

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

Apr 30, 2024 • 22min
113. Elina Berglund: Creator of the World’s First Birth Control App
Birth control is a hot-button issue in our nation. With politicians going back and forth trying to determine who has a right to a woman’s body, this appears to be an argument that will continue to rage on for many years to come. But here’s the thing: no matter what politicians decide, a woman still needs to have a clear understanding of what’s going on with her body.Our guest today is a woman who understands the importance of women and their bodies, especially as it relates to fertility and birth control. Elina Berglund is a renowned Particle Physicist, member of a Nobel Prize-winning team, and founder of Natural Cycles. Natural Cycles is an innovative fertility app with over 3 million users worldwide. Today, Elina will share her journey through science that led her down this powerful, life-changing path of entrepreneurship that is truly impacting women throughout the globe. In a world that tosses around the title innovator far too frequently, sit down and enjoy this conversation with a woman who has earned that esteemed moniker!In this episode:(2:04) – At the age of five, Elina knew she wanted to be a physicist. (4:16) – How Elina moved out of her comfort zone of only wanting to be a physicist. (4:34) – Elina always followed a passion, not a career.(11:31) – Transitioning into full-time entrepreneurship.(13:51) – The challenge of working in isolation. (18:12) – The company is growing with over 3 million current users. (18:35) – Elina discusses the current milestones the company is achieving. (21:06) – Advice from Elina about chasing your dreams. Our GuestElina Berglund is the Co-Founder of Natural Cycles, a fertility-tracking application that entered the market in 2013. A native of Sweden, Berglund, an engineering physicist, completed her PhD at CERN. It was there that she began searching for the elusive Higgs boson particle. In 2012, following the discovery of the Higgs boson and being part of the team awarded the Nobel Prize for that feat, Berglund started to focus on family life, and it was during that time that she began seeking alternative contraceptive pill options. She created a powerful algorithm, used to identify the fertile window in a woman’s cycle, which led to the path of entrepreneurship she is on today. To date, Natural Cycles is used by over 3 million people in over 200 countries, proving that Berglund is a true difference maker.Resources and LinksHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/Elina Berglundhttps://www.naturalcycles.com/https://www.instagram.com/elinascherwitzl/https://www.linkedin.com/in/elina-berglund-scherwitzl-43b68331/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2024 • 41sec
[Trailer] Elina Berglund: Creator of the World’s First Birth Control App
Birth control is a hot-button issue in our nation. With politicians going back and forth trying to determine who has a right to a woman’s body, this appears to be an argument that will continue to rage on for many years to come. But here’s the thing: no matter what politicians decide, a woman still needs to have a clear understanding of what’s going on with her body. Because at the end of every single day, that body still belongs to her.Our guest today is a woman who understands the importance of women and their bodies, especially as it relates to fertility and birth control. Elina Berglund is a renowned Particle Physicist, member of a Nobel Prize-winning team, and founder of Natural Cycles. Natural Cycles is an innovative fertility app with over 3 million users worldwide. Today, Elina will share her journey through science that led her down this powerful, life-changing path of entrepreneurship that is truly impacting women throughout the globe. In a world that tosses around the title innovator far too frequently, sit down and enjoy this conversation with a woman who has earned that esteemed moniker! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 23, 2024 • 48min
112 . Kevin Demoff: COO of the Los Angeles Rams
Sports is woven into the fabric of American culture and no sport resonates more deeply than football. From Thursday to Monday, fans sit enraptured in front of television sets or fill large, raucous stadiums hoping to cheer their favorite team on to victory. Here’s the part that escapes the fans, before any of those games appear on television, stadiums are full, or games are won, a lot of business has to happen. Strategic business dealings and years of planning that yield desired results don’t just happen. It takes visionaries and leaders to bring it all together and make a team a success. Today, we're joined by Kevin Demoff, COO of the Los Angeles Rams, who brings firsthand insight into building a successful NFL franchise. His journey inspires us to pursue our dreams relentlessly. Tune in and get ready to step off the sidelines and into the game of life!In this episode(1:00) – Kevin discloses the unique way he learned how to read. (4:41) – Reality check comes for Kevin in college.(10:02) – The AOL Experience that opened his eyes. (12:06) – The leap of faith that leads to a life in football. (16:11) – Kevin chooses to go to business school and work for Tampa Bay. (20:00) – The Rams call and Kevin gets the itch to move again.(25:00) – Stan Kroenke purchases the Rams in 2009.(30:35) – The realities of why a sports franchise moves. (35:43) – Working hard to make the Los Angeles Rams one of the greatest sports brands in the world. (40:00) – The challenge of turning Los Angeles into a football market again. (44:44) – Your next job should scare you. If it doesn’t, it’s not worth the leap. (47:07) – The value of learning from your low points is discussed. Our GuestKevin Demoff is the Chief Operating Officer of the NFL team Los Angeles Rams. Since joining the team in 2009, Demoff has been responsible for re-organizing the club's business efforts with a focus on delivering a better overall experience for Rams fans and increasing the club's presence in the community. His tireless dedication to community engagement will continue to set the tone for the organization as it looks to become part of the fabric of the greater Los Angeles region.Resources and LinksHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/Kevin Demoffhttps://www.therams.com/team/front-office-roster/kevin-demoffhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-demoff-02a44631https://twitter.com/kdemoff?lang=en Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 23, 2024 • 2min
[Trailer] Kevin Demoff: COO of the Los Angeles Rams
Sports is woven into the fabric of American culture and no sport resonates more deeply than football. From Thursday to Monday, fans sit enraptured in front of television sets or fill large, raucous stadiums hoping to cheer their favorite team on to victory. Here’s the part that escapes the fans … before any of those games appear on television, stadiums are full, or games are won, a lot of business has to happen. Strategic business dealings and years of planning that yield desired results don’t just happen. It takes visionaries and leaders to bring it all together and make a team a success. Our guest today is a man who knows all about what it takes to build a successful NFL franchise. Kevin Demoff has built a career in the sport our nation loves by doing the hard work behind the scenes that makes Sundays a joy for so many. He’s the COO of the Los Angeles Rams and today, he stops by to share his incredible journey. It’s an incredible conversation that will inspire you to boldly pursue your dreams and make them … realities. Hey, if you’ve been standing on the sidelines of life, it’s time for you to get in the game. Listening to this episode will surely get you fired up and ready to give it, whatever it is, your all! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2024 • 54min
111. Darrell Blocker: Ex-CIA Agent and Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal Recipient
Horror, adventure, comedy, name any genre of movie or entertainment you can think of, and they’ll all take a backseat to a great spy thriller! From James Bond to Jason Bourne to Mission Impossible, on and on, there is nothing like sitting back and getting lost in a piece of work that centers on espionage and spies. The combination of storytelling, strategy, cat, and mouse and so many other elements make it a must-see for any entertainment enthusiast!Our guest today knows a little bit, make that a lot, about spying, espionage, and real-life thrills and dangers. Over the course of his illustrious 32-year career, Darrell M. Blocker has served his country well and, in the process, walked away as one of the most respected members of our nation’s military apparatus. Today he sits down to discuss his childhood, career in the armed forces, Black Hawk Down, and the hunting of notorious drug lord Manuel Noriega. This is one incredible conversation with an equally incredible man. If espionage, counterintelligence, or spying is your thing, this interview is definitely one you won’t want to miss!In This Episode: (1:00) – How being a middle child impacted Darrell.(2:47) – Not Black enough, not accepted by Whites. (4:24) – Darrell discusses how confidence played a role in his success. (8:13) – First experience with CIA people. (13:41) – Captain in USAF or moving to the CIA?(15:00) – Joins the CIA and reads every negative book he could find. (16:40) – Reveals his true identity to Peace for Kids. (21:30) – Manipulation is in all of us.(24:35) – It’s about trusting the person you bring in to be an asset.(29:21) – Arrives on the desk shortly before Black Hawk Down. (35:53) – Nigeria becomes a strong ally after 9/11.(39:12) – Using children as weapons was part of Al-Qaeda. (46:00) – Finding his path after 32 years of service. (48:03) – Most of his heroes are females.(49:20) – Business begins to gain traction. (52:14) – Balancing anger and ego.Our GuestDarrell Blocker is a 28-year veteran of the CIA’s Clandestine Service. A recipient of the Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal, Darrell served multiple tours as a station chief, and was the most senior black Directorate of Operations officer when he retired in October 2018 with the rank equivalent to a three-star general.Resources and LinksHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/Darrell M. Blockerhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darrell-m-blocker-3492a4bhttps://www.fpri.org/contributor/darrell-m-blocker/https://www.spyex.com/expert/darrell-blocker Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2024 • 3min
[Trailer] Darrell Blocker: Ex-CIA Agent and Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal Recipient
Horror, adventure, comedy, name any genre of movie or entertainment you can think of, and they’ll all take a backseat to a great spy thriller! From James Bond to Jason Bourne to Mission Impossible, on and on, there is nothing like sitting back and getting lost in a piece of work that centers on espionage and spies. The combination of storytelling, strategy, cat, and mouse and so many other elements make it a must-see for any entertainment enthusiast!Our guest today knows a little bit, make that a lot, about spying, espionage, and real-life thrills and dangers. Over the course of his illustrious 32-year career, Darrell M. Blocker has served his country well and, in the process, walked away as one of the most respected members of our nation’s military apparatus. Today he sits down to discuss his childhood, career in the armed forces, Black Hawk Down, and the hunting of notorious drug lord Manuel Noriega. This is one incredible conversation with an equally incredible man. If espionage, counterintelligence, or spying is your thing, this interview is definitely one you won’t want to miss! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 2024 • 43min
110. Robert Langer: Winner of the Charles Stark Draper Prize & History's Most Cited Engineer
The world of medicine is fascinating, to say the least. To date, we’ve learned so much about the human body, how to treat it, and the various challenges we’ve encountered and will encounter in the years to come. But in reality, we’ve only scratched the surface and there’s so much more. The good news is that with each passing day, bright minds from all over the world are driving the medical profession forward.Our guest today is one of those great minds and a true treasure in the field of medicine. Bob Langer is a professor at MIT and for more than four decades he has stood on the forefront, authoring groundbreaking discoveries that have consistently improved lives. Today, Bob sits down to discuss his journey to date, the innovative efforts he’s currently engaged in, and the advice he offers to all people regardless of their chosen profession. This is an awesome conversation with an awe-inspiring man that you definitely will want to be a part of!In This Episode(1:00) – Bob outlines his household and the background of his family. (2:30) – The chemistry set was the start of something for Bob.(3:27) – Bob discloses that he has ADD.(5:10) – Why Bob was drawn to math. (11:30) – The two most important things a teacher needs to know.(14:30) – The medical interest comes from wanting to help people.(17:39) – He attributes his teaching success to the fact that he genuinely cares. (21:15) – Career regrets are discussed.(22:08) – Bob and Dr. Folkman develop a revolutionary Cancer treatment. (24:12) – The lengthy approval process of medicine is questioned and discussed. (26:17) – Skepticism and costs in the medical community. (30:01) – Making better liver transplants becomes a mission. (35:02) – It’s not about how often you’re turned down, it’s about how many times you get something. (37:02) – The value of confidence and credibility. (41:45) – The piece of advice he always gives.Our GuestBob Langer completed his undergraduate studies in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University and obtained his Sc.D in Chemical Engineering at MIT. He joined MIT as Assistant Professor of Nutritional Biochemistry in 1978. Dr. Langer has written over 1,250 articles and also has nearly 1,050 patents worldwide. Dr. Langer’s patents have been licensed or sublicensed to over 250 pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnology and medical device companies.Resources and LinksHawke Mediahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/hawkemedia/https://www.instagram.com/hawkemedia/?hl=en https://hawkemedia.com/https://twitter.com/hawkemediahttps://www.facebook.com/hawkemedia/Bob Langerhttps://be.mit.edu/directory/robert-langerhttps://www.linkedin.com/pulse/robert-langer-top-mit-biomedical-engineer-father-30-how-ahmad-lone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 2024 • 57sec
[Trailer] Robert Langer: Winner of the Charles Stark Draper Prize & History's Most Cited Engineer
The world of medicine is fascinating, to say the least. To date, we’ve learned so much about the human body, how to treat it, and the various challenges we’ve encountered and will encounter in the years to come. But in reality, we’ve only scratched the surface and there’s so much more. The good news is that with each passing day, bright minds from all over the world are driving the medical profession forward.Our guest today is one of those great minds and a true treasure in the field of medicine. Bob Langer is a professor at MIT and for more than four decades he has stood on the forefront, authoring groundbreaking discoveries that have consistently improved lives. Today, Bob sits down to discuss his journey to date, the innovative efforts he’s currently engaged in, and the advice he offers to all people regardless of their chosen profession. This is an awesome conversation with an awe-inspiring man that you definitely will want to be a part of! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2024 • 57min
109. Skee: Multi-Time Mixtape DJ of the Year Awardee
They say the opportunity of a lifetime only lasts for the lifetime of that opportunity. Think about it and realize how many opportunities have been missed because somebody, somewhere didn’t understand what was standing in front of them. Now stop and understand how many people have built empires because they realized they were in the midst of something special … a moment … that opportunity of a lifetime!Our guest today embodies the principle of capitalizing on opportunities and has become a cultural phenomenon and global brand in the process! DJ Skee is a source of energy and a marketing icon who has blazed a trail throughout the industry. His forward-thinking, innovative approach, and willingness to evolve have helped make him one of the most in-demand entertainment influencers in the world. Join us today as he talks about his road to success and how remaining flexible, open, and always believing in himself helped pave the way for him. It’s an amazing conversation with one of the most amazing men I’ve ever met!In This Episode:(2:00) – Skee discusses how he has always been a big music fan.(4:06) – Skee thought he would be a professional athlete. (6:58) – Life as a DJ begins as Skee realizes it’s his calling.(12:25) – Marketing, not DJ’ing was his first gig. (16:53) – Skee tells how he remained humble when all accolades came his way. (19:23) – Skee launches his own marketing agency at 20.(24:03) – Choosing sides is a pivotal move.(27:33) – Going all in as a DJ.(29:15) – Skee begins broadening his horizons and gaining more traction.(34:27) – Skee discusses re-inventing the way music videos are done. (41:55) – Life at iHeart Radio. (46:38) – Creating a game-changing experience. (51:40) – Generating energy and entertainment for the Minnesota Vikings and other teams. (55:40) – Take input but always believe in yourself. Our GuestDJ Skee built an empire by consistently identifying trends in music, sport, and culture first.As a founder, Skee launched Dash Radio and DXSH Metaverse Studios, building them into leaders in the digital radio and metaverse experience spaces while raising $20 million dollars to build from A-List investors and powering radio and experiences for brands and influencers, including Kylie Jenner, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Tyler The Creator, Paris Hilton, The GRAMMY’s, Xbox, Discord, and more.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 DJ Skeehttps://djskee.com/https://www.instagram.com/djskee/https://www.youtube.com/c/djskeehttps://www.facebook.com/djskee/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2024 • 55sec
[Trailer] Skee: Multi-Time Mixtape DJ of the Year Awardee
They say the opportunity of a lifetime only lasts for the lifetime of that opportunity. Think about it and realize how many opportunities have been missed because somebody, somewhere didn’t understand what was standing in front of them. Now stop and understand how many people have built empires because they realized they were in the midst of something special … a moment … that opportunity of a lifetime!Our guest today embodies the principle of capitalizing on opportunities and has become a cultural phenomenon and global brand in the process! DJ Skee is a source of energy and a marketing icon who has blazed a trail throughout the industry. His forward-thinking, innovative approach, and willingness to evolve have helped make him one of the most in-demand entertainment influencers in the world. Join us today as he talks about his road to success and how remaining flexible, open, and always believing in himself helped pave the way for him. It’s an amazing conversation with one of the most amazing men I’ve ever met! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.