Have you ever wondered how some artists achieve extraordinary success in the music industry against all odds?

Embarking on a creative journey in the music industry can be an unpredictable and daunting endeavor, much like the path followed by the renowned artist, Moby. His journey stands out as a shining example of unwavering dedication and ingenuity in the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry.

Moby, the sonic visionary renowned for his genre-defying soundscapes, has multiple Grammy nominations and a career spanning several decades. Best known for his hit songs “Porcelain,” “Natural Blues,” and “South Side,” he carved out a niche for himself, capturing the hearts of millions worldwide and he continues to be a prominent figure in the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on the world of electronic music and beyond. 

In this episode, Darius, Moby, and Lindsay engage in a candid conversation, delving into Moby's decision to pursue music over becoming a philosophy professor. They explore the concept of the "hungry ghost" and achieve true fulfillment, touching upon the pursuit of happiness in entrepreneurial endeavors. Together, they discuss the role of ego in their lives, the need for open-mindedness, and the significance of being receptive to different perspectives, leaving listeners with profound insights into purpose, fulfillment, and self-discovery.

Topics include:

Resources mentioned:

The Almanac of Naval Ravikant: https://www.amazon.com/Almanack-Naval-Ravikant-Wealth-Happiness/dp/1544514212 

The Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363 

Connect with Moby and Lindsay:

Moby Website: https://moby.com/ 

Moby Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moby/

Lindsay Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linzhicks/ 

Lindsay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-hicks-6b392550/ 

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

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

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

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What is something that gives you a sense of purpose and a reason for living it?

Whether it is a career path, a creative pursuit, a commitment to a cause, or nurturing meaningful relationships, purpose serves as a driving force that gives you a reason for living. Similarly, the Japanese concept of Ikigai offers a comprehensive perspective on discovering one’s purpose in life.

Essentially, Ikigai is the convergence of four core elements; what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for.

Today, I am flying solo to explore the Japanese concept of Ikigai. Drawing from my personal journey, I emphasize the importance of passion, purpose, and creating value in finding Ikigai. I will also highlight the value of embracing good stress and struggling well as signs of being in alignment with Ikigai.

Topics include:

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

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

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

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

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

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After dedicating his career to understanding and sharing the power of transformative ideas, entrepreneur and author Eric Jorgenson has seen how the right book can inspire action and drive personal growth. Best known for “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant,” Eric shares how reading sharpens decision-making and unlocks new opportunities. In this episode, he discusses his latest work, “The Anthology of Balaji: A Guide to Technology, Truth, and Building the Future,” featuring insights from visionary entrepreneur Balaji Srinivasan, and offers a sneak peek into an exciting project on Elon Musk’s groundbreaking innovations.

In this episode, Darius and Eric will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction

(03:08) The Impact of Books on Personal Growth

(05:49) Eric's Journey to Writing "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant"

(08:54) The Process of Writing and Publishing

(12:00) The Influence of Naval Ravikant

(14:53) Exploring Wealth and Its Definitions

(17:53) The Role of Leverage in Success

(21:01) The Importance of Knowledge and Skills

(24:11) Elon Musk: A New Book Project

(27:01) The Future of Network States

(29:59) Final Thoughts and Greatness Question

Eric Jorgenson is an author, investor, and creator known for distilling complex ideas into accessible wisdom. His bestselling book, "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant," guides readers to wealth and happiness through Naval’s most impactful insights. Following its success, Eric published "The Anthology of Balaji," showcasing the visionary ideas of engineer and futurist Balaji Srinivasan. As the founder of Rolling Fun, Eric invests in early-stage tech startups, writes at ejorgenson.com, and hosts the Smart Friends podcast. His blog has engaged over a million readers since 2014. When not working, he’s on a mission to craft the perfect sandwich.

Sponsored by:

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

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius. 

Connect with Eric:

Website: https://www.ejorgenson.com/

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

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

Books: https://www.ejorgenson.com/books-1 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricJorgenson 

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

Have you ever found yourself wandering amidst the chaos, yearning for a guiding light of clarity?

Life often presents us with moments of uncertainty and chaos, leaving us feeling adrift and in need of direction. Like travelers in a dense fog, we stumble forward, desperately seeking clarity and a sense of purpose. It is during these times that having confidence becomes paramount, for it is the beacon that guides us through the storm.

Peter Atwater, a renowned author, speaker, and consultant in the field of behavioral finance and investor sentiment, delves into the profound impact of confidence on our decision-making, resilience, and overall well-being in his latest book, The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity. 

Drawing from his extensive expertise in behavioral finance and investor sentiment, Peter presents a compelling framework that illuminates the intricate relationship between confidence and chaos.

In this episode, Darius and Peter discuss the vital role of confidence in decision-making and behavior across various aspects of life. Peter shares the journey behind his book, The Confidence Map: Charting a Path from Chaos to Clarity, emphasizing resilience in facing uncertainty and embracing growth from failure. They explore making financial decisions with uncertainty, avoiding gut-driven choices, and the importance of seeking help and feedback for personal and professional development.

Topics include:

Connect with Peter:

Website: https://peteratwater.com/ 

Book: https://peteratwater.com/books-2/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Peter_Atwater 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-atwater-08467034/ 

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

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

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

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Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius. 

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In the grand theater of life, each of us has our own script. But how often do we find ourselves peeking at the script of others, wondering if their lines are better written?

In a world that often values success, happiness, and fulfillment as measurable commodities, the tendency to measure our own worth against the apparent achievements and joys of others becomes all too common.

What we often fail to recognize in the midst of comparison is that every individual’s journey is unique, marked by a complex interplay of circumstances, choices, and personal growth.

Today, I am flying solo to highlight the drawbacks of comparison and introduce the concept of 100% trades. Inspired by Naval Ravikant’s insights, I will emphasize why we need to consider every aspect of someone else’s life before wishing to be like them. Drawing from my personal experience comparing myself to Elon Musk, I will also talk about self-appreciation and the cessation of unhealthy comparisons.

Topics include:

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

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

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius. 

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

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Building wealth is just one piece of the puzzle to living a fulfilling life, but aligning purpose with financial success creates a powerful blueprint for long-term happiness. In this episode, William Green shares strategies and mindset shifts that can help you achieve not just financial freedom, but a meaningful, balanced life. He dives into how to create wealth while staying true to your values, navigating challenges, and ultimately building a life that reflects your true passions. Tune in to hear about the importance of living intentionally, making decisions with purpose, and using wealth as a tool to fuel your bigger vision for the future.

In this episode, Darius and William will discuss:

(00:00) The Power of Connection and Enlightenment

(02:52) Impermanence and the Pursuit of Happiness

(05:59) Balancing Complexity and Simplicity in Life

(08:52) Creating Impact and Building Relationships

(11:51) Navigating Life's Buckets and Non-Negotiables

(15:04) Destination Analysis: Long-Term Thinking for a Beautiful Life

(31:21) Investing in Peace of Mind

(34:20) Navigating Life's Complexities with Kindness

(37:05) A Memorable Encounter with Charlie Munger

(46:55) Lessons from Charlie Munger on Ethics and Success

(52:35) The Journey of Redefining Success and Wealth

William Green is the author of “Richer, Wiser, Happier: How the World’s Greatest Investors Win in Markets and Life,” a bestselling book translated into 26 languages and ranked #1 on Goodreads’ “Top 100 Most Popular Investing Books.” Drawing on decades of interviews with legendary investors like Charlie Munger and Peter Lynch, the book offers deep insights into their strategies and successes. William also hosts the Richer, Wiser, Happier podcast, featuring top investors and thinkers, with episodes on the popular We Study Billionaires network.

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

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Connect with William: 

Website: https://williamgreenwrites.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-green-richerwiserhappier 

Twitter: https://x.com/williamgreen72 

Podcast: https://www.theinvestorspodcast.com/richer-wiser-happier/ 

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

Have you ever wondered what it takes for someone to seamlessly transition from the electrifying realm of sports announcing to the cutthroat world of business, conquering both with remarkable finesse?

Bruce Buffer, an iconic figure in the world of sports announcing and business, joins us on The Greatness Machine to share his story of venturing into the world of business while captivating sports fans with his booming voice on stage. 

Leveraging his brand and recognizability, he has successfully built a thriving business empire. Bruce ventures include merchandise, licensing deals, public appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. His business acumen and strategic mindset have allowed him to transcend the confines of sports announcing, establishing himself as a savvy entrepreneur.

In this episode, Darius and Bruce dive into various intriguing topics, starting with Bruce's journey of how he began managing his half-brother, Michael Buffer, and the lessons he learned along the way. They also explore the future of personal branding, emphasizing the significance of values and purpose in establishing a strong personal brand. Bruce shares his insights on the future of combat sports, providing a unique perspective on what lies ahead. Moreover, they unravel the secret to following one's passions and achieving success, delving into the mindset and strategies required.

Topics include:

Connect with Bruce:

Website: https://brucebuffer.com/ 

Website: https://puncherschancebourbon.com/ 

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

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

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

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

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.

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

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In a year of profound challenges and personal growth, Darius Mirshahzadeh takes a moment to reflect on the invaluable lessons learned and the power of resilience. In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, he dives into the importance of embracing life's preciousness, and the role rituals play in grounding us during uncertain times. Darius explores the friction we often encounter within ourselves, how it can lead to self-deception, and the reality that goals and dreams come with their own set of obstacles. He discusses the concept of humility, the Dunning-Kruger effect, and why it is vital to approach life with a sense of curiosity and openness. With a focus on empathy, Darius shares how shifting our mindset to see others as humans can deepen our connections. 

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Welcome to 2025: Reflections and Gratitude

(02:22) The Importance of Rituals and Life's Preciousness

(04:43) Navigating Friction and Self-Deception

(08:02) Goals and the Reality of Life's Challenges

(12:20) Embracing Resilience and Personal Growth

(16:10) Lessons Learned: Humility and the Dunning-Kruger Effect

(20:05) Seeing Others as Humans: The Outward Mindset

(21:58) No Free Lunches: Understanding Costs and Commitments

Sponsored by:

Shopify: Sign up for a $1/month trial period at shopify.com/darius.

Rocket Money: Cancel unwanted subscriptions and reach your financial goals faster at RocketMoney.com/Darius.

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

After an extensive career in the financial industry, Matthew now serves as a key figure at Pathstone, where he leads with a commitment to integrity, strategy, and client-first solutions. In this episode, Matthew shares insights from his journey at Pathstone, diving into the firm’s unique approach to wealth management and how they’re reshaping the financial landscape. He discusses the lessons he has learned about building trust with clients, leading teams with purpose, and adapting to the ever-evolving financial world. Matthew also reflects on how Pathstone's client-centric model continues to drive long-term success and create lasting impact for families and institutions alike.

In this episode, Darius and Matthew will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Pathstone and Matt Fleissig

(02:02) Matt's Journey: From Computer Nerd to Wealth Management

(05:55) The Birth of Pathstone: Vision and Early Days

(09:57) Understanding Family Offices and Pathstone's Unique Model

(14:05) Client Profiles: Ultra High Net Worth and Family Offices

(18:01) Innovative Services: Unbundling Wealth Management

(21:47) Scaling the Business: Technology and Automation

(26:00) Entrepreneurial Growth: Pathstone's Rapid Expansion

(30:12) Maintaining Vision: M&A and Future Directions

(30:42) Understanding Wealth Management Scale

(34:06) The Evolution of Leadership in Growing Firms

(35:15) Reinventing Leadership for Growth

(38:32) The Role of Private Equity in Growth

(40:28) Creating a Culture of Ownership

(48:22) Integrating Diverse Talents and Cultures

(54:34) Future Trends in Wealth Management

Matthew Fleissig is the CEO and co-founder of Pathstone, The Family Office, serving families, family offices, and foundations. He leads the firm’s strategic vision and innovation and serves on the Investment Oversight Committee and Executive Leadership Team. Previously, Matt was President of Pathstone and held roles at Harris myCFO and The Ayco Company, advising high-net-worth clients on investments and financial planning.

Connect with Matthew:

Website: https://www.pathstone.com/

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

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 steps can you take to turn your aspirations into reality and move from where you are right now to where you truly want to be?

Reaching your desired destination from your current position is an exciting and transformative endeavor. It requires a combination of vision, determination, effective decision-making, and actionable techniques.

Katy Milkman, through her book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, introduces various psychological concepts, such as habits, motivation, and self-control, and explains how these factors impact our ability to make lasting changes.

Drawing from her expertise as a behavioral scientist and professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Katy provides readers with practical insights and techniques for transforming their lives. Throughout the book, she highlights the significance of self-reflection and self-awareness in the change process. Katy also encourages readers to identify their own patterns, biases, and obstacles, offering strategies to overcome them and cultivate new habits that align with their aspirations.

In this episode, Darius and Katy engage in a captivating conversation covering a range of topics. They explore how Katy's passion for research ignited during her undergraduate studies and delve into the motivations behind her pursuit of behavioral economics. Katy opens up about her purpose in writing her book, How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. They discuss the power of fresh starts and how they can enhance motivation, the importance of well-planned methodologies and tools for achieving success, the benefits of temptation bundling, and the effectiveness of commitment devices in increasing productivity.

Topics include:

Connect with Katy:

Website: https://www.katymilkman.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-milkman/

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

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

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

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Sponsored by:

Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit at Indeed.com/DARIUS.

Mint Mobile - Cut your wireless bill to $15 a month at MINT MOBILE.com/great.

Shopify - Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/darius. 

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

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