The Determined Society with Shawn French

Shawn French

Step into the world of Culture Unscripted, where the bright lights meet thoughtful depth. Every episode takes you behind the headlines as we interview celebrities, renowned authors, and elite athletes—not to talk press lines, but to uncover their core truths and cultural perspectives. We dive into the stories behind the personas: What inspires a bestselling author to tug at society’s threads? How does an athlete navigate identity beyond the game? How do cultural icons harness influence to spark social change? These aren’t surface-level soundbites—they’re raw, revealing conversations that reflect who we are and where we’re headed. Expect humor. Expect heart. Expect breakthrough insights. Whether we’re unpacking a book that reshapes dialogue, exploring the impact of fame on mental health, or analyzing how sports stars challenge societal norms—Culture Unscripted brings you the human stories behind cultural icons and the societal conversations they spark. If you’re curious, driven, and ready for a show that celebrates the richness of culture through the faces shaping it—Culture Unscripted is where you belong. Tune in, and let’s explore the world through the voices that help define it.

  1. How Alex Boylan Built The College Tour and Traveled the World With Nothing

    2D AGO

    How Alex Boylan Built The College Tour and Traveled the World With Nothing

    Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Emmy-winning producer and Amazing Race Season 2 winner Alex Boylan, creator of the hit series The College Tour and author of his new memoir The Miles That Make You. Alex shares how growing up with nothing, embracing discomfort, and chasing adventure shaped his entire life; from traveling the world for free to building a show that helps students find the right path in education.   Key Takeaways -Your past doesn’t define you; your choices do. -Growth happens when you get comfortable being uncomfortable. -Education is valuable when it aligns with your path and ROI. -Hard experiences build resilience and character. -Community and connection matter more than ever. -Action and consistency create real impact over time. -The weight you carry shapes who you become.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Alex Boylan https://www.instagram.com/boylanalex/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 8m
  2. The Pulse: Becoming the Person You Want to Be

    JAN 26

    The Pulse: Becoming the Person You Want to Be

    Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this powerful Pulse episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with his business partner and close friend Pat Sitkins to reflect on the evolution of the show, the power of clarity, and what it actually takes to become the person you want to be. They discuss why most people never start, how preparation builds confidence, and why the “messy middle” is where real growth happens. Shawn breaks down the difference between wishing for success and manifesting it through daily discipline, while Pat shares what makes this community-driven movement so impactful.   Key Takeaways -Clarity is the cheat code to real progress. -Cringing at old work means you’re growing. -You don’t need perfect conditions to start. -Preparation is what separates winners from wishers. -Manifestation only works when paired with action. -The messy middle is where strength is built. -Extreme accountability creates real transformation. -Impact is the true purpose of The Determined Society.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Pat Sitkins https://www.instagram.com/patsitkins/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 2m
  3. The Wake-Up Call That Changed Stacey Kay's Health, Career, and Life

    JAN 23

    The Wake-Up Call That Changed Stacey Kay's Health, Career, and Life

    Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Stacey Kay, founder of hydr.ate, to unpack a powerful journey through addiction, anxiety, burnout, and personal transformation. Stacey opens up about struggling with alcohol and drugs in her twenties, pushing herself through high-pressure sales careers, and the moment her body forced her to stop; heart palpitations, numbness, and an anxiety episode that looked like a heart attack. That wake-up call sparked a complete shift inward. The conversation explores how stress, unresolved grief, and self-criticism can silently destroy mental and physical health, and how meditation became a turning point in Stacey’s healing journey.   Key Takeaways -Burnout often shows up physically before we acknowledge it mentally. -Addiction and anxiety thrive when emotions go unprocessed. -Meditation creates space between reaction and response. -True accountability must be paired with self-compassion. -Slowing down is sometimes the most productive move. -It’s never too late to pivot into meaningful work.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Stacey Kay https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacey-kay-hydrate/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 12m
  4. Zach Cogen on Elite Recovery, Rehab, and Mental Resilience

    JAN 19

    Zach Cogen on Elite Recovery, Rehab, and Mental Resilience

    Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn sits down with Zach Cogen, Head of Athlete Rehabilitation for the New York Red Bulls, to break down what real recovery actually looks like; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Zach shares his journey from collegiate wrestling to working with elite professional athletes across UCLA, EXOS, DC United, and now Major League Soccer. He explains the critical difference between return to play and return to performance, and why simply getting back on the field isn’t enough for high-level athletes whose careers depend on elite output.   Key Takeaways -Return to play is not the same as return to performance -Recovery must address both physical and mental readiness -Sleep and nutrition are essential for healing and performance -Pneumatic compression improves circulation and recovery -Trust between athlete and practitioner is critical -Discipline and determination are built through consistency   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Zach Cogen https://www.instagram.com/thesportsphysio_/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1 hr
  5. How Nicole Jaques Helps Parents Replace Chaos With Connection

    JAN 16

    How Nicole Jaques Helps Parents Replace Chaos With Connection

    Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of The Determined Society, Sean sits down with Nicole Jaques, creator of the “House CEO” framework, content educator, and systems-driven parent helping families calm the chaos of modern life. Nicole shares how leaving a corporate public-relations career after becoming a mother forced her to confront an outdated narrative around being a “stay-at-home mom.” What emerged instead was a powerful reframe: running a household requires leadership, systems, and intentional design, just like any successful business. Throughout the conversation, Nicole breaks down how time blocking, simplified systems, and documented routines can reduce burnout, eliminate resentment, and create more space for real family connection. She explains why rest is not a luxury, why the “default parent” role is operational and how accountability and structure can actually bring freedom back into the home.   Key Takeaways -Running a home requires leadership, not more effort -Systems reduce burnout by removing emotional friction -Time blocking creates freedom, not rigidity -Rest is essential to regulating mood and nervous system health -The “default parent” role works best when it’s structured and shared -Boundaries determine family connection   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Nicole Jaques https://www.instagram.com/itsnicolejaques/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 11m
  6. Nik Kleverov Reveals The Truth About AI in Hollywood

    JAN 12

    Nik Kleverov Reveals The Truth About AI in Hollywood

    Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nik Kleverov joins The Determined Society to break down the biggest misconceptions about AI, creativity, and the future of Hollywood. From his journey as an immigrant storyteller to becoming one of the first creatives working with OpenAI, Nik explains why there is no “magic AI button,” why creatives are more important than ever, and how AI is opening doors to original films, brand storytelling, and entirely new forms of entertainment. This episode dives deep into AI-generated films, advertising, originality, copyright, and why storytelling is still the true differentiator.   Key Takeaways -There is no magic button in AI, great work still requires real effort. -AI doesn’t replace creativity; it amplifies strong storytellers. -Authenticity comes from human perspective, not the tool. -AI-created work can still be original and copyrightable. -Creatives who adapt will thrive in the next era of entertainment. -AI allows smaller teams to create bigger ideas faster. -Hollywood isn’t ending — it’s evolving. -Collaboration matters more than ever in AI workflows.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Nik Kleverov https://www.instagram.com/kleverov/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 8m
  7. How Sobriety, Faith, and Doing Hard Things Changed Brady McDonald’s Life

    JAN 9

    How Sobriety, Faith, and Doing Hard Things Changed Brady McDonald’s Life

    Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this powerful episode of The Determined Society Podcast, Brady McDonald shares his raw journey from alcohol dependency and fear to sobriety, faith, ultra-endurance racing, and building a life rooted in discipline and purpose. Brady opens up about quitting alcohol after realizing the cycle he was passing down to his daughters, how doing hard things like 75 Hard and ultra running gave him clarity, and the moment God intervened and changed the trajectory of his life. We dive deep into fatherhood, leadership, failure, faith, resilience, and why children don’t do what we say, they do what we do. This conversation also explores Brady’s mission to use running for something bigger than himself through 50K in 50 States, raising millions for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and how serving others brings more fulfillment than success ever could.   Key Takeaways -Sobriety gave Brady clarity, courage, and control over his life. -Doing hard things builds confidence that transfers into every area of life. -Discipline is simple, but it’s never easy. -Fitness became the gateway to mental, emotional, and spiritual growth -Failure isn’t the end; it’s feedback for the next attempt. -The right people in your corner determine how far you go. -Faith showed up when quitting no longer felt like an option. -Serving others creates deeper fulfillment than personal success.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Brady McDonald https://www.instagram.com/brady.mcdonald84/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 4m
4.8
out of 5
461 Ratings

About

Step into the world of Culture Unscripted, where the bright lights meet thoughtful depth. Every episode takes you behind the headlines as we interview celebrities, renowned authors, and elite athletes—not to talk press lines, but to uncover their core truths and cultural perspectives. We dive into the stories behind the personas: What inspires a bestselling author to tug at society’s threads? How does an athlete navigate identity beyond the game? How do cultural icons harness influence to spark social change? These aren’t surface-level soundbites—they’re raw, revealing conversations that reflect who we are and where we’re headed. Expect humor. Expect heart. Expect breakthrough insights. Whether we’re unpacking a book that reshapes dialogue, exploring the impact of fame on mental health, or analyzing how sports stars challenge societal norms—Culture Unscripted brings you the human stories behind cultural icons and the societal conversations they spark. If you’re curious, driven, and ready for a show that celebrates the richness of culture through the faces shaping it—Culture Unscripted is where you belong. Tune in, and let’s explore the world through the voices that help define it.

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