How often do the best leaders lead by example, not title?

This week Shawn is joined by podcast host and the CEO of Calm, David Ko, to unpack the power and discipline behind the Shawnism: “Rarely Pull the CEO Card.”

The two discuss why great leaders resist the urge to “because I said so,” and instead, win people over through clarity, vulnerability, and conviction. They also share their thoughts on what it means to lead with persuasion instead of authority, how real influence comes from helping your team understand the why, and how sometimes the best thing a CEO can do is step back and let merit take the lead.

This episode is thoughtful, refreshing, and may help you resist that urge to take control of things better left for others.

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In a noisy world where everyone’s eager to be heard, slow down, ask better questions, and practice the lost art of presence. Talk less.

This week Shawn sits down with executive producer, philanthropist, and CEO of Explore.org, Charles Annenberg, to explore the overlooked power of listening. The two discuss how listening can transform “no’s” into new opportunities, why simplicity is often just complexity refined, and what nature teaches us about silence. They also talk about the importance of letting compliments stick, and why creativity is the ultimate tool for possibility.

Just like watching a video on Explore.org: Press play, kick back, take a breather, and listen. This episode is full of some incredible thoughts, especially for those of us that need a little help pressing the reset button.

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When life knocks you off balance, do you fight it—or learn to roll with it?

In this episode, Shawn sits down with renowned fitness personality, Steve Cook, to unpack the reason why adaptability might just be the most underrated superpower you can build.

The two dive into the pressure of perfection, the cost of always going full throttle, and how learning to “roll with it” applies in both fitness and life. Steve also opens up about the moments when pushing harder only led to burnout, and why sometimes the smartest move is to step back, breathe, and let the wave pass before you find your footing again.

This conversation is a reminder that strength isn’t just about grinding harder. Sometimes, it’s about knowing when to flow.

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If emotions drive your behavior, mastering them just might change your life.

This week Shawn Nelson talks with Dr. Travis Bradberry—bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence 2.0 and The New Emotional Intelligence—to break down the hard truth behind personal growth: It’s not complicated, but it is hard.

Shawn and Dr. Bradberry unpack why the road to all the good, attractive, intersecting outcomes you want in life isn’t about hacks or quick fixes—it’s about doing the work. They also explore why EQ (unlike IQ) can grow and evolve if you’re intentional, how emotions steer behavior long before logic kicks in, and why true joy is measured by the quality of our relationships.

From learning to lose small battles to win the war, to the four essential skills of emotional intelligence, this conversation will challenge the way you see yourself—and give you the tools to change.

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Your life isn’t defined by what happens to you—it’s defined by the decisions you make in response.

This week Shawn sits down with author, keynote speaker, and podcaster, John R. Miles, to unpack the Shawnism: The Quality of Your Decisions Determines the Quality of Your Life.

The two explore how seemingly small choices compound over time, for better or worse, and why bad decisions carry a weight that builds just as quickly as good ones. Shawn and John also share their thoughts on “Choice Architecture,” the surprising psychology behind loss vs. gain, and why sitting in life’s passenger seat is the fastest road to regret.

From discovering purpose in what brings you joy, to harnessing your talents in service of others, this episode is all about grabbing the wheel and taking control.

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Look at any object and there is a business behind it—probably a dozen or more. Look at any activity—there is a business behind it. Probably a dozen or more. There’s a million ways to make a million bucks.

This week, Shawn sits down with entrepreneur, business mogul, and one of the most influential investors in the world, Mark Cuban, to talk about the art of choosing the right business path, preparing a plan for success, and adapting to the bumpy ride that it may entail.

The two also discuss how to judge if an idea is worth investing in, why entrepreneurship isn't for the faint of heart, and the one game-changing technology every business should use.

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What does it really mean to “Be Michael Jordan” in your own life and career?

This week Shawn catches up with author and executive coach, JM Ryerson, to explore the mindset of becoming invaluable—to your organization, your family, and everyone around you—and how to earn it, even if you already “own it.”

Shawn and JM dig into lessons from the court and apply them to life and business: why staying focused on the end result matters more than chasing credit, how to dig deep and push through challenges, and why as parents, leaders, or teammates, sometimes the best thing you can do is let others struggle and grow.

From knowing when to give advice to accepting that leadership isn’t a popularity contest, this episode is all about stepping up, owning your role, and driving greatness forward.

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Business never happens in isolation—there are always larger trends, technologies, demographics, and movements shaping the world around us.

This week Shawn invites Alexander McCobin, Founder and CEO of Liberty Ventures Network, onto the show to break down the Shawnism: “Connect the Context.”

Shawn and Alexander dive into the constantly evolving lens of investors, the cultural and social pendulum swings to watch, and why the values that underlie leaders matter more than ever in the age of AI. They also discuss how company culture can speak louder than any press release, why “doing good” and “doing well” don’t have to be mutually exclusive, and how conscious capitalism can drive both profit and purpose.

At the heart of it all? Bring humanity back into business and see the bigger picture.

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