The Hidden Why Podcast

Leigh Martinuzzi
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This is The Hidden Why Podcast. It's my space to explore deep conversations with inspiring guests, share insights from my own journey, and provide practical wisdom to help you grow and exceed. Whether you're here for personal development, mindset shifts, or motivation, I hope you find something valuable that resonates with you.

  1. 6 days ago

    Episode 1172: Jennifer Shahade - Thinking Sideways: Chess, Poker & Better Decision-Making

    In this episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with Jennifer Shahade, two-time U.S. Women's Chess Champion, poker pro, author, commentator, and speaker to explore how the mental frameworks behind chess and poker can help us make better decisions and live more intentionally.   Drawing on her new book, Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life, Jennifer shares why great decision-making is less about predicting 10 moves and more about seeing options clearly, adapting quickly, and knowing when to act.   We explore flow, focus, memory, visualization, planning, and why the best thinkers learn to look beyond the obvious move.     Jennifer shares her journey into chess and why she sees it as both a game and an art form. She explains why elite chess players don't simply think "10 moves ahead," but instead focus on seeing the "empty squares" and hidden possibilities. The conversation explores how to balance planning with flexibility and alternative scenarios, as well as why overthinking small decisions can create anxiety and decision fatigue. Jennifer also discusses the role of poker in understanding risk, probability, and uncertainty, and how visualization can support performance under pressure. She highlights the importance of sleep and deep focus, and shares insights on creating your own lane by combining different strengths. Jennifer also defines success as living on your own terms while creating value. Finally, she introduces the SOFA memory framework: Sleep, Organization, Focus, and Active Learning. Key Topics Discussed: Better decisions come from evaluating what matters now, not obsessing over every possible future. Flexibility is a strength. Strong plans leave room for change. The best opportunities are often found in the "empty squares" others overlook. Low-stakes decisions should be made quickly to preserve mental energy for what matters. Memory, focus, and learning remain valuable even in an age of AI and instant information.   About Jennifer Shahade: Jennifer Shahade is a two-time U.S. Women's Chess Champion, professional poker player, author, commentator, and internationally recognised speaker. Her work sits at the intersection of chess, poker, art, culture, and decision-making. She has spoken at organisations and institutions including MIT, Yale, Harvard, NYU, TEDx Baltimore, Boston Consulting Group, and Merrill Lynch. Jennifer is the author of several books, including Chess Queens and her latest, Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life.     Action from This Episode: The next time you're stuck on a decision, ask yourself: "What am I not seeing?" Look beyond the obvious move. Consider the space around the problem, not just the problem itself. Sometimes the best path forward is sideways. Peace, passion, and purpose.   Resources & Links: Get Jennifer Shahade's book on Amazon: Thinking Sideways: How to Think Like a Chess Player and Win at Life     Website: Jennifer Shahade Connect with Jennifer Shahade: Facebook Instagram X

  2. 24 Aug

    Episode 1171: David Gerber - Coming Alive Again with David Gerber

    In this episode of The Hidden Why Podcast, Leigh sits down with David Gerber, mental performance coach, TEDx speaker, partner at Novus Global, certified lion tracker, and author of The Lion Is You: Lessons from the Wild on Coming Alive Again. David has spent years coaching elite athletes, CEOs, and high-performing leaders, but some of his greatest lessons haven't come from the boardroom. They've come from walking on foot through the African bush, tracking wild lions, where every step demands presence, courage, and complete trust. Together, Leigh and David explore what the lions have taught him about fear, purpose, integrity, and why so many of us are merely surviving instead of truly living. They unpack how adversity, vulnerability, and taking meaningful risks are often the very things that reconnect us with our deepest sense of aliveness. David shares how becoming a certified lion tracker in South Africa transformed the way he sees life, from walking on foot through lion territory and being charged by lions to discovering powerful lessons about presence, boundaries, patience, courage, and trust. Drawing from his experiences in the African bush and his work coaching professional athletes, executives, and leadership teams through Novus Global, David explores why life unfolds one step at a time and why learning to trust the next step can create greater awareness and better decisions.   He discusses why slowing down, surrendering, and letting go of the need to control outcomes can lead to greater progress, while also exploring the hidden stories that keep high performers stuck and why external success doesn't always lead to fulfilment. The conversation dives into purpose, calling, and what it means to feel fully alive, including whether purpose is something we discover or create and how experimenting, serving others, embracing discomfort, and engaging with the world's pain can help us move toward meaningful work. David also shares insights on fear, courage, integrity, and the surprising lessons found in failure and embarrassment, while offering practical ways to get unstuck through small daily challenges, honest feedback, repetition, and taking action before confidence arrives.   He also reveals the daily practices that help him stay mentally strong and resilient, including strength training, movement, hot yoga, walking around 10,000 steps a day, accountability through group classes, and consistently choosing discomfort over comfortable stagnation. Key Topics Discussed: Aliveness isn't found in comfort. It's found in presence, courage, and meaningful action. Fear rarely disappears before action. It dissolves because of action. Purpose is discovered by taking the next step, not by waiting for perfect clarity. Integrity builds confidence. Every promise you keep to yourself strengthens your identity. Small acts of courage today prepare you for life's bigger challenges tomorrow. About David Gerber: David Gerber is a mental performance coach, TEDx speaker, bestselling author, and Partner at Novus Global, where he helps elite athletes, executives, entrepreneurs, and leaders break through limiting beliefs and perform at their highest level.   Alongside his coaching work, David is also a certified lion tracker, spending weeks on foot in the African wilderness learning lessons about presence, courage, fear, and resilience that few people ever experience. His work combines transformational coaching with wisdom drawn from nature, helping people move beyond survival and into a life marked by courage, purpose, and radical aliveness.   His TEDx talk has been viewed more than one million times, and his new book, The Lion Is You, challenges readers to stop merely existing and start fully living.     Action from This Episode:   Ask yourself one simple question: "Where in my life have I become comfortable instead of fully alive?" Then take one small courageous action today. You don't need the entire path. Just the next step. As David reminds us, you don't get from A to Z in one leap. You simply follow the next track. Peace, passion, and purpose.   Resources & Links: Get David Gerber's book on Amazon: The Lion Is You: Lessons from the Wild on Coming Alive Again   Website: David Gerber Novus Global   Connect with David Gerber: Instagram Facebook X Linkedin

  3. 17 Aug

    Episode 1170: Thais Gibson - The New Attachment Theory: Rewiring Your Relationships

    In this episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with Thais Gibson, a relationship expert, bestselling author, and founder of The Personal Development School, to explore how our attachment styles shape how we love, communicate, and connect with others.   Drawing on years of research, clinical experience, and her own healing journey, Thais explains why traditional attachment theory is only part of the story. Through her work on The New Attachment Theory, she shows how our subconscious patterns can be rewired using the brain's natural capacity for change, allowing us to build healthier relationships and move toward secure attachment.   Whether you struggle with anxiety in relationships, fear of intimacy, people-pleasing, or repeating the same unhealthy patterns, this conversation offers practical insights into understanding yourself and creating lasting change.     We explore attachment theory and why it influences the way we experience and navigate relationships throughout our lives. We dive into the four attachment styles and how they shape our behaviours, beliefs, and emotional responses, while also examining how subconscious programming can influence many of our reactions. We discuss the power of neuroplasticity and why lasting change is possible at any stage of life, including how to rewire limiting beliefs, heal core wounds, and break self-sabotaging patterns. The conversation also covers emotional regulation, creating a sense of safety within yourself, and the connection between attachment styles, addiction, and unhealthy coping strategies. Finally, we explore practical steps you can take to move toward a more secure attachment style and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.       Key Topics Discussed: Your attachment style isn't your identity; it's a learned pattern that can be changed. Healing begins by becoming aware of your subconscious beliefs and emotional triggers. Secure relationships are built through self-awareness, communication, and emotional regulation. Lasting transformation comes from consistently rewiring old patterns, not simply understanding them. The relationship you have with yourself shapes every other relationship in your life.     About Thais Gibson: Thais Gibson is a relationship expert, counsellor, bestselling author, and founder of The Personal Development School. She holds a Ph.D. and is certified in 13 therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Somatic Processing, and Trauma Work. Through her development of Gibson Integrated Attachment Theory, Thais combines attachment theory with neuroscience and neuroplasticity to help people identify and reprogram subconscious relationship patterns. Her courses and teachings have helped millions of people build healthier relationships, improve emotional wellbeing, and develop greater self-awareness.   Action from This Episode: Spend a few moments reflecting on your closest relationships and ask yourself: "When I feel triggered, what story am I telling myself?" Awareness is the first step toward changing the subconscious patterns that no longer serve you. Peace, passion, and purpose.     Resources & Links: Get Thais Gibson's book on Amazon: The New Attachment Theory Website: The Personal Development School   Connect with Thais Gibson: Instagram X Facebook Youtube

  4. 10 Aug

    Episode 1169: Dr. Mary Sanders - Aligning Your Energy: Bioenergetics, Burnout & Healing from Within

    In this episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with Dr. Mary Sanders, a chiropractor, medical intuitive, and host of the Energy Medicine: Align Your Mind, Body, and Spirit podcast, to explore the powerful connection between our energy, our health, and the way we experience life.   Drawing on more than 35 years in the healing arts, Dr. Mary shares how true wellbeing goes beyond treating physical symptoms. We discuss bioenergetics, the body's energy field, chakras, meditation, grounding, and why so many people today are living in a constant state of depletion and burnout.   Whether you're curious about energy medicine or simply looking for practical ways to restore your wellbeing, this conversation offers a thoughtful and accessible introduction to reconnecting with your mind, body, and spirit.     Dr. Mary's journey from chiropractic care to energy medicine and intuitive healing offers a unique perspective on how our bodies function as energetic systems. In this conversation, she explores what bioenergetics is, provides a practical understanding of the chakra system and its connection to health, and discusses how burnout, chronic stress, and people-pleasing can drain our life force. She also highlights the importance of energetic boundaries and "neutral separation," along with grounding, meditation, and heart-brain coherence as everyday healing practices.   The conversation explores why present-moment awareness is one of the greatest tools for health and resilience and offers simple, practical ways to begin restoring your energy even during the busiest seasons of life.   Key Topics Discussed:   Your energy often becomes depleted long before physical symptoms appear. Grounding, meditation, and conscious breathing are simple practices that help restore balance. Healthy boundaries protect your energy without disconnecting you from others. Presence is one of the most powerful antidotes to stress and overwhelm. Healing begins by caring for your whole self mind, body, and spirit.     About Dr. Mary Sanders : Dr. Mary Sanders is a chiropractor, medical intuitive, and energy medicine practitioner with more than 35 years of experience helping people reconnect with their vitality and purpose. Blending chiropractic care, positive psychology, neuroscience, and Intuition Medicine, Mary teaches practical tools that help people manage stress, cultivate resilience, and create lasting wellbeing. She is also the host of the internationally acclaimed podcast Energy Medicine: Align Your Mind, Body, and Spirit and leads retreats and workshops around the world.       Action from This Episode: Take just five minutes today to reconnect with yourself. Step outside, feel your feet on the earth, take a few slow breaths, and simply notice how you feel without trying to change anything. Sometimes the greatest healing begins with creating a little space to be present. Peace, passion, and purpose.   Resources & Links: Website:  Dr. Mary Sanders Energy Medicine Podcast     Connect with Dr. Mary Sanders: Instagram Facebook Linkedin

  5. 3 Aug

    Episode 1168: Nicki Sizemore - Mind, Body, Food: Finding Joy in the Kitchen

    In this episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with chef, author, and mindfulness teacher Nicki Sizemore to explore how cooking can become so much more than preparing a meal. It can be a daily practice of presence, creativity, and connection. After experiencing burnout in both her career and home life, Nicki realised she had lost the joy that first drew her to the kitchen. By combining mindfulness with everyday cooking, she discovered a simple yet powerful way to transform ordinary routines into meaningful rituals. Together, we discuss how intention, gratitude, and slowing down can not only change the way we cook, but also the way we live. Whether you're someone who loves cooking or simply wants to make daily life feel a little less rushed, this conversation is full of practical wisdom you can begin applying today.     Nicki shares her inspiring journey from experiencing burnout to rediscovering joy through the practice of mindful cooking. She explains why living with intention is far more powerful than striving for perfect outcomes and introduces her BEST framework for bringing mindfulness into the kitchen: Breathe, Engage your senses, Set an intention, and Thank your food and your body. By incorporating these simple yet meaningful practices, everyday cooking can become a restorative ritual that nurtures both body and mind. Nicki also highlights the importance of morning meditation, journaling, and cultivating presence throughout the day as ways to build a more mindful life. Throughout the conversation, she encourages listeners to let go of perfectionism, embrace self-compassion, and recognize that cooking can be much more than preparing meals; it can become a pathway to greater well-being, deeper connection, and a stronger sense of purpose.     Key Topics Discussed: Everyday routines can become opportunities for mindfulness and joy. Intention isn't about achieving more; it's about how you choose to show up. Small rituals help calm the nervous system and create moments of presence. Gratitude deepens our connection to food, our bodies, and the people we share meals with. Happiness is often found in the ordinary moments we usually rush through.   About Nicki Sizemore : Nicki Sizemore is a chef, cookbook author, recipe developer, and mindfulness teacher who helps people reconnect with the joy of cooking and everyday living. Her latest book, Mind, Body, Spirit, Food: Adaptable Recipes and Grounding Meditations for Preparing Meals with Joy and Intention, blends nourishing recipes with simple mindfulness practices, showing readers how cooking can become a daily ritual of presence, creativity, and self-care. Nicki also hosts the Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD newsletter and podcast, teaches at the renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, and has been featured in publications including The Washington Post, Real Simple, EatingWell, Better Homes & Gardens, and Goop.   Action from This Episode: Before preparing your next meal, pause for just one minute. Take a few slow breaths, notice your surroundings, and ask yourself: "How do I want to feel while I make this meal?" You may discover that the greatest ingredient isn't in the recipe; it's the intention you bring to the experience. Peace, passion, and purpose.   Resources & Links: Get Nicki Sizemore's book on Amazon: Mind, Body, Spirit, Food: Adaptable Recipes and Grounding Meditations for Preparing Meals with Joy and Intention Website: Nicki Sizemore From Scratch Fast Mind, Body, Spirit, FOOD Newsletter & Podcast Connect with Nicki Sizemore: Instagram linkedin

  6. 20 Jul

    Episode 1167: Marcus Aurelius Anderson - Transforming Adversity Into Victory

    In this episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with Marcus Aurelius Anderson, leadership catalyst, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and U.S. Army veteran, to explore how our greatest challenges can become the foundation for our greatest growth. After suffering a catastrophic spinal injury that left him paralysed from the neck down and dying twice on the operating table, Marcus was told he would never walk again. Rather than allowing adversity to define him, he chose to use it as a catalyst for transformation. Together, we discuss resilience, radical acceptance, gratitude, leadership, and why taking action- not simply collecting knowledge is the key to creating lasting change. If you're navigating a difficult season or searching for the courage to take the next step, this conversation offers practical wisdom and a powerful reminder that adversity doesn't have to be the end of your story. Marcus shares his extraordinary journey from paralysis to discovering a renewed sense of purpose, revealing how adversity can become one of life's greatest teachers when we choose to learn from it rather than be defined by it. Together, we explore the powerful philosophy of Acta Non Verba: actions, not words, and why lasting transformation comes from consistently applying what we know rather than simply collecting more knowledge. Marcus explains how radical acceptance and genuine gratitude can shift our perspective during life's most difficult moments, while also discussing practical ways to overcome fear, self-doubt, and the influence of other people's opinions. We also dive into the simple daily habits that build resilience over time, including meditation, mindfulness, and intentional action, demonstrating how these practices can bring clarity, strength, and purpose even in the face of life's greatest challenges. Key Topics Discussed: Adversity is inevitable, but how we respond is always within our control. Growth begins when we stop resisting reality and start accepting it. Reading another book won't change your life; taking action will. Gratitude isn't denying hardship; it's choosing a perspective that empowers you. Progress comes from consistently applying what you already know. About Marcus Aurelius Anderson: Marcus Aurelius Anderson is a leadership catalyst, keynote speaker, bestselling author, and U.S. Army veteran who helps leaders transform adversity into a competitive advantage. Following a devastating spinal injury that left him paralysed, Marcus rebuilt his life through resilience, disciplined action, and a philosophy centred on Acta Non Verba actions, not words. Today he works with CEOs, entrepreneurs, and high-performing leaders around the world, helping them navigate adversity with greater courage, clarity, and purpose. He is the author of The Gift of Adversity and Acta Non Verba: Transforming Adversity Into Victory Through Actions Not Words. Action from This Episode: Ask yourself one simple question: "What's one action I can take today instead of waiting until I feel ready?" Knowledge creates possibility. Action creates transformation. Peace, passion, and purpose.   Resources & Links: Website:  Marcus Aurelius Anderson   Connect with Marcus Aurelius Anderson: Facebook Instagram

  7. 13 Jul

    Episode 1166: Scott Scovill - Tenacious: Turning Fear of Failure into Fuel

    In this episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with Scott Scovill, an award-winning live entertainment producer, entrepreneur, singer-songwriter, and author of Tenacious. Scott shares the remarkable journey that took him from crippling fear of failure and rock bottom to touring the world with the Rolling Stones, directing shows for Garth Brooks and Brad Paisley, and building one of the most successful production companies in the industry. Together, we explore what tenacity really means, why failure is one of life's greatest teachers, and how learning to embrace uncertainty can unlock extraordinary growth. Scott also opens up about his deeply personal healing journey, including the profound impact of guided psychedelic therapy and how it helped him let go of old stories and finally become comfortable being himself. If you've ever felt held back by fear, perfectionism, or self-doubt, this conversation will remind you that your greatest breakthroughs often lie just beyond the things you're most afraid to face. Scott shares his remarkable journey from living with a fear of failure to building an award-winning career in live entertainment. Together, we explore why true tenacity isn't just about overcoming external obstacles, but also about challenging the limiting stories we tell ourselves. Scott explains how failure can become one of our greatest teachers when we stop viewing it as a reflection of our worth and instead see it as an opportunity for growth. We discuss the importance of taking action before everything feels perfectly planned, and why lasting fulfillment comes from living with purpose rather than simply chasing success. Scott also opens up about his experience with guided psychedelic therapy and how it helped him heal generational trauma, release the need to constantly prove himself, and create from a place of joy and authenticity. Ultimately, this conversation is an invitation to embrace courage, let go of fear, and live with fewer regrets by continually asking yourself, "What would make the next chapter more interesting?" Key Topics Discussed: Fear of failure only loses its power when you're willing to fail anyway. Tenacity is built through consistent action, not perfect outcomes. Healing old emotional wounds can unlock new levels of freedom and creativity. Your identity isn't defined by your successes or failures; it's shaped by who you become along the way. A meaningful life is often created by following curiosity, embracing discomfort, and refusing to quit.   About Scott Scovill: Parul Somani is an entrepreneur, award-winning creative director, producer, performer, and author of Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams. Founder of the internationally recognised production company Moo TV, Scott has spent more than three decades creating live entertainment experiences for some of the world's biggest artists, including The Rolling Stones, Garth Brooks, Brad Paisley, and Alan Jackson. Today, alongside writing and producing, he continues to pursue his passion for music while inspiring others to embrace resilience, courage, and possibility. Action from This Episode: Think about one dream you've been putting off because you're afraid of failing. Ask yourself: "What's one small step I can take today?" Tenacity isn't about never falling; it's about continuing to move forward, one courageous decision at a time. Peace, passion, and purpose.   Resources & Links: Get Scott Scovill's book on Amazon: Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams Website: Scott Scovill Connect with Scott Scovill: Facebook Instagram

  8. 6 Jul

    Episode 1165: Dr. Peggy McColl - Making a Million Look Small: Alignment, Intention & Creating the Life You Desire

    In this episode of The Hidden Why, I sit down with Dr. Peggy McColl, New York Times bestselling author, manifestation expert, entrepreneur, and Co-Founder & CEO of ALIGNA AI Corp. Peggy shares her remarkable journey from a struggling, suicidal teenager to becoming one of the world's most respected voices in personal development. Together, we explore the true meaning of alignment, how our beliefs shape our reality, and why the key to creating lasting success isn't simply positive thinking; it's aligning your thoughts, emotions, and actions with what you truly desire. This conversation blends practical wisdom with timeless principles, offering simple daily practices that can help you create more abundance, purpose, and fulfillment in every area of your life. Peggy shares her inspiring personal journey and the profound impact that Bob Proctor had on her life and work. Together, we explore what true alignment really means and how our emotions can reveal whether we're living in harmony with our values or drifting away from them. Peggy explains why "making a million look small" is about expanding your mindset rather than simply increasing your income, and how deeply held beliefs about money, self-worth, and success can quietly shape the direction of our lives. She also shares practical daily alignment habits including affirmations, visualization, gratitude, and journaling, and highlights why consistency is far more powerful than intensity when creating lasting change.  The conversation also touches on Peggy's courageous journey through Stage 4 cancer, where mindset, faith, and medical treatment worked together to support her resilience and recovery. Finally, we discuss how artificial intelligence can be used as a valuable tool for personal growth while reinforcing the importance of human intuition, wisdom, and authentic connection. Key Topics Discussed: Your emotional state is one of the clearest indicators of whether you're aligned with your goals. Success begins by becoming the person capable of creating the life you desire. Small daily disciplines consistently practiced create extraordinary long-term results. You don't need to know exactly how your dream will happen; clarity of intention comes first. Technology and AI can support personal growth when used intentionally rather than as a distraction.   About Peggy McColl: Dr. Peggy McColl is a New York Times bestselling author, internationally recognised speaker, entrepreneur, and one of the world's leading experts on manifestation and human potential. With decades of experience helping individuals and organisations achieve extraordinary results, Peggy now serves as Co-Founder and CEO of ALIGNA AI Corp, combining cutting-edge technology with her lifelong work in mindset, behavioural alignment, and personal transformation. She is the author of numerous bestselling books, including: Make a Million Look Small The Moment of Alignment The World Doesn't Need Another Self-Help Book   Action from This Episode: Ask yourself one simple question today: "How do I feel?" Your answer may be the clearest indicator of whether you're moving toward the life you truly want—or away from it. Take one small action today that brings you back into alignment with your values, your vision, and the person you're becoming. Peace, passion, and purpose.   Resources & Links: Get Peggy McColl's book on Amazon: Make a Million Look Small The Moment of Alignment The World Doesn't Need Another Self-Help Book    Website: Peggy McColl ALIGNA AI Connect with Peggy McColl: Facebook Facebook Page Instagram

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About

This is The Hidden Why Podcast. It's my space to explore deep conversations with inspiring guests, share insights from my own journey, and provide practical wisdom to help you grow and exceed. Whether you're here for personal development, mindset shifts, or motivation, I hope you find something valuable that resonates with you.

Information

  • Creator
    Leigh Martinuzzi
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Hidden Why Podcast