The Optimal Life

Tum Voorn is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the owner of Energia Martial Arts , a group of martial arts schools based in the Netherlands.  He joined me to talk about his personal Jiu Jitsu journey, what to expect at each belt level and the impact social media is having on his brand. Connect with Tum on Instagram @TumEnergia Subscribe to Energia Martial Arts on YouTube @EnergiaMartialArts...

Lauren Murphy is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) black belt and UFC fighter who fights in the womens flyweight division.  She joined me to talk about how BJJ saved her from the depths of despair of drug and alcohol addiction, and how it led to a life of fulfillment, happiness and her eventual signing with the UFC. Connect with Lauren on Instagram @LaurenMurphyMMA Watch Lauren's December 2023 emotional...

Allison Seller is a Vancouver-based personal & transformational coach, philanthropist, former competitive bodybuilder and business strategist who helps coaches and consultants grow their businesses using value-based approaches. Learn more at https://healthacademyinc.com and https://successbusinesscoach.ca   Connect with Allison on Facebook @AllisonSellerMentor Check out Allison's feature in the ne...

Mark and Margaret Fairbanks are the founders of Islands of Brilliance, a learning experience developed specifically for autistic children and teens to help increase their likelihood of independence as adults.  They formed the non-profit organization in 2012 after their son, Harry, was diagnosed with autism in 2001.  He was only 3 years old at the time of his diagnosis. Learn more at https://island...

Adarsh Senthilnathan is a 15-year old, high school junior who joined me to talk about employing a 'mamba mentality' and doing the 'dark work' to ensure the highest levels of success. Contact Adarsh for podcast appearances and speaking engagements at AdarshSenthilnathan@gmail.com   You can Buy Me a Coffee to support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber If you enjoyed this episode, you mig...

Dr. Adriana Popescu is a clinical psychologist, empowerment coach, and an addiction & trauma specialist who authored the book, " What if You're Not as F***ed Up As You Think ."   Learn more at https://adrianapopescu.org Follow Adriana on Facebook @DrAdrianaPopescu You can Buy Me a Coffee to support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like: Ep....

Alan Nevin is a renowned demographer and economist whose new book, " The Next Half Century: Prepare for an Amazing Change in World Prosperity ," offers insight into population, lifestyle, education and employment patterns that will affect our globe over the next 50 years. You can Buy Me a Coffee to support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber If you enjoyed this episode, you might also l...

Dr. Louise Swartswalter is a naturopathic doctor, frequency medicine pioneer and self-proclaimed psychic who helps people eliminate trauma using an unorthodox, somewhat peculiar "BRAIN" system.  She joined me to provide details of this system by putting me through a sample screening. Learn more at https://louiseswartswalter.com You can Buy Me a Coffee to support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.co...

Julia Verdin is a British filmmaker and the founder of Artists for Change, a non-profit organization that creates high impact film, television and multimedia projects to inspire social change.  She joined me to talk about her latest film, Maya , which raises awareness around teenage sex trafficking and the dangers of online predators. Learn more at https://artists4change.org You can Buy Me a Coffe...

Sean DeMarco Garcia is the founder of AstroChemistry Consulting, a firm specializing in providing de-escalation and crisis intervention education for frontline workers.  His upcoming book, "It Isn't About You," provides information on the skill sets required to de-escalate those experiencing emotional and mental crises. Learn more at https://actc11.com Connect with Sean on Instagram @actc11_consul...

Justin Janowski is the founder of Faith2Influence, a sales coaching school specializing in helping leaders grow their coaching consultancies using a 10-step sales process .  He also hosts the Sales Strategies for Christian Coaches Podcast . Learn more at https://faith2influence.com You can Buy Me a Coffee to support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber If you enjoyed this episode, you mi...

Detri McGhee was on a religious mission in Israel during the Hamas terrorist attacks and was one of the last to evacuate and get back to the United States before they stopped air travel.  She joined me to provide insight into what she saw, heard and experienced during this horrific time. Detri runs the nonprofit organization Reaching for Life , which encourages reading, writing and communicating t...

Catie Harris is the founder of NursePreneurs, a mentorship consultancy that helps nurses leverage their medical experiences and transition from the hospital system to create successful businesses of their own.  She founded NursePreneurs after 20 years of mounting frustrations with the hospital system led to her burnout and stagnation. Learn more at https://nursepreneurs.com Listen to Catie's podca...

Mark B. Murphy is the CEO of Northeast Client Private Group , a national financial planning and wealth management firm that places emphasis on leadership development and relationship building to ensure successful outcomes for their clients.  He is also the author of, " The Ultimate Investment: A Roadmap to Grow Your Business and Build Multigenerational Wealth. "  Learn more at https://markbmurphy....

Alexandra Free is the author of, " From Zero to Zen: A Guide to Help You Thrive as a Caregiver ," a book that helps people navigate the unknowns of what it takes to be a caregiver while still maintaining one's own sanity and well-being.  She wrote the book after her mother's passing which was preceded by a decade-long battle with Alzheimer's disease. Learn more at https://alexandrafree.com You can...

Ken Rusk is a blue-collar entrepreneur who typically advocates skipping college and instead pursuing a career in skilled trades.  His book, " Blue-Collar Cash: Love Your Work, Secure Your Future, and Find Happiness for Life ," provides insight into Ken's storied career that started as a ditch digger and then lead to multiple successful businesses. Learn more at https://kenrusk.com You can Buy Me a...

*Update: Sara passed away on January 12, 2026.  May her memory be a blessing. Sara Bennett is a 37-year old mother of two who was diagnosed with ALS at the age of 36.  In this emotional interview, Sara talks about the symptoms she experienced, the clinical trial she's currently participating in, how she and her husband broke the news to their kids, and how she plans on managing this life-altering...

Belinda Ellsworth is the founder of Work From Your Happy Place , a sales-training consultancy helping business professionals execute growth strategies while still maintaining a work-life balance.   Subscribe to Belinda's podcast Work From Your Happy Place Purchase Belinda's most comprehensive planner The Everyday Entrepreneur Planner You can Buy Me a Coffee to support our podcast https://buymeacof...

Wylie McGraw is a former 3-tour combat veteran and competitive bull rider who now operates as a "performance accelerator" helping leaders and high performers not only optimize performance, but experience peace, freedom and emotional stimulation from their successes. Learn more at https://wyliemcgraw.com You can Buy Me a Coffee to support our podcast https://buymeacoffee.com/natehaber Follow our po...

Ericka Michelle Richburg is the author of, " Married to the Dream: An IVF Journey ," an inspirational memoir about her journey using in vitro fertilization and the ultimate miracle(s) she conceived.  She joined me to talk about her emotional journey, divorcing twice (once while pregnant), and what life is like being a single mother of two children. Connect with Ericka on Instagram at @CNRproductio...

Nick Hutchison is the founder of BookThinkers, a company helping personal development, self-help and business authors market their books through various means, including videos, reviews, podcasts and social media.  His book, " Rise of the Reader: Strategies for Mastering Your Reading Habits and Applying What You Learn ," is available now for pre-order and will be on sale in November 2023.  He also...

Jen (Sherman) Rivchun is the daughter of the late Aliza Sherman, a woman murdered in broad daylight in downtown Cleveland on March 24, 2013.  Over ten years later her murder remains unsolved.  Jen and local journalist Sara Shookman joined me to discuss the details of Aliza's murder and the emotional toll the case has taken on Jen throughout the years. Please consider donating to the Aliza Sherman...

Dr. Laura Sicola is a leadership communication and influence coach whose TEDx talk, " Want to Sound Like a Leader? Start by Saying Your Name Right ," has almost 7 million views.  She helps business executives and managers maximize their persuasion and influence by mastering the three Cs of vocal executive presence -- Command the room, Connect with the audience, Close the deal. Learn more at https:...

Sarah Armstrong is the author of, " The Mom's Guide to a Good Divorce: What to Think Through When Children are Involved ."  She joined me to discuss essential coparenting tips for a good divorce, common challenges and pitfalls that most couples face, and ways to approach this emotional process for the children. Learn more at https://momsguidetogooddivorce.com You can Buy Me a Coffee to support our...

Ken Guidroz is a former pastor who left the ministry to tend to family issues, primarily due to drug and alcohol abuse by his three sons.  He is the author of the book, " Letters to My Son in Prison: How a Father and Son Found Forgiveness for an Unforgivable Crime ," which details their communications after Ken's son, Lucas, was convicted of manslaughter for the hit-and-run death of a local school...