The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

TGM Classic | Nadine Rajabi (Part 2) | From Bravo TV Host to Executive Producer May 22, 2023

Show notes

Today's episode of The Greatness Machine is part two of Darius' conversation with childhood friend and Executive Producer of "Below Deck: Mediterranean," Nadine Rajabi.

A little about Nadine: Host for several Bravo digital series such as "The Shahs Come Clean with Nadine," "Fresh Squeezed: The Real Housewives of Orange County," and "Housewivesology: The Real Housewives of New Jersey," as well as several other top networks and platforms. She's an actress, comedian, national champion black belt, competitive snowboarder, and a former semi-pro soccer player. On top of all that, Nadine also holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. in Biology.

You'll learn about some of the most bizarre conspiracy theories currently making the rounds.

You'll learn about a stunning scene from "Below Deck: Mediterranean" that didn't make the cut, along with a sneak peek at what's coming up.

You'll also hear about the time Darius found himself the victim of a scam - right in front of a crowd of people!

If you enjoyed part one of this fun and wide-ranging conversation, you're going to love part two!

Topics include:

Some of the latest (and most bizarre) conspiracy theories
A shocking scene that didn't make the cut on "Below Deck: Mediterranean," as well as some hints about what's coming up on the show
What happened when Darius was scammed in front of a crowd of people while overseas
And so much more...

Connect with Nadine:

Website: http://nadinerajabi.com/

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

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

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

201 | Jeff Spencer | Learning From The Coach of the Elite: What Do Bono, Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong, Richard Branson And Olympic/World Champions All Have In Common? May 19, 2023

Show notes

How can you adopt a champion’s mindset and unleash your full potential?

Champions understand that success doesn't come overnight and they are willing to put in the time, effort, and dedication required to achieve their goals. That is why having a champion’s mindset entails having the mental and emotional strength to accomplish your goals and overcome obstacles.

Joining us on The Greatness Machine for the second time around, Dr. Jeff Spencer talks about helping athletes, performers, and business leaders achieve their full potential by cultivating a champion’s mindset.

As a former Olympian, acclaimed chiropractor, and performance coach, Jeff understands that success is not just about physical ability, but also about mental strength, emotional resilience, and a positive attitude.

In this episode, Darius and Jeff discuss the importance of finding and living your calling, the crucial role of having a champion’s mindset in reaching success, what it takes to win, and how fear prevents you from fulfilling your potential.

Check out Dr. Jeff Spencer’s previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/19-jeff-spencer-pursuit-excellence-towards-winning/id1555334180?i=1000524616706

Topics include:

How Jeff found his calling of becoming an Olympian at a young age
What it takes to win the Olympics
Reasons why most people ignore their calling
The impacts of a fear-driven life
Winning as a learned behavior
Learning to cultivate and prioritize a champion's mindset to achieve goals
The five core competencies and why they need to be developed simultaneously
The importance of methodology and rhythm in achieving success
How to live an enriched life and have a sense of purpose
And other topics….

Connect with Jeff:

Website: https://www.drjeffspencer.com/

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jeffspencer/

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

200 | Episode 200! Special Solo - Part 1: Top 4 Things I Learned In My 44th Year On Earth May 17, 2023

Show notes

Is it really possible to achieve more by doing less?

In the pursuit of doing more, we often find ourselves entangled in a labyrinth of busyness, where productivity becomes a mere illusion. We chase after every opportunity that comes knocking, and our plates overflow, spilling over with commitments and aspirations, leaving us no room to savor life’s simple pleasures.

But amidst this flurry of constant motion, we fail to realize that doing more doesn’t always equate to achieving more. In fact, that is one of the things I learned after experiencing burnout, anxiety, and exhaustion as someone who tends to overwhelm himself with too many commitments.

Today I am flying solo for part one of this series where I will discuss the top four things I learned in my 44th year on Earth. In this episode, I will share how I have come to a realization that choosing less over more is the key to a happier life. I will also share some tips on how to simplify decision-making and how to identify and focus on the things that truly matter in order to succeed.

Topics include:

The top four lessons I learned during my 44th year
Reflecting on my past tendencies to constantly fill my plate
Looking back hitting a wall when I left my business
Experiencing burnout and exhaustion due to overcommitting
Making a conscious decision to focus on what matters most
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

TGM Classic | Nadine Rajabi (Part 1) | From Bravo TV Host to Executive Producer May 15, 2023

Show notes

If you've watched "Below Deck: Mediterranean" on Bravo, then you know crazy things can happen at sea. As you're about to learn, it's no different behind the scenes!

In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with childhood friend and Executive Producer of "Below Deck: Mediterranean," Nadine Rajabi.

A list of Nadine's accomplishments sounds as if she's lived several lifetimes: Host for several Bravo digital series such as "The Shahs Come Clean with Nadine," "Fresh Squeezed: The Real Housewives of Orange County," and "Housewivesology: The Real Housewives of New Jersey," as well as several other top networks and platforms. She's an actress, comedian, national champion black belt, competitive snowboarder, and a former semi-pro soccer player. On top of all that, Nadine also holds a B.A. and an M.B.A. in Biology.

You'll learn about the kinds of challenges (and craziness!) that go into filming "Below Deck: Mediterranean," particularly during a pandemic.

You'll find out how Nadine made the transition from being in front of the camera as an actress/comedian/host to the role of Executive Producer.

You'll also learn about the ever-changing and evolving nature of comedy over the years. Join Darius and Nadine in part one of this fun and eye-opening two-part conversation!

Topics include:

The challenges of shooting Bravo’s "Below Deck Mediterranean" during a pandemic.
Nadine’s journey from being in front of the camera to being an Executive Producer.
How comedy has changed and evolved over the years.
And other topics…

Connect with Nadine:

Website: http://nadinerajabi.com/

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

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

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

199 | Matthew Gallagher | Breaking Barriers with Time: How a Self-Made Entrepreneur Founded the World’s Largest Watch Club May 12, 2023

Show notes

Who holds the key to your success? And what fuels your drive to do what you do every day?

Matthew Gallagher’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming the founder of the world’s largest watch club is nothing short of inspiring.

Growing up poor, he found creative ways to make money by creating and selling and eventually taught himself how to build websites. Despite facing financial hardships early in life, Matthew refused to let his circumstances define his future. He was determined to build a better life for himself and his family, and he did so by combining his entrepreneurial spirit with his passion for watches.

Watch Gang, a subscription-based service that delivers a variety of watches to its members every month, quickly became a hit and propelled Matthew to become one of the most influential figures in the watch industry.

In this episode, Darius and Matthew talk about some of their personal experiences working at a young age, finding their passion for entrepreneurship, and what it took them to reach success. They also discuss the importance of profitability and delivering quality service, and share some tips on how to start a business.

Topics include:

What inspired Matthew to create and sell things independently
How Matthew got involved in website creation at a young age
What made Matthew quit his job and start doing website building on his own
Transitioning from building websites into the watch club
The story behind the name and creation of Watch Gang
How to start a business with just an idea, a quick website, and a social media presence
Partnering with brands as a more profitable approach to curating products for business
How COVID affected the watch market
Why Matthew is focusing on profitability over rapid scaling and revenue growth
What the future looks like for Watch Gang
And other topics…

Connect with Matthew:

Website: https://www.watchgang.com/

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

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

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

198 | Lynne Twist | Living a Committed Life: Finding Freedom and Fulfillment in a Purpose Larger Than Yourself May 10, 2023

Show notes

How would your life change if you committed yourself to a greater purpose?

Living a committed life is like embarking on a thrilling adventure full of challenges, rewards, and self-discovery. It’s about making a solemn promise to ourselves or others to pursue a particular goal or purpose with passion and determination.

Not only does it give us a sense of meaning or purpose, but it also enables us to become the best version of ourselves.

Lynne Twist, an award-winning speaker, author, and global activist, has made the conscious choice to answer her calling, pursue her purpose, and live a committed life.

In fact, she has dedicated her life to promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and spiritual fulfillment. Her commitment to these causes has inspired millions of people around the world to become more conscious and compassionate global citizens.

Having served as a longtime executive of The Hunger Project, Lynne remains a passionate advocate and spokesperson for the cause of eradicating world hunger and empowering women in diverse cultures across the globe.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius and Lynne talk about the importance of finding your calling, living a committed life, how gratitude can change the way you see the world, and why it matters to seek out opportunities to make an impact.

Topics include:

How the Est training transformed Lynne’s life for the better
Lynne explains the purpose of Erhard Seminars Training (EST)
How gratitude can change your outlook in life
The story behind the creation of The Hunger Project
Being committed and dedicated to your calling
Lynne explains the term “Source” she used in her books
And other topics…

Resource mentioned:

Happy Money by Ken Honda: https://www.amazon.com/Happy-Money-Japanese-Making-Peace/dp/1501188372

The Path Made Clear by Oprah Winfrey: https://www.amazon.com/Path-Made-Clear-Discovering-Direction/dp/1250307503

Connect with Lynne:

Website: https://soulofmoney.org/

Website: https://pachamama.org/

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

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Committed-Life-Fulfillment-Yourself/dp/1523093099

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

TGM Classic | Justin Donald | How the Velocity of Money is the Secret to Retiring Young May 08, 2023

Show notes

What if you could earn a passive, life-long income without being a slave to your job or business?

A lot of entrepreneurs start their businesses because, on some level, they want greater freedom in their life. However, once they start, they end up giving even more hours and time than ever before.

Has this happened to you?

On today’s show, we have Justin Donald, author of The Lifestyle Investor who shares how you earn passive income and buy back your time!

Justin shares his investing philosophy while calling out some common mistakes that seasoned entrepreneurs and professionals make.

Early on in his career, Justin transitioned from his W-2 job to being self-employed. But while he did end up making more money, this move did little to improve his life on a holistic level as he just ended up being a slave to his business.

He was still working 18 hours every day
He was still working weekends
And he was still not showing up for his family in the right way

Justin realized that he had to flip the switch, and think more like a “self-employed entrepreneur”.

By leveraging low-risk cash flow investing, he had to generate a passive income that would sustain his lifestyle.

As a huge proponent of lifestyle investing, Justin shares both basic (but often ignored) and sophisticated investing strategies guaranteed to help you out.

With the Fed printing dollars like never before, what can you do to hedge your portfolio against inflation? Justin also has some great tips for stock market investors who are finding it difficult to navigate the extreme volatility in today’s market.

You will also discover more about Justin’s new book, The Lifestyle Investor where he explains his 10 Commandments of Lifestyle Investing in great detail.

Even if you don’t have large financial coffins and savviness to back you up, listening to today’s show will help you up your investing game.

Topics include:

How to stop being a slave to your job or business
Hedging your portfolio against inflation
Passive income generation strategies for those who are just starting out
Things that your financial advisor is not telling you
And other topics…

Connect with Justin:

Website: https://lifestyleinvestor.com/

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

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

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

197 | Gary Henderson | The Future is Here: How to Leverage NFTs to Build Your Brand and Business May 05, 2023

Show notes

Gary Henderson, a seasoned digital marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in the industry, has worked with various clients ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies, helping them grow their online presence and achieve their marketing goals. Joining us on The Greatness Machine, Gary shares his deep understanding of the latest digital marketing trends, and techniques, and how to use them to drive results.

In this episode, Darius and Gary talk about digital marketing, building strong client relationships, the rise of digital currencies, and what the future looks like for the creator economy.

Topics include:

How Gary started helping creators monetize their personal brands
Understanding your audience and having a strategic approach to marketing
Building strong client relationships by providing a concierge-style service
Understanding the reasons why people buy
How to get your marketing cut through the noise
The benefits of stepping outside of your comfort zone
What is Gary Coin and how it works
Gary looks back on founding the Giraffe Tower NFT project
What Gary thinks the creator economy looks like in the future
The rise of digital currencies and the ability to operate in a global space around the clock
The benefits of using tokens instead of fiat currency to pay for products and services
And other topics…

Resources mentioned:

Steal Like An Artist: https://www.amazon.com/Steal-Like-Artist-Things-Creative/dp/0761169253

Layered Money: https://www.amazon.com/Layered-Money-Dollars-Bitcoin-Currencies/dp/1736110527

Connect with Gary:

Website: https://gary.club/welcome

Website: https://www.digitalmarketing.org/

LinkedIn: https://pr.linkedin.com/in/garyhenderson

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

196 | Matt Higgins | Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential May 03, 2023

Show notes

How far would you go to achieve your dreams? Are you willing to burn the boats and give it your all to get to where you want to be?

Matt Higgins, an American entrepreneur, author, and Co-Founder and CEO of RSE Ventures, joins us on The Greatness Machine to talk about how he went from scraping gum off the chairs in a New York City McDonald's to becoming a successful entrepreneur, investor, and media executive.

Despite starting from humble beginnings, his hard work and determination led him to executive positions at major sports organizations, including the New York Jets and the NHL. In fact, Matt drew inspiration from his tough childhood in writing “Burn the Boats: Toss Plan B Overboard and Unleash Your Full Potential.”

In his book, Matt explains how the strategy of fully committing to a goal and eliminating the option of retreat can create a sense of urgency and focus, driving individuals toward achieving their goals. It provides valuable insights and strategies for overcoming fear and uncertainty and taking bold action toward achieving one's goals.

In this episode, Matt and Darius talk about the importance of finding our leverageable assets and using them to our advantage, the principle of compounding, the effects of family caregiving, and a lot more.

Topics include:

Matt explains what the term “burn the boats” means and its origin
What “Burn the Boats” is all about and who it is written for
Finding your leverageable assets and using them to achieve your goals
Matt shares switching from the mayor’s office to law school
The impact of becoming a family caregiver on Matt
Matt looks back on working as press secretary for Mayor Rudy Giuliani
The magic of compounding in achieving professional success
And other topics…

Resource mentioned:

The Power of One More: https://www.amazon.com/Power-One-More-Ed-Mylett/dp/1119815363

Connect with Matt:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-higgins-rse/

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

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Boats-Overboard-Unleash-Potential/dp/006308886X

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

TGM Classic | Dandapani (Part 2) | Find Your Purpose With A Focused Mind May 01, 2023

Show notes

Have you ever wondered about your purpose - the core mission you're here to accomplish in this life?

It's a powerful question for many people, and one that, sadly, is often left unanswered. Intriguingly, each and every day we're being driven by purpose, whether it's driving to a specific destination or even going to the bathroom - there is a purpose to nearly every act, so why shouldn't our lives have an overall purpose as well?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine Live, Darius chats with Dandapani (again), a Hindu priest, entrepreneur, international speaker and former monk on finding a greater purpose and using it to create more joy in our lives.

Dandapani graduated university with a degree in Electrical Engineering and then incredibly, left it all behind to become a Hindu monk under the guidance of one of Hinduism’s foremost spiritual leaders of our time, Sivaya Subramuniyaswami.

A decade later, Dandapani chose to venture out into the world once again with a powerful new mission: To help people live a life of purpose and joy by empowering them with tools and teachings that have been used by Hindu monks for thousands of years. He works with entrepreneurs and companies in cultivating focus and managing energy.

In this inspiring conversation, you'll discover how your ability to focus your mind is key to discovering your purpose. You'll also learn about the power of your core values, and how they help you stay connected to your singular purpose.

Join Darius and Dandapani (along with his delightful laugh!) as they explore this fascinating and inspiring subject and show you how you can connect to your purpose as well, creating a life of fulfillment and joy!

Topics include:

Dandapani's path to helping people find their purpose
The importance of spending time with yourself
Why your core values are vital for keeping within your lane
Why your core purpose should never be dependent on something or someone outside yourself
And other topics…

Connect with Dandapani:

Website: https://dandapani.org/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DandapaniLLC

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

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