
The Matthews Mentality Podcast
A podcast dedicated to exploring the mindsets, mentality, and motivation of the world's top experts. From athletes and entrepreneurs to CEOs and business moguls, learn what it takes to find success and build a deeper understanding of the mentality required.
Latest episodes

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 39min
E59: Julia Stewart Former CEO of IHOP | Blueprint for Rising to the Top
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews sits down with Julia Stewart, a legendary leader who has shaped some iconic restaurant brands, including Taco Bell, IHOP, and Applebee's. Julia shares her remarkable career journey, recounting her early days as a food server at IHOP to becoming the CEO and spearheading IHOP's $2.3 billion acquisition of Applebee's, creating the world's largest full-service restaurant company. She also discusses her pivot from the restaurant industry to launching 𝐴𝑙𝑢𝑟𝑥, a cutting-edge wellness company. The episode is packed with invaluable lessons on resilience, innovation, and the importance of mentorship and company culture.00:00 The Call That Changed Everything00:51 From IHOP Waitress to CEO02:14 Pancake Memories and Family Stories03:48 The Journey to Health Tech04:50 Challenges in Raising Capital06:04 Breaking Stereotypes in Health Tech07:02 From Restaurant Giants to Wellness Innovator08:46 The Importance of User Experience20:05 Teaching Beyond the Classroom25:46 The Visionary Behind Taco Bell's 24/7 Model30:03 The Power of a Career Plan32:23 Climbing the Career Ladder33:23 Facing Gender Barriers35:09 Sacrifices and Choices37:45 Taking Risks and Learning39:33 Mentorship and Learning from Failures41:48 Leadership and Accountability56:32 Handling Personal Tragedy01:01:51 Women in the Workplace01:05:17 Navigating Career Decisions01:05:36 The Importance of Company Culture01:06:26 Motivations and Achievements01:10:42 Turning Around IHOP01:12:08 The Applebee's Acquisition01:22:34 Creating a Unified Culture01:28:28 Balancing Work and Family01:37:29 Final Thoughts and Advice

Apr 15, 2025 • 1h 27min
E58: Carl Daikeler CEO of Beachbody ($BODi) | Mastering Health, Wellness, and Business Resilience
In this episode of The Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews sits down with Carl Daikeler, visionary entrepreneur and CEO/co-founder of The Beachbody Company, now known as BODi. Carl shares insights into his relentless pursuit of innovation in the health and wellness industry, discussing the transformative impact of iconic fitness programs like P90X and Insanity. They delve into the challenges of taking Beachbody public, the evolution of fitness trends, and the importance of maintaining a sharp, innovative mindset. Carl also reflects on the personal toll of his professional journey and the unwavering commitment needed to drive a business to success. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation on overcoming obstacles, the power of action, and the future of holistic health and wellness.

Apr 8, 2025 • 49min
E57: Chad Bowden | How to Build a Dynasty, Create a Legacy, and Become an Elite Professional
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews sits down with Chad Bowden, the recently appointed General Manager of USC Football. Chad shares his journey from a student assistant at Cincinnati to becoming a pivotal figure in college football recruiting at Notre Dame, and now leading USC in the NIL and Transfer Portal era. They discuss the importance of minor details, from air temperature to recruitment strategies, and how these elements contribute to winning games. Chad also delves into the future of college football, the significance of creating a winning culture, and life after football, emphasizing the unique value proposition of USC. If you're passionate about football, leadership, and USC's rich tradition, this episode is a must-listen.00:00 Introduction00:41 Meet Chad Bowden: USC's General Manager00:48 Building a Championship Roster02:36 The Evolution of College Football Management05:34 Life After Football: Preparing for the Future09:48 Identifying Potential Beyond the Field12:53 Chad's Journey: From Water Boy to General Manager17:51 The Path to Becoming a Sports Agent20:24 Lessons from Cold Calling23:22 The Art of the One Call Close23:51 Transition to Real Estate and Google AdWords24:52 A Call to Football Coaching27:38 Lessons from Coach Fickle33:06 Joining USC and the Importance of Details41:40 USC's Value Proposition

Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 17min
E56: Finding Your Voice: Country Star Annie Bosko's 20 Year Journey
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews sits down with the incredibly talented country and rock singer Annie Bosko. They discuss her early struggles, from performing in small venues to facing rejection in the music industry. Annie shares her inspirational journey, including working with legendary artists like Vince Gill and Dwight Yoakum, and overcoming personal challenges like a vocal cord injury. Despite numerous setbacks, Annie's relentless perseverance and love for music propelled her to success. Tune in to hear Annie's insightful reflections on the importance of self-belief, resilience, and staying true to one's dreams. Don't miss her new music releases and upcoming shows!

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 17min
E55: Staying Ahead of the Game – Monumental Sports Strategies with Zach Leonsis
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews welcomes Zach Leonsis, President of Media and New Enterprises for Monumental Sports Entertainment. They dive into the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone for personal and professional growth. Zach shares his journey and experiences, including his pivotal role in acquiring NBC Sports Washington and investing in innovative companies like Team Liquid and Epic Games. He discusses the complexities of operating multiple sports teams and venues, and the future of sports betting and eSports. Zach also reveals the key characteristics he looks for in teammates and leaders, and reflects on the importance of being genuine and having the ingenuity to 'figure it out.' Finally, they touch on the thrill of winning championships and the valuable lessons learned from both successes and failures. Whether you're a sports fan or an aspiring business leader, this episode provides insightful advice and inspiration.00:00 Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone00:48 Introducing Zach Leonsis01:02 Zach's Role at Monumental Sports02:52 The Impact of Winning and Losing13:52 Navigating the Pandemic22:51 Zach's Background and Upbringing36:51 College Days and Early Career37:50 Diving into Media and Entertainment38:48 Exploring the World of eSports41:33 The Rise of Sports Betting45:05 Leadership and Team Dynamics50:06 Personal Growth and Mentorship57:37 Community Impact and Challenges01:09:37 Family and Personal Life01:12:44 Future Aspirations and Legacy

Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 38min
E54: Laith Hermiz – Building Relationships for Real Estate Success
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, hosted by Kyle Matthews, we dive deep into the world of real estate investments and development with Laith Hermiz, founder and CEO of Ironside Realty. Laith shares his journey from being the COO and Executive Vice President at Agree Realty Corporation to founding his own firm. With a rich career spanning both public REITs and private real estate, Laith discusses his critical role in acquiring and developing over $2 billion in assets, and the importance of strategic growth, value creation, and cultivating industry relationships. They explore current market trends, particularly the net lease space, and Laith offers insights on strategies and opportunities during disruptive times. The conversation also touches on the personal anecdotes, lessons learned from navigating the commercial real estate industry, and the importance of continuous learning, networking, and mentorship. 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome00:29 Guest Introduction: Laith Hermiz00:57 Early Career and Achievements01:58 Net Lease Market Insights06:44 Personal Anecdotes and Stories13:57 Laith's Background and Family History14:03 Education and Early Career Path32:01 Discovering the Value of Networking32:41 Transitioning from Law to Real Estate33:41 Early Career in Real Estate Development34:34 Major Projects and Career Milestones34:58 Navigating the REIT Space35:38 Balancing Career and Family37:37 Motivations and Wealth Creation39:10 Key Career Achievements40:45 The Importance of Relationships45:00 Challenges and Lessons from the GFC51:44 Building a Successful Acquisition Platform58:56 Impact of COVID-19 on Real Estate01:00:53 Founding a New Venture01:06:06 Navigating Market Shifts and Opportunities01:06:55 The Appeal of STNL Retail Space01:08:24 Challenges and Surprises as a Founder01:10:11 Balancing Passion and Hard Work01:11:25 The Art of the Deal and Building Relationships01:14:39 Advice for Aspiring Professionals01:24:10 Networking and Professional Growth01:35:00 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 22min
E53: Building Trend: Ted Raad's Vision for Influencer Management
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews chats with Ted Raad, founder of Trend Companies, about his journey of creating a successful influencer management agency. The discussion delves into the influencer economy, the importance of authenticity for content creators, and the nuances of managing a rapidly growing business. Ted also offers valuable advice for aspiring influencers and discusses the impact of technology and AI on the future of influencer marketing. Tune in to learn from Ted’s experience in transforming challenges into opportunities in the dynamic world of social media.00:00 The Podcast Idea Rejection00:44 Turning 40 and Reflecting on Life01:25 The Concept of High Achievers Podcast02:51 75 Hard Challenge and Fitness Routine08:03 Chicken Farming Challenges10:41 Introduction to the Guest: Ted Rad13:55 Ted's Background and Connection to Jake15:08 Dede's Journey to Becoming an Influencer21:53 The Importance of Authenticity in Social Media22:21 Declining Lucrative Offers for Long-Term Gains23:19 Starting Trend Management26:03 Scaling Trend Management27:15 The Growing Influence of Social Media50:09 Navigating the Challenges of Hyper-Growth53:18 Commission Structure Challenges53:34 Unique Talent Management Approach54:09 Self-Service Talent Management Tool54:37 The Future of Talent Management and AI55:33 Investing in Brands and Media for Equity57:25 Organic Brand Partnerships59:40 Building a Personal Brand01:05:07 Starting and Scaling a Business01:15:41 Executive Coaching and Mentorship01:20:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mar 4, 2025 • 1h 25min
E52: From Lambo Dreams to Cannonball with Ed Bolian
In this episode of Matthews Mentality, host Kyle Matthews sits down with @EdBolian an auto enthusiast, entrepreneur, and YouTube personality. Ed is famously known for breaking the Cannonball Run record in 2013 by driving from New York to LA in 28 hours and 50 minutes. They delve into Ed's fascination with cars, his journey from running an exotic car rental business to becoming a top car salesman and eventually founding @VINwiki a unique car history sharing platform. Ed shares insights into his career, entrepreneurial ventures, personal anecdotes, and the mindset that has driven his success. Tune in for an engaging conversation about speed, innovation, and the passion for the automotive world.

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 24min
E51: GameStop Founder – Gary Kusin
In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, host Kyle Matthews sits down with legendary entrepreneur and business leader Gary Kusin. Gary shares his inspiring journey from co-founding globally recognized brands like Babbage’s (which evolved into GameStop) and Laura Mercier Cosmetics to leading Kinko’s transformation and its eventual sale to FedEx. This discussion covers Gary's early life experiences, pivotal career decisions, the challenges and triumphs in the business world, and his unwavering commitment to giving back to underserved communities. Tune in to hear about his incredible professional arc, key lessons learned, and his insights on fostering a success-driven mentality.

Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 33min
E50: Reflecting on 50 Episodes: Solo with Kyle Matthews
In this special 50th episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews, founder and CEO of Matthews Real Estate, shares a deep dive into his background, detailing his journey into real estate, the growth of his company, and the importance of mental toughness and work ethic. Reflecting on personal and professional challenges, Kyle narrates his evolution from skepticism about social media to hosting a successful podcast that explores the mindsets of high achievers across various industries. He also offers insights into his daily life, management style, and strategies for scaling a business. Packed with stories, lessons, and motivational anecdotes, this episode is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs and real estate professionals.
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