The Greatness Machine

Latest Episodes:

TGM Classic | AJ Jacobs | The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution's Original Meaning May 04, 2026

Show notes

What if you could spend an entire year living as if your actions could change the world? How would that shape your perspective on life, purpose, and the people around you?

It is easy to feel like we are too small to make a real difference, but sometimes it just takes one person with the right mindset to start a ripple effect. When we shift our focus to living with intention and connecting deeply with the people around us, even the smallest actions can lead to something bigger.

AJ Jacobs, bestselling author, journalist, and master of personal experiments, joins us to share stories from his fascinating life experiments. Known for his books “The Year of Living Biblically” and “The Year of Living Constitutionally,” AJ dives into experiments that challenge his worldview and reveal how gratitude, curiosity, and small acts of kindness can make a profound impact–not just on our own lives, but on the world at large.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, AJ Jacobs joins Darius to talk about his fascinating journey exploring the Bible for his book “The Year of Living Biblically.” AJ emphasizes the importance of thorough research, collaboration, and fully immersing oneself in a belief system to truly understand it. He reflects on how cherry-picking information can lead to a skewed perspective and discusses the power of gratitude in shifting our mindset. AJ also shares insights from his “Year of Living Constitutionally” and the lessons he learned from both projects, highlighting how they transformed his thinking and approach to life.

Topics include:

AJ reflects on exploring the Bible for his book The Year of Living Biblically
The importance of research and collaboration in bookwriting process
The need for immersion in understanding beliefs and systems
The dangers of cherry-picking information to support one’s argument
How gratitude can counteract negative bias and enhance one's perspective on life
The lessons AJ learned during his “Year of Living Constitutionally”
And other topics…

Connect with AJ:

Website: https://ajjacobs.com/

Substack: https://substack.com/@experimentalliving

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajjacobs/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-puzzler-with-a-j-jacobs/id1709071922

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 | The Best Partner Scorecard - How to Evaluate Your Business Partnerships to WIN May 01, 2026

Show notes

What makes a business partnership work, and what quietly tears it apart?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh dives into the hidden dynamics that can build or break partnerships. He explains that success isn’t just about shared goals or profits but about true alignment. Through the idea of “scorecards,” Darius shows how partners can unknowingly measure success in completely different ways.

Drawing from his own entrepreneurial experiences, he highlights why clarity, transparency, and shared values are key, and how defining a common scorecard can keep partnerships strong and thriving.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Scaling a Business

(02:56) The Importance of Choosing the Right Partners

(06:11) Characteristics of Great Business Partners

(11:56) Generosity in Partnerships

(14:48) Staying in Your Swim Lane

(19:06) Understanding Give and Take in Partnerships

(22:49) Seeking Consensus in Decision Making

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.

425 | Dr. Jenelle Kim | The Korean Art of Living Well: The Eight Keys of Living Meditation for Balance and Transformation Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

What if the key to thriving in today’s fast-paced world has been around for thousands of years?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh connects with ninth-generation doctor of Eastern medicine Dr. Jenelle Kim to explore the ancient principles behind modern wellness, longevity, and true inner balance.

Dr. Jenelle shares the deeply personal story behind her book, “The Korean Art of Living Well: The Eight Keys of Living Meditation for Balance and Transformation,” a work inspired by her lineage and her father’s legacy. Rooted in 10,000-year-old Daoist traditions, she introduces the three pillars of optimal living: medicine, movement, and mindset.

The conversation dives into how modern life creates stagnation, mentally, physically, and spiritually, and how simple practices like breathwork, grounding, and even laughter can restore flow. Dr. Jenelle explains that true wellness comes down to function and flow, and that imbalance begins when we become stuck in our thoughts.

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

(00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction

(02:57) Dr. Jenelle Kim's Journey and Book Release

(05:43) The Three Pillars of Ancient Medicine

(08:27) The Importance of Mindset and Meditation

(11:31) Stagnation and Its Impact on Well-being

(14:30) The Role of Humor and Laughter in Healing

(17:26) Living Meditation and Connection to the Universe

(20:17) Finding Balance in a Distracted World

(22:33) Cultural Shifts Towards Mindfulness

(25:25) The Eight Keys of Living Meditation

(28:35) Connectedness and Honor

(31:10) Overcoming Self-Deception

(34:18) The Importance of Acknowledgment

(40:37) Being Like Bamboo: Flexibility and Strength

Dr. Jenelle Kim is a ninth-generation Doctor of Eastern Medicine, martial artist, and Taoist wellness expert. She is the founder of JBK Wellness Labs, where she has spent over two decades developing and formulating products carried by major global retailers. She is also the creator of SABU Wellness Experiences, curating immersive wellness events with leading doctors and practitioners worldwide, and the host of The Experts podcast, featuring top voices across beauty, wellness, and leadership. Dr. Kim is the author of “The Korean Art of Living Well” and a sought-after global speaker, sharing her philosophy of Medicine, Movement, and Mindset at conferences and events around the world.

Connect with Dr. Jenelle:

Website: https://jenellekim.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jenelle-kim-863835175/

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

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 | JP Newman | How to Turn Purpose into Profit Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

Can a business truly thrive when its purpose extends beyond profit?

In a world where success is often measured by financial gains, it is easy to forget that thriving is not just about the numbers. True growth comes when businesses align their goals with a purpose that resonates beyond profit or when their work fuels something bigger than themselves. JP Newman embraces this mindset.

As a real estate entrepreneur and founder of Thrive FP, JP believes that businesses can be both profitable and purposeful. His real estate firm is dedicated to helping tenants find more than just a place to live–but a space that supports their personal and financial growth. JP’s approach blends his commitment to conscious capitalism with a focus on creating environments where individuals and businesses alike can thrive.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with JP Newman to discuss how businesses can truly thrive by embracing a purpose beyond profit. This conversation will also explore the power of purpose-driven investing, overcoming challenges, and creating businesses that not only succeed financially but also make a lasting difference. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about success with purpose as its core.

Topics include:

The importance of perseverance and grit in achieving success
JP's journey in spearheading The Nuttiest Nutcracker and its rise to success
Insights on balancing passion and purpose in business
JP’s transition from the film industry to real estate
The power of dreaming big and how it fuels success
The secrets behind Thrive FP's growth into a multi-billion-dollar venture
JP’s straightforward formula for success
Building a purpose-driven business model with Thrive FP
JP’s advocacy for the philosophy of conscious capitalism
And other topics…

Connect with JP:

Website: https://jp-newman.com/

Website: https://thrivefp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-newman-45a1ba

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/investing-on-purpose-with-jp-newman/id1617163709

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.

424 | AIIFY Your Company or RIP Apr 24, 2026

Show notes

What if the biggest threat to your business isn't your competition, but your own reluctance to automate?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius shares a raw, urgent wake-up call for entrepreneurs and business owners: AI isn't a technology problem, it's an operations problem. Drawing from his hands-on experience sitting in on live AI builds with his portfolio companies and his role as Chairman of the Board at AIIFYit.com, Darius breaks down what it actually means to "AI-ify" your company and why most businesses are getting it completely wrong.

He walks through a real-world case study in the lending industry where a process that took an hour and required offshore employees was reduced to one to two minutes with no human involvement, and explains why that changes everything about cost structures, competitive pricing, and survival in the marketplace.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) AI: Operations, Not Technology

(02:51) The Evolution of AI in Business

(06:10) Automating Processes for Unlimited Capacity

(09:03) Cultural Friction in AI Implementation

(11:52) The Future of Knowledge Work

(14:46) The Urgency of AI Adoption

(18:10) Out-of-App AI: The Next Frontier

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.

423 | Daniel Coyle | Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

What if everything you’ve been told about success is backwards?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh is joined by bestselling author Daniel Coyle to unpack the real drivers of performance, fulfillment, and human connection, along with insights from his new book “Flourish: The Art of Building Meaning, Joy, and Fulfillment”.

Daniel shares his journey from aspiring baseball player in Alaska to becoming a leading voice on what truly powers high-performing individuals and teams. His work reveals a powerful truth: success doesn’t create strong relationships. Strong relationships create success.

Together, they explore the science and soul of community, why modern life often leaves us feeling disconnected, and how simple, intentional moments can help us reconnect and thrive. They also dive into practical ways to build stronger relationships in your daily life, both personally and professionally. This conversation will challenge the way you think about achievement and inspire you to prioritize connection in a deeper, more meaningful way.

In this episode, Darius and Daniel will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction and Background

(02:46) The Journey to Writing and Performance

(05:16) The Importance of Community

(08:15) The Upside Down of Success and Relationships

(11:10) Creating Connective Pauses

(14:03) Rituals and Connection to Ancestors

(17:03) Personal Practices for Connection

(21:56) Reconnecting with Ancestral Wisdom

(27:21) The Renaissance of Community Building

(32:29) Creating Conditions for Flourishing

(43:12) The Ideal Reader for 'Flourish'

Daniel Coyle is a New York Times bestselling author known for “The Culture Code,” named Best Business Book of the Year by Bloomberg, BookPal, and Business Insider. He has advised high-performing organizations including the Navy SEALs, Microsoft, Google, and the Cleveland Guardians. His other works include “The Talent Code,” “The Secret Race,” “The Little Book of Talent,” and “Hardball,” which was adapted into a film. Raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Coyle now lives between Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and Homer, Alaska with his wife and four children.

Connect with Dan:

Website: https://danielcoyle.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-coyle-32830310

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

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Flourish-Art-Building-Meaning-Fulfillment/dp/0525620702

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 | Jaclyn Lindsey | The Power of Kindness: Transforming Pain into Purpose Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

What role can empathy and kindness play in our approach to life's challenges?

As the world becomes increasingly complex, empathy and kindness become beacons of hope and resilience. It is through cultivating these qualities that we uplift ourselves and help others embrace a more compassionate approach to life’s hurdles.

Jaclyn Lindsey, a dedicated advocate for kindness and the founder of nonprofit organization kindness.org, discusses the importance of fostering a culture of kindness, shares strategies for integrating kindness into daily life, and highlights the impactful work of kindness.org, an organization committed to promoting kindness and its positive effects on society.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Jaclyn Lindsey to explore the transformative nature of kindness, discussing practical strategies for fostering empathy in our interactions and overcoming obstacles with a positive mindset. This conversation will also talk about the power of compassion, navigating life’s challenges, and the significant role each of us can play in creating a more empathetic world.

Topics include:

Understanding kindness as a “meta-value” beyond just an emotion
Jaclyn's inspiration behind founding kindness.org
Navigating the challenge of choosing kindness in difficult situations
Cultural barriers to practicing kindness in a divided world
Recognizing our collective power to address large-scale issues
Exploring how social contagion influences behavior
Building empathy through simple, actionable exercises
Jaclyn teases about “Kindness Quotient” personality test
The lasting impact of bullying and hardship
And other topics…

Connect with Jaclyn:

Website: https://kindness.org/

Website: http://kindness.org/kq

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

Twitter: https://x.com/kindness_org

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

Email: hello@kindness.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.

Darius Classic | What Do You Want Out of Life (Part 2) Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

What do you really want from life and how do you define the criteria for your next big move?

In this solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius takes us deeper into his journey of clarity and alignment, sharing how he’s mapping out the values and principles that guide his next chapter. From choosing freedom and connection over energy-draining relationships, to defining what kind of businesses he wants to invest in, Darius walks us through the process of creating a personal criteria map for meaningful success.

You’ll hear his reflections on purpose-driven entrepreneurship, leveraging strengths, and why working with heart-centered people matters more than chasing profits.

If you’ve ever wondered how to align your professional path with your deepest values, this episode is for you.

In this episode, Darius will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Self-Reflection

(00:58) Defining Life Goals and Values

(03:23) Exploring Themes of Happiness and Love

(05:48) The Importance of Fun and Adventure

(09:13) Understanding Accomplishment and Freedom

(11:46) The Quest for Sovereignty and Financial Freedom

(14:38) Building Meaningful Connections

(16:01) Strategizing for Future Projects

(25:27) Conclusion and Call to Action

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.

422 | Chris Pronger | Earned: The True Cost of Greatness from One of Hockey's Fiercest Competitors Apr 15, 2026

Show notes

What does it really cost to become great, and are you willing to pay the price?

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh welcomes back NHL legend Chris Pronger for a candid conversation on the mindset, discipline, and adversity behind elite performance. From growing up in small-town Canada to becoming a Stanley Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, Chris shares the unfiltered truth about what it takes to rise to the top and stay there.

At the center of the conversation is his new book, “Earned: The True Cost of Greatness from One of Hockey's Fiercest Competitors,” a powerful blend of memoir, leadership playbook, and hard-earned life lessons. Chris opens up about early career struggles, battling inconsistency, and the turning point that came when he developed mental standards and took full ownership of his performance.

He also dives into the importance of resilience, embracing failure, and why adversity is not something to avoid, but a gift to lean into. Beyond the ice, Chris reflects on how family reshaped his perspective, helping him find balance, stay grounded, and ultimately perform at a higher level.

In this episode, Darius and Chris will discuss:

(00:00) Introduction to Greatness

(00:53) The Journey of Writing a Book

(02:40) Chris Pronger's Hockey Origin Story

(05:27) Overcoming Early Struggles in the NHL

(07:57) The Importance of Standards and Mindset

(10:58) Building Confidence and Consistency

(13:47) The Transformation of Chris Pronger

(16:22) The Enforcer Mentality in Hockey

(19:59) The Short Fuse Advantage

(21:45) Betting on Yourself: Chris Pronger's Journey

(24:51) The Balance of Hard Work and Enjoyment

(29:17) The Joy and Business of Hockey

(31:57) Family's Role in Career Success

(34:04) Life After Hockey: Broadcasting and Speaking

(38:14) The Evolution of the Game

Chris Pronger is a Stanley Cup Champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, and one of the NHL’s Top 100 Players of All Time. Known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership, he built a legacy as both a dominant player and a true difference maker. Since retiring, Chris has moved into entrepreneurship and keynote speaking, advising elite performers and helping leaders build accountability, strengthen mindset, and earn lasting success.

Connect with Chris:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Earned-Greatness-Hockeys-Fiercest-Competitors/dp/1637635028

Website: https://www.chrispronger.com/

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

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

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 | Keith Ferrazzi | Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship Apr 13, 2026

Show notes

How can leaders inspire genuine teamwork and create a culture that fuels both personal and collective success?

Leadership isn’t only about setting goals and driving results; it’s also about fostering a strong sense of team spirit. In today’s dynamic workplace, leaders who embrace “teamship” build cultures of trust, collaboration, and support that empower their teams to thrive together.

Keith Ferrazzi, an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and globally recognized thought leader in relational and collaborative sciences, shares his expertise on building high-performing teams. Known for guiding organizations to success, he dives into the concept of “teamship” as a cornerstone of transformative leadership. Through his newest book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship, Keith emphasizes the transformative power of trust, transparency, and accountability in team dynamics.

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is joined by Keith to explore the intersection of leadership and teamship. They delve into the keys to building empowered teams, highlighting how leaders can inspire unity and excellence. This conversation will also offer essential insights into creating a work culture where each team member feels valued and connected to a shared vision, paving the way for sustainable success.

Topics include: