The Eternal Optimist

Matt sits down with Chris Taylor, CEO of Actionable, to discuss the transformative power of curiosity, resilience, and personal growth in both life and business. Chris talks about going through the fallout of his business partner's sudden legal troubles, balancing personal and professional crises, and the long journey toward forgiveness and healing. From the importance of breathwork and gratitude journaling to building a culture of "leaning in," this episode is a masterclass in overcoming challenges and leading with intention. Tune in for strategies and an inspiring story of growth through adversity.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Meeting Chris Taylor: The Eternal Optimist Who Turns Challenges into Opportunities
• 00:01:33 - A Lego Guitar, A Life of Curiosity: The Artifacts That Define Chris
• 00:04:51 - Above the Meth Lab: A Canadian's Take on U.S. Elections
• 00:08:24 - When the World Falls Apart: Surviving Business and Personal Crises
• 00:15:56 - Breathing Through Chaos: Mastering Stress with Simple Techniques
• 00:20:57 - Pedaling Toward Peace: How Cycling Fuels Joy and Freedom
• 00:25:56 - Mastermind Talks Magic: Finding Community and Perspective
• 00:27:18 - Breaking Free: Moving from Survival to Purposeful Growth
• 00:29:15 - Turning 40: Reflecting on Life’s Biggest Questions
• 00:30:17 - Gratitude, Growth, and Game-Changing Habits
• 00:34:38 - Chris’s Journey to Building a Behavior Change Platform
• 00:36:36 - Books That Shape Us: Lessons from Godin, Vaynerchuk, and More
• 00:44:53 - Lightning Round of Inspiration: Optimistic Books, Music, and Life Tips

Links and Resources

• Chris on LinkedIn
• Actionable

Book Recommendations

• Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg 
• The Gap and the Gain by Dan Sullivan Dr. Benjamin Hardy
• Linchpin by Seth Godin
• All books by Seth Godin
• All books by Gary Vaynerchuk

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Matt dives deep with Kasim Aslam to talk about how our understanding of money, labor, and innovation impacts, for better or worse, the way we work and live. From the flaws of fiat currency and the petrodollar system to the transformative potential of AI, Kasim pushes back against societal norms about growth and efficiency. He gives us a look into building businesses by harnessing people’s potential, empowering global talent, and embracing the inefficiencies that make small businesses thrive. Their conversation gives a fresh perspective on the future of work and society.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Start of an Enlightening Journey
• 00:00:37 - Meet the Marketing Titan: Kasim Aslam
• 00:01:41 - The Shocking Truth About the Petrodollar
• 00:05:01 - Inflation: The Silent Thief of Labor Value
• 00:11:25 - How AI Could Reshape Society
• 00:15:58 - People: The Miracle Behind Every Business
• 00:21:34 - Unleashing Human Potential in Business
• 00:28:52 - The Hidden Power of Small Business Inefficiencies
• 00:29:37 - Why Non-Scalable Processes Are Game-Changing
• 00:33:41 - The Surprising Value of International Teams
• 00:38:17 - Cultural Nuances That Can Transform Hiring Success
• 00:42:40 - The Black Box of Delegation: A Revolutionary Approach
• 00:46:01 - Closing Reflections on People, Purpose, and Progress

Links and Resources

• Kasim Aslam
• Kasim on LinkedIn
• DRIVEN™ Mastermind
• Download The Book of Threads by Kasim Aslam
• Arcytex
• Pareto Talent
• Find more here

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Matt sits down with Mandy McAllister, CEO of GoBundance Women, to find out what it was like to go from small-town roots to leading a thriving community of high-achieving women. Mandy shares her story of resilience, from recovering from a debilitating injury in her teens to navigating the hard lesson of being defrauded in a major investment. Along the way, she explores her approach to turning every challenge into a learning experience, pushing past traditional ideas of success, and embracing the power of experimentation in life and business. They also discuss the role of community, shifting mindsets, and the freedom that comes from letting go of perfectionism.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Unveiling Today's Guest
• 00:00:21 - Meet Mandy McAllister: A Unique Path to Leadership
• 00:00:59 - From Small-Town Girl to Impact Maker
• 00:02:58 - A Defining Injury and the Power of Resilience
• 00:05:08 - Lessons Learned from Fraud and Failure
• 00:07:01 - Shaping Resilience: Mandy’s Mindset Mastery
• 00:16:47 - Strength in Numbers: The Impact of Community
• 00:19:36 - Hard-Earned Advice for Ambitious Women
• 00:21:36 - Life as an Experiment: New Perspectives on Big Decisions
• 00:23:01 - The Complexities of High-Achieving Women
• 00:24:27 - Personal Growth Through Anger Management
• 00:27:30 - Experimenting in Business: A Formula for Success
• 00:32:45 - Key Mindset Shifts for Aspiring Investors
• 00:34:20 - Books That Shape a Leader’s Journey
• 00:41:17 - Music, Joy, and the Pursuit of Optimism

Links and Resources

• Mandy on LinkedIn 
• GoBundance Women
• GoBundance Women on Instagram
• GoBundance Women on Facebook
• Mandy on YouTube
• Mandy’s LinkTree

Book Recommendations:

• Think and Grow Rich for Women by Sharon Lechter
• The Collective Wisdom of High-Performing Women by Colleen Moorehead
• Intellectual Foreplay by Eve Eschner Hogan

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 Herman Dolce, Jr. who is known as “The Haitian CEO.” Herman is the CEO and founder of The Dolce Group and Bella Sloan Enterprises, and he tells us how he went from social worker to successful entrepreneur. Herman talks about what it really took to build a business while keeping family and faith at the center. He shares his thoughts on accountability, how systems saved him from burnout, and the surprising truth about making a million dollars. From lessons learned through mentorship to teaching financial literacy in prisons, Herman breaks down strategies for achieving financial freedom and using success to serve others.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – Opening Energy
• 00:00:35 – Herman Dolce, Jr.: The Haitian CEO's Introduction
• 00:01:08 – Halloween Hangover Reflections
• 00:01:56 – Capturing Priceless Family Memories
• 00:03:31 – Social Worker to CEO: Herman’s Path
• 00:06:17 – First Major Hurdles in Business
• 00:07:02 – Systems and Mentors: The Game-Changers
• 00:09:46 – Balancing Life: Family and Business
• 00:13:12 – Honoring Heritage and Legacy
• 00:14:14 – Brand, Identity, and Impact of "The Haitian CEO"
• 00:16:19 – Buying Back Time Through Financial Literacy
• 00:19:29 – The Million Dollar Mindset Unpacked
• 00:21:05 – Business Credit Power Plays
• 00:23:08 – Reflecting on Accountability: Herman's Story
• 00:26:04 – Teaching Financial Skills in Unexpected Places
• 00:30:02 – Herman’s Mission to Serve the Community
• 00:32:37 – Lightning Round: Books, Beats, and Bold Ideas

Links and Resources

• Herman on LinkedIn
• Herman on Instagram
• Execute! Podcast 
• Bella Sloan LLC
• Bella Sloan Enterprises on YouTube

Book Recommendation

• 10x is Easier than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Ben Hardy

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 Suneera Madhani, a powerhouse entrepreneur who turned a rejected idea into a billion-dollar business. Suneera walks discusses what her experience was like going from corporate life to launching a fintech company that changed the payments industry. She shares how she dealt with investor rejections, tore down barriers as a woman founding a business, and the stakes involved in scaling a business against the odds. You’ll hear an unfiltered conversation about the highs, lows, and the relentless resilience required to succeed. Suneera’s story isn’t just about business; it’s about daring to dream big, staying true to your values, and learning to trust your gut.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 A Long-Awaited Guest Arrives
• 00:01:48 Roots That Shaped a Visionary
• 00:03:03 Spark of a Billion-Dollar Idea
• 00:07:25 The Pitch That Changed Everything
• 00:10:36 Battling Through Unseen Challenges
• 00:14:04 High-Stakes Decisions in the Boardroom
• 00:19:38 Can You Have It All?
• 00:20:40 The Delicate Dance of Work and Family
• 00:24:02 Breaking Barriers for Women Everywhere
• 00:28:35 A Health Crisis Sparks Transformation
• 00:33:31 Building Something New—Again
• 00:38:10 Parting Wisdom from the Trenches

Links and Resources

• Suneera on LinkedIn
• Suneera on Instagram
• CEO School 
• CEO School Podcast
• Worth AI
• Stax
• Apply to the Millionaire Founders Club
• Suneera’s LinkTree

Book Recommendations

• Die With Zero by Bill Perkins
• Think Like a Monk by Jay Shetty

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 Dr. Derrick O. Roberts and Dr. Octavia Roberts, a couple with a remarkable journey from street life to a faith-centered ministry. They share how they navigated a past marked by hardship, choices that once led them astray, and a powerful turn towards faith that ultimately transformed their lives. With honesty and humility, they discuss their commitment to marriage, family, and faith, letting us in on the steps they took to break cycles and build a new foundation. Their story is a testament to resilience, the impact of unconditional love, and the belief that transformation is possible for anyone willing to embrace it.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to a Story of Redemption
• 00:01:19 - Derrick & Octavia’s Early Life and Surprising Start
• 00:03:20 - From Struggles to Transformation
• 00:07:56 - Spiritual Awakening: The Turning Point
• 00:12:36 - Building a Resilient Marriage Together
• 00:18:51 - Secrets to a Youthful and Grateful Life
• 00:21:22 - Embracing Their Past, Sharing Their Journey
• 00:26:00 - Why the Church Welcomes Imperfection
• 00:27:56 - Self-Reflection: Growing from Within
• 00:28:37 - Letting Go of Excuses and Embracing Change
• 00:31:00 - Parenting with Love and Faith
• 00:33:24 - Redemption and the Journey of Transformation
• 00:38:30 - How Faith Shapes Their Testimony
• 00:40:17 - Strengthening Community Connections
• 00:43:07 - Books that Inspire: A Final Reflection

Links and Resources

• Open Wings Ministries
• Love Under the Influence on YouTube
• Take Off to Reset by Dr. Octavia Roberts
• The Magnificent Marriage Blueprint by Dr. Derrick O. Roberts and Dr. Octavia Roberts 
• What Are You in Hot Water? by Dr. Derrick O. Roberts

Book Recommendations:

• The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
• Jesus Is My High End Designer by Pastor Dee and Dr. Derrick O. Roberts

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 Justin McClure, a dad, entrepreneur, and social media force who shares his journey from overcoming addiction to building a family brand with millions of followers. Justin talks openly about his path to sobriety, the wake-up calls that shaped him, and how ditching ego and focusing on family changed his life. They discuss the powerful lessons learned from starting over, creating authentic content, and the reality behind building a social media presence with purpose. This conversation will give you incredible insights into finding clarity and success after personal struggle.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Introduction and Jaw-Dropping Guest Bio
• 00:01:32 - Insights into Justin’s Roots and Family Life
• 00:02:15 - Lessons from Growing Up in Rural Georgia
• 00:05:57 - The Turning Point: Overcoming Addiction
• 00:13:40 - Love, Marriage, and Fatherhood Begin
• 00:16:49 - How Sobriety Redefined Fatherhood
• 00:17:17 - The Role of Curiosity in Staying Sober
• 00:18:18 - Breaking Barriers: Love Beyond Prejudice
• 00:19:54 - Going Viral: The Video That Changed Everything
• 00:21:04 - Building a YouTube Empire from Scratch
• 00:24:07 - Why Letting Go of Ego Transformed Everything
• 00:28:01 - Practical Advice for Those Struggling
• 00:29:17 - Final Takeaways and Book Recommendations

Links and Resources

• Justin on LinkedIn
• The Mighty McClure Family 
• The Mighty McClures on Instagram 
• The Mighty McClures on YouTube 
• The McClure Twins on YouTube
• Justin on Instagram 
• Ami on Instagram 
• Ava and Alexis on Instagram
• Jersey on Instagram 
• The Mighty McClures on Facebook 
• The UltraLite
• Daily Sober: 365 Daily Lessons to Break Habits and Addictions by Justin McClure

Book Recommendation

• Metabolical by Robert Lustig
• Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

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!

Entrepreneur and resilience coach, Jordan Mendoza opens up about the extraordinary challenges he’s faced, from a near-fatal car accident at 19 to countless trials throughout his life. Sharing his experiences of hardship and growth, he talks about the impact of resilience, the importance of a strong mindset, and how to take hold of life’s difficulties as fuel for personal and professional success. You’ll get an honest look at what it means to build resilience and turn life’s setbacks into opportunities for growth, providing insights for you about how to confront adversity with courage and purpose.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - Setting the Scene with Jordan Mendoza
• 00:01:05 - Six Kids and Entrepreneurial Success
• 00:02:30 - Unlocking the Secrets of Youthful Energy
• 00:04:05 - The Olympic Breakdancing Controversy
• 00:05:41 - A Near-Fatal Accident That Changed Everything
• 00:09:45 - The Role of Community in Recovery
• 00:14:39 - Faith and Resilience Through Adversity
• 00:19:18 - From Early Struggles to a Passion for Coaching
• 00:20:34 - The Art of Sales Enablement and Customer Insight
• 00:21:36 - Imposter Syndrome and Knowing Your Worth
• 00:24:42 - Investing in Yourself: A Success Secret
• 00:26:54 - Inside Jordan’s Unique Coaching Programs
• 00:32:15 - Special Offers for Eternal Optimist Listeners
• 00:35:17 - Lightning Round: Books, Beats, and Big Ideas

Links and Resources

• Jordan on LinkedIn
• Jordan on Instagram
• Jordan on Facebook
• Blaze Your Own Trail Consulting
• Blaze Your Own Trail Podcast

Book Recommendations

• Start with Why by Simon Sinek
• StregthsFinder 2.0 by Gallup and Tom Rath
• Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves

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!

Today we’re sharing an episode of the Gina Gardiner and Friends podcast where your host of the Eternal Optimist, Matt Drinkhahn, talked about the real impact of optimism in facing the hardest moments of his life thus far. Matt talked about how optimism helped him recover from a life-changing accident and why it’s more than just a positive attitude—it's a practical approach to overcoming challenges. Together, Gina and Matt explore how optimism can shape your mindset, improve your health, and lead to greater success, offering you ways to adopt a more optimistic outlook in your own lives.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 – A Warm Welcome to the Gina Gardiner & Friends Podcast
• 00:01:18 – Introducing an Extraordinary Duo
• 00:02:03 – Meet the Eternal Optimist: Matt Drinkhahn
• 00:03:41 – Unveiling the True Power of Optimism
• 00:07:14 – A Life-Altering Accident You Won’t Forget
• 00:08:29 – Choosing Optimism Amidst Chaos
• 00:10:15 – Stories of Resilience: You Are Not Alone
• 00:11:31 – Everyday Moments That Highlight Optimism
• 00:13:36 – The Path to Becoming an Optimist: The Why and How
• 00:14:56 – Step 1: Gratitude – The Power in Small Things
• 00:15:36 – Step 2: Curiosity – Facing Challenges Head-On
• 00:16:22 – Step 3: Self-Compassion – Grace for Yourself
• 00:17:31 – Blending the Elements: Inner Peace Unlocked
• 00:17:59 – Gratitude in Action: Simple, Practical Tips
• 00:20:06 – The Curious Mind: Awakening Right Brain Thinking
• 00:21:50 – The Game-Changing ‘How Might I’ Question
• 00:23:58 – The Power of Consistency: A Personal Insight
• 00:25:55 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Links and Resources

• Gina Gardiner & Friends with Matt Drinkhahn

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!

Eric Stranghoener shares his incredible journey of faith, family, and a life-changing cancer diagnosis. Eric talks about how his faith helped him find strength during one of the toughest times of his life and how patience became a powerful lesson. He also looks back on the joy found in everyday moments, even through hardship, and what it means to lead with optimism in the face of adversity. Tune in to hear how Eric’s experiences shaped his outlook and deepened his connection to the people and values that matter most.

Chapters

• 00:00:00 - The Inspiring Start: Why This Episode Will Leave You Changed
• 00:01:07 - Meet Eric Stranghoener: The Man Behind an Extraordinary Journey
• 00:03:27 - A Surprising Origin Story: The Roots of Eric’s Unshakeable Faith
• 00:04:29 - Faith, Family, and a Remarkable Foundation: Discover Eric’s Pillars
• 00:09:02 - A Life-Altering Diagnosis: How One Moment Shifted Everything
• 00:15:54 - Lessons from the Storm: Uncovering Strength in Adversity
• 00:20:45 - The Power of Patience: A Gift Found in Unexpected Places
• 00:28:12 - A Father's Joy: The Moment That Made All the Struggles Worth It
• 00:32:36 - Joy in the Journey: How to Find Happiness Amid Life’s Challenges
• 00:36:18 - Faith on the Field: Coaching Lessons That Transcend Sports
• 00:40:23 - Closing Reflections: Gratitude, Purpose, and What Comes Next

Links and Resources

• Eric on LinkedIn
• RubinBrown

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!