The Eternal Optimist

John Mitchell shares the missing piece of Think and Grow Rich and how, at age 50, he realized he wasn’t living up to his full potential—despite being a successful entrepreneur. Determined to change his trajectory, he spent months decoding Think and Grow Rich and developed a 12-minute-a-day technique to reprogram his subconscious mind. The results? A 25X increase in income, greater control over his life, and a method that has now helped elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and high achievers unlock their full potential. John breaks down why 95% of our daily thoughts and actions are unconscious, how we can proactively manipulate the subconscious mind, and why only 2% of people are willing to do what it takes to achieve extraordinary success. If you’re ready to rewire your brain and finally take control of your life, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Kicking off another powerful conversation on The Eternal Optimist Podcast
• 00:00:21 – Meet John Mitchell, the entrepreneur who cracked the success code
• 00:01:16 – Hitting 50 and realizing success wasn’t where it should be
• 00:02:37 – Discovering Think and Grow Rich and uncovering its missing piece
• 00:04:02 – Creating a 12-minute daily technique that transformed everything
• 00:05:06 – Bringing the success formula to the University of Texas
• 00:07:14 – Why small, daily actions determine the life you build
• 00:13:59 – Revealing the full secret hidden within Think and Grow Rich
• 00:24:51 – Understanding why repetition is the foundation of success
• 00:30:08 – Meeting a top success expert who validated the method
• 00:31:16 – The 2% rule: What separates high achievers from the rest
• 00:33:16 – How AI and success psychology shaped John’s new book
• 00:34:27 – Where to find the missing success formula that changed his life
• 00:35:32 – Reflecting on the strategies that drive real, lasting results
• 00:38:06 – Exploring the power of Psycho-Cybernetics and mental reprogramming
• 00:39:24 – How music and structure play a role in training the mind
• 00:41:41 – Rewiring your subconscious to achieve bigger goals
• 00:43:38 – Why John is on a mission to help more people become 2%ers
• 00:49:31 – The unexpected journey that led him to his wife, Ginger
• 00:52:13 – How affirmations work when used in the right context
• 00:54:56 – Final thoughts on mastering your mindset and success

Links And Resources:

• John on LinkedIn
• Think It Be It Website
• Free 9-Minute Video on the Missing Secret
• John’s Book - THE MISSING SECRET of the Legendary Book Think and Grow Rich: And a 12-minute-a-day technique to apply it

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!

Roy Dekel’s story is one for the books—Israeli Navy SEAL training, a leap into entrepreneurship with zero connections, and a relentless climb to building and selling multi-million-dollar businesses. In this episode, Matt talks with Roy about the trials and tribulations of scaling, making high-stakes decisions, and why most founders get caught up in the wrong metrics. Roy shares wild stories—from selling $2,000 vacuums door-to-door to navigating venture investing and why trust, not talent, is the real key to success. If you’ve ever wondered how to think like an elite operator in business and life, this one’s a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and making bold moves.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Kicking off with a powerhouse: Meet Roy Dekel
• 00:00:56 - From Navy SEAL training to boardrooms: Roy’s wild journey
• 00:02:25 - Hard lessons: The real struggles of entrepreneurship
• 00:03:04 - Surviving Hell Week: Lessons from SEAL training that apply to business
• 00:06:46 - Starting from zero: The immigrant hustle in the U.S.
• 00:10:24 - Scaling to $12M+ in revenue—what it really takes
• 00:19:28 - When everything is on the line: How to make high-stakes decisions
• 00:27:08 - The art of strategic diving—and why it’s just like running a business
• 00:28:14 - Money, power, and politics: How venture capitalism is shaped by government
• 00:30:45 - Business in different states: Where you thrive and where you struggle
• 00:35:34 - What I look for when buying a company (and what makes me walk away)
• 00:40:31 - Spotting red flags before they sink your business deal
• 00:43:51 - The best advice I can give any entrepreneur right now
• 00:50:19 - Quickfire insights and final thoughts—wrapping up strong!

Book Recommendation:

• Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz

Links and Resources:

• Roy Dekel
• Roy Dekel & Real Estate
• Roy on LinkedIn
• Inc. Masters
• Entrepreneur Magazine

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!

On this episode of the Eternal Optimist, Matt chats with systems and efficiency expert Ernesto Mandowsky to unpack the game-changing strategies behind building a Million-Dollar Machine. Ernesto explains the five key recipes that separate thriving businesses from those stuck in the weeds—transformation, connection, communication, organization, and actualization. They dig into why most entrepreneurs get buried in busy work, how to create a world-class client experience, and the mindset shift required to scale without chaos. If you’re a leader looking to level up your team huddles, deepen client relationships, and build a business that runs like clockwork, this episode is your blueprint for success.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Stepping Into the World of Systems
• 00:00:50 - The Guy Who Makes Chaos Disappear
• 00:01:24 - Gratitude at 3 A.M. With a Newborn
• 00:03:06 - Throwing a $30K Party Changed Everything
• 00:05:51 - The Secret Behind Businesses That Scale
• 00:07:31 - Digital Discipline: Fixing Your Inbox Nightmare
• 00:09:27 - What’s Really Breaking Your Business (Hint: Not Sales)
• 00:12:02 - The Five Recipes to Run a Business Like Clockwork
• 00:15:11 - Connections That Make or Break Your Business
• 00:19:28 - Why Handwritten Gratitude Still Wins
• 00:21:20 - Why Every Business Needs a $10K Offer
• 00:23:12 - Delivering WOW Moments for Clients & Family
• 00:27:10 - Systems: The Difference Between Scaling and Drowning
• 00:33:51 - Actualization: Culture Design That Fuels Growth
• 00:36:55 - Where to Find Ernesto’s Brainpower
• 00:38:11 - Books, Music, and the Eternal Optimist Mindset

Links and Resources:

• Ernesto on LinkedIn
• Ernesto on Instagram
• Million Dollar Machine
• Growth Scorecard
• 3 Ways to Start Building Today
• NewBee by Ernesto Mandowsky

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 one and only Hal Elrod—a man who has literally died, come back, and turned every challenge into fuel for something bigger. From a head-on collision that left him clinically dead for six minutes to beating a rare, aggressive cancer against the odds, Hal shares the mindset shifts and daily habits that helped him not just survive, but thrive. They break down the power of The Miracle Morning, the truth about affirmations (and why most people do them wrong), and how small, intentional choices can transform your life and business. If you’re ready for a wake-up call—before 8 AM—this episode is it!

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – Buckle Up: Welcome to The Eternal Optimist
• 00:00:57 – Meet Hal Elrod: The Man Who Refused to Stay Dead
• 00:02:29 – Family First, Business Second, Ego Never
• 00:05:16 – A 70 MPH Collision, 11 Broken Bones & Six Minutes of Death
• 00:08:04 – The Power of Owning Your Imperfections
• 00:14:13 – Cancer, 30% Survival Odds & Choosing Faith Over Fear
• 00:22:07 – Facing Mortality & Making Every Moment Count
• 00:26:39 – From Adderall to Impeccable Health: The Hard Truth
• 00:28:11 – The Miracle Morning Blueprint That Changed Millions of Lives
• 00:30:57 – Scaling Impact: Schools, Apps & The Future of Mornings
• 00:33:49 – Affirmations That Actually Work (And Why Most Don’t)
• 00:37:20 – Where to Find Hal & Join the Movement
• 00:39:47 – The Lightning Round: Rapid-Fire Wisdom & Final Words

Book Recommendations:

• Michael Singer’s books
• Byron Katie’s books
• Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s books

Links and Resources:

• Hal Elrod
• The Miracle Morning
• Hal on LinkedIn
• Hal on Instagram
• Hal Elrod and the Miracle Morning Routine on YouTube
• Hal’s books

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!

Caitlin MacGregor is a gap closer, a game-changer, and a leader on a mission to revolutionize hiring. As the CEO of Plum, she’s tearing down outdated hiring practices and showing companies how to spot hidden talent using science, not guesswork. In this episode, Caitlin opens up about how she grinded herself into absolute burnout to turning into a leader who puts relationships first and drives results at the same time. She breaks down why resumes lie, how AI is shifting the hiring game, and what companies keep getting wrong about talent. If you’ve ever hired (or been hired), this one’s for you.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 – A Gap Closer Steps Into the Spotlight
• 00:01:27 – From Execution Machine to Relationship-First Leader
• 00:02:35 – The Thing Caitlin Mastered at Home but Ignored at Work
• 00:04:30 – The Wake-Up Call: “You Won’t Have a Marriage to Come Home To”
• 00:09:21 – Rewiring Leadership: Breaking Free From the Old Model
• 00:18:19 – Time Blindness and How It Nearly Derailed Everything
• 00:22:38 – The Aha Moment That Sparked Plum
• 00:26:37 – Making Elite Hiring Tools Accessible to All
• 00:30:29 – A Free Tool That Reveals What You’re Actually Great At
• 00:33:21 – Why Behavioral Skills, Not Experience, Predict Success
• 00:41:10 – Parenting, Anime, and the Surprising Joy of Video Games
• 00:43:51 – What Eternal Optimism Really Means From Someone Who’s Lived It

Links and Resources:

• Caitlin on LinkedIn
• Plum
• WE Charity
• GOQSoftware

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!

Brett Baker, co-founder and visionary of VAUSA®, brings raw energy, unshakable faith, and mission-driven leadership to this episode. A former Army Ranger, combat veteran, and unapologetic straight-shooter, Brett gives us a look at his journey—from the battlefield to building VAUSA®, a company creating meaningful jobs for military spouses. He shares his knowledge about leadership, the power of faith in business, and why his family remains his top priority. Get ready for an intense, no-BS conversation about purpose, service, and making a real impact. 🔥

Chapters

• 00:00 – Brace Yourself: The Brett Baker Experience Begins
• 00:52 – Meet the Man, the Mission, the Mindset
• 01:56 – Roots of a Warrior: Family, Faith & Grit
• 04:23 – VA USA: A Business Born from Battle
• 09:22 – Entrepreneurship: The Unfiltered Truth
• 12:08 – Ranger Life: The Training Grounds for Leadership
• 13:52 – Faith Under Fire: Finding Strength in the Storm
• 18:27 – Building a Business That Actually Matters
• 29:31 – Homesteading: Freedom, Food & the Future
• 39:46 – Rapid-Fire Reflections & Final Words

Links and Resources

• Brett on LinkedIn
• VAUSA®

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 reconnects with Nathan Wray, a high school acquaintance he hasn’t seen in 29 years. Once admired as the "cool kid," Nathan opens up about the hidden struggles he faced behind the facade, revealing a journey of self-discovery, grace, and finding inner worth. They discuss vulnerability, how surface success can mask deep pain, and the lessons we can all learn about giving others—and ourselves—grace.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Reunited After 29 Years
• 00:00:26 - The "Cool Kid" Truth
• 00:01:22 - High School Glory vs. Inner Struggles
• 00:04:05 - Preventing the Next Generation’s Pain
• 00:05:20 - Cubs Hats, Passions, and Parenthood
• 00:07:33 - A Hat That Changed Everything
• 00:12:47 - The Battle for Sobriety Begins
• 00:26:50 - Words That Trigger and Transform
• 00:27:18 - The Journal Entry That Changed His Life
• 00:28:56 - Lessons From Pen to Paper
• 00:31:58 - Back Pain Leads to Purpose
• 00:33:29 - From Recovery to Advocacy
• 00:35:08 - How Speaking Became His Lifeline
• 00:38:45 - Balancing Baseball, Family, and Growth
• 00:41:52 - Four Core Principles for Daily Success
• 00:43:04 - How to Connect With Nathan
• 00:44:54 - Books That Open the Heart
• 00:48:43 - What an Eternal Optimist Stands For

Links and Resources:

• Nathan Wray
• Nathan on LinkedIn
• Nathan 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!

Megghan Thompson, a licensed clinical professional counselor and parent coach, joins Matt to share her expertise in helping parents break free from the cycle of meltdowns and shutdowns with their highly sensitive kids. With over 15 years of experience and a track record of transforming the lives of 800+ families, Megghan reveals eye-opening truths about parenting sensitive children, the myths of gentle parenting, and why resilience starts with the parents themselves. Her journey—from battling insomnia and personal struggles to becoming a sought-after coach—is a story of growth and transformation that will inspire every listener.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - The Guest That Was Recommended Before I Could Ask
• 00:01:19 - Perfect Is Boring, But Growth Isn’t
• 00:02:00 - A Sign That Sparks Curiosity (Literally)
• 00:05:09 - Sleepless Nights, Big Realizations
• 00:08:58 - Coaching Vs. Therapy: One Moment That Changed Everything
• 00:16:08 - Why Sensitivity Is A Strength You Might Be Missing
• 00:23:09 - Parenting Tips They Don’t Teach You In Books
• 00:32:51 - Can Playfulness Really Replace Power Struggles?
• 00:35:04 - Emotional Intensity Decoded
• 00:36:55 - Parents As Emotional Regulators
• 00:39:38 - Techniques That Break Cycles
• 00:41:35 - The One Environment Every Child Needs
• 00:44:20 - When Parents Exude Confidence, Kids Thrive
• 00:45:47 - Final Thoughts And Surprising Resources

Links and Resources:

• Megghan on LinkedIn
• Megghan Thompson Coaching
• Parent Your Highly Sensitive Child Like A Ninja Podcast
• Thompson Child Therapy
• Megghan’s LinkTree

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 Aaron Hageman, a lifelong entrepreneur and visionary leader who scaled his business from $27 million to an astonishing $2 billion. Aaron shares his story of overcoming personal and professional challenges and developing the 75X strategy that redefines business scaling. You’re sure to gain lessons on resilience, strategic planning, and leadership as Aaron takes us into the art of punching through goals and building systems that work for massive growth.

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - Meet a Visionary Guest - Aaron Hageman
• 00:01:09 - A Life of Building and Leading
• 00:04:33 - The Curveballs That Shape Us
• 00:08:15 - The Power of Rest and Resilience
• 00:15:03 - Think Big, Plan Bigger
• 00:21:40 - Breaking Through Limits: A 75X Journey
• 00:25:04 - Dreams Beyond the Horizon
• 00:25:54 - What Martial Arts Taught Business
• 00:26:58 - The People Who Build Empires
• 00:29:57 - Why Your Network Matters Most
• 00:32:53 - Hobbies That Fuel High Achievers
• 00:38:10 - Books, Beats, and Big Ideas
• 00:42:23 - Gratitude as a Growth Mindset

Links and Resources:

• Aaron on LinkedIn
• Aaron on Instagram 
• Hageman Enterprises
• From Dropout to Delivery Kingpin by Aaron Hageman

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 has a very inspiring talk with Sue Saller, a multi-faceted author, coach, and podcaster who opens up about her bold decision to uproot her life, move across the country, and face the challenges of change head-on. She goes into overcoming fear, embracing growth, and finding authenticity in her path. Sue explains how small steps can lead to big wins in life. Are YOU ready to redefine YOUR story? 

Chapters:

• 00:00:00 - A New Year, A Bold Start
• 00:00:25 - Snowy Days and Deep Connections
• 00:02:09 - Who Is Sue Saller?
• 00:02:44 - The Spark That Changed Everything
• 00:06:09 - Facing Fear, Finding Freedom
• 00:07:05 - The Big Leap to Iowa
• 00:11:19 - Tears, Triumphs, and Walmart
• 00:16:51 - Podcasting: Sue’s Creative Sanctuary
• 00:21:59 - Meeting Brian Johnson: A Life Shift
• 00:23:13 - Conversations That Transform
• 00:24:24 - Anti-Fragility: Beyond Resilience
• 00:26:50 - Mantras That Move Mountains
• 00:29:22 - Dreams, Goals, and the Year Ahead
• 00:33:40 - Writing a Book in 60 Days
• 00:37:39 - Wisdom to Carry Forward

Links and Resources:

• Sue Saller
• Sue on LinkedIn
• Small Steps, Big Wins by Sue Saller
• SMALL STEPS BIG WINS™ with Sue Saller Podcast

Book Recommendations:

• The Surrender Experiment by Michael A. Singer
• The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

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!