The Greatness Machine Darius Mirshahzadeh

How do you handle tough situations in life? 

Building mental strength is a critical aspect of achieving success and living a fulfilling life. It involves developing a mindset that allows you to overcome obstacles and setbacks, and maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity.

It requires a strong sense of self-awareness, which involves understanding your strengths and weaknesses and being willing to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. This can involve setting realistic goals, practicing self-reflection, and seeking feedback from others.

Amy Morin, editor-in-chief of Verywell Mind, the biggest mental health website in the world, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about her new book, 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do.

In this episode, Darius and Amy talk about the importance of building mental strength to help manage our thoughts and emotions. Amy explains the difference between knowing and doing, and why people often fear solitude and silence.

Topics include:

What changed Amy’s mind about becoming a doctor

What motivated Amy to learn about building mental strength and toughness

The challenges of knowing versus doing

The benefits of having a pros-and-cons list

Amy recalls writing 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do


How to stop dwelling in the past and move on for good

The three parts of mental strength

Ways to stop expecting immediate results

Why people fear the quiet and being alone

Amy talks about The Verywell Mind Podcast


And other topics


Resources mentioned:
The War of Art by: https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-war-of-art/ 

Connect with Amy:
Website: https://amymorinlcsw.com/ 
Website: https://www.verywellmind.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymorinlcsw/ 
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Things-Mentally-Strong-People-Workbook/dp/0063252236 
Podcast: https://www.verywellmind.com/the-verywell-mind-podcast-5113058 

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/
YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708
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What’s stopping you from turning your dreams into reality?

Turning your dreams into reality is one of the most fulfilling and rewarding experiences you can have in life. It is about taking that idea or goal that you've had in your head for so long and making it a tangible, real-life accomplishment. It is about taking the necessary steps to pursue the life you have always wanted.

Making your dream a reality requires organization, flexibility, positivity, and support. By staying focused on your vision, being adaptable in the face of challenges, maintaining a positive attitude, and seeking out support when needed, you can turn your dream into a reality and reach your full potential.

Giovanni Marsico, the founder of Archangel, a community of superhero entrepreneurs, leaders, and game changers, joins us on the Greatness Machine to share his personal story of living his dream and helping others achieve theirs. 

In this episode, Darius and Giovanni talk about overcoming the challenges of chasing your dreams, combating imposter syndrome, and the benefits of stepping outside of your comfort zone. Giovanni also reveals the inspiration behind the “Dreamer” documentary, where they tell the story of entrepreneurs who never gave up on their dreams despite the hurdles. 

Topics include:

Giovanni recalls the beginning of Archangel Academy

How starting Archangel helped Giovanni cope with depression

Why he initially chose real estate instead of carrying out the idea of Archangel

The challenges of curating an event

Giovanni shares how he succeeded in inviting Gary Vaynerchuk to speak to his first big summit event

Overcoming imposter syndrome 

What inspired the “Dreamer” documentary 

And other topics…


Connect with Giovanni:
Website: https://archangel.cc/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giovannimarsico/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giftedwithgio 

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/
YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine hiking and cycling from the northernmost point in Alaska, all the way down the coast to the southernmost tip of Argentina. Now imagine doing it with no experience, little research and no real plan. It sounds crazy, but today's guests decided to embark on that very adventure and are anxious to share their experiences! 

It's a story of incredible revelations, unforgettable encounters (like being six feet from a mother black bear and her cubs!) human connections and lessons learned. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Ville and Kristen Jokinen, a dynamic traveling duo who have made the conscious choice to travel. They've just completed a 20-month, 18,000-mile cycling odyssey from Alaska to Argentina - with zero experience. 

You'll learn what sparked the decision to give up their traditional lifestyles and travel the world, often in conditions many of us would find impossible. You'll discover why Ville and Kristen believe that life should be lived without hesitation - it's too short not to chase adventure and discovery. You'll also learn why people with the least to give are often the most generous, while those with wealth tend to be more guarded, and what that says about our society. Join Darius, Ville and Kristen as they discuss their epic journey and the revelations they made along the way! 

Topics include: 

The many lessons Ville and Kristen learned on their epic cycling journey from Alaska to Argentina

Why we should all strive to live without hesitation and embrace the brevity of life

How people who have more tend to be more guarded, while those with nothing are often the most generous and giving people you'll meet

And other topics…


Sponsored By:
Go to organifi.com/greatness and use code GREATNESS for 20% off your entire order.
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Connect with Ville and Kristen:
Website: https://www.welostthemap.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welostthemap/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@villekristenjokinen3463/
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/welostthemap2  

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/
YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you showing up?

Showing up for yourself is crucial for personal growth, self-awareness, and well-being. It means prioritizing your needs, desires, and goals, and taking intentional actions toward them. When you show up for yourself, you acknowledge your worth, and you create a foundation of self-love and self-respect. 

It also means taking responsibility for your life, and not relying on others to fulfill your needs or make you happy. By showing up for yourself, you cultivate a sense of empowerment and agency, and you become more resilient and adaptable to life's challenges. So make it a habit to show up for yourself every day, in big and small ways, and watch how your life transforms for the better.

Today I am flying solo to talk about who I am trying to be in the world and what I do to become that version of myself.

In this episode, I will share a few tips I learned on how to become the best version of yourself and why it matters to show up and take action. I will also discuss the things I learned from two books I recently read, Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod.

Topics include:

My biggest takeaway from reading Atomic Habits


The three things I’m trying to be in the world

The importance of showing up

And other topics…


Resources mentioned:
Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod: https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Morning-Not-So-Obvious-Guaranteed-Transform/dp/0979019710 

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/
YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you reclaim your life after exiting a cult?

Cults often prey on vulnerable individuals, offering them a sense of community, belonging, and purpose. They use tactics such as manipulation, mind control, and emotional abuse to keep their members in line, making it challenging for individuals to leave and regain their freedom.

Escaping a cult can be a difficult and traumatizing experience, requiring immense courage and strength. One of the most challenging aspects of escaping a cult is the process of deprogramming. Members of a cult have been subjected to intense indoctrination, where their thoughts, beliefs, and behavior have been shaped by the organization's leaders.

Sarah Edmondson, a Canadian actress, voice actor, and podcaster, joins us on the Greatness Machine to talk about her experience as a former member of NXIVM, a now-defunct multi-level marketing company.

In this episode, Darius and Sarah dive deep into the effects of cult manipulation and how cults rewire the brain of their members. Now a cult recovery advocate, Sarah also shares her story of being a member of NXIVM, which she later exposed for their abusive practices. 

Topics include:

What drew Sarah to join the NXIVM group

How Sarah found out about the disturbing activities within the group

The factors that contribute to joining cults

What it was like for Sarah working as an actor while being a member of the NXIVM

Sarah talks about the HBO documentary series “The Vow”

The story behind A Little Bit Culty podcast

And other topics…


Connect with Sarah:
Website: https://www.sarahedmondson.com/ 
Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-little-bit-culty/id1553334816 
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Scarred-Story-Escaped-NXIVM-Memoir/dp/1452184267 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahedmondson/

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/
YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are few things more demoralizing than pouring your heart and soul into a job (not to mention countless hours of dedicated work) only to have your employer let you go with barely a thank you for your hard work. 

Today's guest has experienced this firsthand, but rather than allow it to stop her, she's used it to fuel her own massive success. In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Hala Taha, entrepreneur, CEO of YAP Media and LinkedIn's Podcasting Princess. Her path to success has been a long and challenging one, despite her relatively young age, and she's ready to share her insights on today's episode. 

You'll learn about Hala's journey through the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, a difficult path that provided tremendous experience and eventually led her to the corporate world where more lessons awaited. 

You'll discover some surprisingly effective habits and tactics used by successful leaders. You'll also learn how Hala's extensive experience inspired her to create her #1 rated Young and Profiting podcast and more recently, YAP Media, a full-service social media and podcast marketing agency for top podcasters, celebrities and CEOs. Join Darius and Hala and get inspired by her story, her determination and her insights! 

Topics include:

The process Hala used to become an "overnight success”

Surprising habits and tactics of successful leaders

The reasons why Hala decided to start the Young And Profiting podcast

And other topics…


Sponsored By:
Go to organifi.com/greatness and use code GREATNESS for 20% off your entire order.

This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/darius and get on your way to being your best self.

Connect with Hala:
Website: https://youngandprofiting.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/htaha/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yapwithhala/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/yapwithhala 

Connect with Darius:
Website: https://therealdarius.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whoompdarius/
YouTube: https://therealdarius.com/youtube
Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices