The Greatness Machine

The Greatness Machine

The Greatness Machine is on a Quest to Maximize the Human Experience! Join Award Winning CEO and Author, Darius Mirshahzadeh (pron. Mer-shaw-za-day), as he interviews some of the greatest minds in the world―turning their wisdom and experience into learnings and advice you can use in your life so that you can level up and create greatness. Join Darius as he goes deep with guests like: Moby, Seth Godin, Gabby Reece, Amanda Knox, UFC Ring Announcer Bruce Buffer, Former FBI Negotiator Chris Voss, BJ Fogg, Former Spy and CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante, 1-800-Got-Junk CEO Brian Scudamore, NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, and so many more! Our subject matter ranges from entrepreneurial and pro athlete underdog stories, world-class leadership development, and performance development, to wealth creation and more! If you are a learner who wants to level up in your life and learn from experts who have been there and done that, hit the subscribe button. The Greatness Machine is your ticket to create Greatness in your life! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Episodes

September 1, 2025 75 mins
How can we tap into the latent leadership qualities that reside within us, waiting to be cultivated and utilized to their fullest extent? As leadership is viewed as a rare quality possessed by only a select few, it's easy to overlook each individual's potential for leadership. Leadership, however, is not exclusively a skill that a privileged few possess. It can be cultivated and developed by anyone willing to work for it. War...
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Life and business are shaped by power and influence. They are essential forces that drive decision-making, build connections, and create lasting impact. Understanding how to wield these forces effectively can be the key to unlocking opportunities and driving meaningful change. Today, I am flying solo to talk about the dynamics of power and influence–what they are, how they work, and how you can harness them to elevate both yo...
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What does it take to reinvent yourself while staying true to who you are? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, actress, writer, and entrepreneur Michelle Argyris opens up about her extraordinary path, from the world of acting to launching Windtuition Wellness. She shares how her experiences in the entertainment industry shaped her perspective on resilience, creativity, and the importance of listening to your inner compass. ...
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How do you build a devoted following for your brand? This question lies at the heart of every successful business endeavor, and Patricia Wallwork, the award-winning CEO of Milo’s Tea Company, shares compelling insights into exactly how to accomplish this goal. Her leadership has not only allowed the family-owned business to thrive, but also cultivated a devoted following that spans generations. By understanding and prioritizi...
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How do you free yourself from the prison of your past? How do you get up after being dragged down? Joining us today to talk about the 2007 murder case that shocked the world, Amanda Knox recalls her wrongful conviction for the death of Meredith Kercher. Fifteen years after the gruesome incident that attracted huge media attention, Amanda gets real about the experience that turned her life upside down. Amanda is an exoneree, a...
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What happens when leadership, plant medicine, and AI collide? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius reconnects with Nathanael Chawkin, executive coach, former cage fighter, and founder of Awakened Leadership, for a deep and thought-provoking conversation about transformation, consciousness, and purpose. They dive into what it means to lead from the inside out, discussing the role of plant medicine in awakening deeper ...
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How do childhood influences shape the mindset and motivations of those who serve in the military? From early exposure to media depicting heroic military figures to the weight of familial legacies, past experiences intricately shape career decisions in the armed forces. These influences, whether based on action-packed films or the proud lineage of ancestors who served, instill a sense of duty, honor, and tradition. Clay Martin...
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Are you letting your anxiety and worries shape your reality and limit your potential? Today, I am flying solo to talk about a topic that resonates with many of us: the impact of anxiety and worry on our lives. We often find ourselves in a constant battle with these emotions, and it can feel overwhelming when they start to dictate our decisions and overshadow our potential. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, I will expl...
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What if the real work of leadership wasn’t about climbing higher, but going deeper into the soul, the body, and the sacred responsibility of showing up fully alive? In this soul-stirring conversation on The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Nathanael Chawkin for a deep dive into the sacred masculine, conscious leadership, and the power of integration. From personal initiations through plant medicine to the spiritual respo...
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What sets remarkable individuals apart from the rest? Dive into the heart of this question with Guy Kawasaki, a trailblazer in the realms of entrepreneurship and innovation, as he talks about his newest book Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference.  Combining his 40 years of experience with the wisdom from 200 noteworthy individuals, including luminaries like Jane Goodall and Steve Wozniak, Guy ...
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August 8, 2025 15 mins
Are you living in the present, or are you buried in the past and the future? It is easy to lose sight of the present as we dwell on past mistakes or dream of future achievements. But what if the key to fulfillment lies in mastering each moment as it comes? Today, I am flying solo to talk about a concept I call the 10-second rule–a simple yet powerful approach to living life in real-time. We will explore how embracing this ide...
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Do you ever pause to consider the extraordinary capacity that lies within you to transcend adversity and unlock your fullest potential? Realizing your human potential is a profound journey of self-discovery and growth, transcending mere achievement to encompass the fullest expression of who you are. It is fueled by passion, determination, and a belief in your abilities, and involves constant learning, growth, and self-improvemen...
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What can businesses do to not just survive, but thrive in today’s volatile market? Today’s market is highly volatile, and the winning formula is having not just staying afloat but rather growing in uncertain times. Businesses can achieve this by adopting a proactive and adaptable mindset. Rather than seeking stability in an inherently unpredictable environment, companies must embrace change as a constant and prepare to be able t...
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In this special solo episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh opens up about a powerful, soul-stirring experience during his sabbatical in Tanzania. Broadcasting from Arusha, he reflects on his family’s two-week volunteer mission in the remote village of Ipalamwa with Global Volunteers. From building chicken coops and earth boxes to visiting schools and pregnant mothers in extreme poverty, Darius shares what it was ...
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What if the secret to success isn’t doing more, but focusing on less? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with legendary investor and entrepreneur Mohnish Pabrai to talk about building businesses, spotting hidden opportunities, and why focus is the ultimate superpower. From failed startups to scaling a $20M company, Mohnish shares how he discovered his edge, not by doing it all, but by doing what he does b...
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How do successful people navigate their careers, overcome barriers, and strategically position themselves for success? It is often challenging to navigate the complexities of professional growth when embarking on a successful career path. From shifting industry landscapes to personal and social expectations, professionals face numerous challenges and success in careers is largely determined by how one strategically positions the...
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Is your financial advisor helping you build wealth or just selling you products? Today, I am flying solo to dive deep into the crucial process of selecting the right financial advisor, sharing valuable insights from my own experiences. Whether you are an entrepreneur preparing for a business exit or an individual with a growing nest egg, finding the right financial partner is key to securing your financial future.  In this ep...
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What if the hustle isn’t the way forward, but the thing holding you back? In this powerful episode of The Greatness Machine, Scott Donnell, founder of Fig & Eagle, shares his transformation from a high-achieving, hustle-driven entrepreneur to a fully surrendered husband, father, and leader. He and Darius unpack the deeper meaning of faith, family, and legacy, exploring what happens when you stop chasing success and start living ...
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Ever wondered what it takes to shift from a life of constant striving and grinding to one filled with purpose, balance, and true abundance? Choosing a life of purpose, balance, and true abundance over a life consumed by relentless striving and grinding is a profound journey of self-discovery. This shift challenges the conventional narrative that success is solely defined by external accomplishments and invites us to reflect on t...
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Do you compare your current decisions with an ideal outcome that did not happen? Today, I am flying solo to dive deep into the concept of comparison and its impact on our happiness and decision-making. I will explore how we often measure ourselves against idealized outcomes or imagined scenarios rather than focusing on our unique journeys. I will also introduce the “rewind button” exercise, encouraging you to reflect on your pas...
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