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. 

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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.

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What if the biggest threat to your business isn't your competition, but your own reluctance to automate?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius shares a raw, urgent wake-up call for entrepreneurs and business owners: AI isn't a technology problem, it's an operations problem. Drawing from his hands-on experience sitting in on live AI builds with his portfolio companies and his role as Chairman of the Board at AIIFYit.com, Darius breaks down what it actually means to "AI-ify" your company and why most businesses are getting it completely wrong.

He walks through a real-world case study in the lending industry where a process that took an hour and required offshore employees was reduced to one to two minutes with no human involvement, and explains why that changes everything about cost structures, competitive pricing, and survival in the marketplace.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) AI: Operations, Not Technology

(02:51) The Evolution of AI in Business

(06:10) Automating Processes for Unlimited Capacity

(09:03) Cultural Friction in AI Implementation

(11:52) The Future of Knowledge Work

(14:46) The Urgency of AI Adoption

(18:10) Out-of-App AI: The Next Frontier

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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What if everything you’ve been told about success is backwards?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh is joined by bestselling author Daniel Coyle to unpack the real drivers of performance, fulfillment, and human connection, along with insights from his new book “Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment”.

Daniel shares his journey from aspiring baseball player in Alaska to becoming a leading voice on what truly powers high-performing individuals and teams. His work reveals a powerful truth: success doesn’t create strong relationships. Strong relationships create success.

Together, they explore the science and soul of community, why modern life often leaves us feeling disconnected, and how simple, intentional moments can help us reconnect and thrive. They also dive into practical ways to build stronger relationships in your daily life, both personally and professionally. This conversation will challenge the way you think about achievement and inspire you to prioritize connection in a deeper, more meaningful way.

In this episode, Darius and Daniel will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(02:46) The Journey to Writing and Performance

(05:16) The Importance of Community

(08:15) The Upside Down of Success and Relationships

(11:10) Creating Connective Pauses

(14:03) Rituals and Connection to Ancestors

(17:03) Personal Practices for Connection

(21:56) Reconnecting with Ancestral Wisdom

(27:21) The Renaissance of Community Building

(32:29) Creating Conditions for Flourishing

(43:12) The Ideal Reader for 'Flourish'

Daniel Coyle is a New York Times bestselling author known for “The Culture Code,” named Best Business Book of the Year by Bloomberg, BookPal, and Business Insider. He has advised high-performing organizations including the Navy SEALs, Microsoft, Google, and the Cleveland Guardians. His other works include “The Talent Code,” “The Secret Race,” “The Little Book of Talent,” and “Hardball,” which was adapted into a film. Raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Coyle now lives between Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Homer, Alaska with his wife and four children.

Connect with Dan:

Website: https://danielcoyle.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-coyle-32830310 

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

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Flourish-Art-Building-Meaning-Fulfillment/dp/0525620702 

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 role can empathy and kindness play in our approach to life's challenges?

As the world becomes increasingly complex, empathy and kindness become beacons of hope and resilience. It is through cultivating these qualities that we uplift ourselves and help others embrace a more compassionate approach to life’s hurdles. 

Jaclyn Lindsey, a dedicated advocate for kindness and the founder of nonprofit organization kindness.org, discusses the importance of fostering a culture of kindness, shares strategies for integrating kindness into daily life, and highlights the impactful work of kindness.org, an organization committed to promoting kindness and its positive effects on society. 

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Jaclyn Lindsey to explore the transformative nature of kindness, discussing practical strategies for fostering empathy in our interactions and overcoming obstacles with a positive mindset. This conversation will also talk about the power of compassion, navigating life’s challenges, and the significant role each of us can play in creating a more empathetic world. 

Topics include:

Understanding kindness as a “meta-value” beyond just an emotion

Jaclyn's inspiration behind founding kindness.org

Navigating the challenge of choosing kindness in difficult situations

Cultural barriers to practicing kindness in a divided world

Recognizing our collective power to address large-scale issues

Exploring how social contagion influences behavior

Building empathy through simple, actionable exercises

Jaclyn teases about “Kindness Quotient” personality test 

The lasting impact of bullying and hardship

And other topics…

Connect with Jaclyn:

Website: https://kindness.org/ 

Website: http://kindness.org/kq 

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

Twitter: https://x.com/kindness_org 

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

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. 

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

What do you really want from life and how do you define the criteria for your next big move?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius takes us deeper into his journey of clarity and alignment, sharing how he’s mapping out the values and principles that guide his next chapter. From choosing freedom and connection over energy-draining relationships, to defining what kind of businesses he wants to invest in, Darius walks us through the process of creating a personal criteria map for meaningful success.

You’ll hear his reflections on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, leveraging strengths, and why working with heart-centered people matters more than chasing profits.

If you’ve ever wondered how to align your professional path with your deepest values, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Self-Reflection

(00:58) Defining Life Goals and Values

(03:23) Exploring Themes of Happiness and Love

(05:48) The Importance of Fun and Adventure

(09:13) Understanding Accomplishment and Freedom

(11:46) The Quest for Sovereignty and Financial Freedom

(14:38) Building Meaningful Connections

(16:01) Strategizing for Future Projects

(25:27) Conclusion and Call to Action

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 really cost to become great, and are you willing to pay the price?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh welcomes back NHL legend Chris Pronger for a candid conversation on the mindset, discipline, and adversity behind elite performance. From growing up in small-town Canada to becoming a Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, Chris shares the unfiltered truth about what it takes to rise to the top and stay there.

At the center of the conversation is his new book, “Earned: The True Cost of Greatness from One of Hockey's Fiercest Competitors,” a powerful blend of memoir, leadership playbook, and hard-earned life lessons. Chris opens up about early career struggles, battling inconsistency, and the turning point that came when he developed mental standards and took full ownership of his performance.

He also dives into the importance of resilience, embracing failure, and why adversity is not something to avoid, but a gift to lean into. Beyond the ice, Chris reflects on how family reshaped his perspective, helping him find balance, stay grounded, and ultimately perform at a higher level.

In this episode, Darius and Chris will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Greatness

(00:53) The Journey of Writing a Book

(02:40) Chris Pronger's Hockey Origin Story

(05:27) Overcoming Early Struggles in the NHL

(07:57) The Importance of Standards and Mindset

(10:58) Building Confidence and Consistency

(13:47) The Transformation of Chris Pronger

(16:22) The Enforcer Mentality in Hockey

(19:59) The Short Fuse Advantage

(21:45) Betting on Yourself: Chris Pronger's Journey

(24:51) The Balance of Hard Work and Enjoyment

(29:17) The Joy and Business of Hockey

(31:57) Family's Role in Career Success

(34:04) Life After Hockey: Broadcasting and Speaking

(38:14) The Evolution of the Game

Chris Pronger is a Stanley Cup Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and one of the NHL’s Top 100 Players of All Time. Known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership, he built a legacy as both a dominant player and a true difference maker. Since retiring, Chris has moved into entrepreneurship and keynote speaking, advising elite performers and helping leaders build accountability, strengthen mindset, and earn lasting success.

Connect with Chris:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Earned-Greatness-Hockeys-Fiercest-Competitors/dp/1637635028 

Website: https://www.chrispronger.com/ 

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

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

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 leaders inspire genuine teamwork and create a culture that fuels both personal and collective success?

Leadership isn’t only about setting goals and driving results; it’s also about fostering a strong sense of team spirit. In today’s dynamic workplace, leaders who embrace “teamship” build cultures of trust, collaboration, and support that empower their teams to thrive together.

Keith Ferrazzi, an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and globally recognized thought leader in relational and collaborative sciences, shares his expertise on building high-performing teams. Known for guiding organizations to success, he dives into the concept of “teamship” as a cornerstone of transformative leadership. Through his newest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship, Keith emphasizes the transformative power of trust, transparency, and accountability in team dynamics.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Keith to explore the intersection of leadership and teamship. They delve into the keys to building empowered teams, highlighting how leaders can inspire unity and excellence. This conversation will also offer essential insights into creating a work culture where each team member feels valued and connected to a shared vision, paving the way for sustainable success.

Topics include:

The shift from traditional leadership to "teamship" and its key benefits

The importance of trust and consistent feedback

Keith outlines practical methods and tools for driving team success

The impact of starting with one high-performing team as a model

Keith talks about his newest book Never Lead Alone

Building relationships through radical generosity and authenticity

Leveraging the workplace as a catalyst for broader societal transformation

Keith introduces the “Open 360” feedback practice

And other topics…

Connect with Keith:

Website: https://www.keithferrazzi.com/

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

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

Books: https://www.keithferrazzi.com/books 

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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What if the thing standing between you and everything you want is you?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh returns after a break to share a raw and deeply personal reflection on alignment, self-honesty, and what it truly takes for life to conspire in your favor. Drawing inspiration from “The Alchemist” and “The Surrender Experiment,” Darius reveals a powerful truth. It is not enough to want something. You have to be fully aligned with why you want it.

From his early entrepreneurial grind to recent breakthroughs, he opens up about how ego, self-deception, and hidden motives kept him stuck in frustrating cycles, even while achieving outward success. After years of deep inner work, Darius now lives by a new standard he calls sovereignty. It means no longer betraying himself for anything, no matter how tempting.

For the first time, he is experiencing what he can only describe as magic. Opportunities, solutions, and the right people are showing up in ways that feel almost impossible to explain.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Personal Reflections

(02:38) The Journey of Self-Discovery

(05:32) Aligning with True Purpose

(08:16) The Role of Energy and Intention

(10:57) Sovereignty and Self-Honoring

(13:49) Experiencing Miracles and Alignment

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 everything you’ve been chasing isn’t what will actually fulfill you?

Performance coach and bestselling author Jim Murphy joins us on The Greatness Machine to unpack what it truly means to live the best possible life.

Jim opens up about his journey from professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization to losing his identity after a career-ending injury, and how that turning point led him to a deeper understanding of fulfillment. Together, they challenge the belief that achievements, money, and status create happiness, and reveal why those pursuits often leave even high performers feeling empty.

The conversation explores Jim’s concept of “PALMS” (Possessions, Achievements, Looks, Money, Status), the trap of ego-driven living, and how real freedom comes from turning inward toward presence, gratitude, and selfless love. Jim also shares practical insights on mastering the ego, releasing attachment to outcomes, and cultivating a more heart-centered approach to performance and leadership.

They also dive into Jim’s new book, “The Best Possible Life,” where he introduces the “Three Worlds” model, a powerful framework for moving beyond external results and reconnecting with a more meaningful way of living.

In this episode, Darius and Jim will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Background

(01:54) The Journey from Athlete to Author

(05:33) Understanding the Hedonic Trap

(09:19) The Importance of Self-Awareness

(13:10) Outcomes vs. Experience in Sports

(17:01) The Misunderstanding of Self-Love

(19:10) The Role of Mindfulness and Relationships

(21:00) Tools for Healing and Growth

(22:18) The Power of Servant Leadership

(22:41) The Heart of Leadership

(23:33) Aligning Energy for Success

(26:11) The Power of Surrender

(28:24) Mastering the Ego

(35:50) Introducing 'The Best Possible Life'

Jim Murphy is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Inner Excellence, a globally embraced performance philosophy used by elite athletes, executives, and leaders to train their heart and mind for peak performance. His upcoming book, The Best Possible Life (March 31, 2026), expands on this work, offering a broader vision for purposeful living. A world-renowned performance coach, Jim works with high achievers across sports and business. He began his career as a professional baseball player with the Chicago Cubs organization before transitioning into coaching roles with the Texas Rangers and the South African Olympic baseball team. Today, he leads Inner Excellence retreats worldwide and serves as President of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project, an initiative focused on building communities to alleviate spiritual and physical poverty.

Connect with Jim:

Website: https://innerexcellence.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://es.linkedin.com/in/innerexcellence 

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