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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