In this extraordinary episode of In Search of Excellence, I sit down with the legendary Mike Tyson — former heavyweight boxing champion of the world, cultural icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.
Mike opens up like never before about confidence, redemption, pain, preparation, and success. From his rise as the youngest heavyweight champion in history to his darkest battles with drugs, prison, and public controversy, Mike shares the raw truths that shaped his life.

We dive into his iconic fights, including Evander Holyfield and Buster Douglas, his struggles after boxing, and his transformation through family, philanthropy, and Tyson 2.0. He speaks candidly about the role of cannabis, psychedelics, and extreme preparation in finding peace and purpose.
Mike also reflects on fatherhood, his marriage, and what true success and happiness mean — offering advice that will inspire anyone facing setbacks, doubts, or big dreams.

Timestamps / Chapters
00:00 - Mike Tyson's Journey to Success
01:53 - The Role of Money and Success
06:59 - Prison Experience and Personal Growth
15:35 - Challenges and Redemption
15:49 - Friendship and Mentorship
22:47 - Life After Boxing
23:05 - Philanthropy and Giving Back
23:41 - Advice for Young People
33:35 - Reflections on Life and Death
38:48 - Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Highlights from this Episode:
Why confidence breeds success — and how Mike applied it inside and outside the ring

The mindset of extreme preparation and learning from Muhammad Ali
Behind the scenes of the infamous Holyfield “Bite Fight”
What Mike learned from losing to Buster Douglas
How prison became the “three most valuable years” of his life
The role of cannabis and psychedelics in his transformation
Powerful lessons on family, fatherhood, and love
The mission of the Mike Tyson Cares Foundation
What motivates Mike Tyson today
Whether you’re chasing greatness, rebuilding after failure, or seeking a deeper understanding of success, this conversation with Iron Mike is one you won’t forget.

In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan

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In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan

My guest today is Mike Tyson, a former heavyweight boxing champion of the world and one of the greatest boxers of all time!  At the age of 20, he became the youngest boxer ever to win a heavyweight title.  He was the first heavyweight boxer to simultaneously hold WBA, WBC, and IDF titles and a member of the international boxing Hall of Fame.

Mike has appeared in many movies and TV shows.  He is the actor and creator of a one-man Broadway show Undisputed Truth, and the author of the best-selling book of the same name.

Mike is also a very successful entrepreneur and a founder of two cannabis companies, including Tyson 2.0.  He is an incredible person and a dedicated philanthropist through his Mike Tyson’s Care foundation, and the support of other charities including The Make a Wish Foundation and The Special Olympics.

00:00 Mike’s childhood
His dad was a pimp, his mom an alcoholic and a sex industry worker
He was bullied in his childhood ("you can’t run from them, you must confront them")
Started robbing people to buy food for his pigeons
A traumatic event with the birds that changed him
Mike's first fight and from being bullied, to being the bully
Went pick-pocketing and stealing with his friends
Started with crime at 11, by the age of 13, he was arrested more than 37 times
The stealing mentality - nobody else matters
His mom encouraged him to steal (his goal was to be a professional criminal)

18:13 Juvenile facilities and Mike’s first steps in boxing
Watched the movie “The Greatest”, the story of Mohammed Ali
Transferred to Elwood Cottage
Mike was always handcuffed in a dangerous environment 
Met Bobby Stewart who inspired him to finish school and started training him
At 13, Bobby wanted to take him to the next level - introduced him to Cus D'Amato

21:14 Mike’s first mentor - Cus D'Amato
Relationship with Cus D’Amato (Cus taught him to never give up)
Cus became a father figure for him
The time Mike first experienced love
Cus saw in him the future world champion
Working out for 6 hours a day while going to school
Wanted to get kicked out of school, but Cus didn’t allow that
There is no progress without struggle (study about rats)

29:32 The beginning of his fighting career
At 18, a fight with Hector Mercedes - beat him in one round
Wasn't afraid of losing, but being a bad loser
Mike's desire to be the world champion consumed him completely
Became the youngest boxing champion ever
His mother’s reaction - never got affirmed by her

34:47 From millions of dollars to bankruptcy
Started making millions of dollars (became highest paid athlete in the world)
Went bankrupt being reckless, didn’t know how to manage money as a street kid
Being rich and going broke multiple times
Fame and money won’t make you happy
Become your own alarm system
The pain is the same at the top and the bottom of the world

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Legendary surfer Laird Hamilton joins host Randall Kaplan on the In Search of Excellence podcast for a raw and unforgettable conversation about innovation, mindset, and personal transformation. Hamilton shares how he co-invented tow-in surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and surf foiling, turning niche ideas into billion-dollar global sports.

From serving as Kevin Costner’s stunt double in Waterworld to surviving a near-death experience in the ocean, Laird opens up about the moments that shaped his fearless mentality. He dives deep into the philosophy of pain, extreme preparation, mentorship, and the pursuit of purpose. He also explores the challenges of public life, the importance of family, and how to thrive under pressure.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, or simply someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers powerful life lessons from one of the most innovative figures in extreme sports history.

🎧 Episode Highlights and Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Laird Hamilton’s Impact on Surfing and Paddleboarding
• 00:48 – Kevin Costner Stunt Double & Near-Death Experience
• 05:19 – Hawaii Five-0 Appearance & How Pain Can Be a Great Teacher
• 08:17 – The Role of Extreme Preparation in Achieving Success
• 17:51 – Co-Inventing Stand-Up Paddling with Tom Jones
• 25:07 – The Evolution of Surfing and Rise of Foiling
• 29:16 – Mentorship and Its Influence on Growth
• 40:52 – Family, Relationships, and Defining Personal Success
• 41:07 – Facing Controversy and Shaping Public Perception
• 50:49 – Marriage, Partnership, and Life in the Public Eye

👉 Listen now to hear Laird Hamilton’s incredible journey—and get inspired to break boundaries, defy expectations, and live with discipline and excellence.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode filled with wisdom, success stories, and powerful insights.

🎙️ In Search of Excellence Podcast with Randall Kaplan

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🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L

For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/

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In this raw and riveting episode of In Search of Excellence, legendary surfer and ocean pioneer Laird Hamilton shares his incredible story — from his unconventional birth using a method like a reverse hair dryer, a wild childhood in Hawaii, and surviving abuse and racism, to revolutionizing surfing with inventions like tow-in surfing, foilboarding, and modern paddleboarding.

Laird opens up about his near-death experience on Waterworld, why he never competed professionally, how he rescued another surfer by swimming naked, and what makes paddleboarding and foiling $4 billion industry rooted in innovation, art, self-expression, and raw danger.  He reflects on growing up with an abusive father, bullying, fear, extreme danger, the challenges of big-wave surfing, near-death experiences, education, family, mentorship, the relentless pursuit of greatness, and his view on being considered the greatest surfer of all time.

From modeling for renowned fashion photographer Bruce Weber and being on the cover of Italian Vogue, to surfing 50-foot monsters at Jaws and Nazaré, this episode delves into what it means to master chaos, seek purpose over praise, and remain humble while pushing human limits.

0:00 – Laird Hamilton's Revolutionary Contributions to Surfing
19:00 – Laird Hamilton's Unique Birth and Early Life
19:13 – Challenges and Lessons from Laird Hamilton's Childhood
19:31 – Laird Hamilton's Early Surfing Career and Modeling
21:48 – Laird Hamilton's Views on Education and Career
25:19 – The Evolution of Surfing and Laird Hamilton's Contributions
29:45 – The Popularity and Challenges of Surfing
38:10 – The Impact of Big Wave Surfing and Nazare
48:26 – The Science and Experience of Big Wave Surfing
50:36 – Laird Hamilton's Philosophy and Approach to Life

In Search of Excellence Podcast - with Randall Kaplan
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🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L

For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/

Follow Randall
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In this powerful episode, Mike Meldman — real estate mogul, co-founder of Casamigos Tequila, and founder of Discovery Land Company — shares the remarkable story behind his journey from instinct-driven entrepreneur to one of the most influential figures in luxury real estate and lifestyle branding. 

Mike dives deep into how Casamigos, a tequila brand originally created with George Clooney “just for fun,” skyrocketed from a personal project to a billion-dollar business — despite having no plans for mass distribution. From there, he walks us through the origin and explosive growth of Discovery Land Company, a visionary take on private communities built around service, family, and meaningful experiences — not just golf. 

One of his standout projects, Kukio in Hawaii, started with an underwhelming plot of lava rock but became one of the most successful resort communities in the U.S., selling $50 million worth of real estate in just 90 days. Mike reveals how a courthouse bidding war with Mitsubishi, unconventional thinking, and meticulous attention to member experience helped make Kukio what it is today. 

But his ambition didn’t stop there. Mike also discusses his 7.5% ownership stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, the importance of choosing the right people to surround yourself with, and how he's used strategic investments in companies like Vuori (valued today at $7 billion) to expand his brand’s reach far beyond real estate. 

He speaks candidly about the challenges he's faced — including the emotional toll of two failed marriages — and reflects on what truly matters: family, discipline, integrity, and giving back. Through the Discovery Land Company Foundation, Mike supports children’s charities and community development around each of his projects, making sure that luxury living doesn't come at the cost of social impact. 

This episode is more than a conversation — it’s a blueprint for anyone who wants to build something iconic from scratch, stay grounded while chasing massive success, and leave behind a legacy that matters. 

Timestamps:
00:00 – Casamigos and Discovery Land Company
00:58 – Investment in Las Vegas Raiders
03:00 – Kukio Project in Hawaii
06:44 – Challenges and Successes at Kukio
09:58 – Gaza Ranch and Personal Reflections
12:30 – Preparation and Team Building
21:07 – Acquisition of Yellowstone Club
27:58 – Investments and Strategic Partnerships
35:42 – Philanthropy and Community Impact
40:12 – Personal Reflections and Future Goals

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Mike Meldman is the mastermind who turned luxury and lifestyle into a business empire. As the founder of Discovery Land Company and co-founder of Casamigos Tequila alongside George Clooney and Rande Gerber, Meldman built a world where wealthy clients don’t just buy homes — they buy Incredible family-oriented experiences. This is the inspiring story of how he redefined real estate, community, and luxury - and went on to create a billion-dollar spirits company and become part owner of the Las Vegas Raiders.

Randall Kaplan
EXTREME PREPARATION

Listen to this episode on the go!
🍎 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 
🟢 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L

For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/

Follow Randall!
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Dean Graziosi shares his incredible rags-to-riches journey from growing up with an abusive and violent dad, being evicted from a trailer park, sleeping on floors, moving 19 times before turning 20 years old, not going to college, working in a collision shop, starting to invest in real estate in his early 20s, creating an infomercial business despite having no experience, watching a Tony Robbins video on TV and then becoming his best friend years later, earning enough money to retire in his 20’s, and owning 14 different companies – as well as becoming a world-class entrepreneur, real estate investor, self-education leader, and one of the most successful motivational speakers in the world.  In this inspiring episode, Dean discusses the power of mentorship, work ethic, and taking bold risks — from borrowing money to buy rundown apartments to turning a small income into millions. He reveals lessons learned from his parents, the importance of confidence, gratitude, and building strong relationships, including his partnership with Tony Robbins. Dean also discusses why self-education beats traditional college, how to achieve financial freedom, and what it really takes to succeed in life and business. Don’t miss this powerful conversation packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, dreamers, and anyone in search of excellence.

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Sammy Hagar is one of the most prolific artists in the history of Rock and Roll.  Playing in bands like Montrose and Van Halen, and with a successful solo career that included the rock anthem “I Can’t Drive 55,” Sammy has had 25 platinum albums and has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.  Sammy is also an extremely successful serial entrepreneur and was the first celebrity to create his own tequila brand which he sold more than 20 years ago for nearly $100 million.  He is also devoted to giving back and is a generous philanthropist. 

Coaching and Staying Connected:

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Sammy Hagar is one of the most prolific artists in the history of Rock and Roll.  Playing in bands like Montrose and Van Halen, and with a successful solo career that included the rock anthem “I Can’t Drive 55,” Sammy has had 25 platinum albums and has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide.  Sammy is also an extremely successful serial entrepreneur and was the first celebrity to create his own tequila brand which he sold more than 20 years ago for nearly $100 million.  He is also devoted to giving back and is a generous philanthropist. 

Coaching and Staying Connected:

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Mark Cuban was born a serial entrepreneur.  At age 12, he sold trash bags door to door.  By age 16, he had a business selling stamps.  During college at Indiana University, he taught disco lessons at sorority houses and opened a popular bar before he turned 21.  So how does an average kid growing up in Pittsburgh go on to become a self-made billionaire?

For some of us, it may be hard to imagine the person that we know today as Mark Cuban quit a job, was fired from another, had a business that closed down because somebody who worked there was on probation for prostitution, and slept on the floor of an apartment for many months after moving to Dallas. But it was these experiences that made Mark the businessman, investor, philanthropist, and billionaire that he is today.  Mark’s journey is one of incredibly hard work, determination and perseverance, adapting to change, and learning from failure.

In this episode, Randall and Mark talk about challenges on Mark’s path to excellence, the role Mark played in the early days of the internet with MicroSolutions, the story behind AudioNet/ Broadcast.com, taking it public, selling it to Yahoo for $5.7 billion, and how he sold his stock in what is considered one of the most brilliant business decisions of all-time.  Randall and Mark also discuss Mark’s latest company The Mark Cuban Cost-Plus Drug Company, and his very sage advice for young entrepreneurs.

Topics Include:
- How his college experience prepared him for success
- The lessons about sales Mark learned as a 12-year-old selling trash bags door to door
- Why you can learn just as much from the bad companies as the good ones
- The interview answer that got him a job with no experience
- Mark’s brief career as an actor and reading for Stephen Spielberg
- Why owning a sports team is unique from owning a business
- Mark’s powerful Shark Tank episode with Tania Speaks Organic Skincare
- The importance of preparation and learning from failure
- Mark’s thoughts on parenting
- How his work-life balance has changed over time
- Mark’s charitable work through the Mark Cuban Foundation and Fallen Patriots Fund
- And other topics…

Mark Cuban is a serial entrepreneur, investor, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and a host of Shark Tank on NBC.  Mark made his initial fortune through the sales of his startups MicroSolutions and Broadcast.com in the 1990s, and he was was ranked #177 on the 2020 Forbes 400 list of the wealthiest residents in the United States.

Mark is also the best-selling author of How to Win at the Sport of Business.  Among many ventures, Cuban is also involved in the world of film and television and occasionally appears on popular television shows including Entourage, Dancing with the Stars, and The League.

Mark graduated from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University with a degree in management.  He lives with his wife and children in Dallas, Texas.

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