The Greatness Machine

By Darius Mirshahzadeh | YAP MediaBusiness Entrepreneurship Education

The Greatness Machine episodes

October 28 453 | Elise Hu | Finding Your Voice in a World Full of Noise
In the newest episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily and award-winning international journalist, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving media landscape, beauty standards in South Korea, the power of following your passions, and what it truly means to pursue greatness. Elise shares her journey from a childhood dream of journalism to becoming one of NPR's international correspondents, an independent creator, a published author, and the voice of one of the world's most popular idea-driven podcasts. Along the way, Darius shares a personal and touching story about the late TEDx speaker Scott Dinsmore, illustrating how following your soul, even when it makes no financial sense, can ripple outward in extraordinary ways.

In this episode, Darius and Elise will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction to Elise Hu
(02:08) Elise's Journey into Journalism
(05:59) The Evolution of Journalism and Media Integrity
(11:46) Navigating the Changing Landscape of News Consumption
(18:03) Elise's Career Path and Transition to Independence
(22:57) Exploring Beauty Standards and Cultural Expectations
(30:09) Exploring Personal Experiences and Research
(31:10) The Journey to TEDx and Passion Projects
(33:21) The Impact of TED Talks on Personal Growth
(35:27) Transitioning to TED Talks Daily
(37:43) Format and Purpose of TED Talks Daily
(40:24) Favorite TED Talks and Their Influence
(44:34) The Story of Scott Dinsmore and Living Your Legend
(49:46) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Elise Hu is a Los Angeles-based journalist, podcast host, and media entrepreneur who hosts TED Talks Daily. A former NPR international correspondent and VICE News Tonight correspondent, she has reported from more than a dozen countries and helped launch The Texas Tribune. She is the author of “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital,” a Porchlight Business Book Award winner. Elise is also the co-founder of Reasonable Volume, an award-winning podcast production company, and a mother of three.

Connect with Elise:
Website: https://elisehu.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisewho/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-hu/

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
58 min
October 26 TGM Classic | Peter Singer | The Ethics of Doing Good: A Wake-Up Call for the Comfortable
What if doing the most good was simpler—and more within reach—than you ever imagined?

In this powerful episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by world-renowned moral philosopher Peter Singer for a conversation that will challenge how you think about ethics, generosity, and your role in making the world better.

Peter, best known for his groundbreaking work “The Life You Can Save,” shares thought-provoking insights on effective altruism, the moral obligations of those living in affluence, and how small, intentional actions can create ripple effects of real change. From fighting global poverty to advocating for animal rights, Peter’s work has inspired millions to rethink their impact—and today, he might just do the same for you.

In this episode, Darius and Peter will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction to Effective Altruism
(06:11) Understanding Effective Altruism
(11:57) The Life You Can Save: A Nonprofit Overview
(18:05) Philanthropy and Meaning in Life
(23:55) Profit for Good: Business and Altruism
(24:54) Profit for Good Conference: A New Business Paradigm
(30:01) The Role of Bioethics in Modern Society
(37:32) Activism and Personal Motivation in Ethical Issues
(38:35) Reflections on Global Issues: Past and Present
(41:42) Making a Difference: Individual Impact and Career Choices
(47:07) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Peter Singer is an Australian moral philosopher known for his work in applied ethics from a utilitarian perspective. He is Emeritus Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University and author of Animal Liberation and the influential essay “Famine, Affluence, and Morality.” Singer has shifted from preference to hedonistic utilitarianism over his career. He founded Monash University’s Centre for Human Bioethics, co-founded Animals Australia, and established the nonprofit The Life You Can Save. Recognized as Australian Humanist of the Year in 2004, he is considered one of Australia’s most influential public intellectuals.

Connect with Peter:
Website: https://www.petersinger.info/
Website: http://thelifeyoucansave.org/
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/lives-well-lived/id1743702376

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
52 min
October 23Darius Classic | Become A Book Athlete: How To 10X To 20X How Many Books You Read Per Year
How do you make time for the things you want to do when you have too much on your plate?

Most of us, if not all, wish there were more hours in a day to grind and make time for what brings us joy. Any business owner or entrepreneur can attest to that. Finding a balance between work and life is easier said than done. But when done right, it can make the impossible possible.

Today, I am flying solo to share a few tips on how I managed to surpass my goal of reading 22 books this year with three months to spare.

In this episode, I will talk about the benefits of habit stacking and how it helped me learn to multitask while reading. I will also share the secret on how a busy entrepreneur like myself finds more time to read and what tools helped me to become a book athlete.

Topics include:
The benefits of building good habits

Expert tips to reading more books in a year

How I learned to multitask while reading

The importance of narrator choice in audiobooks

Pros and cons of reading multiple books at once

Effective note-taking from reading

Apps that helped me increase my reading

My reading goal for 2023

And other topics…

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
28 min
October 21 452 | Tegan Broadwater | How to Think Like a Bad Guy Before the Bad Guy Finds You
In this episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Tegan Broadwater, founder of Tactical Systems Network and former Fort Worth Police Department officer. Tegan shares one of the most unconventional origin stories in law enforcement, trading a career as a professional touring musician for a badge, then risking his life for nearly two years undercover infiltrating a Crips gang network in Fort Worth's most dangerous neighborhood.

Known as Operation Fishbowl, Tegan's deep cover operation resulted in the arrest of 51 gang members, fundamentally transforming a violence-ravaged community. The conversation explores the surprising humanity Tegan discovered inside gang culture, the emotional toll of watching defendants he had grown to care about face decades in prison, and the sobering realization that 104 children were left parentless in the operation's wake. Tegan also opens up about his transition into entrepreneurship, launching a high-end armed security and protection firm just months before the 2008 financial crisis, and shares candid insights on building a culture of excellence in an era of declining workforce standards.

In this episode, Darius and Tegan will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction and Technical Challenges
(02:06) Tegan's Dynamic Background and Transition to Law Enforcement
(09:57) Operation Fishbowl: Infiltrating the Crips
(19:49) Understanding Gang Culture and the Human Side of Criminals
(29:59) The Aftermath: Consequences of Arrests and the Need for Change
(32:03) The Impact of Undercover Work on Communities
(33:59) Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Entrepreneurship
(37:02) Building a Security Business from the Ground Up
(40:07) Challenges in Hiring and Maintaining Standards
(47:00) Understanding Client Motivations for Security Services
(52:07) Navigating Risks and Client Relationships
(58:02) Reflections on Success and the Nature of Greatness

Tegan Broadwater is a former Fort Worth police officer, deep undercover investigator, author, and entrepreneur. During his 13-year law enforcement career, he worked in Narcotics, Gang, Homicide, and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, serving more than 500 high-risk search warrants. He led Operation Fishbowl, a nearly two-year undercover investigation that resulted in 51 violent gang members being sent to prison and earned him multiple honors. Today, Tegan is the founder of Tactical Systems Network, a security, protection, and investigation firm, as well as an author, musician, and podcast host.

Connect with Tegan:
Website: https://teganbroadwater.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tegan-broadwater-8b9796b
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsFQxAbrioMB2afARtl7MSg

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
1 hr 6 min
October 19 TGM Classic | Shaahin Cheyene | Billion: How I Became King Of The Thrill Pill Cult
What if you could build million-dollar businesses and actually enjoy your life? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Shaahin Cheyene — entrepreneur, author, and founder of PodcastCola — for a conversation packed with insights and energy. They dive into Shaahin’s journey from launching groundbreaking products to helping others grow their influence through podcasting. Along the way, they explore what it really takes to scale successfully, why self-belief is your greatest asset, and how Shaahin is helping others break into Amazon selling — with a special gift just for listeners. You won't want to miss this one!

In this episode, Darius and Shaahin will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction
(05:28) Shaahin's Origin Story
(17:37) The Rise of Herbal Ecstasy
(22:02) Challenges and Government Regulations
(24:03) From Billion Dollar Businesses to Vaping Innovations
(26:25) Crazy Stories from the Business World
(30:03) The Insanity of Cash-Based Operations
(32:47) Cultural Background and Family Expectations
(36:46) Finding Your Own Path to Success
(39:04) The Balance of Ruthlessness and Kindness
(44:16) Current Projects and Future Aspirations

Shaahin Cheyene is an award-winning entrepreneur, Amazon expert, inventor, author, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Iran, Shaahin launched his entrepreneurial journey at just 15 years old with the creation of Herbal Ecstasy, the smart drug that ignited a global movement. Over the last 30 years, he has built a career spanning more than a billion dollars in revenue. As CEO and Chairman of Accelerated Intelligence, Shaahin helps brand owners scale their online sales across Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and Walmart. He’s also the founder of PodcastCola, the world’s largest podcast agency, and the creator of Amazon Mastery, a course designed to help others succeed on Amazon. Today, Shaahin continues to mentor rising entrepreneurs while leading a thriving business empire from his home in Venice Beach, California.

Connect with Shaahin:
Website: https://www.shaahincheyenne.com/
Website: https://podcastcola.com/
Website: https://viralmirage.com/
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaahincheyene

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
1 hr
October 16Darius Classic | Are You Building A Life Of Competition Or A Life Of Gratitude?
Success does not necessarily equate to happiness and contentment. We often think that it is by grinding day in and day out that we would find fulfillment. Most of us think of happiness as a destination, one that we can only truly experience when we reach a certain level in our job or hit a certain number in our business.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. While it can be rewarding to achieve our goals, it is also true that sometimes success will only give us momentary happiness before it leaves us feeling empty.

Today, I am flying solo to talk about that one special event that opened my eyes to the importance of cultivating gratitude and what it means to lead a fulfilling life.

In this episode, I will share what it means to have a competitive attitude and why healthy competition is essential as we work on our dreams. I will also discuss passion as an essential key to achieving professional goals.

Topics include:
Why it matters to be passionate about your work

What TEDx taught me about passion and gratitude

The impact and importance of gratitude

The difference between healthy and unhealthy competition

What your priorities say about you

And other topics…

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
19 min
October 14 451 | George Barrios (Part 1) | Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE
In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with George Barrios, entrepreneur, investor, and former Co-President of WWE, for a wide-ranging conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of contrarian thinking. George shares his remarkable origin story as the son of Cuban immigrants who fled Castro's regime, his self-described journey as a "talented f**k-up," and how he went from a 0.6 GPA freshman to the boardroom of one of the world's most recognized entertainment brands. The conversation dives deep into how George and his business partner Michelle Wilson identified a massively undervalued asset in WWE, rebuilt it from the inside out, and ultimately engineered a $20 billion merger between WWE and UFC — the largest sports deal in history.

In this episode, Darius and George will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction to George Barrios
(03:04) George's Origin Story
(06:05) Family Background and Early Influences
(08:56) Education Journey and Challenges
(11:57) Cultural Heritage and Family Values
(15:12) Reflections on Parenting and Education
(18:01) Transition to Corporate World and WWE
(20:51) The Accidental CFO Journey
(22:48) Discovering WWE: A Surprising Opportunity
(25:10) Overcoming Doubts: The WWE Reputation Challenge
(28:51) Transforming WWE: Insights and Strategies
(33:33) Co-Leadership Dynamics: George and Michelle's Partnership
(39:04) Unlocking Value: The Economics of Wrestling
(42:41) Building the Future: Lessons from WWE's Success

George Barrios is a business leader, investor, and operator at the intersection of sports, media, and technology. He is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital and an investor and director with Global Sport Group. He previously served as Co-President and Board Member of WWE, helping expand the company’s digital, global, and direct-to-consumer businesses and leading its merger with UFC to form TKO Group. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at The New York Times Company, Time Warner, HBO, and Praxair. A first-generation Cuban American raised in Queens, George holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and is the author of “Sometimes Wrong But Never in Doubt”.

Connect with George:
Website: https://georgebarrios.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebarrios/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510786554

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
51 min
October 12 TGM Classic | Robert Mazur | Former Undercover Money Launderer Tell All
What does it take to bring down a global drug empire—without losing your life or your soul in the process?

In this gripping episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with legendary undercover agent Robert Mazur, whose covert work infiltrated some of the world’s most dangerous drug cartels. From near-death encounters and million-dollar stings to the emotional cost of living a double life, Robert shares jaw-dropping stories straight from his time posing as a high-level money launderer.

In this episode, Darius and Robert will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction to Robert Mazur
(02:30) Robert's Journey to Undercover Work
(06:02) The Medellin Cartel Operation
(12:29) The Complexity of Money Laundering
(20:04) The Demand Side of Drug Abuse
(24:06) Hollywood vs. Reality in Drug Trafficking
(26:46) The Balancing Act of Undercover Work
(29:25) Addiction to Information and Success
(38:27) The Toll of Undercover Life on Family
(42:35) Service to Country and Personal Sacrifice
(44:34) Books, Movies, and Continuing the Mission
(49:01) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Robert Mazur is a former U.S. federal undercover agent and one of the world’s leading experts on money laundering and financial crime. Posing as a mob-connected money launderer, he infiltrated drug cartels and corrupt global banks—work that led to major arrests and a $500,000 bounty on his head.

He’s the New York Times bestselling author of The Infiltrator, which inspired the film starring Bryan Cranston. Today, Robert uses his deep insider knowledge to help businesses and governments better understand and combat financial crime.

Connect with Robert:
Website: https://www.robertmazur.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertMazurOfficial/
Twitter: https://x.com/robertmazur/
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Infiltrator-Against-Biggest-Cartel-History-ebook/dp/B002JCJ6S4

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
58 min
October 09Darius Classic | Do Your Priorities Align To Your Goals Align To Your Core Values?
Where we spend our time represents what we actually care about, regardless of what we say our goals and priorities are.

Prioritizing helps you decide what you need to do, what you don’t need to do, and when you should focus. Priorities are concerns, interests, or desires that come before anything else. But what does your life look like according to your priorities?

Unfortunately, when the thin line between need and want gets blurred, we often get carried away and forget the things that matter most in life. We go from place to place, switch after one task and another, and get lost in the cycle of busyness.

Today, I am flying solo to share my personal realization about the importance of setting priorities and how to do it when everything feels important.

In this episode, I will talk about how I reached my goal for this year and what I plan to achieve in 2023. I will also discuss how goal-setting, prioritizing, and time-blocking can help one achieve success in both life and work.

Topics include:
How to set your top priorities in life

What made me reassess my priorities

Why it is important to make time for yourself

Aligning priorities with core values

What I did to hit my goal of reading 22 books this year

What my goal is for 2023

And other topics…

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
19 min
October 07 450 | Sterling Griffin | Why the Best Opportunities Aren’t Always Given to You
In this compelling episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Sterling Griffin, former pastor, entrepreneur, actor, writer, director, and producer, to discuss his remarkable journey from homelessness to millionaire, and his latest ambitious project: “Faith,” an original TV series he describes as "Ted Lasso and The Office having a baby inside a church." Sterling shares the deeply personal spiritual crisis that inspired the show, the entrepreneurial mindset he applied to break into Hollywood, and why he believes proximity and creativity are the ultimate shortcuts to success.

In this episode, Darius and Sterling will discuss:
(00:00) Introduction and Background
(06:00) Sterling's Journey from Homelessness to Success
(20:00) The Birth of the TV Show 'Faith'
(26:55) Creating a TV Show: The Process and Lessons Learned
(35:07) The Art of Rewriting Scripts
(38:01) Building Creative Habits
(42:42) The Journey of Creating a Show
(52:27) The Economics of Content Creation
(58:38) Proximity is Power: Building Connections

Sterling Griffin is an entrepreneur, investor, actor, and producer who has built an unconventional career spanning ministry, business, and entertainment. After several years as a Christian evangelical pastor, Sterling transitioned into entrepreneurship, eventually building and exiting a multi-seven-figure business. He later founded Sterling Capital, where he focuses on alternative investments and commercial real estate. Today, he is also active in film as an actor and producer, with credits including “Mafia Wars” and “Devil’s Peak”.

Connect with Sterling:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlinggriffin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Sterling/
Email: [email protected]

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.
1 hr 11 min