What do you do when safety vanishes in an instant? In this raw and powerful conversation, Marcus sits down as a follow-on mini-episode with Assaf Glazer—tech founder, father, and eyewitness to the October 7 terrorist attack in Israel—for an emotional recounting of survival, uncertainty, and resilience. From sheltering without a door to parenting through trauma, this conversation reveals the quiet strength it takes to protect and persevere.

Assaf Glazer was with his children, siblings, and parents in southern Israel when the attack began. In the midst of chaos, with no clear guidance and no safe shelter, his instinct kicked in. In this moving postscript conversation, Assaf shares what he and his family endured, the long shadows of trauma, and how he’s finding clarity and calm in a digitally chaotic world

Get in touch with Dr. Assaf Glazer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assaf-glazer-264aaa20/
Website: https://www.vinst.me/

Episode highlights:
(0:00) Intro
(0:57) What happened after the conflict?
(3:31) Were you with your family?
(4:23) What’s going through your mind when you’re in the shelter?
(5:23) How have you moved forward—and what advice do you give your kids?
(6:55) Parallels between Israel’s trauma and post-9/11 New York
(7:44) How is life now?
(8:00) Cultivating optimism and focusing on what energizes you
(8:53) What do you think the world should know about those living this now?
(11:08) The threat of AI-driven misinformation in global crises
(12:22) Outro

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalesofSuccess

—--

Leave a Review

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scales-of-success-podcast/id1773864140

Get in Touch

You can also Tweet @cus with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in.

What if the nights that broke you open became the ones that built you? In today’s episode, Marcus connects with Dr. Assaf Glazer, father, founder, and maker of meaning, whose journey flows from sleepless cribs to soulful kitchens. From Nanit to Vinst, this is a story of reinvention, where AI meets instinct, and technology learns to care.

Dr. Assaf Glazer is a seasoned AI expert and product innovator with a Ph.D. in computer vision from the Technion and postdoc work at Cornell Tech. He’s led teams across industries from semiconductors to consumer tech and is now focused on transforming home cooking through his latest venture, Vinst. Known for turning complex tech into practical tools, Assaf brings a rare blend of deep science, creative thinking, and real-world impact.

Get in touch with Dr. Assaf Glazer:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assaf-glazer-264aaa20/

Episode highlights:
(3:04) How Nanit was born
(7:28) Transforming baby sleep with AI
(11:32) Built Nanit, funded smart, and learned lessons inside
(19:43) When a team breaks down
(24:22) Creating culture with core
(29:04) Why Assaf left Nanit
(34:48) A culinary reinvention
(40:49) How Vinst is changing cooking
(48:16) Assaf's outlook on AI
(50:46) Life lessons from building startups
(52:59) Outro

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalesofSuccess

—--

Leave a Review

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scales-of-success-podcast/id1773864140

Get in Touch

You can also Tweet @cus with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in.

What does it take to launch a wellness brand that sticks and scales? In this inspiring episode, Marcus welcomes John Klein to share the quiet courage behind building a wellness sanctuary in a world that rarely slows down. From sleepless nights to studios across the country, this is a story of risk, resilience, and reclaiming what it means to feel well.

John Klein is the Co-Founder and CEO of Pause Studio, a pioneering wellness brand offering science-backed recovery experiences like float therapy, cryotherapy, and IV drips. After two decades scaling major fitness brands like Equinox and SoulCycle, John stepped out of the corporate world to build something deeply personal: an accessible, high-impact studio for proactive healing. With over 100 franchise territories awarded, he’s on a mission to bring holistic health to everyday people, one pause at a time.

Find out more about John Klein:
Website: https://pausestudio.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-klein-4251a75a/

Episode highlights:
(2:08) What does Pause Wellness Studio offer?
(6:47) Why John finally made the leap
(12:07) Choosing franchising to scale wellness
(15:49) How local owners fuel success
(20:39) Red flags in potential franchisees
(25:20) How COVID accelerated the wellness shift
(36:06) Making elite health tools accessible
(39:28) The power of the Lifeforce partnership
(42:38) Building a brand that markets itself
(49:57) What parenting taught him about leadership
(53:07) Advice for young entrepreneurs
(54:45) Outro

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalesofSuccess

—--

Leave a Review

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scales-of-success-podcast/id1773864140

Get in Touch

You can also Tweet @cus with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in.

How do you rebuild a life when everything has fallen apart? In this powerful conversation, Marcus chats with Keegan Caldwell, whose journey reads like a testament to the human spirit rising from addiction, legal battles, and self-doubt to founding a global law firm without ever stepping foot in law school. Keegan shares the turning points that reshaped his soul, the quiet force of discipline, and how service to others anchored his new beginning. If you’ve ever wondered whether redemption is possible, this story will reignite your belief in second chances and the greatness within yourself.

Dr. Keegan Caldwell is the Founder and Global Managing Partner of Caldwell, a leading international law firm. Once battling addiction and adversity, he transformed his story into one of resilience, leadership, and service. Today, he stands as a trusted advisor to global innovators, a living reminder that even the heaviest pasts can forge the brightest futures.

Learn more about Keegan Caldwell:
Website: https://caldwelllaw.com/about/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keegancaldwellphd/
X: https://x.com/Caldwell_IP1
Linktree: https://bit.ly/42zsyai

Episode highlights:
(3:18) Substance abuse and early struggles
(6:59) Joining the Marines for structure
(8:41) Post-service setbacks and legal troubles
(15:50) Rock bottom moment in Michigan
(22:00) 12-step recovery and rebuilding life
(24:24) Returning to school at 26
(28:27) Why Keegan chose a PhD
(36:04) From the patent office to founding a firm
(43:11) Common myths about IP law
(47:36) Mentorship, fatherhood, and leadership
(51:01) Outro

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalesofSuccess

—--

Leave a Review

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scales-of-success-podcast/id1773864140

Get in Touch

You can also Tweet @cus with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in.

What do you do when your biggest plans fall apart? In this inspiring episode, Marcus sits down with Ken Biberaj—real estate executive, civic leader, and host of Coffee with Ken—to talk about resilience, reinvention, and staying curious through setbacks. From politics to business and beyond, this episode is a reminder that showing up consistently opens unexpected doors.

Ken Biberaj, a former NYC Council candidate and past chairman of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Ken blends public service values with private sector strategy—helping companies grow while staying people-focused. His work is grounded in consistency, curiosity, and a deep belief in showing up.

Connect with Ken Biberaj:
Website: https://coffeewithken.com/
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/coffeewithkenbiberaj
Email: ken@coffeewithken.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biberaj/

Episode highlights:
(3:14) Reopening the iconic Russian Tea Room
(6:29) Frustrations with red tape
(8:54) Harvard & public service lessons
(12:29) Running for city council at 33
(15:27) Lessons from losing the race
(18:40) Leading the Manhattan Chamber
(21:32) Turning failure into future wins
(27:40) Launching Coffee With Ken
(31:48) Manufacturing revolution and business evolution
(41:58) Honoring his father's legacy
(45:39) Lessons for the next generation
(46:57) Outro

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalesofSuccess

—--

Leave a Review

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scales-of-success-podcast/id1773864140

Get in Touch

You can also Tweet @cus with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in.

What does it take to chase your dreams—and stick with them? In this special solo episode, Marcus reflects on the first 26 episodes of Scales of Success and shares the hard-earned lessons that have reshaped his mindset, work, and relationships. From defining true support to separating self-awareness from self-consciousness, he opens up with humor, honesty, and thoughtful takeaways that anyone striving for personal or professional growth will appreciate. Whether you're building something of your own or just looking for a new lens on success, this one's for you.

Episode highlights:
(3:06) 9 lessons from this journey
(4:16) People show support in different ways
(6:33) Neighborhood bar
(7:23) Finding a tribe
(9:34) Becoming a better listener
(13:07) Accountability
(14:55) Two investment stakes
(17:28) Everyone has a story
(19:47) Successful people: Self-awareness vs. Self-consciousness
(22:14) Biographies aren't written about work-life balance
(24:11) Presence, feedback, and support
(25:48) Outro

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalesofSuccess

—--

Leave a Review

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scales-of-success-podcast/id1773864140

Get in Touch

You can also Tweet @cus with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in.

What if confronting fear is the best way to find peace, purpose, and growth? In this special episode, Marcus reconnects with his longtime friend William Robertson—a painter, architect, and entrepreneur known for designing his own fire-resistant home and embracing sustainability long before it was trendy. Their friendship, like a river ride, flows naturally between ideas, challenges, and laughs.

William shares what led him to fight a 19-year-old in a Muay Thai match at age 48, and how facing discomfort—whether through martial arts, fasting, or microdosing—has shaped his resilience and deepened his presence. Together, they reflect on personal growth, physical health, business leadership, and why pushing limits in any form makes life richer. This episode is both a celebration of curiosity and a call to keep evolving—on your own terms.

Episode Reference: National Goju Karate
Website: https://nationalgojukarate.com/home
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KarateBrisbane

Reach out to William Robertson:
Website: https://www.designbuildlabs.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamrobertson2/

Episode highlights:
(3:19) Confronting fear from Karate to Muay Thai ring
(7:38) The importance of being in the moment
(11:32) Detachment from past and future
(14:47) Training for a Spartan race
(17:53) Taking charge of health with AI and biomarkers
(22:51) Fasting results: Fat, energy, and focus
(28:39) Microdosing psilocybin Vs. Alcohol
(31:53) Consciousness, nature, and creativity
(35:45) The joy of daily rituals
(39:40) A Karate sensei and French coffee lessons
(41:34) Outro

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalesofSuccess

—--

Leave a Review

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scales-of-success-podcast/id1773864140

Get in Touch

You can also Tweet @cus with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in.

What happens when your ability to focus is the only thing keeping you alive? In today’s gripping episode, Marcus Arredondo talks with Courtney Buck, a former Army bomb technician turned global health and policy expert, whose story moves from the battlefield to boardrooms. Courtney shares what it’s like to disarm explosives under extreme pressure, why development aid is more than just charity, and how raising kids to avoid labels is his most meaningful mission yet. You’ll hear jaw-dropping stories, honest reflections, and insights that challenge how we think about risk, purpose, and public service.

Courtney Buck is a U.S. Army veteran, former EOD technician, and founder of Courtney Buck Investments. After serving in Afghanistan disarming roadside bombs, he moved into roles with USAID and the CDC, working on global health and foreign policy. Now based in Florida with his wife and four kids, Courtney focuses on real estate investment and raising a family rooted in curiosity, courage, and resilience.

Learn more about Courtney Buck:
Website: https://www.courtneybuckinvestments.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/courtneyryanbuck/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-buck-6867736/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/courtneybuckinvestments/

Episode highlights:
(2:49) Who is Courtney Buck?
(6:39) What USAID really does?
(11:17) China’s growing influence in Africa
(17:36) Fallout from USAID closure
(20:56) Becoming an EOD technician
(26:52) The reality of disarming bombs
(31:28) Finding peace in chaos
(41:19) Lessons for raising resilient kids
(44:51) Inside the CDC before and during COVID
(49:06) How disease spreads globally
(51:18) Why U.S. response was so hard
(53:58) People Vs. Public health messaging
(55:47) Grace for leaders in crisis
(59:02) Outro

Connect with Marcus

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-arredondo/
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/cus

Scales of Success

• Website: scalesofsuccesspodcast.com
• X (Twitter): https://x.com/scalesofsuccess
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scalesofsuccesspod/
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@scalesofsuccess
  
  

Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ScalesofSuccess

—--

Leave a Review

If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we’d love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scales-of-success-podcast/id1773864140

Get in Touch

You can also Tweet @cus with any feedback, ideas or thoughts about the lessons you’ve learnt from the episodes and we can thank you personally for tuning in.