What does true happiness look like when you're at the top of your game?

In this powerful solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh picks up where he left off in Part 1, sharing the next chapter of his journey to becoming a happier person. From a transformative week in Oaxaca, Mexico, to discovering “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Dr. Joe Dispenza, Darius dives into how he began rewiring his emotional state, embracing joy, presence, and gratitude—and how meditation helped him break free from fear. Don’t miss this deeply personal and inspiring continuation.

Catch Part 1 first if you haven’t already!

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Journey to Happiness: A Personal Transformation

(03:01) The Power of Presence and Gratitude

(05:51) Discovering New Perspectives: The Influence of Dr. Joe Dispenza

(09:13) Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself

(12:03) Surrendering to Higher Intelligence

(14:46) The Emotional Release and Its Impact

(18:02) Reevaluating Control and Life Choices

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. 

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

What happens when you stop numbing, stop performing, and finally face what’s been running the show beneath the surface?

In this powerful episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh reconnects with Jesse Elder for a raw conversation about sovereignty, emotional excavation, and becoming a whole human being. Jesse shares what led him to step away from business, confront long-standing patterns, and do deep embodiment work that uncovered how anger, sadness, and abandonment have shaped his life and leadership.

Together, they explore why growth has no finish line, how emotional resilience is built through presence rather than avoidance, and the difference between real inner work and performative vulnerability. The conversation also weaves in faith, spirituality, masculine conditioning, and Jesse’s philosophy on future-self alignment and “time piercing.”

In this episode, Darius and Jesse will discuss:

(00:00) Diving Deep: Personal Journeys and Self-Discovery

(02:46) The Illusion of Destination: Understanding Life's Continuum

(05:38) Navigating Emotions: The Onion of Self-Discovery

(08:11) Sovereignty and Energy: Reclaiming Personal Power

(11:18) Embodiment Work: Making Friends with Emotions

(13:58) The Role of Faith and Spirituality in Personal Growth

(16:45) The Game of Life: Levels and Challenges

(19:18) Time Piercing: Accessing Past and Future Selves

(22:09) The Power of Memory: Transforming Past Experiences

(25:19) Creating a New Narrative: The Art of Reframing

(28:07) The Time Piercer Tour: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Jesse Elder is an action philosopher, performance coach, and motivational speaker who helps people create lives of freedom, purpose, and fulfillment. Starting his journey in martial arts, he opened his first school at 23 and went on to build multiple successful centers before selling his multimillion-dollar business. Shifting to personal development, Jesse combines mindset, clarity, and aligned action through his Mind Vitamin series, coaching programs, and live events. Known as a “Time Piercer” and “Reality Hacker,” he mentors high achievers to live authentically, integrate personal integrity, and design lives aligned with their deepest values.

Connect with Jesse:

Website: https://jesseelder.com/ 

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

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

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 AI could revolutionize your business, streamline operations, and free you of mundane work?

The use of artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It is a game-changing tool that is transforming businesses across industries. From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making with data-driven insights, AI has the power to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.

Joshua Pellicer and Peter Cobabe, the visionary co-founders of RLTM.ai, dive into these benefits, bringing a wealth of knowledge on how to seamlessly adopt and integrate AI into businesses. 

Through their company, RLTM.ai, Joshua and Peter are dedicated to helping businesses integrate AI into their operations, making complex processes more manageable and enabling teams to focus on what truly matters. 

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Joshua Pellicer and Peter Cobabe to explore how AI is transforming business operations. They discuss the benefits of automating tasks, the essential role of a Chief AI Officer, and the mindset shift required for successful AI adoption. Joshua and Peter also emphasize the importance of having a clear vision to fully leverage AI's potential. 

Topics include:

Joshua and Peter discuss their mission behind founding RLTM.ai 

The transformative impact AI is having on businesses

How AI is being adopted and integrated into business operations

The advantages of automating standard operating procedures (SOPs) with AI

The essential role of a Chief AI Officer in maximizing the effectiveness of AI tools

The mindset shift necessary for successful AI adoption

The importance of clarity in defining goals and objectives

The benefits of maintaining a flexible self-identity rather than being tied to a specific title

And other topics….

Connect with Joshua:

Website: https://www.rltm.ai/ 

Email: [email protected]

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

Twitter: https://x.com/joshuapellicer/

Connect with Peter:

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

Twitter: https://x.com/peterccobabe 

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 “assuming best intent” is actually costing you more than it gives?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh challenges one of his longest held beliefs and shares a hard earned shift in perspective: stop assuming best intent and start assuming true intent. Drawing on personal experiences, maturity, and Aristotle’s three types of friendships, utility, pleasure, and virtue, Darius unpacks how mislabeling relationships leads to disappointment, burnout, and misplaced loyalty.

This episode is a powerful reflection on discernment, boundaries, and energy management, and a reminder that every relationship comes with a real cost. Learn how greater awareness creates better choices, stronger boundaries, and more intentional relationships, both in life and business.

Episode 338: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/338-loyalty-is-a-gift/id1555334180?i=1000696743757

3 Types of Friendship: https://philosophybreak.com/articles/aristotle-on-the-3-types-of-friendship-and-how-they-enrich-life/

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Assuming True Intent Over Best Intent

(02:58) Understanding Loyalty and Its Costs

(06:13) Types of Friendships According to Aristotle

(09:07) Assessing Relationships: Utility, Pleasure, and Virtue

(12:14) The Importance of Awareness in Relationships

(15:09) Evaluating the True Expense of Relationships

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 real work of success isn’t doing more, but becoming more aware?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Jesse Elder for a deep, wide-ranging conversation on self-mastery, identity, and the unseen patterns that shape our results. Jesse challenges conventional ideas of productivity and achievement, inviting us to look beneath habits and tactics and into the inner operating system driving our decisions.

Together, they explore how awareness creates leverage, why most people stay stuck repeating the same loops, and how intentional presence can unlock clarity, alignment, and sustainable growth. This conversation goes beyond surface-level performance and into what it actually takes to evolve as a leader and as a human being.

In this episode, Darius and Jesse will discuss:

Jesse talks about awareness as the real advantage

Understanding how identity drives outcomes

Why most people stay stuck in unconscious loops

How presence creates clarity

Why true mastery is internal first

And other topics…

Jesse Elder is an action philosopher, performance coach, and motivational speaker who helps people create lives of freedom, purpose, and fulfillment. Starting his journey in martial arts, he opened his first school at 23 and went on to build multiple successful centers before selling his multimillion-dollar business. Shifting to personal development, Jesse combines mindset, clarity, and aligned action through his Mind Vitamin series, coaching programs, and live events. Known as a “Time Piercer” and “Reality Hacker,” he mentors high achievers to live authentically, integrate personal integrity, and design lives aligned with their deepest values.

Connect with Jesse:

Website: https://jesseelder.com/ 

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

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

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

How do you turn a seemingly impossible situation into a win-win solution?

High stakes and intense pressure often accompany negotiation, making it feel like navigating a minefield. Whether you're haggling over a business contract, settling a dispute, or trying to make a major purchase, the ability to negotiate effectively is a crucial skill. Successful negotiations are based on the principles of collaboration and mutual gain. Understanding those principles can transform your approach, allowing you to transform daunting challenges into opportunities for collaboration and mutual benefit.

Alexandra Carter, a renowned negotiation expert and professor at Columbia Law School, has dedicated her career to helping individuals and organizations master the art of negotiation. With her wealth of experience and practical insights, she offers a fresh perspective on how to approach negotiations with confidence and clarity.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Alexandra Carter to delve into the art of negotiation and its profound impact on both personal and professional success, sharing her insights on how to navigate complex negotiations with confidence and finesse. The conversation also covers essential strategies like understanding psychological drivers, leveraging alternatives, and the power of asking the right questions. 

Topics include:

Setting perceptions of your worth to influence how others see your value

Recognizing the mirror and window phases in negotiation

Maintaining integrity and honesty after deals are made

Managing emotional reactions to keep negotiations focused

Addressing issues, not personal conflicts

Balancing short-term needs with long-term goals

Understanding fallback positions to anticipate alternatives

Asking open-ended questions to gain deeper insights

Reading vocal tones and non-verbal cues for better understanding

Finding win-win solutions through effective partnerships

And other topics…

Connect with Alexandra:

Website: https://alexcarterasks.com/ 

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alexbcarter/ 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Ask-More-Questions-Negotiate-Anything/dp/1982130482 

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

Sometimes, the greatest breakthroughs come not in moments of triumph, but in the quiet unraveling of everything we thought we had figured out.

In this powerful solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh takes us deep into a personal journey that reshaped his life. For the first time, Darius opens up about a transformative moment in the summer of 2022—when he confronted a lifelong battle with anxiety head-on during a 30-day stay in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Despite achieving financial success and building a dream life, Darius found himself overwhelmed by anxiety, unable to enjoy the present, and haunted by fears of the future and regrets of the past. Stripped of his usual distractions, he was forced to sit with his thoughts and emotions—leading to a profound realization about ego, identity, and the illusion of control.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Personal Transformation

(02:49) The Struggle with Anxiety

(06:10) The Turning Point in Oaxaca

(11:58) Discovering New Perspectives

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. 

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

What happens when religion is used to divide rather than unite? 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh talks with comedian, actor, and political commentator John Fugelsang about his book “Separation of Church and Hate”. John shares how his progressive Catholic upbringing shaped his voice as a comedian and commentator and explores how fundamentalist movements have often twisted Christianity for power, far from the teachings of Jesus. From historical examples to modern politics, he shows how faith can be weaponized and how true Christ-followers stand up for justice and compassion.

This episode also dives into navigating polarized opinions and understanding the real message of faith to think critically and lead with integrity.

In this episode, Darius and John will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background of John Fugelsang

(02:52) Exploring the Separation of Church and Hate

(05:44) The Evolution of Christianity and Political Influence

(08:20) Debating Religious Beliefs and the Role of AI

(11:10) The Impact of Media on Religious Narratives

(13:57) The Importance of Love and Unity in Leadership

(16:53) The Growing Spiritual Movement and Its Implications

(19:34) The Role of Humor and Comedy in Addressing Serious Issues

(22:33) Final Thoughts and the Path Forward

John Fugelsang is an American actor, comedian, writer, television host, and political commentator known for his sharp wit and outspoken views on politics, religion, and culture. Born on September 3, 1969, on Long Island, New York, he is the son of a former Catholic nun and a former Franciscan friar. John studied film and television at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and began a diverse career in entertainment that includes television, stand‑up comedy, and stage performances. He has appeared in films and TV shows such as “Coyote Ugly” and “America’s Funniest Home Videos,” and he’s been featured on major news networks including CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News. Since 2015, he has hosted the progressive talk show Tell Me Everything on SiriusXM Insight, and in 2025 he published his book “Separation of Church and Hate,” blending humor and critical insight on how religion intersects with politics.

Connect with John:

Website: http://www.johnfugelsang.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-fugelsang-podcast/id1464094232 

SiriusXM: https://www.siriusxm.com/channels/siriusxm-progress 

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

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

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

How does one overcome the hurdles and misconceptions that follow a career in the adult film industry?

Candice Horbacz, also known as Eva Lovia, shares her story of resilience and transformation, discussing the unique challenges she faced as a former adult entertainment actress and how she overcame them. Despite her success in the adult industry, Candice had to deal with the difficulties of balancing a demanding career with personal life and the societal judgments she had to endure. 

Despite these hurdles, she has emerged as an important voice, especially for women, seeking to change the narrative about adult film actresses. With that mission, she started Chatting with Candice, where she dives deep into a variety of topics ranging from personal development to social issues. 

With a keen focus on bridging the gender gap in podcasting, Candice aims to provide content that resonates with both men and women, but especially with women who are often underrepresented in this space.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Candice Horbacz to discuss her journey in the adult industry and the inspiration behind her podcast, Chatting with Candice. Candice shares the challenges she faces due to her career, the importance of internal confidence, and the stigma surrounding the adult film industry. 

Topics include:

Candice reflects on her experience in the adult industry

The inspiration behind the Chatting with Candice Podcast

Challenges Candice faces due to her career choices

The importance of internal confidence over external validation 

Differences in women's and men's sexuality and satisfaction

The stigma surrounding the adult film industry

Candice's personal relationships and their experience with external judgment

Candice emphasizes the lack of female podcasters

Differences between men’s and women’s routines

And other topics…

Connect with Candice:

Website: https://www.chattingwithcandice.com/ 

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fallinlovia 

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

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

Some stories shape your life before you are old enough to remember them.

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh shares his Iranian origin story and how the Iranian Revolution changed the course of his family’s life. Born to a Persian father and Italian American mother, Darius reflects on his family’s forced exit from Iran, growing up disconnected from half of his identity, and the lasting impact that displacement had on his father and his upbringing.

As Iran faces renewed unrest today, Darius explains why speaking up matters and how personal stories can shine light on what is often ignored. This episode is a reminder that freedom should never be taken for granted and that awareness begins with empathy.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to My Story

(01:17) My Iranian Heritage and Family Background

(04:49) The Iranian Revolution and Its Impact

(09:45) Life in America: Growing Up with a Dual Identity

(16:50) The Aftermath of the Revolution on My Family

(21:26) A Call to Action: Supporting Freedom in Iran

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