​MindHack

Cody McLain
  • 4.5 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

What happens when you give an overthinking entrepreneur a microphone, a curiosity obsession, and access to the sharpest minds on the planet?  You get MindHack - the podcast for founders, builders, and high-performers who want to upgrade their brain like they upgrade their software.  Each week, Cody McLain (entrepreneur since 15, burnout survivor, and productivity nerd) sits down with scientists, psychologists, and successful entrepreneurs to reverse-engineer how extraordinary people think, feel, and execute.  We unpack the mental models, weird routines, emotional rewiring, and psychology-backed strategies that actually work—so you can build your business without losing your mind.  🎯 Think: startup grit meets cognitive science. 🎙️ Guests include bestselling authors, startup OGs, and unreasonably curious humans. 🔥 Warning: listening may result in existential clarity, better habits, and fewer panic Googles at 2am.  New episodes every week. Subscribe and hack your brain before your brain hacks you.

  1. #102 Jeff Burningham - AI Is a Mirror — Not the Enemy

    4D AGO

    #102 Jeff Burningham - AI Is a Mirror — Not the Enemy

    What if artificial intelligence isn't our biggest threat but our clearest reflection? In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, entrepreneur and venture capitalist Jeff Burningham, author of “The Last Book Written by a Human,” joins host Cody McLain to explore how AI mirrors our own consciousness, habits, and hidden fears. Discover why chasing success can feel hollow, why wisdom instead of intelligence will define our future, and how we can become more human in the age of machines. ℹ️ About the Guest Jeff Burningham has spent his career investing in the future by launching businesses, backing entrepreneurs, and helping shape industries. But as artificial intelligence reshapes the world at unprecedented speed, he is asking a bigger question: What kind of future are we actually building? His journey has taken him from boardrooms to political campaigns, and from the highs of entrepreneurial success to the depths of personal transformation. As a former Bishop leading a congregation of over 500 people, Jeff brings the heart of a spiritual leader to every arena he enters, whether in business, politics, or family life as a devoted husband, father of four, and proud grandfather. His book, The Last Book Written by a Human, is a deeply personal exploration of the choices we face in the age of AI, as well as an invitation to embrace wisdom, connection, and real human evolution.  Built and invested in hundreds of tech companies Ran for Governor of Utah, challenging the political status quoExplored consciousness, transformation, and the limits of human potentialAdvocates for a new way forward in a world increasingly shaped by AIJeff isn’t here to predict the future. He’s here to help shape it. And he believes that work starts with all of us. WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedIn👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions John Huntsman Jr. — Former Governor of Utah and U.S. AmbassadorSally Burningham — Jeff Burningham’s wife, mentioned in personal contextAlbert Einstein — Referenced for his quote about the universe being friendlyMother Teresa — Referenced as an example of an “anomaly” or exceptional human beingMahatma Gandhi — Referenced as an example of a moral and spiritual leaderJesus Christ — Referenced as a symbol of love, transformation, and spiritual guidanceEckhart Tolle — Author of A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose and The Power of Now Support the show

    1h 14m
  2. #101 Anthony Abbagnano: The Illness That Sparked a Global Breathwork Revolution

    OCT 20

    #101 Anthony Abbagnano: The Illness That Sparked a Global Breathwork Revolution

    When life brought him to the edge of death, Anthony Abbagnano discovered something extraordinary — the hidden power of breath. From total physical collapse to becoming a global transformation leader, Anthony’s story reveals how conscious breathing can unlock healing, restore balance, and help us reconnect to who we truly are. As the founder of Alchemy of Breath and author of Outer Chaos, Inner Calm, he has inspired thousands around the world to overcome trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain through the simple act of mindful breathing. In this powerful episode, Anthony shares how one breath can shift your entire reality. Learn how breathwork rewires the nervous system, releases buried emotion, and creates calm within the chaos of modern life. ℹ️ About the Guest Anthony Abbagnano is a pioneering breathwork expert and founder of Alchemy of Breath, the world's top-rated breathwork institute. He has helped thousands transform their lives through free weekly Breathe The World sessions, Facilitator Training, and BreathCamp retreats at ASHA in Tuscany, Italy. Learn more at www.alchemyofbreath.com and buy Anthony's book at https://iam.alchemyofbreath.com/book-podcast. 🌐 Website: alchemyofbreath.com🌐 ASHA School (Alchemy School of Healing Arts): asha.global📸 Instagram: @alchemyofbreath📘 Facebook: Alchemy of Breath▶️ YouTube: Anthony Abbagnano💼 LinkedIn: Anthony Abbagnano👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Anthony Abbagnano – Founder of Alchemy of Breath and Alchemy School of Healing Arts (ASHA); author of Outer Chaos, Inner CalmCody McLain – Host of the Mind Hack Podcast; author of From Foster Care to Millionaire: A Young Entrepreneur’s Journey of Success, Failure, and TriumphDeepak Chopra – Spiritual teacher and author of The Seven Spiritual Laws of SuccessWim Hof – Creator of the Wim Hof Method; author of The Wim Hof Method: Activate Your Full Human PotentialJoseph Campbell – Mythologist and author of The Hero with a Thousand FacesPeter A. Levine – Psychologist and trauma expert; author of Waking the Tiger: Healing TraumaMarianne Williamson – Spiritual leader and author of A Return to LoveDr. Hale (Montreal) – Mentioned in relation to coherence breath and trauma healing (no verified public profile found)Support the show

    1h 9m
  3. #100 - Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden - Dream Hacks: How “Dream Manifesting (Dreamifesting)” Unlocks Your Subconscious Superpower

    OCT 6

    #100 - Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden - Dream Hacks: How “Dream Manifesting (Dreamifesting)” Unlocks Your Subconscious Superpower

    Stop forcing your way through life when your dreams are literally trying to solve your biggest problems. Dr. Kelly Sullivan Walden, renowned dream expert and author of "Dream Manifesting," reveals the science behind accessing your subconscious power. Learn the Harvard-backed research showing how dream attention improves life navigation and decision-making confidence. Discover how dreams provide perspectives your logical mind would never consider, helping process trauma while revealing creative solutions. Master science-supported protocols including the 5-minute daily practice (1 minute pre-sleep intention setting, 5 minutes morning dream capture) and the JET SET dream interpretation formula. Learn techniques for identifying ego versus soul goals and transforming dream insights into real-world action. From Thomas Edison's light bulb breakthrough dream to Einstein's physics-shaping childhood vision, plus modern cases of dreams solving murders and guiding major life decisions. ℹ️ About the Guest Kelly Sullivan Walden is a certified clinical hypnotherapist and bestselling author known as "Doctor Dream." Her book Dreamifesting: Harnessing the Power of Your Dreams to Create the Life You Desire was released on September 30, 2025. She holds a masters and doctorate in ministry from The New Seminary in New York and is certified through the American Hypnosis Association. Kelly is an active member of the International Association for the Study of Dreams and her social media handle is @kellyswalden. Book launch bonus gifts are available for a limited time (with purchase of a book) at: www.Dreamifesting.com. WebsiteInstagram & Tiktok: @KellySWaldenFacebook: @KellySullivanWaldenDreamsLinkedIn👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Thomas Edison – inventor credited with the light bulbAlbert Einstein – physicist known for relativityRobert Haas – former IASD president and dream researcherTi Allen – publicist and “control your controllables” advocate Support the show

    1h 9m
  4. #099 - Dr. Carey Heller - The Productivity Gap: Go from Knowing to Doing

    SEP 22

    #099 - Dr. Carey Heller - The Productivity Gap: Go from Knowing to Doing

    Ever feel stuck in the gap between a great idea and actually getting it done? Licensed psychologist and executive function coach Dr. Carey Heller joins us to reveal how to master your workflow by spotting executive dysfunction and installing the right systems.   Dr. Heller shares unique, actionable strategies, from using AI to break down overwhelming projects to leveraging physical movement for better focus and why the phrase "action precedes motivation" is the ultimate mindset shift. We also explore the importance of active recovery over passive rest and how to create lasting boundaries between your work and personal life.   This episode is a practical guide for turning your intentions into repeatable, lasting habits. ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Carey Heller is a licensed psychologist and co-founder of Heller Psychology Group, based in Bethesda, Maryland, specializing in ADHD and executive function challenges in children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Heller also runs an executive functioning boot camp program and can see clients virtually in 42 states. Dr Heller really focuses on helping people to be more efficient, better organized, productive, and happier as well as less stressed. In addition to Dr. Heller’s work with his practice, he volunteers his time in a variety of ways. Specifically, he serves as the Montgomery County, MD CHADD chapter coordinator and is on the National CHADD board. He also supervises graduate students conducting testing at The George Washington University. Furthermore, Dr. Heller loves to write, has published a few books, and numerous articles, especially in Attention Magazine and Washington Parent Magazine. Websites:Heller Psychology Group  Dr. Carey Heller's personal site   Instagram:@hellerpsych  @CareyHellerPsyD  👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions David Allen  Getting Things Done (The GTD system) by David Allen HubermanTiago Forte  PARA method by Tiago ForteSupport the show

    1h 3m
  5. #098 - Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary - The Mind-Bending Truth About Your Anxiety

    AUG 25

    #098 - Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary - The Mind-Bending Truth About Your Anxiety

    Stop fighting your anxiety. It's not the enemy. My guest, Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary, explains the mind-bending truth that anxiety is a powerful evolutionary tool for focus and growth. She details the critical difference between a feeling of anxiety and a clinical disorder. We discuss how to develop 'anti-fragility' by embracing discomfort and leveraging it for personal progress. You'll learn science-backed frameworks, including the 'Three L's' (Listen, Leverage, Let Go) and a simple worry-scheduling technique to regain control of your emotions. This conversation will fundamentally change the way you view your emotions and provide actionable tools to transform your relationship with anxiety. Listen now to discover how to turn your biggest fear into your greatest tool. ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Tracy Dennis-Tiwary is a renowned neuroscientist, psychologist, and the co-founder of Arcade Therapeutics, a company that creates game-based mental health interventions. She is the author of the groundbreaking book Future Tense: Why Anxiety is Good for You (Even Though it Feels Bad), which argues for the radical idea that anxiety is a functional human emotion that can be leveraged as a tool for personal growth. In addition to her extensive research and publications, she is a sought-after expert for media commentary and public speaking. WebsiteLinkedInSubstackInstagram👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions David Goggins - Former Navy SEAL known for extreme physical and mental challengesViktor Frankl - Psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor who wrote "Man's Search for Meaning"Søren Kierkegaard - Danish philosopher who wrote extensively about anxietyWendell Berry - Author of "Life is a Miracle" and essayist on technology's impact on humanityTim Ferriss - Author of "The Four Hour Workweek" and lifestyle design pioneerChris Beavers - UT Austin researcher studying depression interventionsNassim Nicholas Taleb - Introduced concept of "anti-fragility"Charles Darwin - Evolutionary theorist who wrote about emotions in humans and animals Support the show

    1h 2m
  6. #097 - Dr. Daniel Yon - Hallucinating Reality: Your Brain’s Greatest Trick

    AUG 18

    #097 - Dr. Daniel Yon - Hallucinating Reality: Your Brain’s Greatest Trick

    Ever wondered if your brain is fooling you into seeing the world differently? Dr. Daniel Yon, a cognitive neuroscientist, reveals how your brain doesn’t just observe reality—it actively creates it. Explore how your mind constructs its own version of reality through predictive models, and why you might be "hallucinating" your experiences without even knowing it. Dr. Yon dives into how we can reshape our mental models to thrive in a world full of uncertainty. Don’t miss out on this eye-opening conversation that will completely shift your perspective on perception, belief, and personal growth. Tune in to unlock the secrets your brain is hiding from you! ℹ️ About the Guest Dr. Daniel Yon is a cognitive neuroscientist and the author of A Trick of the Mind, a groundbreaking book that explores how our brains actively invent the reality we experience. His work sheds new light on how we perceive the world, challenging conventional views of perception. Dr. Yon is also the director of The Uncertainty Lab, where his team investigates how the brain handles uncertainty and adapts to an unpredictable world. InstagramX (formerly Twitter)BlueskyWebsite👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Dr. Emilie Caspar - Just Following Orders: Atrocities and the Brain Science of ObedienceStanley Milgram - Obedience to Authority: An Experimental ViewDaniel Kahneman - Thinking, Fast and SlowDouglas Prasher - Green Fluorescent Protein ResearchChris Frith - Making up the MindJim Rohn - Personal Development PhilosophyLewis Dartnell - OriginsCecilia Heyes - Cognitive Gadgets: The Cultural Evolution of ThinkingDaniel Z. Lieberman - The Molecule of MoreAdam Grant - Think AgainLisa Genova - Still AliceSupport the show

    1h 32m
  7. #096 - Brian Sachetta - Engineer Your Calm: Debugging Mental Loops

    AUG 11

    #096 - Brian Sachetta - Engineer Your Calm: Debugging Mental Loops

    MindHack's Latest Code Drop: We unpack a groundbreaking approach to mental wellness with former software engineer and author, Brian Sachetta. Brian reveals how to 'debug' your mind, treating anxious thought loops and mental overwhelm like 'rogue software' that can be systematically reprogrammed.   Discover his powerful IRA framework: Interrupt, Reframe, Anchor, a concrete algorithm to halt anxiety spirals and transform stress into 'rocket fuel' for enhanced performance. Learn actionable strategies to optimize your mental operating system, tackle imposter syndrome, and cultivate profound resilience.   Tune in to engineer your calm and unlock a sharper, more focused mindset. ℹ️ About the Guest Brian Sachetta, the visionary former software engineer and founder of Get Out Of Your Head. Brian uniquely applies tech-inspired solutions to mental wellness, helping us debug our minds. His powerful books, including 'Get Out of Your Head: A Toolkit for Living with and Overcoming Anxiety' and 'Navigating the Abyss of Depression,' offer concrete strategies to reprogram anxious thought loops and cultivate profound resilience. Website  InstagramFacebook 👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Bessel van der Kolk - The Body Keeps ScoreGabor Maté - In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, The Myth of NormalMihaly Csikszentmihalyi - FlowTim Ferriss - Tools of TitansMartin E.P. Seligman - Learned Helplessness, Learned Optimism, FlourishLeo Tolstoy - War and Peace, Anna Karenina, A ConfessionRobert Frost - "The Road Not Taken"Jefferson Frisbee - University of West Virginia ResearchAndrew Huberman - Vagus Nerve ResearchSupport the show

    1h 29m
  8. #095 - Taylor Scott - Lead with Heart: The Humanity Hack

    JUL 28

    #095 - Taylor Scott - Lead with Heart: The Humanity Hack

    Uncover the game-changing "Humanity Hack" for transformative leadership. Taylor Scott, a hospitality pioneer, reveals how cultivating psychological safety and deep emotional connection is the scientific blueprint for peak performance and a thriving workplace culture.   Learn how generosity inspires genuine connection, ignites motivation, and empowers your team to excel. We delve into practical strategies to foster a "learn-it-all" mindset and transform feedback from a dreaded monologue into an empowering dialogue. Discover the profound impact of humanness in leadership, drawing on insights like the "Rider and Elephant" metaphor and the "Three Cs of Compassionate Teams" (Choice, Competence, Community).   Tune in to master these principles and build a magnetic environment where everyone thrives. This episode is your essential guide to leading in the new era. ℹ️ About the Guest Taylor Scott, a visionary hospitality pioneer and bestselling author. You can find his transformative insights on Instagram at @TScott502 and on LinkedIn as Taylor Scott, Lead with Hospitality LLC. His latest book, Give Hospitality, offers a compelling story that reveals how a spirit of generosity can inspire genuine connection and transform any environment. Having shaped cultures at industry giants like Disney Parks, Taylor truly understands what it takes to lead with heart. Website: leadwithhospitality.com  Instagram: @tscott1502  LinkedIn: Taylor Scott, Lead with Hospitality LLC 👨‍💻 People & Other Mentions Taylor Scott - Hospitality pioneer, bestselling author of Give Hospitality and Lead with Hospitality, and leadership expert. (leadwithhospitality.com)  Cody McLean - Host of the Mind Hack Podcast. (No specific personal link in research)  Chip and Dan Heath - Bestselling authors of Switch: How to Change When Change Is Hard and The Power of Moments: Why Some Moments Are More Extraordinary Than Others. (heathbrothers.com)  Jonathan Haidt - NYU psychologist and author of The Happiness Hypothesis, known for the "Rider and Elephant" metaphor. (jonathanhaidt.com)  John Maxwell - Renowned thought leader and author on leadership. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_C._Maxwell)Maya Angelou - Acclaimed American memoirist, poet, and civil rights activist, known for the quote "People don't remember what you say, they remember how you made them feel." (mayaangelou.com)  Satya Nadella - Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, credited with shifting its culture to a "learn-it-all" mindset. ((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satya_Nadella))Bill Gates - Co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist. (gatesfoundation.org)Steve Ballmer - Former CEO of Microsoft and owner of the Los Angeles Clippers. (ballmergroup.org/person/steve-ballmer/)Edward Deci and Richard Ryan - Psychologists who developed the Self-Determination Theory, focusing on autonomy, competence, and relatedness. (selfdeterminationtheory.org)  Support the show

    59 min
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Trailer

4.5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

What happens when you give an overthinking entrepreneur a microphone, a curiosity obsession, and access to the sharpest minds on the planet?  You get MindHack - the podcast for founders, builders, and high-performers who want to upgrade their brain like they upgrade their software.  Each week, Cody McLain (entrepreneur since 15, burnout survivor, and productivity nerd) sits down with scientists, psychologists, and successful entrepreneurs to reverse-engineer how extraordinary people think, feel, and execute.  We unpack the mental models, weird routines, emotional rewiring, and psychology-backed strategies that actually work—so you can build your business without losing your mind.  🎯 Think: startup grit meets cognitive science. 🎙️ Guests include bestselling authors, startup OGs, and unreasonably curious humans. 🔥 Warning: listening may result in existential clarity, better habits, and fewer panic Googles at 2am.  New episodes every week. Subscribe and hack your brain before your brain hacks you.

Information

  • Creator
    Cody McLain
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 MindHack™ is a Registered Trademark under WireFuseMedia, LLC
  • Show Website
    ​MindHack

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