The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

Darius Classic | How To Get On The TED Stage Nov 06, 2026

Show notes

Ever wondered how to land a TED talk and make your message matter?

Today, I am flying solo to walk you through the process of how I hosted a TEDx event back in 2012. With a theme of The Pursuit of Passion, the one-day event focused on the fire that drives people to pursue their passions. It was about how one finds the strength to follow their heart and intuition despite rejection, lack of support, challenges, or even outright failure.

In this episode, I will talk about the process of applying to get a TED Talk, the challenges I had to deal with as a head curator of a TEDx event, and the story behind how I got Scott Dinsmore as one of the speakers for my event.

Resources mentioned:

TED website: https://www.ted.com/
Scott Dinsmore TEDx talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpe-LKn-4gM

Topics include:

Two different ways to get on the main TED stage
What is TED and what they do
What is a TEDx event and what is the application process for a license
How to become a TEDx speaker
How I handled and prepared for no-shows during a TEDx event
How Scott Dinsmore’s TEDx talk went viral on YouTube
And other topics…

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

454 | George Barrios (Part 2) | Behind WWE's Billion-Dollar Success Nov 04, 2026

Show notes

Host Darius Mirshahzadeh welcomes back George Barrios for Part 2 of their conversation on The Greatness Machine. George, former Co-President of WWE who helped transform it from a $1 billion North American business into a $10 billion global powerhouse, picks up where the last episode left off. He details the messy but pivotal exit from WWE, the founding of Isos Capital with longtime business partner Michelle Wilson, and the string of high-profile deals that followed, including taking Bowlero public via SPAC, orchestrating the landmark $20 billion WWE-UFC merger to form TKO, and most recently co-founding Global Sport Group, the world's largest private sports investment holding company. Throughout, George unpacks his core frameworks: understanding businesses as machines, the power of deep due diligence, and the rare combination of management and leadership that drives transformational results.

Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/451-george-barrios-part-1-sometimes-wrong-but-never/id1555334180?i=1000796265172

In this episode, Darius and George will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(02:19) George's Journey to WWE

(05:34) The End of an Era at WWE

(08:20) Transitioning to New Ventures

(12:33) Building ISO's Capital

(14:29) Maximizing IP Value

(15:49) Understanding the Machine

(20:51) Navigating New Challenges

(24:46) The SPAC Journey and Business Selection

(28:50) Deep Dive into Business Analysis

(32:43) Understanding Management vs. Leadership

(35:14) The Return to WWE and Strategic Decisions

(40:44) The Merger with UFC and Valuation Insights

(42:08) Creating a Holding Company for Sports Investments

(45:43) The Future of Sports in a Streaming World

George Barrios is a business leader, investor, and operator at the intersection of sports, media, and technology. He is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital and an investor and director with Global Sport Group. He previously served as Co-President and Board Member of WWE, helping expand the company’s digital, global, and direct-to-consumer businesses and leading its merger with UFC to form TKO Group. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at The New York Times Company, Time Warner, HBO, and Praxair. A first-generation Cuban American raised in Queens, George holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and is the author of “Sometimes Wrong But Never in Doubt”.

Connect with George:

Website: https://georgebarrios.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebarrios/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510786554

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

TGM Classic | Ryan Begelman (Part 2) | What It Really Takes to Step Away from Your Company Without Regret Nov 02, 2026

Show notes

What if selling your company didn’t mean letting go—but leveling up, on your terms?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Ryan Begelman returns for part two to share the behind-the-scenes story of how he scaled, sold, and systematized a company—without losing his sense of joy.

From building a business with friends to generating millions in additional value by taking the exit process into his own hands, Ryan unpacks how thoughtful planning, operational excellence, and self-education made all the difference. He shares why most founders leave money on the table during a sale, how he trained his COO to take over, and the surprising reason he almost didn’t want to sell.

Part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/339-ryan-begelman-part-1-the-mayor-effect-how-to/id1555334180?i=1000697821147

In this episode, Darius and Ryan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Recap of Previous Episode

(03:00) The Journey of Bisnow Media

(06:09) Acquisition Entrepreneurship and Bootstrapping

(09:00) The Role of AI in Business

(12:12) Navigating Multiple Ventures

(15:09) The Summit and Powder Mountain Experience

(18:07) Challenges of Managing Multiple Businesses

(21:10) The Future of Powder Mountain and Lessons Learned

(31:20) The Journey of Acquiring Powder Mountain

(32:38) Lessons Learned from Past Experiences

(35:46) Building Bisnow: Growth and Strategy

(39:13) The Exit Strategy: Selling Bisnow

(48:10) The Joy of Entrepreneurship and Life Design

Ryan Begelman is an executive coach, entrepreneur, and investor. As CEO of Bisnow Media, he grew the company from $1 million to $20 million in revenue before its sale in 2016. He co-founded Summit, described by Forbes as “The Davos of Generation Y,” and has invested in startups like Uber, Warby Parker, and Coinbase. A mindfulness practitioner based in NYC, Ryan is passionate about cycling, cooking, and lifelong learning.

Connect with Ryan:

Website: https://www.ryanbegelman.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanbegelman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanbegelman/

Email: ryan.begelman@gmail.com

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

Darius Classic | Part 1: How I Overcame My Lifelong Anxiety Oct 30, 2026

Show notes

Do you often find yourself thinking about the “what ifs” of life? Are you someone who worries about the worst things that could happen?

If you are, then you are probably wondering if there are ways to stop these negative thoughts from filling your mind. The good news is that there are tools, habits, and strategies that can help you avoid anxiety spirals.

Today, I am flying solo to share something very personal to me; my journey of dealing with and overcoming chronic worrying and anxiety.

Growing up in a complicated environment, I had to strive to achieve things and become a good example constantly. The unrealistic expectations later resulted in me becoming an anxious perfectionist.

In the first part of this mini-series, I will talk about how I dealt with anxiety as a kid until I reached adulthood. I will also walk you through the strategies and tools that helped me avoid having thinking errors and anxious thoughts.

Topics include:

Experiencing anxiety disorder at such a young age
How I coped with anxiety as a teen and young adult
Defense mechanisms I used for anxiety as an adult
What my therapist asked me to do to track my anxiety
What I learned after writing a list of 100 things I was worried about
How awareness helped me overcome my anxiety
And other topics…

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

453 | Elise Hu | Finding Your Voice in a World Full of Noise Oct 28, 2026

Show notes

In the newest episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily and award-winning international journalist, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving media landscape, beauty standards in South Korea, the power of following your passions, and what it truly means to pursue greatness. Elise shares her journey from a childhood dream of journalism to becoming one of NPR's international correspondents, an independent creator, a published author, and the voice of one of the world's most popular idea-driven podcasts. Along the way, Darius shares a personal and touching story about the late TEDx speaker Scott Dinsmore, illustrating how following your soul, even when it makes no financial sense, can ripple outward in extraordinary ways.

In this episode, Darius and Elise will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Elise Hu

(02:08) Elise's Journey into Journalism

(05:59) The Evolution of Journalism and Media Integrity

(11:46) Navigating the Changing Landscape of News Consumption

(18:03) Elise's Career Path and Transition to Independence

(22:57) Exploring Beauty Standards and Cultural Expectations

(30:09) Exploring Personal Experiences and Research

(31:10) The Journey to TEDx and Passion Projects

(33:21) The Impact of TED Talks on Personal Growth

(35:27) Transitioning to TED Talks Daily

(37:43) Format and Purpose of TED Talks Daily

(40:24) Favorite TED Talks and Their Influence

(44:34) The Story of Scott Dinsmore and Living Your Legend

(49:46) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Elise Hu is a Los Angeles-based journalist, podcast host, and media entrepreneur who hosts TED Talks Daily. A former NPR international correspondent and VICE News Tonight correspondent, she has reported from more than a dozen countries and helped launch The Texas Tribune. She is the author of “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital,” a Porchlight Business Book Award winner. Elise is also the co-founder of Reasonable Volume, an award-winning podcast production company, and a mother of three.

Connect with Elise:

Website: https://elisehu.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elisewho/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elise-hu/

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

TGM Classic | Peter Singer | The Ethics of Doing Good: A Wake-Up Call for the Comfortable Oct 26, 2026

Show notes

What if doing the most good was simpler—and more within reach—than you ever imagined?

In this powerful episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by world-renowned moral philosopher Peter Singer for a conversation that will challenge how you think about ethics, generosity, and your role in making the world better.

Peter, best known for his groundbreaking work “The Life You Can Save,” shares thought-provoking insights on effective altruism, the moral obligations of those living in affluence, and how small, intentional actions can create ripple effects of real change. From fighting global poverty to advocating for animal rights, Peter’s work has inspired millions to rethink their impact—and today, he might just do the same for you.

In this episode, Darius and Peter will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Effective Altruism

(06:11) Understanding Effective Altruism

(11:57) The Life You Can Save: A Nonprofit Overview

(18:05) Philanthropy and Meaning in Life

(23:55) Profit for Good: Business and Altruism

(24:54) Profit for Good Conference: A New Business Paradigm

(30:01) The Role of Bioethics in Modern Society

(37:32) Activism and Personal Motivation in Ethical Issues

(38:35) Reflections on Global Issues: Past and Present

(41:42) Making a Difference: Individual Impact and Career Choices

(47:07) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Peter Singer is an Australian moral philosopher known for his work in applied ethics from a utilitarian perspective. He is Emeritus Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University and author of Animal Liberation and the influential essay “Famine, Affluence, and Morality.” Singer has shifted from preference to hedonistic utilitarianism over his career. He founded Monash University’s Centre for Human Bioethics, co-founded Animals Australia, and established the nonprofit The Life You Can Save. Recognized as Australian Humanist of the Year in 2004, he is considered one of Australia’s most influential public intellectuals.

Connect with Peter:

Website: https://www.petersinger.info/

Website: http://thelifeyoucansave.org/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ee/podcast/lives-well-lived/id1743702376

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

Darius Classic | Become A Book Athlete: How To 10X To 20X How Many Books You Read Per Year Oct 23, 2026

Show notes

How do you make time for the things you want to do when you have too much on your plate?

Most of us, if not all, wish there were more hours in a day to grind and make time for what brings us joy. Any business owner or entrepreneur can attest to that. Finding a balance between work and life is easier said than done. But when done right, it can make the impossible possible.

Today, I am flying solo to share a few tips on how I managed to surpass my goal of reading 22 books this year with three months to spare.

In this episode, I will talk about the benefits of habit stacking and how it helped me learn to multitask while reading. I will also share the secret on how a busy entrepreneur like myself finds more time to read and what tools helped me to become a book athlete.

Topics include:

The benefits of building good habits
Expert tips to reading more books in a year
How I learned to multitask while reading
The importance of narrator choice in audiobooks
Pros and cons of reading multiple books at once
Effective note-taking from reading
Apps that helped me increase my reading
My reading goal for 2023
And other topics…

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

452 | Tegan Broadwater | How to Think Like a Bad Guy Before the Bad Guy Finds You Oct 21, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Tegan Broadwater, founder of Tactical Systems Network and former Fort Worth Police Department officer. Tegan shares one of the most unconventional origin stories in law enforcement, trading a career as a professional touring musician for a badge, then risking his life for nearly two years undercover infiltrating a Crips gang network in Fort Worth's most dangerous neighborhood.

Known as Operation Fishbowl, Tegan's deep cover operation resulted in the arrest of 51 gang members, fundamentally transforming a violence-ravaged community. The conversation explores the surprising humanity Tegan discovered inside gang culture, the emotional toll of watching defendants he had grown to care about face decades in prison, and the sobering realization that 104 children were left parentless in the operation's wake. Tegan also opens up about his transition into entrepreneurship, launching a high-end armed security and protection firm just months before the 2008 financial crisis, and shares candid insights on building a culture of excellence in an era of declining workforce standards.

In this episode, Darius and Tegan will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Technical Challenges

(02:06) Tegan's Dynamic Background and Transition to Law Enforcement

(09:57) Operation Fishbowl: Infiltrating the Crips

(19:49) Understanding Gang Culture and the Human Side of Criminals

(29:59) The Aftermath: Consequences of Arrests and the Need for Change

(32:03) The Impact of Undercover Work on Communities

(33:59) Transitioning from Law Enforcement to Entrepreneurship

(37:02) Building a Security Business from the Ground Up

(40:07) Challenges in Hiring and Maintaining Standards

(47:00) Understanding Client Motivations for Security Services

(52:07) Navigating Risks and Client Relationships

(58:02) Reflections on Success and the Nature of Greatness

Tegan Broadwater is a former Fort Worth police officer, deep undercover investigator, author, and entrepreneur. During his 13-year law enforcement career, he worked in Narcotics, Gang, Homicide, and the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, serving more than 500 high-risk search warrants. He led Operation Fishbowl, a nearly two-year undercover investigation that resulted in 51 violent gang members being sent to prison and earned him multiple honors. Today, Tegan is the founder of Tactical Systems Network, a security, protection, and investigation firm, as well as an author, musician, and podcast host.

Connect with Tegan:

Website: https://teganbroadwater.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tegan-broadwater-8b9796b

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsFQxAbrioMB2afARtl7MSg

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

TGM Classic | Shaahin Cheyene | Billion: How I Became King Of The Thrill Pill Cult Oct 19, 2026

Show notes

What if you could build million-dollar businesses and actually enjoy your life? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Shaahin Cheyene — entrepreneur, author, and founder of PodcastCola — for a conversation packed with insights and energy. They dive into Shaahin’s journey from launching groundbreaking products to helping others grow their influence through podcasting. Along the way, they explore what it really takes to scale successfully, why self-belief is your greatest asset, and how Shaahin is helping others break into Amazon selling — with a special gift just for listeners. You won't want to miss this one!

In this episode, Darius and Shaahin will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction

(05:28) Shaahin's Origin Story

(17:37) The Rise of Herbal Ecstasy

(22:02) Challenges and Government Regulations

(24:03) From Billion Dollar Businesses to Vaping Innovations

(26:25) Crazy Stories from the Business World

(30:03) The Insanity of Cash-Based Operations

(32:47) Cultural Background and Family Expectations

(36:46) Finding Your Own Path to Success

(39:04) The Balance of Ruthlessness and Kindness

(44:16) Current Projects and Future Aspirations

Shaahin Cheyene is an award-winning entrepreneur, Amazon expert, inventor, author, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Iran, Shaahin launched his entrepreneurial journey at just 15 years old with the creation of Herbal Ecstasy, the smart drug that ignited a global movement. Over the last 30 years, he has built a career spanning more than a billion dollars in revenue. As CEO and Chairman of Accelerated Intelligence, Shaahin helps brand owners scale their online sales across Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and Walmart. He’s also the founder of PodcastCola, the world’s largest podcast agency, and the creator of Amazon Mastery, a course designed to help others succeed on Amazon. Today, Shaahin continues to mentor rising entrepreneurs while leading a thriving business empire from his home in Venice Beach, California.

Connect with Shaahin:

Website: https://www.shaahincheyenne.com/

Website: https://podcastcola.com/

Website: https://viralmirage.com/

Email: darkzefs@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaahincheyene

Connect with Darius:

Website: https://therealdarius.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine

Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708

Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

Darius Classic | Are You Building A Life Of Competition Or A Life Of Gratitude? Oct 16, 2026

Show notes

Success does not necessarily equate to happiness and contentment. We often think that it is by grinding day in and day out that we would find fulfillment. Most of us think of happiness as a destination, one that we can only truly experience when we reach a certain level in our job or hit a certain number in our business.

Unfortunately, that is not the case. While it can be rewarding to achieve our goals, it is also true that sometimes success will only give us momentary happiness before it leaves us feeling empty.

Today, I am flying solo to talk about that one special event that opened my eyes to the importance of cultivating gratitude and what it means to lead a fulfilling life.

In this episode, I will share what it means to have a competitive attitude and why healthy competition is essential as we work on our dreams. I will also discuss passion as an essential key to achieving professional goals.

Topics include: