The Eternal Optimist - podcast cover

The Eternal Optimist

The ‘Eternal Optimist’ is the show for people who see the good in the world and want to make a positive difference in the lives of their families and communities! Twice a week Matt Drinkhahn will help you see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. You’ll start thinking bigger and playing offense in life more consistently. Every week you’ll hear inspiring stories from people who faced immense challenges and KEPT GOING.
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Episodes

The Green Dreamer with Joe Shopp

Joe Shopp,Chairman of the Board and Chief Production Officer at Eden Energy Solutions LLC, is a man whose life story reads like a book about human resilience and unwavering hope. From the depths of homelessness, where a young Joe found himself living in tunnels and battling the harsh realities of life on the streets, to his extraordinary rise as a driving force behind Eden Energy Solutions LLC, Joe overcame insurmountable odds. Joe shares pivotal moments of his life, including a life-altering en...

Apr 12, 202457 minEp. 166

Elevation Through Authenticity: A Flight to Freedom with Kristian Nylund

Today’s conversation maps a course through uncharted territories of the human spirit. Kristian Nylund, a seasoned aviator, shares a raw, unfiltered account of his personal life— from the high-flying days of aviation to navigating the stormy weather of life's biggest challenges. This isn't just about facing demons; it's about the quest for authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. Discover the life-changing power of embracing one's true self, the courage it takes to break free from t...

Apr 09, 202445 minEp. 165

Optimistic Finance: Turning Challenges into Success with Matt Drinkhahn - Profit is a Choice Podcast with Michele Williams

Today Matt is sharing an episode from “Profit is a Choice” hosted by Michele Williams where he and Michele had a conversation about the world of financial literacy with a uniquely optimistic lens. As a seasoned expert in fostering growth and empowerment through understanding numbers, Matt shared great advice about transforming financial embarrassment into a source of strength and enlightenment. With a backdrop of engaging discussions on the challenges and triumphs of financial management, you ar...

Apr 05, 202448 minEp. 164

Breaking the Fall: Stories of Recovery and Optimism with Matt Drinkhahn on the ‘Think Business with Tyler’ Podcast

In today’s episode, your host Matt Drinkhahn is sharing an episode from the ‘Think Business with Tyler‘ podcast where Matt discussed his journey from overcoming a debilitating accident to building a thriving coaching business. Central to his story is the concept of eternal optimism—not merely a feel-good mantra, but a strategic tool for navigating the unpredictable terrain of entrepreneurship. Matt is giving you a look into the pitfalls of perfectionism, coupled with actionable strategies for sc...

Apr 02, 202437 minEp. 163

Finding Hope in the Heart of Darkness with Chad Nedland

Today we are traveling deep into the abyss of hardship with Chad Nedland, a man whose life story is a testament to the unyielding power of optimism in the face of despair. From confronting the darkest moments of his life to embarking on a transformative journey across the United States, Chad shares his extraordinary tale of survival, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a hopeful tomorrow. His experiences are not just about overcoming insurmountable challenges; they’re a profound exploratio...

Mar 26, 202453 minEp. 162

The Eternal Optimist: Tales of the Tirelessly Hopeful

This episode guides us through the profound nature of eternal optimism, a journey shared through the voices of diverse individuals who embody the spirit of seeing the good in every circumstance. From facing life's trials with a glass-half-full perspective to cultivating a mindset of abundance and joy, you’re going to hear a mosaic of personal philosophies and transformative experiences. Each person, rich with lessons of resilience, gratitude, and childlike wonder, invites us to reconsider our ap...

Mar 22, 202418 minEp. 161

Beyond the Mask: The True Self with Jason Putnam

Jason Putnam, delving into the essence of living authentically in a world obsessed with perfection. Through a series of candid anecdotes and reflective insights, Jason shares his journey from adhering to societal expectations to embracing his true self, both personally and professionally. Highlighting the transformative power of authenticity, Jason's story serves as a beacon for anyone striving to find balance and fulfillment in life. His approach to facing challenges, fostering genuine connecti...

Mar 19, 202438 minEp. 160

Tackling Type 1 Diabetes and Entrepreneurial Ventures with Brien Gearin

In an episode that seamlessly intertwines the gravitas of life's challenges with the levity of heartfelt optimism, Brien Gearin shares his journey through significant personal and professional milestones. From being diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at a young age, navigating the realms of competitive sports, to embarking on the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship and facing a rare family health diagnosis, Gearin exemplifies resilience. His story, marked by moments of vulnerability, triumph, and u...

Mar 15, 202442 minEp. 159

Honoring the Path: Growth, Service, and Masculinity with Philip Folsom

Philip Folsom is an anthropologist, culture development expert and president & CEO of Wolf Tribe. He’s shedding light on the evolution from individualism to tribal unity. Philip talks about the critical need for rites of passage, kinship, and honor in redefining masculine roles within society. Through his experiences and work with groups like Sacred Sons, Philip presents a compelling vision for integrating ancient wisdom into contemporary life, underlining the importance of alignment, accoun...

Mar 12, 202449 minEp. 158

Transforming Pain into Purpose and Positivity with Ed Howie

Ed Howie, a branding expert and resilience advocate, talks to us about the depths of overcoming adversity, the journey of sobriety, and the power of living with intentionality. Ed shares his touching personal stories of loss, recovery, and the pursuit of joy amidst life's inevitable challenges. His insights on protecting one's joy, redefining personal strength, and the importance of intentionality in both personal and professional realms offer listeners a compelling narrative on the transformati...

Mar 08, 202438 minEp. 157

Leading with a Smile with Kevin Kremer

Dr. Kevin Kremer, a distinguished dentist and entrepreneur from Chico, California, shares his journey from starting his career in dentistry to becoming a successful entrepreneur, having completed eight successful mergers and acquisitions. He walks us through the challenges he faced, the lessons learned, and how these experiences helped him establish the Kremer Leadership Institute. His story is not just about professional success but also personal growth, emphasizing the importance of mindset, g...

Mar 05, 202445 minEp. 156

The Art of Juggling: Music, Podcasting, and Entrepreneurship with Bruce Chamoff

Today we welcome the revolutionary Bruce Chamoff, a visionary who coined the term "podcast network" and pioneered the World Podcast Network. Beyond his groundbreaking contributions to podcasting, Bruce shares his multifaceted life as a musician, girl dad, web developer, and author. Sharing his personal challenges, including striving to match his father's entrepreneurial success, Bruce's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the power of evolving with technology. His journey from st...

Mar 01, 202438 minEp. 155

Building Wealth Against All Odds with Zachary Gray

Zachary Gray shares his remarkable journey from facing financial hardships in his youth to becoming a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur. Zachary's story is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and strategic thinking. Despite growing up in a family struggling with financial instability and being the first in his family to attend college, Zachary's determination led him to not only overcome these challenges but also to build a significant real estate portfolio and ment...

Feb 27, 202437 minEp. 154

The EDS Voyage: An Expedition from Struggle to Strength with Brianna Greenspan

Prepare to be captivated as we unravel the awe-inspiring journey of Brianna Greenspan in this episode. Born into a world of health challenges, Brianna’s life is a testament to the power of resilience and transformation. Her story is a rollercoaster ride, from battling bullying and a formidable diagnosis to the Herculean task of relearning how to walk. But Brianna’s story isn’t just about overcoming adversity. It’s about turning life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for growth and service...

Feb 23, 202449 minEp. 153

Life Lessons from the Left Hook: Finance, Fitness, and Fatherhood with Lawrence Dunning

What do finance, boxing, and real estate have in common? How can you leverage your skills and passions to create a fulfilling and prosperous life? Our special guest today is Lawrence Dunning, a former professional boxer, a successful financial trader, and a savvy real estate investor. Lawrence shares his inspiring story of how he transitioned from the intense and stressful worlds of finance and martial arts to the peaceful and rewarding realm of real estate. He reveals the key moments that chang...

Feb 20, 202447 minEp. 152

Learning with Fun and Vision with Taleen Stevens

What if learning could be fun, creative, and empowering for both students and teachers? That’s the question that drives Taleen Stevens, an educator and podcast host who is on a mission to revolutionize the way we teach and learn. In this episode, she shares her inspiring story of overcoming her own academic struggles and finding her passion for project-based learning and educational innovation. She also reveals her secrets for creating engaging and meaningful learning experiences that foster res...

Feb 16, 202447 minEp. 151

Hip Hop, Politics, and Leadership with Anton Gunn

Anton Gunn, a former advisor to President Barack Obama and a master of leadership. Anton tells you how he went from being a hip hop fan to a political star, and how he overcame the loss of his brother and other challenges along the way. He reveals the secrets of true leadership, and how to create a culture of empowerment for yourself and others. He also shares his wisdom on perseverance, service, and legacy, and how they can help you achieve your vision. Anton’s story is an inspiring example of ...

Feb 13, 202453 minEp. 150

Beyond Survival: Harnessing Life's Adversities with Dr. Lizzy Bernthal

What if you were born with only a five percent chance of survival? How would you live your life? That’s the question that Dr. Lizzy Bernthal had to answer from the moment she came into this world. Here today she shares her incredible story of resilience and empowerment, from overcoming personal and professional challenges, to becoming a nurse, midwife, and resilience coach. She reveals how she found her voice in a world that tried to silence her, how she fought for justice from an early age, and...

Feb 09, 202431 minEp. 149

Turning Waste into Power and Power into Change with Jonathan Appel

Imagine a world where waste is not a problem, but a source of clean, renewable energy. That’s the vision of Jonathan Appel, the founder and CEO of Eden Energy, a company that is revolutionizing the clean energy sector. Matt Drinkhahn chats with Jonathan about his journey from being a curious scientist to a passionate entrepreneur. Jonathan reveals how he came up with the idea of transforming waste into power, and how he overcame the challenges of launching and scaling his business in a competiti...

Feb 06, 202443 minEp. 148

Recovering from Trauma and Addiction with Jesse Harless

How do you overcome addiction and trauma and turn your life into a force for good? That’s the question that Jesse Harless answers in this inspiring episode. Jesse reveals his personal story of how he went from being a troubled child and a hopeless addict to becoming a leader and a healer in the fields of trauma-informed facilitation and addiction recovery. He shares the key moments and the tools that helped him transform his pain into purpose and his struggle into success. This episode is a test...

Feb 02, 202456 minEp. 147

Coffee, Kids, and Psychotherapy with Chananya Abraham

Matt Drinkhahn engages in a deep and insightful conversation with Chananya Abraham, a seasoned psychotherapist renowned for his expertise in working with teenagers, young adults, and families. Chananya shares his personal journey, including his passion for coffee, the evolution of his career from sports psychology to psychotherapy, and his insightful perspectives on parenting and balancing family life. His stories and experiences illuminate the intricate challenges of maintaining positivity and ...

Jan 30, 202443 minEp. 146

Harnessing Inner Peace for Outer Success with David Peralta

Matt engages in a profound conversation with David Peralta, a figure who embodies the seamless integration of spiritual wisdom and entrepreneurial vigor. David takes us on a journey that starts within the serene walls of a Zen monastery and weaves its way through the complexities of love, personal growth, and business acumen. With an open heart, he shares how love became the transformative element in his life, igniting his creativity and infusing his professional endeavors with a deeper sense of...

Jan 26, 202443 minEp. 145

From Battling Addiction to Becoming a Courage Coach with Laban Ditchburn

Matt digs into a profound conversation with Laban Ditchburn. Laban delves into his remarkable transformation, sharing the raw and authentic tale of his ascent from the clutches of addiction to achieving a life filled with empowerment and self-discovery. His journey, marked by resilience and a relentless pursuit of personal growth, exemplifies the incredible potential for change within us all. Throughout the episode, Laban's openness about his past struggles, his path to recovery, and his evoluti...

Jan 23, 202448 minEp. 144

Positive Mindsets in Practice with Jim Cathcart

Matt Drinkhahn ventures deep into the life and experiences of Jim Cathcart, a distinguished speaker and author renowned for his profound insights and uplifting messages. Jim candidly discusses his extraordinary journey, one marked by significant personal and professional challenges, which he navigated to emerge as a symbol of hope and success. He shares his valuable perspectives on transcending limitations, the art of nurturing a positive mindset, and the profound impact of continuous self-impro...

Jan 19, 202451 minEp. 143

Crafting a Legacy in Broadcasting and Business with Sheryl Plouffe

Matt welcomes Sheryl Plouffe, a former TV broadcaster turned video strategist and entrepreneur. Sheryl shares her remarkable journey from a shy, introverted child to a confident television host and successful businesswoman. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. Overcoming a challenging childhood and early career struggles, Sheryl's transition into entrepreneurship and her role in building sustainable seven-figure businesses is both inspiring and instructive. Sher...

Jan 16, 202446 minEp. 142

Reaching New Heights: Work, Wilderness, and Fatherhood with Ben Gibson

Matt Drinkhahn welcomes Ben Gibson to the Eternal Optimist podcast. He is an inspiring figure who has mastered the art of balancing his role as a tech sales professional at Slack with his passion for mountaineering and fatherhood. Ben shares his philosophy of embracing challenges, both in his adventurous outdoor pursuits and in his journey through the unpredictable terrain of raising a premature son. His story is a testament to the power of determination, the beauty of being present in every mom...

Jan 12, 202454 minEp. 141

Navigating Cancer, Inspiring through Words, and Leading a Cause with Amy Post

Amy Post joins us today to tell us about her harrowing yet inspiring journey. Faced with her daughter's cancer diagnosis, Amy's world was turned upside down, leading her down a path of despair, resilience, and ultimately, advocacy. Her story is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of faith in overcoming life's greatest challenges. As Amy opens up about her struggles and triumphs, listeners will be touched by her message of hope, strength, and the importance of a...

Jan 09, 202450 minEp. 140

Balancing Family, Faith, and Business with Alex Pardo

Alex Pardo gives us a deep look into his remarkable journey from a high-achieving entrepreneur in real estate to a life more aligned with personal fulfillment and growth. Alex opens up about his challenging experiences with the IRS, providing invaluable insights into the importance of financial awareness and responsibility. He further discusses the profound impact of personal development books and the importance of having a vision beyond material success. This episode is not just about business ...

Jan 05, 202444 minEp. 139

Love, Sales, and Consciousness with Jason Marc Campbell

Jason Marc Campbell, a renowned figure in the sales domain and the author of "Selling with Love." Jason shares his transformative journey, revealing how he overcame initial fears and anxieties to master the art of sales with a blend of authenticity, positivity, and love. His unique approach highlights the crucial role of mindset and psychology in sales, transcending conventional tactics. Jason's story is not just about sales techniques but a deeper exploration of integrating sales with spiritual...

Jan 02, 202449 minEp. 138

A Story of Tragedy, Triumph, and Trekking Across the U.S. with James Thompson

James Thompson shares his remarkable journey walking across America, a venture sparked by personal tragedy and a quest for connection during tumultuous times. From the deserts of Nevada to the streets of D.C., James's trek is a testament to resilience, human kindness, and the power of optimism. He recounts encounters with diverse Americans, from ex-convicts turned good Samaritans to law enforcement officers offering unexpected aid, painting a picture of a country rich in complexity and compassio...

Dec 29, 202330 minEp. 137
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