

HawkeTalk
Erik Huberman
No one decides to wake up one day, walk across Antarctica, or leave their bohemian parents and join the Navy Seals. Or any number of crazy, amazing things that people do. These aren’t the dreams most kids have. And yet, fascinating people have done them. How? Why? HawkeTalk is a podcast all about the origin stories of the most interesting people in the world. Today, you know our guests are famous athletes, authors, and entrepreneurs, but there’s so much more to the story. How did they navigate upbringings that seem so far from what they eventually became? What pivotal moments steered them in a new and fascinating direction forever? Buckle up: Everyone loves a good origin story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 27, 2025 • 44min
140. Andrew Lacy: Founder & CEO of Prenuvo, Pioneering Preventative Healthcare
What if the next big breakthrough in healthcare wasn’t a new drug but a simple scan that could save your life before symptoms even show? Today’s guest, Andrew Lacy, saw this potential long before anyone else.Andrew’s journey started in Melbourne, where his endless curiosity pushed him to ask big questions. After studying law and working at McKinsey, he took a leap into the tech world. His first big break? Hacking the original iPhones before the App Store existed. He later created Tap Tap Revenge, a viral game that once made up 25% of iPhone traffic on AT&T. After selling his gaming company to Disney, he turned his attention elsewhere.A single health scan changed everything. What began as curiosity about a clinic in Canada evolved into Prenuvo, a company using full-body scans to detect cancer, aneurysms, and more—long before symptoms show. Prenuvo has already saved thousands of lives, including a close friend’s mother.In this episode, we explore Andrew’s journey from his childhood in Melbourne to his transition from the corporate world to entrepreneurship. He shares why he left a high-paying job to start something of his own and how AI is transforming disease detection. Plus, find out how Kim Kardashian’s endorsement has helped save lives and why word-of-mouth is driving Prenuvo’s success.If you’ve ever wondered how to pivot in your career or take control of your health, this episode is for you! Let’s dive in!In this episode: (00:44) Andrew Lacy's background(05:03) Transition to consulting(10:35) Challenges during the financial crisis(15:35) Travel industry challenges(20:32) Personal health experiences(25:20) Health system's influence on diagnosis(30:37) Andrew's business journey(31:41) Challenges in fundraising(31:54) Misconceptions about screening(32:47) Advancements in MRI technology(33:00) Initial funding strategies(34:21) Understanding patient experiences(35:35) Total scans performed(36:21) International expansion plans(36:29) The Kardashian endorsement(37:29) Word-of-mouth marketing(38:56) Future vision and AI integration(40:56) Exploring other biomarkers(42:29) Advice for aspiring entrepreneursHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Andrew Lacy is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and the founder of Prenuvo, a company using full-body MRI scans to revolutionize early disease detection. He previously built and sold one of the first iPhone gaming empires to Disney, spent years scaling startups across industries, and now focuses on using technology to transform healthcare.Andrew LacyPrenuvo-WebsiteAndrew Lacy-LinkedIn Andrew Lacy- X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 27, 2025 • 54sec
[Trailer] Andrew Lacy: Founder & CEO of Prenuvo, Pioneering Preventative Healthcare
What if the next big breakthrough in healthcare wasn’t a new drug but a simple scan that could save your life before symptoms even show? Today’s guest, Andrew Lacy, saw this potential long before anyone else.Andrew’s journey started in Melbourne, where his endless curiosity pushed him to ask big questions. After studying law and working at McKinsey, he took a leap into the tech world. His first big break? Hacking the original iPhones before the App Store existed. He later created Tap Tap Revenge, a viral game that once made up 25% of iPhone traffic on AT&T. After selling his gaming company to Disney, he turned his attention elsewhere.A single health scan changed everything. What began as curiosity about a clinic in Canada evolved into Prenuvo, a company using full-body scans to detect cancer, aneurysms, and more—long before symptoms show. Prenuvo has already saved thousands of lives, including a close friend’s mother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 2025 • 31min
139. Jordyn Wieber: Olympic Gold Medalist & Arkansas Razorback Gymnastics Head Coach
Did you know the Olympic trials can be more daunting than the Games themselves? In this episode, I am delighted to sit down with Jordyn Wieber—Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and now a game-changing gymnastics coach. Jordyn takes us through her incredible journey from a determined young gymnast in Michigan to standing atop the Olympic podium.We explore her deep competitive spirit, the intense highs and lows of elite gymnastics, and the challenges that shaped her—including the injuries that nearly derailed her path. Jordyn shares what it was like to navigate the pressure of Olympic trials, the emotional rollercoaster of competing on the world’s biggest stage, and the moment she knew it was time to transition from athlete to coach.Now, as the head coach at the University of Arkansas, Jordyn is shaping the next generation of gymnasts, emphasizing perseverance, goal-setting, and the power of a supportive environment. She opens up about the lessons she learned through sport; the mindset shifts that helped her grow, and why embracing setbacks can be just as valuable as chasing medals.And, of course, she leaves us with some powerful advice for aspiring athletes—encouraging them to stay the course, trust the process, and find purpose beyond the podium.If you love stories of grit, resilience, and transformation, this one’s for you. In this episode: (01:19) Family athleticism(05:34) First competition experience(10:43) Competing at a young age(11:46) Injuries and setbacks(13:15) Overcoming doubts(14:20) Return to competition(14:42) World championship success(15:43) The journey to confidence(17:06) Olympic dreams begin(17:48) Nerves and excitement(18:55) Making the team(20:15) Age range in gymnastics(21:11) Factors driving change in gymnastics(22:36) Olympic experience overview(24:45) Going for 2016(25:48) Transition to coaching(26:51) Current role at Arkansas(28:10) Future aspirations(29:22) Advice for dream pursuersHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Jordyn Wieber is an Olympic gold medalist, world champion gymnast, and current head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks gymnastics team. A fierce competitor turned inspiring mentor, she now dedicates her career to coaching, speaking, and shaping the future of gymnastics.Jordyn WieberJordyn Wieber-XJordyn Wieber- FacebookJordyn Wieber- Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 20, 2025 • 1min
[Trailer] Jordyn Wieber: Olympic Gold Medalist & Arkansas Razorback Gymnastics Head Coach
Did you know the Olympic trials can be more daunting than the Games themselves? In this episode, I am delighted to sit down with Jordyn Wieber—Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and now a game-changing gymnastics coach. Jordyn takes us through her incredible journey from a determined young gymnast in Michigan to standing atop the Olympic podium.We explore her deep competitive spirit, the intense highs and lows of elite gymnastics, and the challenges that shaped her—including the injuries that nearly derailed her path. Jordyn shares what it was like to navigate the pressure of Olympic trials, the emotional rollercoaster of competing on the world’s biggest stage, and the moment she knew it was time to transition from athlete to coach. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2025 • 43min
138. Dr. Lori Glaze: Leading NASA's Planetary Science & Space Exploration
What does it take to lead NASA’s groundbreaking planetary missions? Lori Glaze, the powerhouse behind NASA's Planetary Science Division, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. From Earth to Mars, her leadership is shaping the future of space science.In this episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Dr. Lori Glaze, a renowned planetary scientist and volcanologist, whose journey from a curious math and science enthusiast in North Texas to a leading researcher at NASA is nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Glaze shares how her engineer parents and the eruption of Mount St. Helens ignited her passion for volcanology, setting her on a path to groundbreaking work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Goddard Space Flight Center.She provides an insider’s perspective on navigating research funding, the fast-paced environment at NASA headquarters, and the challenges of working within the federal budget. We also dive into the Artemis program—a visionary effort to return humans to the Moon and eventually land astronauts on Mars—highlighting the vital role of collaboration with commercial partners.Dr. Glaze offers valuable advice for aspiring professionals, including trusting oneself and overcoming imposter syndrome. This engaging conversation underscores the importance of curiosity, mentorship, and resilience in driving scientific discovery.Don’t miss this inspiring episode—be sure to subscribe and rate the show!In this episode: (00:00:00) Introduction to Lori Glaze's journey(00:05:17) Influence of Mount St. Helens eruption(00:10:20) Research on Venus(00:15:30) Changes in space interest over time(00:20:01) Mars volcanism research(00:25:12) Return to NASA Goddard(00:25:35) New robotic missions(00:29:57) Career transition to leadership(00:35:10) Challenges of fast-paced environment(00:36:19) Political shifts and stability(00:37:26) Focus on the Artemis program(00:39:22) Partnerships with commercial companies(00:40:49) Future goals for the moon and Mars(00:41:31) Advice for aspiring professionals(00:42:19) Closing remarksHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Lori Glaze is the director of NASA's Planetary Science Division, overseeing missions that explore the solar system and beyond. With over 30 years of experience at NASA, she has held various leadership roles in planetary science research. Glaze has contributed to several high-profile projects, including the Mars Perseverance rover and the Artemis program. Her leadership focuses on advancing scientific discovery and developing partnerships to achieve NASA's exploration goals.Dr. Lori GlazeLori Glaze -LinkedIn Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 13, 2025 • 46sec
[Trailer] Dr. Lori Glaze: Leading NASA's Planetary Science & Space Exploration.
What does it take to lead NASA’s groundbreaking planetary missions? Lori Glaze, the powerhouse behind NASA's Planetary Science Division, has been instrumental in pushing the boundaries of space exploration. From Earth to Mars, her leadership is shaping the future of space science.In this episode, I’m thrilled to speak with Dr. Lori Glaze, a renowned planetary scientist and volcanologist, whose journey from a curious math and science enthusiast in North Texas to a leading researcher at NASA is nothing short of inspiring. Dr. Glaze shares how her engineer parents and the eruption of Mount St. Helens ignited her passion for volcanology, setting her on a path to groundbreaking work at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Goddard Space Flight Center. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 2025 • 51min
137. Kristen Ulmer: From Hall of Fame Extreme Skier to Fear & Anxiety Expert
What if fear wasn’t your enemy but your secret weapon? In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Ulmer, a former professional skier turned fear and anxiety specialist. Kristen takes you through her journey, from being a shy, legally blind child to becoming a world-class skier. She shares how her unique relationship with fear shaped her life, including a transformative trip to Asia that changed everything. Kristen reveals how embracing fear, instead of fighting it, has been key to her personal growth and success.Kristen skied for a decade without a single day off, except for filming, promoting sponsors, or judging. She tackled 70-foot drops, rock climbed, ice climbed, and even paraglided. Yet, it wasn't without challenges—four ACL reconstructions in three years, and she still didn’t miss a ski season. Her resilience and fearlessness in the face of physical and mental hurdles are truly awe-inspiring.Tune in to hear how Kristen’s unstoppable mindset can help you transform your relationship with fear and use it as a tool for growth. If you're ready to face your fears head-on and unlock your true potential, this episode is a must-listen!In this episode: (00:20) Introduction to Hawke Talk (05:01) Kristen's journey to becoming a world-class skier (11:00) Impact of the Asia trip on skiing performance (15:02) Transition to big mountain extreme skiing (20:04) Experiencing sponsorship for the first time (25:21) The balance of healing and rehabbing from surgeries (30:00) The role of fear in performance and life (35:03) Transitioning out of professional skiing (42:25) Starting mindset ski camps (45:26) Misconceptions about fear (46:17) Future plans and writing on anxiety (48:46) Advice on pursuing high-level achievement (49:53) The amazing experiences on Earth (50:28) Closing remarks Hawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Kristen Ulmer is a thought leader, high-performance facilitator, and fear/anxiety expert. Drawing from her tenure as the world's top female extreme skier and 15 years of Zen study, she has facilitated over ten thousand clients on fear, anxiety, and achieving flow states. Her work has been featured in media outlets like NPR, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. She authored "The Art of Fear: Why Conquering Fear Won’t Work and What to Do Instead," challenging existing norms about this misunderstood emotion. Kristen UlmerKristen Ulmer- WebsiteKristen Ulmer -Facebook Kristen Ulmer- Instagram Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 6, 2025 • 2min
[Trailer] Kristen Ulmer: From Hall of Fame Extreme Skier to Fear & Anxiety Expert
What if fear wasn’t your enemy but your secret weapon? In this episode, I sit down with Kristen Ulmer, a former professional skier turned fear and anxiety specialist. Kristen takes you through her journey, from being a shy, legally blind child to becoming a world-class skier. She shares how her unique relationship with fear shaped her life, including a transformative trip to Asia that changed everything. Kristen reveals how embracing fear, instead of fighting it, has been key to her personal growth and success.Kristen skied for a decade without a single day off, except for filming, promoting sponsors, or judging. She tackled 70-foot drops, rock climbed, ice climbed, and even paraglided. Yet, it wasn't without challenges—four ACL reconstructions in three years, and she still didn’t miss a ski season. Her resilience and fearlessness in the face of physical and mental hurdles are truly awe-inspiring. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 22, 2024 • 53min
136. Aloe Blacc: Grammy-Nominated and Billboard Chart-Topping Artist
Ever wondered how a kid from Laguna Hills, California, grows up to write chart-topping hits like "Wake Me Up" and "I Need a Dollar"? In this episode of Hawke Talk, I chat with Aloe Blacc, the renowned musician known for his contributions to hip-hop and soul. Aloe walks me through his origin story, growing up in Laguna Hills, California, and how his early passion for music began to take shape. He shares how his family, especially his parents, played a crucial role in supporting his dreams and the pivotal moments that set his career in motion.Aloe reminisces about starting to write rap songs at just nine years old, which eventually lead to his fame with hits like "I Need a Dollar" and "Wake Me Up." Throughout our conversation, Aloe's perseverance stands out as his importance on family and balancing personal fulfillment and professional success. It is an inspiring discussion that highlights his musical journey and the values guiding him along the way.Tune in now to catch this inspiring conversation and hear more about Aloe's journey firsthand!In this episode: (00:28) Aloe Blacc's early life(05:50) Hobby vs. career(11:52) Transition to music full-time(15:15) Optimism about the future(24:05) Signing with Interscope(30:44) Creating Wake Me Up(33:01) Early reception of Wake Me Up(34:06) Understanding the market(36:41) Touring with Bruno Mars(38:30) Shifting priorities(40:06) Instilling values in children(41:01) Deciding to stay home(42:10) Understanding Success(42:50) Aloe Blacc's new venture(43:39) Meijer Inc: A drug discovery company(44:58) Inspiration behind the company(46:34) Research and development journey(47:52) Cancer treatment focus(49:55) Advice for pursuing dreams(52:17) Closing thoughtsHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/ About Our Guest Aloe Blacc is an accomplished musician, songwriter, and entrepreneur known for his hit singles like "I Need a Dollar" and "The Man." With a diverse career that spans genres such as hip-hop, soul, and folk, he has collaborated with various artists, including Avicii, on the global hit "Wake Me Up." In addition to his music career, Blacc is involved in philanthropy and business, notably working in biotech with his company Meijer Inc., which is focused on innovative health solutions. He is also recognized for his advocacy in education and social justice.Aloe BlaccAloe Blacc -InstagramAloe Blacc- LinkedInAloe Blacc- Youtube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 22, 2024 • 1min
[Trailer] Aloe Blacc: Grammy-Nominated and Billboard Chart-Topping Artist
Ever wondered how a kid from Laguna Hills, California, grows up to write chart-topping hits like "Wake Me Up" and "I Need a Dollar"? In this episode of Hawke Talk, I chat with Aloe Blacc, the renowned musician known for his contributions to hip-hop and soul. Aloe walks me through his origin story, growing up in Laguna Hills, California, and how his early passion for music began to take shape. He shares how his family, especially his parents, played a crucial role in supporting his dreams and the pivotal moments that set his career in motion. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.