The Greatness Machine

What is a recession, and are we in one now? Today I’m flying solo to talk about the US economy, its current state, and what to expect during the second half of the year.  A recession is generally characterized by negative gross domestic product (GDP), rising unemployment, falling retail prices, and contracting measures of income and manufacturing lasting months or years. Recessions are often classified as two consecutive quarters of plummeting GDP growth, which the US economy is currently experiencing.  GDP fell at an annual rate of 0.9% in the second quarter this year, following the last quarter’s decline of 1.6%.  But before we talk about these figures, let’s take a step back and look at the four to five consecutive quarters with the most significant revenue growth in the last 15 years.  US real GDP rose at an annual rate of 6.9% in the fourth quarter of 2021, following a 2.3% growth in the third quarter, a 6.7% pace in the second quarter, and a 6.3% increase during the first quarter of the same year.  Despite the two recent negative quarters, we need to look at the numbers and what they represent. Moreover, a negative GDP growth rate does not necessarily connote that the economy is entering a recession. In this episode, you will learn about the US economy, GDP, recession, and why running a country is similar to running a business.  Topics include: The real GDP growth in the US for the first two quarters of 2022. The definition of recession How economists determine whether the economy is in a recession Why we need to look at the data and consider the previous quarters Why a negative GDP does not indicate a recession And other topics... Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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 can a deeper understanding of sex and sexuality empower individuals to enrich their intimate lives and build healthier relationships? Developing a deeper comprehension of human sexuality and intimate connections can pave the way for more fulfilling and healthier relationships, nurturing greater emotional and physical closeness. That is why, Dr. Sadie Allison, a renowned expert in the field of sexual health and wellness, is on a mission to inform and educate about the realm of sexual well-being and relationships. With a diverse portfolio of ventures aimed at enhancing intimacy and pleasure, Dr. Sadie is committed to empowering individuals in their intimate lives. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Sadie, exploring her innovative ventures and extensive expertise in the realm of sexual health and wellness. They also delve into the pervasive stigma linked to male vulnerability and sexual performance concerns, emphasizing the need for open dialogues to dispel these issues. Topics include: What inspired Dr. Sadie to write her debut book in 2001 Dr. Sadie discusses the stigma around vulnerability and expressing concerns about sexual performance for men Understanding and exploring your partner's desires and needs is essential for improving sexual experiences The importance of open communication and exploration in intimate relationships to improve sexual experiences The role of sex education and how understanding female anatomy, preferences, and open communication can help bridge the orgasm gap And other topics… Connect with Dr. Sadie: Website: https://golovecbd.com/ Website: https://www.ticklekitty.com/  Book: https://www.ticklekitty.com/collections/sex-help-books LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsadieallison Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsadie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsadieallison/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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

It sometimes seems as if certain people are born to be entrepreneurs. That's certainly true of Alana Winter! In today's episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius chats with Alana Winter, serial entrepreneur, creative thinker, founder of MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School and guide on the path to self-aware leadership. Her journey has taken her from university admission at 16 to simultaneously being fired by her dad and set up in her own business. Following a string of challenges and feelings of burnout, she sold her business in 2006, leading to some powerful questions: "Who am I now? What do I do with my life?" In this wide-ranging discussion, you'll discover how her upbringing in a family of entrepreneurs has helped guide the path of her life. You'll learn why a lack of passion and alignment with your business can open the door to greater and greater difficulties. You'll discover how Alana sold the business she was no longer passionate about, and how doing so forced her to decide who she really was and what she really wanted in her life. You'll also learn how a trip to a James Bond film eventually gave rise to an entirely unique form of coaching: The MI6 Academy and Stiletto Spy School! Join Darius and Alana as they explore the fascinating, unpredictable and sometimes frustrating path that is entrepreneurship. Topics include: Alana's background and unusual upbringing, and why she was literally born to be an entrepreneur How her father helped her start her first business... by firing her The challenges she faced in that early business, such as burnout, employee theft and even embezzlement from a business partner Why she believes that a lack of passion and misalignment set the stage for the challenges she faced in her early entrepreneurial career How she navigated "the void" after selling her first business with no plan for the immediate future And other topics… Connect with Alana: Website: https://alanawinter.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanawinter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/awinter123/ Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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

In this special episode of The Greatness Machine, I embark on a culinary journey with my mom, Susan, who is sharing the cherished family heirloom recipe for her remarkable red sauce pasta. This isn't just another cooking show; it's a heartwarming tale of preserving traditions and passing on a culinary legacy from one generation to another. Ingredients: Two 91-ounce cans of Carmelina whole peeled tomatoes  One small tomato paste One-pound ground turkey ½ of a slab of St. Louis pork ribs Three bone-in chicken thighs One medium white onion Six cloves of garlic ½ a bunch of Italian parsley Romano cheese (pulverized) ¼ cup of fennel seed ½ teaspoon of red pepper chili flakes Seven turns of the pepper mill ¼ cup of oregano 6 Large torn or sliced fresh Basil leaves Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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

What if there was a proven scientific approach to unleashing timeless strength and graceful aging? Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, through her latest book, Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well, introduces an accessible program that teaches the connection between nutrition, exercise, and self-care.  She unveils an easy-to-follow food, fitness, and self-care program for lasting strength and vitality, sharing helpful tips on how to overcome health challenges, stay lean, and protect against diseases like Alzheimer’s and diabetes. With a background in nutritional science, Dr. Gabrielle is a leader in the field of health optimization, aiming to empower individuals to achieve peak physical and mental well-being. Her pioneering research and practical strategies have made her a sought-after authority in the areas of muscle health, longevity, and disease prevention. In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius and Dr. Gabrielle dive deep into the significance of nutrition, the challenges of navigating dietary information, the interconnected nature of physical and mental health, dispelling dietary misinformation, and the importance of understanding essential health principles. Topics include: How Dr. Gabrielle’s journey into medicine and nutrition started The importance of nutrition and protein metabolism in overall well-being and health The challenges in navigating the wealth of information about nutrition What inspired Dr. Gabrielle to write Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well Dr. Gabrielle emphasizes the importance of understanding basic health principles The importance of being present in life, both physically and mentally, is emphasized Dr. Gabrielle discusses the intertwined nature of physical and mental health  The need to dispel misinformation about dietary choices And other topics… Connect with Dr. Gabrielle: Website: https://drgabriellelyon.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-lyon-00175a1a8  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon/  Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-gabrielle-lyon-show/id1622316426  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Forever-Strong-Science-Based-Strategy-Aging/dp/1668007878/ref=sr_1_1  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708  Go to shopify.com/darius to take your business to the next level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Negotiating anything in life can make even the most socially robust entrepreneurs break out in cold sweats. Many of us are not born with negotiation skills but have to learn how to persuade our audience to be on our side. Learning excellent negotiation skills can take your career to the next level by negotiating a significant raise at your annual performance review. Negotiating a raise is so much easier than negotiating hostage situations like our next guest has while working with the FBI. In this episode, we talk to Chris Voss, also known as “The Master Negotiator.” Chris retired as the lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI, is the CEO of the Black Swan Group, and is the author of the national bestseller Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as If Your Life Depended on It, which was one of Darius’s favorite books.   Drawing on his FBI experiences where the stakes are high, Chris Voss’s company, The Black Swan Group, specializes in solving business communication problems using hostage negotiation solutions. Their negotiation methodology focuses on discovering the “black swans,” small pieces of information that have a huge effect on an outcome. The biggest surprise is learning the tactics behind negotiating a business deal are very similar to negotiating with a barricaded gunman for the lives of hostages.   Don’t miss this thrilling episode! What Darius discusses with Chris Voss: How to be an effective negotiator for anything How information gathering can give you an edge in the negotiation game What it takes to subtly convince someone to have it your way What small things make the biggest impact in negotiations How to diffuse a situation by calling out the negative How emotions drive human behavior, not logic The Black Swan Rule: Treat others not the way you want to be treated but the way they want to be treated Common mistakes in negotiating Why you are 31% smarter with a positive mindset Why curiosity is a superpower.  How to make the gunman feel empathy for you Chris talks about his book Never Split the Difference And other topics... Connect with Chris: Website: https://www.blackswanltd.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christophervoss/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefbinegotiator/?hl=en  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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

In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is flying solo during his mini-sabbatical/pseudo vacation in Mexico to discuss who's living in your emotional house and what we're doing about our past.  In this episode you'll discover how a chance encounter with Ed Mylett and his book, 'The Power of One More,' changed Darius' thinking, the concept of 'cleaning your emotional house' and identifying what type of emotional house you have, the importance of dreaming with imagination and dreaming about a compelling future for yourself.  Join Darius as he challenges you to consider your emotional house and the emotions you want to have living there each day. Enjoy!  Topics include: How Ed Mylett’s book, 'The Power of One More,' has become a game changer in Darius' life  Your ‘emotional house’ and the emotions you choose to fill it with Why dreaming with imagination and dreaming about a compelling future for yourself is so vital to happiness and success And other topics… Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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 can you redesign your second adulthood for greater fulfillment and purpose? Drawing inspiration from the wisdom shared by Christine Sperber, this transformation begins with a deep understanding of your values, desires, and the unique contributions you can make. Her remarkable journey from the world of professional snowboarding to her pivotal role at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) is a testament to the power of reinvention and lifelong learning. Having spent her early years as an elite athlete, Christine realized the importance of embracing change and continuous personal growth. Her transition from the slopes to the world of personal development reflects her deep commitment to helping others navigate life's transitions with grace and intentionality. Joining us on The Greatness Machine, Christine shares her inspiring story of how one can harness their diverse life experiences to create positive change, both for themselves and those they touch through their work. In this episode, Darius and Christine delve into her remarkable journey, transitioning from a career in professional snowboarding to her pivotal role at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA). They discuss MEA's mission to redefine second adulthood, emphasizing the importance of community and shared wisdom in personal growth. Christine's authentic passion and transformative experiences come to light, illustrating her role in guiding others toward greater fulfillment and purpose. Topics include: How Christine shifted from being a pro snowboarder to her current role at MEA What ignited Christine’s passion for experiential education and adventure What made Christine leave her pro athlete career and work on the business side of the snowboarding industry Christine looks back on starting a hotel business in Baja, Mexico Christine shares what MEA is all about and what the program offers The importance of genuine hospitality and care in the MEA culture Viewing the team as the first customer to ensure a positive experience for guests Christine shares her personal challenge with imposter syndrome and underlines the importance of self-confidence And other topics… Connect with Christine: Website: https://www.modernelderacademy.com/  LinkedIn: https://mx.linkedin.com/in/sperberc Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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 free yourself from the prison of your past? How do you get up after being dragged down? Joining us today to talk about the 2007 murder case that shocked the world, Amanda Knox recalls her wrongful conviction for the death of Meredith Kercher. Fifteen years after the gruesome incident that attracted huge media attention, Amanda gets real about the experience that turned her life upside down. Amanda is an exoneree, a journalist, a public speaker, and the author of a New York Times best-selling memoir, “Waiting to Be Heard.” She co-hosts the podcast Labyrinths with Christopher Robinson. She spent nearly four years in an Italian prison and eight years on trial for a murder she did not commit. After that, she began advocating for reforms in criminal justice and media ethics. In this episode, Amanda shares how her life has been after the wrongful conviction that put her behind the bars for years for the murder of her roommate in Italy. Amanda also recalls the police treatment she had experienced and how the media depicted her as guilty when she was on the trial for the murder case. This conversation covers interesting topics such as media ethics, criminal justice, and how core values help in facing certain circumstances and impossible tasks. Topics include: Amanda recalls her wrongful conviction for the 2007 murder of Meredith Kercher How the media industry works  Amanda describes the experience as an “existential crisis”  Connect with Amanda: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amamaknox Twitter: https://twitter.com/amandaknox Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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 aware of the tests you've had to endure throughout your life? As we move through life, leveling up and growing, we all experience various tests designed to help us expand and meet the new challenges the future brings, even if we're not aware of it.  In this episode of The Greatness Machine, Darius is recording from Wahaca, Mexico to discuss the tests we all have to pass in order to level up in our lives.  Join Darius as he discusses the tests we all must face as we level up to a new form of greatness! Enjoy! Topics include: Why the most successful people are always focused on the next goal, and the next target Some of the tests Darius has had to endure to grow and expand in his life Why recognizing these tests and persevering through them is a key component of success Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  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