The Greatness Machine

YAP Media
YAP Media
  • 5.0 (131)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Daily

The Greatness Machine is on a Quest to Maximize the Human Experience! Join Award Winning CEO and Author, Darius Mirshahzadeh (pron. Mer-shaw-za-day), as he interviews some of the greatest minds in the world―turning their wisdom and experience into learnings and advice you can use in your life so that you can level up and create greatness. Join Darius as he goes deep with guests like: Moby, Seth Godin, Gabby Reece, Amanda Knox, UFC Ring Announcer Bruce Buffer, Former FBI Negotiator Chris Voss, BJ Fogg, Former Spy and CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante, 1-800-Got-Junk CEO Brian Scudamore, NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, and so many more! Our subject matter ranges from entrepreneurial and pro athlete underdog stories, world-class leadership development, and performance development, to wealth creation and more! If you are a learner who wants to level up in your life and learn from experts who have been there and done that, hit the subscribe button. The Greatness Machine is your ticket to create Greatness in your life! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+TGM@yapmedia.com

  1. 8h ago

    TGM Classic | Shaahin Cheyene | Billion: How I Became King Of The Thrill Pill Cult

    What if you could build million-dollar businesses and actually enjoy your life? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Shaahin Cheyene — entrepreneur, author, and founder of PodcastCola — for a conversation packed with insights and energy. They dive into Shaahin’s journey from launching groundbreaking products to helping others grow their influence through podcasting. Along the way, they explore what it really takes to scale successfully, why self-belief is your greatest asset, and how Shaahin is helping others break into Amazon selling — with a special gift just for listeners. You won't want to miss this one! In this episode, Darius and Shaahin will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Guest Introduction (05:28) Shaahin's Origin Story (17:37) The Rise of Herbal Ecstasy (22:02) Challenges and Government Regulations (24:03) From Billion Dollar Businesses to Vaping Innovations (26:25) Crazy Stories from the Business World (30:03) The Insanity of Cash-Based Operations (32:47) Cultural Background and Family Expectations (36:46) Finding Your Own Path to Success (39:04) The Balance of Ruthlessness and Kindness (44:16) Current Projects and Future Aspirations Shaahin Cheyene is an award-winning entrepreneur, Amazon expert, inventor, author, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Iran, Shaahin launched his entrepreneurial journey at just 15 years old with the creation of Herbal Ecstasy, the smart drug that ignited a global movement. Over the last 30 years, he has built a career spanning more than a billion dollars in revenue. As CEO and Chairman of Accelerated Intelligence, Shaahin helps brand owners scale their online sales across Amazon, eBay, Shopify, and Walmart. He’s also the founder of PodcastCola, the world’s largest podcast agency, and the creator of Amazon Mastery, a course designed to help others succeed on Amazon. Today, Shaahin continues to mentor rising entrepreneurs while leading a thriving business empire from his home in Venice Beach, California. Connect with Shaahin: Website: https://www.shaahincheyenne.com/ Website: https://podcastcola.com/ Website: https://viralmirage.com/  Email: darkzefs@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaahincheyene  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    TGM Classic | Shaahin Cheyene | Billion: How I Became King Of The Thrill Pill Cult

  2. 3d ago

    Darius Classic | Are You Building A Life Of Competition Or A Life Of Gratitude?

    Success does not necessarily equate to happiness and contentment. We often think that it is by grinding day in and day out that we would find fulfillment. Most of us think of happiness as a destination, one that we can only truly experience when we reach a certain level in our job or hit a certain number in our business.  Unfortunately, that is not the case. While it can be rewarding to achieve our goals, it is also true that sometimes success will only give us momentary happiness before it leaves us feeling empty. Today, I am flying solo to talk about that one special event that opened my eyes to the importance of cultivating gratitude and what it means to lead a fulfilling life.  In this episode, I will share what it means to have a competitive attitude and why healthy competition is essential as we work on our dreams. I will also discuss passion as an essential key to achieving professional goals.  Topics include: Why it matters to be passionate about your work What TEDx taught me about passion and gratitude The impact and importance of gratitude The difference between healthy and unhealthy competition What your priorities say about you And other topics… Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    Darius Classic | Are You Building A Life Of Competition Or A Life Of Gratitude?

  3. 5d ago

    451 | George Barrios (Part 1) | Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE

    In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with George Barrios, entrepreneur, investor, and former Co-President of WWE, for a wide-ranging conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of contrarian thinking. George shares his remarkable origin story as the son of Cuban immigrants who fled Castro's regime, his self-described journey as a "talented f**k-up," and how he went from a 0.6 GPA freshman to the boardroom of one of the world's most recognized entertainment brands. The conversation dives deep into how George and his business partner Michelle Wilson identified a massively undervalued asset in WWE, rebuilt it from the inside out, and ultimately engineered a $20 billion merger between WWE and UFC — the largest sports deal in history.  In this episode, Darius and George will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to George Barrios (03:04) George's Origin Story (06:05) Family Background and Early Influences (08:56) Education Journey and Challenges (11:57) Cultural Heritage and Family Values (15:12) Reflections on Parenting and Education (18:01) Transition to Corporate World and WWE (20:51) The Accidental CFO Journey (22:48) Discovering WWE: A Surprising Opportunity (25:10) Overcoming Doubts: The WWE Reputation Challenge (28:51) Transforming WWE: Insights and Strategies (33:33) Co-Leadership Dynamics: George and Michelle's Partnership (39:04) Unlocking Value: The Economics of Wrestling (42:41) Building the Future: Lessons from WWE's Success George Barrios is a business leader, investor, and operator at the intersection of sports, media, and technology. He is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Isos Capital and an investor and director with Global Sport Group. He previously served as Co-President and Board Member of WWE, helping expand the company’s digital, global, and direct-to-consumer businesses and leading its merger with UFC to form TKO Group. Earlier in his career, he held senior leadership roles at The New York Times Company, Time Warner, HBO, and Praxair. A first-generation Cuban American raised in Queens, George holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut and is the author of “Sometimes Wrong But Never in Doubt”. Connect with George: Website: https://georgebarrios.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgebarrios/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1510786554  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    451 | George Barrios (Part 1) | Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE

  4. Oct 12

    TGM Classic | Robert Mazur | Former Undercover Money Launderer Tell All

    What does it take to bring down a global drug empire—without losing your life or your soul in the process? In this gripping episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with legendary undercover agent Robert Mazur, whose covert work infiltrated some of the world’s most dangerous drug cartels. From near-death encounters and million-dollar stings to the emotional cost of living a double life, Robert shares jaw-dropping stories straight from his time posing as a high-level money launderer. In this episode, Darius and Robert will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Robert Mazur (02:30) Robert's Journey to Undercover Work (06:02) The Medellin Cartel Operation (12:29) The Complexity of Money Laundering (20:04) The Demand Side of Drug Abuse (24:06) Hollywood vs. Reality in Drug Trafficking (26:46) The Balancing Act of Undercover Work (29:25) Addiction to Information and Success (38:27) The Toll of Undercover Life on Family (42:35) Service to Country and Personal Sacrifice (44:34) Books, Movies, and Continuing the Mission (49:01) Overcoming Barriers to Greatness Robert Mazur is a former U.S. federal undercover agent and one of the world’s leading experts on money laundering and financial crime. Posing as a mob-connected money launderer, he infiltrated drug cartels and corrupt global banks—work that led to major arrests and a $500,000 bounty on his head. He’s the New York Times bestselling author of The Infiltrator, which inspired the film starring Bryan Cranston. Today, Robert uses his deep insider knowledge to help businesses and governments better understand and combat financial crime. Connect with Robert: Website: https://www.robertmazur.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RobertMazurOfficial/  Twitter: https://x.com/robertmazur/  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Infiltrator-Against-Biggest-Cartel-History-ebook/dp/B002JCJ6S4  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/  Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/  YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708  Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    TGM Classic | Robert Mazur | Former Undercover Money Launderer Tell All

  5. Oct 9

    Darius Classic | Do Your Priorities Align To Your Goals Align To Your Core Values?

    Where we spend our time represents what we actually care about, regardless of what we say our goals and priorities are. Prioritizing helps you decide what you need to do, what you don’t need to do, and when you should focus. Priorities are concerns, interests, or desires that come before anything else. But what does your life look like according to your priorities?  Unfortunately, when the thin line between need and want gets blurred, we often get carried away and forget the things that matter most in life. We go from place to place, switch after one task and another, and get lost in the cycle of busyness. Today, I am flying solo to share my personal realization about the importance of setting priorities and how to do it when everything feels important. In this episode, I will talk about how I reached my goal for this year and what I plan to achieve in 2023. I will also discuss how goal-setting, prioritizing, and time-blocking can help one achieve success in both life and work. Topics include: How to set your top priorities in life What made me reassess my priorities Why it is important to make time for yourself Aligning priorities with core values What I did to hit my goal of reading 22 books this year What my goal is for 2023 And other topics… Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    Darius Classic | Do Your Priorities Align To Your Goals Align To Your Core Values?

  6. Oct 7

    450 | Sterling Griffin | Why the Best Opportunities Aren’t Always Given to You

    In this compelling episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with Sterling Griffin, former pastor, entrepreneur, actor, writer, director, and producer, to discuss his remarkable journey from homelessness to millionaire, and his latest ambitious project: “Faith,” an original TV series he describes as "Ted Lasso and The Office having a baby inside a church." Sterling shares the deeply personal spiritual crisis that inspired the show, the entrepreneurial mindset he applied to break into Hollywood, and why he believes proximity and creativity are the ultimate shortcuts to success. In this episode, Darius and Sterling will discuss: (00:00) Introduction and Background (06:00) Sterling's Journey from Homelessness to Success (20:00) The Birth of the TV Show 'Faith' (26:55) Creating a TV Show: The Process and Lessons Learned (35:07) The Art of Rewriting Scripts (38:01) Building Creative Habits (42:42) The Journey of Creating a Show (52:27) The Economics of Content Creation (58:38) Proximity is Power: Building Connections Sterling Griffin is an entrepreneur, investor, actor, and producer who has built an unconventional career spanning ministry, business, and entertainment. After several years as a Christian evangelical pastor, Sterling transitioned into entrepreneurship, eventually building and exiting a multi-seven-figure business. He later founded Sterling Capital, where he focuses on alternative investments and commercial real estate. Today, he is also active in film as an actor and producer, with credits including “Mafia Wars” and “Devil’s Peak”. Connect with Sterling: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterlinggriffin/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Sterling/  Email: sterling@sterlinggriffin.com Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    450 | Sterling Griffin | Why the Best Opportunities Aren’t Always Given to You

  7. Oct 5

    TGM Classic | Dr. Geoff Smart | Why Most Hiring Practices Fail–and What Actually Works

    How do you really know if someone is the right fit for your team—or your company’s future? In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius sits down with Dr. Geoff Smart, founder of GH Smart and author of the bestselling book Who, to break down what separates successful hiring from costly mistakes. Geoff reveals the power of evidence-based assessments, why psych tests often fall short, and how intense curiosity—not stress—is the key to unlocking a candidate's true potential. From helping Fortune 500 companies select CEOs to coaching emerging leaders, Geoff shares stories, strategies, and myths about the hiring process—plus, why the "sell me this pen" test is just bad business. In this episode, Darius and Geoff will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Geoff Smart and His Journey (02:55) The Importance of Hiring and Core Values (06:08) Geoff's Origin Story and Founding GH Smart (09:00) Cultural Fit and Hiring Process (11:55) The Role of Core Values in Business (14:52) Firing with Respect and Responsibility (18:05) A Players vs. B Players in Hiring (20:54) Adapting to Different Stages of Business Growth (30:05) Identifying A-Players for Growth (34:02) The Importance of Leadership in Organizations (40:25) Effective Interview Techniques (43:00) Assessing CEOs and Leadership Roles (48:44) Onboarding and Post-Hiring Strategies (55:20) Overcoming Fear of Failure Dr. Geoff Smart is the chairman and founder of ghSMART, a leadership advisory firm that helps CEOs, entrepreneurs, and public-sector leaders build high-performing teams. Founded in 1995, ghSMART is recognized for its rigorous hiring methods, impactful leadership development, and a culture of excellence. The firm has topped Glassdoor and Vault rankings and published several bestselling books, including “Who: The A Method for Hiring”. Geoff holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and was mentored by management legend Peter Drucker. Beyond business, he’s committed to public service and leadership development through programs like the Colorado Governors Fellowship and his work with CiviCo. Connect with Geoff: Website: https://geoffsmart.com/  Website: https://ghsmart.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drgeoffsmart/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    TGM Classic | Dr. Geoff Smart | Why Most Hiring Practices Fail–and What Actually Works

  8. Oct 2

    Darius Classic | How To Live A Life Without Constraints

    What’s holding you back? What’s stopping you from achieving the life you have always wanted? Unfortunately, many people experience regret for the things they never did. Perhaps they rejected a wonderful job offer, passed up an opportunity to expand their business, or missed the chance to travel the world.  While there are plenty of reasons for missed opportunities, choosing to live a life in a box is what stops most people from dreaming big dreams.  Today, I am flying solo to talk about how constraints and limitations affect our way of life, how we see ourselves, and how they hold us back from becoming the best version of ourselves. I will also talk about my personal journey of finding success after removing the constraints I previously put around myself.  In this episode, I will discuss the benefits of having a no-constraints mindset and how it taught me to raise the bar higher every time I reach a goal without beating myself up.  Topics include: Breaking free from constraints The one thing that stops people from reaching their full potential The effects of having a no-constraints mindset What I achieved when I started living without constraints The two things I put no constraints around And other topics… Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.

    Darius Classic | How To Live A Life Without Constraints
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5
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About

The Greatness Machine is on a Quest to Maximize the Human Experience! Join Award Winning CEO and Author, Darius Mirshahzadeh (pron. Mer-shaw-za-day), as he interviews some of the greatest minds in the world―turning their wisdom and experience into learnings and advice you can use in your life so that you can level up and create greatness. Join Darius as he goes deep with guests like: Moby, Seth Godin, Gabby Reece, Amanda Knox, UFC Ring Announcer Bruce Buffer, Former FBI Negotiator Chris Voss, BJ Fogg, Former Spy and CIA Agent Andrew Bustamante, 1-800-Got-Junk CEO Brian Scudamore, NHL Hall of Famer Chris Pronger, and so many more! Our subject matter ranges from entrepreneurial and pro athlete underdog stories, world-class leadership development, and performance development, to wealth creation and more! If you are a learner who wants to level up in your life and learn from experts who have been there and done that, hit the subscribe button. The Greatness Machine is your ticket to create Greatness in your life! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy For ad inquiries, please reach out to: Network+TGM@yapmedia.com

Information

  • Channel
    YAP Media
  • Creator
    Darius Mirshahzadeh | YAP Media
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    759
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 134043
  • Show Website
    The Greatness Machine

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