Pulse Ox

In this episode of the Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with Gary Goldstein, CEO of Incyntive, for a candid discussion about surviving economic cycles, the future of work, and the personal lessons that shape both business and life.Here’s what you’ll discover:Weathering the Storms of Business: Gary recounts his early days pioneering online benefits administration (think the dial-up era!) and how the busts of the dot-com bubble shaped his approach to sustainability, adaptability, and rapid MVP development.Building Incyntive: Learn what sets Incyntive apart in the crowded HR tech landscape, Gary’s insights into automating HR processes, and how his small but mighty global team (shoutout to North Macedonia!) is solving real pain points for mid-market and enterprise clients.Perspectives on Money and Economics: The conversation takes a deep dive into the shifting sands of global economics, dollar supremacy, and the emerging uncertainties shaping the next four years of business. Gary shares his predictions—tempered with humility—on what might be next.Resilience at Home: In a touching and honest moment, Gary opens up about his wife’s battle with cancer. He reflects on what truly matters, shares the lessons he’s learned about family, gratitude, and living every day to the fullest.Advice for the Journey: Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, Gary’s advice to his younger self will resonate: trust yourself, embrace the nonlinear path to success, and remember that life is happening for you, not to you.Where to Find Gary:Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garymgoldstein/Learn more about Incyntive: www.incyntive.com0:00 Incynto's Product Integration Solution03:07 HR Change Management & Leave Solutions07:34 Lessons from the Dotcom Bust10:35 US Economic Dynamics and Global Alliances13:03 Unexpected Medical Discovery15:44 Gratitude for Family and Life—If this episode moved you or sparked a new idea, please leave us a like on Spotify and share with someone who needs a dose of inspiration today!

In this unforgettable episode of The Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with Dr. Hanul Bhandari—neurologist, sleep medicine specialist, founder of Brainology, and Chief Medical Officer at Sarana Health—to dive deep into a true, life-altering experience that has shaped his journey both as a person and a physician.Dr. Bhandari shares a gripping story from his medical school days. On the day of an important residency interview, he encounters a mysterious janitor who warns him not to use the elevator and urges him to take the stairs instead. Moments later, the very elevator he avoided crashes to the bottom of the building, with all its safety features failing. This brush with the unexplainable—and the janitor with the unforgettable blue eyes, who later seems to have never existed—sets Dr. Bhandari on a path of introspection and service.Listen in as Dr. Bhandari explains how this moment changed the course of his life, inspiring him to dedicate himself not just to medicine, but to serving on a much larger scale. He discusses how this "divine intervention" continues to guide his personal and professional decisions, and how he tries to tune into that inner compass when making important choices.Key themes:The power of intuition and following gut instinctsEncounters with the unexplainable and their impact on life's directionThe profound sense of purpose that arises after near-miss experiencesService, humility, and living with a sense of callingDr. Bhandari also offers insights into his unique approach to medicine, leadership, and helping others on a broader scale. Don’t miss this touching episode, full of wonder, wisdom, and a reminder that sometimes, we’re guided by forces greater than ourselves.Connect with Dr. Hanul Bhandari:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanulbhandari/Brainology: brainology.coIf this episode resonated with you, please give us a like on Spotify and share it with a friend!

In this deeply moving episode, host Eric Stopper sits down with Geoffrey Roche, Director of Workforce Development at Siemens Healthineers, motivational speaker, and revered “heart leader” known for his authentic leadership on and offline.Geoffrey shares his powerful personal journey—from enduring years of fainting spells and medical confusion due to a dangerously low heart rate, to finally receiving a life-saving pacemaker at a young age, thanks to the unyielding advocacy of his nurse mother. He takes us through the emotional moments leading up to his diagnosis, the unexpected challenges of getting a pacemaker as a young runner, and the bittersweet full-circle experience of meeting the Medtronic scientist who helped create the device that keeps his heart beating.But Geoffrey’s story doesn’t stop at survival. He dives into the transformative impact this experience had on his life purpose and work. Driven by gratitude and a sense of calling, Geoffrey champions a new style of leadership—one that puts people and heart first. He shares how he uses storytelling and authenticity to inspire others, and why he believes workplace culture can literally affect our hearts.Geoffrey also reveals the personal rituals that keep him grounded, from running (pacemaker and all!) to cherishing time with his three sons, and being intentional about daily gratitude.Key Moments:-Overcoming medical adversity at a young age-The impact of family advocacy in healthcare journeys-Life, loss, and legacy: connecting generational stories-The intersection of technology, medicine, and humanity-Why heart-centered leadership matters now more than ever-The daily practices that lead to purpose and balanceConnect with Geoffrey Roche:You can find him on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreymroche/If this story inspired you, give us a like on Spotify and share this episode with a friend who needs a reminder of the power of resilience, heart, and authentic leadership.Pulse Ox Podcast – Every episode brings you stories at the intersection of medicine, leadership, and the human experience.Follow MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstopper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstopper11/My Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5f2XoyL8Paw9V1K08jvAvz?si=ad06061c9b594bf9Scale Your Business With Pay-Per-Lead Laser Targeted Prospects While Only Paying For Performancehttps://www.profitibull.com/

Hey, welcome back! Today we’ve got Erik Huberman, founder and CEO of Hawke Media, sharing real talk about entrepreneurial stress, decision paralysis, and why trusting your gut isn’t always some woo-woo magic—it’s just your brain working overtime. If you’ve ever felt stuck, stressed, or just curious how top founders deal with the chaos, you don’t want to miss this one. Let’s dive in!What happens when you choose passion over profit, resilience over reaction, and trust your gut instead of industry dogma? In this inspiring episode, host Eric Stopper sits down with Erik Huberman, the founder and CEO of Hawk Media, to unpack the highs and lows of entrepreneurship and the unconventional path he’s forged in the world of marketing agencies.Key Takeaways:Forging Your Own Path: Erik reveals why staying true to his vision—serving small and medium businesses—meant resisting industry pressure to “go upmarket” and only chase big Fortune 2000 clients.The Power (and Rationality) of Gut Instincts: Delving into his decision-making process, Erik explains how he balances data, industry advice, and intuition to guide pivotal business choices.Stress, Resilience & Mental Health: Candidly sharing his own battles with anxiety and stress, Erik opens up about learning to compartmentalize, finding gratitude amid chaos, and celebrating small wins to counteract decision paralysis.Sustainable Leadership: Discover Erik’s personal mantras and actionable strategies for managing existential business crises, developing mental resilience, and keeping both personal and team motivation high—even when times get tough.Redefining Success: Why the traditional “agency playbook” isn’t always the best fit, and how building a business around genuine need (not just enterprise value) can be both rewarding and lucrative.This episode is packed with authentic advice and real-world stories for founders, marketers, and anyone navigating the unpredictable journey of entrepreneurship. Erik’s transparency about his challenges—and how he overcame them—is a must-listen for leaders looking to build not just a business, but a fulfilling, sustainable career.Connect with Erik Huberman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikhuberman/00:00 "Go Big or Go Under"03:51 Up-Market Shift: A Misfit Choice09:08 Embracing Hard Work and Awareness11:51 Overcoming Entrepreneurial Stress16:18 "Finding Gratitude Over Anxiety"17:01 Progress Through Challenges20:51 "Mental Reassurance through Simple Meditation"Follow MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstopper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstopper11/My Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5f2XoyL8Paw9V1K08jvAvz?si=ad06061c9b594bf9Scale Your Business With Pay-Per-Lead Laser Targeted Prospects While Only Paying For Performancehttps://www.profitibull.com/

In this powerful and refreshingly candid episode of the Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with Nancy A. Shenker—entrepreneur, writer, speaker, and founder of The On Switch marketing agency. Nancy’s journey is anything but ordinary: from battling major health and financial setbacks to embracing a creative, purpose-driven life in her late 60s, Nancy speaks with vulnerability and wit about the real “secrets” behind longevity, happiness, and resilience.Highlights from the conversation:Redefining Success Over 60: Nancy opens up about what it means to still be “getting started” after a long and winding career, inspired by role models like Demi Moore and J.K. Rowling.Facing the Darks & Coaxing the Sunrise: Honest talk about how she handled everything from serious illness to deep financial loss, and the rituals and reflections that help her “coax the sunrise” when life feels overwhelming.Journaling & Mental Health: Both Nancy and Eric share their personal journaling strategies, quirky lists, and the importance of documenting wins, gratitude, and joy—big and small.Comparing Less, Celebrating More: Why comparing ourselves to others is a losing game, and how to humanize success rather than let it deflate us.Building a Life After Setbacks: A behind-the-scenes look at losing a quarter of a million dollars in business, surviving it, and emerging with a leaner, wiser company—and mindset.Practical Wisdom: Nancy’s “three-column journal” technique, her list of 100 little things that make her happy, and the enduring importance of community, therapy, and reflection.Why You’ll Love This Episode:Nancy doesn’t sugarcoat the realities of aging, entrepreneurship, or mental health. If you’re looking for real talk from someone who’s seen it all—and still wakes up grateful every single day—you’ll find laughter, comfort, and inspiration in this episode.Where to Find Nancy:Follow her main Instagram @theonswitch for insights and updates—including the launch of her new personal brand this February!If this episode resonates with you, please take a moment to like, share, and review the show. Your support keeps these important conversations coming.Pulse Ox Podcast: The reality behind resilience, every episode.Follow MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstopper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstopper11/My Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5f2XoyL8Paw9V1K08jvAvz?si=ad06061c9b594bf9Scale Your Business With Pay-Per-Lead Laser Targeted Prospects While Only Paying For Performancehttps://www.profitibull.com/

In this inspiring episode of the Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with the legendary Chris Widener—world-renowned speaker, author of 25 books (and counting!), business coach, and life-long mentor. Chris opens up about his extraordinary journey, sharing stories that span personal triumphs, brutal setbacks, and everything in between.What You’ll Hear in This Episode:A Life Less Ordinary: Chris recounts growing up with immense challenges, from losing his father at age four to attending eleven different schools and even starting drugs in sixth grade. Despite the odds, a fortuitous experience as a ball boy for the Seattle SuperSonics (including a championship ticker tape parade at age 13!) put him on a path to remarkable experiences and personal growth.From the Pulpit to Poker: Discover how Chris’s diverse career has included everything from pastoring for 14 years to playing in the World Series of Poker. Learn how he remains driven by his mission to help others turn their potential into performance across every area of life.Bucket Lists & Wisdom: Chris shares how he achieved nearly all of his ‘100 life goals’—from private jets to dream homes—and what’s still left to check off. He talks about the shift from chasing highs to finding joy in mentorship, simple pleasures (like shark meat tacos!), and travel dreams closer to home.Legacy & Mentorship: With deep honesty, Chris details his most painful setbacks, including divorce and financial loss, and reveals the mindset that carried him through: “You’re going to be past it a lot longer than it takes to go through it.” He passionately discusses the lack of rites of passage for young men and shares his hopes for reviving mentorship and ceremonial traditions.The Good Life Defined: For Chris, the secret is simple yet profound: serve others. He brings timeless advice from Zig Ziglar and modern research, reminding us that fulfillment comes from helping those around us get what they want from life.Favorite Quotes:“Life is good stuff set against the backdrop of bad stuff. Or vice versa.”“The secret to a good life is to serve others… If you help enough people get what they want, you can have anything you want in life.”“You’re going to be past it a lot longer than it takes you to go through it.”Connect with Chris Widener:Website: ChrisWidener.comLatest book: Coming American RevivalEmail: [email protected]: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriswidener/Find all his books and audio programs on AmazonIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and subscribe—let’s keep the good life growing!Follow MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstopper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstopper11/My Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5f2XoyL8Paw9V1K08jvAvz?si=ad06061c9b594bf9Scale Your Business With Pay-Per-Lead Laser Targeted Prospects While Only Paying For Performancehttps://www.profitibull.com/

In this episode of The Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with Spencer Taylor, CEO of Medicaid Soft and lifelong entrepreneur, for a refreshingly honest exploration of business, miracles, and the messiness of spiritual searching.From Startup Struggles to Spiritual BreakthroughsEric takes a vulnerable turn in the podcast’s new direction, asking Spencer about the miracle, mystical, and spiritual moments that have shaped his entrepreneurial journey. Spencer shares powerful stories from the trenches—like the surprising series of events that helped him secure crucial funding for Medicaid Soft after relentless effort and, in his view, a little divine intervention.Why Suffering Is (Probably) Part of the ProcessTogether, Eric and Spencer dig into the pain and friction that comes from chasing ambitious goals. Drawing on the survival tale of Alexander Selkirk (the real-life “Robinson Crusoe”), Spencer reframes suffering not as something to avoid, but as an essential part of “activation”—the process of becoming and thriving, even amid struggle.Balancing Business and JoyEric opens up about recent professional losses and personal spiritual searching—from business shutdowns to walking through existential doubt. Spencer offers thoughtful perspectives on finding balance, processing stress, and recognizing the impact of hardship, even before you have time to make sense of it all.Is It All In Your Head—or Is Someone (or Something) There?As the episode winds down, the conversation hits at the heart of spiritual experience: Is the “spirit” something outside us, or is it chemistry and synapses in our brains? Spencer shares his certainty in an unseen, benevolent influence—while Eric keeps searching for answers through doubt, deconstruction, and honest questioning.Episode Highlights:A real story of business miracles and how “out-of-the-blue” moments can shape successThe philosophy of “activation” and why struggle might just be what brings us aliveCoping with unexpected setbacks and learning to process entrepreneurial stressRaw talk on faith journeys, doubt, and what it means to seek spiritual connectionWhere to Find Spencer:Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencertaylor24/Learn about Medicaid Soft: medicaidsoft.comIf this episode resonated with you, please leave us a like on Spotify and share it with a friend who might benefit from a little entrepreneurial encouragement and some spiritual food for thought.Follow MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstopper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstopper11/My Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5f2XoyL8Paw9V1K08jvAvz?si=ad06061c9b594bf9Scale Your Business With Pay-Per-Lead Laser Targeted Prospects While Only Paying For Performancehttps://www.profitibull.com/

Show Notes: The Unexpected Paths of Entrepreneurship with Rieva LesonskyIn this soul-stirring episode of The Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper welcomes Rieva Lesonsky—President of Small Business Currents and a trailblazing advocate for entrepreneurs nationwide. With over 40 years dedicated to covering the world of entrepreneurship, Rieva brings a treasure trove of wisdom, remarkable stories, and an inspiring perspective on following your inner voice.What’s Inside:A Guided Journey: Rieva shares the incredible story of how a mysterious voice led her to the prestigious University of Missouri’s journalism school. Hear how her intuition—and perhaps something more—redirected her life’s path, opening doors she never expected.Beyond Logic: The conversation turns to Rieva’s personal experiences with the supernatural, including Ouija boards, spiritual guidance, and what she truly believes about life after life. She talks candidly about her early loss of a grandparent and the ways those encounters shaped her worldview.Challenging the Status Quo: Growing up in an era with narrow career expectations for women, Rieva dives deep into the sexism she faced and how a spontaneous declaration to become a journalist set her on a path to shatter glass ceilings—eventually becoming the editor of Entrepreneur magazine.Words of Wisdom: If you could send a message to your younger, vulnerable self, what would you say? Rieva shares the letter she’d send, reminding all listeners to tune out external doubts and follow their passions relentlessly.Staying Connected: Find out where you can reach Rieva for advice, stories, and inspiration—whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or just craving a meaningful conversation.Where to Find Rieva:Email: [email protected] & Twitter (“X”): Rieva Lesonsky (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rieva-lesonsky-b782835/)Blue Sky: Her preferred platform!Why Listen? If you’ve ever felt uncertain about your next move, hit a wall of doubt, or wondered if your gut instinct could change your life, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover how trusting your inner voice—and sometimes the unexplained—can lead to extraordinary possibilities.Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode if you found it valuable. Your support keeps us bringing amazing stories to your ears!Some Overview:00:00 Mystery Voice Guides Library Trip04:46 "Ouija Board and Lost Connection"07:48 Mysticism, Reincarnation, and Bible Changes10:55 Aspiring Journalist Under Pressure12:41 "No Limits Upbringing"Follow MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstopper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstopper11/My Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5f2XoyL8Paw9V1K08jvAvz?si=ad06061c9b594bf9Scale Your Business With Pay-Per-Lead Laser Targeted Prospects While Only Paying For Performancehttps://www.profitibull.com/

Show Notes: Mike O’Donnell — Finding Your Ikigai, Surviving Tragedy, and Riding the AI Wave

In this powerful episode of The Pulse Ox Podcast, host Eric Stopper sits down with legendary tech entrepreneur, angel investor, and mentor Mike O’Donnell. Buckle in for a conversation that weaves together entrepreneurial wisdom, personal vulnerability, and the boundless potential of new technology.

Mike shares his incredible journey: from building and selling tech companies, mentoring hundreds of startups, and investing in over 25 companies, to his later experiences as a teacher and venture capitalist. He opens up about finding his “ikigai” (life’s purpose), the good and bad advice he’s received and given, and the importance of thinking big and breaking down goals into actionable steps.

In an especially gripping and vulnerable segment, Mike recounts the tragedy of losing his business partner to a senseless act of violence—and how he rejuvenated after being wrongfully eyed as a suspect. His advice on keeping perspective in the face of tragedy is truly moving.

Key topics include:

• Redefining entrepreneurial focus: Think big, but act in small, consistent steps.

• The myth of the “golden ticket” in mentorship—and why every founder’s vision is unique.

• Why chasing investors too early is a mistake and what you should focus on instead.

• The role of mentors, and how a life-changing relationship and Japanese wisdom shaped Mike's journey.

• How to find your “ikigai”—the sweet spot between what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what pays.

• Mike’s emotional journey through unimaginable loss, and the perspective that carried him forward.

• The exciting explosion of AI: Why now is the time for entrepreneurs to “catch the wave,” learn, innovate, and let technology guide new visions.

• Introducing “Times of My Life”: Mike’s new AI-driven project that writes, records, and preserves anyone’s story in video, audio, and print—all for $1.

You’ll also hear about precious family memories lost in Hurricane Katrina, the importance of legacy, and practical, heartfelt advice for anyone at the crossroads of life or business.

Don’t miss this episode if you need inspiration, tactical entrepreneurial advice, or just a reminder that you can rebuild and thrive—no matter what life throws at you.

🔗 Learn more about Mike’s new project: Times of My Life

If this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend and leave us a review. Your support keeps these important conversations going!

00:00 Vision Redefined: Broaden Your Business

03:45 Mission to Financially Free Millions

07:28 Discovering Your Life's Purpose

12:15 "Advice for Past Vulnerable Self"

14:35 Perspective on Tragedy and Recovery

19:14 "Embrace AI: Master Prompt Engineering"

20:43 Prioritize Customers Over Funding

23:59 Heritage Lost to Hurricane KatrinaMike O'Donnell LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeodonnell/Follow MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstopper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstopper11/My Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5f2XoyL8Paw9V1K08jvAvz?si=ad06061c9b594bf9Scale Your Business With Pay-Per-Lead Laser Targeted Prospects While Only Paying For Performancehttps://www.profitibull.com/

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Pulse Ox podcast, where host Eric Stopper sits down with the intriguing Dr. Mary O'Connor. With a rich professional background as an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. O'Connor shares her journey from a long-standing career at the Mayo Clinic into founding Vori Health—a trailblazing virtual first musculoskeletal medical practice.

As they delve into the complexities of musculoskeletal health, Dr. O'Connor highlights innovative approaches to pain management and the critical mindset shifts needed for long-term well-being. Discover practical advice for athletes and active individuals on injury prevention and neck strengthening exercises.

Eric and Mary also touch upon the impact of new weight loss medications, emphasizing the significance of lifestyle changes to sustain health improvements. They discuss the vicious cycles tied to joint pain and obesity, and how these are exacerbated by societal and policy factors.

In a thought-provoking segment, Dr. O'Connor shares a mystical childhood experience of déjà vu and explores her passion for advocating women's health equity. Her new book, "Taking Care of You: The Empowered Woman's Guide to Better Health," emerges as a fundamental resource for women to better navigate their health journey in a male-dominated medical field.

Tune in to uncover insights on promoting wellness, challenging traditional health paradigms, and learn from stories that intertwine mystical experiences with medical expertise. Whether you're interested in personal health advocacy or the intersection of medicine and society, this episode offers an abundance of wisdom and inspiration.

Don't miss out on this episode of the Pulse Ox podcast to revolutionize how you think about health and healing. If you find this conversation valuable, support us by liking the episode on Spotify and sharing it with your friends.

Join Eric Stopper as he delves into a conversation with Mary O'Connor, MD, a prominent orthopedic surgeon. Discover insights into musculoskeletal health and lifestyle changes.

• Mary shares her background and the founding of Vori Health, a virtual musculoskeletal medical practice.

• Eric discusses personal injury experiences and seeks Mary's expertise on injury prevention.

• The importance of lifestyle changes alongside modern weight loss medications is explored.

• Mary emphasizes addressing social determinants of health to break the cycle of joint pain.

• The episode concludes with insights into Mary’s book aimed at empowering women's health.

00:00 Virtual Musculoskeletal Care Pioneer

05:02 GLP1 Weight Loss Breakthrough

07:48 Social Determinants in Surgery Decisions

12:21 "Start Improving Habits with Atomic Habits"

14:42 Childhood Deja Vu Experience

19:19 The Impact of Role Models

21:07 Advocating Women's Health in MedicineConnect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryoconnormd/Follow MeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericstopper/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericstopper11/My Spotify Podcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/5f2XoyL8Paw9V1K08jvAvz?si=ad06061c9b594bf9Scale Your Business With Pay-Per-Lead Laser Targeted Prospects While Only Paying For Performancehttps://www.profitibull.com/