Inside The Inspired

Jonathan Z. Cohen
  • 5.0 (20)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A podcast helping driven professionals build mental toughness. Each week you'll meet high performers helping you level up and tap into your potential by tapping into tips, strategies and stories to maximize your life. Hosted by lawyer and motivational speaker, Jonathan Z. Cohen. Previous guests include: Steven Pressfield, Gunnar Peterson, Don Saladino, Dr. Edith Eger, Matt Higgins, Zach Pogrob, Brad Lea, Michael Chernow, Jennifer Cohen, Dan Churchill, Brian Mazza, and more. Welcome to Inside The Inspired. Let's get to work.

  1. 6D AGO

    How to Eliminate Excuses for Good

    What happens when life forces you to rebuild from nothing? After surviving a life-altering gunshot wound while serving as a U.S. Marine, Patrick Nugent learned that while we don’t choose our challenges, we always choose how we rise to meet them. In this episode, Patrick shares powerful lessons on resilience, grit, and ownership, shaped by 15 major surgeries and his journey as a Team USA Invictus Games Captain and Medalist. Today, Patrick is a sought-after keynote speaker helping leaders and teams turn adversity into purpose-driven growth. 👉 Book his keynote, Beyond Grit: Mastering Your Fate Through Purpose, Resilience, and Ownership, to equip your organization with practical tools for resilience and leadership. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Eliminate Excuses Completely: Real growth begins when rationalization is no longer allowed. 2. Grit Is Built Through Pain: Adversity can become fuel when paired with discipline and purpose. 3. Resilience Is a Daily Practice: Mental toughness is trained through consistent action, not motivation. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 5:32 Overcoming Adversity and Building Resilience 11:06 Transition to Leadership and Belief in Oneself 16:20 The Injury and Recovery Journey 22:11 Celebrating Alive Day and Pursuing Challenges 27:15 The Role of Environment and Inputs in Recovery 32:16 Defining Mental Fortitude and Overcoming Rejection 37:57 The Grit Method and Preparing for Crucible Moments 43:02 Balancing Ambition and Resilience 49:50 Impact and Legacy 54:45 Final Thoughts and Where To Find Patrick Connect with Patrick Nugent Website: https://www.patrickdnugent.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pdnuge/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nugentpatrick/ Stay Inspired Never miss an episode of Inside the Inspired! Hear the stories of founders, innovators, and game-changers pushing the edge of wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset. Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes that energize your journey. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-inspired/id1535384791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FV1VqP5bth6A7dEt5wo9V YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathanzcohen

    56 min

  2. JAN 21

    The Science of Powerful Public Speaking

    What if law school trained lawyers not just to think, but to show up fully in the real world? Performance coach and lawyer Paul Marchegiani joins Jonathan Cohen to explain why legal education must go beyond seated lectures and embed physical presence, communication, and embodied learning into how future lawyers are taught — especially in an era shaped by AI and client expectations. 👉 Read his latest publication “Untethered: Why Legal Education Needs to Get Lawyers Out of Their Seats” in the ABA Syllabus and explore more of his work at VoxVera.com to sharpen your legal presence and communication skills. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Nerves Are Energy, Not Weakness: Learn how to reframe anxiety into focus and presence. 2. Your Body Leads Your Voice: Breath, posture, and physical awareness shape confidence. 3. Emotion Drives Persuasion: Aligning words with feeling creates authentic impact. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 4:41 Theater and Music as a Foundation for Public Speaking 8:15 Jonathan's Journey and the Emotional Toll of Public Speaking 12:03 Fears and Objections in Public Speaking 16:00 The Role of a Litigator and Transition to Public Speaking Training 19:49 The Musicality of Language and Public Speaking 23:47 Building Human Connection in Public Speaking 27:09 Reading the Room and Adapting to the Audience 30:54 Overcoming Trauma and Anxiety in Public Speaking 34:44 Breathwork and Physical Presence in Public Speaking 38:22 Curiosity and Continuous Learning in Public Speaking 42:54 Practical Tips for Persuasive Public Speaking Connect with Paul Marchegiani Website: https://www.voxvera.com/founder-bio Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmarch500/ Stay Inspired Never miss an episode of Inside the Inspired! Hear the stories of founders, innovators, and game-changers pushing the edge of wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset. Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes that energize your journey. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-inspired/id1535384791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FV1VqP5bth6A7dEt5wo9V YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathanzcohen

    46 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Curiosity Compounds: Lessons from 500+ Interviews

    How does a 17-year-old podcaster become a tech founder and industry voice? Entrepreneur and creator Casey Adams reveals the lessons that shaped his career—curiosity, relationship-building, and staying human in an AI-driven world. He breaks down how podcasting opened doors to business deals, deeper self-awareness, and his newest venture, Listener.com, built to redefine podcast analytics. 👉 Want to level up your own show? Get early access to Listener.com and transform your podcast analytics. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Conversations Create Opportunities: Podcasting can unlock networks, mentors, and business deals you can’t access any other way. 2. Stay Curious, Not Scripted: Genuine curiosity beats over-preparation—great interviews come from presence, not notes. 3. Know What Matters: Success accelerates when you prioritize relationships, presence, and the people who ground you. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 6:07 Purpose and Evolution of the Podcast 12:12 Impact of Podcasting on Personal and Professional Growth 18:05 Influence of Podcasting on Business and Personal Relationships 23:50 Casey Adams' Approach to Interviewing 30:04 The Role of Podcasting in Personal and Professional Success 37:13 The Future of Podcasting and Listener.com 43:01 Advice for Future Self and Final Thoughts Connect with Casey Adams Website: https://www.caseyadams.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caseyadamsshow/ Stay Inspired Never miss an episode of Inside the Inspired! Hear the stories of founders, innovators, and game-changers pushing the edge of wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset. Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes that energize your journey. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-inspired/id1535384791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FV1VqP5bth6A7dEt5wo9V YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathanzcohen

    51 min

  4. 11/26/2025

    The Cost of Inaction

    In this episode of Inside The Inspired we dive into the theme of inaction and its costs. Today we're talking about why hesitation and indecision can hinder personal growth and success, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from my journey as a father and professional. From the importance of aligning decision-making with personal values and taking decisive action to overcome fear and achieve desired outcomes - if you feel like you can't make decisions quickly and effectively, this one is for you. Key Takeaways: Inaction costs time, energy, and self-trust.Decisive action aligns with personal values.Fear of failure and judgment hinders decision-making.Action provides clarity and feedback.Public failure can lead to personal growth.Aligning decisions with values accelerates progress.Imperfect action is better than inaction.Decisiveness leads to emotional and professional benefits.Understanding fear behind indecision is crucial.Bad outcomes don't equal bad decisions. Check out my latest article on the cost of inaction ⁠here⁠. Follow for posts on mindset, fitness, and personal growth on LinkedIn or YouTube!

    23 min

  5. 11/19/2025

    Anxiety: Decision-Making Under Pressure with Jess Sargus

    What does it take to stay sharp, resilient, and purpose-driven in high-pressure careers? 💼 Former fighter turned performance coach Jess Sargus shares how she built her “Legal Athlete” mindset—blending mental fitness, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion to outperform stress. She shares how the principles of stress inoculation and action orientation transform pressure into purpose — and how embracing humanity is the key to thriving in the age of AI. Read her upcoming book “Fierce Agency” to learn how to lead yourself with confidence, embrace challenge, and perform at your highest level—on your own terms. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Train Your Inner Athlete: Use focus, discipline, and recovery to master mental performance. 2. Lead with Fierce Agency: Replace perfectionism with purpose and progress. 3. Adapt Without Losing Yourself: Integrate AI and innovation while staying grounded in humanity. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 11:20 Jess Sargus' Background and Competitive Spirit 22:46 Practical Tips for Focus and High Performance 33:49 Navigating Uncertainty and Emotional Intelligence 45:42 The Fierce Agency Framework and Future Goals 54:05 Future version of Jess from 10 years from now 55:57 Closing words and connecting with Jess Connect with Jess Sargus Website: https://www.thelegalathlete.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_sargus/ Stay Inspired Never miss an episode of Inside the Inspired! Hear the stories of founders, innovators, and game-changers pushing the edge of wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset. Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes that energize your journey. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-inspired/id1535384791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FV1VqP5bth6A7dEt5wo9V YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathanzcohen

    57 min

  6. 11/12/2025

    How to Stay Strong When It Hurts w/ Zach Bitter

    What separates elite performers from everyone else? 🧠 World-record ultramarathoner Zach Bitter shares the powerful mental frameworks that help him conquer pain, push through fatigue, and turn discomfort into fuel for unstoppable growth. Discover how visualization, mindset conditioning, and science-backed recovery techniques can help you build resilience, sharpen focus, and achieve peak performance in running—and in life. 👉 Ready to elevate your endurance and mindset? Book a 1:1 performance coaching session with Zach at zachbitter.com/coaching and start training your mind—and body—for lasting success. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Train Your Inner Game: Learn how elite performers use mindset, focus, and courage to perform under pressure. 2. Turn Fear Into Power: Transform fear and discomfort into the energy that drives confidence and growth. 3. Live with Purpose, Not Pressure: Redefine success by aligning daily actions with your higher mission and values. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 4:53 Zach's Mental Strength and Ego 9:43 Defining Mental Strength 14:13 Focus and Chaos in Ultra-Marathoning 18:53 Navigating Doubt and Suffering 23:29 Visualization and Training Strategies 28:32 Dealing with Criticism and Pushback 32:55 The Role of Running in Personal Growth 37:44 Future Goals and Recovery 42:21 The Evolution of Ultra-Marathoning 47:26 Zach's Podcast and Coaching Connect with Zach Bitter Website: https://zachbitter.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zachbitter/ Stay Inspired Never miss an episode of Inside the Inspired! Hear the stories of founders, innovators, and game-changers pushing the edge of wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset. Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes that energize your journey. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-inspired/id1535384791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FV1VqP5bth6A7dEt5wo9V YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathanzcohen

    51 min

  7. 11/05/2025

    Peak Performance Without the Panic

    What if your greatest failure became your greatest teacher? Former pro athlete Jim Murphy reveals how to master inner excellence—the mindset of elite performers who thrive under pressure. Discover science-backed tools for building mental toughness, emotional balance, and lasting resilience through gratitude, courage, and purpose. Learn how to turn fear into fuel and live a life driven by meaning, not pressure. Read his book “Train Your Mind for Extraordinary Performance and Live the Best Possible Life” to discover powerful strategies for mental toughness, purpose-driven success, and resilience that will help you rise under pressure, master your mindset, and achieve inner excellence. 🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Train Your Inner Game: Learn how elite performers use mindset, focus, and courage to perform under pressure. 2. Turn Fear Into Power: Transform fear and discomfort into the energy that drives confidence and growth. 3. Live with Purpose, Not Pressure: Redefine success by aligning daily actions with your higher mission and values. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 4:12 Defining Mental Toughness and Inner Excellence 7:07 Gratitude and Creativity in Problem-Solving 11:02 The Role of Fear and the Ego in Inner Excellence 16:13 Building Resilience Through Discomfort 22:25 Balancing Joy and Suffering in Pursuing Goals 32:05 Addressing Burnout and Setting Higher Goals 36:12 Practical Steps to Achieve Inner Excellence 37:38 Advice for Achieving Future Success Connect with Jim Murphy Website: https://innerexcellence.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innerexcellencejimmurphy/ Stay Inspired Never miss an episode of Inside the Inspired! Hear the stories of founders, innovators, and game-changers pushing the edge of wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset. Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes that energize your journey. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-inspired/id1535384791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FV1VqP5bth6A7dEt5wo9V YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathanzcohen

    39 min

  8. 10/29/2025

    World's Leading Researcher on Self Compassion: "Self Compassion Makes you TOUGH"

    Are you your harshest critic? Dr. Kristin Neff shows how self-compassion is the key to resilience, growth, and high performance. Discover research-backed techniques—mindful awareness, compassionate self-talk, and supportive touch—that help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and turn setbacks into opportunities. By treating yourself with the same kindness you give others, you can boost focus, emotional strength, and long-term success. Read her book “Mindful Self-Compassion for Burnout” to discover science-backed strategies for resilience, emotional balance, and sustainable success that will help you reduce stress, prevent burnout, and thrive even under pressure. 🔑 Key Takeaways - Practice mindful self-kindness: Reduce stress and support emotional well-being. - Reframe challenges as human experience: Build resilience and bounce back stronger. - Use actionable techniques: Supportive touch, compassionate self-talk, and awareness improve performance and prevent burnout. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Intro 31:43 Dr. Kristin Neff's Journey 32:00 Understanding Self-Compassion 32:15 Self-Compassion in Practice 32:36 Self-Compassion and Resilience 32:51 Self-Compassion and Burnout 33:30 Self-Compassion and Inner Child 36:34 Self-Compassion and Mindfulness 37:31 Self-Compassion and Emotional Intelligence 37:50 Final Thoughts and Advice Connect with Dr. Kristin Neff Website: https://self-compassion.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neffselfcompassion/ Stay Inspired Never miss an episode of Inside the Inspired! Hear the stories of founders, innovators, and game-changers pushing the edge of wellness, entrepreneurship, and mindset. Follow and subscribe for weekly episodes that energize your journey. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/inside-the-inspired/id1535384791 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FV1VqP5bth6A7dEt5wo9V YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jonathanzcohen

    38 min
See All (191)

5
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

A podcast helping driven professionals build mental toughness. Each week you'll meet high performers helping you level up and tap into your potential by tapping into tips, strategies and stories to maximize your life. Hosted by lawyer and motivational speaker, Jonathan Z. Cohen. Previous guests include: Steven Pressfield, Gunnar Peterson, Don Saladino, Dr. Edith Eger, Matt Higgins, Zach Pogrob, Brad Lea, Michael Chernow, Jennifer Cohen, Dan Churchill, Brian Mazza, and more. Welcome to Inside The Inspired. Let's get to work.

Information

  • Creator
    Jonathan Z. Cohen
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    191
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jonathan Z. Cohen
  • Show Website
    Inside The Inspired