Decoding Success with Matt LeBris

Matt LeBris
  • 5.0 (233)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Decoding Success Podcast - the show for high-performers who have used their trauma to fuel their success. If you have ever felt like a black sheep, someone who experienced isolation, neglect, or disconnection, you're in the right place as we guide our community to feel seen, understood, and connected to their highest selves. Matt LeBris hosts our weekly show, as he dives deep with world-renowned leaders in business, entertainment, sports, science, health, and literature, providing invaluable insights on emotional, mental, physical, financial, and spiritual well-being. Each episode features deep, transformative conversations designed to reconnect you with your true self. Our mission is to guide you on a journey of self-discovery, helping you go from feeling isolated to feeling seen, from anxious to connected, from being hard on yourself to giving grace. Whether you're seeking to identify your path to healing trauma, anxiety or dark days, make mindset shifts to step into your highest self, or break free from what no longer serves you, The Decoding Success Podcast is here to help. While you might hear some woo-woo things, make no mistake because you're going to get the real, raw, born-and-raised New Yorker out of Matt. And, with conversations featuring the likes of Mel Robbins, Grant Cardone, Dr. Nicole LePera, Patrick Bet-David, Gabby Bernstein, Dr. Caroline Leaf, Daymond John, and many more, you're bound to discover the golden nuggets you're seeking as you pursue your desire to transform your life from the inside out. Tune in to discover practical advice, inspiring stories, and powerful tools to elevate every facet of your life. Join us and become part of a community where you can thrive and become the best version of yourself.

  1. 6D AGO

    371. Meals By Cug: Why Caring Less Might Make You More Successful

    Get Guided Support on Building Your Brand If you're looking for clarity, strategy, and guidance on building a personal brand that actually feels like you, book a free brand call here: 👉 https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris In this episode of Decoding Success, Matt LeBris sits down with Danny Mondello—better known as Meals By Cug—for a raw, funny, and unexpectedly deep conversation about success, pressure, and why caring less might actually be the key to winning. Danny never chased fame or money. He was simply cooking, filming what he was already doing, and staying consistent. Over time, that approach turned into millions of followers, major brand partnerships, and the launch of his Brooklyn café, Casa Cugine. What sets this conversation apart is Danny's mindset. While most high performers obsess over outcomes and identity, he takes a radically different approach—one built on simplicity, emotional detachment, and living an "easier" life. In this episode, he shares why stress doesn't belong in success and how worrying less has helped him last longer in the creator economy. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why caring less can actually lead to better results How emotional detachment becomes a competitive advantage The difference between building for passion vs. pressure Why consistency beats talent in content creation How Danny went from hobby to business without burning out What really makes content perform (hint: it's not the algorithm) How Casa Cugine became both a business and a creative hub Why success doesn't need to feel heavy to be meaningful Connect with Danny / Meals By Cug: Casa Cugine (Brooklyn Café): https://www.casacuginebrooklyn.com/ Meals By Cug on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meals_by_cug/ Meals By Cug on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Meals_by_cug

    51 min
  2. 370. Robbie Bent (Co-Founder, Othership): I Built the Dream… But I Was Wearing Armor

    JAN 27

    370. Robbie Bent (Co-Founder, Othership): I Built the Dream… But I Was Wearing Armor

    YOUR PERSONAL BRAND CAN LEVEL UP... START HERE: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Robbie Bent reveals why entrepreneurial success, high performance, and constant pressure can disconnect you from the very self you're working so hard to elevate. After years of scaling a fast-growing company, Robbie found himself battling anxiety, founder stress, and emotional burnout — even while living the dream on paper. He shares how operating in "armor" — overwork, intensity, and survival mode — helped him achieve success, but left him feeling tense, overwhelmed, and internally disconnected. But here's the breakthrough: achievement didn't feel fulfilling until he stopped chasing validation and started building from purpose, creativity, and genuine connection. The real shift wasn't external success — it was learning how to feel safe, grounded, and present while still pursuing ambitious goals. Whether you're an entrepreneur, high performer, or driven professional dealing with burnout, anxiety, or success that feels empty, this conversation will help you understand the hidden mental health cost of achievement — and how to grow without losing yourself. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris In this episode you will: Recognize the emotional cost of chasing success from fear instead of authenticity Identify the "armor" behaviors that keep high achievers stuck in survival mode Understand why money, status, and recognition can't create lasting fulfillment Learn how to strive for excellence without tying your worth to outcomes Discover why creating meaningful work reconnects you to your true self OFFER: Robbie is offering you a complimentary experience at Othership. DM or Email Matt to claim the offer.  Check out Othership here: https://www.othership.us/ Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiebent/ Connect with Robbie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbiebent/

    51 min
  3. 369. Why Betting on Yourself Feels Lonely (But Pays Off) w/ Lil Mo Mozzarella

    JAN 20

    369. Why Betting on Yourself Feels Lonely (But Pays Off) w/ Lil Mo Mozzarella

    YOUR PERSONAL BRAND LEVELED UP STARTS HERE: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris What does it really take to bet on yourself — especially when the path feels isolating and uncertain? In this episode, I sit down with Lil Mo Mozzarella to talk about leaving a stable career, stepping into comedy later in life, and why real confidence is built through action, not approval. We unpack the loneliness that comes with growth, the importance of protecting your value, and how turning pain into purpose is often the key to long-term success. This conversation is about earned self-belief — the kind that comes from showing up, taking risks, and staying in the game even when it's uncomfortable. WATCH EVERY EPISODE ON YOUTUBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris In this episode, we cover: • Why betting on yourself can feel isolating • How Mo pivoted into comedy • The cost of chasing validation • Protecting your value in business • Turning pain into purpose • Why regret is heavier than failure Connect with Lil Mo Mozzarella 🎤 www.lilmomozzarella.com 😂 Tour Dates 📲 @lilmomozzarella

    40 min
  4. 368. Why Shame Is Blocking the Life, Love, and Intimacy You Want w/ Stefanos Sifandos

    JAN 13

    368. Why Shame Is Blocking the Life, Love, and Intimacy You Want w/ Stefanos Sifandos

    LEVELING UP YOUR PERSONAL BRAND STARTS HERE: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris Most people think they're stuck because they lack discipline, confidence, or clarity. But what if the real reason you're not experiencing deeper intimacy, freedom, and fulfillment… is shame you don't even realize you're carrying? In this episode, I sit down in person with Stefanos Sifandos for a raw, honest conversation about the invisible force shaping our relationships, our self-expression, and the parts of our lives where we keep holding back. We explore why shame doesn't usually announce itself loudly— it hides in avoidance, performance, people-pleasing, and silence. And more importantly, we talk about what it actually takes to move through it. This is a conversation about what has to die for real intimacy to begin, why healing can't happen alone, and how being truly seen is the gateway to everything you say you want. WATCH ALL EPISODES ON YOUTUBE GRAB STEFANOS' NEW BOOK HERE  In This Episode, We Explore: Why shame is the hidden barrier to intimacy, authenticity, and growth How shame disguises itself as fear, procrastination, and "playing it safe" The difference between being "self-aware" and being truly integrated Why what you avoid emotionally tends to repeat in your life How shame shows up in relationships, communication, and self-expression Why healing happens in safe relationships—not in isolation What it actually means to stop hiding and allow yourself to be seen This Episode Is For You If: You feel successful on paper but disconnected internally You struggle to fully open up in relationships You keep repeating patterns you understand but haven't outgrown You feel like something is blocking your next level—but you can't name it You're ready to stop performing for love and start experiencing it --  If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who's been hiding parts of themselves too — or someone you want to feel closer to. And as always, if you enjoyed the conversation, leave a review. It helps more people find the show — and more importantly, find themselves.

    1h 19m
  5. 367. Why You Keep Self-Abandoning (and How to Finally Come Home to Yourself) | Kate Eckman

    JAN 6

    367. Why You Keep Self-Abandoning (and How to Finally Come Home to Yourself) | Kate Eckman

    Kate Eckman breaks down why so many high-achieving people feel disconnected despite doing everything "right." She explains how self-abandonment begins early in life as a way to earn love, safety, and approval—and how people-pleasing, perfectionism, and overachievement are survival responses, not strengths. Drawing from her own healing journey, Kate reveals why emotional invalidation teaches us to doubt our instincts, silence our truth, and perform instead of feel. She shares why choosing yourself often feels lonely, how solitude exposes what distraction hides, and why telling the truth—kindly and clearly—is the foundation of real self-love. This isn't about motivation or positive thinking; it's about stopping self-betrayal, releasing old identities, and coming home to yourself. Watch our episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris Monetize your personal brand in 2026: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris In this episode you will: Understand how self-abandonment forms and shapes relationships, success, and identity Learn why people-pleasing and perfectionism are trauma responses, not personality traits Discover why being alone feels uncomfortable—and how it leads to self-trust Identify when it's time to let go of an identity that no longer fits Redefine success as living in truth instead of performing for approval Connect with Kate: Listen to her podcast: https://www.kateeckman.tv/podcast Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateeckman/ -- Connect with Matt:  Instagram YouTube -- Hey, if you made it this far in the show notes... thank you for your support. I'm grateful you're not only listening to the show, but you're engaged enough to read this. It would mean the world to show if you shared this with someone who needs it. This episode (and our others) has so much powerful meaning to it... someone in your life needs it. Thank you 3

    1h 17m
  6. 366. The REAL Reason You Keep Self-Sabotaging (It Started in Childhood) w/ Jason VanRuler

    12/11/2025

    366. The REAL Reason You Keep Self-Sabotaging (It Started in Childhood) w/ Jason VanRuler

    👉 Want clarity on your own brand? Book a free 1:1 call with the Brand Builders team: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Most people think they've healed their past. But the truth is far heavier: your childhood blueprint is still running your life — your relationships, your success, your self-worth — and you don't even realize it. In this raw and revealing conversation, therapist and author Jason VanRuler returns to Decoding Success to break open the invisible patterns that shape us: earning love, chasing highs, self-sabotaging the moment life gets quiet, and mistaking achievement for fulfillment. This episode isn't about blame — it's about finally understanding why you are the way you are… and how to rewrite the script. If you've ever wondered why you push so hard, why you crash so hard, or why the middle feels unbearable — this one will hit you right in the truth. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris In this episode, we uncover: The childhood wound most people think they healed… but is still driving everything. Why high achievers feel empty even when they're "winning." The difference between using pain and being controlled by it. How to stop earning love and start feeling "I'm okay either way. How to change your relationship with your past without reliving every wound. What self-sabotage actually is — and the surprising first step to stop it. The role expectations play in suffering (especially with parents). Why being your authentic self feels so dangerous — and why it's the only path to real connection. This conversation is simple, confronting, and clarifying — the kind that doesn't just give answers, but gives you yourself back. Connect with Jason Website: https://www.jasonvr.com/ Pre-Order the NEW Book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason.vanruler/ Chapters 00:00 The Drive for Success and Parental Influence 02:28 Understanding Past Pain and Its Impact 05:27 The Role of Pain in Motivation 08:16 Embracing the Middle of Transformation 10:59 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Achievement 14:00 Shifting Intentions and Self-Acceptance 17:01 Whose Voice Are You Listening To? 17:53 Understanding High-Pressure Moments 19:06 The Nature of Resilience 20:03 Beyond Talking: Processing Pain 20:53 Identifying Patterns in Pain 22:14 The Role of Expectations in Relationships 23:37 Making Peace with Family Dynamics 25:51 Accepting People for Who They Are 27:39 The Question of Self-Acceptance 29:30 Grieving Unmet Expectations 31:31 Finding Acceptance in What We Need 33:37 Cultural Influences on Our Needs 34:23 The Complexity of Modern Life 36:30 Authenticity in Relationships 38:59 The Challenge of Being Authentic 41:50 Navigating Modern Dating 44:51 The Importance of Relationships 45:49 Healing Through Storytelling 50:20 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Our Actions 53:08 Embracing Failure as a Path to Growth 55:59 The Myths of Trauma and Healing 57:48 The Importance of Communication in Relationships 01:00:31 Simplifying Life: The Hard Mode Dilemma

    1h 8m
  7. 365. Rory Vaden: Differentiation Is Dead. Be Unique Instead.

    11/25/2025

    365. Rory Vaden: Differentiation Is Dead. Be Unique Instead.

    BUILD YOUR BRAND w/ Brand Builders Group Rory Vaden joins the show to break down why differentiation is dead — and why your real advantage is your uniqueness. If you've ever struggled to build an authentic personal brand because you've spent years people-pleasing, fitting in, or carrying an identity that wasn't truly yours, this episode is a reset. Rory shares how he reinvented himself overnight, why nobody is thinking about your brand as much as you think they are, and the simple shift that helps you build a brand rooted in service, not ego. We also dive into his Trajectory Test, becoming rejection-proof, and the real reason most people aren't making the money they want. If you're a creator, expert, entrepreneur, or anyone building a personal brand, this episode will change how you think about growth, identity, and visibility. Watch all episodes on YouTube What You'll Learn Why uniqueness > differentiation How to reinvent yourself instantly ("plant, pivot, and go") Why personal branding is not about you — it's about who you serve The Trajectory Test for long-term success The real reason you're not making money yet How to overcome the fear of rejection Links Free personal brand strategy call: freebrandcall.com/mattlebris Free audiobook of Wealthy & Well-Known: freebrandaudiobook.com/mattlebris Connect with Rory Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roryvaden/ Website: https://roryvaden.com/

    55 min
  8. 364. Why You Resist Change (And How to Finally Surrender) with Jessica Zweig

    11/18/2025

    364. Why You Resist Change (And How to Finally Surrender) with Jessica Zweig

    💰 Book your F R E E Brand Strategy Call here: freebrandcall.com/mattlebris In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Matt sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and spiritual teacher Jessica Zweig for a raw exploration of what it really means to surrender, evolve, and take radical responsibility for your life. Jessica opens up about her recent season of expansion — navigating anxiety, overwhelm, business transitions, spiritual initiation, and the deeper truth behind why so many of us resist change even when we're praying for a breakthrough. Together, they unpack the difference between surviving and co-creating, how to listen to your body's signals without letting fear lead, and why our toughest moments are often the exact pathways into our next level. This episode is equal parts grounding and activating — especially if you're in a season of uncertainty, reinvention, or feeling like you're outgrowing the life around you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why surrender is the true catalyst for growth How to trust change when everything feels uncertain The role of "initiations" in your spiritual and personal evolution Why overwhelm and anxiety aren't life sentences How to develop radical self-responsibility (and why it's a superpower) The body's truth: what your anxiety is really trying to tell you How to stop outsourcing your power to mentors, coaches, and relationships The surprising connection between joy, abundance, and alignment What happens when you finally take off the mask Why softness is strength — and how to practice it daily Connect With Jessica Website: jessicasweig.com Instagram: @jessicasweig Podcast: The Spiritual Hustler Books: Be and The Light Work If You Enjoyed This Episode Send this to someone going through a transition. Share this with a friend who needs a reminder that they're not behind — they're being initiated.

    1h 2m
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5
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233 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Decoding Success Podcast - the show for high-performers who have used their trauma to fuel their success. If you have ever felt like a black sheep, someone who experienced isolation, neglect, or disconnection, you're in the right place as we guide our community to feel seen, understood, and connected to their highest selves. Matt LeBris hosts our weekly show, as he dives deep with world-renowned leaders in business, entertainment, sports, science, health, and literature, providing invaluable insights on emotional, mental, physical, financial, and spiritual well-being. Each episode features deep, transformative conversations designed to reconnect you with your true self. Our mission is to guide you on a journey of self-discovery, helping you go from feeling isolated to feeling seen, from anxious to connected, from being hard on yourself to giving grace. Whether you're seeking to identify your path to healing trauma, anxiety or dark days, make mindset shifts to step into your highest self, or break free from what no longer serves you, The Decoding Success Podcast is here to help. While you might hear some woo-woo things, make no mistake because you're going to get the real, raw, born-and-raised New Yorker out of Matt. And, with conversations featuring the likes of Mel Robbins, Grant Cardone, Dr. Nicole LePera, Patrick Bet-David, Gabby Bernstein, Dr. Caroline Leaf, Daymond John, and many more, you're bound to discover the golden nuggets you're seeking as you pursue your desire to transform your life from the inside out. Tune in to discover practical advice, inspiring stories, and powerful tools to elevate every facet of your life. Join us and become part of a community where you can thrive and become the best version of yourself.

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