Elements of Stiles

Mark continues his showcasing of some of GSEA's incredible alumni, this week with Anastacia Yefimenko, founder of Elcove. Listen to hear how Anastacia's own hardships with harsh chemical ingredients inspired her to create a brand that provides safe, sustainable, and affordable home care products for everyone!

Connect with Anastacia on LinkedIn, check out her amazing pitch deck, and 

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As the 2025 Global Student Entrepreneur Awards approach, Mark opens with reflections on past GSEA contestants and a thank-you to Prince Lobel for supporting the Boston EO chapter. He then re-introduces a favorite past conversation with former GSEA finalist Jake Ross, founder of Build You, a company helping professionals craft authentic, high-impact LinkedIn presences. Together, they explore how thoughtful storytelling, visuals, and...

Mark is joined by Joze co-founder Barak Cohen to discuss how AI and decentralized systems can transform the way we resolve conflict. Together they explore how the current legal system fails most people, and how Joze aims to create accessible, empathetic, and community-driven solutions for dispute resolution. The conversation dives into the role of AI in facilitating human understanding, building trust, and empowering individuals to...

Mark and Dr. Joe explore the roots of stress and anxiety—biological, emotional, and societal—and how understanding these reactions can help us reconnect and find calm. The conversation highlights the essential role of local media in building informed, resilient communities, the chemistry behind the body’s stress response, and the transformative power of helping others as a way to reduce personal anxiety. Together, they unpack pract...

In this solo episode, Mark shares updates on the development of Joze.ai, an ambitious new AI tool designed to help resolve conflicts at scale. He discusses the results of the project’s first experimental phase bringing together over 30 experts from law, mediation, and leadership to test the system, and reflects on how human emotion remains essential even in AI-driven solutions. Mark outlines plans for the next phase, where real-wor...

Mark shares a recent Dr. Joe interview with attorney and author Christopher Early, where they explore how vulnerability, mindfulness, and the I-M Approach can help us heal from childhood trauma and move toward growth. Christopher shares his journey as told in his memoir Scaling the Wall, opening up about family struggles, anger, and the lessons of resilience he’s carried into his professional and personal life. The conversation hig...

Mark chats with executive coach and author Karen Thrall to explore the power of anger, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness in the workplace and beyond. Karen shares her personal journey from footwear executive to leadership consultant, and the hard lessons that led to her new co-authored book with Dr. Joe Shrand, Don't Lose Your Sh*t at Work! Together, they unpack the stages of anger, how emotional expression is often stifle...

Mark connects us with educator, employment attorney, and mediator Frederick Golder to examine how conflict resolution has evolved alongside human behavior. From litigation to empathy-driven solutions, they explore how emotions, personality types, and technology shape the way we handle disputes. Together, they advocate for teaching emotional intelligence early, understanding personal differences, and embracing self-awareness as a li...

Mark shares another candid conversation with Dr. Joe and executive coach–turned–author Karen Thrall about the emotional undercurrents of the modern workplace. Together, they unpack the complexities of anger on the job, the critical role of emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to manage conflict effectively. Karen opens up about the personal journey behind her new book, how Dr. Joe’s teachings shaped her approach, and th...

Mark sits down with longtime educator and community pillar Steve Waisgerber for a wide-ranging, heartfelt conversation about teaching, history, technology, and finding purpose after retirement. They reflect on the changing nature of education, the potential of AI in the classroom, and the power of vulnerability in student learning. Steve shares lessons from decades of service as a history teacher and coach, including how trust, cur...

Mark sits down with John Taylor, founder of The ACT3 Agency, to unpack the business of podcasting. They discuss how storytelling builds trust, why video has become essential, and how to approach podcasting as a strategic marketing tool rather than just another content channel. John shares insights on optimizing discoverability through his Listener Discoverability Optimization (LDO) framework, balancing AI automation with authentici...

In this special crossover episode, Mark welcomes longtime friend and psychiatrist Dr. Joe Shrand to discuss the power of self-awareness and the "I-M Approach"—a framework for understanding human behavior without shame or blame. The two explore what it means to share your voice, the long arc of legacy, and the lessons of 19th-century physician Ignaz Semmelweis, whose work saving lives was tragically dismissed. From creativity to con...

In this solo episode, Mark explores the roots of conflict and how we can resolve it more effectively, individually and collectively. From the importance of self-awareness and clear communication, to the emerging role of AI in large-scale mediation, he unpacks practical strategies for defusing tension and fostering understanding. He also reflects on how intellectual property, crowd building, and community engagement factor into conf...

Mark gives us an early listen to a recent Dr. Joe Show discussing the Pan Mass Challenge with fellow riders and exploring the emotional and personal side of the beloved charity ride. They share powerful stories of why they ride, who they ride for, and how the two-day cycling event continues to strengthen community bonds and support cancer research. It’s a heartfelt look at resilience, vulnerability, and the deep human connection th...

Mark spotlights the Pan Mass Challenge by inviting a few of his fellow riders to share why they ride. Through personal stories and reflections, they speak to the emotional impact of the PMC, the power of community, and the importance of supporting cancer research. It’s a conversation about gratitude, connection, and showing up; for yourself, for others, and for the cause.

Support their ride at pmc.org!

This episode was originally h...

Mark interviews comedian Mike Koutrobis about the art and business of comedy through a wide-ranging conversation on writing, performance, and audience connection. The discussion covers the process of creating a comedy special, the importance of authenticity, and the impact of generational shifts on humor. Mark and his guest also examine the evolving role of AI in comedy, the value of community in the stand-up scene, and the challen...

Mark takes in the great outdoors with artist and musician Aldous Collins, diving into the role of gratitude, vulnerability, and authenticity in his work. Aldous reflects on his early musical influences, the evolution of his performance style, and how live interaction with audiences shapes his approach to art. The conversation touches on the intersection of music and visual expression, the power of community, and the inspiration fou...

In this solo episode, Mark reflects on his podcasting journey, the evolution of AI, and the importance of transparency in professional services. He discusses the challenges and excitement of building new tools for consumers, emphasizing the need for informed decision-making. He dives in on the distinction between real and fake in today's world, the choice between fear and excitement, and the potential of AI to solve significant pro...

Mark shares another thoughtful discussion with Dr. Joe, this time on AI, fear of judgment, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology!

This episode was originally heard on The Dr. Joe Show

Takeaways

• The fear of judgment can inhibit personal growth and experiences.
• Engaging in karaoke can help individuals overcome their fears.
• AI can assist in content creation but requires human input for creativity.
• Empathy is...