What if business could be as human, and as messy, as life itself? What if being an ethical leader wasn’t about hitting some mythical state of perfection, but rather about showing up, getting a little lost, and finding your values again and again along the way?

On this episode of What’s the Big Idea, Andrew sits down with David Gelles, New York Times reporter, bestselling author, and one of the most thoughtful chroniclers of modern leadership and capitalism. If you’ve grappled with questions about doing “good business” or wondered whether it’s really possible to put planet and people on equal footing with profit, David’s the guy you want in your corner. His latest book, Dirtbag Billionaire, tells the wild and often contradictory story of Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, who not only built a world-class company on his own weird, gritty values, but ultimately gave the whole thing away.

This episode goes way deeper than another pat case study in “purpose-driven business.” Andrew and David push into the real questions: What does it actually look like to build a values-driven company while wrestling with your own imperfections? Can you succeed in capitalism without losing your integrity? And why is holding steady to your purpose so hard, and so necessary, right now?

Here’s what you’ll take away:

Why does this matter? Because for founders, leaders, and anyone wanting to build something that endures and honors their deepest values, the path is rarely black-and-white. In a time when corporate activism, mission-washing, and burnout all mix together, it’s deeply heartening, and genuinely useful, to see that “doing it right” is mostly about staying present to your own messiness, learning as you go, and never mistaking profit for purpose.

If you want frameworks, real stories, and the unvarnished truth about leading with integrity in modern business, you’ll find all that and more here.

Listen in for a conversation that’s thoughtful, honest, and rooted in the idea that being an ethical leader is less about being a saint and more about coming back, again and again, to what matters most.

How do we turn love and intimacy into a living practice, one that transforms how we lead, connect, and show up in our romantic relationships?

On this episode of What’s the Big Idea, Andrew sits down with John Wineland, celebrated teacher, author, and guide to all things relationship, intimacy, and embodied masculine leadership. John is known for his transformative workshops and years of study with David Deida, as well as for helping thousands of people move past cliché ideas about intimacy toward something much deeper, kinder, and truly life-changing.

If you are curious about sacred intimacy, tantra, or what it means to lead from the heart, John brings these sometimes mystified topics down to earth. He clarifies that sacred intimacy isn’t a fixed state , but the practice of allowing the divine - love, consciousness, presence, to flow through your relationships. Drawing on stories from his own journey and decades working with men, women, and couples, John shares a toolkit for both cultivating connection and facing its challenges.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this conversation:

The Four Pillars of Sacred Intimacy: John introduces the central framework that has guided his work: intimacy (our shared humanity), devotion to the field of love, sexual polarity (understanding and honoring difference), and the commitment to deep personal work. Each is a cornerstone, and together they become the supports for a relationship not just to survive, but to thrive.

Making Love Safe and Alive with Ritual and Repair: Learn how simple weekly rituals like “temple nights” or structured praise sessions can shift a partnership from transactional to transformational. The episode outlines approaches for regular check-ins and explains why honest repair work is foundational to trust and emotional safety.

Nervous System Mastery for Modern Life: For men in particular, John goes deep on the value of cultivating embodied presence, emotional regulation, and clear intention. These are the building blocks not only of romantic connection, but also of authentic leadership and executive presence. You’ll hear concrete practices around structure, breath, and nervous system co-regulation.

Practical Intimacy Habits Anyone Can Try: From co-breathing with your partner, to establishing rituals of praise and play, to crisp strategies for moving through the storms of conflict, John offers tools that you can start using today.

Why does this matter now? In an era of chronic busyness, digital distraction, and surface-level connection, our ability to create depth and safety in our most important relationships is a fundamental skill.

Listen in for a conversation that’s both wise and immediately useful, blending frameworks, real stories, and the kind of honest reminders we all need.

Today’s guest is Carl Buchheit, transformational coach and Co-Founder of the lauded NLP Marin (A staple training ground for silicon-valley's best CEO's and executive coaches.) Carl brings a fresh, heart-centered take on leadership, communication, and Neuro-Linguisting programming. 

If you have been curious to learn more about NLP and why it is so popular amongst super coaches like Tony Robbins and high performing entrepreneurs, this episode will provide some helpful context. 

So, what is Transformational NLP?

At its core, NLP is about noticing and shifting the unconscious patterns in how we think, speak, and act. Transformational NLP takes it further, helping you rewrite old stories, dissolve limiting beliefs, and build more conscious, connected relationships. It’s about using language and awareness not just to perform better, but to live more authentically.

Carl walks us through a handful of simple, powerful practices:

Throughout the episode, Carl brings real-life examples, mindset shifts, and emotionally intelligent tools that apply to everything from leadership and conflict to love and self-worth. Whether you're navigating a difficult relationship, trying to lead with more empathy, or simply curious about how to rewire old mental patterns—this one’s for you.

It’s both a conversation and an invitation: to listen more deeply, speak more consciously, and create outcomes where everyone wins.

What if the biggest breakthroughs in your leadership had nothing to do with what you do and everything to do with the way you see?

In this episode of What’s the Big Idea?, I sit down with Diana Chapman, co-founder of the Conscious Leadership Group and co-author of The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. If you’ve ever heard someone talk about “above and below the line” leadership, you’re already hearing her influence.

We break down the 15 Commitments framework, one of the most transformational tools I’ve encountered in my work as an executive coach. These commitments aren’t rules. They’re ways of seeing and being that fundamentally change how you lead, relate, and live.

We talk about:

The #1 thing that keeps leaders stuck (and how to shift it)

Why personal responsibility is the ultimate power move

How to use curiosity to dissolve conflict

The real cost of drama in teams and how to lead beyond it

If you’re searching for an introduction to the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership or want to deepen your understanding of the model, this episode is a masterclass from the source.

Whether you’re a founder, executive, or someone committed to living more consciously, this one’s for you.

Listen in and learn why commitment to consciousness might be the most powerful leadership move you can make.

Ep 55. Today’s guest is John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market and a pioneer of conscious capitalism. In this powerful conversation, John shares the personal stories and hard-earned wisdom behind his newest framework, Win Win Win, and what it truly means to lead with love.

From the start, John opens the door to a deeper kind of dialogue. He shares the psychedelic awakening at age 22 that cracked open his worldview and put him on a lifelong journey to integrate business, spirituality, and service. That experience sparked a series of realizations that shaped not only how he built Whole Foods, but how he now lives his life.

At the heart of our conversation is the big idea he recently brought to the TED stage: Win Win Win. It’s a simple but transformative concept. In every interaction, how can we create something that’s good for ourselves, good for the other person, and good for the larger whole? John believes this is the path to lasting impact, and he offers the tools to make it real.

Together, we walk through the three core shifts that make Win Win Win possible. First, a shift of mind: letting go of judgment and stepping into curiosity. Then a shift of heart: opening to empathy, listening more deeply, and showing up with compassion. And finally, a shift into creativity: expanding what we believe is possible and asking again and again, what’s the most beautiful outcome we can create here?

John doesn’t just speak in ideas. He lives this work. Throughout the conversation, he brings real-life stories, surprising metaphors, and clear practices that anyone can apply. From how to navigate conflict with openness to how to lead from the heart in business negotiations, his insights are both practical and profound.

We also talk about the deeper drivers behind human behavior. Why do so many leaders chase money, fame, and power when what they really want is love? What happens when we stop trying to win at all costs and start creating environments where everyone gets to flourish? John makes the case for a new kind of leadership that begins with listening and ends in connection.

This episode is a masterclass in emotional intelligence and applied philosophy. Whether you’re a founder, a team leader, or someone just trying to build a more meaningful life, John’s message will meet you where you are. His presence is calm and clear. His vision is big and human. And his challenge to all of us is simple: practice love, every day, with everyone. No exceptions.

Today's guest is Joe Hudson, one of the most sought after Executive Coaches in Silicon Valley and Founder of The Art of Accomplishment. He shares his insights into the art of making better decisions by developing emotional fluidity and living by principles. Drawing on years of experience coaching high-level leaders (including work with Sam Altman and OpenAI), Joe explores how our relationship with emotions directly impacts our decision-making clarity.

Joe reveals his approach to decision-making, emphasizing the importance of connection, wonder, and understanding the true nature of our emotional landscape. He outlines how great decisions don't come from avoiding difficult emotions or outcomes—they emerge when we welcome all possibilities and align with our deepest principles. Through captivating stories and practical frameworks like the VIEW methodology, Joe shares his core principles for effective decision-making.

Whether discussing parenting insights that transformed his relationship with emotions or exploring his vision for societal transformation, Joe offers a refreshing perspective on achievement that prioritizes enjoyment and alignment over "dirty fuel" like stress and fear. The conversation culminates in a powerful decision-making exercise: visualizing both best and worst outcomes while fully feeling all associated emotions—a practice that often reveals the clearest path forward.

No More Mr. Nice Guy - How to stop people pleasing and get the love, life and connection you want. 

Dr. Robert Glover, renowned psychotherapist, author of No More Mr. Nice Guy, and founder of Integration Nation, a men’s community fostering authentic masculinity and growth.

Authentic growth begins by breaking free from the "Nice Guy Syndrome," a deeply ingrained pattern of people-pleasing and self-sabotage rooted in toxic shame and unmet childhood needs. 

Transformation happens when men take responsibility for their needs, embrace boundaries, and cultivate relationships that foster mutual respect and genuine connection. Dr. Glover encourages men to pursue an integrated life by owning all aspects of themselves, both their light and shadow, and creating a community that empowers healthy masculinity.

Dr. Robert Glover, a leading voice in men’s personal development, shares his transformative insights on overcoming the Nice Guy Syndrome. Drawing on decades of therapeutic experience and his personal journey, Dr. Glover unpacks the origins of this syndrome and its impact on men’s relationships, careers, and overall well-being. He provides practical guidance on embracing conflict, setting boundaries, and cultivating meaningful connections that are free of manipulation and resentment.

Through engaging anecdotes, insightful theories, and actionable advice, Dr. Glover challenges men to reclaim their power by confronting their toxic shame, embracing their full selves, and stepping into the world as integrated, authentic individuals.

Key Insights:

Connect with Dr. Robert Glover:

Thank You for Listening!

Today’s guest is Bryan Franklin, one of the world’s top executive coaches, he shares his insights into what truly makes a great coach. Drawing on years of experience coaching high-level leaders and training the next generation of trusted advisors, Bryan explores the unique qualities and skills that allow coaches to guide their clients toward clarity, resilience, and personal evolution.

Bryan reveals his approach to impactful coaching, emphasizing the importance of love, presence, and understanding multiple perspectives. He outlines how great coaches don’t just give answers—they create conditions that allow clients to access deeper truths and discover new pathways forward. Through captivating stories and practical advice, Bryan shares his core principles for effective coaching, from crafting authentic connections to embracing the complexity of each individual’s journey.

Today's guest is Jonny Miller, a nervous system specialist, transformational coach and host of the Curious Humans podcast. In this episode, Jonny dives into the science and practice of nervous system regulation, sharing how this foundational skill can help individuals manage stress, increase emotional balance, and perform at their best. 

Drawing from his personal experiences and journey of growth, Jonny highlights how mastering the nervous system has been pivotal in overcoming emotional challenges and achieving mental clarity.

Jonny explains how understanding the body’s stress response - along with tools to regulate it - can have a profound impact on how we navigate life’s demands, whether in the realm of entrepreneurship, sports, or creativity. 

He breaks down the ways our nervous system impacts our ability to handle stress, recover from burnout, and build long-term resilience.

He breaks down the science behind nervous system regulation and offers practical insights on how breathwork can help anyone handle stress, recover from emotional overwhelm, and build inner strength.

In this episode, we speak with Raz Ingrasci, the Chairman of the Hoffman Institute, about the life-changing impact of the Hoffman Process. 

Andrew just completed the week long training on the day this podcast was recorded. 

With over four decades of experience in human development, Raz explains how early childhood conditioning deeply affects our adult behaviors, often leading to patterns that no longer serve us. These patterns, rooted in the need to mirror our parents to secure love and survival, are referred to as "Negative Love Syndrome."

Raz’s personal insights into the Hoffman Process and his decades-long experience working with thousands of individuals shine through as he shares practical tools for emotional healing and personal growth.

He talks about how compassion, especially toward oneself, is the bridge to deeper self-understanding and long-term behavioral transformation. For anyone interested in emotional growth or those looking to break free from limiting beliefs, this episode provides an introduction to the power of compassion-based personal development.

Raz breaks down the core of the Hoffman Process, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and healing the relationship with our parents to unlock emotional freedom.

Through practical techniques and exercises, individuals can break free from these negative patterns and begin to live more authentically.