The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

451 | George Barrios (Part 1) | Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE Oct 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with George Barrios, entrepreneur, investor, and former Co-President of WWE, for a wide-ranging conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of contrarian thinking. George shares his remarkable origin story as the son of Cuban immigrants who fled Castro's regime, his self-described journey as a "talented f**k-up," and how he went from a 0.6 GPA freshman to the boardroom of one of the world's most recognized entertainment brands. The conversation dives deep into how George and his business partner Michelle Wilson identified a massively undervalued asset in WWE, rebuilt it from the inside out, and ultimately engineered a $20 billion merger between WWE and UFC — the largest sports deal in history.

In this episode, Darius and George will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to George Barrios

(03:04) George's Origin Story

(06:05) Family Background and Early Influences

(08:56) Education Journey and Challenges

(11:57) Cultural Heritage and Family Values

(15:12) Reflections on Parenting and Education

(18:01) Transition to Corporate World and WWE

(20:51) The Accidental CFO Journey

(22:48) Discovering WWE: A Surprising Opportunity

(25:10) Overcoming Doubts: The WWE Reputation Challenge

(28:51) Transforming WWE: Insights and Strategies

(33:33) Co-Leadership Dynamics: George and Michelle's Partnership

(39:04) Unlocking Value: The Economics of Wrestling

(42:41) Building the Future: Lessons from WWE's Success

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 | Robert Mazur | Former Undercover Money Launderer Tell All Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to bring down a global drug empire—without losing your life or your soul in the process?

In this gripping episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with legendary undercover agent Robert Mazur, whose covert work infiltrated some of the world’s most dangerous drug cartels. From near-death encounters and million-dollar stings to the emotional cost of living a double life, Robert shares jaw-dropping stories straight from his time posing as a high-level money launderer.

In this episode, Darius and Robert will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Robert Mazur

(02:30) Robert's Journey to Undercover Work

(06:02) The Medellin Cartel Operation

(12:29) The Complexity of Money Laundering

(20:04) The Demand Side of Drug Abuse

(24:06) Hollywood vs. Reality in Drug Trafficking

(26:46) The Balancing Act of Undercover Work

(29:25) Addiction to Information and Success

(38:27) The Toll of Undercover Life on Family

(42:35) Service to Country and Personal Sacrifice

(44:34) Books, Movies, and Continuing the Mission

(49:01) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Robert Mazur is a former U.S. federal undercover agent and one of the world’s leading experts on money laundering and financial crime. Posing as a mob-connected money launderer, he infiltrated drug cartels and corrupt global banks—work that led to major arrests and a $500,000 bounty on his head.

He’s the New York Times bestselling author of The Infiltrator, which inspired the film starring Bryan Cranston. Today, Robert uses his deep insider knowledge to help businesses and governments better understand and combat financial crime.

Connect with Robert:

Website: https://www.robertmazur.com/

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

Twitter: https://x.com/robertmazur/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Infiltrator-Against-Biggest-Cartel-History-ebook/dp/B002JCJ6S4

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 | Do Your Priorities Align To Your Goals Align To Your Core Values? Oct 09, 2026

Show notes

Where we spend our time represents what we actually care about, regardless of what we say our goals and priorities are.

Prioritizing helps you decide what you need to do, what you don’t need to do, and when you should focus. Priorities are concerns, interests, or desires that come before anything else. But what does your life look like according to your priorities?

Unfortunately, when the thin line between need and want gets blurred, we often get carried away and forget the things that matter most in life. We go from place to place, switch after one task and another, and get lost in the cycle of busyness.

Today, I am flying solo to share my personal realization about the importance of setting priorities and how to do it when everything feels important.

In this episode, I will talk about how I reached my goal for this year and what I plan to achieve in 2023. I will also discuss how goal-setting, prioritizing, and time-blocking can help one achieve success in both life and work.

Topics include:

How to set your top priorities in life
What made me reassess my priorities
Why it is important to make time for yourself
Aligning priorities with core values
What I did to hit my goal of reading 22 books this year
What my goal is 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.

450 | Sterling Griffin | Why the Best Opportunities Aren’t Always Given to You Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

In this compelling episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Sterling Griffin, former pastor, entrepreneur, actor, writer, director, and producer, to discuss his remarkable journey from homelessness to millionaire, and his latest ambitious project: “Faith,” an original TV series he describes as "Ted Lasso and The Office having a baby inside a church." Sterling shares the deeply personal spiritual crisis that inspired the show, the entrepreneurial mindset he applied to break into Hollywood, and why he believes proximity and creativity are the ultimate shortcuts to success.

In this episode, Darius and Sterling will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(06:00) Sterling's Journey from Homelessness to Success

(20:00) The Birth of the TV Show 'Faith'

(26:55) Creating a TV Show: The Process and Lessons Learned

(35:07) The Art of Rewriting Scripts

(38:01) Building Creative Habits

(42:42) The Journey of Creating a Show

(52:27) The Economics of Content Creation

(58:38) Proximity is Power: Building Connections

Sterling Griffin is an entrepreneur, investor, actor, and producer who has built an unconventional career spanning ministry, business, and entertainment. After several years as a Christian evangelical pastor, Sterling transitioned into entrepreneurship, eventually building and exiting a multi-seven-figure business. He later founded Sterling Capital, where he focuses on alternative investments and commercial real estate. Today, he is also active in film as an actor and producer, with credits including “Mafia Wars” and “Devil’s Peak”.

Connect with Sterling:

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

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

Email: sterling@sterlinggriffin.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 | Dr. Geoff Smart | Why Most Hiring Practices Fail–and What Actually Works Oct 05, 2026

Show notes

How do you really know if someone is the right fit for your team—or your company’s future? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Dr. Geoff Smart, founder of GH Smart and author of the bestselling book Who, to break down what separates successful hiring from costly mistakes. Geoff reveals the power of evidence-based assessments, why psych tests often fall short, and how intense curiosity—not stress—is the key to unlocking a candidate's true potential.

From helping Fortune 500 companies select CEOs to coaching emerging leaders, Geoff shares stories, strategies, and myths about the hiring process—plus, why the "sell me this pen" test is just bad business.

In this episode, Darius and Geoff will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Geoff Smart and His Journey

(02:55) The Importance of Hiring and Core Values

(06:08) Geoff's Origin Story and Founding GH Smart

(09:00) Cultural Fit and Hiring Process

(11:55) The Role of Core Values in Business

(14:52) Firing with Respect and Responsibility

(18:05) A Players vs. B Players in Hiring

(20:54) Adapting to Different Stages of Business Growth

(30:05) Identifying A-Players for Growth

(34:02) The Importance of Leadership in Organizations

(40:25) Effective Interview Techniques

(43:00) Assessing CEOs and Leadership Roles

(48:44) Onboarding and Post-Hiring Strategies

(55:20) Overcoming Fear of Failure

Dr. Geoff Smart is the chairman and founder of ghSMART, a leadership advisory firm that helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and public-sector leaders build high-performing teams. Founded in 1995, ghSMART is recognized for its rigorous hiring methods, impactful leadership development, and a culture of excellence. The firm has topped Glassdoor and Vault rankings and published several bestselling books, including “Who: The A Method for Hiring”. Geoff holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and was mentored by management legend Peter Drucker. Beyond business, he’s committed to public service and leadership development through programs like the Colorado Governors Fellowship and his work with CiviCo.

Connect with Geoff:

Website: https://geoffsmart.com/

Website: https://ghsmart.com/

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

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 | How To Live A Life Without Constraints Oct 02, 2026

Show notes

What’s holding you back? What’s stopping you from achieving the life you have always wanted?

Unfortunately, many people experience regret for the things they never did. Perhaps they rejected a wonderful job offer, passed up an opportunity to expand their business, or missed the chance to travel the world.

While there are plenty of reasons for missed opportunities, choosing to live a life in a box is what stops most people from dreaming big dreams.

Today, I am flying solo to talk about how constraints and limitations affect our way of life, how we see ourselves, and how they hold us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. I will also talk about my personal journey of finding success after removing the constraints I previously put around myself.

In this episode, I will discuss the benefits of having a no-constraints mindset and how it taught me to raise the bar higher every time I reach a goal without beating myself up.

Topics include:

Breaking free from constraints
The one thing that stops people from reaching their full potential
The effects of having a no-constraints mindset
What I achieved when I started living without constraints
The two things I put no constraints around
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.

449 | Mark Parrott | How Human Nature Predicts the Future of Business and the Economy Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Mark Parrott, a 28-year veteran of the financial services industry, five-time author, and researcher who has taught more than 27,000 CEOs across the United States and Canada.

Drawing on evolutionary psychology, demographic data, and behavioral economics, Mark explores how human nature shapes economic trends, political polarization, and business decision-making. The conversation dives into population decline, the economic significance of the 50-year-old demographic, gender differences in the workplace, immigration policy, and the ways understanding human behavior can help leaders become more effective.

Mark also shares insights into the human wiring behind our behaviors and how understanding it can lead to stronger leadership, better business decisions, and even stronger marriages.

In this episode, Darius and Mark will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Mark Parrott and his expertise

(04:01) Understanding human nature through evolutionary psychology

(08:06) The impact of age, especially 50-year-olds, on economies

(11:53) Fertility rates and their long-term economic implications

(17:50) Predicting societal shifts through evolutionary instincts

(21:46) Gender differences in risk, work, and mortality

(24:00) The role of genetics and environment in behavior

(25:50) How to analyze and predict future market trends

(28:00) The importance of strategic planning and data analysis

(32:02) Case study: Customizing products based on demographic insights

(33:58) Pivot strategies for relevance in changing markets

(36:06) The value of understanding cultural and demographic shifts

(37:58) The importance of investigation mode in decision-making

(39:58) Overcoming political biases with data and research

(42:01) The differences between men and women in perception and behavior

(44:53) Closing thoughts and how to connect with Mark

Mark Parrott is a 28-year financial services veteran specializing in retirement planning, mergers and acquisitions, and coaching CEOs of privately held businesses. As a Certified Mergers and Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA), Mark brings extensive expertise in helping individuals and business leaders navigate complex financial decisions, improve business performance, and maximize their wealth.

Connect with Mark:

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

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B078S97WGD/allbooks

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 | Paul Chek | Reimagining the Future of Healing and Consciousness Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and disconnected from nature, this episode offers a much-needed perspective on the urgent need for spiritual awakening and holistic healing.

In this enlightening episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with renowned holistic health expert and spiritual teacher Paul Chek to explore the deep intersection of technology, consciousness, and the human spirit. Paul opens up about the transformative role of artificial intelligence, plant medicine, and the forgotten wisdom of nature in today’s world.

In this episode, Darius and Paul will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Paul Chek and His Work

(02:10) Paul Chek's Origin Story

(18:18) The Four Doctors of Health

(27:39) Practical Health Principles for Everyone

(32:55) Aligning Exercise with Your Dreams

(36:01) The Four Doctors and Decision Making

(39:04) The Renaissance of Plant Medicine

(44:52) Plant Medicine vs. Artificial Intelligence

(57:12) Taking Ownership of Your Life

Paul Chek is a world-renowned expert in corrective and high-performance exercise kinesiology, stress management, and holistic wellness. With over 40 years of experience, Paul has transformed countless lives through his integrated, root-cause approach to health and performance. He is the founder of the CHEK Institute, creator of Spirit Gym, and host of the Spirit Gym with Paul Chek podcast. A prolific author and educator, Paul continues to shape the future of integrative lifestyle management worldwide.

Connect with Paul:

Website: https://chekinstitute.com/

Website: https://paulchek.com/

Website: https://www.myspiritgym.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Y7Tgj2RR6Z5zxZZYYWoKg

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 | Do You Give Yourself The Gift Of Dreams vs. Goals? Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

Are you giving yourself the gift of dreaming? Or are you only grinding hard towards your goals?

Many people think that dreams will take you nowhere unless you embrace the grind and take action towards achieving them. However, they allow you to see the future with optimism and to see what’s impossible become possible.

Today, I am flying solo to talk about dreams and goals and their big differences, how they affect our disposition towards success, and what it means to allow ourselves to just dream and stop beating ourselves up when things don’t turn out right.

In this episode, I will discuss what Ed Mylett’s book The Power of One More made me realize about my dreams and goals. I will also talk about my motivation for starting my podcast, The Greatness Machine, and what I aspire to achieve for the show.

Topics include:

The key difference between dreams and goals
The realizations I got after reading The Power of One More by Ed Mylett
Why I decided to start The Greatness Machine podcast
Why you need to give yourself the gift of dreaming
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.

448 | Lauren Handel Zander | How Your Inner Dialogue Shapes Your Life, Your Dreams, and Your Success Sep 23, 2026

Show notes

In the newest episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Lauren Handel Zander, founder and CEO of the Handel Group®, to explore her groundbreaking approach to life coaching. Lauren shares how she developed her signature methodology, breaking life into 12 distinct areas and teaching people to engineer their dreams through intentional inner dialogue. From her origins as an environmentalist who realized "it's the humans, not the trees," to rebuilding her entire life after a devastating professional betrayal, Lauren delivers a candid, practical, and deeply spiritual conversation about what it truly takes to create a life you love.

In this episode, Darius and Lauren will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and guest background

(02:06) Lauren's journey from environmental studies to coaching

(05:00) The 12 areas of life for holistic growth

(07:53) Reframing dreams as gifts, not goals

(11:58) The inner dialogue and its influence

(14:57) Promising yourself and building confidence

(20:03) The role of energy and manifestation

(25:01) Overcoming inner barriers and lies

(29:58) Practical tools: daily design and night planning

(34:57) The Hawkins scale and levels of consciousness

(40:05) Spiritual bypassing and authentic alignment

(44:58) The importance of accountability and promises

(47:57) Lauren's advice for creating greatness

Lauren Handel Zander is the Founder and CEO of Handel Group® and creator of The Handel Method®, an internationally recognized coaching methodology taught at institutions including MIT, Stanford Graduate School of Business, and NYU. For more than 20 years, she has coached thousands of individuals and executives from organizations including Vogue, Live Nation, and Google. She is the author of “Maybe It’s You: Cut the Crap, Face Your Fears, Love Your Life” and was named by GQ in 2025 as one of 10 life coaches redefining what it means to lead and live.

Connect with Lauren:

Website: https://www.handelgroup.com/

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

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

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.