The Matthews Mentality Podcast

Kyle Matthews
  • 4.4 (52)
  • Entrepreneurship

A podcast dedicated to exploring the mindsets, mentality, and motivation of the world's top experts. From athletes and entrepreneurs to CEOs and business moguls, learn what it takes to find success and build a deeper understanding of the mentality required.

  1. 5d ago

    How Manscaped Created A Billion-Dollar Category

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Paul Tran, founder and CEO of MANSCAPED, the company that transformed men’s grooming by creating an entirely new category and turning it into a global brand. Born in Vietnam and arriving in America as a first-generation immigrant with his family, Paul’s story is a true example of the American Dream. From growing up in poverty and putting himself through USC to launching multiple businesses and eventually building MANSCAPED into one of the most recognized names in consumer products, Paul shares the lessons, sacrifices, and mindset that fueled his entrepreneurial journey. Kyle and Paul discuss entrepreneurship, risk-taking, scaling a startup, leadership, work-life balance, AI, branding, family, philanthropy, and what it takes to build a category-defining company from scratch. Time Stamp: 00:00 No Work Life Balance 00:38 Meet Paul Tran 01:51 Vietnam to America 06:40 Early Hustle Mindset 09:18 Turning Grades Around 10:30 USC and First Ventures 14:11 Manscaped Origin Story 16:55 Validating Product Market Fit 18:56 Bootstrapping and Iteration 20:42 Humor Driven Marketing 23:40 Startup Chaos Stories 26:03 Motivation and Legacy 27:58 Scaling Beyond Below Waist 29:42 COVID Growth Challenges 30:34 COVID Baby Boom 31:02 Retail Wins Post COVID 32:11 Omnichannel Conviction 33:32 AI Changes Shopping 36:58 Founder Health Reset 41:13 Family While Scaling 43:06 Immigrant Parent Pressure 45:56 Buying Parents Homes 47:03 Giving Back Vietnam 53:05 Manscaped Picks Rapidfire 57:38 Wrap Up Thanks Paul also shares touching stories about his family's journey from Vietnam, his commitment to helping orphaned children, and why creating opportunities for others has become his greatest motivation. Whether you're an entrepreneur, founder, executive, immigrant chasing the American Dream, or someone looking to build a meaningful business and life, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and powerful life lessons. Follow Paul Tran: LinkedIn: Paul Tran Instagram: @paultran X: @paultran Learn More About MANSCAPED: https://www.manscaped.com Follow Kyle Matthews: Instagram: @KyleMatthewsCEO X: @KyleMatthewsCEO LinkedIn: Kyle Matthews TikTok: @KyleMatthewsCEO #PaulTran #MANSCAPED #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast #FounderStory #AmericanDream #StartupLife #Leadership #BrandBuilding #ConsumerProducts #Ecommerce #MensGrooming #AI #MatthewsMentality #KyleMatthewsCEO

    59 min

  2. Jun 17

    Why Physical Retail Isn't Going Away

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Jodie McLean, CEO of EDENS, one of the nation’s largest privately held owners, operators, and developers of open-air retail and mixed-use destinations. Jodie’s journey is anything but conventional. She joined EDENS as a financial analyst fresh out of college and spent more than three decades helping transform the company into a real estate powerhouse with a portfolio that serves millions of people every day. Along the way, she became one of the most respected leaders in commercial real estate, served as Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and helped redefine what retail real estate can be in a rapidly changing world. Kyle and Jodie discuss leadership, mentorship, career longevity, the future of retail, artificial intelligence, community building, and the lessons learned from leading through economic cycles, e-commerce disruption, and changing consumer behavior. In this episode, you'll learn: • How Jodie rose from analyst to CEO after 36 years at one company • Why loyalty, impact, and long-term thinking still matter in today's business world • The leadership lessons that shaped EDENS' culture and growth • How e-commerce transformed retail real estate—and why physical places matter more than ever • Why AI may increase demand for human connection, not decrease it • What makes great communities and thriving mixed-use developments • Her experience serving as Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond • The challenges and opportunities of being a female leader in commercial real estate • Why culture ultimately beats strategy in building great organizations • The importance of mentorship, curiosity, resilience, and taking calculated risks Jodie also shares the story of nearly leaving EDENS, the mentor who changed her career trajectory, and the bold decisions that helped shape one of the most innovative retail real estate companies in America. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, investor, commercial real estate professional, or someone looking to build a meaningful career, this conversation is packed with wisdom on leadership, purpose, and creating lasting impact. Follow Jodie McLean: LinkedIn: Jodie McLean Instagram: @jodiewmclean Learn More About EDENS: https://www.edens.com Follow Kyle Matthews: Instagram: @KyleMatthewsCEO X: @KyleMatthewsCEO LinkedIn: Kyle Matthews TikTok: @KyleMatthewsCEO #JodieMcLean #EDENS #CommercialRealEstate #Leadership #Entrepreneurship #RetailRealEstate #BusinessPodcast #MatthewsMentality #CEO #WomenInBusiness #RealEstateDevelopment #CommunityBuilding #FederalReserve #BusinessLeadership #KyleMatthewsCEO

    1h 7m

  3. Jun 9

    The Real Reason Some Careers Accelerate

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Brian Finnegan, President and CEO of Brixmor Property Group (NYSE: BRX), one of the largest open-air shopping center owners and operators in the United States. Brian’s story is a masterclass in leadership, patience, and long-term career growth. Starting as a leasing representative in 2004, he spent more than two decades working through nearly every operational role in the company before ultimately becoming CEO of a publicly traded real estate investment trust with 344 shopping centers, 62+ million square feet of retail space, and more than 900 million annual consumer visits. Time Stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:55 Welcome to the Show 02:25 Understanding Brixmor Property Group 05:10 Retail's Resurgence 08:04 Supply and Demand Dynamics 11:19 Same Store Growth 12:51 How We Met 15:13 Networking as a Young Professional 16:49 Brixmor's Evolution and History 20:41 Lessons from Being Young 22:30 Philadelphia Roots 24:29 Getting Into Real Estate 26:49 Brokerage Lessons 28:33 Cold Calling Stories 30:56 Dealing with Rejection 34:32 Time Blocking and Prospecting 35:10 Maximizing Your Current Role 38:01 Moving Across America 39:37 Embracing New Cities 40:54 National Portfolio Experience 41:36 Market Expertise Matters 43:14 Career Growth and Relocation 45:20 Becoming CEO 49:07 First Quarter Success 51:59 CEO Responsibilities 53:13 Redevelopment Strategy 56:08 Work Life Balance 01:00:13 Technology and AI 01:05:07 Innovation and Young Talent 01:07:50 Advice for Young Professionals 01:10:01 Rapid Fire Round If you're interested in commercial real estate, investing, leadership, entrepreneurship, career growth, public companies, REITs, retail real estate, or business strategy, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-world experience. Follow Brian Finnegan: LinkedIn: Brian Finnegan Learn More About Brixmor Property Group: Website: https://www.brixmor.com NYSE: BRX Follow Kyle Matthews: Instagram: @KyleMatthewsCEO TikTok: @KyleMatthewsCEO X: @KyleMatthewsCEO LinkedIn: Kyle Matthews Subscribe for more interviews with CEOs, founders, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders. #KyleMatthewsCEO #BrianFinnegan #Brixmor #BRX #CommercialRealEstate #RetailRealEstate #REIT #Investing #Leadership #BusinessPodcast #Entrepreneurship #RealEstateInvesting #CEO #Retail #ShoppingCenters #MatthewsMentality #BusinessGrowth #NYSE #CareerGrowth #CommercialProperty

    1h 13m

  4. Jun 2

    Why Turning Down Shark Tank Was the Best Decision They Made

    Nick Friedman, co-founder of College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, joins Kyle Matthews to share how a 2003 summer hustle with a beat-up cargo van grew into a national brand with roughly 200 franchise owners across 40+ states. They discuss the origin of the name and the HUNKS acronym (Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable Service), why customers pay for convenience and clutter relief, and how systems from The E-Myth helped them scale. Nick recounts appearing on Shark Tank’s first episode, dealing with Kevin O’Leary’s negativity, receiving an offer from Robert Herjavec, and turning it down. He explains franchising pros/cons, self-funding for 15 years, culture and accountability, lessons from Undercover Boss, industry headwinds tied to housing, and the company’s giving efforts including domestic violence survivor moves and Tampa hurricane relief.

    1h 5m

  5. May 27

    The Dark Side of Buy Now Pay Later

    On the Matthews Mentality podcast, host Kyle Matthews interviews four-time founder and Kasheesh CEO Sam Miller, who dropped out of college, bootstrapped early companies, achieved three exits, and now leads a fintech platform that lets consumers split purchases across multiple cards with no loans, interest, or credit checks. Miller explains Kasheesh’s origin as a response to predatory buy-now-pay-later lending, its evolution from a browser extension to Apple Pay/Google Pay, and growth to 110,000+ users and $72M+ in transactions. They discuss fundraising challenges, differences between bootstrapping and venture-backed startups, lessons from working in VC, and how consumer usage shifted from discretionary spending to essentials like rent and utilities. The conversation also covers AI’s impact on work, economic warning signs, and Kasheesh roadmap features like Replay, group payments, and rent reporting to credit bureaus.

    1h 34m

  6. May 19

    He Quit Wall Street to Buy a Frozen Yogurt Shop

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews interviews Neil Hershman, CEO of 16 Handles, entrepreneur, franchise operator, Everest summiter, endurance athlete, and business owner. Neil shares how he left a hedge fund career at 23 years old, bought a single 16 Handles frozen yogurt franchise with an SBA loan, and scaled it into a rapidly growing national franchise brand with nearly 80 locations. This episode covers entrepreneurship, franchising, business growth, leadership, scaling a company, SBA loans, franchise ownership, investing, mental toughness, endurance training, and building a successful consumer brand. Topics covered in this episode: How Neil Hershman bought and scaled 16 HandlesGrowing a franchise business from 1 location to nearly 80 storesUsing SBA loans to buy a businessEntrepreneurship and startup lessonsScaling operations and franchise systemsLeadership lessons from business and endurance sportsClimbing Mount Everest and completing ultra-endurance racesBalancing business growth, family, and personal performanceThe future expansion of 16 Handles across the United StatesHow community-driven brands win in today’s market If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, franchising, startups, scaling a business, investing, business leadership, or founder stories, this episode is packed with insights and practical lessons. Follow 16 Handles: Instagram: @16handles Website: https://16handles.com Follow Kyle Matthews: Instagram: @KyleMatthewsCEO TikTok: @KyleMatthewsCEO X: @KyleMatthewsCEO LinkedIn: Kyle Matthews Subscribe for more interviews with entrepreneurs, CEOs, investors, athletes, and high performers.

    1h 6m

  7. May 12

    The Sport America Is Sleeping On

    Kyle Matthews interviews Marc Riccio, CEO of USA Lacrosse, about the sport’s growth, access challenges, and lacrosse’s return to the Olympics in LA 2028 as a medal sport for the first time since 1908. Riccio explains the sixes format (a faster, smaller-sided game akin to rugby sevens) and notes the U.S. women are ranked No. 1 while the U.S. men are No. 2 behind Canada. He discusses obstacles such as high school sanctioning (24 states still not sanctioned), pay-to-play infrastructure, and efforts like “Lacrosse in a Bag” to introduce the sport in schools. Riccio shares leadership lessons from 17 years with the New York Jets, his career path, and how team culture and vulnerability help build championship rosters. 00:00 Move Early Mindset 00:38 Meet Marc Riccio 01:56 Lacrosse Growth Tailwinds 02:37 Olympics Hype And Hockey Comp 04:53 Participation Numbers And TAM 08:02 High School Sanctioning Fight 11:14 LA28 Sixes And Medal Odds 12:07 Lacrosse Origin Story 14:37 Traits Of Great Players 16:54 Team Culture And Leadership 19:41 From Kid Player To Scholarship 22:45 College Grind And Pro Reality 28:40 Breaking Into The Jets 31:01 Parcells Lessons And Decisions 37:04 Belichick Contrast And Media 39:02 Post Jets Career And CEO Life 41:24 Work Ethic And Choices 42:06 Work and Family Balance 42:49 Driven by Insecurity 44:14 From Winning to Legacy 45:33 Access to Lacrosse 47:40 Explaining USA Lacrosse 50:31 Pitch to Parents 52:21 Multi Sport vs Specialize 55:48 Toxic Parent Cultures 01:01:39 Lacrosse Community Magic 01:06:44 Olympics 2028 Journey 01:10:43 Global Growth and Funding 01:14:00 Final Wrap

    1h 19m

  8. May 5

    HOTWORX Founder: A Casual Conversation Built An 800-Location Empire

    Kyle Matthews interviews Stephen Smith, founder and CEO of HOTWORX, a 24-hour infrared fitness studio franchise that has grown to over 800 locations since opening its first studio in 2017 after a Jamaica conversation sparked the “yoga in a sauna” concept and a patented infrared fitness sauna. Smith explains HOTWORX's model—app-based access and booking, isometric sauna sessions (30 minutes) and HIIT sauna workouts (15 minutes) using cycling, a total body trainer, and a patented dual-tank rower—plus the claimed benefits of heat, infrared energy, and “3D training.” He shares his entrepreneurial path from opening Bodyplex at 22 to Planet Beach franchising, key franchising lessons, scaling practices like one coach per 50 locations, a “10/10 work ethic” hiring rule, and the launch of Diet Trax and AI-driven TrainingTRAX with Body Vision and 90-day challenges, while targeting 2,000 locations by 2030. 00:00 Work Ethic Filter 00:48 Meet Stephen Smith 02:41 Scaling to 800 Studios 04:13 What Is HOTWORX 06:28 Infrared Training Science 08:38 Jamaica Lightbulb Moment 09:55 Early Entrepreneur Roots 12:29 Bodyplex Leap of Faith 15:52 Golds Gym Lessons 17:30 Planet Beach Franchising 18:51 Franchisor Playbook 21:46 Work Life Balance Debate 23:15 Motivation and Football Mindset 26:30 From Fitness to Tanning 27:25 Reinventing Planet Beach 28:24 Naming HOTWORX 29:11 Launching the First Studio 29:46 Turning Customers into Franchisees 31:23 Scaling with Coaches 33:22 Ambition and Growth Mindset 34:30 Diet Trax to TrainingTRAX 36:44 Gamified 90 Day Challenges 37:15 Body Vision and AI Coaching 39:32 AI for Operations 41:11 Exit Plans and IPO Talk 41:57 Workations and Balance 42:52 Advice for Younger Self 45:30 Wild Entrepreneur Stories 49:14 Wrap Up and Where to Find HOTWORX

    51 min
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4.4
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

A podcast dedicated to exploring the mindsets, mentality, and motivation of the world's top experts. From athletes and entrepreneurs to CEOs and business moguls, learn what it takes to find success and build a deeper understanding of the mentality required.

Information

  • Creator
    Kyle Matthews
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    122
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kyle Matthews
  • Show Website
    The Matthews Mentality Podcast

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