting in front of the decision makers and persuading themThe power of vulnerability when growing a businessHow to get out of your own way for massive resultsPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our next guest has mastered this at a young age and is inspiring hundreds of thousands of people around the world to live a similar lifestyle. What’s more amazing is he only started speaking English two years ago (he grew up speaking French) as he wanted to be able to connect and inspire his fans in their language. Get ready to step into your greatness during this episode with Marc Fitt. In This Episode, You Will Learn:What motivates Marc Fitt’s unparalleled fitnessThe surprising story of Marc’s first salesA basic breakdown on how to start an e-commerce businessWhat “Beyond Yourself” really meansThe mindset, diet and routine that empowers high level fitnessA secret to having a diet that supports a killer bodySleep habits of the super fitWhich is more important, food or exerciseWhat it’s like to have followers in English, yet not speak EnglishThe event that woke him up to living his passionThe next step for Marc FittA super fit man’s perspective of drinking, being drunk and alcoholPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The next professor on the School of Greatness is known as the “Three Foot Giant”. He grew up suffering from a condition in which his brittle bones were incredibly prone to damage.  He broke more than 200 bones in his lifetime and the emotional and physical pain he endured is incredible. He persevered through his condition and become a Clinical Therapist, reached millions of people around the world, become friends with Sir Richard Branson, President Clinton, and his Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.  He is one of the most powerful and vulnerable  guests we’ve ever had on. Please welcome, Sean Stephenson. In This Episode, You Will Learn:What it was like Growing Up With Osteogenesis ImperfectaThe Value in Facing and Persevering Through FearAbout Your Infinite BeingThe Unique Realities of Unconditional LoveHow to Leave Anyone BreathlessSecrets to Courageous VulnerabilityThe Difference between Airing Your Dirty Laundry and Being Courageously VulnerableHow the Scariest Things to Overcome are on the InsideThe Role of Decisiveness in MasculinityPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

No one has mastered the art of staying focused on your goal and working tirelessly towards it like legend and icon, Kobe Bryant. Kobe is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time. He’s won five NBA championships with the Lakers and led the NBA in scoring during two seasons. He’s an 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team. He holds the NBA record for the most seasons played with one franchise for an entire career: 20 seasons. In 2018, he received an Academy Award for his animated short “Dear Basketball.” He also just launched a podcast called The Punies that teaches kids morals and history in a really fun way. Kobe’s known for what he calls his Mamba Mentality, but it’s his big heart that is truly admirable. He is constantly reinventing himself and continuing to pursue new dreams. There is so much power in his energy and presence. I know you’re really going to love this one. So get ready to learn all about Mamba Mentality and how to embrace failure on Episode 691. Some Questions I Ask:Who was your greatest teacher? (7:10)What are some other things you do to raise the level of your teammates? (17:00)What’s been your greatest challenge since leaving the game? (20:30)What’s a constant theme in your life? (24:40)Why is storytelling important to you? (25:39)What’s your greatest weakness? (34:35) In This Episode, You Will Learn:All about the “Mamba Mentality” (12:20)Why he has a passion of storytelling (26:00)Why you should be excited about failure (27:10)Kobe’s greatest moment in 20 seasons of basketball (36:14)Kobe’s daily routine (39:00)Plus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can you remember a defining moment in your life that led you to where you are now? You know, the moment you knew your town stunted your growth so you moved to “the big city”.  Or when you finally got sick and tired of working that corporate job and started your own business. There are specific moments we experience that define and direct our thoughts and actions throughout the rest of our life. I’m fascinated by these moments.  They show me why someone is successful and living their dreams and why others aren’t. On this weeks episode of  the School of Greatness I dive into those defining moments of our next guest who is a New York Times best selling author and serial entrepreneur.  During the episode he reveals how he built his empire, what you can do to build powerful habits in your business and life, and the art of becoming the best at everything you do. Welcome to episode number 75 with the mind behind I Will Teach You to Be Rich, Ramit Sethi. In This Episode, You Will Learn: How Ramit’s debt reduction process helped me get out of debtAbout Ramit’s love for systems (and why you need them in your life)How his passion for learning about money and psychology came from a big lossThe guilty pleasures and hobbies that Ramit loved as a kidThe power of the negative self talk Ramit inflicted on himself and how he reframed it for improvementRamit’s perception on the biggest mistake people make when starting a businessHow to find amazing  A players to grow you business teamRamit’s Powerful 21 Day Hiring ProcedureThe importance of discipline and clear expectations with great teamsThe important tool when marketing (I bet you can’t guess his answer)How challenges evolve as business growsPlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The next guest on The School of Greatness has been studying leadership and what it takes to make the impossible a reality for years.  He has worked with top level CEOs, military leaders and everything in between to understand what separates organizations that thrive with those that only survive. You might know him from his wildly successful TED talk, Start with Why, which is one of the most watched of all time.  So welcome to the 50th episode of the show with Simon Sinek. In This Episode, You Will Learn: The Amazing Story of Where the Title Came FromMarine Corp. Lessons on LeadershipThe Single Most Profound Quality for Excellence in LeadershipThe Role of Vulnerability in LeadershipThe Remarkable Trait of Presidential Leadership in AmericaEgo and Conceit – Where Most People Get it WrongThe 2 Defining Events that Led Simon into the Study of LeadershipEarly lessons of Start with Why: Show up to Give.Core Traits of Effective LeadersTo Cultivate Brilliant Active ListeningOne of the Easiest Tricks for Effective ListeningAbout Leadership Potential vs. MarriagePlus much more… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m always inspired by people who are the best at what they do. The ones who break the limits of what has been done before. The ones who are willing to do what it takes to achieve greatness in the thing they are passionate about. Today’s guest fits all of the above qualities and more. I had an incredible time meeting and connecting with the legendary extreme action sports champion Travis Pastrana. If you’ve watched the X Games, Motocross, or Rally Car Racing, you already know who I’m talking about. But in case you haven’t, he has won medals in all of these sports. Travis is one of the founding members of the stunt show Nitro Circus, which is a mindblowing action sports show that has been touring the country for years. He has been the first to pull off many of the craziest stunts and now focuses on exploring new ones to teach to the upcoming generation of stunt performers. All of this is very cool (just check out the video of his top 10 stunts below). But what is even cooler about Travis is how grounded he is in his work. His passion for it. His family. He has gone through enough pain and loss to turn most people off of this sport. But it only fuels him to keep going. And that is passion I admire. I can’t wait for you to be inspired by his wisdom and perspective on living the life he loves in Episode 368 with Travis Pastrana. Some Questions I Ask:How do you navigate your career after losing a close friend to this sport? (14:58)Was there ever a stunt where you thought you weren’t going to make it? (17:17)How do you get past fear to get into flow? (42:25)What drives you today? (48:48)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why it’s a big struggle for many extreme action athletes to find a new career if they’re injured (10:55)What Travis wants to teach his daughters about career opportunity (15:10)Why getting so many injuries and dealing with so much pain is worth it (16:47)How Travis talks himself through really crazy stunts (23:45)The story behind Travis breaking the world record for the longest car jump (26:20)Why the money is never worth it in this sport (38:56)The value in messing up while trying something new (43:37)What Travis does to unwind daily (44:40)How Travis and his wife handle each other’s risk-taking (46:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

 Sometimes someone magical comes on The School of Greatness. I’m not talking about a magician (although that would be cool too), but someone who has dug so deep into their authentic being and purpose that they have truly found greatness within themselves. This is 100% how I see today’s guest on the show, Elizabeth Gilbert. If you don’t know her name already, you probably know the name of her bestselling book, Eat, Pray, Love, which was also made into a hugely popular film. And you might have also seen her on tour with Oprah or on her Super Soul Sessions. Even if you don’t know anything about Liz, once you hear her talk, you know you’re in the presence of someone special. Liz has walked the path of greatness to really find her core purpose in life – and she is living it. It was so fun to meet her and talk about all the deep topics we dove into. What I especially love about Liz is that she isn’t just talk — she’s lived everything she writes about. Open your heart wide and get ready to find the magic and creativity inside you in Episode 341. Some Questions I Ask:What is the difference between competition and ambition? (2:10)What is the biggest thing that holds people back? (20:36)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why you can’t stay at the top forever (8:51)Follow your curiosity instead of your passion (13:38)Why it’s so important to take a break from your work and have an “off season” (15:41)How to manage fear before a really big event (24:50)The power of giving your attention versus getting attention (27:30)How Liz managed to stay grounded through the success of Eat, Pray, Love (41:20) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I learn a lot from all the women around me (almost my whole team is women). But today’s guest is extra special. Not only is she the youngest self-made female billionaire in America (wow, right??), she is also the mother of four young kids, the wife of another podcast guest, Jesse Itzler, and the founder and CEO of the massively popular women’s apparel brand SPANX. Yes, Sara Blakely is a legend among entrepreneurs. When we got to sit down and talk for the podcast, I kept finding out new things to admire Sara for. She struggled a lot in school (me too!). She sold fax machines door to door FOR 7 YEARS before she had the idea for Spanx. She was rejected by every manufacturing company she took her idea to. But she didn’t let any of that stop her. Sara’s hustle and can-do attitude is just one thing I learned about her in this interview. We dive into dealing with grief, how to scale companies the right way, what it’s like to be mentored by Richard Branson, and much more. Welcome to an inspiring interview with powerhouse Sara Blakely in Episode 397. Some Questions I Ask:How did you meet your husband Jesse? (30:12)How do you stay so grounded and calm with everything you have going on? (32:00)What did you learn from being mentored by Richard Branson? (44:47)What is more challenging for you – running a billion dollar brand or being a mom? (49:46)In This Episode, You Will Learn:What happened in Sara’s life to prepare her for entrepreneurship before she had her big idea (7:12)The list of possible product names Sara considered before she decided on Spanx (11:46)The hardest part of getting her company off the ground (15:55)How Sara guerrilla-marketed her first order of Spanx in Neiman Marcus (20:01)Why being kind to yourself is so important (32:15)How Sara got Warren Buffet to paint his belly for her new book (36:32)What grief and loss can teach us (43:01) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When you think of unforgettable stories, which ones are they? When you think of powerful, epic brands, which ones are they? Have you ever noticed how powerful brands usually have powerful stories associated with them? There’s no coincidence there. That is what today’s guest on The School of Greatness has become a master at. Donald Miller is a NYT bestselling author and founder of a company called StoryBrand which has helped the biggest brands in the world, right up to the White House, develop powerful stories that explain their brand. I met him last year through amazing friends in Nashville and it was incredible to sit down with him this last weekend when I was there again for an interview. We also got to take some awesome lifestyle pics at his beautiful home, thanks to photographer Spencer Combs, founder of Wedable. Not only is Donald a master storyteller, but he has also learned firsthand how to tap into the power of vulnerability in storytelling. No matter what kind of business, project, or hobby you are working on right now, his insight into telling your story is golden. Be prepared for an amazing story in Episode 332 with Donald Miller. Some questions I ask:In order to continue to experience joy, do we need to keep experiencing pain? (4:00)How much of your work is connected to The Hero’s Journey? (6:59)Why do we want to rescue people? (14:47)In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why it’s so important to have a new goal ready when you accomplish something (6:01)The signs to look for to avoid getting into a relationship with someone who has a victim mindset (12:41)The impact of losing a father at a young age (23:15)Why stories are so powerful (32:48)Why simple stories are the ones that are remembered (34:25)How to craft an amazing brand story (36:05)The power of making your business about your customer instead of you (39:44) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What comes to your mind when you hear the word “abundance?” Probably wealth. Security. Not having to worry about where your money is coming from. Being able to give freely. This is what most people think of when they think about abundance. And I believe in the power of creating abundant wealth. But there’s another side to abundance, which comes only when you cultivate an abundant mindset. That’s the abundance we are talking about today on The School of Greatness. Lisa Nichols knows walks her talk when it comes to an abundant mindset. Today she is a hugely successful entrepreneur, life coach, and CEO of one of the first publicly traded self-development companies. But there was a time when she was a young single mom who was so broke she couldn’t buy diapers for her baby. We go into all the details of how she turned her life around from an existence of scarcity to a massively abundant one – but some of the best wisdom Lisa gives in this interview is her perspective on relationships. I learned a ton from Lisa and loved her energy, wisdom, and huge heart. I am really excited for you to open your mind to what abundance really is and how to create it in Episode 278 with Lisa Nichols. Some questions I ask:Who was the most influential person in your life growing up?What was the catalyst for you to switching from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset?What was the first discovery you made in abundance?What’s the cost of an abundance mindset?How important is visualization in taking action?How does someone find their calling?In This Episode, You Will Learn:Lisa held the record at her high school for her best track event for 18 yearsHow she knew she was meant to be a servant leader from a young ageThe power of our environment to tell us what we deserveThe 3 levels of money: how to earn it, how to keep it, how to grow itSometimes we need to divorce and evict some mindsets that aren’t serving us Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is what happened with today’s guest. I had a friend who offered to introduce me to the amazing actor and Broadway star Taye Diggs, but when I ran into him twice in a week, I knew it was time. I’m so glad I got him on the show because he has a wealth of experience and insight to share. Taye discussed how he has learned to manage the ups and downs of the acting industry from a young age. He goes into managing his ego, practicing gratitude, and pushing himself out of his comfort zone even though he’s achieved success. We also discuss what it takes to maintain a healthy intimate relationship between two driven, successful people and what he has learned from being a parent. Taye is a talented man in many ways, but I was especially impressed with his dedication to helping others and his vulnerability. I’m excited for you to hear his wisdom in Episode 342. Some Questions I Ask:Who do you think is the most courageous actor right now? (7:31)If you could only sing, dance OR act for the rest of your career, what would you choose? (10:57)What’s the most challenging part of the business for you? (21:21)How do you practice self-love without feeding your ego? (26:26)What holds back young actors and what should they be focusing on? (33:07)What was it like working with Shonda Rhimes? (36:27)How do you prep for really big moments on stage or in film? (43:31)What’s the quickest way for you to get in the zone? (49:44)How did you maintain a quality intimate relationship with a fellow actor who was up to big things? (52:44)In This Episode, You Will Learn:How getting outside your comfort zone is like flexing a muscle (6:02)Taye’s viewpoint on African-American actors in Hollywood (24:48)The value of experiencing friction in life (35:13)Taye’s tips for fixing a mistake you make on stage (48:15) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the chances that two moms who met in a kids play group would become business partners and build a powerful social media empire based off of . . . smoothies? Would you guess that they could go from an email list of zero to 30,000 in 1 month? Or that they would travel the world coaching other entrepreneurs on building a brand? All of this is the true story of today’s guests on The School of Greatness, Jen Hansard and Jadah Sellner of Simple Green Smoothies. I loved hearing their story of going from nothing, learning from their mistakes, hustling big time, and following their hearts to make the incredible brand that they head today. If you’ve been wanting to create a brand around what you love, don’t miss the incredible tips Jen and Jadah share in Episode 250. Some questions I ask:What are the different benefits of green smoothies versus green juice?What gave you the confidence to launch this brand in such a crowded space?How did you start monetizing the business if you were giving all your recipes for free?How do you work together as equal partners in such a fast-growing business?Where should someone start who is just launching their online business?In This Episode, You Will Learn:How their business started with just an ebookThe original 30 day challenge formula that super-charged their business (they still use it!)The power of a month-long challenge to court your communityWhy good design is so essential to make your brand stand outHow they built a their email list from zero to 30K in 1 month (whoa!)Their hiring process and how they trust their team to run their social accountsThe importance of hiring a business coachThe power of dreaming and allowing yourself to create (and maintain) a huge vision Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I recently met a successful comedian (25 years on the major comedy circuit and TV shows) who chose to transition his career . . . into transformational speaking events. Yes, I’m talking Tony Robbins style workshops where people are wildly inspired and face their biggest fears. But he also makes them laugh. My favorite part is that he doesn’t know what he’s going to say when he gets on stage. And that’s why Kyle Cease is such a powerful speaker (and now author). Kyle does incredible work in supporting people to overcome their biggest limiting beliefs – while allowing them to laugh about it and have fun. I love this about his approach since so much of transformational self-development work is so serious and lacks humor. So when we sat down to record a podcast episode, we were laughing and getting serious at the same time. I learned so much from Kyle and can’t wait to do more work together. Get ready to laugh, be inspired, and overcome your fears in Episode 478. Some Questions I ask:Why did you transfer from being a comedian to doing transformational work? (33:52)What’s been holding you back from getting to the next level in your life? (53:01)What did you learn from comedy that has allowed you to be an interruption for people in a positive way? (1:00:25)How do we open ourselves up to create true abundance in our lives? (1:08:50) In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why what someone thinks about you doesn’t determine who you are (3:00)The big illusion that holds us back from happiness now (9:15)How fear and taking action work differently from each other (19:58)The phrase that allows you to instantly embrace your fear (24:05)Why it’s so important to love your fears (26:45)How Facebook always puts you in a place of lack (35:45)Why you need to let go of things you are justifying (44:50)The humorous side of our egos (1:01:50)Where clarity comes from (1:09:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grant and I have been friends for years. I’ve admired his hustle and results, followed his work, spoken at his events, and read his books. He was one of the earliest guests on my podcast when it launched over 4 years ago. So when I saw he was in town last weekend (flying in on his private jet), I had to reach out to see if he could come by to record another episode. And I’m so glad I did. Grant is someone who people either love or hate.He’s created extraordinary results that no one can deny (hundreds of millions in sales annually, incredible wealth, massive impact, bestselling books and courses, the list goes on). He is unapologetic about what he stands for and why he does what he does. But not everyone is willing to play at his level of commitment and hustle. So if you’re feeling lazy, this might not be the episode for you. If, however, you’re ready for inspiration to take your entire life to the next level and create massive wealth, look no further than Episode 497 with my man Grant Cardone. Some Questions I Ask:What are some of the biggest mistakes you made early on? (10:24)How much is “rich?” (18:56)What’s the biggest thing holding you back right now? (55:51)What would it take for you to do a $900 million deal right now? (58:08) In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why people hate sales (and how to fix that mindset) (12:30)Why the middle class is doomed (13:05)The value in becoming great at something you hate (17:15)The best places to invest your money (23:58)The story of how Grant convinced his wife to marry him (after she wouldn’t go out with him for over a year) (31:54)Why you can’t just do what you love and expect to get rich (39:38)How billionaires operate differently from millionaires (52:32) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

But last week, I had the chance to meet one of the coolest women ever, and it turns out she's a fan.Mel Robbins is the most booked female speaker on the planet with a 7 figure speaking business.Oh yeah, she's also a bestselling author, a former criminal defense attorney, a CNN commentator, happily married for 20 years, and a mom of 3 kids.But what I really fell in love with about Mel was her passion, energy, straight-talking truth, and beautiful vulnerability.I can't wait to be awesome friends going forward.In addition to making a great new friend, however, I am really pumped to bring you Mel's incredible wisdom about how she overcame procrastination, fear, and low self-confidence after a devastating career blow and financial hardship.I have a feeling this is going to become one of the most popular episodes ever on the show.Get ready to laugh, cry, and learn how to master your thoughts to create extraordinary results in Episode 452.Some questions I ask:Once you mastered your thoughts, did you have no more fear? (13:30)When did you discover the 5 Second Rule? (16:34)What area of your life has the 5 Second Rule had the biggest impact? (38:22) Is there any area of your life that you still lack confidence in? (41:54)In this episode, you will learn:The definition of habits (the good and bad side of them) (7:19)Why it’s so important to control your thoughts versus your feelings (11:56)What anxiety really is (15:45)The knowledge-action gap that keeps so many people from achieving their goals (24:54)How we make decisions (26:05)The moment that got Mel to shift out of snoozing through life and into action (28:02)The neuroscience behind why the 5 Second Rule works (30:39)How to use the 5 Second Rule in business negotiations (37:45)What successful people do in their minds to keep moving ahead no matter how they feel (40:07)Where confidence comes from (40:34)Plus much more...Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tony Robbins is someone I've looked up to since I was 16 years old and attended one of his events in St. Louis.I've learned so much from him through the years by reading his books, watching him give talks, and hearing him speak.He's been on the podcast twice already, so of course when I got the chance to interview him about his newest book, Unshakeable, I jumped on it.You probably know I don't read fast and it's not my favorite way to learn (dyslexia, etc). But I read this book in 4 hours, which has to be a record for me.I'm really glad I did as well since Tony partnered with the top financial advisor in the country to write a playbook for financial freedom no matter what the market is doing.In this interview, Tony and I go deep into exactly how to do this, but we also cover powerful topics like how to avoid suffering, the power of choice, and what is still uncomfortable for Tony after all his success in life.As always, I can't speak highly enough of what I've learned from Tony and am excited for you to learn from him as well in Episode 451.Some questions I ask:What’s the difference between someone who is financially rich and someone who is financially poor? (5:31)How can we invest without fear? (16:31)What have you learned about the power of a beautiful state? (32:45)What are you still uncomfortable about? (47:32)How do you rationalize choice when there is so much we don’t get to choose? (49:58)Is it possible for women to become powerful leaders without making men feel emasculated? (54:47)In this episode, you will learn:Why the current financial market is so volatile compared to the rest of history (2:45)What most investors are failing to do (8:15)Why you must become an “owner” and how to do this (17:38)How to prepare for a bear market (24:07)What you need to know about timing when investing (27:23)Why 80% of investing success is psychological (30:46)The antidote to suffering (38:51)Plus much more…Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices