The Determined Society with Shawn French

Shawn French

Step into the world of Culture Unscripted, where the bright lights meet thoughtful depth. Every episode takes you behind the headlines as we interview celebrities, renowned authors, and elite athletes—not to talk press lines, but to uncover their core truths and cultural perspectives. We dive into the stories behind the personas: What inspires a bestselling author to tug at society’s threads? How does an athlete navigate identity beyond the game? How do cultural icons harness influence to spark social change? These aren’t surface-level soundbites—they’re raw, revealing conversations that reflect who we are and where we’re headed. Expect humor. Expect heart. Expect breakthrough insights. Whether we’re unpacking a book that reshapes dialogue, exploring the impact of fame on mental health, or analyzing how sports stars challenge societal norms—Culture Unscripted brings you the human stories behind cultural icons and the societal conversations they spark. If you’re curious, driven, and ready for a show that celebrates the richness of culture through the faces shaping it—Culture Unscripted is where you belong. Tune in, and let’s explore the world through the voices that help define it.

  1. What 2025 Taught Me About Discipline

    3D AGO

    What 2025 Taught Me About Discipline

    2025 was a turning point. Personally, professionally, and mentally. This episode is a raw reflection on how fixing one overlooked area of my life changed everything, from my marriage and mindset to the growth of The Determined Society. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like something small is quietly holding you back, this conversation is about identifying that one thing and committing to real change. Growth doesn’t come from motivation, it comes from discipline, ownership, and doing the work when no one’s watching.   Key Takeaways -Personal growth off-camera directly fueled professional success on-camera. -Fixing the “one thing” holding you back unlocks progress in every area of life. -Physical health improvements led to better clarity, confidence, and communication. -Consistency and discipline drove massive growth in 2025. -Emotional regulation improved relationships with family, team, and guests. -Growth in the show was a byproduct of personal accountability and self-care. -Feeling “seen” by the audience came from staying authentic and mission-driven. -Long-term thinking (years, not months) is key to sustainable success. -Momentum is built by doing the mundane work consistently and intentionally.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    33 min
  2. Can Longevity Go Too Far? Regenerative Medicine, Testosterone & the Cost of Living Longer

    6D AGO

    Can Longevity Go Too Far? Regenerative Medicine, Testosterone & the Cost of Living Longer

    In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Dr. David Karli, a renowned physician and entrepreneur in regenerative medicine, to explore the intersection of health, determination, longevity, and the future of medical technology. Dr. Karli opens up about his personal health crisis in his early 40s; including burnout, panic attacks, hormonal imbalance, and the wake-up call that forced him to rethink everything he believed about aging, performance, and medicine. What followed was a complete transformation that reshaped not only his body, but his mindset, career, and mission. Together, they dive into testosterone optimization, mental health in men, the psychology of discipline, and why process, suffering, and systems are unavoidable if you want real change. The conversation expands into cutting-edge regenerative medicine, AI-driven stem cell therapy, and the ethical questions surrounding longevity; including whether living longer actually means living better.   Key Takeaways -Hormonal health is foundational to both physical and mental performance -Discipline is doing the work long after motivation fades -True transformation comes from systems, not shortcuts -Longevity without mobility and quality of life is a hollow win -Suffering is not the enemy, it’s part of growth -The future of medicine will be personalized, data-driven, and ethically complex   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA David Karli https://www.instagram.com/davidkarli/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
  3. How Matthew Dillon Turned Rock Bottom Into Unbreakable Determination

    12/22/2025

    How Matthew Dillon Turned Rock Bottom Into Unbreakable Determination

    In this raw and deeply emotional episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Matt Dillon for a powerful conversation about adversity, identity, addiction, resilience, and what it truly means to build yourself back up when life breaks you down. Matt opens up about leaving Australia for New York, starting over from nothing, navigating addiction, loneliness, and career pressure, and learning how to survive by showing up every single day, even when everything felt impossible. From swimming through rock bottom to rebuilding discipline, trust, and self-worth, this episode explores the realities most people never talk about. The conversation also dives into Matt’s life-changing bond with a chimpanzee that gave him purpose during one of the darkest chapters of his life, reshaping how he views love, responsibility, and connection.   Key Takeaways -Why rock bottom can become the foundation for real personal growth -The difference between fake confidence and earned self-belief -How eliminating toxic people and habits creates momentum -Why discipline, presence, and self-trust change everything -How purpose can come from unexpected relationships and responsibility -Redefining success, greatness, and ambition on your own terms   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Matthew Dillon https://www.instagram.com/mattdillon1983/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
  4. Robinhood Co-Founder Baiju Bhatt on Space Energy, AI Power & Building the Galactic Brain

    12/19/2025

    Robinhood Co-Founder Baiju Bhatt on Space Energy, AI Power & Building the Galactic Brain

    In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Baiju Bhatt, co-founder of Robinhood, for a wide-ranging conversation that spans entrepreneurship, immigration, resilience, artificial intelligence, and humanity’s next energy frontier: space. Baiju opens up about growing up as the child of Indian immigrants, learning English by watching TV, and how that outsider perspective shaped his worldview, work ethic, and belief in opportunity. He reflects on building Robinhood in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, the skepticism they faced, and how democratizing access to the markets reshaped an entire generation’s relationship with money. The conversation then moves beyond finance into the future of energy and AI. Baiju introduces his newest venture, Aetherflux, and the bold vision behind what he calls the “Galactic Brain” a solar-powered AI data centers and energy grids built in space. From space-based power transmission using lasers to solving the massive energy demands of artificial intelligence, this episode explores ideas that sound like science fiction but are rapidly becoming reality.   Key Takeaways -Baiju Bhatt’s immigrant upbringing and how it shaped his mindset -The real story behind building Robinhood after the 2008 financial collapse -Why access to investing became a cultural and generational shift -The philosophy of failure, stubborn belief, and customer-driven validation -What the “Galactic Brain” means for AI, power, and the future of humanity -How space solar power and laser energy transmission actually work -Health, discipline, confidence, and how self-respect changes outcomes   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Baiju Bhatt https://www.instagram.com/realbaijubhatt/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 28m
  5. Singing as Medicine: How Liz Caplan Healed Through Music

    12/15/2025

    Singing as Medicine: How Liz Caplan Healed Through Music

    In this deeply moving episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Liz Caplan, world-renowned vocal coach, founder of Liz Caplan Voice Studios, and trusted voice teacher to some of the biggest names in film, television, and Broadway, including Hugh Jackman, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Andrew Garfield, Ben Platt, Stephen Colbert, and more. From growing up with asthma to discovering that singing and breathwork could literally change how her body functioned, Liz explains how music became her first medicine, long before success, recognition, or a thriving business. She shares how deep, intentional breathing can calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and create a natural “high” with no crash, no hangover, and no harm. Liz also pulls back the curtain on her journey from teaching a few students to becoming one of the most trusted vocal coaches in the industry, explaining how small steps, word of mouth, and genuine care built a world-class career rooted in service, not ego.   Key Takeaways -Your voice and breath are powerful healing tools, not just performance skills. -Deep, intentional breathing can regulate the nervous system and reduce anxiety naturally. -True success is built slowly through service, trust, and word-of-mouth consistency. -Burnout often comes from absorbing others’ energy; learning to release it is essential. -Creativity, music, and movement can be medicine when used with intention. -Determination means continuing your mission with empathy, care, and integrity.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Liz Caplan https://www.instagram.com/lizcaplan/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 3m
  6. Olivia Mock Shares The Truth About Self-Love, Fitness & Discipline

    12/12/2025

    Olivia Mock Shares The Truth About Self-Love, Fitness & Discipline

    In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Olivia Mock, founder and CEO of The Check-In Club, a rapidly growing fitness accountability app helping thousands of people build discipline, community, and confidence, without the toxicity, filters, and comparison traps of modern social media. What begins as a conversation about fitness quickly turns into a deep discussion on mental health, self-talk, consistency, childhood insecurities, and the emotional battles people face long before they ever touch a weight. Shawn and Olivia open up about their own struggles with anxiety, body image, shame, yo-yo dieting, and the internal narratives that keep people stuck. Olivia shares the story behind The Check-In Club, why she built a judgment-free platform, and how accountability communities help moms, beginners, athletes, and everyday people stay consistent.   Key Takeaways -You cannot build a lasting fitness journey from shame—only from self-love. -Small wins compound. Consistency beats intensity every time. -Nutrition and movement dramatically improve mental health, anxiety, and confidence. -Walking counts. Any movement is better than none. -Community accelerates progress—accountability builds discipline. -Showing up for yourself first allows you to show up better for your family, work, and relationships.     Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Olivia Mock https://www.instagram.com/oliviamockk/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    51 min
  7. Surviving Trauma, Building Strength: Jerome on Fatherhood, Healing & Determination

    12/08/2025

    Surviving Trauma, Building Strength: Jerome on Fatherhood, Healing & Determination

    In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with entrepreneur and wellness advocate Jerome, whose life story is a raw testament to trauma, resilience, and the determination to build something better for the next generation. What begins as a conversation about childhood adversity becomes a shocking revelation: Jerome discovered that he was likely a surviving twin, the result of selective abortion practices in 1970s France. That discovery unraveled decades of unexplained psychological pain, complex PTSD, and emotional disconnection. For the first time publicly, he opens up about prenatal trauma, childhood neglect, and the generational patterns he is determined to break as a father of three young girls.   Key Takeaways: -Trauma isn’t just emotional, prenatal and childhood trauma shape the brain, identity, and adulthood. -Breaking generational cycles requires intentionality, vulnerability, and emotional honesty. -Children don’t need perfect parents, they need present, loving, apologetic, humble ones. -Determination is built in moments where your instinct is to react, but you choose to respond with love. -Mental health struggles are not weakness; silence is. Talking about it is the first step to freedom -Affordable healthcare is possible, removing middlemen makes life-saving medication accessible for families in need.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Jerome Knyszewski https://www.instagram.com/jeromeknyszewski/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    1h 1m
  8. Kwame Christian’s Guide to Negotiation, Courage & Hard Conversations

    12/05/2025

    Kwame Christian’s Guide to Negotiation, Courage & Hard Conversations

    In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn French sits down with Kwame Christian, a bestselling author, attorney, corporate negotiation consultant, TEDx speaker, and host of Negotiate Anything, the #1 negotiation podcast in the world. Kwame breaks down the real meaning of determination: making an agreement with yourself and keeping the promise, even when fear, conflict, or discomfort stand in the way. But this conversation goes far beyond traditional negotiation. It dives into the psychology of people-pleasing, childhood conditioning, internal self-talk, emotional regulation, boundaries, and what keeps so many of us from speaking up for ourselves. Kwame shares the origin of his compassionate curiosity framework, a simple but transformative method for navigating conflict without anger, defensiveness, or emotional shutdown.   Key Takeaways -Determination is keeping the promises you make to yourself, even when it’s hard. -Most people fear tough conversations because of childhood conditioning or people-pleasing habits. -Conflict becomes easier when you use Compassionate Curiosity: regulate emotions, ask better questions, and approach the problem together. -You can win an argument and lose the relationship. Focus on connection, not domination. -Discipline grows when you celebrate the pride of honoring your commitments. -Mastery comes from deliberate practice. Focus on the process, not the outcome.   Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Kwame Christian https://www.instagram.com/kwamenegotiates/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    55 min
4.9
out of 5
446 Ratings

About

Step into the world of Culture Unscripted, where the bright lights meet thoughtful depth. Every episode takes you behind the headlines as we interview celebrities, renowned authors, and elite athletes—not to talk press lines, but to uncover their core truths and cultural perspectives. We dive into the stories behind the personas: What inspires a bestselling author to tug at society’s threads? How does an athlete navigate identity beyond the game? How do cultural icons harness influence to spark social change? These aren’t surface-level soundbites—they’re raw, revealing conversations that reflect who we are and where we’re headed. Expect humor. Expect heart. Expect breakthrough insights. Whether we’re unpacking a book that reshapes dialogue, exploring the impact of fame on mental health, or analyzing how sports stars challenge societal norms—Culture Unscripted brings you the human stories behind cultural icons and the societal conversations they spark. If you’re curious, driven, and ready for a show that celebrates the richness of culture through the faces shaping it—Culture Unscripted is where you belong. Tune in, and let’s explore the world through the voices that help define it.

You Might Also Like