The Blueprint with Eliot Marshall

Shane Snow is an award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and bestselling science and business author. He specializes in studying and writing about human behavior and speaks globally about innovation and teamwork. We discuss his work and personal struggles, as well as the complex moral aspects of human lives that he studies.

This week I want to talk about success and what it really takes to get there. Oftentimes when we set a goal, we want to see success in a very short time frame. The truth is that most things do not happen like that. They take time. Don't be afraid of experiencing failure before finding success.

As an inmate in the Massachusetts penal system, Andre Norman rose to the top of one of the largest prison gangs in the country before deciding that he wanted to turn his life around. Andre taught himself how to read, earned his GED, and learned to understand the law, all while in prison, which helped him win his appeal. He was released after serving 14 years in prison. Andre is now a spokesperson...

This week I was on Ariel Helwani's Podcast, and I talked openly about how I live my life with anxiety, among other things. I can't overemphasize the importance of speaking your truth and being vulnerable. It's not just about recognizing your truth, however. It's about taking that truth and putting in the work: I have anxiety, so how do I make sure it doesn't control my life? Be vulnerable, tell yo...

Ricardo Almeida is a BJJ black belt, an MMA coach, a father, and a former MMA fighter. Ricardo was part of the first generation of Brazilian BJJ practitioners that migrated to the US. Almeida fought in the UFC and medalled multiple times at some of the most important grappling tournaments in the world, including ADCC. We discuss his MMA and BJJ career, how his son's autism has shaped him as a fath...

On Sunday we saw one of the greatest athletes of all time, Kobe Bryant, suddenly die along with his daughter and several other people. Regardless of one's opinion on Kobe, there is no doubt that his work ethic and commitment to the grind are something we should all aspire to follow. Hard work is power. Don't let anyone take your power away.

Noah Kagan is an entrepreneur, a marketing expert, and, as of recently, a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu enthusiast. Noah worked for Facebook and other major companies and eventually decided to start his own projects. We discuss managing anxiety episodes, teaching and coaching techniques, intentional business tactics, and more.  

I recently encountered a situation in my neighborhood that I could have easily been offended by, but instead it helped me realize how amazing of a neighbor I have. The story itself isn't the important part, but rather the idea that I can look at one situation in two very different ways and thus CHOOSE how it affects my day.

Amy Fidelis is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt, an instructor at Easton Training Center, and full-time public relations executive. Amy started training at 33 and has been on the mats for over ten years. We discussed her coming up in BJJ, developing a growth mindset, listening to one's body in training, and more.

I like to think of January as the time to develop the mindset to crush my goals year-round, not just for the first few weeks of the year. Set goals, develop a mindset to crush them, and watch your actions align with the resolutions you made at the start of the year.

Jason Khalipa is a world-class professional Crossfit athlete and entrepreneur. A seasoned competitor, he participated in the CrossFit Games on 8 separate occasions, taking 1st place in 2008, as well as several other competitions. We discuss CrossFit and BJJ business practices, how competition shapes people, his daughter's leukemia diagnosis, and more.  

It's impossible not to have bad days, weeks, or even months. What I like to do on those days is find success as soon as I start my day through habits I practice daily.

Professor Mike Tousignant grew up in Chelmsford, MA, and moved to Colorado to attend the University of Colorado Boulder. He has been the General Manager of ETC Boulder since 2009, and received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Professor Amal Easton in June of 2014.  We talk about the meaning of BJJ, managing relationships, and Easton's community and growth as a company.

It's easy to make a New Years resolution and stick to it on Jan 1st, Jan 2nd, maybe even Jan 10th. But how many people are sticking to their resolution in the middle of March? How about at the end of June? Only those that boss up and commit to their goal. Let's get after it.

Felicia Oh is a BJJ black belt under Jean Jacques Machado and the 6th woman outside Brazil to achieve the rank in this martial art. Felicia is an accomplished competitor, having medalled in the Pan American Championships, the World Championships, and ADCC, to name a few.

I talk about new years resolutions and how to tackle them head on, not in the new year but now.

Jorge Gurgel is a 4th degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and former MMA competitor. Over the course of his career, Gurgel fought in Strikeforce, KOTC, TUF, and the UFC. Jorge now owns the JG MMA Academy in Cincinnati where he continues to practice and coach martial arts.

As a professional athlete, I always struggled with nerves before competition. Right before one of my MMA fights, someone gave me this piece of advice that changed the way I understood my anxiety about the fight.

Jamal Patterson is one of the very best American grapplers to emerge from the second generation of Americans to do the sport. He is a black belt under the legendary Renzo Gracie and currently has his own school in Northern New Jersey.

I was talking to a friend and came to the conclusion that one of the ways we both improved our lives is by realizing the temporary nature of life and then living every single moment in the present. It's something I'm still working on, but here are some tips on how to be a little more present in your life.

Ian is a BJJ black belt and VP of Easton Training Centers. Ian is one of Eliot's very best friends. We talk about our relationship and how it has grown over the years, how he helped save my life and what Easton means to us.

I don't think there's a single thing in life that can improve your existence more than BJJ. Regardless of where you come from, your athleticism, your job, etc. BJJ has something to offer you.

This week I was joined by podcaster and entrepreneur Shawn Anthony. Shawn is one of the top podcasters in the world and the host of the "School's Over…Now What?" podcast, where he helps entrepreneur-minded individuals start the career or business of their dreams. At the early age of 14, he became a serial entrepreneur by hosting his own events, making thousands along the way. His ability to collab...

Setting goals is an important first step to live a better life, but actively moving to accomplish those goals is the hardest step in the process. Learn how to let go of your ego and make room for personal improvement. It takes practice, discipline, and brutal honesty with yourself. It may not be fun, but it will get you closer to where you set out to be.

Easton BJJ black belt JJ Martinez joins the podcast and discusses the life-changing effects BJJ had on his life. JJ joined the gangs in New Mexico in his late teens and eventually hit rock bottom and decided he needed a change. BJJ took JJ off the streets, got him clean, and gave him a second chance at life.