Permission To Shine

Gwyneth Paltrow… true or false: she blew her nose into Eddie Stern’s pocket square while he was officiating her wedding?True. 😂This week on Permission to Shine, I’m sitting down with the one-and-only Eddie Stern. A New York City original, one of the most respected yoga teachers alive, and the kind of teacher your favorite celebrities (and your favorite teacher’s teacher) quietly trust.Eddie has been practicing yoga since the 1980s and teaching since the late 80s. He’s the founder of Broome Street Yoga (opened in 1993) and he runs the Broome Street Ganesha Temple in SoHo. An actual temple, on Broome Street, that’s been a spiritual home in lower Manhattan for decades. In this conversation, we go deep; and in a way you can actually use today.We talk about:What the nervous system really is (and why so many of us are living in chronic “fight or flight” without realizing it)The simplest “brake pedal” you have access to 24/7: your exhaleA practical way to tell if you’re stuck in sympathetic vs. parasympathetic (and what to do about it)Why telling someone “just relax” is basically emotional gasoline 😅Eddie’s daily routine (yes… he wakes up around 3:45am like a peaceful psychopath)Punk rock, purpose, and the surprising link between freedom and disciplineAnd a powerful section on integrity: leaving a system that caused harm, reclaiming identity, and building what you wish existedWe also get into Eddie’s work bringing yoga and breath practices into the real world through tech, including The Breathing App, because he’s not just spiritual… he’s evidence-based and science-literate, down to a Master’s in Science for Yoga Research. If you’ve been stressed, reactive, tired, glued to your phone, or you just want to feel more calm and in control, this episode is for you.And if you love it, do me a favor: send it to one friend who’s been carrying a lot lately.Follow / Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube - and drop a review if you want to help us keep bringing you the best people on Earth.Love y’all.— Andrew Namanny

This episode is personal.I finally convinced my mom to join me for an interview. Chris Namanny, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Elite Executive Partners. She’s a leader I’ve learned more from than anyone on Earth… and if you’ve ever met her, you know she has a rare gift: she solves problems fast, calmly, and with a level of empathy that makes people feel safe even when the situation isn’t.Chris runs a national headhunting firm that finds and places talent across the country, and she also provides human resources consulting, representing the employer. She’s been in the trenches for decades. Advising leaders through tough decisions, building teams, and navigating the moments most people avoid (conflict, accountability, and hard conversations).We talk about:Why “fit” matters more than most people realize — in jobs and in lifeHow great leaders hold people accountable without losing their humanityThe art of firing with empathy (yes, it’s a skill. and yes, it matters)Why conflict, handled correctly, can actually make teams strongerWhat it takes to build a business that lasts — without getting complacentFamily, resilience, and the traditions that keep us groundedWhat success really means when you strip away the noiseIf you’re building a team, leading people, navigating a hard season, or simply trying to become a steadier version of yourself… this conversation will hit.I’m honored to share my mom with you.Follow Permission to Shine on Spotify and Apple, subscribe on YouTube, and if this episode helped you, send it to someone who’s leading through something hard right now.— Andrew Namanny

Sandra Yamada was the only woman in her class of 18 investment bankers. A Harvard MBA. A biology major turned venture capitalist. And now? The founder of NEAP. A first-of-its-kind collagen protein gel changing how we get our protein on the go.But the story that started it all… involves a protein shake, a work out, and an unforgettable emergency.In this episode, Sandra shares:How one humiliating moment became the spark for a multimillion-dollar ideaWhat it takes to walk away from a cush finance career to build something realThe mindset that helped her go from being “the only woman in the room” to leading an entirely new product categoryBrilliant. Humble. Hilarious. This might be the most human founder story you’ll hear all year.Follow NEAPTry NEAPFollow Permission To ShineFollow Andrew Namanny

What happens when a dream, a culture, and a cup of coffee collide?In this episode, Andrew sits down with Shivani Darsinos, founder of Cafe Babu: Nashville’s coffee-meets-cocktail sanctuary that celebrates heritage, connection, and community. Named after her grandfather, Cafe Babu beautifully blends Shivani’s Indian roots and her husband’s Greek heritage, creating a space that feels both soulful and universal.Shivani shares how her upbringing shaped her drive; from a dad who taught her that strength knows no gender (“Who’s helping me lift this air conditioner?”) to the deep pride she feels in building a space that’s for everyone, regardless of where they come from or what they believe.She opens up about:Turning her cultural story into a business that channels people’s energyThe whirlwind of wearing “one too many hats” as a founderThe magic of a single cafe that’s a “one-hit wonder” … full of personality, warmth, and loveAnd yes… how Joe Jonas ended up performing at Cafe Babu (!)Through it all, Shivani reminds us that every cup of coffee holds a story; one made with intention, respect, and an incredible amount of love.If you’ve ever dreamed of creating something that brings people together, this episode will fill your cup.☕️ Follow Cafe Babu: https://www.instagram.com/cafe.babu/?hl=en🎧 Listen now on Permission to Shine with Andrew Namanny

In this episode of Permission to Shine, I sit down with Nick Luebke: creator, thinker, and host of the new podcast Constantly Curious. Nick opens up about the five books that most profoundly shaped his life:The Meaning of Marriage by Timothy KellerA New Earth by Eckhart TolleYour Platform Is Not Your Purpose by Blaine FuhsThe BibleThe Inner Work by Ash and MatWe explore how these works shifted his mindset, deepened his relationships, and inspired his creative journey. Nick also shares the mission behind Constantly Curious, where he’s already sat down with brilliant voices like Young Pueblo and Sahil Bloom. And—he drops some hints about writing a book of his own.This is a conversation about curiosity, purpose, and the power of the written word to change how we live.Follow Nick: https://www.instagram.com/nicholasjohn__/?hl=enFollow Permission to Shine: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/?hl=enFollow Andrew: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/

Thanks to our key sponsor, Elite Executive Partners — a premier recruiting firm helping businesses scale with top-tier talent.Whether you need one critical hire, like a CFO, or an entire team of skilled tradespeople, Elite delivers. They work across multiple industries, filling roles quickly with the right fit. Learn more at elitestaffco.com.$500M+ entrepreneur and serial founder Peter Wokwicz has built, scaled, and invested in more than 60 companies. In this episode, he sits down with Andrew Namanny to break down the future of money — and why ignoring crypto could be your biggest financial mistake.Peter explains blockchain, exposes the myths about crypto, and shares practical ways busy professionals can get started safely. We cover stablecoins, DeFi, tokenization, prediction markets, and how digital assets will disrupt banks, governments, and traditional finance.You’ll learn:Why blockchain is more secure than any banking system in historyHow to earn yield on your money without leaving it in a low-interest savings accountThe coming wave of tokenized real estate, companies, and assetsWhat “truth markets” are — and how they could change journalism foreverPeter’s portfolio strategy for someone starting with $25K in extra cashWhether you’re crypto-curious or already investing, this is your one-hour MBA in digital assets from one of the sharpest minds in the game.📍 Follow Andrew on LinkedIn📍 Follow Peter on Linkedin Sponsorship & Feedback: andrew@permissiontoshine.orgThanks for listening!

Dr. John Holcomb is one of the most legendary trauma surgeons alive. He shares untold details from Black Hawk Down, where he operated for over 30 hours straight during the infamous battle in Somalia in 1993. He opens up about the chaos, grit, and brutal realities of combat medicine — and how that moment shifted his mission for life.Now, he's focused on saving lives before patients even reach the hospital. From pioneering blood delivery systems to taking five trips to the frontlines of Ukraine, Dr. Holcomb’s work is reshaping modern trauma care.This is more than a war story — it’s a raw look at courage, purpose, humility and what it means to serve on the edge of life and death.🔊 What You'll Learn:Behind-the-scenes of the Black Hawk Down missionHow Holcomb handled nonstop surgery for 30+ hoursThe innovation driving pre-hospital blood careWhy he keeps returning to Ukraine to help in war zonesThe mindset that sustains people in the world’s most high-stakes environmentsYou can learn more about his work here: https://prehospitaltransfusion.org/Follow Permission to Shine Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/?hl=enFollow Andrew Namanny LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/

The power of a great network can’t be overstated—and Noah Berkson is an expert community builder.He's a serial entrepreneur with multiple exits, founder and host of the Dose of Greatness podcast, Co-Founder of Outcove Valley a series of events for high caliber leaders, and a member of YPO. He’s made 1,000+ introductions in the last year (3 per day!). We discuss:✅ Make introductions the right way – Always provide context so both people see the value.✅ Say yes to everything in your 20s – Opportunities come from showing up.✅ Pick up the tab – When dining with someone much wealthier, covering the bill makes an impression.✅ Make friends, not “connections” – Real relationships > transactional networking.✅ Find your X factor – He cold-DM’d Jess Mah because she flies planes. A unique hook stands out.✅ Vulnerability is underrated – Being open, stumbling, and failing brings people closer.Tune in to learn more about the cold outreach, handling objections, and the biggest mistake people make about networking.Follow Noah Berkson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahberkson/Follow Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org🎧 Listen now to Permission to Shine (#57).

What happens when you leave a thriving business to chase your true calling?Garrett Adair co-founded VitaFive, a successful gummy vitamin company, but deep down, he knew his real dream was music. Encouraged by Luke Bryan, he took a leap of faith, moved to Nashville, and is now on tour playing to packed crowds.In this episode, Garrett shares:🎸 Why he walked away from a booming business to pursue music full-time🎸 The challenges of switching from entrepreneurship to the music industry🎸 How his faith and family shaped his journey🎸 What it’s really like to go all-in on your passionThis is a story about taking risks, following your gut, betting on yourself, and staying consistent. Follow Garrett Adair: https://www.instagram.com/garrettadair/?hl=enFollow Permission To Shine: https://www.instagram.com/permissiontoshine_/Follow Andrew Namanny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/Thanks for listening! Feedback & Sponsorship: andrew@permissiontoshine.org

What happens when you flatline for over 20 minutes and wake up weeks later, completely paralyzed? Brad Cunningham knows firsthand. He's the author of Resilience Unbroken: My Story of True Survivals. In this powerful episode, Brad shares his unbelievable survival story—first battling cancer at 25, spending six months in the hospital, and then suffering cardiac arrest in 2023, where his heart stopped for over 20 minutes. Doctors weren’t sure he’d wake up. He did. But he went from marathon runner to wheelchair-bound, forced to rebuild his life from the ground up.Through it all, Brad learned three lessons that changed everything:1️⃣ Resilience is a choice—even when you have no control.2️⃣ The right support system is the difference between surviving and thriving.3️⃣ Struggles don’t just leave scars, they leave lessons.This is a story of grit, survival, and the power of the human spirit.If you’ve ever faced adversity—or want to hear what real resilience looks like—this episode is a must-listen.Brad is the Founder of Open Horizon Analytics where he utilizes his 30+ years of experience to provide data science expertise. Purchase Brad's book here: https://www.amazon.com/RESILIENCE-UNBROKEN-Story-True-Survivals/dp/B0DMV96LYFFollow Andrew Namanny here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-namanny/Follow Brad Cunningham here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradcunningham23/