EYES WIDE | the podcast

Craig Palmer
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A journey through self-reflection, introspection, and tapping into all of the beautiful motivation a goal-seeking life will provide.

  1. FEB 23

    EP 22 | THE HEART OF A CHAMPION: Politics, Patriotism, and the Soul of the 2026 Winter Games

    The 2026 Winter Olympics began with a question that divided a nation and ended with an answer that united it. When freestyle skier Hunter Hess expressed “mixed emotions” about representing the USA, it sparked a firestorm. But as the games unfolded, a more powerful story emerged — one of sacrifice, dedication, and undeniable patriotism. Follow the journey from the controversy that defined the opening days to the emotional triumph that will be remembered for generations. We explore the inspiring story of figure skater Alysa Liu, who honored her family’s flight from tyranny with a gold medal performance. Then, we go inside the US Men’s Hockey team’s incredible run, their emotional tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, and the legendary gold medal final against Canada. From Connor Hellebuyck’s heroic goaltending to Jack Hughes’s bloodied, toothless, game-winning goal in overtime, this is the story of how a team of brothers brought a country together and gave us all a reason to cheer. Show Notes In this episode, we explore the powerful narrative of the 2026 Winter Olympics, from the political controversy that kicked off the games to the unifying, patriotic moments that defined its conclusion. We contrast the media firestorm surrounding freestyle skier Hunter Hess’s comments with the inspiring stories of figure skater Alysa Liu and the US Men’s and Women’s hockey teams. The majority of the episode focuses on the Men’s Hockey team’s incredible undefeated run, their emotional tribute to the late Johnny Gaudreau, and the legendary gold medal final against Canada, where Jack Hughes became an American hero. Keywords / Tags Olympics, 2026 Winter Olympics, Milano Cortina 2026, Team USA, USA Hockey, Men’s Hockey, Ice Hockey, Gold Medal, USA vs Canada, Patriotism, Politics, Sports, Hunter Hess, Jack Hughes, Alysa Liu, Johnny Gaudreau, Connor Hellebuyck, Miracle on Ice, Winter Games, Team USA Hockey, Olympic Hockey

    39 min

  2. FEB 11

    EP 21 | The Margin for Error: Standards, judgment, and responsibility when outcomes matter

    Introduction: In the world of high-stakes professions, the difference between success and failure often comes down to one critical factor: responsibility. In this episode of Eyes Wide, host Craig Palmer speaks with Dr. Jonathan Pirnazar, an elite ophthalmologist with NVISION EYE CENTERS, about the importance of preparation, judgment, and accountability in the medical field. Main Content:1. The Weight of ResponsibilityCraig Palmer opens the discussion by emphasizing the stark contrast between those who merely speak of responsibility and those who embody it, especially in fields where the margin for error is minimal. He stresses that in professions like ophthalmology, there is no room for delegation or excuses when patient outcomes are on the line. Dr. Pirnazar echoes this sentiment, highlighting that in his practice, excellence is not just an ideal, but a necessity.2. The Journey into OphthalmologyDr. Pirnazar shares his personal journey into the field of ophthalmology, revealing that his passion was ignited during his medical training in the 1990s. He explains that the allure of being able to diagnose and treat patients efficiently—without the need for extensive testing—was a pivotal factor in his decision. This efficiency allows him to focus on improving patients' lives through corrective procedures, which he finds deeply rewarding.3. The Role of MentorshipReflecting on his early experiences, Dr. Pirnazar discusses the impact of mentorship on his career. He recalls the influence of his childhood ophthalmologist, who not only diagnosed his vision issues but also demonstrated a compassionate approach to patient care. This early exposure played a significant role in shaping his professional philosophy and commitment to patient relationships.4. Balancing Professional and Personal LifeThe conversation also touches on the balance between professional responsibilities and personal life. Dr. Pirnazar emphasizes the importance of maintaining good relationships with family and colleagues, as they are integral to his overall well-being and professional success. He recalls a valuable lesson from his father, who instilled in him the importance of having a good family, education, and a bit of luck, as the foundation for a fulfilling life.5. Facing Challenges and Celebrating SuccessesDespite the challenges that come with being a surgeon, Dr. Pirnazar has never doubted his choice of profession. He believes that the good days in his career far outweigh the bad ones, a perspective he attributes to his dedication and passion for helping others. The satisfaction he derives from successfully performing surgeries and enhancing his patients’ quality of life fuels his commitment to the field.Conclusion: In conclusion, the conversation with Dr. Jonathan Pirnazar reveals the crucial role of responsibility, preparation, and mentorship in high-stakes professions like ophthalmology. His insights serve as a reminder that true success is measured not just by outcomes, but by the dedication and accountability one brings to their work. Key takeaways include the importance of preparation, the impact of mentorship, and the balance between personal and professional responsibilities.Tags: ophthalmology, responsibility, mentorship, patient care, medical profession, high-stakes decision-making, Dr. Jonathan Pirnazar, Eyes Wide podcast, healthcare excellence, personal development.

    59 min

  3. JAN 14

    EP 20 | When the Clock Reveals: Pressure, Preparation, and Performance Under Fire

    Eighteen seconds left. You’re down by three. The season is on the line. What do you do?This isn’t just about football—it’s about your career, your relationships, and every high-stakes moment you’ll ever face. In this episode, Craig explores why the final three minutes don’t build character—they reveal it.Drawing lessons from historic NFL playoff games and high-pressure business scenarios, Craig breaks down the psychology of why some people rise under pressure while others fold. You’ll learn the difference between panic and preparation, why you don’t need more time (you need more focus), and how to execute when everything is on the line.Stop waiting for the perfect moment and start executing with the time you have. This episode will teach you how. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why the final three minutes reveal who you really are (0:26) •The Pressure Paradox: How pressure reveals what's already there (5:07) •The Game Slows Down: How preparation helps you execute under pressure (9:09) •Real-World Examples: Bills, Rams, Bears clutch moments (17:00) •The Execution Framework: What to do when your back is against the wall (23:00) •The Hard Truth About Time: You don't need more time, you need more focus (28:36) #EyesWide #Execution #Pressure #Leadership #Performance #Mindset

    30 min

  4. 12/31/2025

    EP 19 | WHEN THE SETUP LIES: Legacy, leverage, and leadership decisions

    Sometimes everything looks right — the matchup, the opportunity, the name, the reputation. On paper, it should work. And yet, it doesn’t. In this episode, I unpack how leaders, sales teams, and organizations get misled by familiarity and legacy value. From betting on past producers and over-investing in “friendly” customers, to recruiting perceived A-players who collapse when the environment changes, this conversation is about learning to reassess signals before the cost compounds. This isn’t about effort or optimism. It’s about decision discipline. Understanding the difference between what’s possible and what’s probable. And recognizing when reputation, access, or history no longer translate into results. If you’re building teams, managing leaders, selling into complex markets, or making high-stakes decisions, this episode is a reminder that outcomes don’t follow setups — they follow execution. keywords opportunity, business, leadership, sales, recruitment, fantasy football, team building, customer relations, success, strategy Takeaways Seizing opportunities is crucial for success.Fantasy football teaches valuable business lessons.High-pressure situations require informed decision-making.Recruiting should focus on fit, not just legacy.Diversity in teams leads to better outcomes.Relying on legacy customers can be misleading.Building new talent is essential for growth.Markets reward execution over historical performance.Leaders must adapt to changing circumstances.Personal growth is key to future success.Sound Bites "Focus on building new rock stars.""Leaders decide what still matters.""This life is what you make of it."

    28 min

  5. 12/17/2025

    EP 18 | From Heart Failure to Heart Success: The business of second chances

    Keywords heart failure, heart success, cardiology, social media, prevention, peptides, testosterone therapy, emotional weight, medical practice, youth in medicine Summary In this conversation, Dr. Dmitry Yaranov -  @Heart_transplant_doc  - an advanced heart failure and transplant cardiologist, discusses the transformative journey from heart failure to heart success. He emphasizes the importance of prevention, the emotional weight of losing patients, and the role of social media in educating the public about heart health. The discussion also covers the challenges faced by young professionals in cardiology, the impact of COVID-19 on medical practice, and the complexities surrounding hormone replacement therapy and peptides. Takeaways Heart failure is often perceived as a death sentence, but it can be managed and even reversed.The term 'heart success' reflects a shift in mindset about heart failure.Social media can bridge the gap between medical professionals and patients, making complex information accessible.Youth in medicine brings energy and innovation, but can also face skepticism from peers.Building a practice requires outreach and community engagement, skills often not taught in training.COVID-19 equalized the medical field, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in patient care.Losing a patient is a profound emotional experience that doctors must navigate.Prevention is key to heart health, and actionable steps should be taken early in life.Peptides and hormone therapies are controversial; their use should be approached with caution and under medical supervision.Testosterone replacement therapy can be beneficial but must be managed carefully to avoid risks. Sound Bites "Heart failure is not the end.""I want to be number one.""Doctors are humans too."

    1h 8m

  6. 12/03/2025

    EP 17 | The Power of Experience: Lessons from a Concert

    Keywords: concert experience, emotional memory, customer experience, Las Vegas, transparency, trust, business success, memorable experiences, customer loyalty, immersive experience Summary: In this episode, Craig Palmer shares his transformative experience at an Eric Church concert, emphasizing the importance of creating emotional memories through experiences rather than focusing solely on costs. He draws parallels between the concert experience and successful business strategies, particularly highlighting the immersive and transparent environments of Las Vegas. Craig discusses how businesses can foster trust and loyalty by providing memorable experiences that resonate with customers, ultimately leading to increased spending and repeat business. Takeaways: The concert experience can create lasting emotional memories.People are willing to spend more when they feel an elevated experience.Creating an immersive environment can enhance customer satisfaction.Transparency in business builds trust and reduces friction.Las Vegas exemplifies how to create a spending-friendly atmosphere.Restaurants can benefit from open kitchens to enhance the dining experience.Customers are more likely to return if they feel valued and special.Emotional connections drive customer loyalty and repeat business.Creating exclusivity can make customers feel special and willing to spend.The overall experience is key to customer satisfaction and business success.

    32 min

  7. 11/12/2025

    EP 16 | Beyond the Lens: Innovation and Empathy in Eye Care

    Guest: Dr. Duna Raoof, MD, Board-Certified Ophthalmic Surgeon Keywords: ophthalmology, cataract surgery, LASIK, innovation, compassion, women in medicine, eye health, social media, patient care Summary:In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Duna Raoof shares her journey into ophthalmology — from her early fascination with science and biology to becoming one of Orange County’s leading cataract and LASIK surgeons. She discusses the power of innovation, the emotional impact of helping patients regain sight, and how compassion and communication differentiate the best in medicine.Dr. Raoof opens up about the balance between motherhood and medicine, the challenges and advantages of being a woman in the field, and how social media is reshaping how physicians connect with patients and colleagues. The discussion also looks ahead to the bright future of ophthalmology — where technology continues to elevate outcomes and patient experience alike. Key Takeaways: • A passion for biology and science led Dr. Raoof to ophthalmology. • A life-changing cataract case reaffirmed her purpose. • Dedication and resilience are essential to thrive in this competitive specialty. • Compassion and communication are the true differentiators in patient care. • Innovation continues to drive better outcomes in LASIK and cataract surgery. • Balancing family and career remains central to her fulfillment. • Women in medicine bring powerful empathy and leadership to the field. • Social media is a bridge for connection and education in modern medicine. • The future of ophthalmology is bright — and laser-focused on patient experience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Duna Raouf 00:51 Early Life and Medical Journey 03:48 The Moment of Realization in Ophthalmology 06:02 Challenges in the Medical Journey 09:10 Innovation in Ophthalmology 11:18 Differentiating in a Competitive Market15:14 The Importance of Compassion in Patient Care 20:22 Balancing Professional and Personal Life21:57 Being a Woman in Medicine24:40 The Role of Communication in Patient Care30:49 Understanding Cataracts and RLEs32:18 Comprehensive Eye Evaluations33:47 Patient Choices and Recommendations36:48 The Role of Social Media in Ophthalmology39:51 Teaching and Mentorship in Medicine42:04 The Future of LASIK Surgery50:58 Innovations in Ophthalmology

    59 min

  8. 10/29/2025

    EP 15 | Burnout to Breakthrough: Rewiring the Mind with Cellan Lehman

    Keywordsmindset, transformation, sales, burnout, beliefs, vulnerability, rituals, healing, identity, neuroscienceSummaryIn this episode of Eyes Wide, host Craig Palmer welcomes Cellan Lehman, a transformational mindset coach with 25 years of sales and marketing experience, particularly in the medical device industry. Kellen shares his journey from a successful sales career to experiencing burnout and ultimately finding his calling in mindset coaching. The conversation delves into the importance of mindset, beliefs, and vulnerability in personal and professional growth. Cellan emphasizes the power of decision-making and the role of rituals in transformation, while also discussing the neuroscience behind mindset changes. The episode concludes with Cellan's insights on navigating personal challenges and the significance of self-discovery in achieving one's potential.TakeawaysCellan has 25 years of sales and marketing experience.He transitioned from medical device sales to mindset coaching.Mindset and mental health are crucial for sales success.Burnout can stem from both work and personal life challenges.Beliefs dictate our actions and outcomes in life.Vulnerability can enhance personal and professional relationships.Rituals can help in personal transformation and healing.Healing is different from escapism; it's about growth.The death of an old identity can lead to a rebirth.Self-discovery is essential for personal growth and clarity.Sound Bites"Beliefs dictate your destiny.""Vulnerability is a strength multiplier.""The only cause of suffering is our own thinking."

    57 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A journey through self-reflection, introspection, and tapping into all of the beautiful motivation a goal-seeking life will provide.

Information

  • Creator
    Craig Palmer
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Craig Palmer
  • Show Website
    EYES WIDE | the podcast