The Eternal Optimist

What happens when you lose 100 pounds, humble your ego on the jiu-jitsu mat, rebuild your marriage through intentional listening, and take the helm of one of the cleanest plant-based brands in America?In this episode, Matt sits down with Jason Bronstad, CEO of MALK Organics, to unpack his radical transformation. From facing unemployment in early 2020 to turning it into a season of health, family growth, and professional alignment, Jason shares the lessons that reshaped his life. They dig into why feedback is a superpower, how family core values can anchor decision-making, and why you should always “turn it around” to check your ingredients. Whether you’re a leader, a parent, or simply someone hungry for better living, this conversation will fuel your next move.Chapters:00:00:00 – A Big Hello + Matt’s Book Drops with a Surprise Offer00:00:45 – Step Into the Eternal Optimist Vibe00:01:42 – Meet Jason Bronstad: CEO, Dad, Game-Changer00:02:17 – From 315 Pounds to Purpose: Jason’s Radical Reset00:05:18 – Tooth Fairy Tales, Peso Jackpots, and Parenting Wins00:07:03 – When Unemployment Opens the Door to a New Mission00:09:58 – Ego on the Mat: Lessons from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu00:13:47 – Why Feedback Might Be Your Greatest Superpower00:24:47 – Counseling, Connection, and a Marriage Reinvented00:25:06 – How Match.com (and a Mother-in-Law!) Made the Match00:26:02 – Hard Truths, Tough Lessons, and Turning Points00:28:12 – Breaking Old Patterns and Sharing the Load at Home00:30:22 – Sponsor Spotlight: Take a Breath & Be Cool, Baby00:31:35 – From Food & Bev to Finding Passion in Pure Quality00:33:23 – Saying “Yes” to MALK Organics and Its Clean-Label Cause00:40:03 – What Your Gut Really Wants: The Case for Natural Ingredients00:41:57 – Building a Family “BRO Code” to Live By00:45:52 – How to Discover the Values That Drive Your Life00:46:51 – Final Nuggets + Where to Find Jason Online00:47:43 – Tournament Glory: Jiu-Jitsu, Grit, and Kids in Your Corner00:49:31 – Wrapping It Up with Gratitude and OptimismLinks And Resources:Connect on LinkedinConversations Worth Having: Using Appreciative Inquiry to Fuel Productive and Meaningful EngagementFront Row DadsMalk OrganicsMalk Organics Instagram Malk Organics FacebookThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

When Damon Mitchell lost the ability to do a single pushup, it triggered a reckoning—not just with his body, but with his identity as “the strong guy.” In this raw and reflective episode, Damon opens up about the neurological injury that sidelined his body but awakened something deeper. He shares how sobriety, self-trust, and intentional brotherhood became anchors through pain, disconnection, and uncertainty. Now a coach for men navigating the relationships that matter most, Damon offers hard-earned insights on leadership, masculinity, and what it means to fight for something real. If you’ve ever questioned your worth when you couldn’t perform, provide, or push through—this conversation is your invitation to show up anyway.Chapters:00:00:00 - Meet Damon Mitchell: Real Talk Begins00:00:51 - Iguanas, Engagements, and Unlikely Adventures00:01:41 - From Trainer to Coach: Damon’s Backstory00:02:16 - Dogs, Loyalty, and Emotional Anchors00:03:09 - Drinking Days and the Sobriety Decision00:04:40 - Pain, Pride, and Pushing Through00:06:28 - “Something’s Not Right”: The Body Breaks Down00:08:25 - Misdiagnosed, Misunderstood, and Running Out of Options00:10:05 - Surgery, Survival, and Mental Battles00:17:51 - Airports, Breakdown, and Emotional Exhaustion00:20:23 - Climbing Back: The Physical and Mental Recovery00:20:55 - “What Can I Fight For Now?”00:21:58 - Regaining Strength—and the Will to Be Independent00:25:05 - Freedom, Movement, and Meaning00:26:29 - Puzzle Pieces and the Nature of Addiction00:28:42 - The Real Story Behind Getting Sober00:30:32 - Business Pressure Meets Personal Pain00:31:01 - Taco Bros Day: Healing Over Tacos00:33:50 - Building Tolomen: Brotherhood with Intention00:39:59 - Lightning Round: What Fuels Damon’s FireLinks And Resources:Official Website – Intentionalize My LifeTolomen's GroupSubstack – Live HappierDamon Mitchell on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt Drinkhahn sits down with longtime friend and business coach Daniel Patrick Andrews for a raw and inspiring conversation about personal transformation, grief, and the business of building meaningful relationships. Daniel shares how he went from being a self-described “recovering people pleaser” who was “better in small doses,” to becoming a top-tier relationship coach who helps professionals master the art of asking the right question from the right person for the right introduction. Through deeply personal stories—like the painful loss of his brother to AIDS and navigating the emotional aftermath with his father—Daniel unpacks how struggle, faith, and sheer willpower shaped his philosophy. This episode is a must-listen for growth-minded professionals who value grit over talent, results over ego, and relationships over transactions.Chapters:00:00:00 - Kickoff: The Eternal Optimist Energy00:01:06 - Meet Daniel Andrews: Real Talk Begins00:01:35 - The Cutco Vector Hustle Story00:03:00 - Mastering the Art of Connection00:14:22 - Breaking Through Life’s Hardest Challenges00:23:04 - A Family Clash That Changed Everything00:23:56 - Grief, Healing, and Life Lessons00:25:06 - Why True Relationships Stand the Test of Time00:26:50 - The Heartbreak of Losing a Parent00:28:44 - Apologies, Forgiveness, and Rebuilding Bonds00:33:36 - From Pain to a Powerful Career Path00:34:43 - Smart Networking & Business Growth Hacks00:40:59 - Final Thoughts and How to ConnectLinks And Resources:Daniel Patrick Andrews's WebsiteDaniel Andrews on LinkedInThe Two Critical QuestionsThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

From chance gas station encounters to building an empire brick by brick, Dedric & Krystal Polite share how they rose from generational poverty to create generational wealth — and lift others as they rise. In this candid conversation, they reveal how getting fired and evicted sparked their Airbnb hustle, how a betrayal at 19 fueled their mindset that failure isn’t final, and why mentorship is the ultimate cheat code. This is a real-world blueprint for building something that outlives you — for anyone ready to believe it’s gotta work or it’s gotta work.Chapters:00:00:00 - Step Into the Mindset of Eternal Optimism00:00:59 - The Unexpected Power Couple: Meet Krystal & Dedric Polite00:03:38 - From Struggle to Strength: Their Personal Turning Points00:09:18 - Betrayal at 19: Krystal’s Defining Moment in College00:17:09 - Fired Up: How Losing Jobs Sparked Their Entrepreneurial Fire00:21:43 - The Real Estate Hustle Begins—With Nothing But Grit00:22:58 - The Questions That Changed Everything00:23:36 - A Leap of Faith to North Carolina00:23:57 - Flipping the Script: Enter Real Estate00:24:24 - The Mentor Who Collapsed Their Learning Curve00:25:07 - Hustle Mode: Wholesaling Without a Roadmap00:26:03 - $16K Risk, Massive Reward: The Mastermind Move00:28:50 - Scaling Up: The Real Estate Breakthrough Moment00:32:13 - What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear00:35:11 - Want In? Here’s Where to Start00:38:56 - Lightning Round: Grit, Growth, and Grace in 60 SecondsLinks And Resources:Official Website of Dedric and KrystalPolite Wealth PortalDedric’s LinkedInKrystal’s LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this enlightening episode of the Eternal Optimist, Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Thomas Power, a visionary thinker in the realm of AI and community building. They delve into the transformative power of AI, the emergence of intimate community groups, and the potential business models that can sustain these groups. They also explore the intersection of big corporate transactions and intimate connections, offering a glimpse into the future of human-machine integration.Chapters:00:00:00 - Discussion on influential books that shaped the teenage years00:05:08 - Reflection on navigating challenges and finding inspiration amidst adversity during the comeback years00:10:27 - Sharing the journey from pain to progress, unveiling the joy of a comeback journey00:15:56 - Building a community of support and success, filling the void left by COVID00:21:11 - How a community of 100 caught the attention of big corporations00:22:11 - Unleashing the power of Chat GPT: Creating top 100 versions for companies and beyond00:25:14 - Navigating the blizzard of innovation and the potential business model for small, intimate groups00:31:44 - The future of perfect matches: Finding ideal partners, suppliers, clients, employees, and investors made easier with AI00:35:00 - Unlocking the power of AI: Matching perfect scenarios and unveiling hidden connections00:39:20 - Revealing social media presence and answering lightning round questionsLinks And Resources:WebsiteThomas Power on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Justin Williams — founder of Millionaire University — reveals what really happens when you “make it.” From quitting college with one semester left to racking up $120,000 of debt and raising a baby who slept in a closet, Justin’s path to flipping hundreds of homes and building multiple seven-figure businesses wasn’t overnight. But the hardest season? It came after the big payday — when he realized money means nothing without vision and family. Together with Matt, Justin unpacks what it really takes to build your “money machine” without losing what matters most.Chapters:00:00:00 - Meet Justin Williams: Breaking the Rules00:00:38 - From College Athlete to Risk-Taker00:01:38 - Family vs. Business: Finding True Balance00:03:50 - How to Build Your Money Machine00:07:21 - Struggle, Success & Real Fulfillment00:09:49 - The Moment Everything Changed00:13:25 - Hard Lessons That Paid Off00:16:33 - Small Wins, Big Momentum00:17:28 - Beating Doubt & Debt00:18:23 - Big Goals? Here’s How to Start00:20:29 - Stop Learning — Start Doing00:22:22 - Focus, Action & What Really Works00:24:51 - Family, Purpose & What Matters00:25:32 - Pay It Forward: Sharing the Journey00:26:47 - Books & Podcasts That Shape Success00:28:28 - Music, Passions & Staying Human00:30:01 - One Last Word on OptimismLinks And Resources:WebsitePodcast & YouTube: Search “Millionaire University”Email Justin DirectlyLinkedIn: Justin WilliamsThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What happens when you abandon the pitch, lead with vulnerability, and treat sales as a sacred conversation? In this powerful crosspost episode from I Made A Podcast, Matt Drinkhahn—host of The Eternal Optimist—flips the script on traditional business-building. He shares how one emotional moment in a sales meeting (yes, he cried) unlocked a radically honest and high-performing coaching practice. From cold calls and high-pressure quotas to $1M+ in revenue with zero paid ads, Matt dives into the principles of radical ownership, clarity-driven leadership, and relationship-first growth. Whether you’re a recovering perfectionist, a mission-driven entrepreneur, or a leader seeking smarter systems, this conversation is your wake-up call to build with integrity—and win.Chapters:00:00:00 - What Is the Eternal Optimist Really About?00:00:43 - How to Land World-Class Podcast Guests00:01:45 - What Makes ‘I Made a Podcast’ Different00:02:20 - Who Is Matt Ham (and Why You Should Care)00:03:37 - How This Podcast Was Built From Scratch00:06:22 - Why the Name ‘Eternal Optimist’ Almost Didn’t Happen00:10:49 - Behind the Mic: Favorite Guests + Big Lessons00:17:08 - The Smart Way to Build a Dream Guest List00:24:10 - The Ultimate Pre-Interview Prep Ritual00:25:00 - Tools That Make Guest Booking Effortless00:26:01 - Unlocking the PR Machine: A Behind-the-Scenes Look00:29:53 - Real Talk: How to Build Authentic On-Air Chemistry00:36:17 - Mistakes, Lessons & Growth: The Real Podcast Journey00:45:30 - If You’re Thinking About Starting a Podcast… Listen to ThisLinks and Resources:I Made a Podcast on Instagram @IMadeaPodcastI Made a Podcast on Facebook ⁠⁠@IMadeaPodcastThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Dr. Michael Brabant—transformational psychologist, spiritual guide, and Co-Founder of Candor & Coherence—for a deep dive into what it truly means to lead with clarity, coherence, and heart. Drawing from his journey through trauma healing, academia, and integrative spiritual practice, Michael reveals why traditional leadership tactics often fall short—and how cultivating psychological safety, embodied presence, and radical honesty can unlock authentic transformation in both life and business. If you’ve ever felt the tension between performing and truly being, this episode offers a powerful reframe on how real leaders grow.Chapters:00:00:00 - Step Inside The Eternal Optimist00:00:14 - Meet Dr. Michael Brabant: Depth Meets Clarity00:00:52 - A Childhood Gift: Curiosity Meets Sensitivity00:02:57 - Turning Sensitivity Into a Superpower00:05:24 - Healing the Past to Lead the Future00:08:58 - How Internal Validation Changed Everything00:12:21 - Finding the Self Beneath the Layers00:16:40 - Building Unshakable Trust Within Yourself00:21:45 - Why Self-Esteem Isn’t Optional00:24:56 - Facing Your Inner Critic Head-On00:25:26 - Feedback as a Catalyst for Growth00:29:14 - Vulnerability: The Gateway to Authentic Leadership00:32:36 - What Is Internal Family Systems, Really?00:36:47 - Practicing Empathy Without Losing Yourself00:38:36 - Why Leaders Must Do the Inner Work00:41:38 - Tools and Wisdom for the Growth Path00:45:29 - Parting Words on Presence and PossibilityLinks And Resources:Candor & Coherence WebsiteDr. Michael Brabant on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What happens when your lifelong dream shatters at 22—and you’ve got no Plan B? In this raw and real conversation, Matt sits down with Damon Lembi, former pro baseball player turned CEO of Learnit, to explore how identity, leadership, and imposter syndrome collide in high-stakes moments. Damon unpacks the four-step framework he built to overcome self-doubt—Label Your Fear, Work Hard, Practice Deliberately, Learn and Let Go—and shares how it’s helped him evolve from hitting home runs in the College World Series to upskilling over 2 million professionals globally. With vulnerability, grit, and a healthy dose of humility, Damon reveals how failing publicly, receiving tough feedback, and embracing setbacks have been the fuel behind his leadership journey. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or ambitious professional, this episode is your playbook for turning adversity into mastery—and doing it with integrity.Chapters:00:00:00 - Kicking Off with Eternal Optimism00:00:29 - Meet Damon Lembi: From Dugout to Boardroom00:01:28 - Baseball Dreams, Big Setbacks00:05:28 - When Self-Doubt Takes the Mound00:10:04 - The 4 Steps That Saved My Confidence00:16:03 - From Receptionist to CEO: Earning It the Hard Way00:23:08 - The Diagnosis That Changed Everything00:23:48 - Losing Vision, Gaining Clarity00:24:37 - Brotherhood, Mentors, and Support That Stuck00:25:01 - Leading with Humility (and Hair Gel)00:28:06 - Why Podcasting and Connection Fuel Growth00:32:02 - Must-Read Books for Real Leaders00:39:31 - Music, Memories, and the People Who Shape Us00:43:30 - Final Wisdom and a Hopeful SendoffLinks And Resources:WebsiteDamon Lembi on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with endurance athlete, Harvard-trained lawyer, and father of six, Shawn Hoyt—a man who’s not just defying age, but redefining it. From sitting the bench in soccer to completing an Ironman and running a marathon at age 55, Shawn shares how hitting personal and professional rock bottom—divorce, job loss, and doubt—became the unexpected catalyst for a profound reinvention. This conversation dives deep into mental toughness, physical transformation, and the power of showing up with intention. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to start over or aim higher, this episode is your blueprint for rising stronger—with purpose, poise, and relentless positivity.Chapters: 00:00:00 - Kicking Off with Optimism & Energy00:00:50 - What Eternal Optimism Really Means00:02:39 - From the Midwest to Medford: Shawn’s Roots00:04:21 - When the Fitness Spark First Ignited00:06:15 - Breaking Limits, Facing Pain, and Getting Stronger00:14:28 - When Life Falls Apart—and How to Rebuild00:16:46 - Networking That Saved His Career00:22:44 - Getting Back in the Game, One Mile at a Time00:24:06 - Inside the Grit of a Half Ironman00:25:50 - Crushing Self-Doubt and Mental Roadblocks00:27:23 - Training Through the Boston Cold00:28:12 - Injuries, Setbacks, and Refusing to Quit00:30:57 - Race Day Gratitude and Going the Distance00:33:24 - Becoming the Role Model He Once Needed00:37:01 - Finding Love, Healing, and Starting Again00:42:45 - Books and Music That Fuel the Fire00:47:47 - Eternal Optimism, Defined Through ExperienceLinks and Resources:Website: shawnhoytstayactive.comLinkedIn: Shawn Hoyt on LinkedInInstagram: @shawnhoytstayactiveThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Mitch Weisburgh shares how “mindshifting” isn't just a catchy term—it's a critical life skill that helps us reclaim our thoughts, reshape our reactions, and rewire our brains for lasting success. Mitch walks us through deeply personal stories—from family betrayals and business breakdowns to breakthroughs in classrooms from New York to Niger. He reveals how emotional triggers hijack our minds and how we can use self-awareness, internal dialogue, and mindful distraction to shift from reactivity to resilience.Whether you're a leader navigating high-stakes decisions or an educator inspiring the next generation, this episode offers a rich toolkit to help you stop your brain from sabotaging your happiness and success. Tune in for a conversation full of radical acceptance, leadership growth, and timeless wisdom—because taking charge of your mindset might just change everything.Chapters:00:00:00 - Betting on Herself & Starting from Scratch00:01:02 - Meet Dorota Wallace: From Nursing to NYC Spa Royalty00:02:06 - Corporate Burnout to Spa Breakthrough00:04:01 - What a Failed Partnership Taught Her About Business00:08:34 - Groupon Goldmine: How She Converted 75% of Clients00:12:45 - Building a Spa That Feels Like a Five-Star Hotel00:20:12 - Her No-Fluff Approach to Skincare Protocols00:21:42 - The Real ROI of Relationship-First Business00:23:33 - How to Turn First-Time Clients Into Lifelong Fans00:27:04 - From Burned Out to CEO: Her Biggest Mindset Shift00:31:36 - Trendspotting & Why She Won’t Sell Just Anything00:39:19 - Real Talk: What It Takes to Thrive in the Spa Industry00:40:51 - What’s Next for Berry Blonde Spa?Links And Resources:MindShiftingWithMitch.comMindShiftingEducators.org📚 Book: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success – Available on AmazonMitch Weisburgh on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What if the next global breakthrough in fighting poverty wasn’t a new policy or billion-dollar aid program—but a shift in energy and intention?In this heart-expanding episode, Matt sits down with Aidan Uttinger, the visionary CEO of The World’s Greatest Experiment, to explore how humanity’s most abundant and underestimated resource—love—can transform lives. Aidan unpacks how \$100/month can sponsor someone to meditate full-time, directing love back to donors and their own communities. From energetic reciprocity to rethinking philanthropy, this conversation is more than an idea—it’s a movement.Chapters:00:00:00 - Opening the Door to Something Bigger00:01:14 - Growing Up in Chaos, Searching for Peace00:04:09 - Running Away—and Running Toward Purpose00:08:08 - A New Family, A New Frequency00:12:36 - The Moment the Love Project Was Born00:16:23 - Turning Love Into a Measurable Force00:19:49 - The Accident That Changed Everything00:22:29 - Building a Love-Powered Movement in the Philippines00:23:14 - Teaching Children to Meditate for the World00:24:07 - Planting Seeds of Love in Pakistan00:25:19 - Scaling a Global Energy Shift00:26:23 - How Giving Love Changed Entire Communities00:28:51 - Creating Connections That Heal on Both Sides00:34:24 - Meditation as the Gateway to Becoming00:37:55 - Lightning Round: Lessons, Love, and What’s NextLinks And Resources: The World's Greatest Experiment Website Adrian on LinkedIn  Mentioned: Dr. Joe DispenzaThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with Brian “Big Country” Cornwell—a decorated veteran, para-athlete, and father of six—who shares his journey from the military to battling depression and PTSD to becoming a national champion in adaptive sports. Brian opens up about how youth coaching, nutrition, and purpose-driven work at Veterans Battle Grounds helped him reclaim his life and mission. This episode will leave you inspired to turn your struggles into strength.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to a Story of Grit and Gold00:01:01 - Introducing Brian ‘Big Country’ Conwell00:01:18 - Trading a D1 Scholarship for the Front Lines00:03:12 - Crushed, Broken, and Determined to Rise00:06:50 - Ownership: The Moment Everything Changed00:10:52 - Rebuilding Through Adaptive Sports and Healing00:14:04 - The Birth of Veterans Battle Grounds00:25:33 - Final Reflections and Rapid-Fire WisdomLinks And Resources:Guest Website: https://vbgg.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bigcountry-conwell-ab1aa4246/Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with the remarkable Rukshana Triem, founder of Firmina Foundation and Women’s Lifestyle Coaching. Born amidst the chaos of war in Mozambique, Rukshana’s powerful story of survival, displacement, and resilience will leave you deeply inspired. She shares how her early experiences living in refugee camps shaped her unwavering commitment to give back to the communities that raised her. Together, Matt and Rukshana dive into the real meaning of service, leadership born through adversity, and the tools she uses today to help women worldwide reclaim their purpose. If you’ve ever wondered how hardship can fuel a life of mission-driven impact, this conversation is for you.Chapters:00:00:00 - Stepping Into the Eternal Optimist Journey00:01:42 - Rukhsana Triem: From Refugee Camps to World Changer00:03:22 - Battling the Odds: Life Inside a Refugee Camp00:05:45 - Starting Over: The Grit of Single Motherhood00:11:01 - Turning Anger Into Growth: A Healing Journey00:15:00 - Lighting the Way: Empowering Women Across Africa00:18:40 - Smart Travel Insights for Emerging Destinations00:19:00 - Finding Health, Purpose, and New Beginnings00:22:24 - Building Dreams: Schools That Change Lives00:29:10 - Village Life vs. City Life: Realities of Africa00:31:25 - Coaching, Leadership, and Living with Purpose00:33:38 - Books, Beats, and Building a Stronger Mind00:35:46 - Parting Wisdom: Staying Eternally OptimisticLinks And Resources:Firmina FoundationWomen’s Lifestyle CoachingRukshana Triem on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What happens when you’re given an 8% chance to live? In this powerful episode, Jen Broxterman, RD shares how a stage 3 ovarian cancer diagnosis changed her forever—and how it sparked a mission to make nutrition coaching more compassionate and accessible.A former nutritionist to NHL and Olympic athletes, Jen made a bold shift to focus on real people—moms, dads, and everyday folks—who just want to feel better and live longer without being trapped in diet culture. She also created a second business, Prosper Nutrition Coaching, to train the next generation of coaches to teach healthy habits in a shame-free way.Whether you’re a leader looking for systems to scale, a coach building a purpose-driven business, or someone searching for strength after struggle, this episode delivers heart, insight, and hope.Chapters:00:00:00 – Welcome to Your Weekly Dose of Optimism00:00:39 – Meet Jen Broxterman: Beating the Odds, Changing Lives00:01:23 – Fueling Passion: Why Nutrition Chose Jen00:03:22 – The Wake-Up Call That Changed Everything00:05:06 – Facing Cancer with Courage and Purpose00:11:08 – How Forgiveness Helped Save Her Life00:15:45 – Radical Remission: The Healing Blueprint00:18:45 – The “Healing List” That Transformed Jen’s Health00:19:21 – Jen’s Daily Non-Negotiables for Wellness00:20:00 – Breaking Free from Sugar and Shame00:23:08 – Mastering the Three Circles of Control00:27:34 – Why Kind Nerds Make the Best Coaches00:30:05 – Game-Changing Free Tools for Nutrition Leaders00:32:10 – Jen’s Final Wisdom Bombs You’ll Want to HearLinks And Resources:Prosper Nutrition CoachingNutritionRxPrecision NutritionJen on LinkedInJen on InstagramThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt Drinkhahn welcomes Matt Scoletti—a man whose story proves that rock bottom can become your greatest launchpad. From struggling with alcohol addiction to earning titles like Mr. Pittsburgh and completing 21 marathons in 21 days, Matt shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind his transformation.Learn how a simple but powerful morning ritual (The First 15), a total mindset reset, and relentless personal accountability helped Matt reclaim his health, career, and purpose. This episode is packed with fire for anyone chasing greatness through grit.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist Podcast00:00:20 - Meet Matt Scoletti: From Rock Bottom to Ultra Beast00:01:39 - Ball Courts to Bar Nights: A Dream Derailed00:04:32 - The Night That Changed Everything00:09:11 - Building Resilience Through Rock Bottom00:16:53 - Redemption Through Endurance and Purpose00:19:36 - Helping Natalie: A Moment That Matters00:24:35 - Tears, Triumph, and the Finish Line00:26:11 - Breaking the Chains of Self-Doubt00:27:27 - 5X Ironman: Pushing the Human Limit00:31:13 - Turning Failure Into Your Fuel00:37:49 - Books That Lit the Fire00:41:22 - Beats That Power the Grind00:43:34 - Living Life as an Eternal OptimistLinks And Resources:Matt Scoletti’s WebsiteAverage to Savage PodcastMatt Scoletti on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with powerhouse entrepreneur, bestselling author, and keynote speaker Toyin Crandell. From being homeless and overwhelmed to building 11 income streams and becoming a transformational coach for thousands globally—this episode dives into Toyin’s game-changing mindset principles, her journey of radical obedience, and the faith-fueled strategy that helped her build a business and life of freedom. She shares how to rewire identity, eliminate limiting beliefs, and lead with purpose, no matter your starting point. This is an absolute must-listen for entrepreneurs, marketers, and growth-minded professionals ready to shift from stuck to unstoppable.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist Podcast—Where Comebacks Begin00:00:21 - Enter Toyin Crandell: From the Edge to Empowerment00:01:05 - Homeless, Hopeless... Then Everything Changed00:07:58 - When Money Became Mission-Critical00:11:53 - Smashing the Lies That Keep Us Broke00:17:25 - Building a Faith-Fueled Empire Without Losing What Matters00:24:32 - Bombed on Stage? Here’s What She Did Next00:25:49 - When a Slip-Up Sparks a Breakthrough00:27:34 - The Criticism That Could’ve Crushed Her—but Didn’t00:29:38 - Pain to Power: How Toyin Turned Struggle into Strategy00:31:54 - When Obedience Becomes a Superpower00:36:47 - Why Her Coaching Doesn’t Just Teach—it Transforms00:40:01 - Healing in Harmony: Toyin’s Unexpected Creative Outlet00:44:53 - Wisdom That’ll Stick With You Long After the Episode EndsLinks And Resources:WebsiteLinkedInSpotify MusicFree TrainingsMoney Mindset Shift & Radical ObedienceThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and award-winning employee benefits consultant Christopher  Hillier. Broadcasting from Denver, Colorado, Chris opens up about navigating the beautiful chaos of raising five kids, building businesses, and staying anchored in gratitude—even when life feels messy. With a background in employee benefits and risk management, Chris shares lessons from starting and acquiring multiple businesses, why he’s always had the entrepreneurial bug, and how he uses optimism and curiosity as tools for personal and professional growth. For leaders who juggle business, family, and everything in between, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that joy and challenge often go hand in hand.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist: Meet Chris Hillier00:00:36 - Joy in the Mess: Finding Positivity in Chaos00:01:36 - From Parker, CO to Purpose: Chris Hillier’s Origin Story00:03:10 - Bitten by the Bug: When Entrepreneurship Called00:05:40 - Building Companies, Raising Kids: The Family Startup Equation00:12:45 - Chaos Meets Clarity: Balancing Business and Parenthood00:14:53 - Creating Space to Think: Time, Energy, and Awareness00:22:30 - The Time Trap: Why Most Leaders Are Overwhelmed00:23:11 - Track It or Lose It: The Power of Time Logging00:23:59 - Let It Go: Delegation and Automation that Actually Work00:25:08 - Life Integration: Where Personal and Professional Meet00:30:26 - Growth by Reflection: How Feedback Shapes Us00:37:43 - Leading with Heart: Service, Empathy, and True Impact00:39:17 - One Last Drop of Wisdom: Closing Thoughts & Tools00:41:11 - Lightning Round: Books, Music, and What Inspires Chris00:43:19 - What Is Eternal Optimism? Chris’s DefinitionLinks And Resources:Christopher on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with storyteller, sales leader, and comedian Nema Semnani for a raw conversation about resilience, identity, and finding humor in hardship. Born amid political turmoil in Iran and raised without a father, Nema shares his deeply personal story of loss and survival, and how those early challenges forged his unique perspective on life. With a blend of authenticity, dark humor, and insight, Nema reflects on how he uses his voice to help others connect, lead, and grow. Whether you’re a founder, manager, or creative professional, this episode offers profound lessons on turning adversity into advantage and embracing the broken parts as the places where true strength is formed.Chapters: 00:00:00 - An Instant Connection: How Matt and Nema’s Conversation Sparked00:01:05 - Growing Up Without a Father: Nema’s Story of Resilience00:02:53 - Finding Light in the Dark: Humor as a Tool for Healing00:07:07 - Choosing Gratitude: Staying Optimistic Through Struggles00:12:08 - The Accident That Changed Everything00:19:08 - Grace Under Pressure: Shifting Your Perspective00:23:08 - Affluence, Identity, and the Parenting Tightrope00:24:48 - Remembering Where You Came From: Wealth and Perspective00:25:37 - Teaching Kids the Hustle: Earning vs. Entitlement00:27:47 - The Eternal Optimist’s Mindset in Real Life00:36:32 - Detoxing Negativity and Finding Peace Within00:40:52 - Books, Beats, and What’s Fueling Nema Right Now00:43:21 - Life in Review: The Moments That Matter MostLinks And Resources:Nema on LinkedInNema on InstagramThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Scott Krusemark joins The Eternal Optimist to share his journey from IT consultant to real estate investor, coach, and hard money lender with over 30 years of experience. Matt and Scott get into the lessons learned from more than 150 real estate transactions, including the early mistakes that led to a 10-unit property dragging him into bankruptcy. Scott breaks down the four key equations every investor needs to know, the discipline required to avoid bad deals, and why real estate can be a strong strategy for financial stability. With Scott’s analytical approach and decades of experience, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to navigate real estate with confidence.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist – Let’s Go!00:00:55 - Meet Scott Krusemark: Investor, Mentor & Resilient Entrepreneur00:01:39 - From Tech to Real Estate – Scott’s Unexpected Path00:03:41 - Living with Asperger’s: Turning Challenges Into Strengths00:06:25 - Rewriting His Story: Overcoming Life’s Biggest Struggles00:19:37 - Love, Marriage & the Unexpected Journey That Followed00:25:31 - Jumping into Real Estate – The First Big Moves00:26:09 - The Costly Mistakes That Every Investor Should Avoid00:28:10 - How the 2008 Crash Took Scott to the Brink00:29:01 - Bankruptcy, Hard Lessons & Bouncing Back Stronger00:31:03 - Why Playing It Safe in Real Estate Pays Off00:32:54 - Scott’s Proven Investment Rules for Long-Term Success00:33:17 - The 70% Rule: The Simple Math That Protects Your Deals00:36:57 - Fix & Flip vs. Rentals – Which One is Right for You?00:37:12 - How to Read the Market & Invest with Confidence00:41:44 - Hard Money Lending Exposed: What Every Investor Must Know00:44:16 - Want to Learn from Scott? Here’s Your Chance00:46:47 - Scott’s Must-Read Books for Wealth & Growth00:48:59 - What It Truly Means to Be an Eternal OptimistBook Recommendation:Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki Cashflow Quadrant – Robert Kiyosaki The Code of the Extraordinary Mind – Vishen LakhianiLinks And Resources:Scott on Linkedin