The Eternal Optimist

What happens when you lose 100 pounds, humble your ego on the jiu-jitsu mat, rebuild your marriage through intentional listening, and take the helm of one of the cleanest plant-based brands in America? In this episode, Matt sits down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics, to unpack his radical transformation. From facing unemployment in early 2020 to turning it into a season of health, family growth, and professional alignment, Jason shares the lessons that reshaped his life. They dig into why feedback is a superpower, how family core values can anchor decision-making, and why you should always “turn it around” to check your ingredients. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone hungry for better living, this conversation will fuel your next move. Chapters: Links And Resources: Connect on LinkedinConversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful EngagementFront Row DadsMalk OrganicsMalk Organics Instagram Malk Organics Facebook Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

When Damon Mitchell lost the ability to do a single pushup, it triggered a reckoning—not just with his body, but with his identity as “the strong guy.” In this raw and reflective episode, Damon opens up about the neurological injury that sidelined his body but awakened something deeper. He shares how sobriety, self-trust, and intentional brotherhood became anchors through pain, disconnection, and uncertainty. Now a coach for men navigating the relationships that matter most, Damon offers hard-earned insights on leadership, masculinity, and what it means to fight for something real. If you’ve ever questioned your worth when you couldn’t perform, provide, or push through—this conversation is your invitation to show up anyway. Chapters: Links And Resources: Official Website – Intentionalize My LifeTolomenSubstack – Live HappierLinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt Drinkhahn sits down with longtime friend and business coach Dan Patrick Andrews for a raw and inspiring conversation about personal transformation, grief, and the business of building meaningful relationships. Dan shares how he went from being a self-described “recovering people pleaser” who was “better in small doses,” to becoming a top-tier relationship coach who helps professionals master the art of asking the right question from the right person for the right introduction. Through deeply personal stories—like the painful loss of his brother to AIDS and navigating the emotional aftermath with his father—Dan unpacks how struggle, faith, and sheer willpower shaped his philosophy. This episode is a must-listen for growth-minded professionals who value grit over talent, results over ego, and relationships over transactions. Chapters: Links And Resources: WebsiteLinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

From chance gas station encounters to building an empire brick by brick, Dedric & Krystal Polite share how they rose from generational poverty to create generational wealth — and lift others as they rise. In this candid conversation, they reveal how getting fired and evicted sparked their Airbnb hustle, how a betrayal at 19 fueled their mindset that failure isn’t final, and why mentorship is the ultimate cheat code. This is a real-world blueprint for building something that outlives you — for anyone ready to believe it’s gotta work or it’s gotta work. Chapters: Links And Resources: Official Website of Dedric and KrystalPolite Wealth PortalLinkedInLinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this enlightening episode of the Eternal Optimist, Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Thomas Power, a visionary thinker in the realm of AI and community building. They delve into the transformative power of AI, the emergence of intimate community groups, and the potential business models that can sustain these groups. They also explore the intersection of big corporate transactions and intimate connections, offering a glimpse into the future of human-machine integration. Chapters: Links And Resources: WebsiteLinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Justin Williams — founder of Millionaire University — reveals what really happens when you “make it.” From quitting college with one semester left to racking up $120,000 of debt and raising a baby who slept in a closet, Justin’s path to flipping hundreds of homes and building multiple seven-figure businesses wasn’t overnight. But the hardest season? It came after the big payday — when he realized money means nothing without vision and family. Together with Matt, Justin unpacks what it really takes to build your “money machine” without losing what matters most. Chapters: Links And Resources: WebsiteSearch “Millionaire University”Email Justin Directly Justin Williams Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What happens when you abandon the pitch, lead with vulnerability, and treat sales as a sacred conversation? In this powerful crosspost episode from I Made A Podcast, Matt Drinkhahn—host of The Eternal Optimist—flips the script on traditional business-building. He shares how one emotional moment in a sales meeting (yes, he cried) unlocked a radically honest and high-performing coaching practice. From cold calls and high-pressure quotas to $1M+ in revenue with zero paid ads, Matt dives into the principles of radical ownership, clarity-driven leadership, and relationship-first growth. Whether you’re a recovering perfectionist, a mission-driven entrepreneur, or a leader seeking smarter systems, this conversation is your wake-up call to build with integrity—and win. Chapters: Links and Resources: @IMadeaPodcast@IMadeaPodcast Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Dr. Michael Brabant—transformational psychologist, spiritual guide, and Co-Founder of Candor & Coherence—for a deep dive into what it truly means to lead with clarity, coherence, and heart. Drawing from his journey through trauma healing, academia, and integrative spiritual practice, Michael reveals why traditional leadership tactics often fall short—and how cultivating psychological safety, embodied presence, and radical honesty can unlock authentic transformation in both life and business. If you’ve ever felt the tension between performing and truly being, this episode offers a powerful reframe on how real leaders grow. Chapters: Links And Resources: WebsiteLinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What happens when your lifelong dream shatters at 22—and you’ve got no Plan B? In this raw and real conversation, Matt sits down with Damon Lembi, former pro baseball player turned CEO of Learnit, to explore how identity, leadership, and imposter syndrome collide in high-stakes moments. Damon unpacks the four-step framework he built to overcome self-doubt—Label Your Fear, Work Hard, Practice Deliberately, Learn and Let Go—and shares how it’s helped him evolve from hitting home runs in the College World Series to upskilling over 2 million professionals globally. With vulnerability, grit, and a healthy dose of humility, Damon reveals how failing publicly, receiving tough feedback, and embracing setbacks have been the fuel behind his leadership journey. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or ambitious professional, this episode is your playbook for turning adversity into mastery—and doing it with integrity. Chapters: Links And Resources: WebsiteDamon Lembi on LinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with endurance athlete, Harvard-trained lawyer, and father of six, Shawn Hoyt—a man who’s not just defying age, but redefining it. From sitting the bench in soccer to completing an Ironman and running a marathon at age 55, Shawn shares how hitting personal and professional rock bottom—divorce, job loss, and doubt—became the unexpected catalyst for a profound reinvention. This conversation dives deep into mental toughness, physical transformation, and the power of showing up with intention. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to start over or aim higher, this episode is your blueprint for rising stronger—with purpose, poise, and relentless positivity. Chapters: Links and Resources: shawnhoytstayactive.com Shawn Hoyt on LinkedIn @shawnhoytstayactive Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Mitch Weisburgh shares how “mindshifting” isn't just a catchy term—it's a critical life skill that helps us reclaim our thoughts, reshape our reactions, and rewire our brains for lasting success. Mitch walks us through deeply personal stories—from family betrayals and business breakdowns to breakthroughs in classrooms from New York to Niger. He reveals how emotional triggers hijack our minds and how we can use self-awareness, internal dialogue, and mindful distraction to shift from reactivity to resilience. Whether you're a leader navigating high-stakes decisions or an educator inspiring the next generation, this episode offers a rich toolkit to help you stop your brain from sabotaging your happiness and success. Tune in for a conversation full of radical acceptance, leadership growth, and timeless wisdom—because taking charge of your mindset might just change everything. Chapters: Links And Resources: MindShiftingWithMitch.comMindShiftingEducators.orgStop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success Available on AmazonMitch Weisburgh on LinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What if the next global breakthrough in fighting poverty wasn’t a new policy or billion-dollar aid program—but a shift in energy and intention? In this heart-expanding episode, Matt sits down with Aidan Uttinger, the visionary CEO of The World’s Greatest Experiment, to explore how humanity’s most abundant and underestimated resource—love—can transform lives. Aidan unpacks how \$100/month can sponsor someone to meditate full-time, directing love back to donors and their own communities. From energetic reciprocity to rethinking philanthropy, this conversation is more than an idea—it’s a movement. Chapters: Links And Resources: The World's Greatest Experiment WebsiteLinkedIn Dr. Joe Dispenza Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with Brian “Big Country” Cornwell—a decorated veteran, para-athlete, and father of six—who shares his journey from the military to battling depression and PTSD to becoming a national champion in adaptive sports. Brian opens up about how youth coaching, nutrition, and purpose-driven work at Veterans Battle Grounds helped him reclaim his life and mission. This episode will leave you inspired to turn your struggles into strength. Chapters: Links And Resources: https://vbgg.org/https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bigcountry-conwell-ab1aa4246/ Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with the remarkable Rukshana Triem, founder of Firmina Foundation and Women’s Lifestyle Coaching. Born amidst the chaos of war in Mozambique, Rukshana’s powerful story of survival, displacement, and resilience will leave you deeply inspired. She shares how her early experiences living in refugee camps shaped her unwavering commitment to give back to the communities that raised her. Together, Matt and Rukshana dive into the real meaning of service, leadership born through adversity, and the tools she uses today to help women worldwide reclaim their purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how hardship can fuel a life of mission-driven impact, this conversation is for you. Chapters: Links And Resources: Firmina FoundationWomen’s Lifestyle CoachingLinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What happens when you’re given an 8% chance to live? In this powerful episode, Jen Broxterman, RD shares how a stage 3 ovarian cancer diagnosis changed her forever—and how it sparked a mission to make nutrition coaching more compassionate and accessible. A former nutritionist to NHL and Olympic athletes, Jen made a bold shift to focus on real people—moms, dads, and everyday folks—who just want to feel better and live longer without being trapped in diet culture. She also created a second business, Prosper Nutrition Coaching, to train the next generation of coaches to teach healthy habits in a shame-free way. Whether you’re a leader looking for systems to scale, a coach building a purpose-driven business, or someone searching for strength after struggle, this episode delivers heart, insight, and hope. Chapters: Links And Resources: Prosper Nutrition CoachingNutritionRxPrecision NutritionLinkedInInstagram Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt Drinkhahn welcomes Matt Scoletti—a man whose story proves that rock bottom can become your greatest launchpad. From struggling with alcohol addiction to earning titles like Mr. Pittsburgh and completing 21 marathons in 21 days, Matt shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind his transformation. Learn how a simple but powerful morning ritual (The First 15), a total mindset reset, and relentless personal accountability helped Matt reclaim his health, career, and purpose. This episode is packed with fire for anyone chasing greatness through grit. Chapters: Links And Resources: Matt Scoletti’s WebsiteAverage to Savage PodcastMatt Scoletti on LinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur, bestselling author, and keynote speaker Toyin Crandell. From being homeless and overwhelmed to building 11 income streams and becoming a transformational coach for thousands globally—this episode dives into Toyin’s game-changing mindset principles, her journey of radical obedience, and the faith-fueled strategy that helped her build a business and life of freedom. She shares how to rewire identity, eliminate limiting beliefs, and lead with purpose, no matter your starting point. This is an absolute must-listen for entrepreneurs, marketers, and growth-minded professionals ready to shift from stuck to unstoppable. Chapters: Links And Resources: WebsiteLinkedInSpotify MusicFree TrainingsMoney Mindset Shift & Radical Obedience Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and award-winning employee benefits consultant Christopher Hillier. Broadcasting from Denver, Colorado, Chris opens up about navigating the beautiful chaos of raising five kids, building businesses, and staying anchored in gratitude—even when life feels messy. With a background in employee benefits and risk management, Chris shares lessons from starting and acquiring multiple businesses, why he’s always had the entrepreneurial bug, and how he uses optimism and curiosity as tools for personal and professional growth. For leaders who juggle business, family, and everything in between, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that joy and challenge often go hand in hand. Chapters: Links And Resources: LinkedIn Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with storyteller, sales leader, and comedian Nema Semnani for a raw conversation about resilience, identity, and finding humor in hardship. Born amid political turmoil in Iran and raised without a father, Nema shares his deeply personal story of loss and survival, and how those early challenges forged his unique perspective on life. With a blend of authenticity, dark humor, and insight, Nema reflects on how he uses his voice to help others connect, lead, and grow. Whether you’re a founder, manager, or creative professional, this episode offers profound lessons on turning adversity into advantage and embracing the broken parts as the places where true strength is formed. Chapters: Links And Resources: LinkedInInstagram Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Scott Krusemark joins The Eternal Optimist to share his journey from IT consultant to real estate investor, coach, and hard money lender with over 30 years of experience. Matt and Scott get into the lessons learned from more than 150 real estate transactions, including the early mistakes that led to a 10-unit property dragging him into bankruptcy. Scott breaks down the four key equations every investor needs to know, the discipline required to avoid bad deals, and why real estate can be a strong strategy for financial stability. With Scott’s analytical approach and decades of experience, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to navigate real estate with confidence. Chapters: Book Recommendation: Rich Dad, Poor DadCashflow QuadrantThe Code of the Extraordinary Mind Links And Resources: Linkedin