From redefining comic book storytelling with “Spawn” to revolutionizing the toy industry, Todd McFarlane's creative journey is nothing short of legendary. In this episode, Todd shares the incredible story of how he built a global empire by breaking industry rules and trusting his vision. Todd dives into the challenges he faced while disrupting both the comic and toy industries, the lessons he learned as an entrepreneur, and the passion that drives his storytelling. He also opens up about the importance of perseverance, staying true to your creative instincts, and the mindset required to succeed in any venture.

In this episode, Darius and Todd will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Todd McFarlane

(02:04) Todd's Journey into Comic Books

(08:03) The Birth of Image Comics

(14:24) Challenges of Starting a New Venture

(19:50) Reflections on Success and Independence

(21:48) The Bold Move: Leaving Marvel for Independence

(27:34) The Rise of Image Comics and Spawn

(33:12) Navigating the Competitive Landscape of Art

(39:21) The Impact of AI on the Creative Industry

(44:49) The Power of Focus and Longevity

(49:39) Navigating the Giants: Finding Your Niche

(52:13) The Importance of Personality in Entrepreneurship

(57:04) Embracing Fearlessness and Authenticity

(1:01:03) Advocating for Yourself and Taking Risks

Todd McFarlane is a Canadian comic book creator and entrepreneur best known for his work on “The Amazing Spider-Man” and as the creator of “Spawn.” A co-founder and President of Image Comics, he revolutionized the industry by championing creator-owned properties. Todd’s “Spawn” debuted in 1992, selling a record 1.7 million copies and cementing his legacy as a visionary in comics and entertainment.

Connect with Todd:

Website: https://mcfarlane.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/liketoddmcfarlane/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddmcfarlane/

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when the poorest people on earth get access to the richest content in the world?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius shares what he observed in rural Tanzania, including rising rates of domestic violence, substance abuse, and unwed mothers, and the surprising correlation that local nonprofit workers on the ground have tied it to: smartphones and social media. For the first time, people with very little are now watching people with everything, and the psychological fallout mirrors what we see in the Western world more than anyone wants to admit.

Darius also revisits his own "compare despair" moment after meeting Elon Musk backstage at South by Southwest in 2018, where, despite running a multi-hundred-million-dollar company, he walked away feeling like a failure. The lesson? Comparison is a global disease, and the antidote is not competition. It is partnership, purpose, and learning to measure yourself against yourself.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Trillionaires in Tanzania: An Introduction

(02:32) Experiencing Poverty and Joy in Tanzania

(05:32) The Impact of Social Media on Local Communities

(08:05) Comparative Despair: A Global Issue

(10:43) Personal Reflections on Comparison and Success

(16:27) Rethinking Value and Community in a Comparative World

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most entrepreneurs are taught that the path to success starts with a blank page, a new idea, a startup, a grind from zero. But what if the real opportunity is in what's already built? 

Walker Deibel, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of “Buy Then Build: How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup Game,” has spent over a decade proving that acquiring existing businesses is one of the most powerful and overlooked paths to entrepreneurial wealth. He has bought roughly 10 companies outright, been inside over 100 deals, and helped hundreds of entrepreneurs acquire more than a billion dollars in small businesses. And his message is simple: you don't have to build from scratch to build something great.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Walker Deibel to explore the acquisition entrepreneur mindset, why high margins matter more than almost anything else, and where the biggest opportunities in private markets exist right now.

In this episode, Darius and Walker will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Excitement for the Episode

(02:53) The Power of Alignment and Purpose

(05:46) The Journey of Writing and Publishing a Book

(08:38) The Entrepreneurial Journey: Successes and Failures

(11:33) Walker Deibel's Background and Business Philosophy

(14:21) The Importance of Acquisitions in Entrepreneurship

(17:16) The Intersection of Old and New Economies

(20:21) Investing in Boring Businesses for Stability

(23:48) Identifying High-Potential Companies

(29:11) The Importance of Margins in Business

(37:31) Investing in Businesses vs. Running Them

(46:25) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Walker Deibel is a serial acquisition entrepreneur, WSJ and USA Today bestselling author, Emmy-nominated film producer, and award-winning M&A advisor. He is the creator of Acquisition Lab, the elite business buying accelerator, and founder of Build Wealth, an alternative investment firm offering private market opportunities he personally invests in. His bestselling book, Buy Then Build: How Acquisition Entrepreneurs Outsmart the Startup Game, was recognized by Forbes as one of the top 7 books all entrepreneurs must read and is now used in university programs across the country. Walker has participated in over 100 private transactions, acquired seven companies over ten years, and his writing has been featured in Inc, Entrepreneur, Forbes, Fast Company, and Harvard Business Review.

Connect with Walker:

Website: https://walkerdeibel.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walkerdeibel 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BuyThenBuild 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/walkerdeibel/ 

Book: https://buythenbuild.com/ 

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After being critically wounded during a combat mission in Iraq, Navy SEAL Jason Redman faced an unimaginable battle—not just to recover physically but to rebuild his life and leadership. Throughout his journey, Jason discovered powerful lessons in trust, leadership, and resilience. In this episode, Jason dives deep into how leaders can rebuild trust after it has been broken, and why authentic leadership is the foundation for creating strong, united teams. He also shares valuable insights from his books, “The Trident” and “Overcome,” focusing on overcoming adversity, leading with integrity, and staying grounded in purpose.

In this episode, Darius and Jason will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Background

(03:08) Jason Redman's Origin Story

(06:02) The Journey to Becoming a Navy SEAL

(09:32) Resilience and Overcoming Challenges

(11:35) The Importance of Mindset in SEAL Training

(15:05) Strengths, Weaknesses, and Team Dynamics

(20:10) The Warrior Mentality and Personal Growth

(24:03) Leadership Lessons from Failure

(27:34) Camaraderie in Combat

(27:59) The Reality of War

(29:30) Facing Adversity

(32:03) The Power of Failure

(33:41) Rebuilding After Failure

(35:14) The Importance of Support

(38:22) Earning Back Trust

(42:23) Life Ambushes

(46:23) Creating Resilience in Others

(50:27) Leading by Example

Jason Redman is a severely wounded warrior, NY Times and Amazon bestselling author, veteran advocate, business leader, and renowned leadership and resilience speaker. After facing a career-threatening leadership failure, Jason turned his recovery into a mission to inspire others to overcome failures. He now inspires audiences nationwide with his powerful story of leadership, resilience, and transformation. Through his speaking and writing, Jason teaches others how to lead themselves, overcome adversity, and build a relentless mindset to tackle any challenge.

Connect with Jason:

Website: https://jasonredman.com/ 

Website: https://www.patriotseltzer.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-redman-b8324210/ 

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the reason life hasn't been conspiring in your favor is because you haven't been fully aligned with what you actually want?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius unpacks the biggest lesson from his 47th year. Drawing from Paulo Coelho's “The Alchemist” and Michael Singer's “The Surrender Experiment,” he gets honest about why that famous quote "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it" never felt true for him, until now.

The culprit? Ego and soul pulling in opposite directions. For decades, his deeper self wanted to create impact and serve others, while his ego chased money, titles, and validation. Without alignment between the two, and without real self-trust in the moments that mattered most, the universe couldn't deliver.

After months of deep inner work, something shifted. The people-pleasing stopped. The comparison stopped. And what followed were quiet miracles: the right people showing up at exactly the right time, instant clarity on hard yes and hard no decisions, and a feeling of wholeness he hadn't experienced before.

This one is personal, raw, and packed with real self-inquiry. If you've ever felt like you're working hard but not getting what you truly want, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Reflection on Personal Growth

(01:21) A Story from Youth and the Power of Dreams

(02:41) The Universe Conspires: Inspiration from “The Alchemist”

(05:24) Disillusionment with the Universe's Help

(06:19) The Surrender Experiment and Miracles

(07:43) Aligning Ego and Higher Self for True Desire

(09:32) Deep Inner Work and Self-Trust

(13:15) Showing Up Authentically and Letting Go of Vanity

(15:36) The Miracles of Alignment and Trust

(17:55) Reflections on 48 Years and Future Outlook

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to healing your mind and body has been locked inside you all along? 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh welcomes master hypnotist and certified past life regressionist Sarah Breskman Cosme to explore the fascinating world of hypnosis, past life regression, and the power of the subconscious mind. Sarah shares how her own childhood struggles with OCD, phobias, and a decade of therapy ultimately led her away from conventional psychology and toward a method that helps people heal in ways she never thought possible.

From witnessing a skeptical science teacher spontaneously recall vivid memories of ancient Lemuria and Atlantis and then heal a serious brain condition, to documenting sessions across four books, Sarah's work challenges everything we think we know about consciousness, reality, and human potential. She and Darius dive into what it means to be in true alignment, how our thought patterns shape the reality we experience, and why the universe seems to conspire in our favor when our heart, mind, and gut all want the same thing.

In this episode, Darius and Sarah will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background of Sarah Breskman Cosme

(08:38) Sarah's Journey to Hypnosis and Past Life Regression

(14:20) The Power of Alignment and Manifestation

(20:04) Understanding Hypnosis and Its Misconceptions

(21:17) Understanding Hypnosis and Its Power

(24:26) Researching the Subconscious Mind

(29:24) Accessing Higher Consciousness

(36:18) The Impact of Hypnosis on Healing

(40:34) Creating Your Own Reality

(48:36) Exploring Future Possibilities

Sarah Breskman Cosme is a Master Hypnotist, best-selling author, and Level 3 practitioner of Dolores Cannon's Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique (QHHT), dedicated to exploring the depths of consciousness and the mysteries of human existence. Trained under luminaries like Dr. Brian Weiss, she has spent decades bridging ancient wisdom and modern insight through her work and her popular Hypnotist's Journey book series. In 2023, she was honored with the prestigious Dolores Cannon Award for her groundbreaking research. Her work has earned her a global platform, with appearances on Fade to Black with Jimmy Church, Coast to Coast AM, and Gaia TV.

Connect with Sarah:

Website: https://www.theholistichypnotist.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahbreskmancosme/ 

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/SARAH-Breskman-Cosme/author/B0932XGJ3Q 

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could spend an entire year living as if your actions could change the world? How would that shape your perspective on life, purpose, and the people around you?

It is easy to feel like we are too small to make a real difference, but sometimes it just takes one person with the right mindset to start a ripple effect. When we shift our focus to living with intention and connecting deeply with the people around us, even the smallest actions can lead to something bigger.

AJ Jacobs, bestselling author, journalist, and master of personal experiments, joins us to share stories from his fascinating life experiments. Known for his books “The Year of Living Biblically” and “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” AJ dives into experiments that challenge his worldview and reveal how gratitude, curiosity, and small acts of kindness can make a profound impact–not just on our own lives, but on the world at large.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, AJ Jacobs joins Darius to talk about his fascinating journey exploring the Bible for his book “The Year of Living Biblically.” AJ emphasizes the importance of thorough research, collaboration, and fully immersing oneself in a belief system to truly understand it. He reflects on how cherry-picking information can lead to a skewed perspective and discusses the power of gratitude in shifting our mindset. AJ also shares insights from his “Year of Living Constitutionally” and the lessons he learned from both projects, highlighting how they transformed his thinking and approach to life.

Topics include:

AJ reflects on exploring the Bible for his book The Year of Living Biblically

The importance of research and collaboration in bookwriting process

The need for immersion in understanding beliefs and systems

The dangers of cherry-picking information to support one’s argument

How gratitude can counteract negative bias and enhance one's perspective on life

The lessons AJ learned during his “Year of Living Constitutionally”

And other topics…

Connect with AJ:

Website: https://ajjacobs.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/@experimentalliving 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ajjacobsinc/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajjacobs/ 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-puzzler-with-a-j-jacobs/id1709071922 

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes a business partnership work, and what quietly tears it apart?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives into the hidden dynamics that can build or break partnerships. He explains that success isn’t just about shared goals or profits but about true alignment. Through the idea of “scorecards,” Darius shows how partners can unknowingly measure success in completely different ways.

Drawing from his own entrepreneurial experiences, he highlights why clarity, transparency, and shared values are key, and how defining a common scorecard can keep partnerships strong and thriving.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Scaling a Business

(02:56) The Importance of Choosing the Right Partners

(06:11) Characteristics of Great Business Partners

(11:56) Generosity in Partnerships

(14:48) Staying in Your Swim Lane

(19:06) Understanding Give and Take in Partnerships

(22:49) Seeking Consensus in Decision Making

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the key to thriving in today’s fast-paced world has been around for thousands of years?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh connects with ninth-generation doctor of Eastern medicine Dr. Jenelle Kim to explore the ancient principles behind modern wellness, longevity, and true inner balance.

Dr. Jenelle shares the deeply personal story behind her book, “The Korean Art of Living Well: The Eight Keys of Living Meditation for Balance and Transformation,” a work inspired by her lineage and her father’s legacy. Rooted in 10,000-year-old Daoist traditions, she introduces the three pillars of optimal living: medicine, movement, and mindset.

The conversation dives into how modern life creates stagnation, mentally, physically, and spiritually, and how simple practices like breathwork, grounding, and even laughter can restore flow. Dr. Jenelle explains that true wellness comes down to function and flow, and that imbalance begins when we become stuck in our thoughts.

In this episode, Darius and Dr. Jenelle will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction

(02:57) Dr. Jenelle Kim's Journey and Book Release

(05:43) The Three Pillars of Ancient Medicine

(08:27) The Importance of Mindset and Meditation

(11:31) Stagnation and Its Impact on Well-being

(14:30) The Role of Humor and Laughter in Healing

(17:26) Living Meditation and Connection to the Universe

(20:17) Finding Balance in a Distracted World

(22:33) Cultural Shifts Towards Mindfulness

(25:25) The Eight Keys of Living Meditation

(28:35) Connectedness and Honor

(31:10) Overcoming Self-Deception

(34:18) The Importance of Acknowledgment

(40:37) Being Like Bamboo: Flexibility and Strength

Dr. Jenelle Kim is a ninth-generation Doctor of Eastern Medicine, martial artist, and Taoist wellness expert. She is the founder of JBK Wellness Labs, where she has spent over two decades developing and formulating products carried by major global retailers. She is also the creator of SABU Wellness Experiences, curating immersive wellness events with leading doctors and practitioners worldwide, and the host of The Experts podcast, featuring top voices across beauty, wellness, and leadership. Dr. Kim is the author of “The Korean Art of Living Well” and a sought-after global speaker, sharing her philosophy of Medicine, Movement, and Mindset at conferences and events around the world.

Connect with Dr. Jenelle:

Website: https://jenellekim.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jenelle-kim-863835175/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjenellemkim/ 

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. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can a business truly thrive when its purpose extends beyond profit?

In a world where success is often measured by financial gains, it is easy to forget that thriving is not just about the numbers. True growth comes when businesses align their goals with a purpose that resonates beyond profit or when their work fuels something bigger than themselves. JP Newman embraces this mindset. 

As a real estate entrepreneur and founder of Thrive FP, JP believes that businesses can be both profitable and purposeful. His real estate firm is dedicated to helping tenants find more than just a place to live–but a space that supports their personal and financial growth. JP’s approach blends his commitment to conscious capitalism with a focus on creating environments where individuals and businesses alike can thrive.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with JP Newman to discuss how businesses can truly thrive by embracing a purpose beyond profit. This conversation will also explore the power of purpose-driven investing, overcoming challenges, and creating businesses that not only succeed financially but also make a lasting difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about success with purpose as its core. 

Topics include:

The importance of perseverance and grit in achieving success

JP's journey in spearheading The Nuttiest Nutcracker and its rise to success

Insights on balancing passion and purpose in business

JP’s transition from the film industry to real estate

The power of dreaming big and how it fuels success

The secrets behind Thrive FP's growth into a multi-billion-dollar venture

JP’s straightforward formula for success

Building a purpose-driven business model with Thrive FP

JP’s advocacy for the philosophy of conscious capitalism

And other topics…

Connect with JP:

Website: https://jp-newman.com/

Website: https://thrivefp.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-newman-45a1ba

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/investing-on-purpose-with-jp-newman/id1617163709 

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.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices