DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy

450 episodes. Over 337 hours of conversations and interviews. Thousands of hours of research. And if Mitch Matthews had to boil all of it down to one game-changing practice? It would be this: The Subtle Art of Noticing. In this milestone solo episode, Mitch reflects on what 450 episodes of Dream Think Do have taught him and he lands on a concept that's been quietly showing up in almost every DTD conversation he's had. It's a powerful theme and once Mitch saw it, he couldn't unsee it. Whether it's in your leadership, your relationships, your creative work, or your next big dream… this concept represents one of the most powerful skills you can develop… and one of the greatest gifts you can give. \ Plus, Mitch shares a practical 7-Day Win Challenge you can begin… TODAY... Read the Full Show Notes Here: https://mitchmatthews.com/450/

If you've ever gone from calm… to full-blown "Formula 1-level" worry in 2.6 seconds flat… this episode is for you. In this powerful (and very personal) solo episode, Mitch opens up about his lifelong battle with worry - from illnesses as a kid… to becoming really good at hiding anxiety as an adult… to the wake-up call that finally made him say, "Enough." But this isn't a "just don't worry about it" talk. (Because we all know that doesn't work.) Read the Full Show Notes Here: https://mitchmatthews.com/449

She's back! In this episode, I'm joined once again by Jheri South, a master ADHD coach, mom of 7 neurodivergent kids, and passionate advocate for helping people turn ADHD into a true superpower. This time, we're going deeper - talking about how ADHD impacts emotional regulation, especially when our dreams don't happen as fast as we'd hoped. We explore how to recover from disappointment, how the ADHD brain gets engaged, and how to lean into your strengths - like creativity, risk-taking, and intuition. Whether you're navigating ADHD yourself, raising someone who is, or leading someone at work who might be… this episode is full of practical tools, powerful mindsets, and some real talk that applies to ALL of us. ACCSESS THE FULL SHOW NOTES NOW: Https://mitchmatthews.com/448

What if the biggest thing holding you back from your next breakthrough isn't a lack of strategy… but a lack of attention? In this powerful and deeply moving episode of DREAM THINK DO, Mitch sits down with Mae Yoshikawa - writer, yogi, teacher, TEDx speaker, and founder of Kizuki Journaling - for a conversation that challenges how we think about awareness, action, and big dreams. Mae shares how the Japanese concept of kizuki - those quiet "aha" moments of realization - can become the foundation for meaningful change in leadership, business, and life. Drawing from her personal journey through profound grief, cultural expectations, and identity shifts, Mae reveals why awareness must come before action - and why skipping that step often leads to burnout, fear, or staying small. If you're an entrepreneur or leader who feels the tension between playing it safe and stepping into something bigger… this episode is for you. SEE FULL SHOW NOTES AND LINKS: https://mitchmatthews.com/447

What do you get when you mix adventure, leather, legacy, and a black lab named Blue? You get today's incredible guest: Dave Munson, founder and CEO of Saddleback Leather Co. Dave's story is as rugged and wild as the bags his company is known for. It all started with a single sketch in a Mexican leather shop and has grown into a globally recognized brand with customers who are passionate about quality, story, and craftsmanship. In this episode, we dive deep into Dave's journey - from burning out as a youth pastor to selling handmade bags off the back of his Land Cruiser… to now leading a team that's building literal walls out of leather in rural Texas. (Listen in to hear why!) Along the way, Dave shares powerful insights about faith, failure, perseverance, and what it means to truly build a legacy. If you've ever wondered how to turn an unconventional dream into a meaningful business… or how to hold fast to your values while the world says "cut corners"... this episode is for you. READ THE FULL SHOWNOTES: https://mitchmatthews.com/446/

We're talking with executive coach, entrepreneur, and all-around epic human Travis Ensley about how to design a life you actually want to be living. And guess what? It all starts with 4 deceptively simple - but powerful - questions that Travis has been using with himself, his family, and now the high-level leaders he coaches. We dig into: What these 4 questions areWhy theyactually work(no fluff here)And how YOU can use them to make meaningful changes… whether you're running a team, building a business, or just ready to live with more focus and intention. Travis also opens up about the journey behind his new book, Field of Focus: A Field Guide for Navigating Time, Teams & Technology - a practical, BS-free guide for folks who want to make the most of their time without losing their minds in the process. Oh - and you'll hear about some of the 700+ cups of coffee Travis and I have had. (Seriously!) This one's packed with stories, laughs, and real-life wisdom you can use immediately. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/445/

We're kicking off the new year with something that's become a DREAM THINK DO tradition: RESET WEEK! That's right - this isn't about boring resolutions that barely last 48 hours. This is about real, sustainable momentum. In this solo episode, Mitch Matthews is back at the mic (refreshed from some unplugged "cabin" time!) and walking you through a 5-step strategy to reset your mindset, your goals, and your energy for the year ahead. This isn't about perfection. It's about intention. It's about reflecting on what worked (and what didn't), getting clear on what you want to experience more of, and setting outcomes that create impact - in ways that matter most to you. Whether you're listening in January… mid-July… or any time of year… this episode is designed to meet you right where you're at - to help you breathe, recalibrate, and move forward with clarity and confidence. And be sure to grab your FREE downloadable Compass Reset Journal here: mitchmatthews.com/compassreset Full Show Notes Here: https://mitchmatthews.com/444/

In this short and heartfelt episode… Mitch Matthews is keeping it simple but powerful. It's a mini-episode, just 15 minutes… but it's packed with a mindset shift that could transform your holidays (and maybe even your new year!). As we dive into this season that's often full, fast, and a little frantic… we wanted to offer you a concept that's helping Mitch to stay grounded, present, and joy-filled. It's a two-word mantra that's serving as his personal battle cry: "Christmas Curious." Whether you're someone who loves spreadsheets and schedules… or you're someone who just wants to soak up the season in a more meaningful way… this episode is for you. We talk about the tendencies that sneak up on us… especially high achievers… this time of year… and how just a shift in perspective can help us experience more peace, spontaneity, and connection. Let's do it. Read The Full Show Notes: https://mitchmatthews.com/443/

An Interview with former Navy SEAL, CEO & bestselling author Brent Gleeson In this powerful episode, Mitch Matthews sits down with Brent Gleeson - former Navy SEAL, CEO, and bestselling author - to dive into the mindset, routines, and values that allow you to go ALL IN on what matters most, even during the most chaotic of times… (even the holidays!). With insights from Brent's new book ALL IN: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence, this episode offers a practical roadmap for finishing the year strong and stepping into 2026 with focus, clarity, and intention. Read the full show notes now: https://mitchmatthews.com/442

An interview with Olympic Medalist, Author, & Design Thinker John K. Coyle What if your next breakthrough wasn't about fixing your weaknesses… but doubling down on your strengths? This week on DREAM THINK DO, Mitch sits down with John K. Coyle - an Olympic silver medalist turned Fortune 500 exec, design thinking expert, and Emmy-winning analyst - to explore what happens when you stop trying to fix what's "wrong" with you… and instead, design a life around what you do best. John shares his journey from burnout and humiliation on the U.S. Olympic speed skating team to a world-record-breaking comeback - by rejecting a "weakness-focused" system and training solo, built entirely around his strengths. Now, as a bestselling author and consultant, John helps leaders, organizations, and individuals around the world design for strength, flow, and intentional living. If you're navigating a pivot, feeling stuck, or just ready for more clarity and impact in your work or life… this episode is for you. You'll walk away inspired and equipped to start designing your next breakthrough. READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/442/

In this inspiring and deeply authentic episode, Mitch sits down with someone he recently shared the TEDx stage with - Dr. Angela Walker Franklin. Dr. Franklin is the President and CEO of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, and not only is she the first woman and first person of color to hold that role in the university's 125+ year history… she's also a licensed clinical psychologist, a published author, and a powerful voice for leading with empathy, courage, and clarity. They dive into her unique upbringing in a small South Carolina town - where her family ran a funeral home - and how that shaped her perspective on life, leadership, and compassion. You'll hear how her father made a bold, sacrificial pivot from medical school to embalming school to support the family's legacy… and how Dr. Franklin has brought that same spirit of service and innovation into her work today. They also explore the origins of her impactful TEDx talk, "How to Call Out the Elephant in the Room," and how she brought this strategy into leadership meetings, creating a safe space for honest dialogue and collaboration. This episode is filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and powerful strategies for anyone looking to lead well, connect deeply, and navigate hard conversations with grace. Let's go! READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES NOW: https://mitchmatthews.com/440/

In this episode, Mitch sits down with the brilliant and bold Dr. Julia Garcia - a psychologist, behavioral researcher, and the author of the powerful new book, The 5 Habits of Hope. With 20+ years of experience working with students, educators, CEOs, and entire communities to create space for hope, Dr. J brings the science and the soul - blending tactical tools with raw honesty and deep life experience. This isn't toxic positivity. This is real, grounded, authentic hope. And it couldn't be more timely. As we head into the holidays - a season that can stir up a lot of different emotions - this conversation offers practical tools and a fresh perspective to help us navigate burnout, disappointment, and disconnection… and choose hope anyway. You'll leave this episode with powerful strategies to reconnect to your values, build healthier relationships, and actually feel more like yourself again. It's inspiring, it's practical, and honestly… it's healing. Oh… and make sure you stay until the very end… because Dr. J drops one of the most specific moments in DREAM THINK DO history! So… let's go! READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/439

We've got an inspiring and eye-opening conversation for you this week as Mitch sits down with Shawn D. Nelson - the founder and CEO of LoveSac. If the name sounds familiar, it should. LoveSac has become a billion-dollar disruptor in the furniture space, known for their ultra-comfy bean bags and their game-changing modular couches that are built to last a lifetime. But long before LoveSac became a publicly traded company with hundreds of retail stores… it started in Shawn's parents' basement with a roll of vinyl, some foam, and a wild idea. Since then, Shawn's story has included entrepreneurial highs (like winning Richard Branson's The Rebel Billionaire) and deep valleys (like navigating bankruptcy and rebuilding the company from scratch). Through it all, he's remained committed to building things that last - and helping others do the same. In this episode, we get real about Shawn's journey, his mission to inspire people to buy better stuff so they can buy less, and what it really takes to stay in the game long enough to win. This one's packed with powerful takeaways, candid stories, and practical wisdom for anyone who's chasing a big dream, yearning to lead more effectively or just wanting to live their best life! CONNECT AND READ THE FULL SOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/438

In this solo episode, Mitch Matthews shares an honest, behind-the-scenes story that started with a season of struggle, turned into a desperate idea… and accidentally launched a movement that's now inspired thousands of people to get clear on their big dreams and goals and move forward with courage and clarity. You'll hear about the surprising origin of the very first Big Dream Gathering - an experiment that started in their living room and eventually led to events hosted around the country. These events have helped people to get clear and get connected and get big dreams done. But this episode isn't just about the past - it's about how to move forward. In it… Mitch breaks down what he calls the "Category Compass" - a science-backed tool that helps you cut through the pressure, bypass fear, and start dreaming again (or maybe for the first time)… even if you feel stuck, tired, or unclear on what's next. Whether you've got big goals or you're just trying to figure out your next chapter… this one's for you. Listen now - and then share it with a friend you want to dream with. Because we're not meant to do this alone. FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/437 00:00 – Welcome back! Mitch shares updates from his TEDx Talk and Encourager Con. 01:30 – Confession: Mitch's love-hate relationship with the word "dream." 02:30 – Audience reactions and rediscovering dreams at any age. 03:45 – Behind the scenes: how the Big Dream Gathering began. 07:00 – When everything fell apart — the "season of hard." 09:00 – The idea to invite friends over and share dreams. 11:00 – 29 of 31 friends show up — a night that changed everything. 13:00 – Dreams big and small fill the walls — magic unfolds. 15:00 – Two strangers reconnect and sell their idea to Nike. 17:00 – "You're off by a zero" — encouragement multiplies impact. 19:00 – Lesson: big dreams aren't meant to be done alone. 21:00 – The Big Dream Gathering becomes a national movement. 22:00 – The pressure of the word "dream" and why people freeze. 23:00 – The Ambiguity Effect — why broad questions shut us down. 25:00 – Introducing the Category Compass to gain clarity. 27:00 – How the compass guides small steps toward big goals. 28:00 – Start simple: travel dreams as an easy first category. 30:00 – Relationship dreams and a true story of love from Oregon. 33:00 – Using the compass for career clarity and new direction. 35:00 – Write dreams down — it doubles your chance of success. 37:00 – Share your list with a friend and take action together. 38:00 – Closing encouragement: you're not meant to dream alone.

What if you could actually feel good about money? Not just make more of it - but feel less stress, more clarity, and a sense of freedom around your finances? That’s exactly what we’re talking about this week with our guest, John Kennedy. He’s a Certified Financial Planner, yes… but his superpower is helping people unpack the emotional side of money, build simple systems that work, and finally take control of their financial life - without shame or overwhelm. John is a partner and senior wealth advisor, and the co-host of the Above Board Podcast, which ranks in the top 2% of business shows globally. He’s also a husband, dad, 5K runner (with his dog, Chipper!), and a dedicated Braves fan who believes financial health starts with mindset. In this candid convo, we talk about real-world money hangups - even for successful people - and how to shift from scarcity to freedom. Whether you're building a business, launching a new season of life, or just tired of feeling stressed about your finances, this episode offers fresh perspective, relatable insights, and practical tools to help you rewrite your money story. READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES: https://mitchmatthews.com/436/

In this powerful episode, Mitch reconnects with Vanessa McNeal - a dynamic speaker, trauma-informed life coach, and certified elite coach who's changing the way leaders think about difficult people, burnout, and team culture. Vanessa’s mission? To help high achievers ditch burnout, quiet the noise of overwhelm, and lead from a place of inner alignment. She’s not about surface-level fluff - her strategies are rooted in science, her story is authentic, and her presence is transformative. In this conversation, Mitch and Vanessa dive deep into the neuroscience behind stress, conflict, and leadership - and she reveals how understanding your nervous system states can unlock empathy, better communication, and lasting transformation for yourself, your team, and your relationships. Whether you're leading a team, navigating a tricky workplace, or just trying to show up as your best self - you’ll walk away with tools that are practical, powerful, and grounded in both science and soul. READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES: https://mitchmatthews.com/435

What does it take to fully step into the life you were meant to live? What happens when you lose a big part of your identity… and have to rebuild from the ground up? That’s what we’re talking about in this raw and real episode with Nick Koumalatsos. Nick is a former Marine Raider, turned multi-passionate entrepreneur, coach, and author. He’s also the co-founder and CEO of Johnny Slicks, a fast-growing premium grooming brand. He's also the author of Excommunicated Warrior: 7 Stages of Transition - a powerful book that explores how to navigate major life shifts without losing yourself in the process. With over 810K followers and 54 million+ views on YouTube, Nick’s message has reached people around the globe… and it’s not hard to see why. He’s built a reputation for being bold, unfiltered, and deeply intentional - and in this episode, we go there. Whether you’re facing a big change… wrestling with self-doubt… or ready to stop playing small, Nick’s story will encourage you to embrace the chaos, stop hiding, and courageously become unapologetically YOU. READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES: https://mitchmatthews.com/434

What if the thing standing between you and your growth… is you? In this episode of Dream Think Do, Mitch sits down with Steve Mellor - who went from being one of the top 50 swimmers in the world to coaching Olympic athletes, and now, speaking to audiences across the country. Steve flips the script on how we think about progress. From early‑morning swim practices in England to empowering leaders at the highest levels, he dives deep into the tension between dreaming big and doing the work. Expect powerful stories, fresh strategies, and a compass for navigating the inner resistance that keeps people stuck. Mitch and Steve unpack specific tools to help you identify - and overcome - your biggest obstacles. (Spoiler alert: It may not be what you think… but the solution is more doable than you'd expect.) This is a powerful, inspiring conversation that will leave you with practical steps you can apply immediately. READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES: https://mitchmatthews.com/433

What do you do when the plan… completely unravels? In this powerful and faith-filled deep dive, Mitch Matthews shares a message that will help… especially in those times when your plan seems to fall apart. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're the only one without a clear path… this episode is for you. Mitch unpacks one of his all-time favorite stories from the Bible - buried deep in the Old Testament - to explore what happens when things don't go the way we expected. And more importantly, what we can do next. You'll hear real talk about plans falling through, giants (both real and imagined), and how to choose faith over fear… so you can move into YOUR next chapter boldly! READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/432

What if one small moment - something most people would walk past - could change your life and the lives of thousands? That’s exactly what happened when Luke Mickelson saw a child sleeping on a “nest” of clothes on the floor. What followed was messy, imperfect, but undeniably powerful. In this episode, you’ll see how compassion + action + leadership can birth a movement. Whether you’re a leader, someone craving purpose, or just someone who believes big starts small - Luke’s story will inspire you to notice what others don’t, act even when you’re unsure, and lead with your heart. READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES HERE: https://mitchmatthews.com/431