The Eternal Optimist Matt Drinkhahn

Michelle Meehan, a high-flying media executive and a devoted mother, courageously opens up about her journey of balancing the demanding scales of career success and family life. Michelle discusses the hardships of maintaining her identity through the trials of motherhood and the corporate world, telling how she reshaped her life's priorities following the birth of her children. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience required to redefine personal success and happiness in the face of societal expectations and internal conflicts. Tune in to discover how Michelle found a harmonious blend of professional ambition and familial love, providing inspiration and courage to anyone walking the tightrope between public achievement and private fulfillment.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Welcome to Eternal Optimism!00:00:30 - Introducing Michelle: Triumphs & Trials00:01:46 - The Working Mom Balancing Act00:03:15 - Michelle's Story: Achievements Amidst Adversity00:04:00 - Juggling Responsibilities: Work Ethic vs. Motherhood00:06:15 - Overcoming the Guilt of Work-Life Balance00:08:12 - Overcoming Depression with Support00:09:00 - A New Beginning: When Opportunity Knocks00:11:15 - Michelle's Strategies for Mental Wellness00:13:30 - Finding Success in New Realms00:15:45 - Michelle Discusses Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Happiness00:17:15 - The Love Story That Helped Michelle Heal00:22:05 - Values in Action: Michelle’s Community Work00:24:56 - Mentorship: Lifting Others as You Rise00:27:31 - Navigating Identity & High Achievement00:29:27 - Michelle’s Favorites: Music, Books, and Optimism
Links And Resources:
Michelle on LinkedIn
Recommended Books:
Untamed by Glennon DoyleHarry Potter booksMove Fast. Break Shit. Burn Out. by Tracey Lovejoy and Shannon Lucas
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Today we’re going on an inspirational journey with Chris Cooper, a renowned fitness entrepreneur and author. Chris opens up about his humble beginnings and the pivotal moments that shaped his path from a self-doubting teenager to a visionary leader in the fitness industry. He shares lessons on overcoming adversity, the power of mentorship, and the strategies that catapulted his business to success! Whether you're seeking motivation to push through challenges or practical advice on building your own empire, Chris’s stories and actionable tips provide a treasure trove of insights that promise to enlighten and inspire. Join us for a masterclass in resilience and entrepreneurial spirit that could change the way you approach your goals and ambitions!
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Intro: Unveiling the Eternal Optimist, Chris Cooper00:02:17 - Genesis of a Mogul: From Nerdy Teen to Fitness Icon00:04:22 - Turning Points: Embracing Challenges in Fitness00:06:07 - Crunch Time: The Struggles of Starting a Fitness Empire00:09:05 - Literary Lift: Chris's Rise from Blogger to Bestseller00:11:34 - Revolutionizing Fitness: Chris's Blog to Bestseller Journey00:14:27 - Business Blueprint: Crafting the Two-Brain Business Model00:15:41 - The Growth Curve: Lessons in Humility and Entrepreneurship00:18:40 - Adapting to Crisis: The Value of Tactical Mentorship00:20:07 - Mentorship Mastery: Lifelong Learning with Chris Cooper00:21:16 - Beyond Profit: Finding Fulfillment in Philanthropy00:26:09 - The Optimist’s Mindset: Cultivating Positivity & Change00:29:15 - Optimism in Action: Real-Life Applications00:32:07 - Leadership Unleashed: The Fine Art of Letting Go00:36:32 - Wrap-Up: Insights on Books, Beats, and Staying Optimistic
Links And Resources:
Chris on LinkedInTwo-Brain BusinessTwo-Brain CoachingChris’s BooksRun a Profitable Gym on YouTube
Recommended Books:
The Go-Giver by Bob Burg and John David MannJim Collins’s booksRich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
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Olympic gold medalist and seasoned life navigator, Joe Jacobi, is here sharing vivid stories of navigating both literal and metaphorical whitewaters. He discusses embracing life's challenges and transforming obstacles into opportunities. Joe ties together his elite paddling experiences with broader life lessons about making intentional choices that align with personal values and goals. You’ll not only hear about the philosophy of living with purpose but you’ll be inspired to consider how we can ride the currents of our lives with grace and resilience. Tune in for a journey of introspection and discovery with one of the sporting world's most thoughtful and inspiring figures.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Meet Joe Jacobi: Olympian & Architect of Second Chances00:02:10 - Coastal Visions: Joe’s Life Beyond the Olympic Podium00:04:44 - Fluid Dynamics: Applying River Lessons to Everyday Life00:07:22 - Streamlined Strategies: Adapting Sports Tactics to Life’s Challenges00:11:55 - Surfing Life’s Waves: Choosing Goals That Resonate00:13:48 - Wave Selection: Strategic Life Choices and What They Reveal00:16:03 - Riding the Crest: Personal Alignment with Universal Flow00:18:41 - Ocean Lessons: From Competitive Sports to Life’s Symphony00:20:29 - Beyond the Medal: Redefining Success with Joe Jacoby00:23:35 - Cultivating Connections: How Relationships Redefine Our Success00:26:16 - Future Focused: Crafting a Legacy on Your Own Terms00:29:39 - Clearing the Clutter: The Impact of Life’s Distractions00:31:06 - Philosophy in Motion: Mastering Life’s Turbulent Waters00:35:19 - Path Less Paddled: Joe’s Bold Move from Mainstream to Meaning00:39:05 - Simple Joys: Embracing Local Life and Community00:42:24 - Sustainable Steps: Joe’s Journey Towards Minimalism00:46:37 - Balancing Act: Finding Your Rhythm in the Chaos00:48:18 - Shared Stories: Connecting Over Common Ground00:51:44 - Echoes of Experience: Lessons in Living Authentically and Intentionally00:55:17 - Parting Thoughts: Joe’s Book Recommendations and Reflections
Links And Resources:
Joe JacobiJoe on LinkedInSlalom: 6 River Classes About How To Confront Obstacles, Advance Amid Uncertainty, & Bring Focus To What Matters by Joe JacobiThinking in Waves Newsletter5 With Joe - Performance Coaching
Recommended Books:
Same as Ever by Morgan HouselHidden Potential by Adam GrantThink Again by Adam GrantScarcity Brain by Michael Easter
Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a...

Joe Shopp,Chairman of the Board and Chief Production Officer at Eden Energy Solutions LLC, is a man whose life story reads like a book about human resilience and unwavering hope. From the depths of homelessness, where a young Joe found himself living in tunnels and battling the harsh realities of life on the streets, to his extraordinary rise as a driving force behind Eden Energy Solutions LLC, Joe overcame insurmountable odds. Joe shares pivotal moments of his life, including a life-altering encounter in his grandmother's house that set him on a path of purpose and the incredible leap of faith that led him to champion environmental sustainability. This episode with Joe is not just about personal triumph; it's a call to action for each of us to consider our impact on the planet and the legacy we wish to leave behind. Join us as we explore Joe Shopp's remarkable journey from tunnels to triumph, and how his vision for a cleaner, sustainable world is paving the way for future generations.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Joe's Odyssey: Triumph Over Life's Toughest Battles00:01:49 - Childhood Echoes: Empathy and a Mysterious Promise00:03:57 - Against All Odds: Surviving the Shadows of Life00:07:22 - The Light in the Tunnel: Grit Leads to Grace00:10:35 - Laying Foundations: Joe's Ascent from Adversity00:14:53 - Challenges and Purpose: Building Dreams from Dust00:19:30 - Crossroads of Faith: From Trials to Transformation00:24:06 - From the Edge of Despair: A Catalyst for Change00:27:02 - Rising from Ruin: The Resurgence of a Warrior00:32:06 - Eden's Call: Pioneering a Greener Tomorrow00:36:04 - Harmony in Hardship: A Tale of Love and Destiny00:41:14 - Eden's Vision: Joe's Crusade for a Cleaner Earth00:47:07 - Blueprints for Better: The Mechanics of Hope00:52:59 - Reflections and Horizons: Joe's Enduring Legacy
Links And Resources:
LinkedInEden Energy, LLC
Recommended Books
High Growth Handbook by Elad GilStart with Why by Simon Sinek
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Mentioned in this episode:
Buy Book on Amazon!!

Today’s conversation maps a course through uncharted territories of the human spirit. Kristian Nylund, a seasoned aviator, shares a raw, unfiltered account of his personal life— from the high-flying days of aviation to navigating the stormy weather of life's biggest challenges. This isn't just about facing demons; it's about the quest for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. Discover the life-changing power of embracing one's true self, the courage it takes to break free from the chains of addiction, and the unparalleled liberation of living a life untethered. If you're looking for a story that defies expectations and speaks to the soul, you've just found your next listen. Gear up for a journey that promises to lift you off your feet and into the realms of introspection and genuine change.
Chapters:
00:00:00 Meet Kristian Nylund: From Sky High to Heartfelt Depths00:02:35 Navigating Personal Storms: Divorce and the Quest for Self00:05:40 Authenticity's Horizon: Kristian's Voyage to Genuine Self00:07:35 Reclaiming the Compass: Values, Virtues, and Victory00:09:18 Beyond the Game: Uncovering Confidence and Passion00:13:49 A Sobering Skydive: Kristian's Candid Confrontation with Addiction00:18:05 Breaking Through the Clouds: The Turning Point to Sobriety00:23:53 Turbulence Revisited: The Challenges of Maintaining Course00:26:03 Crafting a New Flight Plan: The Birth of Sober Identity00:27:59 The Beacon of Hope: Guiding Others Through Their Storms00:32:22 A New Destination: Empowering Journeys to Sobriety00:36:39 Solidarity in the Skies: The Power of Communal Support00:37:50 Landing Insights: Committing to the Sobriety Flight Path00:40:13 Safe Landing: Reflective Goodbyes and Optimistic Horizons
Links And Resources:
LinkedInInstagramFacebookSober Identity Podcast
BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:
The Second Mountain by David BrooksAreté by Brian Johnson
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Mentioned in this episode:
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Today Matt is sharing an episode from “Profit is a Choice” hosted by Michele Williams where he and Michele had a conversation about the world of financial literacy with a uniquely optimistic lens. As a seasoned expert in fostering growth and empowerment through understanding numbers, Matt shared great advice about transforming financial embarrassment into a source of strength and enlightenment. With a backdrop of engaging discussions on the challenges and triumphs of financial management, you are invited on a journey to discover the transformative power of embracing financial literacy with an eternally optimistic mindset. Whether you're struggling to decode your balance sheet or looking to scale your business to new heights, this episode serves as a beacon of hope, illuminating the path to financial freedom and success through optimism and practical wisdom.
Chapters:
00:00:00 - Welcome to the Eternal Optimist Podcast Special Episode00:00:52 - Diving Into Financial Literacy with Matt Drinkhahn00:02:27 - Matt's Journey: From Sales Success to Financial Coaching00:05:47 - The Genesis and Growth of The Eternal Optimist Podcast00:06:35 - Michele’s Transformative Business Journey00:12:23 - The Power of Financial Literacy: Sharing Our Stories00:14:23 - Practical Tips for Achieving Financial Mastery00:18:35 - Turning Financial Challenges into Opportunities for Growth00:23:50 - Step-by-Step Towards Financial Understanding00:26:48 - Matrix Solutions: Revolutionizing Financial Management for Business Owners00:29:14 - Redefining Profit: The Value of Time, Energy, and Connections00:34:08 - Finding and Nurturing Your Ideal Client Relationships00:38:02 - Mastering the Art of Delegation to Scale Your Business00:44:35 - How to Connect with Matt & Episode Conclusion
Links And Resources:
Matt Drinkhahn on Profit is a Choice
Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!
Mentioned in this episode:
Buy Book on Amazon!!