The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

Darius Classic | How to Write and Publish Your First Book - An Inside Look Into How I Wrote My Book The Core Value Equation in 90 Days Aug 28, 2026

Show notes

Is writing a book hard?

Today I’m flying solo to talk about the process of writing my first book, “The Core Value Equation,” where I tackled how core values create the ultimate decision-making engine for an organization that consistently produces spectacular results.

Writing and publishing my own book has been on my bucket list for a long time until I made it happen in 2020. Now, looking back at the experience made me realize that anyone can write and publish their own book. It may sound like a daunting task, but it was personally one of the coolest projects I have ever done.

In this episode, I will be taking you behind the scene on how The Core Value Equation was born. You will also learn several tips on how to write your own book and the challenges and benefits of publishing one.

Here are some of the things I get into:

What pushed me to write The Core Value Equation.
How I started the writing process by dictation.
Why consistency matters in writing a book.
The power of editing in creating and fine-tuning a book.
Why most people write a book.

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.

445 | Mark Sisson | Born to Walk: The Broken Promises of the Running Boom, and How to Slow Down and Get Healthy—One Step at a Time Aug 26, 2026

Show notes

On today’s episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Mark Sisson, endurance athlete, New York Times bestselling author, founder of Primal Kitchen (sold to Kraft Heinz), and co-founder of Peluva, a five-toe minimalist footwear company. Mark shares his remarkable journey from painting houses and competing at elite athletic levels to pioneering the ancestral health movement and building multiple successful product companies. The conversation covers metabolic flexibility, the science of intermittent fasting, the overlooked importance of foot health, and the entrepreneurial mindset required to bring innovative products to a skeptical market.

In this episode, Darius and Mark will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Mark Sisson

(01:35) Mark's Entrepreneurial Journey

(04:46) Transitioning from Athletics to Business

(09:16) The Shift to Health and Wellness

(12:46) Educating Consumers on Health

(17:09) The Importance of Diet and Nutrition

(20:42) Personal Health Experiences and Insights

(26:04) Transforming Health Through Diet

(27:42) The Role of Intermittent Fasting in Longevity

(31:47) Innovating in the Food Industry

(36:39) Bridging the Gap: From Idea to Product

(49:35) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness

Mark Sisson has spent over 20 years transforming the health and fitness world. He founded Mark’s Daily Apple, authored multiple New York Times best-selling books, and helped popularize ancestral health, keto, and intermittent fasting. He also founded Primal Kitchen, which he sold to Kraft Heinz for $200 million. Today, he’s focused on changing how we walk through Peluva and his latest book, “Born to Walk”.

Connect with Mark:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-sisson-8937348/

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

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/marksissonprimal/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Born-Walk-Promises-Running-Healthy-One/dp/B0DVM3F2VD

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 | Taylor Welch | Inside The Wealthy Consultant’s Playbook for Success Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

What happens when AI eliminates the need for apprenticeships and reshapes entire industries? In this thought-provoking episode of The Greatness Machine, Taylor Welch dives deep into the evolving landscape of work, the role of AI in eliminating experience gaps, and why creators hold the key to the future. He explores the shift from consulting to education, the rising value of data and attention, and how time wealth is becoming the ultimate currency. If you’re looking to stay ahead in a world where automation is rapidly changing the game, this conversation is a must-listen.

In this episode, Darius and Taylor will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Taylor Welch

(01:45) Taylor's Origin Story and Early Career

(05:58) Overcoming Overwhelm and Life Lessons

(10:30) Bringing in a CEO: The Process and Lessons Learned

(15:46) Scaling Consulting Businesses: Strategies and Models

(20:25) The Role of AI in Business Scaling

(24:40) Optimizing Team Performance and Talent Acquisition

(30:25) The Importance of KPI and Performance Management

(36:45) The Future of AI in Sales and Consulting

(44:01) Understanding Time Wealth and Personal Fulfillment

Taylor Welch is an entrepreneur, business consultant, and coach known for his impact in the online training and education industry. As the founder of Welch Equities, he leads a portfolio of businesses focused on driving economic growth through value-driven initiatives. His ventures span sales, marketing, finance, and operations, while also investing in small training and education brands. Committed to making people smarter, happier, and healthier, Taylor combines business success with a strong emphasis on family and personal fulfillment.

Connect with Taylor:

Website: https://taylorawelch.com/

Website: https://wealthyconsultant.com/

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

Twitter: https://x.com/taylorawelch/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/taylorawelch

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 | Why We Are NOT in a Recession Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

What is a recession, and are we in one now?

Today I’m flying solo to talk about the US economy, its current state, and what to expect during the second half of the year.

A recession is generally characterized by negative gross domestic product (GDP), rising unemployment, falling retail prices, and contracting measures of income and manufacturing lasting months or years. Recessions are often classified as two consecutive quarters of plummeting GDP growth, which the US economy is currently experiencing.

GDP fell at an annual rate of 0.9% in the second quarter this year, following the last quarter’s decline of 1.6%.

But before we talk about these figures, let’s take a step back and look at the four to five consecutive quarters with the most significant revenue growth in the last 15 years.

US real GDP rose at an annual rate of 6.9% in the fourth quarter of 2021, following a 2.3% growth in the third quarter, a 6.7% pace in the second quarter, and a 6.3% increase during the first quarter of the same year.

Despite the two recent negative quarters, we need to look at the numbers and what they represent. Moreover, a negative GDP growth rate does not necessarily connote that the economy is entering a recession.

In this episode, you will learn about the US economy, GDP, recession, and why running a country is similar to running a business.

Here are some of the things I get into:

The real GDP growth in the US for the first two quarters of 2022.
The definition of recession.
How economists determine whether the economy is in a recession.
Why we need to look at the data and consider the previous quarters.
Why a negative GDP does not indicate a recession.

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.

444 | Sébastien Page | The Psychology of Leadership: Timeless Principles to Improve Your Management of Individuals, Teams... and Yourself! Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Sébastien Page, Head of Global Multi-Asset and Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price, award-winning investment researcher, and author of “The Psychology of Leadership,” for a wide-ranging conversation on what it truly takes to lead at the highest levels. Sébastien shares his remarkable origin story, crossing the Canadian border in a red Jetta with little more than a computer and a bag of clothes to chase his dream of working in financial markets.

From there, the conversation dives deep into the psychology behind elite performance, covering mastery vs. ego mindsets, goal-induced blindness, positive psychology, stress management, and the foundational role of relationships in both leadership and life. The episode is equal parts practical framework and personal reflection, offering leaders at every level a roadmap for managing themselves before they can effectively manage others.

In this episode, Darius and Sébastien will discuss:

(02:16) From Quebec to Managing Trillions: Sébastien’s Journey

(06:32) Mastery vs. Ego: A Better Way to Lead

(13:36) Why Great Leaders Separate Luck from Skill

(16:42) How to Turn Stress into Peak Performance

(22:16) Why the Basics Beat Endless Optimization

(28:29) The Hidden Danger of Goal-Induced Blindness

(32:25) The Four Pillars of a Meaningful Career

(35:00) Building a Cathedral: Creating Purpose at Work

(42:32) Leading Teams Through the Age of AI

(48:34) Redefining Success Beyond Money and Status

(54:53) The Greatest Barrier to Success Is a Lack of Resilience

Sébastien Page is the Head of Global Multi-Asset and Chief Investment Officer at T. Rowe Price, where he oversees more than $500 billion in assets under management. A recognized investment leader and award-winning researcher, he has authored multiple books on finance and leadership, including “The Psychology of Leadership”. Sébastien is a frequent contributor to CNBC and Bloomberg TV and has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Barron's.

Connect with Sébastien:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastien-page

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

Book: https://www.psychologyofleadership.net/

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 | Adam Coffey | The Smart Way to Build Wealth Through Business Acquisitions Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Building wealth isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about strategy. Adam Coffey, bestselling author, private equity expert, and CEO, shares his proven strategy for buying and scaling companies the right way. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Adam returns to break down why paying fair market value leads to bigger wins, the power of roll-ups, and why buying strong companies beats chasing distressed assets. With over 58 acquisitions under his belt, Adam’s insights are a must-listen for business owners, investors, and anyone looking to scale with integrity.

In this episode, Darius and Adam will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background of Adam Coffey

(05:03) Transitioning from CEO to Consultant

(09:59) Key Traits of Successful Entrepreneurs

(15:03) Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

(19:53) The Impact of Technology and AI on Business

(29:51) Navigating Change in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

(34:36) The Future of Autonomous Driving and Insurance

(37:19) Navigating Private Equity: The Sparkle Process

(39:06) Ethics in Private Equity Transactions

(46:47) The Importance of Fair Market Value

(51:01) Eliminating Risk for Entrepreneurs

(56:18) Believing in Yourself: The Key to Greatness

Adam Coffey is a visionary empire builder, CEO coach, and top 1% speaker with three #1 bestselling books. As a founding partner of CEO Advisory Guru, he provides expert consulting to PE portfolio companies, founders, family offices, and elite executives. With over two decades as a CEO, he led three national private equity-backed service companies, generating billions in value and averaging 5X MOIC at exit. A Forbes Business Council member since 2021, Coffey specializes in growth strategy, M&A, and exits. A proud U.S. Army veteran and pilot, he and his family reside in Texas.

Listen: 228 | Adam Coffey | Empire Builder: Strategies for Thriving in the World of Private Equity

Connect with Adam:

Website: https://adamecoffey.com/

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

Twitter: https://x.com/AdamECoffey1

Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07NLL55ZC

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 | Who's Living In Your Emotional House? Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is flying solo during his mini-sabbatical/pseudo vacation in Mexico to discuss who's living in your emotional house and what we're doing about our past.

In this episode you'll discover how a chance encounter with Ed Mylett and his book, 'The Power of One More,' changed Darius' thinking, the concept of 'cleaning your emotional house' and identifying what type of emotional house you have, the importance of dreaming with imagination and dreaming about a compelling future for yourself.

Join Darius as he challenges you to consider your emotional house and the emotions you want to have living there each day. Enjoy!

Topics include:

How Ed Mylett’s book, 'The Power of One More,' has become a game changer in Darius' life
Your ‘emotional house’ and the emotions you choose to fill it with
Why dreaming with imagination and dreaming about a compelling future for yourself is so vital to happiness and success
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.

443 | Dr. Marc Gafni | First Principles and First Values: Forty-Two Propositions on CosmoErotic Humanism, the Meta-Crisis, and the World to Come Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

Host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with philosopher, author, and cultural thinker Dr. Marc Gafni for a wide-ranging conversation that is equal parts philosophical deep-dive and urgent call to action. Dr. Gafni, whose work spans Oxford-trained philosophy, mystical traditions, evolutionary theory, and cutting-edge science, makes the case that humanity is at a critical inflection point, facing what he calls the "metacrisis": a convergence of existential threats that cannot be solved by fixing infrastructure or social structures alone. The only real solution, he argues, is changing the story of value from which we generate reality itself. Drawing on his landmark book “First Principles and First Values,” Dr. Gafni unpacks why value is not a human invention but a fundamental property of the cosmos, and why reclaiming that understanding is the most important rebellion of our time.

In this episode, Darius and Dr. Marc will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Marc Gafni

(12:14) Exploring First Values and Their Importance

(23:57) The Role of Ego in Human Experience

(47:58) Vision for a Humane Future

(01:02:04) Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

Dr. Marc Gafni is a visionary philosopher, social activist, and author whose work explores consciousness, human development, and evolutionary thought. He is the creator of influential frameworks such as Unique Self theory, the Five Selves, and CosmoErotic Humanism, and the author of more than 25 books, including the award-winning Your Unique Self: The Radical Path to Personal Enlightenment. His recent work includes Whole Mate, Evolution of Love from Quarks to Culture, and the First Principles and First Values series, co-authored under the pseudonym David J. Temple with Zak Stein and Ken Wilber, advancing a new philosophy for addressing the global meta-crisis and the future of humanity.

Connect with Dr. Marc

Global community: www.whowemustbecome.com

Download Chapter 1-5 of First Principles & First Values: https://worldphilosophyandreligion.org/free-download-chapter-1-5-of-first-principles-and-first-values

First Principles and First Values (book): https://www.amazon.com/First-Principles-Values-Propositions-CosmoErotic/dp/B0DZP633BB

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 | Jhana Li | Scaling Smart: How to Build a Thriving, Efficient Business Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Optimizing business operations isn’t just about efficiency—it’s about creating a culture where teams thrive and businesses scale sustainably. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Jhana Li shares powerful insights on transforming company dynamics through team swaps, radical honesty, and operational intelligence. She breaks down how leaders can uncover hidden inefficiencies, foster a feedback-driven environment, and build organizations that don’t just grow, but evolve. From navigating tough conversations to designing systems that support long-term success, Jhana offers a roadmap for turning operations into a competitive advantage.

In this episode, Darius and Jhana will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Background

(02:02) Jhana's Journey into Operations

(04:59) The Role of Visionaries and Integrators

(08:00) Defining Success in Business

(09:55) The Importance of Sustainable Growth

(12:52) Learning Through Pain in Entrepreneurship

(17:11) Navigating Remote Work and Team Culture

(19:56) Mentorship in a Remote Environment

(23:09) Operational Strategies for Business Success

(24:25) The Bucket Analogy: Understanding Operations

(26:27) Finding the Right Operator

(28:19) The Role of Subject Matter Expertise

(31:50) Removing Friction for Sustainable Growth

(33:25) Building a Remote Culture

(36:33) Essential Technologies for Virtual Operations

(46:49) Creating a Culture of Radical Honesty

(48:57) Starting with Low-Hanging Fruit in Culture Change

Jhana Li is the founder of Spyglass Ops, a company dedicated to helping entrepreneurs scale past 7- and 8-figures through expert Operations consulting, recruitment, and training. Before launching Spyglass Ops, Jhana served as COO for multiple startups, all while traveling full-time in a converted van across North and South America. After witnessing countless founders struggle without the right operational foundations, she set out to change that. Over the past three years, she has helped 100+ businesses streamline their operations, enabling them to grow while reclaiming their personal freedom.

Connect with Jhana:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhana-li

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

Twitter: https://x.com/thejhanali

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 Overcome the Tests of Life to Level Up Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Are you aware of the tests you've had to endure throughout your life? As we move through life, leveling up and growing, we all experience various tests designed to help us expand and meet the new challenges the future brings, even if we're not aware of it.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is recording from Wahaca, Mexico to discuss the tests we all have to pass in order to level up in our lives.

Join Darius as he discusses the tests we all must face as we level up to a new form of greatness! Enjoy!

Topics include:

Why the most successful people are always focused on the next goal, and the next target
Some of the tests Darius has had to endure to grow and expand in his life
Why recognizing these tests and persevering through them is a key component of success

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.