The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

TGM Classic | Leonard Brody | The Grit Gap: Bridging Generational Differences in a Changing World Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

How does the wisdom and resilience of past generations shape our ability to succeed in today's rapidly changing world?

In a world of rapid change and easy access to information, the younger generations often feel disconnected from the resilience forged by their predecessors. This disconnect raises important questions about how we can bridge the gap and keep the lessons of the past in mind as we move forward.

Leonard Brody, a prominent entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, shares his insights on the challenges faced by today’s generation, the importance of resilience, and the role of entrepreneurs in shaping a better future.

He opens up about his own journey and the ways in which his family’s experiences have shaped his worldview and approach to business. Leonard also discusses how the lack of direct experience with global-scale trauma in younger generations might affect their resilience and perspectives.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Leonard Brody to talk about the modern entrepreneurial landscape and the importance of bridging the gap between economic realities and personal resilience. The conversation touches on the role of entrepreneurs in addressing societal challenges and mitigating the risks of radicalization and economic disenfranchisement.

Topics include:

The profound impact of a knowledgeable mentor on one’s career
Balancing authenticity with reputation management
Leonard reflects on early entrepreneurial challenges
The role of luck and timing in achieving success
Aligning business goals with personal life objectives
Generational differences in worldview between older and younger entrepreneurs
The responsibility of successful entrepreneurs in addressing societal gaps
And other topics…

Connect with Leonard:

Website: https://hellocaravan.com/

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

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbrody

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.

413 | The World Has Changed As We Know It Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

What if months of work could be done in a single day?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh delivers a blunt, eye-opening reality check on how AI is permanently reshaping work and business. Darius shares how tools like Claude.ai helped him unlock what he estimates as 80x productivity, collapsing months of effort into a single day while building his new private equity firm. From playbooks and investment materials to inbox zero and app creation, the results left him stunned.

He challenges CEOs, founders, knowledge workers, and students to rethink their roles now, making it clear that AI is no longer “tech,” it is operations. The future, he argues, belongs to those who can build workflows, deploy agents, and leverage automation tools like n8n.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) The AI Revolution Begins

(02:33) Harnessing AI for Productivity

(05:48) Transforming Workflows with AI

(08:16) The Future of Knowledge Work

(11:28) Preparing for an AI-Driven World

(14:16) The New Era of Business Operations

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.

412 | Sahil Bloom | The 5 Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

What if the life you’re chasing isn’t actually the one you want?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with New York Times bestselling author and investor Sahil Bloom to challenge traditional definitions of success and wealth. Sahil shares the mindset behind “chop wood, carry water,” why small daily actions matter more than big resolutions, and how he walked away from private equity after realizing he was playing the wrong game.

They explore personal sovereignty, aligning values with actions, finding work you genuinely enjoy, and why trust has become the most valuable currency in today’s world. Sahil also unpacks the core ideas behind his book “The 5 Types of Wealth” and what it really means to design a life that feels rich beyond money.

In this episode, Darius and Sahil will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and New Year's Intentions

(06:37) Sahil's Origin Story and Insecurities

(12:20) The Realization of Misalignment

(18:21) Taking Small Steps Towards Change

(23:00) Career Transition and Reflections on Private Equity

(24:07) The Power of Passion in Success

(27:36) Finding Your 'Hitting the Ball' Moment

(30:22) The Courage to Explore New Paths

(34:08) Navigating the New World of Work

(36:08) The Journey into Content Creation

(44:37) Redefining Wealth Beyond Money

Sahil Bloom Sahil Bloom is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and investor best known for “The 5 Types of Wealth,” a transformative guide to designing a meaningful life. His work reaches millions each week through his writing, social insights, and bi-weekly newsletter, The Curiosity Chronicle. An experienced investor, Sahil is the Managing Partner of SRB Ventures, a $10M venture firm, and the owner of SRB Holdings. He has invested in 40+ startups, including multiple unicorns, following seven years in private equity. A Stanford graduate and former NCAA baseball player, Sahil blends high performance, thoughtful living, and practical wisdom to help people redefine what it truly means to be wealthy.

Connect with Sahil:

Website: https://www.sahilbloom.com/

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

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

Book: https://www.the5typesofwealth.com/

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 | David Galbenski | Save A Life by Becoming a Living Donor Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

What if you had the power to save a life with just one decision?

Imagine being given the opportunity to offer someone a second chance, to become a lifeline in their darkest hour. This act of generosity goes beyond mere kindness—it is a courageous decision that changes lives.

As the only organ in the human body that can regenerate itself, the liver allows living donors to donate part of their liver while still maintaining their own full liver function.

Joining us on The Greatness Machine is David Galbenski, an individual who has not only embraced this life-saving cause but has dedicated himself to advocating for it. His story is one of inspiration and purpose, and through his efforts with the Living Liver Foundation, David is making a profound impact on countless lives, inspiring others to consider the life-saving potential of becoming a living donor.

In this episode, David takes us through his transformative journey from a successful entrepreneur to a passionate advocate for liver donation. He shares his personal story of becoming a living liver donor, the challenges he faced, and the profound impact it had on his life. We delve into the mission of the Living Liver Foundation, which David founded to raise awareness and support for those considering liver donation. Through candid reflections and powerful insights, David sheds light on the importance of organ donation, the lives it saves, and the enduring legacy of compassion it creates.

Topics include:

David reflects on his pivot from law to entrepreneurship and founding Lumen Legal
The critical role of persistence and passion in entrepreneurial success
Valuable lessons learned from navigating rapid growth and economic downturns
The benefits of adopting an abundance mindset when facing challenges
David highlights the importance of living in the moment
David talks about the inspiration behind starting Living Liver Foundation
Advocating for increased awareness and participation in living organ donation
The significance of mindset in overcoming negativity
And other topics…

Connect with David:

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

Website: https://livingliver.org/

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.

411 | The New AI World - An AI Public Service Announcement Feb 13, 2026

Show notes

Is AI just a buzzword, or are we witnessing an electricity-level shift in how the world works?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh shares a passionate public service announcement for business owners, leaders, and operators: the AI moment is here, and it is bigger than most people realize. Drawing on his experience as an early adopter, from the early internet days to Bitcoin and blockchain, Darius explains why this wave of AI is not like the dot-com boom. It is foundational. It is transformational.

He breaks down how tools like Claude and no-code automation platforms such as n8n are already replacing hours, even weeks, of manual work inside his private equity firm. From building complex financial models and investment decks in minutes to automating data enrichment projects that once took 70+ hours, Darius shares real examples of how AI workflows and agents are reshaping productivity, cost structures, and competitive advantage.

His core message: this is no longer optional. Companies that aggressively adopt and train their teams to leverage AI will dramatically outperform those who hesitate. Whether you are a CEO, salesperson, operator, or individual contributor, the future belongs to those who learn to build, manage, and optimize AI-powered systems.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) The AI Revolution Begins

(06:50) Embracing AI in Business

(13:01) The Future of Work with AI

(19:14) A Call to Action: Adapting to Change

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.

410 | Jason Redman | The Challenges Veterans Face When the Uniform Comes Off Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

What does real leadership look like when the uniform comes off?

Jason Redman returns to The Greatness Machine for a powerful conversation on leadership, service, entrepreneurship, and our responsibility to those who serve our country. A retired Navy SEAL, New York Times bestselling author, and entrepreneur, Jason joins Darius Mirshahzadeh to reflect on three decades of hard-earned lessons, resilience after catastrophic injury, and why the American Dream is still very much alive for those willing to take ownership of their growth.

The discussion explores the systemic challenges facing U.S. veterans, the broken nature of benefits delivery, and how Jason’s latest venture, TurboVets, is using technology and automation to improve outcomes for veterans and their families. Jason also shares insights from “Mission: Invincible Marriage,” the book he co-authored with his wife, offering an honest look at leadership, partnership, and resilience at home after a life of high-stakes service.

In this episode, Darius and Jason will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome Back

(01:47) Celebrating Achievements and New Ventures

(04:52) Reflections on Life and Opportunities

(09:34) The Value of Discipline and Commitment

(12:15) Understanding the American Dream

(17:02) The Importance of Global Perspective

(21:50) Addressing Veteran Support and Systemic Issues

(24:59) Navigating the Transition from Military to Veteran Life

(26:41) The Role of Technology in Veteran Support

(28:41) Empowering Veterans to Achieve the American Dream

(30:33) Understanding Benefits and Resources for Veterans

(35:56) Utilization of Veteran Benefits: Challenges and Solutions

(37:50) Creating a Simplified System for Veterans

(40:16) Personal Experiences with Veteran Benefits

(43:52) Mission: Invincible Marriage

Jason Redman is a severely wounded warrior, NY Times and Amazon bestselling author, veteran advocate, business leader, and renowned leadership and resilience speaker. After facing a career-threatening leadership failure, Jason turned his recovery into a mission to inspire others to overcome failures. He now inspires audiences nationwide with his powerful story of leadership, resilience, and transformation. Through his speaking and writing, Jason teaches others how to lead themselves, overcome adversity, and build a relentless mindset to tackle any challenge.

Connect with Jason:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-redman-b8324210

Website: https://jasonredman.com/

Website: https://www.turbovets.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Invincible-Marriage-Battle-Tested-Relationship/dp/0063376415

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 | Shahira Marei | The Recipe for Success: How a Mindset of Abundance Baked Dirty Cookie’s Success Feb 09, 2026

Show notes

What if the recipe for success was a blend of mindset, words, and a pinch of creativity?

Shahira Marei, founder and CEO of Dirty Cookie, reflects on her journey from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, revealing how this shift not only changed her personal outlook but also fueled the remarkable growth of her business.

Through her unique and innovative company known for its delicious “cookie shots,”Shahira has transformed the cookie experience. Her cookies, presented in edible shot glasses, add a unique twist to traditional treats, making them a popular gift. As a result of her dedication to creating meaningful and unforgettable gifts, Shahira's brand has achieved significant success and recognition.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Shahira Marei to explore her fascinating journey of transforming her mindset and achieving remarkable success with her innovative business, Dirty Cookie. Shahira also explores how a shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance and positivity has played a pivotal role in her entrepreneurial success.

Topics include:

Shahira’s journey to entrepreneurship and founding Dirty Cookie
Shahira reflects on becoming a finalist on Shark Tank
The benefits of influencer marketing for brands
The story and inspiration behind the name “Dirty Cookie”
Understanding the Dunning-Kruger effect
The importance of surrounding yourself with the right team
The impact of manifestation and a strong support system on success
Transitioning from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset
Harnessing the power of words to shape reality
And other topics…

Connect with Shahira:

Website: https://www.dirtycookie.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahira-marei-a609b319

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

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 | How I Became a Happy Person (Part 2) Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

What does true happiness look like when you're at the top of your game?

In this powerful solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh picks up where he left off in Part 1, sharing the next chapter of his journey to becoming a happier person. From a transformative week in Oaxaca, Mexico, to discovering “Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself” by Dr. Joe Dispenza, Darius dives into how he began rewiring his emotional state, embracing joy, presence, and gratitude—and how meditation helped him break free from fear. Don’t miss this deeply personal and inspiring continuation.

Catch Part 1 first if you haven’t already!

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Journey to Happiness: A Personal Transformation

(03:01) The Power of Presence and Gratitude

(05:51) Discovering New Perspectives: The Influence of Dr. Joe Dispenza

(09:13) Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself

(12:03) Surrendering to Higher Intelligence

(14:46) The Emotional Release and Its Impact

(18:02) Reevaluating Control and Life Choices

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.

409 | Jesse Elder (Part 2 ) | The Work Beneath the Work: How Anger, Sadness, and Abandonment Shape Leadership and Life Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

What happens when you stop numbing, stop performing, and finally face what’s been running the show beneath the surface?

In this powerful episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh reconnects with Jesse Elder for a raw conversation about sovereignty, emotional excavation, and becoming a whole human being. Jesse shares what led him to step away from business, confront long-standing patterns, and do deep embodiment work that uncovered how anger, sadness, and abandonment have shaped his life and leadership.

Together, they explore why growth has no finish line, how emotional resilience is built through presence rather than avoidance, and the difference between real inner work and performative vulnerability. The conversation also weaves in faith, spirituality, masculine conditioning, and Jesse’s philosophy on future-self alignment and “time piercing.”

In this episode, Darius and Jesse will discuss:

(00:00) Diving Deep: Personal Journeys and Self-Discovery

(02:46) The Illusion of Destination: Understanding Life's Continuum

(05:38) Navigating Emotions: The Onion of Self-Discovery

(08:11) Sovereignty and Energy: Reclaiming Personal Power

(11:18) Embodiment Work: Making Friends with Emotions

(13:58) The Role of Faith and Spirituality in Personal Growth

(16:45) The Game of Life: Levels and Challenges

(19:18) Time Piercing: Accessing Past and Future Selves

(22:09) The Power of Memory: Transforming Past Experiences

(25:19) Creating a New Narrative: The Art of Reframing

(28:07) The Time Piercer Tour: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Jesse Elder is an action philosopher, performance coach, and motivational speaker who helps people create lives of freedom, purpose, and fulfillment. Starting his journey in martial arts, he opened his first school at 23 and went on to build multiple successful centers before selling his multimillion-dollar business. Shifting to personal development, Jesse combines mindset, clarity, and aligned action through his Mind Vitamin series, coaching programs, and live events. Known as a “Time Piercer” and “Reality Hacker,” he mentors high achievers to live authentically, integrate personal integrity, and design lives aligned with their deepest values.

Connect with Jesse:

Website: https://jesseelder.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/timepiercer/

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

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 | Joshua Pellicer & Peter Cobabe | Navigating the AI Shift: Mindset and Strategy for Effective Adoption Feb 02, 2026

Show notes

What if AI could revolutionize your business, streamline operations, and free you of mundane work?

The use of artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. It is a game-changing tool that is transforming businesses across industries. From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making with data-driven insights, AI has the power to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and drive innovation.

Joshua Pellicer and Peter Cobabe, the visionary co-founders of RLTM.ai, dive into these benefits, bringing a wealth of knowledge on how to seamlessly adopt and integrate AI into businesses.

Through their company, RLTM.ai, Joshua and Peter are dedicated to helping businesses integrate AI into their operations, making complex processes more manageable and enabling teams to focus on what truly matters.

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Joshua Pellicer and Peter Cobabe to explore how AI is transforming business operations. They discuss the benefits of automating tasks, the essential role of a Chief AI Officer, and the mindset shift required for successful AI adoption. Joshua and Peter also emphasize the importance of having a clear vision to fully leverage AI's potential.

Topics include:

Joshua and Peter discuss their mission behind founding RLTM.ai
The transformative impact AI is having on businesses
How AI is being adopted and integrated into business operations
The advantages of automating standard operating procedures (SOPs) with AI
The essential role of a Chief AI Officer in maximizing the effectiveness of AI tools
The mindset shift necessary for successful AI adoption
The importance of clarity in defining goals and objectives
The benefits of maintaining a flexible self-identity rather than being tied to a specific title
And other topics….