HawkeTalk

In this episode of Hawke Talk, I sit down with legendary waterman Laird Hamilton to dive into his extraordinary life story from being pushed into waves at age two in Hawaii to pioneering the biggest breakthroughs in surfing history.Laird opens up about growing up on some of the most dangerous beaches in the world, the influence of his single mother and stepfather, and the relentless drive that kept him chasing the ocean day after day. He shares the behind-the-scenes of breaking barriers in big-wave surfing from inventing tow-in surfing to riding Tahiti’s “Millennium Wave” that redefined what was possible.We explore the evolution of his career beyond traditional surfing: windsurfing, hydrofoiling, modeling, and entrepreneurship, all while holding true to his philosophy that persistence, curiosity, and loving what you do are the keys to a life well-lived.Through near-death wipeouts, industry skepticism, and reinventing equipment to keep up with nature’s power, Laird’s story is a testament to relentless pursuit, faith in the unknown, and never letting your memories outgrow your dreams.In this episode: (00:00) The best advice: be relentless and love the pursuit(04:30) Riding waves by age two and shaping his first custom board at six(10:05) Obsession with the ocean and ditching school to surf(21:45) Breaking barriers with tow-in surfing and the Millennium Wave in Tahiti(28:17) Facing near-death wipeouts and rescues at sea(31:40) Transitioning into hydrofoiling and riding a 10-minute wave on his 60th birthday(36:25) Why curiosity and openness fuel the next frontier of ocean exploration(40:15) Laird’s advice: be relentless and love the workHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Laird Hamilton is a world-renowned big-wave surfer, innovator, and pioneer of modern-day surfing. Born in San Francisco and raised on Hawaii’s North Shore, he grew up on the world’s heaviest waves and went on to redefine the boundaries of ocean sports.Credited with inventing tow-in surfing, advancing hydrofoiling, and tackling some of the largest waves ever ridden, Laird has built a career on pushing limits and embracing fear as fuel. Beyond the ocean, he has modeled, acted, and co-founded companies like Laird Superfood, bringing his passion for health and performance to a global audience.For Laird, surfing is more than a sport; it’s a lifelong pursuit of flow, innovation, and respect for the ocean.Laird HamiltonLaird Hamilton WebsiteLaird Hamilton on InstagramLaird Hamilton on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Hawke Talk, I sit down with legendary waterman Laird Hamilton to dive into his extraordinary life story from being pushed into waves at age two in Hawaii to pioneering the biggest breakthroughs in surfing history.Laird opens up about growing up on some of the most dangerous beaches in the world, the influence of his single mother and stepfather, and the relentless drive that kept him chasing the ocean day after day. He shares the behind-the-scenes of breaking barriers in big-wave surfing from inventing tow-in surfing to riding Tahiti’s “Millennium Wave” that redefined what was possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Chad Willardson, founder and CEO of Pacific Capital, to hear how he went from a young Merrill Lynch trainee during the tech bubble to building a premier boutique wealth management firm for entrepreneurs.Chad shares how growing up in Orange County shaped his values, why basketball and Michael Jordan fueled his competitive spirit, and what it really took to survive in a “shark tank” Wall Street training program where only three of 140 made it through. After nine years at Merrill Lynch and a front-row seat to the chaos of the 2008 financial crisis, Chad walked away from a seven-figure salary, lucrative offers from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and even a multimillion-dollar signing bonus. Instead, he chose freedom, authenticity, and the chance to start over from zero.We dive into the struggles and triumphs of launching Pacific Capital in 2011, from fighting off frivolous lawsuits to learning the nuts and bolts of leases, payroll, and leadership. Chad opens up about finding his niche serving growth-minded entrepreneurs, scaling his firm to $25M+ minimums, and why taking care of clients above all else has been the key to long-term success.Through it all, Chad’s story is a reminder that persistence, integrity, and the courage to leave comfort for calling can transform both a career and a life.In this episode: (00:00) The best advice Chad ever got: take care of clients first(04:34) Surviving Merrill Lynch’s “boiler room” training days(10:24) Walking away from Merrill Lynch despite seven-figure earnings(15:54) Building a boutique family office model(22:15) Expanding services like tax strategy and travel concierge(23:20) Why entrepreneurs are underserved in wealth management(24:58) Advice on persistence and always putting clients firstHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Chad Willardson is the founder and CEO of Pacific Capital, a boutique fiduciary wealth advisory firm in Southern California serving entrepreneurs and families with $25M+ in investable assets. Chad began his career at Merrill Lynch, where he rose to become one of the top advisors in his region before leaving in 2011 to launch his own firm.At Pacific Capital, he and his team provide a true family office experience, from tax strategy and investment management to travel concierge and executive hiring support. He is also the author of Wealth Wired Differently, bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and financial professionals. Chad’s mission is simple: help entrepreneurs protect, grow, and enjoy their wealth while living life on their terms.Chad WillardsonPacific Capital WebsiteChad Willardson on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Chad Willardson, founder and CEO of Pacific Capital, to hear how he went from a young Merrill Lynch trainee during the tech bubble to building a premier boutique wealth management firm for entrepreneurs.Chad shares how growing up in Orange County shaped his values, why basketball and Michael Jordan fueled his competitive spirit, and what it really took to survive in a “shark tank” Wall Street training program where only three of 140 made it through. After nine years at Merrill Lynch  and a front-row seat to the chaos of the 2008 financial crisis, Chad walked away from a seven-figure salary, lucrative offers from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, and even a multimillion-dollar signing bonus. Instead, he chose freedom, authenticity, and the chance to start over from zero. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, we dive deep with Dr. Jason Halbert, a former FBI profiler, military operative, and the former Chief People Officer at Snap Inc. Dr. Halbert shares his incredible journey from the front lines of death row to elite special operations in Afghanistan, and his pivotal role in shaping the culture and growth of one of the world's most innovative companies.We discuss his upbringing in New Orleans and Alabama, the influence of his decorated father, and the drive that led him to a career in behavioral science, psychology, and leadership. Dr. Halbert also offers a candid look at his time working with serial killers, his experience in high-stakes military operations, and the vital lessons he learned about human behavior, leadership, and empathy.From interrogating terrorists to recruiting elite talent for Snap, Dr. Halbert reveals the power of curiosity and clear expectations in leadership. He emphasizes the importance of being transparent, setting high standards, and understanding the psychological complexities of those we work with. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone interested in human behavior, Dr. Halbert’s insights will leave you thinking about leadership and life in a whole new way.In this episode:(00:00) Introduction to Hawke Talk podcast(00:31) Meet Dr. Jason Halbert(02:45) Growing up in New Orleans and Alabama(05:15) Early influences from his father’s legacy(09:47) The path to death row and understanding criminal behavior(15:23) Lessons from his time on death row and interrogating murderers(22:34) The transition to military service after 9/11(30:16) Navigating leadership roles in the military and corporate world(35:02) Joining Snap Inc. and shaping its culture(42:04) The power of curiosity in leadership and managing people(47:50) Key takeaways on hiring and setting clear expectations(51:28) Advice for leaders and aspiring professionalsHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/About Our Guest Dr. Jason Halbert is a behavioral science expert and former military officer who has spent his career studying the complexities of human behavior in high-stress environments. After serving in the U.S. Army and working as a classified operative, Dr. Halbert transitioned to executive leadership roles, including his tenure as the Chief People Officer at Snap Inc. He has been a key figure in shaping corporate culture and talent strategies at some of the world’s most innovative companies. With a background in psychology and forensics, Dr. Halbert has a unique perspective on leadership, human interaction, and organizational behavior. Today, he continues to consult and advise on high-stakes human dynamics across various industries.Dr. Jason HalbertLinkedIn Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, we dive deep with Dr. Jason Halbert, a former FBI profiler, military operative, and the former Chief People Officer at Snap Inc. Dr. Halbert shares his incredible journey from the front lines of death row to elite special operations in Afghanistan, and his pivotal role in shaping the culture and growth of one of the world's most innovative companies.We discuss his upbringing in New Orleans and Alabama, the influence of his decorated father, and the drive that led him to a career in behavioral science, psychology, and leadership. Dr. Halbert also offers a candid look at his time working with serial killers, his experience in high-stakes military operations, and the vital lessons he learned about human behavior, leadership, and empathy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Orlando Jones, actor, comedian, writer, and creative powerhouse, to explore the winding journey that took him from Mobile, Alabama to some of Hollywood’s biggest stages. Before he became a breakout star on Mad TV, Orlando launched a successful ad agency at 18, dropped out of college, and got his first TV writing gig on A Different World thanks to mentors who saw his potential and a willingness to listen more than speak.Orlando opens up about learning the art of the writers’ room, co-creating the hit show Martin, and being mentored by legends like Gene Hackman and Lawrence Fishburne. We dive into his dramatic turn in films like Magnolia, his love of stage work, and his newest venture as CMO of Space Milk, a vegan performance nutrition brand. Through it all, Orlando shares why humility, curiosity, and connection, not clout, are what fuel lasting careers and meaningful storytelling.In this episode: (00:00) Introduction to Hawke Talk podcast(06:59) Starting a career in advertising(15:17) From writing to acting(25:24) Rise to fame with Mad TV(33:50) Transitioning to drama and high-profile projects(42:43) Mentorship and career evolution(46:16) Current ventures and future plans(51:07) Advice for aspiring professionalsHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Orlando Jones is an American actor, comedian, writer, and producer known for his dynamic presence on screen and behind the scenes. He launched his career as a teen entrepreneur, founding his own ad agency at 18 before breaking into television as a writer on A Different World and co-creator of Martin. Orlando became a household name as an original cast member on Mad TV, later starring in cult favorites like The Replacements, Double Take, and acclaimed series such as American Gods and Sleepy Hollow.In addition to his work in comedy and drama, Orlando is now the Chief Marketing Officer of Space Milk, a vegan performance nutrition brand, and continues to blend storytelling with innovation. Whether writing, acting, or producing, Orlando brings a rare mix of humor, intellect, and hustle to everything he does.Orlando JonesOrlando Jones WebsiteOrlando Jones on InstagramOrlando Jones on XOrlando Jones IMDbSpace Milk Website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Orlando Jones, actor, comedian, writer, and creative powerhouse, to explore the winding journey that took him from Mobile, Alabama to some of Hollywood’s biggest stages. Before he became a breakout star on Mad TV, Orlando launched a successful ad agency at 18, dropped out of college, and got his first TV writing gig on A Different World thanks to mentors who saw his potential and a willingness to listen more than speak.Orlando opens up about learning the art of the writers’ room, co-creating the hit show Martin, and being mentored by legends like Gene Hackman and Lawrence Fishburne. We dive into his dramatic turn in films like Magnolia, his love of stage work, and his newest venture as CMO of Space Milk, a vegan performance nutrition brand. Through it all, Orlando shares why humility, curiosity, and connection, not clout, are what fuel lasting careers and meaningful storytelling. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Dean Karnazes—ultramarathoner, bestselling author, and a man who redefined what’s possible when you follow your passion. Before becoming a household name in endurance sports, Dean lived a typical corporate life, complete with a six-figure salary and a marketing job at GlaxoSmithKline. But on his 30th birthday, something shifted. After a night out, he impulsively ran 30 miles—despite not having run in 15 years. That unplanned run reignited his love for movement and sparked a journey that would take him to the world’s toughest races.Dean shares how he balanced his corporate job with grueling training, often sneaking out on lunch breaks for runs and prepping for ultramarathons through sleep deprivation and sauna sessions. He walks us through running 100-mile races, surviving 129°F in Death Valley, and eventually running 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. His leap into full-time running came after the surprise success of his book Ultramarathon Man.Like what you hear? Subscribe to HawkeTalk for more stories from risk-takers, builders, and boundary-pushers who refuse to settle for average.In this episode: (00:00) Childhood memories of nonstop motion(02:00) Hiking Mount Whitney at age 11(12:45) The brutal 50-mile race and qualifying by accident(14:45) Western States 100 and early race training(27:00) The North Face, 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days(32:14) Dean’s advice: Stay curiousHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Dean Karnazes is a Greek-American ultramarathon runner, bestselling author, and endurance athlete known for pushing the boundaries of human potential. Once a marketing executive, Dean left the boardroom to become one of the world’s most recognized ultrarunners. He’s completed some of the most extreme races on Earth, including 135 miles through Death Valley and 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days. Today, he speaks globally, writes, and advocates for staying curious and uncomfortable.Dean KarnazesDean Karnazes WebsiteDean Karnazes on InstagramDean Karnazes on FacebookDean Karnazes on XBook: Ultramarathon Man: Confessions of an All-Night Runner Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of HawkeTalk, I sit down with Dean Karnazes—ultramarathoner, bestselling author, and a man who redefined what’s possible when you follow your passion. Before becoming a household name in endurance sports, Dean lived a typical corporate life, complete with a six-figure salary and a marketing job at GlaxoSmithKline. But on his 30th birthday, something shifted. After a night out, he impulsively ran 30 miles—despite not having run in 15 years. That unplanned run reignited his love for movement and sparked a journey that would take him to the world’s toughest races. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He fainted in a hospital hallway. Quit law school after just two weeks. Got robbed—twice—on his way to high school. And for a while, he sold jewelry just to pay rent. So how did that guy end up helping Apple launch the Macintosh, becoming one of the most influential voices in tech, and helping Canva grow into a global design powerhouse?In this episode, I sit down with Guy Kawasaki, a man whose life defies the clean-cut success stories we often hear. Born and raised in Hawaii in a lower middle-class family, Guy’s journey took off not because of privilege—but because of grit, curiosity, and the occasional wild twist of fate. We dig into the pivotal moments that changed everything: the joyride in a Porsche 911 that sparked his ambition, the winding road through college majors and a short-lived attempt at law school, and the serendipitous friendship that opened the doors to Apple—no résumé polish required.We also talk about his career after Apple: from venture capital to writing bestselling books, and most recently, his work with Canva—a company that reignited his passion for democratizing access to powerful tools.Whether you’re just starting out or feel like you’ve taken a detour, this conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t linear—and the messiness might just be the point.In this episode: (00:00) Growth mindset & grit(12:41) Dropping out & MBA journey(15:09) Sales experience & Cutco lessons(20:58) Networking, relationships & “nepotism”(25:04) Working at Apple & Steve Jobs(39:29) Signal platform & secure communicationHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Guy Kawasaki is a marketing executive, author, speaker, and entrepreneur best known as Apple’s original Macintosh evangelist and Chief Evangelist at Canva. A psychology major turned tech visionary, Guy helped define how products get adopted and movements are built. He’s written 17 books including The Art of the Start, Enchantment, and Think Remarkable. Today, he hosts the podcast Remarkable People and continues to inspire creatives, marketers, and entrepreneurs around the globe.Guy KawasakiGuy Kawasaki's WebsiteGuy Kawasaki LinkedInGuy Kawasaki YouTubeRemarkable People Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He fainted in a hospital hallway. Quit law school after just two weeks. Got robbed—twice—on his way to high school. And for a while, he sold jewelry just to pay rent. So how did that guy end up helping Apple launch the Macintosh, becoming one of the most influential voices in tech, and helping Canva grow into a global design powerhouse? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Kaisa Levine, founder of NoseFrida and the woman behind one of the most recognizable baby products on the market.We talk about how she went from working on ambulances in New York City to launching a startup out of her garage, without any background in manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce. Kaisa opens up about how discovering NoseFrida on a trip home to Sweden sparked an idea that would lead to an international business, why she was so confident the “snot sucker” would work in the U.S., and how she scrapped her way into doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and eventually major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Whole Foods.We also discuss the emotional decision to bring on a CEO, the challenges of letting go after scaling the business, and how she’s using her time and resources now to support causes close to her heart, like wildlife rescue, foster care, and music education.If you’re building a brand from scratch, trying to solve a real problem, or wondering what it takes to go from idea to acquisition, this episode is packed with insight.In this episode: (00:00:00) Lessons from EMT work(00:05:13) Realizing new paths(00:10:02) Discovering NoseFrida in Sweden(00:16:07) Early sales and market reception(00:17:58) Breakthroughs and media attention(00:19:26) Scaling up and major retail partnerships(00:20:37) Inflection point and product expansion(00:21:19) Stepping back and selling the company(00:22:37) Overcoming business challenges(00:23:59) Current nonprofit and community work(00:27:34) Advice for aspiring entrepreneursHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Kaisa Levine is a Swedish-American entrepreneur, former EMT, and the original U.S. importer of the NoseFrida snot sucker—now a must-have baby registry staple. With no formal business training, she grew a scrappy side hustle into a household brand sold in Target, Amazon, Whole Foods, and more. After exiting the company, Kaisa redirected her energy to nonprofit work focused on animal rescue, foster care, and music education. She lives in Miami and continues to be a fierce advocate for causes that uplift families, children, and wildlife.Kaisa LevineFrida Website (formerly NoseFrida)Frida Baby on InstagramBaby on YouTubeFrida Baby on LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I sit down with Kaisa Levine, founder of NoseFrida and the woman behind one of the most recognizable baby products on the market.We talk about how she went from working on ambulances in New York City to launching a startup out of her garage, without any background in manufacturing, retail, or e-commerce. Kaisa opens up about how discovering NoseFrida on a trip home to Sweden sparked an idea that would lead to an international business, why she was so confident the “snot sucker” would work in the U.S., and how she scrapped her way into doctor’s offices, pharmacies, and eventually major retailers like Target, Amazon, and Whole Foods. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know the only veterinarian to ever win a Nobel Prize wasn’t exactly an animal lover? In this episode I sit down with Professor Peter Doherty—a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist and veterinarian.We dive into Peter’s early career, where he aimed to improve animal health and food production—a goal many of us can relate to when thinking about making a real-world impact.Peter then walks us through his groundbreaking discovery of how CD8 T cells identify and destroy virus-infected cells—research that transformed immunology and cancer science. We follow his journey across Australia and the U.S., leading up to his Nobel Prize, awarded over 20 years after his original findings.With COVID-19 still on everyone’s minds, Peter discusses explaining vaccine development, long COVID, and the challenges of breaking down complex science for different audiences. He also shares his thoughts on public health funding and research support—issues that affect us all.Finally, Peter talks about shifting from research to writing and public engagement, including a potential book on the pandemic’s long-term effects. If you’re interested in science or curious about finding your own path, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Let’s dive in!In this episode: (0:00) Introduction and early motivation(1:01) Childhood and family background(8:57) Major discovery in immunology(15:07) T cells and vaccine research(18:03) Winning the Nobel Prize(20:52) Aging, retirement, and science communication(28:07) COVID-19 science communication(31:22) Pandemics, blame, and public perception(32:32) COVID-19 policy and vaccine development(43:19) Advice for young people and social media experienceHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Professor Peter Doherty is a Nobel Prize–winning immunologist best known for co-discovering how killer T cells recognize virus-infected cells—a breakthrough that laid the foundation for modern immunotherapy. Originally trained as a veterinarian, Peter's career spanned continents, from animal pathology in Australia to influenza research in the U.S. He's authored multiple books, served as a public science communicator during COVID-19, and continues to write on science, climate change, and global health. Now 84, he remains as curious and candid as ever.Professor Peter DohertyNobel Prize Bio: nobelprize.orgBook: The Beginner’s Guide to Winning the Nobel Prize, Pandemics: What Everyone Needs to Know, and moreScience Communication Blog: Setting It Straight Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did you know the only veterinarian to ever win a Nobel Prize wasn’t exactly an animal lover? In this episode I sit down with Professor Peter Doherty—a Nobel Prize-winning immunologist and veterinarian.We dive into Peter’s early career, where he aimed to improve animal health and food production—a goal many of us can relate to when thinking about making a real-world impact. He shares how a medical researcher cousin influenced his path and how studying veterinary science in Brisbane and Edinburgh shaped his focus on infectious diseases.Peter then walks us through his groundbreaking discovery of how CD8 T cells identify and destroy virus-infected cells—research that transformed immunology and cancer science. We follow his journey across Australia and the U.S., leading up to his Nobel Prize, awarded over 20 years after his original findings.With COVID-19 still on everyone’s minds, Peter discusses explaining vaccine development, long COVID, and the challenges of breaking down complex science for different audiences. He also shares his thoughts on public health funding and research support—issues that affect us all.Finally, Peter talks about shifting from research to writing and public engagement, including a potential book on the pandemic’s long-term effects. If you’re interested in science or curious about finding your own path, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a theater-loving kid from suburban Chicago finds his true calling not on stage, but on a treadmill? In this episode, I sat down with Joey Gonzalez, Global CEO of Barry’s and one of the boldest voices in boutique fitness. His journey is wild—in the best way possible. From being the least athletic kid in a super-fit immigrant family to leading a global fitness empire, Joey’s story is all about identity, resilience, and betting on yourself.Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Joey was surrounded by sports-obsessed siblings and marathon-running parents. From secretly dreaming of the stage while eating pizza and watching TV to landing a lead role in a Chicago musical at 13, which led to a decade in film and TV. However, burnout prompted him to try Barry's workout on a whim, resulting in a significant transformation. He evolved from a client to a trainer, then General Manager, and eventually, the owner. Despite having no prior experience in operations or fitness leadership, Joey taught himself everything and worked his way into ownership.We talk about everything: stepping into your power, learning to scale a brand from two studios to 90 worldwide, what makes a great leader (hint: it’s not a title), and why he believes the most successful people don’t let fear sit in the driver’s seat. If you’re navigating a pivot, chasing purpose, or just trying to figure out your next big move… this episode is 100% for you.In this episode: (0:00) Replacing fear with focus(1:00) Growing up Latino and artistic in suburban Chicago(3:26) The audition that changed everything(10:30) Burnout, USC, and searching for what’s next(12:37) His first Barry’s class—and how it hooked him(14:01) Becoming a trainer and finding purpose(15:06) The early vision to transform lives(16:19) Climbing from GM to business leader(24:32) Building the Barry’s blueprint in NYC(31:53) Scaling to 90+ locations and counting(34:47) The mindset shift that changed everythingHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Joey Gonzalez is the Global CEO of Barry’s, the original high-intensity interval training workout that’s built a worldwide cult following. From sweeping floors to building out franchises and raising private equity, Joey has lived every chapter of Barry's story. A former actor and USC theater grad, he’s blended performance, passion, and persistence to scale one of the most recognized fitness brands in the world. He now lives in New York and leads Barry’s into its next era of growth.Joey GonzalezBarry's-WebsiteJoey Gonzalez-InstagramJoey Gonzalez-LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a theater-loving kid from suburban Chicago finds his true calling not on stage, but on a treadmill? In this episode, I sat down with Joey Gonzalez, Global CEO of Barry’s and one of the boldest voices in boutique fitness. His journey is wild—in the best way possible. From being the least athletic kid in a super-fit immigrant family to leading a global fitness empire, Joey’s story is all about identity, resilience, and betting on yourself.Growing up in the suburbs of Chicago, Joey was surrounded by sports-obsessed siblings and marathon-running parents. From secretly dreaming of the stage while eating pizza and watching TV to landing a lead role in a Chicago musical at 13, which led to a decade in film and TV. However, burnout prompted him to try Barry's workout on a whim, resulting in a significant transformation. He evolved from a client to a trainer, then General Manager, and eventually, the owner. Despite having no prior experience in operations or fitness leadership, Joey taught himself everything and worked his way into ownership.We talk about everything: stepping into your power, learning to scale a brand from two studios to 90 worldwide, what makes a great leader (hint: it’s not a title), and why he believes the most successful people don’t let fear sit in the driver’s seat. If you’re navigating a pivot, chasing purpose, or just trying to figure out your next big move… this episode is 100% for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the cure for a deadly disease is already sitting on a pharmacy shelf—but no one knows it?In this episode, I sat down with Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a former D1 college football player turned physician-scientist who is transforming the way we treat disease. You’ll hear how David went from chasing touchdowns to chasing cures—first for his mom, who died of brain cancer, and then for himself, after nearly dying from a rare disease that had no known treatment.David shares how he used his own blood samples, data, and sheer will to find a drug that saved his life—one that was originally made for organ transplant patients. That breakthrough led to Every Cure, a nonprofit using AI to match existing FDA-approved drugs with diseases they weren’t originally designed to treat. Thousands of lives have already been saved.If you’re passionate about impact, driven by purpose, or looking for inspiration to overcome the impossible, this one’s for you.In this episode: (0:00) Effort > Results? Why hard work still matters(1:00) Growing up football-obsessed in Raleigh, NC(5:18) The dream: D1 quarterback—until everything changed(6:42) A family tragedy leads to a life mission(9:50) Creating a national nonprofit from a dorm room(14:57) Studying cancer at Oxford, starting med school at Penn(17:36) Sudden illness, misdiagnosis, and a fight for his life(21:39) "We’re out of options"—so he became the researcher(24:24) Building a new model for rare disease research(26:51) The drug that saved him—originally meant for something else(27:39) Scaling his approach to help thousands(30:48) Launching Every Cure: AI meets drug repurposing(33:37) Why pharma doesn’t pursue most cures—and how David is fixing it(36:42) What’s next: scaling impact across the globe(38:09) David’s advice for anyone chasing excellenceHawkeMediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Dr. David Fajgenbaum is a physician, scientist, author, and social entrepreneur. As a med student, he nearly died from Castleman disease—a rare immune disorder—five times before identifying a repurposed drug that saved his life. Today, he's the co-founder of Every Cure, which uses AI and medical data to find new uses for FDA-approved drugs. His book Chasing My Cure chronicles that incredible journey.Every Cure – WebsiteDavid Fajgenbaum – LinkedInChasing My Cure – Book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the cure for a deadly disease is already sitting on a pharmacy shelf—but no one knows it?In this episode, I sat down with Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a former D1 college football player turned physician-scientist who is transforming the way we treat disease. You’ll hear how David went from chasing touchdowns to chasing cures—first for his mom, who died of brain cancer, and then for himself, after nearly dying from a rare disease that had no known treatment.David shares how he used his own blood samples, data, and sheer will to find a drug that saved his life—one that was originally made for organ transplant patients. That breakthrough led to Every Cure, a nonprofit using AI to match existing FDA-approved drugs with diseases they weren’t originally designed to treat. Thousands of lives have already been saved.If you’re passionate about impact, driven by purpose, or looking for inspiration to overcome the impossible, this one’s for you. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.