The Possible with Gilad Palley

The Possible with Gilad
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Updated Biweekly

Your potential is limitless. The Possible explores how to unlock it through conversations with visionaries, founders, and change-makers. No question is off-limits — we dig deep to uncover the life lessons behind triumph, failure, and growth. Each episode provides practical guidance for living well, whether it’s achieving greatness, improving yourself, or discovering your own sense of possibility. Like our guests, you can realize your full potential.

Episodes

  1. 22h ago

    How Abraham Lincoln Built Unshakable Confidence | David Reynolds

    What made Abraham Lincoln one of history's greatest leaders? In this conversation, Lincoln Prize-winning historian David S. Reynolds explores the character, leadership, and moral conviction that shaped Abraham Lincoln. Rather than focusing only on the Civil War, we examine the habits and mindset that made Lincoln extraordinary—from his humility and resilience to his confidence, love of learning, and ability to unite a deeply divided nation. We discuss: • How Lincoln built confidence despite repeated failures• Why humility was one of his greatest strengths• The leadership lessons modern politicians often miss• Lincoln's lifelong commitment to learning and self-education• Shakespeare's influence on his thinking and leadership• John Wilkes Booth and the assassination of Lincoln• Why Lincoln believed democracy depends on character• The balance between compromise and moral conviction• The origins of Thanksgiving and Christmas as national holidays• What Lincoln can still teach us about leadership today Whether you're interested in history, leadership, politics, or personal growth, this conversation offers timeless lessons from one of America's greatest presidents.

  2. Jul 15

    She Knew Nothing About Biology. Then Built a Biotech Company | AI AVATAR of United Therapeutics CEO and Founder of Sirius XM Martine Rothblatt

    This is one of the most unusual conversations I've ever had. My guest is Marvatar, the AI avatar of Martine Rothblatt—founder of Sirius Satellite Radio, founder and CEO of United Therapeutics, entrepreneur, lawyer, pilot, and one ofthe most unconventional innovators of our time. Martine knew nothing about biology when her daughter Genesis was diagnosed with a fatal disease. She refused to let this stop her and ended up finding the cure for her daughter and founding United Therapeutics, a biotechnology company, to save her life. Today, her work spans biotechnology, xenotransplantation (organ transplant from animals to humans), electric aviation (pioneering the first zero emission helicopter and receiving multiple Guinness World Records for personally flying it), artificial intelligence, and digital consciousness. In this conversation, we explore: • How a chance visit to a NASA tracking station at age 19 inspired Sirius Satellite Radio • How to find your purpose • How Martine taught herself biology from scratch and built a biotechnology company • How to teach determination • How to teach yourself an entirely new field • The art of asking better questions • What failure really teaches us • Authenticity, identity, and and her transition as a transgender woman • The purpose of life and the future of consciousness Whether you're interested in entrepreneurship, leadership, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, or simply becoming a better learner, I hope you'll find this conversation thought-provoking. Please follow The Possible. New conversations explore leadership, ethics, entrepreneurship, and humanpotential.

  3. Jul 8

    Part-Time College Job to Bank CEO | Richard Vague

    Richard Vague went from taking a part-time job at a bank while working his way through college to becoming the president of a bank, founding two banks of his own, and becoming one of America's leading thinkers on leadership, debt, history, and the economy. Along the way, he also served as Pennsylvania's Secretary of Banking and Securities and on the boards of the University of Pennsylvania, the Franklin Institute, and the Museum of the American Revolution. In this conversation, we discuss the lessons that shaped his remarkable career—from why the best leaders "speak last" to the importance of doing the work rather than chasing promotions. We also explore what America's founders can teach us about compromise, what Americans actually care about in politics, practical ideas for addressing student debt, whether today's AI investment boom is sustainable, and why understanding history is essential to understanding today's economy. Whether you're interested in leadership, business, economics, American history, or building a meaningful career, this conversation is full of practical wisdom from someone who has spent decades leading, learning, and serving.

  4. May 14

    Robert Wolf: Family, Success, and What Actually Matters (Former CEO UBS Americas)

    How do you build success without losing your values? In this conversation, I sit down with Robert Wolf,  former CEOand Chairman of UBS Americas, founder of 32 Advisors, and a close advisor to President Obama, to explore ambition, discipline, and what actually matters over the long run. Robert has led through financial crises, built companies, and served as a key bridge between Wall Street and the White House. This conversation is about how Robert did it allwhile as a committed family man. We discuss how to structure ambition, what he learned from observing leadership up close, and why there is never a straight line to success.

  5. Apr 10

    Shakespearean Scholar, World Medallist Wrestler, and Linguist David Mendelsohn on Becoming a Winner and Facing Rejection

    At age 11, David Mendelsohn was reading 900 pages daily and had completed all of Shakespeare. By his 20s, he was standing on a world podium as a champion wrestler. How does a child prodigy from a religious Jewish home transform into a Canadian National Champion and World Medallist? It didn't start with winning. It started with losing. Losing a lot. So much so that David’s father joked to offer badges that said “I beat David Mendelsohn.” In this episode, David breaks down the exact mental framework he used to flip the script. He was told he had to stop reading and become like a bull, but he followed a different path: The Power of Extreme Visualization: How to map out victory before stepping on the mat.The Identity Shift: Why "knowing yourself" is the critical factor for victory.Fear, self-awareness, and performanceWhy rejection is part of every path to successHow to build confidence by taking repeated chancesAdditional insight into how to make friends while traveling and what David's grandma taught him about humanity. Listen now to bridge the gap to see how the academy and the arena can be one in the same.

  6. Mar 22

    Abraham Lincoln: Cultural Division, Compromise, and National Unity

    In the 1860s, Americans saw themselves as fundamentally different civilizations — Puritan North versus Cavalier South. The divide was not just political. It was cultural, moral, and existential. In Part 2 of my conversation with Professor David S. Reynolds (Distinguished Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center and author of Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times), we explore how Abraham Lincoln led a nation more culturally divided than our own. Lincoln refused to inflame those identities.But he also refused to surrender moral conviction. We discuss: ​Whether division is driven by culture or policy• The limits of compromise in times of crisis• Why Lincoln nationalized Thanksgiving• How Christmas became a symbol of unity• What modern leaders can learn from his example This is a conversation about unity, moral clarity, and the tension between compromise and principle. Part 3: Lincoln’s character, prostitution, and the foundations of his confidence.

  7. Mar 22

    First-Gen Kid to Self-Made Founder: Jeff Toporek on Greatness, Courage & Family | The Possible

    What happens when you leave everything safe — and bet entirely on yourself? In this episode, Jeff Toporek — real estate investment firm founder, baseball coach, and host of the 1st Gen AmeriCAN Podcast — joins Gilad Palley for a conversation about courage, clarity, and the journey from chasing success to living with purpose. Jeff shares how being a first-generation American shaped his drive, why he walked away from a “perfect” Wall Street job, and how he chose to pursue greatness on his own terms. They explore identity, parenting, and what it really means to live a good life. Honest, grounded, and full of hard-earned wisdom, this episode will make you reflect on your own choices — and what’s truly possible.

  8. Mar 22

    Abraham Lincoln: Humility, Unity, and the Fight for a Just Democracy

    On Abraham Lincoln’s birthday, we explore what made him extraordinary. I’m joined by Professor David S. Reynolds, Distinguished Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center and author of Abe: Abraham Lincoln in His Times, recipient of the Lincoln Prize. We discuss what defined Lincoln’s character: ​His radical humility even in triumph​How being largely self-taught shaped him​The power of spanning high and low culture​What Lincoln teaches us about overcoming division without abandoning principle Lincoln believed democracy could be destroyed not by foreign enemies, but by mob action or by a leader who sees himself as a Caesar. This is a conversation about character, unity, and timeless values. 🎙 Part 2: How Lincoln gave us both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

  9. Feb 26

    Abraham Lincoln: How Confidence Is Built in Hard Times

    We often treat Abraham Lincoln as untouchable, as if greatness means flawlessness. It doesn’t. In Part 3 of my conversation with Professor David S.Reynolds (Distinguished Professor at the CUNY Graduate Center and author of Abe:Abraham Lincoln in His Times), we examine Lincoln’s humanity. We discuss: • The story of his visit to a brothel • His complicated marriage • His moments of depression and doubt • The private note where he admitted he didn’t know whose side God was on• The confidence that allowed him to surround himself with rivals Lincoln combined humility with deep inner strength. This episode covers Lincoln's private life, his confidence, and the possibility that greatness grows out of struggle, not perfection. Listen through to the end for a powerful reflection on thepower of one individual.

  10. 10/09/2025

    Lessons from MLK & a Life of Activism | The Possible with Peter Geffen

    Peter Geffen — founder of the Abraham Joshua Heschel School and the Kivunim gap-year program — shares powerful lessons on questions, faith, and education. A lifelong educator and civil rights activist, Peter reflects on his work with MLK, including the moving story of finding the mule that carried Dr. King’s casket. This episode explores leadership, education, activism, and practical life lessons, offering inspiration for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact.

  11. 09/25/2025

    A Good Life, Building Relationships, and Goal Setting | The Possible with Heng Lu

    Heng Lu, Head of Strategic Business Operations and Analytics at Flagship Pioneering, shares insights from 10 years of daily reading on personal growth, leadership, and happiness. He explains practical strategies for building strong relationships, navigating interpersonal challenges, and living a meaningful, purposeful life. In this episode of The Possible, Heng reflects on the daily habits, mindset shifts, and intentional choices that foster resilience, focus, and well-being, offering listeners actionable lessons to integrate into both personal and professional life. Key Takeaways: How to cultivate and maintain meaningful relationships Strategies for managing conflict and interpersonal challenges Daily practices for personal growth Insights from a decade of reading and reflection on philosophy, leadership, and self-improvement Books & Resources Mentioned: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie Harvard Happiness Study The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga The Stranger by Albert Camus

  12. 09/25/2025

    Jon Macaskill: Navy SEAL Commander on Mindfulness, Purpose & Resilience

    In this episode, Jon Macaskill—retired Navy SEAL Commander (24 years), mindfulness teacher, and leadership coach—shares how to identify what truly matters most and achieve your goals, whether you are planning 10 years ahead or just for tomorrow. From leading elite SEAL teams to coaching high performers, Jon provides practical tools for managing time, boosting mindfulness, and developing patience, resilience, and compassion. Jon explains how to cultivate mental strength, focus on what you can control, and navigate challenges. He draws on decades of experience leading teams under extreme pressure and guiding individuals to unlock their potential. Books Recommended by Jon Macaskill: Unleashing Inner Strength: A Navy SEAL's Guide to Preparedness, Resilience, Grit, and Compassion Through Mindfulness The Ultimate Goal-Setting Journal: Your Roadmap to Success

  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Your potential is limitless. The Possible explores how to unlock it through conversations with visionaries, founders, and change-makers. No question is off-limits — we dig deep to uncover the life lessons behind triumph, failure, and growth. Each episode provides practical guidance for living well, whether it’s achieving greatness, improving yourself, or discovering your own sense of possibility. Like our guests, you can realize your full potential.

Information

  • Creator
    The Possible with Gilad
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © The Possible with Gilad
  • Show Website
    The Possible with Gilad Palley