The Eternal Optimist

Jason Putnam, delving into the essence of living authentically in a world obsessed with perfection. Through a series of candid anecdotes and reflective insights, Jason shares his journey from adhering to societal expectations to embracing his true self, both personally and professionally. Highlighting the transformative power of authenticity, Jason's story serves as a beacon for anyone striving to...

In an episode that seamlessly intertwines the gravitas of life's challenges with the levity of heartfelt optimism, Brien Gearin shares his journey through significant personal and professional milestones. From being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at a young age, navigating the realms of competitive sports, to embarking on the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship and facing a rare family health dia...

Philip Folsom is an anthropologist, culture development expert and president & CEO of Wolf Tribe. He’s shedding light on the evolution from individualism to tribal unity. Philip talks about the critical need for rites of passage, kinship, and honor in redefining masculine roles within society. Through his experiences and work with groups like Sacred Sons, Philip presents a compelling vision fo...

Ed Howie, a branding expert and resilience advocate, talks to us about the depths of overcoming adversity, the journey of sobriety, and the power of living with intentionality. Ed shares his touching personal stories of loss, recovery, and the pursuit of joy amidst life's inevitable challenges. His insights on protecting one's joy, redefining personal strength, and the importance of intentionality...

Dr. Kevin Kremer, a distinguished dentist and entrepreneur from Chico, California, shares his journey from starting his career in dentistry to becoming a successful entrepreneur, having completed eight successful mergers and acquisitions. He walks us through the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and how these experiences helped him establish the Kremer Leadership Institute. His story is no...

Today we welcome the revolutionary Bruce Chamoff, a visionary who coined the term "podcast network" and pioneered the World Podcast Network. Beyond his groundbreaking contributions to podcasting, Bruce shares his multifaceted life as a musician, girl dad, web developer, and author. Sharing his personal challenges, including striving to match his father's entrepreneurial success, Bruce's story is a...

Zachary Gray shares his remarkable journey from facing financial hardships in his youth to becoming a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur. Zachary's story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and strategic thinking. Despite growing up in a family struggling with financial instability and being the first in his family to attend college, Zachary's determination led him...

Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the awe-inspiring journey of Brianna Greenspan in this episode. Born into a world of health challenges, Brianna’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and transformation. Her story is a rollercoaster ride, from battling bullying and a formidable diagnosis to the Herculean task of relearning how to walk. But Brianna’s story isn’t just about overcomin...

What do finance, boxing, and real estate have in common? How can you leverage your skills and passions to create a fulfilling and prosperous life? Our special guest today is Lawrence Dunning, a former professional boxer, a successful financial trader, and a savvy real estate investor. Lawrence shares his inspiring story of how he transitioned from the intense and stressful worlds of finance and ma...

What if learning could be fun, creative, and empowering for both students and teachers? That’s the question that drives Taleen Stevens, an educator and podcast host who is on a mission to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of overcoming her own academic struggles and finding her passion for project-based learning and educational innovation. Sh...

Anton Gunn, a former advisor to President Barack Obama and a master of leadership. Anton tells you how he went from being a hip hop fan to a political star, and how he overcame the loss of his brother and other challenges along the way. He reveals the secrets of true leadership, and how to create a culture of empowerment for yourself and others. He also shares his wisdom on perseverance, service,...

What if you were born with only a five percent chance of survival? How would you live your life? That’s the question that Dr. Lizzy Bernthal had to answer from the moment she came into this world. Here today she shares her incredible story of resilience and empowerment, from overcoming personal and professional challenges, to becoming a nurse, midwife, and resilience coach. She reveals how she fou...

Imagine a world where waste is not a problem, but a source of clean, renewable energy. That’s the vision of Jonathan Appel, the founder and CEO of Eden Energy, a company that is revolutionizing the clean energy sector. Matt Drinkhahn chats with Jonathan about his journey from being a curious scientist to a passionate entrepreneur. Jonathan reveals how he came up with the idea of transforming waste...

How do you overcome addiction and trauma and turn your life into a force for good? That’s the question that Jesse Harless answers in this inspiring episode. Jesse reveals his personal story of how he went from being a troubled child and a hopeless addict to becoming a leader and a healer in the fields of trauma-informed facilitation and addiction recovery. He shares the key moments and the tools t...

Matt Drinkhahn engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Chananya Abraham, a seasoned psychotherapist renowned for his expertise in working with teenagers, young adults, and families. Chananya shares his personal journey, including his passion for coffee, the evolution of his career from sports psychology to psychotherapy, and his insightful perspectives on parenting and balancing family...

Matt engages in a profound conversation with David Peralta, a figure who embodies the seamless integration of spiritual wisdom and entrepreneurial vigor. David takes us on a journey that starts within the serene walls of a Zen monastery and weaves its way through the complexities of love, personal growth, and business acumen. With an open heart, he shares how love became the transformative element...

Matt digs into a profound conversation with Laban Ditchburn. Laban delves into his remarkable transformation, sharing the raw and authentic tale of his ascent from the clutches of addiction to achieving a life filled with empowerment and self-discovery. His journey, marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of personal growth, exemplifies the incredible potential for change within us all. Thro...

Matt Drinkhahn ventures deep into the life and experiences of Jim Cathcart, a distinguished speaker and author renowned for his profound insights and uplifting messages. Jim candidly discusses his extraordinary journey, one marked by significant personal and professional challenges, which he navigated to emerge as a symbol of hope and success. He shares his valuable perspectives on transcending li...

Matt welcomes Sheryl Plouffe, a former TV broadcaster turned video strategist and entrepreneur. Sheryl shares her remarkable journey from a shy, introverted child to a confident television host and successful businesswoman. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Overcoming a challenging childhood and early career struggles, Sheryl's transition into entrepreneurship...

Matt Drinkhahn welcomes Ben Gibson to the Eternal Optimist podcast. He is an inspiring figure who has mastered the art of balancing his role as a tech sales professional at Slack with his passion for mountaineering and fatherhood. Ben shares his philosophy of embracing challenges, both in his adventurous outdoor pursuits and in his journey through the unpredictable terrain of raising a premature s...

Amy Post joins us today to tell us about her harrowing yet inspiring journey. Faced with her daughter's cancer diagnosis, Amy's world was turned upside down, leading her down a path of despair, resilience, and ultimately, advocacy. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith in overcoming life's greatest challenges. As Amy opens up about her struggl...

Alex Pardo gives us a deep look into his remarkable journey from a high-achieving entrepreneur in real estate to a life more aligned with personal fulfillment and growth. Alex opens up about his challenging experiences with the IRS, providing invaluable insights into the importance of financial awareness and responsibility. He further discusses the profound impact of personal development books and...

Jason Marc Campbell, a renowned figure in the sales domain and the author of "Selling with Love." Jason shares his transformative journey, revealing how he overcame initial fears and anxieties to master the art of sales with a blend of authenticity, positivity, and love. His unique approach highlights the crucial role of mindset and psychology in sales, transcending conventional tactics. Jason's s...

James Thompson shares his remarkable journey walking across America, a venture sparked by personal tragedy and a quest for connection during tumultuous times. From the deserts of Nevada to the streets of D.C., James's trek is a testament to resilience, human kindness, and the power of optimism. He recounts encounters with diverse Americans, from ex-convicts turned good Samaritans to law enforcemen...

Steve Cook, a grand strategist, a conceptual thinker, and a creative rebel. Steve shares his incredible life story, from his childhood in London as a homeless punk, to his education in a radical art school, to his career in advertising, strategy, and social impact. Steve reveals how he overcame trauma, violence, and injustice, and how he developed his unique brain that sees patterns, links, and co...