The Pocket with Chris Griffin

Big claim: one of my favourite episodes of the year. Michael Smoak (@higherupwellness) returns to the show.  If you liked the first time Mike came on, you wont be disappointed with this one. Completely different conversation, yet an absolute banger. Something about the synergy we have together is one I’m beyond blessed about. This episode was all about relationships, love, overcoming hardship, the battles that a man has and so much more. Follow Michael: https://www.instagram.com/higherupwellness/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:00 A man’s biggest challenge 11:00 An explanation of a mans biology 16:00 Defining lust 20:00 What a man and women need to be intimate 29:00 Difference between confidence and ego 35:00 The difficulty of submission when you’re winning 39:00 Inaction is selfish 44:00 The new drug 53:00 Why your body is screaming at you 59:30 Impacts of suppressed emotions 1:06:00 The key to deep connection 1:14:00 Zooming out the time horizon 1:30:00 The gap between you and happiness 1:35:00 Why do we keep suffering on purpose? 1:38:20 Imposter syndrome  1:45:00 Losing someone you gave your all to… Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we break down why most people don’t have a sleep problem at all… They have a stress problem, a purpose problem, or a life-awareness problem. Todd Anderson is one of the sharpest voices in the world of sleep, human psychology, and high performance. He’s worked with elite athletes, Fortune 500 teams, and high performers who want to feel better, think clearer, and stop sabotaging themselves. Key Discussion Points: Why most sleep problems are actually stress and life-awareness problems The fear of losing momentum and the psychological cost of high performance Presence, flow state, and how elite performers access their best self Childhood patterns, identity, and the hidden roots of adult stress How to fix your relationship with sleep without becoming obsessive or rigid Follow Todd: https://www.instagram.com/toddanderson42_/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Try Dream Recovery and use code GRIFFIN: https://dreamrecovery.io/ Chapters: 00:00 Why sleep really matters 03:02 The culture shift around sleep 06:18 Morning routines vs efficiency 09:41 Stress disguised as sleep problems 12:28 How life stress stacks silently 15:17 Fear of losing momentum 18:49 Childhood wiring and identity 21:47 Todd’s upbringing and purpose 24:43 Overcoming insecurity 27:36 Why most people never start 31:05 Highs, lows, and perspective 36:42 When optimization becomes harmful 41:20 Presence and flow state 47:50 Why people feel worse than they think 53:40 How Dream Recovery began 58:55 Presence as the real superpower 01:09:26 New recovery tech 01:11:10 Final reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today’s episode is with Chris Petkas, former Navy Seal turned VC investor. It was a powerful conversation around grit, determination and the willingness to fail. Chris’ marriage with Codie Sanchez inspires me, Chris’ well rounded success inspires me and Chris’ calm nature inspires me. I loved this conversation. We also recorded this in a horse stable just out of Austin with 5 real horses behind us. Key Discussion Points: Why calm men are often the most dangerous How military training builds composure under chaos Naivety as a superpower when starting hard things The biggest risk in life: choosing who you marry Jiu-jitsu, humility, and learning through losing Patriotism, perspective, and seeing the world Australia’s tall-poppy mindset vs America Follow Chris Petkas: https://www.instagram.com/chrispetkas/ Follow Chris Griffin: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:00 Why Calm Men Are the Most Dangerous 05:20 Military Recruitment 10:40 Naivety, Risk and Starting Before You’re Ready 15:55 Failure, Ego and Learning Through Pain 21:00 Suffering in Training vs Real Combat 26:15 Leaving the Military and Entering Business 30:30 The Competence Ladder 33:45 Long Distance Love 36:50 Choosing a Partner is your biggest risk 39:40 Building Marriage and Business Together 46:30 The Loneliness Myth 49:40 Patriotism, Perspective and Seeing the World 53:50 Australia vs America: Ambition and Tall Poppy Culture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcoming Sage Bender to The Pocket. We dove deep, shared untold stories and revisited places he hasn't been in a while, sharing stories that have shaped him into the man he is today. Also, enjoy the horses in the background. We recorded this in a horse stable just outside of Austin.  Follow Sage: https://www.instagram.com/sxgebender/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 0:00 Why friends make or break you 3:00 Growing up with the wrong influences 5:00 Getting caught in the wrong crowd 7:00 How Sage met the Austin boys 9:00 Stop chasing people, build yourself 11:00 Leaving his old life behind 13:00 Masculinity, integrity, intention 15:00 Vulnerability and humility 17:00 Fighting, presence, and peace 20:00 Confidence vs ego 23:00 Weak identities and fragile men 26:00 Why jiu-jitsu humbles everyone 29:00 Community, discipline, and respect 32:00 Rock bottom and drug use 36:00 Losing a friend and the wake-up call 40:00 Moving cities and outgrowing people 45:00 Faith, rebellion, and rebuilding belief 50:00 Sage on responsibility and self-awareness 55:00 Becoming the man you want to be Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I chat with Adam Lamb, an entrepreneur, investor, and business advisor who’s built and sold multiple companies in healthcare, finance, and consulting.  We dive into what it really means to be “too dumb to quit,” unpacking the role of stubbornness, fear, and confidence in success. Adam opens up about his rough upbringing, how his beliefs about money and success evolved, and what it’s like raising kids in a completely different world than the one he grew up in. Key Discussion Points: The mindset behind being “too dumb to quit” How stubbornness can either serve or sabotage you Breaking old beliefs about money, worth, and success Navigating ego vs. confidence in leadership and life Raising grounded kids in an abundant world What true intimacy means in marriage and relationships Follow Adam: https://www.instagram.com/adamlamb33/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:00 Too Dumb To Quit 06:00 Stubbornness explained 12:00 Running for office 18:00 Fear of being seen 24:00 Confidence vs experience 30:00 Vulnerability as strength 36:00 Break the belief walls 42:00 Growing up broke 48:00 The turning point 54:00 Comfort kills growth 01:00:00 Parenting without entitlement 01:06:00 Parenting Sons & daughters differently 01:12:00 True intimacy 01:18:00 Confidence vs ego 01:24:00 Faith and legacy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with a man that lived with the dictator of Panama’s right hand man… Fascinating to hear what goes behind the scenes regarding global corruption, the relationship between the USA, Panama and China and how what we think is going on, is actually a lie. Key Discussion Points: Living with a dictator’s right-hand man trained by the CIA, Mossad, and Fidel Castro How the U.S. created and then destroyed its own dictator What “evil” really means after you live with it Quitting his job, broke, and sleeping in cars to chase his dream The lessons in conviction, confidence, and courage learned from a killer Follow Cillian: https://www.instagram.com/dunne.cillian/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:00 – Living with a dictator’s right-hand man 02:10 – Walking on eggshells in a house of secrets 11:00 – The morality question: is killing for a cause still murder? 17:00 – The CIA’s dark partnership with Noriega 23:00 – The mysterious death of Omar Torrijos 25:00 – How the U.S. installed and later removed Noriega 42:00 – Writing with gangs and the Bloods & Crips 47:00 – Panama: a third world country with a golden crown 49:00 – Why the U.S. never took over Panama 50:30 – China, BlackRock, and control of the canal 54:00 – The Japanese plan to bomb the Panama Canal 56:00 – What the U.S. government hides from civilians 59:00 – The cost of power, money, and human self-interest AND MORE. Enjoy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An important discussion with George from TheTinMen about men and the challenges they face daily. We went back and forth, providing differing views, yet both with deep care for the same mission of helping men live lives with more peace, joy and fulfilment. Follow George: https://www.instagram.com/thetinmen/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 0:00 Why George Started The Tin Men 2:00 How Schools Are Failing Boys 4:00 The War on Testosterone and Masculinity 6:00 Why Men Can’t Win Anymore 8:00 The Truth Behind “1 in 3 Men Are Violent” 10:00 How False Statistics Erase Male Victims 14:00 When Abuse Against Men Gets Ignored 18:00 Suicide, Silence, and Losing Hope 22:00 The Hidden Bias in How We See Men 26:00 Redefining What It Means to Be a Man 31:00 The Pressure to Provide and Find Purpose 36:00 Outrageous Headlines About Masculinity in Australia 40:00 When Society Stops Caring About Boys 45:00 Why Therapy and Mental Health Systems Fail Men 51:00 The Fight for Men’s Health and What Needs to Change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an important episode. I hope you can feel the passion ring through the microphone. I meant every word I said. If you're in a rut or you don't know what to do with your life, then this episode is for you. Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:00 What is the meaning of life? 04:30 The best part about no one believing in you 09:00 You can do whatever you want in your life 14:00 My story when things changed 20:00 The more you learn the less you know 25:00 Take the risk… 29:00 Poem 1: Tunnel Vision 33:00 A profound realisation about greatness 38:30 Poem 2: Are you on the right path? 44:40 Poem 3: Lonely nights 50:00 The quality of connection comes down to this Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A perfect balance between inspiration, motivation and education. An episode for the people struggling to go all in on their dreams. Charlie has lived a million lives, from touring the world with some of the most famous people of our generation, to building multi million dollar companies, to being in a superbowl ad with Lebron James, the list goes on and on and on. This episode with Charlie Rocket was a good one!  Enjoy fam x Follow Charlie: https://www.instagram.com/charlie/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 0:00 What it means to be a delusional optimist 3:00 The imagination behind success 5:40 Seeing the impossible before it’s real 8:00 Speaking your dreams into existence 10:30 The goldfish story that changed his brain 13:00 Training your mind to dream bigger 17:00 Turning pain into gratitude 20:30 Losing his scholarship and needing a miracle 24:00 His mom’s life-changing advice 28:00 Getting fired and learning to serve others 31:30 Why negativity is an addiction 35:30 The contagious energy of winners 39:30 When no one believes in you 48:30 How he manifested his Nike commercial 59:30 The truth about unrealistic dreams 1:09:00 Living proof that delusion creates destiny Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode with Marshal Crews has to be one of my favourite productions to date. We shot this in the Malibu mountains at sunset. It was gorgeous. Marsh has such a wild and inspiring story. I could go on to explain it in this caption but youre just going to have to tune in. From being adopted, to crashing a car and losing his mom from it, to building a multi-million dollar business, the list goes on. Very cool guy and a very cool conversation. Follow Marshal: https://www.instagram.com/marshalcrews/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 0:00 Importance of creativity 6:10 Dropping out of college 9:00 Growing up homeschooled and emotionally cut off 11:50 The anger that controlled his childhood 14:10 Living with reactive attachment disorder 17:40 Losing my mom… 24:30 Getting kicked out of home 27:40 How losing everything reshaped his faith 31:00 Why Marsh believes God builds men through pain 35:00 Victim mindset 38:50 How he rebuilt his life 43:00 Building a multi-million-dollar brand 48:00 Teaching creatives to build with purpose, not profit 54:00 The dark room between every man and his dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back! Today’s episode is with Erwin McManus. This was a special conversation. I loved it. Erwin is a Pastor, an Author, a Family man and a super successful Entrepreneur. I could speak with Erwin for 8 hours straight. His energy is contagious. Enjoy. Do Erwin’s 7 Frequencies test: https://shop.erwinmcmanus.com/products/the-seven-frequencies-of-communication-assessment Follow Erwin: https://www.instagram.com/erwinmcmanus/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Please leave The Pocket a 5 star review on Spotify and Subscribe on Youtube if you enjoyed this episode. Chapters 0:00 Why Australia fears greatness 6:10 The ceiling that kills leadership 11:55 Chris’s challenger frequency revealed 17:40 When drive turns into manipulation 23:25 The shadow that controls you 29:10 Love is the way out 34:55 The danger of transactional relationships 40:40 Why uncertainty gives life meaning 46:25 How wonder keeps you alive 52:10 Finding beauty in faith and science 57:55 The proof of life through love 1:03:40 The genius of Jesus 1:09:25 Are we all quantumly connected 1:15:10 The power of words 1:21:55 Living fully alive in light, not shadow 1:28:30 Proof that Jesus is real through essence 1:36:00 The impact Charlie Kirks death had on the world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sit down with Darin Olien today. Was a very special episode. Darin is a master in longevity and utilising earths magic and how tapping into it will unlock a life filled with health, wealth and fulfilment. Follow Darin: https://www.instagram.com/darinolien/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 3:00 The System That Profits From Sickness 6:10 Why We’ve Lost Ownership Of Our Health 9:15 How Media Hijacks Our Stress Response 12:40 Curiosity: The Superpower They Don’t Teach You 15:20 The Hidden System Controlling Your Body 18:10 Erased From Medicine By Design 21:40 Should You Use THC? 29:00 Losing His Father and Finding Purpose 38:00 The Voice of the Soul 42:30 Silence Creates Clarity 47:10 Staying Grounded While Building Success 51:00 A Distracted World 56:00 How To Build Real Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Noah Rolette from Raw Dawg returns to the show. 1 year later, a whole lot a life lived in that year… Many challenges and blessings that Noah states has made it the hardest year of his life. We dove deep into how he got his ex girlfriend pregnant and they’re co-parenting the baby, his transitions in business and what has set his career to the next level, his drives, the future of RAWDAWG (if any), and so much more. Follow Noah: https://www.instagram.com/noah.rolette/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 0:00 The return of Noah Rolette 3:00 The night she called - “I’m pregnant.” 7:30 Trying to make the relationship work 9:40 Why he refuses daycare and wants his son raised at home 12:00 Breaking generational patterns with his dad 15:00 The rise and fall of RawDawg and catching the running wave 21:00 How he learned to detach from everything - even success 29:00 The moment everything flipped 33:00 Running a business with best friends 38:00 How money changed his mindset 44:00 What couples therapy taught him about communication 51:00 Fatherhood, perspective, and the next chapter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Not really sure what just happened here… I’d explain, but I was out of my body. In 10 breaths, Luke Kohen sent me to another place. I started jumping around the floor while I was unconscious… Luke is a trauma expert, he heals high achievers from the ruts they evidently put themselves in from being a Type A, driven person constantly chasing the next thing. Key Discussion Points: The 10-breath experience that sent Chris into a natural DMT release The nervous system is a “tree” bridging body and spirit How unresolved trauma hides as twitches, jolts, and hypervigilance The dark tunnel we all go through Maybe going around Everest is better than climbing it? AND MUCH MUCH MORE Follow Luke: https://www.instagram.com/lukekohen/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:03 The 10-breath DMT release that left Chris shaking 05:15 Luke’s first experience of a natural DMT release 09:20 The nervous system explained as a “tree” bridging body and spirit 13:00 Why modern life leaves us lonely and disconnected 17:25 Chris on trauma showing up as twitches and jolts 21:40 The dark tunnel analogy for moving through pain 26:05 Heroes vs. villains 30:20 Emotion as “energy in motion” 35:00 Why high achievers hit ruts and lose their way 39:45 Chris’s story of chasing money and constant rejection 44:10 The sunrise encounter that shifted everything 48:30 How money follows alignment, not obsession 52:15 Integrating spirituality into real life without going too far 56:00 The “everything matters” paradox Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jesse Sebastiani, aka MTV Jesse joins me on the show today. This is a milestone episode for me. Episode 100 of The Pocket. So grateful. This conversation was an important one. As social media is on the rise and every kid wants to be an influencer when they grow up, I hope whats discussed here shares insight into the full picture, not just the shiny objects of being one of the biggest influencers in the world. Drop a comment down below to let me know your thoughts on the show! Follow Jesse: https://www.instagram.com/mtvjesse/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A conversation between Cru Mahoney and I. We filmed this a couple of months ago in Austin. A scoop inside of a mans mind. Some would call this "Bro Chat" Enjoy. Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Follow Cru: https://www.instagram.com/crumahoney/ Key Moments: 05:00 Kanes are silly shoes 07:00 I fell in love last night 22:00 The E myth 39:00 The term “hybrid athlete” 49:00 How progression can kill your happiness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Murtagh has lived the brutal reality of the NFL. One day you’re chasing your dream, the next day your name is stripped off the wall and someone else is wearing your number. In this episode, Patty opens up about snapping his leg and ankle in a freak accident, battling isolation on the other side of the world, and what it’s really like to get cut without warning. He shares the mindset that’s kept him smiling through stretcher rides, the lessons from his late father that fuel his fight, and how he finds perspective through his family’s roots in Papua New Guinea. Key Discussion Points The injury that snapped his leg and ankle in half Life alone in America while battling uncertainty Lessons from his father and mum’s Papua New Guinea roots The brutal “next man up” reality of the NFL Staying optimistic when your dream is ripped away Follow Patty: https://www.instagram.com/patrick.murtagh/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 8:00 You need comparison in your life 12:20 Snapping his leg 19:00 Importance of making peoples day 32:00 Getting dropped from the Jags 40:30 The nudge you need. 43:00 Do you feel understood? 47:00 Don’t let life get too serious 49:00 A message for if you have a dream Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down in Malibu with the legend himself, Laird Hamilton.  We got deep into Laird’s way of living, his philosophy on risk, fear, faith, confidence, and what it really means to carve your own path. Beyond being called The King of the Ocean, Laird is someone who has built a mindset and perspective that is unique to say the least. A lot of ah ha moments in this one. He is one wise man. Key Discussion Points The mindset that shaped Laird’s path from a young age Why “delusional confidence” can be a superpower How to deal with failure, risk, and setbacks The role of faith, intuition, and spirituality in life Why fulfillment can’t come from external validation Follow Laird: https://www.instagram.com/lairdhamilton/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:00 The birth of tow-in surfing 09:00 Delusional confidence as a superpower 20:11 Why external validation doesn’t last 29:45 The “ride to ride another day” philosophy 37:22 The Jaws wipeout that nearly broke him 42:12 Risk, mortality, and thoughts on death 01:14:15 Success vs broken values and faith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I sit down with Robin Sharma - one of the greatest authors of all time. Robin has sold over 25 million books, he is the bestselling author of The 5AM Club, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, The Everyday Hero Manifesto, and The Wealth Money Can’t Buy. Robin has such a calming presence. I feel everything quiet down the moment he walked in the door. We explore the truths about success, the traps of chasing money, and the hidden forms of wealth that actually bring fulfillment. Robin shares powerful stories and frameworks that will change how you see life, work, and meaning. Key Discussion Points: The Johannesburg janitor who lived with dignity and mastery Why pressure and challenge create greatness The secret power of silence and early mornings The hidden cost of chasing money and climbing the wrong mountain The 8 forms of wealth that money can’t buy Follow Robin: https://www.instagram.com/robinsharma/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 00:00 The Janitor Who Called It His Office 04:00 Pressure Is Not the Enemy 07:00 4AM: The New 5AM 10:00 Why We Don’t Give Ourselves Permission 13:00 Intimacy, Trust, and Feeling Safe 18:00 Cutting Out Energy Vampires 21:00 The 8 Forms of Wealth 25:00 Everyone Needs Their Own “Painting” 29:30 Don’t Climb the Wrong Mountain 32:00 The Five Question Morning Maximizer 36:00 The Four Interior Empires 39:00 What Business Is Really About 44:00 Minimalism vs. Maximalism 49:00 The Hospital Window Story 52:00 Kindness, Karma, and Keeping Promises 1:00:00 Who Will Cry When You Die? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elliot Bewick is 20 and already saying the stuff everyone’s whispering about. We get into why Gen Z feels empty, why complaining is everywhere, and how stories and confidence actually change your life. No fluff. Just real talk, laughs, and a few hard truths.  Key Discussion Points: • Why complaining is just emotional noise and nobody’s getting better from it • The “we’re all in a simulation” mindset and why it wrecks motivation • Confidence vs ego and which one helps you actually win in life • Loneliness, validation, and why social media makes everything worse • How picking a story for your life is the move that changes everything Follow Elliot: https://www.instagram.com/elliotbewick/ Follow Chris: https://www.instagram.com/morechrisgriffin/ Chapters: 0:00 The Problem With People That Complain 6:30 Why Complaint Culture Is Ruining Gen Z 12:00 How Social Media Fuels Complaining 18:00 Truth, Delusion, and the Simulation Trap 24:00 Why Faith and Belief Still Matter for Gen Z 30:00 Confidence vs Ego And Knowing the Difference 36:30 Storytelling as the Human Superpower 43:00 The Dangers of Chasing External Validation 50:00 Why Influencers End Up Lonely 57:00 Authenticity Isn’t an Excuse to Be Lazy 1:04:00 Elliot’s Social Media Blow-Up 1:11:30 The Power of Setting Delusional Goals 1:19:00 When Confidence Backfires 1:27:00 Why So Many Young Men Feel Lost 1:35:00 The Belief Driving Elliot at 20 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices