Dr. Michael J. Donovan sits down with his friend Sam Syed- serial entrepreneur, wealth advisor, and deep thinker- for an honest, unscripted conversation that begins with Sam sharing about his dog, who’s nearing the end of her life. That moment sets the tone for everything that follows.

From there, the conversation opens up into gratitude, inner peace, and the tension many high performers feel between external success and internal fulfillment. Sam reflects on how slowing down—and learning to truly receive—has shifted his perspective on purpose, leadership, and what a “good life” actually looks like. The two also explore imposter syndrome, societal pressure, and how easy it is to look successful on the outside while feeling disconnected on the inside.

They touch on Sam’s experiences with ayahuasca, not as the focus, but as part of a larger journey toward presence, gratitude, and clarity.

This is not a conversation about optimization or chasing more. It’s about cutting through the noise, being with what matters, and remembering that real fulfillment is an inside job.

If you’ve ever wondered whether success alone is supposed to feel better than this—this episode is for you.

Sam Syed has spent the last 20 years helping people think clearly about money, legacy, and what really matters long after the spreadsheets are closed. He’s the founder of Syed Financial Group, where he works with families, entrepreneurs, and nonprofits on thoughtful wealth planning, tax strategy, and generational giving—using everything from traditional planning tools to more advanced strategies like PPLI and premium financing.

Sam’s career started in London stockbroking and has taken him across the UK, Dubai, New York City, and Colorado, earning a few awards along the way—but what really drives him is legacy planning and helping people align their financial lives with the impact they want to leave behind.

He lives in Evergreen with his wife, two kids, a baby on the way, and their dog Irene. When he’s not working, you’ll usually find him climbing mountains, traveling, exploring art and culture, golfing, or having the kind of conversations that make you rethink how you’re living.

Contact Sam here; [email protected]

Dr. Michael J. Donovan and John Filippini challenge the false divide between strength and endurance, exposing why most athletes are training out of balance. They explore how performance depends on the integration of strength, mobility, and aerobic capacity—and why rebuilding cardio demands a different approach than rebuilding strength.

The conversation dismantles intensity-obsessed training, emphasizing frequency, nervous system adaptation, and a solid aerobic base. They discuss how expectations shape performance, why calmness emerges under pressure, and how smart structure paired with flexibility builds durable, real-world fitness.

Michael Donovan and Joe Taft explore the multifaceted world of yoga, mindfulness, and personal growth. Joe shares his journey from kayaking to becoming a dedicated yoga teacher, emphasizing the importance of breath, movement, and the art of teaching yoga. They discuss the transformative power of yoga therapy, the significance of nature in well-being, and the lessons learned through parenting. Joe offers valuable insights for aspiring yoga teachers and highlights the importance of celebrating life and seeking truth.

Find Joe here: https://joetaftyoga.com/

Connect with Dr. Donovan here: https://factfueledfitness.com/

0:00 Introduction and Intention

1:05 Walkout Song and Personal Motivations

6:00 Childhood Memories and Getting into Yoga

6:54 Joe's Recent Workshops

11:08 The Art and Science of Yoga

22:46 Breathwork and its Benefits

26:01 The Power of Breath

28:54 Exploring Yoga Therapy

31:40 Addressing Specific Conditions

39:16 The Importance of Nature

43:23 Lessons from Fatherhood

48:41 Approaching Life with Celebration and Truth

Michael Donovan and John Weeks explore the multifaceted journey of fitness, mindfulness, and personal growth. John shares his experiences with martial arts, the impact of his cancer diagnosis, and how these challenges have shaped his approach to coaching and life. The discussion delves into the importance of community, consistency in training, and the transformative power of mindful movement practices like Animal Flow. John emphasizes the need for empathy, curiosity, and vulnerability in both personal and professional realms, offering valuable insights for anyone navigating their fitness journey or life challenges.

Follow John here: https://www.instagram.com/strengthisahabit/

Contact Dr. Donovan here; https://factfueledfitness.com/

2:22 Who is John Weeks?

5:55 Influence of Martial Arts and Mindful Training

10:54 Balancing Strength, Flexibility, and Cardio

18:50 Addressing Neglected Areas for Preventing Imbalances

21:04 Transitioning and Evolving in Training

26:36 Adapting Training and Injury Prevention

28:19 The Benefits of Animal Flow

31:22 The Principles of Animal Flow

34:25 Cancer, Priorities, and Perspective

40:45 Building Strong Relationships with Children

52:40 Guiding Principles in Life: Discipline, Empathy, and Curiosity

Corey Rockwell and Dr. Michael Donovan explore the multifaceted world of soccer refereeing. They discuss longevity and passion in Corey’s career, share memorable interactions with players and coaches and delve into the nuances of officiating in both men's and women's soccer. Corey shares insights on preparation, the impact of technology and video review and his experiences at the World Cup. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring referees and a reflection on the supportive community within the officiating world.

0:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage

2:42 The Longevity and Dedication of a Referee Career

4:45 Passion and Enthusiasm in Refereeing

7:53 Pre-Match Rituals and Recovery Tactics

9:28 Favorite Stadiums and Memorable Interactions

12:59 The Evolution of Men's and Women's Soccer

16:27 The Importance of Preparation and Teamwork in Officiating

29:37 The Impact of Microphones on Refereeing

33:40 The Potential of Technology in Referee Instruction

36:12 Advancing in a Refereeing Career

42:02 The Importance of Adaptability and Enjoyment

46:23 The Benefits and Challenges of Video Review

49:43 Personal Stories and Recognition

52:12 The World Cup Experience

58:21 Instilling Important Lessons in Up-and-Coming Referees

Dr. Michael Donovan and Pete Armstrong explore the evolving definition of masculinity, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection, vulnerability, and self-love. They discuss the impact of these elements on parenting and relationships, particularly in raising the next generation of emotionally aware boys. The dialogue also highlights the significance of male friendships, shared experiences, and intentionality in nurturing these connections, ultimately advocating for a more supportive and understanding community among men.

Connect with Pete here: https://www.peteinspires.com/

Find Dr. Donovan here: https://factfueledfitness.com/

0:00 Introduction to Purpose and Presence

3:28 Emotional Intelligence in Fatherhood

8:39 The Impact of Present Fathers on Future Generations

16:53 Navigating Emotional Responses as Parents

22:35 The Importance of Being Present for Our Children

28:59 The Quest for Happiness through Relationships

36:13 The Importance of Friendship in Adulthood

46:54 The Evolution of Friendship

48:35 The Depth of Connection

51:17 Being vs. Doing in Friendship

53:39 Nurturing Friendships

55:26 The Gradations of Friendship

57:12 Intentionality in Relationships

59:53 Grief and Loss in Friendship

01:02:42 Shared Interests and Adventures

01:04:00 Values and Connection

01:07:09 The Importance of Vulnerability

01:09:21 Building a Community of Men

01:10:46 The Dynamics of Friendship

01:11:42 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Kelly Gardner and Dr. Michael Donovan explore the themes of masculinity, fatherhood, and the importance of emotional growth in relationships. They discuss the significance of storytelling in personal development, the dynamics of attraction, and the balance between individuality and community. The dialogue emphasizes the need for authenticity, vulnerability, and the willingness to make sacrifices in relationships, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

0:00 Introduction to Men's Groups and Personal Growth

57:02 Men Who Lead: A Year-Long Program for Fitness

1:01:12 Balancing Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation

1:05:55 Improving Strength, Leanness, and Endurance

1:13:55 Introduction and the Role of Nutrition

1:21:55 Getting Stronger and Leaner

1:27:09 Building Endurance

1:33:31 The Importance of Core Strength and Compound Movements

1:36:20 The Role of Rest and Recovery

Find more about Kelly here: https://www.kellygardner.com/

Find more about Dr. Donovan here: https://factfueledfitness.com/

In this conversation, Dr. Michael Donovan speaks with Rachel Ellery, a licensed occupational therapist and movement specialist, about her journey in health and coaching. Rachel shares her experiences transitioning from traditional therapy to a more holistic coaching approach, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, flexibility, and understanding the individual needs of clients. They discuss the significance of asking the right questions, the role of inspiration and motivation, and practical takeaways for listeners looking to improve their health and well-being.

Find Rachel on

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relery/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-elery

Dr. Donovan's website: FactFueledFitness.com

0:00 Introduction to Rachel Ellery's Journey

01:21 From Corporate to Creative: Rachel's Career Path

06:28 Finding Purpose in Occupational Therapy

10:28 The Impulsive Entrepreneur: Starting a Business

15:21 Overcoming Perfectionism in Business

19:03 The Holistic Approach to Coaching

24:06 Tailored Health: Personalized Supplement Solutions

24:38 Identifying the Ideal Client

26:47 The Rebel Spirit in Health and Longevity

29:13 Navigating the Gray Areas of Health

32:03 The Power of Questioning in Health Practices

34:48 The Importance of Context in Coaching

37:25 Navigating the Complexities of Coaching

39:46 The Role of Belief in Coaching

43:45 Seeing Potential in Clients

45:44 Inspiration and Motivation in Coaching

51:55 Starting Your Fitness Journey

57:52 Embracing Change and Fluidity in Fitness

Steve Morris emphasizes the importance of mindset as the foundation for effective actions and success. We discuss the process of reverse engineering desires to align actions with goals, the influence of internal dialogue on reality and the creation of effective habits that support personal development.

Fitness entrepreneur Graham King discusses his journey from a corporate gym trainer to a successful gym owner. Discover Graham's unique insights on fitness marketing, the power of community, and how to keep workouts spicy and engaging. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or an aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

Graham's Gym: https://urbanathletic.club/

Graham's Instagram: @grahamonthemove

Reach out to Dr. Michael Donovan @ FactFueledFitness.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmichaeldonovan/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.michael.donovan

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@factfueledfitness