The Eternal Optimist

Matt Drinkhahn
  • 4.9 (138)
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The Eternal Optimist

The ‘Eternal Optimist’ is the show for people who see the good in the world and want to make a positive difference in the lives of their families and communities! Twice a week Matt Drinkhahn will help you see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll start thinking bigger and playing offense in life more consistently. Every week you’ll hear inspiring stories from people who faced immense challenges and KEPT GOING.

  1. Why Chaos Is a Gift: Chris Hillier on Gratitude, Business, and Growth

    2D AGO

    Why Chaos Is a Gift: Chris Hillier on Gratitude, Business, and Growth

    Matt sits down with entrepreneur, investor, and award-winning employee benefits consultant Christopher  Hillier. Broadcasting from Denver, Colorado, Chris opens up about navigating the beautiful chaos of raising five kids, building businesses, and staying anchored in gratitude—even when life feels messy. With a background in employee benefits and risk management, Chris shares lessons from starting and acquiring multiple businesses, why he’s always had the entrepreneurial bug, and how he uses optimism and curiosity as tools for personal and professional growth. For leaders who juggle business, family, and everything in between, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that joy and challenge often go hand in hand. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist: Meet Chris Hillier00:00:36 - Joy in the Mess: Finding Positivity in Chaos00:01:36 - From Parker, CO to Purpose: Chris Hillier’s Origin Story00:03:10 - Bitten by the Bug: When Entrepreneurship Called00:05:40 - Building Companies, Raising Kids: The Family Startup Equation00:12:45 - Chaos Meets Clarity: Balancing Business and Parenthood00:14:53 - Creating Space to Think: Time, Energy, and Awareness00:22:30 - The Time Trap: Why Most Leaders Are Overwhelmed00:23:11 - Track It or Lose It: The Power of Time Logging00:23:59 - Let It Go: Delegation and Automation that Actually Work00:25:08 - Life Integration: Where Personal and Professional Meet00:30:26 - Growth by Reflection: How Feedback Shapes Us00:37:43 - Leading with Heart: Service, Empathy, and True Impact00:39:17 - One Last Drop of Wisdom: Closing Thoughts & Tools00:41:11 - Lightning Round: Books, Music, and What Inspires Chris00:43:19 - What Is Eternal Optimism? Chris’s Definition Links And Resources: Christopher on LinkedIn 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!

    45 min
  2. Why Humor Heals: Exploring Pain, Progress & Purpose with Nema Semnani

    MAR 25

    Why Humor Heals: Exploring Pain, Progress & Purpose with Nema Semnani

    Matt sits down with storyteller, sales leader, and comedian Nema Semnani for a raw conversation about resilience, identity, and finding humor in hardship. Born amid political turmoil in Iran and raised without a father, Nema shares his deeply personal story of loss and survival, and how those early challenges forged his unique perspective on life. With a blend of authenticity, dark humor, and insight, Nema reflects on how he uses his voice to help others connect, lead, and grow. Whether you’re a founder, manager, or creative professional, this episode offers profound lessons on turning adversity into advantage and embracing the broken parts as the places where true strength is formed. Chapters: 00:00:00 - An Instant Connection: How Matt and Nema’s Conversation Sparked00:01:05 - Growing Up Without a Father: Nema’s Story of Resilience00:02:53 - Finding Light in the Dark: Humor as a Tool for Healing00:07:07 - Choosing Gratitude: Staying Optimistic Through Struggles00:12:08 - The Accident That Changed Everything00:19:08 - Grace Under Pressure: Shifting Your Perspective00:23:08 - Affluence, Identity, and the Parenting Tightrope00:24:48 - Remembering Where You Came From: Wealth and Perspective00:25:37 - Teaching Kids the Hustle: Earning vs. Entitlement00:27:47 - The Eternal Optimist’s Mindset in Real Life00:36:32 - Detoxing Negativity and Finding Peace Within00:40:52 - Books, Beats, and What’s Fueling Nema Right Now00:43:21 - Life in Review: The Moments That Matter Most Links And Resources: Nema on LinkedInNema on Instagram 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!

    46 min
  3. From Bankruptcy to Real Estate Success: Scott Krusemark’s Comeback Story

    MAR 18

    From Bankruptcy to Real Estate Success: Scott Krusemark’s Comeback Story

    Scott Krusemark joins The Eternal Optimist to share his journey from IT consultant to real estate investor, coach, and hard money lender with over 30 years of experience. Matt and Scott get into the lessons learned from more than 150 real estate transactions, including the early mistakes that led to a 10-unit property dragging him into bankruptcy. Scott breaks down the four key equations every investor needs to know, the discipline required to avoid bad deals, and why real estate can be a strong strategy for financial stability. With Scott’s analytical approach and decades of experience, this conversation is packed with practical takeaways for anyone looking to navigate real estate with confidence. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Welcome to The Eternal Optimist – Let’s Go!00:00:55 - Meet Scott Krusemark: Investor, Mentor & Resilient Entrepreneur00:01:39 - From Tech to Real Estate – Scott’s Unexpected Path00:03:41 - Living with Asperger’s: Turning Challenges Into Strengths00:06:25 - Rewriting His Story: Overcoming Life’s Biggest Struggles00:19:37 - Love, Marriage & the Unexpected Journey That Followed00:25:31 - Jumping into Real Estate – The First Big Moves00:26:09 - The Costly Mistakes That Every Investor Should Avoid00:28:10 - How the 2008 Crash Took Scott to the Brink00:29:01 - Bankruptcy, Hard Lessons & Bouncing Back Stronger00:31:03 - Why Playing It Safe in Real Estate Pays Off00:32:54 - Scott’s Proven Investment Rules for Long-Term Success00:33:17 - The 70% Rule: The Simple Math That Protects Your Deals00:36:57 - Fix & Flip vs. Rentals – Which One is Right for You?00:37:12 - How to Read the Market & Invest with Confidence00:41:44 - Hard Money Lending Exposed: What Every Investor Must Know00:44:16 - Want to Learn from Scott? Here’s Your Chance00:46:47 - Scott’s Must-Read Books for Wealth & Growth00:48:59 - What It Truly Means to Be an Eternal Optimist Book Recommendation: Rich Dad, Poor Dad – Robert Kiyosaki Cashflow Quadrant – Robert Kiyosaki The Code of the Extraordinary Mind – Vishen Lakhiani Links And Resources: Scott on Linkedina href="https://howtohackrealestate.com/" rel="noopener...

    52 min
  4. The Missing Secret from Think and Grow Rich with John Mitchell

    MAR 11

    The Missing Secret from Think and Grow Rich with John Mitchell

    John Mitchell shares the missing piece of Think and Grow Rich and how, at age 50, he realized he wasn’t living up to his full potential—despite being a successful entrepreneur. Determined to change his trajectory, he spent months decoding Think and Grow Rich and developed a 12-minute-a-day technique to reprogram his subconscious mind. The results? A 25X increase in income, greater control over his life, and a method that has now helped elite athletes, entrepreneurs, and high achievers unlock their full potential. John breaks down why 95% of our daily thoughts and actions are unconscious, how we can proactively manipulate the subconscious mind, and why only 2% of people are willing to do what it takes to achieve extraordinary success. If you’re ready to rewire your brain and finally take control of your life, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Chapters: 00:00:00 – Kicking off another powerful conversation on The Eternal Optimist Podcast00:00:21 – Meet John Mitchell, the entrepreneur who cracked the success code00:01:16 – Hitting 50 and realizing success wasn’t where it should be00:02:37 – Discovering Think and Grow Rich and uncovering its missing piece00:04:02 – Creating a 12-minute daily technique that transformed everything00:05:06 – Bringing the success formula to the University of Texas00:07:14 – Why small, daily actions determine the life you build00:13:59 – Revealing the full secret hidden within Think and Grow Rich00:24:51 – Understanding why repetition is the foundation of success00:30:08 – Meeting a top success expert who validated the method00:31:16 – The 2% rule: What separates high achievers from the rest00:33:16 – How AI and success psychology shaped John’s new book00:34:27 – Where to find the missing success formula that changed his life00:35:32 – Reflecting on the strategies that drive real, lasting results00:38:06 – Exploring the power of Psycho-Cybernetics and mental reprogramming00:39:24 – How music and structure play a role in training the mind00:41:41 – Rewiring your subconscious to achieve bigger goals00:43:38 – Why John is on a mission to help more people become 2%ers00:49:31 – The unexpected journey that led him to his wife, Ginger00:52:13 – How affirmations work when used in the right context00:54:56 – Final thoughts on mastering your mindset and success Links And Resources: John on LinkedInThink It Be It WebsiteFree 9-Minute Video on the Missing SecretJohn’s Book - THE MISSING SECRET of the Legendary Book Think and Grow Rich: And a 12-minute-a-day technique to apply it 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!

    59 min
  5. War, Wealth, and Winning: The Mindset of an Elite Investor with Roy Dekel

    MAR 4

    War, Wealth, and Winning: The Mindset of an Elite Investor with Roy Dekel

    Roy Dekel’s story is one for the books—Israeli Navy SEAL training, a leap into entrepreneurship with zero connections, and a relentless climb to building and selling multi-million-dollar businesses. In this episode, Matt talks with Roy about the trials and tribulations of scaling, making high-stakes decisions, and why most founders get caught up in the wrong metrics. Roy shares wild stories—from selling $2,000 vacuums door-to-door to navigating venture investing and why trust, not talent, is the real key to success. If you’ve ever wondered how to think like an elite operator in business and life, this one’s a masterclass in resilience, strategy, and making bold moves. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Kicking off with a powerhouse: Meet Roy Dekel00:00:56 - From Navy SEAL training to boardrooms: Roy’s wild journey00:02:25 - Hard lessons: The real struggles of entrepreneurship00:03:04 - Surviving Hell Week: Lessons from SEAL training that apply to business00:06:46 - Starting from zero: The immigrant hustle in the U.S.00:10:24 - Scaling to $12M+ in revenue—what it really takes00:19:28 - When everything is on the line: How to make high-stakes decisions00:27:08 - The art of strategic diving—and why it’s just like running a business00:28:14 - Money, power, and politics: How venture capitalism is shaped by government00:30:45 - Business in different states: Where you thrive and where you struggle00:35:34 - What I look for when buying a company (and what makes me walk away)00:40:31 - Spotting red flags before they sink your business deal00:43:51 - The best advice I can give any entrepreneur right now00:50:19 - Quickfire insights and final thoughts—wrapping up strong! Book Recommendation: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss and Tahl Raz Links and Resources: Roy DekelRoy Dekel & Real EstateRoy on LinkedInInc. MastersEntrepreneur Magazine 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!

    53 min
  6. Notion, Automation & Five-Star Service: The System You Need Now with Ernesto Mandowsky

    FEB 25

    Notion, Automation & Five-Star Service: The System You Need Now with Ernesto Mandowsky

    On this episode of the Eternal Optimist, Matt chats with systems and efficiency expert Ernesto Mandowsky to unpack the game-changing strategies behind building a Million-Dollar Machine. Ernesto explains the five key recipes that separate thriving businesses from those stuck in the weeds—transformation, connection, communication, organization, and actualization. They dig into why most entrepreneurs get buried in busy work, how to create a world-class client experience, and the mindset shift required to scale without chaos. If you’re a leader looking to level up your team huddles, deepen client relationships, and build a business that runs like clockwork, this episode is your blueprint for success. Chapters: 00:00:00 - Stepping Into the World of Systems00:00:50 - The Guy Who Makes Chaos Disappear00:01:24 - Gratitude at 3 A.M. With a Newborn00:03:06 - Throwing a $30K Party Changed Everything00:05:51 - The Secret Behind Businesses That Scale00:07:31 - Digital Discipline: Fixing Your Inbox Nightmare00:09:27 - What’s Really Breaking Your Business (Hint: Not Sales)00:12:02 - The Five Recipes to Run a Business Like Clockwork00:15:11 - Connections That Make or Break Your Business00:19:28 - Why Handwritten Gratitude Still Wins00:21:20 - Why Every Business Needs a $10K Offer00:23:12 - Delivering WOW Moments for Clients & Family00:27:10 - Systems: The Difference Between Scaling and Drowning00:33:51 - Actualization: Culture Design That Fuels Growth00:36:55 - Where to Find Ernesto’s Brainpower00:38:11 - Books, Music, and the Eternal Optimist Mindset Links and Resources: Ernesto on LinkedInErnesto on InstagramMillion Dollar MachineGrowth Scorecard3 Ways to Start Building TodayNewBee by Ernesto Mandowsky 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!

    42 min
  7. Broke 11 Bones, Beat Cancer, and Built a Movement with Hal Elrod

    FEB 18

    Broke 11 Bones, Beat Cancer, and Built a Movement with Hal Elrod

    Matt sits down with the one and only Hal Elrod—a man who has literally died, come back, and turned every challenge into fuel for something bigger. From a head-on collision that left him clinically dead for six minutes to beating a rare, aggressive cancer against the odds, Hal shares the mindset shifts and daily habits that helped him not just survive, but thrive. They break down the power of The Miracle Morning, the truth about affirmations (and why most people do them wrong), and how small, intentional choices can transform your life and business. If you’re ready for a wake-up call—before 8 AM—this episode is it! Chapters: 00:00:00 – Buckle Up: Welcome to The Eternal Optimist00:00:57 – Meet Hal Elrod: The Man Who Refused to Stay Dead00:02:29 – Family First, Business Second, Ego Never00:05:16 – A 70 MPH Collision, 11 Broken Bones & Six Minutes of Death00:08:04 – The Power of Owning Your Imperfections00:14:13 – Cancer, 30% Survival Odds & Choosing Faith Over Fear00:22:07 – Facing Mortality & Making Every Moment Count00:26:39 – From Adderall to Impeccable Health: The Hard Truth00:28:11 – The Miracle Morning Blueprint That Changed Millions of Lives00:30:57 – Scaling Impact: Schools, Apps & The Future of Mornings00:33:49 – Affirmations That Actually Work (And Why Most Don’t)00:37:20 – Where to Find Hal & Join the Movement00:39:47 – The Lightning Round: Rapid-Fire Wisdom & Final Words Book Recommendations: Michael Singer’s booksByron Katie’s booksDr. Benjamin Hardy’s books Links and Resources: Hal ElrodThe Miracle MorningHal on LinkedInHal on InstagramHal Elrod and the Miracle Morning Routine on YouTubeHal’s books 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!

    43 min
  8. Your Resume is Lying to You: The Future of Talent Hiring with Caitlin MacGregor

    FEB 11

    Your Resume is Lying to You: The Future of Talent Hiring with Caitlin MacGregor

    Caitlin MacGregor is a gap closer, a game-changer, and a leader on a mission to revolutionize hiring. As the CEO of Plum, she’s tearing down outdated hiring practices and showing companies how to spot hidden talent using science, not guesswork. In this episode, Caitlin opens up about how she grinded herself into absolute burnout to turning into a leader who puts relationships first and drives results at the same time. She breaks down why resumes lie, how AI is shifting the hiring game, and what companies keep getting wrong about talent. If you’ve ever hired (or been hired), this one’s for you. Chapters: 00:00:00 – A Gap Closer Steps Into the Spotlight00:01:27 – From Execution Machine to Relationship-First Leader00:02:35 – The Thing Caitlin Mastered at Home but Ignored at Work00:04:30 – The Wake-Up Call: “You Won’t Have a Marriage to Come Home To”00:09:21 – Rewiring Leadership: Breaking Free From the Old Model00:18:19 – Time Blindness and How It Nearly Derailed Everything00:22:38 – The Aha Moment That Sparked Plum00:26:37 – Making Elite Hiring Tools Accessible to All00:30:29 – A Free Tool That Reveals What You’re Actually Great At00:33:21 – Why Behavioral Skills, Not Experience, Predict Success00:41:10 – Parenting, Anime, and the Surprising Joy of Video Games00:43:51 – What Eternal Optimism Really Means From Someone Who’s Lived It Links and Resources: Caitlin on LinkedInPlumWE CharityGOQSoftware 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!

    45 min
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4.9
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About

The ‘Eternal Optimist’ is the show for people who see the good in the world and want to make a positive difference in the lives of their families and communities! Twice a week Matt Drinkhahn will help you see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll start thinking bigger and playing offense in life more consistently. Every week you’ll hear inspiring stories from people who faced immense challenges and KEPT GOING.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Drinkhahn
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    244
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 Matt Drinkhahn
  • Show Website
    The Eternal Optimist

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