The ‘Eternal Optimist’ is the show for people who see the good in the world and want to make a positive difference in the lives of their families and communities! Twice a week Matt Drinkhahn will help you see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll start thinking bigger and playing offense in life more consistently. Every week you’ll hear inspiring stories from people who faced immense challenges and KEPT GOING.
…
continue reading

1
Beyond Networking: Dan Andrews on Asking the Right Questions to Build Real Trust
43:23
43:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:23Matt 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 …
…
continue reading

1
It Costs Nothing to Be Polite: Lifting Others as You Rise with Dedric & Krystal
44:10
44:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:10From 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 tha…
…
continue reading

1
(Replay) Building Strong Communities for the Future with Thomas Power
43:53
43:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:53In 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 intersecti…
…
continue reading

1
The Real Cost of “Making It” with Justin Williams
31:51
31:51
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
31:51Justin 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…
…
continue reading

1
You Don’t Need Funnels, Ads, or a Website to Make $1M – Crosspost Episode
50:10
50:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:10What 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 radicall…
…
continue reading

1
What Happens When Leaders Finally Get Honest With Themselves with Dr. Michael Brabant
47:29
47:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:29Matt 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 lea…
…
continue reading

1
The Career-Crushing Identity Trap No One Talks About with Damon Lembi
44:22
44:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:22What 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 sel…
…
continue reading

1
Why Hitting Rock Bottom Was the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me with Shawn Hoyt
48:23
48:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:23Matt 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 unexpecte…
…
continue reading

1
Do THIS One Thing to Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging You with Mitch Weisburgh
39:14
39:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:14Mitch 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 rev…
…
continue reading

1
Solving Big Problems Through Human Connection and Energy with Aidan Uttinger
41:57
41:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:57What 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 transf…
…
continue reading

1
“Excuses Don’t Burn Calories”: A Veteran’s Journey From Darkness to Discipline with Brian Conwell
29:27
29:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:27Matt 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 h…
…
continue reading

1
Fleeing War, Building Dreams: Rukshana Triem’s Mission for Change
36:39
36:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:39Matt 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…
…
continue reading

1
Real Talk About Recovery: Jen Broxterman’s Playbook for Healing, Coaching, and Leadership
36:40
36:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:40What 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 peopl…
…
continue reading

1
The First 15 Minutes That Changed Everything with Matt Scoletti
45:54
45:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:54Matt 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 …
…
continue reading

1
Transformation Obsessed: How to Reinvent Yourself from the Inside Out with Toyin Crandell
50:24
50:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:24Matt 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 s…
…
continue reading

1
Why Chaos Is a Gift: Chris Hillier on Gratitude, Business, and Growth
44:33
44:33
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:33Matt 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 ri…
…
continue reading

1
Why Humor Heals: Exploring Pain, Progress & Purpose with Nema Semnani
45:39
45:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:39Matt 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. …
…
continue reading

1
From Bankruptcy to Real Estate Success: Scott Krusemark’s Comeback Story
52:01
52:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:01Scott 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. …
…
continue reading

1
The Missing Secret from Think and Grow Rich with John Mitchell
59:07
59:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:07John Mitchell shares the missing piece of Think and Grow Rich and how, at age 50, he realized he wasn’t living up to his full potential—despite being a successful entrepreneur. Determined to change his trajectory, he spent months decoding Think and Grow Rich and developed a 12-minute-a-day technique to reprogram his subconscious mind. The results? …
…
continue reading

1
War, Wealth, and Winning: The Mindset of an Elite Investor with Roy Dekel
52:53
52:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:53Roy Dekel’s story is one for the books—Israeli Navy SEAL training, a leap into entrepreneurship with zero connections, and a relentless climb to building and selling multi-million-dollar businesses. In this episode, Matt talks with Roy about the trials and tribulations of scaling, making high-stakes decisions, and why most founders get caught up in…
…
continue reading

1
Notion, Automation & Five-Star Service: The System You Need Now with Ernesto Mandowsky
42:25
42:25
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:25On this episode of the Eternal Optimist, Matt chats with systems and efficiency expert Ernesto Mandowsky to unpack the game-changing strategies behind building a Million-Dollar Machine. Ernesto explains the five key recipes that separate thriving businesses from those stuck in the weeds—transformation, connection, communication, organization, and a…
…
continue reading

1
Broke 11 Bones, Beat Cancer, and Built a Movement with Hal Elrod
43:23
43:23
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:23Matt sits down with the one and only Hal Elrod—a man who has literally died, come back, and turned every challenge into fuel for something bigger. From a head-on collision that left him clinically dead for six minutes to beating a rare, aggressive cancer against the odds, Hal shares the mindset shifts and daily habits that helped him not just survi…
…
continue reading

1
Your Resume is Lying to You: The Future of Talent Hiring with Caitlin MacGregor
44:40
44:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:40Caitlin MacGregor is a gap closer, a game-changer, and a leader on a mission to revolutionize hiring. As the CEO of Plum, she’s tearing down outdated hiring practices and showing companies how to spot hidden talent using science, not guesswork. In this episode, Caitlin opens up about how she grinded herself into absolute burnout to turning into a l…
…
continue reading

1
How One Veteran is Changing the Game for Military Families with Brett Baker
45:59
45:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:59Brett Baker, co-founder and visionary of VAUSA®, brings raw energy, unshakable faith, and mission-driven leadership to this episode. A former Army Ranger, combat veteran, and unapologetic straight-shooter, Brett gives us a look at his journey—from the battlefield to building VAUSA®, a company creating meaningful jobs for military spouses. He shares…
…
continue reading

1
Grace and Second Chances 29 Years Later with Nathan Wray
51:48
51:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:48Matt reconnects with Nathan Wray, a high school acquaintance he hasn’t seen in 29 years. Once admired as the "cool kid," Nathan opens up about the hidden struggles he faced behind the facade, revealing a journey of self-discovery, grace, and finding inner worth. They discuss vulnerability, how surface success can mask deep pain, and the lessons we …
…
continue reading

1
What Therapists Don’t Teach You About Sensitive Kids with Megghan Thompson
57:45
57:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:45Megghan Thompson, a licensed clinical professional counselor and parent coach, joins Matt to share her expertise in helping parents break free from the cycle of meltdowns and shutdowns with their highly sensitive kids. With over 15 years of experience and a track record of transforming the lives of 800+ families, Megghan reveals eye-opening truths …
…
continue reading

1
Blur Your Eyes and Build: Visionary Planning for Entrepreneurs with Aaron Hageman
44:29
44:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:29Matt sits down with Aaron Hageman, a lifelong entrepreneur and visionary leader who scaled his business from $27 million to an astonishing $2 billion. Aaron shares his story of overcoming personal and professional challenges and developing the 75X strategy that redefines business scaling. You’re sure to gain lessons on resilience, strategic plannin…
…
continue reading

1
Rewriting a Life in 30 Days with Sue Saller
41:11
41:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:11Matt has a very inspiring talk with Sue Saller, a multi-faceted author, coach, and podcaster who opens up about her bold decision to uproot her life, move across the country, and face the challenges of change head-on. She goes into overcoming fear, embracing growth, and finding authenticity in her path. Sue explains how small steps can lead to big …
…
continue reading

1
The Leadership Toolkit You Didn’t Know You Needed with Amy Chambers
43:10
43:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:10Matt welcomes Amy Chambers, a leader, marathon runner, and advocate for personal growth and transformation. Amy shares her story of overcoming a traumatic breakup that became the catalyst for deep self-reflection, growth, and ultimately a shift in mindset. She and Matt discuss accountability, the role of emotional anchors, and the mindset shifts re…
…
continue reading

1
Overcoming Cults, Abuse, and Eating Disorders with Lydia Knight
48:49
48:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:49In this deeply moving episode of The Eternal Optimist Podcast, Lydia Knight shares her extraordinary story of surviving a cult upbringing, an abusive marriage, and a life-threatening eating disorder. Through raw vulnerability and unflinching honesty, Lydia takes us on her journey of self-discovery, healing, and transformation. From confronting gene…
…
continue reading

1
Discovering Life’s True Meaning through Extreme Adventures with Matt Dawson
45:05
45:05
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:05Matt sits down with Matt Dawson, a world-record-setting extreme adventurer, speaker, and founder of Dawson’s Peak Foundation. They discuss how Dawson went from a successful yet unfulfilled investment banker to a purpose-driven explorer pushing human limits for a cause bigger than himself. Dawson shares his life-altering moments on Everest, rowing t…
…
continue reading

1
Your Brain, Your Tool: How to Stop Being a Tool of Your Brain with Ellen Petry Leanse
46:21
46:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:21Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Ellen Petry Leanse for a thoughtful and impactful conversation about the power of curiosity, slowing down, and embracing life’s natural seasons. Ellen shares insights from her deep experience in neuroscience, coaching, and personal reflection, offering practical tools like the ABC method (Aware, Breathe, Curiosity) and…
…
continue reading

1
Law Enforcement, Addiction, and Second Chances with Jeff Fields
36:24
36:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:24Matt welcomes Jeff Fields, a former law enforcement officer whose journey took him through the depths of addiction and the fight to reclaim his life. Jeff shares the tough choices he faced, the trauma he carried from both childhood and his career, and the turning points that led him to sobriety. With honesty and heart, Jeff opens up about the impac…
…
continue reading

1
When Motherhood Meets Meltdowns and Metrics with Cheryl A. Heller
32:08
32:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:08Matt welcomes Cheryl A. Heller to hear how she went from corporate executive to fractional CFO and strategic advisor. They explore the really hard times behind balancing a demanding career with family challenges, including how Cheryl supported her daughter through anxiety and personal growth. Cheryl shares insights for business owners, from underst…
…
continue reading

1
Living a Shame-Free Life with Kelly Resendez
38:56
38:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:56Matt welcomes Kelly Resendez, founder of GoBundance Women, an ambitious leader and advocate for women's empowerment. Kelly shares her life-changing journey from perfectionism and overachievement to accepting abundance and authenticity. She opens up about experiencing tragedies, including supporting her family through unthinkable hard times, and how…
…
continue reading

1
Why Being Busy Isn’t a Badge of Honor with Cathy Christen
41:13
41:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:13Matt reconnects with Cathy Christen, a powerhouse in leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development. Cathy shares how she went from burnout at the peak of her career to finding sustainable success by redefining priorities and leadership strategies. They talk about how important it is to live intentionally, the power of mentorship, and how C…
…
continue reading

1
What Happens When You Get a New Heart? with Jonathan Bogner
59:11
59:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:11Jonathan Bogner’s story is one of resilience and unyielding optimism. After surviving two strokes, navigating aphasia, and ultimately undergoing a life-altering heart transplant, Jonathan has redefined his purpose. A producer of films and reality shows, Jonathan now uses his platform to advocate for organ donation and shine a light on the challenge…
…
continue reading

1
How a Tragedy Became a Ministry with Chris Grainger
29:18
29:18
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:18Matt sits down with Chris Grainger to explore how life's hardest challenges can shape purpose and leadership. Chris shares his journey from losing his daughter to embracing his faith and building "The Lion Within Us" ministry. They discuss the importance of empathy, resilience, and stepping into roles of leadership at home and in the community. Chr…
…
continue reading

1
How to Lean in When Everything Falls Apart with Chris Taylor
51:31
51:31
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:31Matt sits down with Chris Taylor, CEO of Actionable, to discuss the transformative power of curiosity, resilience, and personal growth in both life and business. Chris talks about going through the fallout of his business partner's sudden legal troubles, balancing personal and professional crises, and the long journey toward forgiveness and healing…
…
continue reading

1
How AI, Inflation, and Innovation Shape Business Today with Kasim Aslam
55:39
55:39
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
55:39Matt dives deep with Kasim Aslam to talk about how our understanding of money, labor, and innovation impacts, for better or worse, the way we work and live. From the flaws of fiat currency and the petrodollar system to the transformative potential of AI, Kasim pushes back against societal norms about growth and efficiency. He gives us a look into b…
…
continue reading

1
Empowering Women to Lead— Resilience, Community, and Growth with Mandy McAllister
42:53
42:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:53Matt sits down with Mandy McAllister, CEO of GoBundance Women, to find out what it was like to go from small-town roots to leading a thriving community of high-achieving women. Mandy shares her story of resilience, from recovering from a debilitating injury in her teens to navigating the hard lesson of being defrauded in a major investment. Along t…
…
continue reading

1
The Power of Systems and Mentorship in Business with Herman Dolce, Jr.
39:48
39:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:48Matt sits down with Herman Dolce, Jr. who is known as “The Haitian CEO.” Herman is the CEO and founder of The Dolce Group and Bella Sloan Enterprises, and he tells us how he went from social worker to successful entrepreneur. Herman talks about what it really took to build a business while keeping family and faith at the center. He shares his thoug…
…
continue reading

1
Creating Unicorns: Business Battles and Billion-Dollar Wins with Suneera Madhani
41:21
41:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:21Matt sits down with Suneera Madhani, a powerhouse entrepreneur who turned a rejected idea into a billion-dollar business. Suneera walks discusses what her experience was like going from corporate life to launching a fintech company that changed the payments industry. She shares how she dealt with investor rejections, tore down barriers as a woman f…
…
continue reading

1
Two Souls, One Journey: Faith Beyond the Past with Dr. Derrick and Dr. Octavia Roberts
48:42
48:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:42Matt sits down with Dr. Derrick O. Roberts and Dr. Octavia Roberts, a couple with a remarkable journey from street life to a faith-centered ministry. They share how they navigated a past marked by hardship, choices that once led them astray, and a powerful turn towards faith that ultimately transformed their lives. With honesty and humility, they d…
…
continue reading

1
Unfiltered: Recovery, Fame, and Fatherhood with Justin McClure
33:49
33:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:49Matt sits down with Justin McClure, a dad, entrepreneur, and social media force who shares his journey from overcoming addiction to building a family brand with millions of followers. Justin talks openly about his path to sobriety, the wake-up calls that shaped him, and how ditching ego and focusing on family changed his life. They discuss the powe…
…
continue reading

1
How to Blaze Your Own Trail, Even Through Adversity with Jordan Mendoza
38:24
38:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:24Entrepreneur and resilience coach, Jordan Mendoza opens up about the extraordinary challenges he’s faced, from a near-fatal car accident at 19 to countless trials throughout his life. Sharing his experiences of hardship and growth, he talks about the impact of resilience, the importance of a strong mindset, and how to take hold of life’s difficulti…
…
continue reading

1
Why Choosing Optimism Could Be the Most Radical Act of Your Life with Matt Drinkhahn on the ‘Gina Gardiner & Friends’ Podcast
26:40
26:40
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:40Today we’re sharing an episode of the Gina Gardiner and Friends podcast where your host of the Eternal Optimist, Matt Drinkhahn, talked about the real impact of optimism in facing the hardest moments of his life thus far. Matt talked about how optimism helped him recover from a life-changing accident and why it’s more than just a positive attitude—…
…
continue reading

1
The Best Is Yet to Come: Faith, Family, and Life After a Diagnosis with Eric Stranghoener
42:37
42:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:37Eric Stranghoener shares his incredible journey of faith, family, and a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Eric talks about how his faith helped him find strength during one of the toughest times of his life and how patience became a powerful lesson. He also looks back on the joy found in everyday moments, even through hardship, and what it means to l…
…
continue reading

1
Behind the Badge: The Realities of Modern Law Enforcement with Chris Watts
36:10
36:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:10Police Chief Chris Watts shares his journey from working in emergency services to becoming the Chief of Police in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He talks about the difficulties of modern law enforcement, the importance of community relationships, and what he’s experienced that has shaped his leadership style. Along the way, he lets us in on the tough c…
…
continue reading

1
Fire and Flow: Leading with Intuition, Balance, and Power with Asmâa Methqal
59:53
59:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
59:53Asmâa Methqal shares her experience of navigating adversity, finding balance, and redefining success by embracing feminine energy. She goes into the challenges of leading from a masculine mindset and how pausing her business led to deeper self-discovery and a more fulfilling way of working and living. Asmâa explains the power of intuition, creativi…
…
continue reading