The Mitchell Cohen Podcast

Most people already know what they should be doing. Sleep more. Put down the phone. Exercise. Eat better.

So why don't they?

In this episode, I sit down with Erin Laverone — behavior coach, author of Do the Thing, and someone who has spent nearly two decades helping over a thousand clients close the gap between intention and action.

This isn't another motivational pep talk. Erin breaks down the actual psychology behind why behavior change is so hard — and gives you real tactics that work even when life gets messy.

We talk about:

• Why motivation works like junk food — and what "quality motivation" actually looks like
• The three psychological needs that drive lasting behavior change
• How to design your environment so good habits happen automatically
• The internal vs. external triggers keeping you stuck
• The 80% rule that beats perfectionism every time
• How Erin launched a book to under 400 people — and got 90 reviews

If you've ever known exactly what to do and still not done it… this one's for you.

📖 Grab Do the Thing: www.dothething-book.com

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 Why Is It So Hard to Do What You Know?

01:17 Behavior Is More Complex Than You Think

03:18 Junk Motivation vs. Quality Motivation

06:08 The Holy Grail: Self-Determination Theory

07:37 Stretched But Not Strained

09:24 The 80% Rule for Habits

12:40 Connection Is the Most Underrated Driver

13:38 Internal vs. External Triggers

16:15 Surfing the Urge

19:42 Infinite Scroll and the Guy Who Invented It

20:47 Environment Design — The 80/20 of Behavior

22:32 Why Hiring a Coach Hits Multiple Levers at Once

25:33 Easy, Enjoyable, Effective Framework

29:00 Making Behavior Immediately Rewarding

30:11 How Erin Wrote a Book (While Running Two Businesses)

34:23 Book Launch with a Small Audience

36:50 The 3-Tier Pre-Commitment Strategy

40:13 Involving Your Community in the Process

41:17 From Idea to Committing to the Book

44:47 Final Challenge: Give Yourself Grace, Then Take Ownership

🔗 Connect with Mitchell:

💻 Website: https://mitchelllandon.com/

📩 3-minute Newsletter:⁠ https://making-connections.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠

👥 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllandoncohen/⁠

🐦 X:⁠ https://x.com/MitchellLandon⁠

📸 IG:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/mitchelllandon/ ⁠

🎥 YT:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@mitchellcohen ⁠

🔗 Connect with Erin Laverone:

💻 Website: https://www.erinlaverone.com/

📩 The Habit Coach Professionals Newsletter:⁠ https://www.habitcoachpro.com/newsletter

👥 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinlaverone

📸 IG:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/vitality.central/

Most people use AI like a chatbot. Connor explains how to use it like an employee.

In this episode, we break down how non-technical founders, marketers, and business owners can start using Claude Code to delegate real tasks, build simple tools, and turn ideas into working outputs without needing to be an engineer.

We talk about:

• Why most people get stuck when moving from ChatGPT to agentic AI tools

• How to think in “AI-shaped” problems inside your business

• The easiest way to give Claude Code the right context and data

• Why Markdown, folders, and simple workflows matter more than coding knowledge

• How to use Claude Code to analyze content, generate ideas, and build dashboards

• Why the best users of these tools may not be engineers at all

If you want to stop just chatting with AI and start delegating real work to it, this episode is for you.

Thanks to AppSumo for sponsoring this video. For the best deals on ai tools checkout: https://appsumo.8odi.net/eKvbyg

⏱ Timestamps:

00:00 Intro: Why Connor is the go-to for AI and Claude Code

00:25 What viewers will learn: delegate your first task to an AI employee

00:58 Where most people get stuck with Claude Code

02:28 Step zero: changing how you think about problems

03:20 Think in code-shaped problems

03:52 Real examples of what Claude Code can do

04:36 How to get started and provide the right context

05:02 Terminal basics and Claude Code setup

05:21 Turning a podcast library into a local document repository

06:29 Running Claude Code like a chatbot

07:05 Using a dataset to analyze writing style and themes

07:49 Prompt example: identify themes, target audience, and signature traits

08:26 Permission requests and how to handle them safely

09:37 Claude Code vs ChatGPT

10:07 More computer access and workflow possibilities

10:37 OpenClaw vs Claude Code

11:50 Why Claude Code is more beginner-friendly than people think

12:48 Real business use case: reviewing customer transcripts at scale

14:15 What Claude learned from Connor’s writing

15:18 Building a quick dashboard from your content

16:05 Turning your content into insights and actions

16:54 Using AI for keyword research and content ideas

17:51 Live dashboard output and writing analytics

18:22 How dashboards can become ongoing workflows

18:47 Productionizing the dashboard

19:27 Why non-engineers may be best positioned to use these tools

20:33 Best practices for getting started

21:08 Learn Markdown first

22:50 Where to store context and project files

23:56 Why Markdown files beat Google Docs for this workflow

24:13 Final advice: Just start and let AI help when you get stuck

🔗 Connect with Mitchell:

💻 Website: ⁠https://mitchelllandon.com/⁠

📩 3-Minute Newsletter:⁠ ⁠https://making-connections.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠⁠

👥 LinkedIn:⁠ ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllandoncohen/⁠⁠

🐦 X:⁠ ⁠https://x.com/MitchellLandon⁠⁠

📸 IG:⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/mitchelllandon/⁠ ⁠

🎥 YT:⁠ ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@mitchellcohen⁠ ⁠

🔗 Connect with Connor Daly:

💻 Substack Newsletter: https://connordaly.substack.com/

👥 LinkedIn:   / connor-daly-0124375b  

📸 IG:⁠   / friendship.engineer  

In this episode, we unpack how Brandon, a mental performance coach to NFL players, UFC fighters, boxers, and entrepreneurs, helps high performers reprogram their subconscious beliefs so they stop self-sabotaging and finally unlock ease, flow, and success.

Brandon Epstein is a mental performance coach for NFL players, UFC fighters, boxers, and entrepreneurs. He helps high performers reach their full potential by leveraging the power of the mind.

We talk about:

• Why 95% of your thoughts are on repeat (and how to change them)
• How “feeling first” is the key to creating outcomes
• Why your subconscious thoughts determine your results
• How visualization and breathwork can improve performance faster than effort alone

If you care about high performance, inner alignment, and rewiring your mindset for success, this one’s for you.

We Discussed:

00:00 - How Brandon Coaches Elite Athletes

06:54 - Why Vulnerability Makes You Stronger

14:01 - Discovering Mindfulness and Mental Training

19:48 - Visualization and Strength Gains

23:32 - Choosing Your Focus with Intention

30:51 - Transmuting Negative Beliefs

35:40 - Programming Success in Health and Business

49:43 - The Power of “Who, Not How”

🔗 Connect with Mitchell:

💻 Website: https://mitchelllandon.com/

📩 3-Minute Newsletter:⁠ https://making-connections.beehiiv.com/subscribe⁠

👥 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllandoncohen/⁠

🐦 X:⁠ https://x.com/MitchellLandon⁠

📸 IG:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/mitchelllandon/ ⁠

🎥 YT:⁠ https://www.youtube.com/@mitchellcohen ⁠

🔗 Connect with Brandon:

💻 Website: ⁠https://thebrandonepstein.com/

👥 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandonepstein/

📸 IG:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/brandonepstein_/

🐦 X:⁠ https://x.com/brandonepstein_ ⁠

Most people try to “network” to grow their career or business. Jordan Carroll does the opposite — and it works.

In this episode, we unpack how Jordan became a Superconnector — not by cold outreach or climbing ladders, but by consistently showing up, adding value, and building real friendships inside aligned communities.

We talk about:

• Why “who, not how” is a mindset shift that can change everything

• How to reconnect with the people already in your orbit

• How community isn’t just leverage — it’s fuel

  
  

If you care about doing meaningful work with people you actually like being around — this one’s for you.

We Discussed:

Harvard grad, former McKinsey consultant, and seasoned entrepreneur Akash Kanojia shares powerful insights on mastering both emotional and financial intelligence. In this episode, Akash breaks down useful frameworks to build financial literacy, overcome emotional barriers, and effectively use feedback to drive personal and professional growth.

🔗 Connect with Mitchell:

💻 Website: https://mitchelllandon.com/

📩 3-minute Newsletter:⁠ https://making-connections.beehiiv.com/subscribe

👥 LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllandoncohen/

🐦 X:⁠ https://x.com/MitchellLandon

📸 IG:⁠ https://www.instagram.com/mitchelllandon/

🔗Connect with Akash:

💻 Website: ⁠https://www.akashkanojia.com/

👥 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/akashkanojia/

🐦X: ⁠https://x.com/akashmkanojia

🔗Links Mentioned:

⁠https://www.akashkanojia.com/emotions-finance/a-technique-for-shifting-from-a-scarcity-to-an-abundance-mindset/⁠

Grant Hushek, employee #1 at Hampton, just quit his job to grow his automation agency. 

In this episode, Grant shares his favorite automations, the big trends he sees, and how anyone can get started today.

Timestamps

(00:00) Getting Started With Automations

(02:50) The Journey To Automation Consultancy

(06:05) Understanding Founders Need

(08:59) The Power Of Automation In Business

(11:48) Simple Steps To Begin Automating

(15:01) Practical Automation Examples

(17:56) High ROI Activities In Automation

(20:49) Tools And Workflows For Automation

(24:09) Real World Automation Applications

(26:58) Advice For Non-Technical Users

(29:52) Final Thoughts And Resources

Connect With Grant Hushek:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-hushek/

X: https://x.com/GrantHushek

Website: https://www.grantbot.co/

My Links:

🧠 3-minute Newsletter: https://making-connections.beehiiv.com/subscribe 

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchelllandoncohen/ 

🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/MitchellLandon 

📸 IG: https://www.Instagram.com/mitchelllandon 

📽️ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@mitchellcohen 

Bobby shares his journey from Uber driver to entrepreneur —following his excitement to become a coach and viral creator.

Timestamps

00:00 Intro

00:52 The Journey of Self-Improvement

02:44 Graduation and Career Choices

07:07 Starting the Podcast Journey

09:00 Lessons from Uber Driving

12:13 Transitioning between opportunities

20:16 Burning the Boats Mentality

22:09 Key Inflection Points

26:38 The Four Phases of Designing Your Life

29:23 What’s next for Bobby

32:22 The Power of Alignment and Consistency

34:55 The Impact of Personal Relationships

41:07 Rapid Fire Questions and Reflections

51:21 Final Thoughts and Challenges

Guest Links:

In this episode, Paul Millerd, author of The Pathless Path and Good Work, shares his journey of leaving the corporate world to find deeper meaning in writing and creative work.

He introduces the concept of “ship, quit, and learn” and the importance of aligning work with your personal energy.

Paul shares actionable tactics, resources, and frameworks to help you discover your own path.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction: Paul Millerd and The Pathless Path

[02:07] Paul’s Journey: From Corporate Life to Creative Freedom

[04:31] The Philosophy Behind The Pathless Path

[07:00] Redefining Success and Finding True Purpose

[13:20] Living the Pathless Path

[20:22] The Aspirational Journey: Trying New Values

[27:55] Early Inspirations: The Impact of Mentors

[32:15] Finding Your People “Your Pathless Friends”

[36:18] Curiosity Conversations

[40:10] Starting Out: Advice on “Ship, Quit, and Learn”

[48:05] Discovering Yourself

[53:52] Lessons Learned from Writing and Self-Publishing

[56:52] Generosity as a Practice

[59:17] Final Thoughts and Wisdom

Guest Links:

Paul’s X: https://x.com/p_millerd

Pathless Path: https://pathlesspath.com/

Good Work: https://pmillerd.com/goodwork/

My Links:

🧠 3-minute Newsletter: https://making-connections.beehiiv.com/subscribe

🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/MitchellLandon

📸 IG: https://www.instagram.com/mitchelllandon

Braxton Manley is the founder Braxley Bands (a D2C Apple Watch bands company). The company started as a class project but now has scaled millions of dollars.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

Guest Links:

Other Links Mentioned:

My Links:

Courtney Johnson creates viral content across LinkedIn and TikTok on her personal accounts (and as a ghostwriter for others). She shares her “unhinged cheat codes” to grow a personal brand, b2b social strategies, leveraging tools/hacks to free up your time, mental models, and much more. 

Timestamps:

(04:31) Leverage and income diversification

(08:10) Simplifying tasks to make everything else easier

(11:45) Art of using effective hooks in content

(13:45) Niche targeting/strategies to increase engagement

(17:17) “Problematic cheat codes” to get ahead

(20:01 ) Courtney’s ultimate cheat code for creativity and focus

(22:06) Finding your zone of genius and unfair advantages

(23:50) Shapeshifting your hotness & understanding power dynamics

(26:00) Creating niches from your unique interests 

(31:35) Wealthy people & entrepreneurial cheat codes 

(39:15) VA task delegation, automation, and software tools

(44:15) Favorite books and mental models 

Courtney’s Links:

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

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@courtney..johnson 

Other Links Mentioned: 

My Links:

🧠 3-minute Newsletter: https://making-connections.beehiiv.com/

🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/MitchellLandon 
📸 IG: https://Instagram.com/mitchelllandon