What motivates someone to turn their personal challenges into moments of laughter for thousands?

For Sara Weinshenk, it was about turning darkness into light, creating punchlines out of pain, and transforming adversity into avenues of connection. Through her comedic lens, she not only navigates her own struggles but also invites others to laugh along with her, sharing in the universal experience of overcoming life’s obstacles. 

As a stand-up comedian, writer, and podcaster, Sara managed to transform her trials into triumphs motivated by the catharsis of laughter, the power of storytelling, and the innate human desire to find joy amidst hardship. 

This episode of The Greatness Machine will dive into the inspiring journey of Sara Weinshenk, who has mastered the art of turning struggles into motivation to pursue her passions. Darius and Sara will also talk about the relentless grind of stand-up comedy, the importance of repetition and refinement in perfecting their craft, and the highs and lows of the comedy world.

Topics include:

The importance of following one's passion despite setbacks and societal expectations

Sara recalls the challenges of shifting from an unfulfilling job to pursuing comedy

How the evolution of social media transformed the landscape for comedians

Sara talks about her initial struggles when she began her stand-up career

The migration of comedians to Austin during the pandemic

Sara shares how her podcasting journey started

And other topics…

Sponsored by:

Aura Frames: Visit AuraFrames.com and get 45 dollars off Aura’s best selling Carver Mat frame.

Next Insurance: Protect your business now. Visit NEXTInsurance.com today. 

Connect with Sara:

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/princessshenk/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sweinshenk 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shenk/id1396153950 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/this-bitch/id1593036777 

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. 

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Loyalty—do you give it freely, or do you expect it to be earned? In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives deep into the complexities of loyalty, sharing a pivotal lesson that reshaped his perspective. From early business partnerships to navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, he explores how loyalty can be both a gift and a test. Tune in for raw insights, personal stories, and a thought-provoking take on what it truly means to stand by those around you.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) The Nature of Loyalty

(02:55) Loyalty as a Gift

(06:12) Lessons from Business Experiences

(11:50) Reframing Expectations of Loyalty

(18:00) Understanding Self-Interest in Relationships

Sponsored by:

Aura Frames: Visit AuraFrames.com and get 45 dollars off Aura’s best selling Carver Mat frame.

Next Insurance: Protect your business now. Visit NEXTInsurance.com today. 

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 success isn’t just mindset, but training your inner world like an athlete trains their body?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Joey Klein, Transformation and Mastery Expert and Founder of Inner Matrix Systems, to explore how emotional intelligence, self-awareness, and consistent inner training can transform how we think, feel, and perform.

Joey shares his journey from hardship to mastery and offers a practical roadmap for building emotional resilience, finding fulfillment, and leading with clarity and compassion. He explains how our nervous system shapes every decision we make and why lasting success begins with mastering our inner state. This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to elevate their mindset and create meaningful, sustainable growth.

In this episode, Darius and Joey will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Cultural Observations

(02:06) Joey Klein's Origin Story

(06:55) The Journey into Personal Development

(11:50) Influences of Eastern Traditions

(17:50) Dogma vs. Spiritual Experience

(23:07) The Journey of Practical Spirituality

(26:14) Understanding the Inner Matrix System

(30:54) Awareness and Reprogramming Patterns

(36:07) Preventing Pain Through Conscious Development

(40:17) Engaging with the Inner Matrix Training

(47:08) Accessing Resources and Overcoming Barriers

Joey Klein is a Transformation and Mastery Expert, Author, Speaker, and Founder & CEO of Inner Matrix Systems, a personal mastery training system for high achievers. He has trained over 84,000 individuals, including executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes, to create lasting fulfillment and impact. Author of “The Inner Matrix” and “Relationship Alchemy,” Joey blends psychology, neuroscience, and ancient wisdom in his work. Based in Colorado, he lives out his values of excellence and integrity while enjoying hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.

Connect with Joey:

Website: https://www.theinnermatrix.com/grab-your-free-copy 

Website: https://joeyklein.com/ 

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

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 darkest moments of your life could become the foundation for your greatest transformations?

Imagine feeling hopeless, lost, and overwhelmed by the shadows of your own choices. Now, imagine that these very shadows, the darkest moments of your life, could be the foundation for your greatest transformations. A story such as Garrain Jones vividly illustrates the transformative power of adversity.

His life took a dramatic turn when he found himself imprisoned in France for drug smuggling.  At the time, Garrain was torn between a bright public image and a shadowy private life full of poor decisions and misguided priorities. But instead of succumbing to despair, he used his incarceration to reflect on his life.

This episode of The Greatness Machine will delve into Garrain’s extraordinary journey from the depths of imprisonment in a foreign land to becoming a beacon of hope and empowerment. Through his harrowing experiences and transformative insights, Garrain shares how he turned his darkest moments into the foundation for his greatest transformations.

Topics include:

The disparity between appearance and actual success in the entertainment industry

The lasting effects of childhood trauma in terms of decision-making and worldview

The importance of building grit and resilience

The impact of intergenerational trauma and the power of individual choice in breaking such cycles

The concept of mindset and behavioral change

Honoring one’s true self and addressing unmet needs from childhood

Garrain reflects on his experiences of imprisonment in France

Garrain talks about his company Artist Power and what they offer

And other topics…

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.

Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription.

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS.

Connect with Garrain:

Website: https://garrainjones.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garrain.jones/ 

Membership: https://go.garrainjones.com/apply-artist-power-expressed

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

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 great business partner, and how can you actually measure it?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius continues his deep dive into The Best Partner Scorecard, a tool he created to help entrepreneurs, founders, and leaders assess the people they go into business with.

After exploring the first five traits in part one, Darius now unpacks the remaining five qualities that separate great partners from good ones. He explains how these traits shape trust, communication, and alignment, and why overlooking them can lead to costly mistakes. Drawing from real experiences, Darius shows how the right partnership can accelerate growth while the wrong one can derail even the best ideas.

Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/387-the-best-partner-scorecard-how-to-evaluate-your/id1555334180?i=1000734370314 

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to the Good Partner Scorecard

(02:29) Exploring the First Five Qualities of Great Partners

(04:44) Integrity and Honesty in Partnerships

(09:38) Building Trust and Loyalty

(15:01) The Importance of Kindness in Business Relationships

(20:05) Caring About Personal Lives: A Key to Partnership

(24:34) Aligning Work Styles and Values for Success

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.

Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription.

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS.

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 your emotions, habits, and even your worldview are simply the result of where you’ve trained your mind to go?

In this thought-provoking episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Hindu priest, entrepreneur, and former monk Dandapani for a powerful conversation about awareness, energy, reincarnation, and emotional mastery. Dandapani explains how most people live life unconsciously, letting their awareness drift into anger, distraction, or fear—when in truth, we can train our awareness to dwell in peace, gratitude, and purpose.

In this episode, Darius and Dandapani will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Reconnection

(04:12) The Journey to Monastic Life

(09:37) Understanding Reincarnation and Past Lives

(17:31) The Mind and Awareness

(22:47) The Power of Unwavering Focus

(25:07) Navigating the Mind Mansion

(26:46) Awareness vs. Mind: A Parent's Lesson

(29:14) Harnessing Anger: A Double-Edged Sword

(32:04) Reincarnation and Historical Patterns

(36:20) The Cycle of Anger and Energy

(41:23) Teaching Resilience to the Next Generation

(47:17) Finding Purpose Through Self-Reflection

(51:41) The Challenge of Stillness and Self-Discovery

(56:49) Accepting Ourselves: The Journey of Self-Compassion

(01:02:56) Elevating Consciousness in Leadership

(01:09:56) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Dandapani is a Hindu priest, entrepreneur, and former monk who spent ten years in a traditional monastery under the guidance of Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami. Blending ancient Hindu wisdom with practical modern tools, he helps people cultivate focus, discipline, and self-mastery. His book “The Power of Unwavering Focus” has been translated into 23 languages, and his teachings have reached audiences worldwide, from entrepreneurs to global organizations like Nike and Bloomberg. He currently lives in Costa Rica, where he’s creating a 33-acre spiritual sanctuary dedicated to reflection and transformation.

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.

Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription.

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS.

Connect with Dandapani:

Website: https://dandapani.org/ 

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

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

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Unwavering-Focus-Dandapani/dp/0593420454 

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 navigate the steepest slopes of mental health challenge and merge stronger than ever?

Just like traversing a mountain, overcoming mental health obstacles requires preparation, resilience, and a solid support system. 

Drew Peterson, a professional skier and mental health advocate, has faced some of the most treacherous terrains, but his toughest battles were fought within his own mind. His journey is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of addressing mental health with the same dedication and care as any physical challenge.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Drew to open up about his struggles with mental health, his near-suicidal experiences, and the pivotal moments that led him to seek help and ultimately, find a path to recovery. Drew will also talk about his newest film, “Feel It All,” which documents his successful ultramarathon attempt. 

Topics include:

Drew talks about his professional journey and becoming a skier at 15

Breaking the stigma around mental health and suicide through films

Raising awareness and promoting mental health within the outdoor sports community

Drew shares how his passion for storytelling started

The importance of teamwork in creative endeavors

Drew discusses his short film “Ups & Downs” and the message it aims to convey

The importance of embracing the continuous cycle of ups and downs in life

Drew gives a sneak peek into his newest film “Feel It All”

And other topics…

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.

Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription.

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS.

Connect with Drew:

Website: https://drew-petersen.com/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/drewpeterski/

Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1786995813/feel-it-all/ 

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 overcoming fear wasn’t avoiding worst-case scenarios, but facing them head-on with a simple yet powerful mental shift?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives into Stoicism and the practice of Premeditatio Malorum—the premeditation of potential misfortunes. He shares a personal story of navigating a high-stress business crisis and how working with a cognitive behavioral therapist led him to the transformative "And Then" exercise. Discover how this mindset shift can help you break free from anxiety, regain control, and embrace resilience in the face of uncertainty.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Exploring Stoicism and Premeditatio Malorum

(11:48) Resilience and the Journey of Starting Over

(18:14) Embracing Risk and the Sweet Juice of Life

Sponsored by:

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.

Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription.

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS.

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 does it take to turn a struggling company into a global powerhouse?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with turnaround legend Peter Cuneo, the executive who helped lead Marvel Entertainment from bankruptcy to becoming one of the most successful entertainment empires in history. Peter opens up about the leadership principles that guided Marvel’s transformation, from rebuilding top creative talent and setting a clear strategic direction to fostering a culture of accountability and innovation. He shares how focusing on people, discipline, and long-term vision can turn even the most distressed companies into thriving, purpose-driven organizations.

In this episode, Darius and Peter will discuss:

Peter talks about rebuilding Marvel by bringing back top creative talent

He emphasizes disciplined, strategic leadership in every turnaround

The importance of a strong culture in driving long-term success

Peter shares lessons on decision-making under pressure

Developing future leaders through experience and mentorship

The value of perseverance and clear purpose in business recovery

And other topics…

Peter Cuneo is an American businessman renowned for his leadership in corporate turnarounds across the media and consumer products industries. Best known for revitalizing major brands, he served as CEO of Remington Products and as Vice Chairman of Marvel Entertainment, where he helped steer the company from bankruptcy to a $4 billion sale to Disney. Over his career, Cuneo has successfully completed seven major business turnarounds, including at Clairol, Black & Decker, and Marvel. He later founded Cuneo & Company, an investment firm focused on consumer, media, and entertainment ventures, achieving notable successes such as a 13x return on the sale of Valiant Entertainment. He has also held leadership roles on several corporate boards and, in 2024, became Chairman of OCSiAl, a nanotechnology company based in Luxembourg.

Sponsored by: 

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.

Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription.

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS.

Connect with Peter:

Website: https://www.petercuneo.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-cuneo/ 

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Superhero-Leadership-Courage-Strength-Compassion/dp/1510783849 

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/superhero-leadership-with-peter-cuneo/id1706007621 

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 can you go from just being a leader to being a truly inspirational leader?

To transition from merely being a leader to one who truly inspires, it is necessary to understand the dynamics of influence and impact.

Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, a luminary in the realm of leadership and executive coaching, discusses key principles that can facilitate this transformation. It starts with recognizing the power of intentionality in communication and decision-making. Inspirational leaders, as Marshall highlights, pause to consider whether their actions align with the goal of making a positive difference.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Marshall to delve into the nuances of effective leadership. Through insightful anecdotes and practical wisdom, Marshall elucidates the importance of making a positive difference, fostering trust, and embracing self-awareness on the journey toward greatness in leadership.

Topics include:

Influencing decisions through understanding and addressing the needs of others

Making positive difference rather than proving oneself right

The crucial role of honoring other people’s perspectives

Embracing the uncertainties in business and being open to other possibilities

Being ready to adapt and willing to acknowledge mistakes

Being cautious about out-of-hours emails or messages

The importance of purposeful communication

Recognizing and de-stigmatizing self-interest in business

Encouraging long-term planning but understanding the practical challenges

And other topics…

Sponsored by: 

Indeed: Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/darius.

Shopify: Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/greatness.

Brevo: Head over to brevo.com/greatness and use the code greatness to get 50% off Starter and Standard Plans for the first 3 months of an annual subscription.

Masterclass: Get 15% off any annual membership at MasterClass.com/DARIUS.

Connect with Marshall:

Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.com/

Website: https://marshallgoldsmith.ai/ 

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coachgoldsmith/

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