The Eternal Optimist

Mitch 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 reveals how emotional triggers hijack our minds and how we can use self-awareness, internal dialogue, and mindful distraction to shift from reactivity to resilience.

Whether you're a leader navigating high-stakes decisions or an educator inspiring the next generation, this episode offers a rich toolkit to help you stop your brain from sabotaging your happiness and success. Tune in for a conversation full of radical acceptance, leadership growth, and timeless wisdom—because taking charge of your mindset might just change everything.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Betting on Herself & Starting from Scratch
• 00:01:02 - Meet Dorota Wallace: From Nursing to NYC Spa Royalty
• 00:02:06 - Corporate Burnout to Spa Breakthrough
• 00:04:01 - What a Failed Partnership Taught Her About Business
• 00:08:34 - Groupon Goldmine: How She Converted 75% of Clients
• 00:12:45 - Building a Spa That Feels Like a Five-Star Hotel
• 00:20:12 - Her No-Fluff Approach to Skincare Protocols
• 00:21:42 - The Real ROI of Relationship-First Business
• 00:23:33 - How to Turn First-Time Clients Into Lifelong Fans
• 00:27:04 - From Burned Out to CEO: Her Biggest Mindset Shift
• 00:31:36 - Trendspotting & Why She Won’t Sell Just Anything
• 00:39:19 - Real Talk: What It Takes to Thrive in the Spa Industry
• 00:40:51 - What’s Next for Berry Blonde Spa?

Links And Resources:

• MindShiftingWithMitch.com
• MindShiftingEducators.org
• 📚 Book: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success – Available on Amazon
• Mitch Weisburgh on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What 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 transform lives. Aidan unpacks how \$100/month can sponsor someone to meditate full-time, directing love back to donors and their own communities. From energetic reciprocity to rethinking philanthropy, this conversation is more than an idea—it’s a movement.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Opening the Door to Something Bigger
• 00:01:14 - Growing Up in Chaos, Searching for Peace
• 00:04:09 - Running Away—and Running Toward Purpose
• 00:08:08 - A New Family, A New Frequency
• 00:12:36 - The Moment the Love Project Was Born
• 00:16:23 - Turning Love Into a Measurable Force
• 00:19:49 - The Accident That Changed Everything
• 00:22:29 - Building a Love-Powered Movement in the Philippines
• 00:23:14 - Teaching Children to Meditate for the World
• 00:24:07 - Planting Seeds of Love in Pakistan
• 00:25:19 - Scaling a Global Energy Shift
• 00:26:23 - How Giving Love Changed Entire Communities
• 00:28:51 - Creating Connections That Heal on Both Sides
• 00:34:24 - Meditation as the Gateway to Becoming
• 00:37:55 - Lightning Round: Lessons, Love, and What’s Next

Links And Resources:

•  The World's Greatest Experiment Website
•  Adrian on LinkedIn 
•  Mentioned: Dr. Joe Dispenza

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt 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 his life and mission. This episode will leave you inspired to turn your struggles into strength.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to a Story of Grit and Gold
• 00:01:01 - Introducing Brian ‘Big Country’ Conwell
• 00:01:18 - Trading a D1 Scholarship for the Front Lines
• 00:03:12 - Crushed, Broken, and Determined to Rise
• 00:06:50 - Ownership: The Moment Everything Changed
• 00:10:52 - Rebuilding Through Adaptive Sports and Healing
• 00:14:04 - The Birth of Veterans Battle Grounds
• 00:25:33 - Final Reflections and Rapid-Fire Wisdom

Links And Resources:

• Guest Website: https://vbgg.org/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bigcountry-conwell-ab1aa4246/

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt 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 to give back to the communities that raised her. Together, Matt and Rukshana dive into the real meaning of service, leadership born through adversity, and the tools she uses today to help women worldwide reclaim their purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how hardship can fuel a life of mission-driven impact, this conversation is for you.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Stepping Into the Eternal Optimist Journey
• 00:01:42 - Rukhsana Triem: From Refugee Camps to World Changer
• 00:03:22 - Battling the Odds: Life Inside a Refugee Camp
• 00:05:45 - Starting Over: The Grit of Single Motherhood
• 00:11:01 - Turning Anger Into Growth: A Healing Journey
• 00:15:00 - Lighting the Way: Empowering Women Across Africa
• 00:18:40 - Smart Travel Insights for Emerging Destinations
• 00:19:00 - Finding Health, Purpose, and New Beginnings
• 00:22:24 - Building Dreams: Schools That Change Lives
• 00:29:10 - Village Life vs. City Life: Realities of Africa
• 00:31:25 - Coaching, Leadership, and Living with Purpose
• 00:33:38 - Books, Beats, and Building a Stronger Mind
• 00:35:46 - Parting Wisdom: Staying Eternally Optimistic

Links And Resources:

• Firmina Foundation
• Women’s Lifestyle Coaching
• Rukshana Triem on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What 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 people—moms, dads, and everyday folks—who just want to feel better and live longer without being trapped in diet culture. She also created a second business, Prosper Nutrition Coaching, to train the next generation of coaches to teach healthy habits in a shame-free way.

Whether you’re a leader looking for systems to scale, a coach building a purpose-driven business, or someone searching for strength after struggle, this episode delivers heart, insight, and hope.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Welcome to Your Weekly Dose of Optimism
• 00:00:39 – Meet Jen Broxterman: Beating the Odds, Changing Lives
• 00:01:23 – Fueling Passion: Why Nutrition Chose Jen
• 00:03:22 – The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything
• 00:05:06 – Facing Cancer with Courage and Purpose
• 00:11:08 – How Forgiveness Helped Save Her Life
• 00:15:45 – Radical Remission: The Healing Blueprint
• 00:18:45 – The “Healing List” That Transformed Jen’s Health
• 00:19:21 – Jen’s Daily Non-Negotiables for Wellness
• 00:20:00 – Breaking Free from Sugar and Shame
• 00:23:08 – Mastering the Three Circles of Control
• 00:27:34 – Why Kind Nerds Make the Best Coaches
• 00:30:05 – Game-Changing Free Tools for Nutrition Leaders
• 00:32:10 – Jen’s Final Wisdom Bombs You’ll Want to Hear

Links And Resources:

• Prosper Nutrition Coaching
• NutritionRx
• Precision Nutrition
• Jen on LinkedIn
• Jen on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt 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 First 15), a total mindset reset, and relentless personal accountability helped Matt reclaim his health, career, and purpose. This episode is packed with fire for anyone chasing greatness through grit.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist Podcast
• 00:00:20 - Meet Matt Scoletti: From Rock Bottom to Ultra Beast
• 00:01:39 - Ball Courts to Bar Nights: A Dream Derailed
• 00:04:32 - The Night That Changed Everything
• 00:09:11 - Building Resilience Through Rock Bottom
• 00:16:53 - Redemption Through Endurance and Purpose
• 00:19:36 - Helping Natalie: A Moment That Matters
• 00:24:35 - Tears, Triumph, and the Finish Line
• 00:26:11 - Breaking the Chains of Self-Doubt
• 00:27:27 - 5X Ironman: Pushing the Human Limit
• 00:31:13 - Turning Failure Into Your Fuel
• 00:37:49 - Books That Lit the Fire
• 00:41:22 - Beats That Power the Grind
• 00:43:34 - Living Life as an Eternal Optimist

Links And Resources:

• Matt Scoletti’s Website
• Average to Savage Podcast
• Matt Scoletti on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt 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 strategy that helped her build a business and life of freedom. She shares how to rewire identity, eliminate limiting beliefs, and lead with purpose, no matter your starting point. This is an absolute must-listen for entrepreneurs, marketers, and growth-minded professionals ready to shift from stuck to unstoppable.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist Podcast—Where Comebacks Begin
• 00:00:21 - Enter Toyin Crandell: From the Edge to Empowerment
• 00:01:05 - Homeless, Hopeless... Then Everything Changed
• 00:07:58 - When Money Became Mission-Critical
• 00:11:53 - Smashing the Lies That Keep Us Broke
• 00:17:25 - Building a Faith-Fueled Empire Without Losing What Matters
• 00:24:32 - Bombed on Stage? Here’s What She Did Next
• 00:25:49 - When a Slip-Up Sparks a Breakthrough
• 00:27:34 - The Criticism That Could’ve Crushed Her—but Didn’t
• 00:29:38 - Pain to Power: How Toyin Turned Struggle into Strategy
• 00:31:54 - When Obedience Becomes a Superpower
• 00:36:47 - Why Her Coaching Doesn’t Just Teach—it Transforms
• 00:40:01 - Healing in Harmony: Toyin’s Unexpected Creative Outlet
• 00:44:53 - Wisdom That’ll Stick With You Long After the Episode Ends

Links And Resources:

• Website
• LinkedIn
• Spotify Music
• Free Trainings
• Money Mindset Shift & Radical Obedience

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt 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 risk management, Chris shares lessons from starting and acquiring multiple businesses, why he’s always had the entrepreneurial bug, and how he uses optimism and curiosity as tools for personal and professional growth. For leaders who juggle business, family, and everything in between, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that joy and challenge often go hand in hand.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist: Meet Chris Hillier
• 00:00:36 - Joy in the Mess: Finding Positivity in Chaos
• 00:01:36 - From Parker, CO to Purpose: Chris Hillier’s Origin Story
• 00:03:10 - Bitten by the Bug: When Entrepreneurship Called
• 00:05:40 - Building Companies, Raising Kids: The Family Startup Equation
• 00:12:45 - Chaos Meets Clarity: Balancing Business and Parenthood
• 00:14:53 - Creating Space to Think: Time, Energy, and Awareness
• 00:22:30 - The Time Trap: Why Most Leaders Are Overwhelmed
• 00:23:11 - Track It or Lose It: The Power of Time Logging
• 00:23:59 - Let It Go: Delegation and Automation that Actually Work
• 00:25:08 - Life Integration: Where Personal and Professional Meet
• 00:30:26 - Growth by Reflection: How Feedback Shapes Us
• 00:37:43 - Leading with Heart: Service, Empathy, and True Impact
• 00:39:17 - One Last Drop of Wisdom: Closing Thoughts & Tools
• 00:41:11 - Lightning Round: Books, Music, and What Inspires Chris
• 00:43:19 - What Is Eternal Optimism? Chris’s Definition

Links And Resources:

• Christopher on LinkedIn

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt 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. With a blend of authenticity, dark humor, and insight, Nema reflects on how he uses his voice to help others connect, lead, and grow. Whether you’re a founder, manager, or creative professional, this episode offers profound lessons on turning adversity into advantage and embracing the broken parts as the places where true strength is formed.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - An Instant Connection: How Matt and Nema’s Conversation Sparked
• 00:01:05 - Growing Up Without a Father: Nema’s Story of Resilience
• 00:02:53 - Finding Light in the Dark: Humor as a Tool for Healing
• 00:07:07 - Choosing Gratitude: Staying Optimistic Through Struggles
• 00:12:08 - The Accident That Changed Everything
• 00:19:08 - Grace Under Pressure: Shifting Your Perspective
• 00:23:08 - Affluence, Identity, and the Parenting Tightrope
• 00:24:48 - Remembering Where You Came From: Wealth and Perspective
• 00:25:37 - Teaching Kids the Hustle: Earning vs. Entitlement
• 00:27:47 - The Eternal Optimist’s Mindset in Real Life
• 00:36:32 - Detoxing Negativity and Finding Peace Within
• 00:40:52 - Books, Beats, and What’s Fueling Nema Right Now
• 00:43:21 - Life in Review: The Moments That Matter Most

Links And Resources:

• Nema on LinkedIn
• Nema on Instagram

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Scott 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. Scott breaks down the four key equations every investor needs to know, the discipline required to avoid bad deals, and why real estate can be a strong strategy for financial stability. With Scott’s analytical approach and decades of experience, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to navigate real estate with confidence.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist – Let’s Go!
• 00:00:55 - Meet Scott Krusemark: Investor, Mentor & Resilient Entrepreneur
• 00:01:39 - From Tech to Real Estate – Scott’s Unexpected Path
• 00:03:41 - Living with Asperger’s: Turning Challenges Into Strengths
• 00:06:25 - Rewriting His Story: Overcoming Life’s Biggest Struggles
• 00:19:37 - Love, Marriage & the Unexpected Journey That Followed
• 00:25:31 - Jumping into Real Estate – The First Big Moves
• 00:26:09 - The Costly Mistakes That Every Investor Should Avoid
• 00:28:10 - How the 2008 Crash Took Scott to the Brink
• 00:29:01 - Bankruptcy, Hard Lessons & Bouncing Back Stronger
• 00:31:03 - Why Playing It Safe in Real Estate Pays Off
• 00:32:54 - Scott’s Proven Investment Rules for Long-Term Success
• 00:33:17 - The 70% Rule: The Simple Math That Protects Your Deals
• 00:36:57 - Fix & Flip vs. Rentals – Which One is Right for You?
• 00:37:12 - How to Read the Market & Invest with Confidence
• 00:41:44 - Hard Money Lending Exposed: What Every Investor Must Know
• 00:44:16 - Want to Learn from Scott? Here’s Your Chance
• 00:46:47 - Scott’s Must-Read Books for Wealth & Growth
• 00:48:59 - What It Truly Means to Be an Eternal Optimist

Book Recommendation:

• Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki 
• Cashflow Quadrant – Robert Kiyosaki 
• The Code of the Extraordinary Mind – Vishen Lakhiani

Links And Resources:

• Scott on Linkedin
• How to Hack Real Estate Website

Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!