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. 3d ago

    He Escaped Iran at 16 With No Idea What Came Next

    n this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Payam Zamani, founder and CEO of One Planet Group, CEO of Buyerlink, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Crossing the Desert. Payam shares his incredible journey from fleeing religious persecution in Iran as a teenager to arriving in the United States as a refugee with just $75 in his pocket. Less than 11 years later, he and his brother had built an early online automotive marketplace and taken the company public at a $1.2 billion valuation. But Payam's story goes far beyond financial success. After navigating the dot-com crash, divorce, family illness, and the loss of much of his wealth, he began rethinking the relationship between business, purpose, faith, and fulfillment. Those experiences ultimately shaped his philosophy of "spiritual capitalism," the belief that companies can pursue profitability while creating meaningful value for employees, customers, communities, and society. Topics covered in this episode: - Payam Zamani's escape from religious persecution in Iran - Being smuggled out of the country at 16 years old - Arriving in America as a refugee with $75 - Starting over and building his first technology company - Taking an early online automotive marketplace public at a $1.2 billion valuation - The dot-com crash and losing much of his wealth - Why money alone failed to create fulfillment - The philosophy behind spiritual capitalism - Building One Planet Group without outside capital - How Buyerlink connects consumers with automotive dealers and service providers - Turning around Inspirato by cutting roughly $45 million in expenses and reaching profitability - Leadership, humility, and putting people ahead of short-term profits - Work-life balance and the sacrifices behind entrepreneurship - Gratitude for America and the opportunities it gave his family - Concerns about social media, young people, and the loss of spiritual grounding - Writing his memoir, Crossing the Desert Payam also shares why he believes business can be a powerful force for good, why leaders should think beyond maximizing shareholder value, and how some of the most difficult periods of his life ultimately reshaped his definition of success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, executive, or someone navigating adversity in your own life, this conversation offers powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, faith, gratitude, and building businesses with purpose. Follow Payam Zamani: LinkedIn: Payam Zamani Learn More About One Planet Group: Website: https://oneplanetgroup.com Learn More About BuyerLink: Website: https://buyerlink.com Read Payam's Book: Crossing the Desert https://crossingthedesertbook.com Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 America as Hope 00:39 Meet Payam Zamani 02:32 Life and One Planet 04:02 Buyerlink Explained 06:30 Growing Up in Iran 08:38 Persecution and Survival 14:57 Decision to Escape 16:26 Smuggled Through the Desert 19:56 U.S. Embassy Breakthrough 22:42 Landing in America 27:56 Starting Over in California 30:03 First Tech Venture 32:23 Dot-Com IPO Reality Check 36:25 Crash, Divorce, and Faith 38:57 Work-Life Balance 42:17 Spiritual Capitalism Begins 43:13 Greed Versus Community 43:47 Spiritual Capitalism 45:09 One Planet Breakthrough 47:04 Unicorn Doubts 48:43 Writing Crossing the Desert 52:24 Memoir Truths Revealed 57:49 Inspirato Turnaround Playbook 01:04:20 Rapid Fire Reflections 01:07:26 Youth, Screens, and Faith 01:13:35 Closing and Daughter's Music

  2. Aug 11

    I Went $20,000 Into Debt to Fight in the UFC | Alberto Crane

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Alberto Crane, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, UFC veteran, entrepreneur, and author of All In. Before fighting in the UFC, Alberto made a decision that most people would never consider—he went more than $20,000 into debt to chase his dream. With no sponsorships, little money, and no guarantee of success, he moved to Brazil, immersed himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and dedicated his life to becoming one of the best martial artists in the world. After years of setbacks, tournament losses, and relentless training, Alberto became a world champion, fought in the UFC, built multiple successful academies, and inspired thousands through his resilience. Later, an unexpected MRI led to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), forcing him to face an entirely new battle outside the cage. This conversation explores courage, discipline, entrepreneurship, mindset, and what it truly means to go all in on your dreams. Topics covered in this episode: Why Alberto went $20,000 into debt to chase the UFCMoving to Brazil with no money to train Brazilian Jiu-JitsuLosing tournaments before becoming a world championBuilding a career in MMA and earning a UFC contractThe pressure and reality of fighting inside the OctagonWinning, losing, and dealing with performance anxietyKnowing when it was time to retireBeing diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)Why he chose movement, nutrition, and lifestyle over medicationThe philosophy behind TacFitWhy courage isn't the absence of fearLessons from writing his memoir All InBuilding resilience through adversity Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, martial artist, or someone facing a difficult challenge, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, sacrifice, discipline, and pursuing a life without regrets. Follow Alberto Crane: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albertocrane Website: https://www.albertocrane.com Learn More About TacFit: https://www.tacfit.com Get Alberto's Book: All In https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GN1TCB5B?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

  3. Aug 4

    How That's It Became America's #1 Fruit Bar

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Katie Eshuys, President of That's It., the fast-growing clean-label snack company on a mission to help people eat more fruit through simple, minimally processed foods. Katie shares how That's It. has built a nationally recognized brand around products with just two ingredients, expanded into schools and major retailers across the country, and continues to innovate with new products designed to improve nutrition without sacrificing simplicity or taste. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, leadership, nutrition, women in business, endurance sports, resilience, and what it takes to scale a mission-driven consumer brand in today's competitive food industry. Topics covered in this episode: How That's It. is changing the healthy snack industryWhy eating more fruit is one of the simplest ways to improve your healthThe philosophy behind clean-label food and minimal ingredientsNew products including Crunchables and FruttolaGrowing a national consumer packaged goods (CPG) brandExpanding into schools and food serviceKatie's journey from Australia to leading an American food companyThe leadership lessons that helped her become PresidentWhy advocating for yourself is critical for career growthThe differences between corporate leadership and startup cultureFiber, nutrition, and building healthier habitsTraining for endurance races and the mindset of resilienceRecovering from setbacks and maintaining a growth mindsetAdvice for women pursuing leadership roles Follow Katie Eshuys: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieeshuys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keshuys?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Learn More About That's It.: Website: https://thatsitfruit.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsit Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

  4. Jul 28

    The Night TaskRabbit Was Born

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Leah Solivan, founder of TaskRabbit, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and one of the pioneers of the modern gig economy. What began as a simple idea after running out of dog food during a snowy Boston night grew into a global marketplace that changed how millions of people outsource everyday tasks before being acquired by IKEA. Leah shares the incredible story of leaving IBM in 2008 to build TaskRabbit from scratch, bootstrapping the business, raising venture capital, scaling through the highs and lows of startup life, and ultimately selling the company to IKEA after discovering that furniture assembly dramatically increased customer purchases. The conversation also explores artificial intelligence, venture capital, founder resilience, women in technology, work-life balance, and why AI is creating one of the biggest entrepreneurial opportunities in decades. Topics covered in this episode: The story behind founding TaskRabbitHow a snowy night and a bag of dog food inspired a billion-dollar ideaLeaving IBM to become an entrepreneurBootstrapping before raising venture capitalThe realities of startup fundraisingThe physical and mental toll of building a high-growth companySelling TaskRabbit to IKEAWhy AI is transforming marketplaces and entrepreneurshipHow venture capital is changing in the AI eraWhat investors look for in successful foundersWomen in technology and leadershipBalancing entrepreneurship, investing, motherhood, and personal fulfillmentBuilding Precedent VC and investing in the next generation of AI startups Leah also shares lessons from nearly two decades in technology, discussing founder burnout, resilience, innovation, and why the next generation of entrepreneurs will have unprecedented opportunities because of artificial intelligence. Whether you're building a startup, interested in venture capital, exploring AI, or simply curious how one idea can transform an industry, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiring entrepreneurial lessons. Follow Leah Solivan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahsolivan X: https://x.com/leahsolivan Learn More About Precedent VC: Website: https://precedent.vc Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

  5. Jul 21

    Will Harris | The Truth About Regenerative Farming, Industrial Beef & America's Broken Food System

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Will Harris, fourth-generation cattleman, regenerative agriculture pioneer, and owner of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia. What was once a conventional industrial cattle operation has become one of the most recognized regenerative farms in the world, raising 10 species of livestock across more than 3,200 acres. Will shares why he walked away from industrial farming in the mid-1990s, the animal welfare moment that changed his perspective forever, and how rebuilding his farm around nature's systems transformed the land, the business, and his community. Today, White Oak Pastures processes its own animals, ships premium meat directly to consumers nationwide, and has become a global model for regenerative agriculture. The conversation explores regenerative farming, soil health, carbon sequestration, food labeling, animal welfare, rural economic development, and why consumers have more power over the food system than they realize. Topics covered in this episode: Why Will Harris abandoned industrial cattle farmingWhat regenerative agriculture actually meansThe truth about industrial beef productionHow regenerative farming improves soil health and biodiversityCarbon sequestration and the environmental impact of regenerative beefThe role of pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, and monoculture farmingWhy White Oak Pastures processes livestock on-siteThe economics of regenerative agricultureCountry-of-origin labeling and why it mattersHow consumers can reshape the food industryRevitalizing rural America through local agricultureWhite Oak Pastures' partnership with Silicon Ranch for solar grazingLessons from four generations of farmingWill's book, A Bold Return to Giving a Damn Will also discusses the importance of transparency in food production, rebuilding local economies through agriculture, and why leaving the land healthier than you found it should be every farmer's goal. Whether you're interested in farming, sustainability, nutrition, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, or simply understanding where your food comes from, this conversation offers an insightful look at one of the most important conversations happening in agriculture today. Follow Will Harris: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakpastures Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteOakPastures Learn More About White Oak Pastures: Website: https://whiteoakpastures.com Read Will's Book: A Bold Return to Giving a Damn https://whiteoakpastures.com/pages/book Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

  6. Jul 14

    David Bakhtiari on Aaron Rodgers, Injuries & Life After Football

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with David Bakhtiari, two-time First-Team All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler, and one of the greatest left tackles of his generation. Over 11 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, David protected Aaron Rodgers' blind side, helped lead the Packers to consistent playoff runs, and established himself as one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen. David shares his incredible journey from being an overlooked high school recruit to earning a scholarship at the University of Colorado, declaring early for the NFL Draft, and eventually becoming a cornerstone of the Packers franchise. He opens up about draft day, earning Aaron Rodgers' trust, negotiating life-changing contracts, managing wealth, and the devastating ACL injury that ultimately changed the trajectory of his career. The conversation also explores player safety, artificial turf versus natural grass, mental resilience, identity after professional sports, and what it truly takes to compete at the highest level for more than a decade. Topics covered in this episode: David Bakhtiari's journey from Colorado to the Green Bay PackersProtecting Aaron Rodgers and life as an NFL left tackleWhat Aaron Rodgers told him before his first NFL startNFL Draft day, combine interviews, and falling to the fourth roundThe mentality required to become a First-Team All-ProOffensive line techniques, preparation, and consistencyNegotiating NFL contracts and building long-term wealthReal estate investing and financial disciplineBehind the scenes of the Packers' Pitch Perfect 2 cameoThe ACL injury that changed everythingMultiple knee surgeries, rehabilitation, and returning to footballWhy David has become an advocate for player safety and natural grass fieldsCoping with retirement and finding purpose after football David also reflects on the emotional side of professional sports, sharing what it was like to lose the game he loved, the challenges of rebuilding after injury, and the lessons he's carrying into the next chapter of his life. Whether you're an NFL fan, athlete, entrepreneur, or someone navigating setbacks in your own career, this conversation offers an honest look at resilience, discipline, leadership, and what it takes to perform at an elite level. Follow David Bakhtiari: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbakhtiari X: https://x.com/DavidBakhtiari Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Don't Get Me Killed 00:54 Meet David Bakhtiari 02:17 Life After Football 04:08 Staying Fit After the NFL 06:42 From High School to College Offers 08:42 Choosing Colorado 11:50 Earning the Starting Job 15:04 Welcome to College Football 17:23 Realizing the NFL Was Possible 18:56 Declaring for the NFL Draft 22:59 NFL Combine Stories 25:34 Draft Day Slide 27:55 The Green Bay Packers Call 30:45 The Beach Meeting 32:10 FIFA with Aaron Rodgers 32:56 Clay Matthews' Welcome 34:19 First NFL Start 37:26 "Don't Get Me Killed" 39:17 Why I Wore #69 41:44 The Elbow Brace 43:01 Pitch Perfect 2 Cameo 49:51 Becoming an All-Pro 52:15 The Mental Side of Offensive Line Play 55:50 Signing a Big Contract 01:00:33 Money Habits & Investing 01:02:27 Tearing My ACL 01:03:10 Turf vs. Grass Debate 01:04:20 Why Turf Feels Different 01:07:09 Stadiums, Money & Player Safety 01:09:47 The MRI 01:12:58 Cartilage Damage & Multiple Surgeries 01:16:30 The Two-Year Rehab 01:17:41 Finding Identity After Football 01:21:58 Missing the Game 01:24:59 Aaron Rodgers Stories 01:26:17 Rapid Fire NFL Questions 01:32:20 Closing Thoughts

  7. Jul 7

    Why Smart People Keep Losing Negotiations

    In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Dr. Abbie Marono, behavioral scientist, author, and international expert on trust, influence, body language, and human behavior. Dr. Marono has trained the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and numerous federal agencies on behavioral analysis, interviewing, and nonverbal communication. In this conversation, she explains how to better understand people, build trust faster, communicate more effectively, and become a stronger leader by learning the science behind human behavior. Beyond the research, Abbie shares her incredible personal journey through addiction, homelessness, trauma, and rebuilding her life into one dedicated to helping others better understand themselves and the people around them. Topics covered in this episode: How to read body language without falling for common mythsWhy body language often reveals more than wordsThe science behind trust, influence, and first impressionsFight-or-flight responses and what they reveal about behaviorSelf-soothing behaviors, confidence, and anxiety cuesWhy context and cue clusters matter more than individual gesturesThe psychology of negotiation and influenceEmotional regulation and the hidden side of leadershipHow curiosity creates stronger conversations and better outcomesDr. Marono's journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming a leading behavioral scientistHealing from trauma and rebuilding self-agencyTraining the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and federal agenciesWhy the best negotiators stop trying to "win" Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, salesperson, negotiator, or simply someone who wants to better understand people, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately in both business and everyday life. Follow Dr. Abbie Marono: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbiemarono LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbiemarono Website: https://www.abbiemarono.com Follow Kyle Matthews: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Listen to Understand 00:45 Meet Dr. Abbie Marono 02:47 Why Body Language Matters 04:33 Fight or Flight Signals 06:29 Confidence and Self-Soothing 08:39 Reading Proximity Cues 12:11 Smiles and Building Trust 14:52 Influence vs. Manipulation 16:03 Addiction, Homelessness & Recovery 22:15 The Turning Point 23:14 Rebuilding After Trauma 27:56 Back to School & Finding Mentors 32:48 Research, Joe Navarro & Behavioral Science 41:48 Reading Context, Not Just Cues 43:57 Trauma and Mental Contamination 48:52 Intuition vs. Trauma 49:26 A Relationship Turns Dark 50:48 Betrayal and Assault 51:36 Feeling Trapped 53:14 Family, Healing & Recovery 54:29 The Science of Emotional Shutdown 56:23 Healing Through Safe Relationships 59:03 The Hidden Half of Leadership 01:01:39 Joe Navarro's Influence 01:06:10 Training Federal Agents 01:08:54 Building Trust Under Stress 01:12:08 Executive Blind Spots 01:19:50 Why Personal Becomes Professional 01:21:31 Self-Reflection and Shame 01:23:41 Rapid Fire: Body Language 01:28:54 Negotiation: Drop the Goal 01:31:42 Closing Thoughts

  8. Jun 30

    The First Thing Chobani's Founder Told Me

    Kyle Matthews sits down with Ricky Silver, CEO of Daily Harvest, to discuss how one of America's fastest-growing healthy food companies is changing the way people eat. Ricky shares his unconventional journey from studying chemistry at Skidmore College and pursuing a PhD at NYU to becoming a personal chef, working in PepsiCo's research and development division, leading innovation at Vita Coco, and ultimately becoming CEO of Daily Harvest following its acquisition by Chobani. The conversation explores what it takes to build a mission-driven food company, why healthier eating has become unnecessarily complicated, how Daily Harvest sources ingredients from around the world, and the leadership lessons Ricky has learned while scaling a rapidly growing business. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why Daily Harvest believes healthy eating should be simple • How Ricky transitioned from chemistry into the food industry • What he learned during his years at PepsiCo and Vita Coco • Why Daily Harvest chose to expand beyond smoothies • The surprising story behind rescuing "imperfect" bananas from Ecuador • Why food safety is the foundation of Chobani's culture • How Ricky became CEO and helped lead Daily Harvest through its acquisition by Chobani • Leadership lessons from competitive sports • Why the best managers are "kind, not nice" • The importance of curiosity, accountability, and building high-performing teams

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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
    130
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Kyle Matthews
  • Show Website
    The Matthews Mentality Podcast

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