The Eternal Optimist

Ned W. Schaut is the author of "Rebel and Create.” On this episode, he shares with Matt his ambition to make the world a better place. Ned wants there to be more engaged men in this world that can shepherd and foster the next generation. Ned believes that engagement is the key to experiencing more in life.Topics Covered00:58 Ned shares his story about himself and his family.04:18 Ned talks about growing up in church and aging up in California.11:29.The importance of self-reflection and what is most important to Ned.12:40 His experience building a youth center.21:52 Why Ned relocated from California to Hawaii 27:57, Ned discusses his podcast "Rebel and Create".32:08 TEDx talk by Ned46:10 How to overcome difficulties and obstacles by maintaining an optimistic attitudeConnect with NedFacebookInstagramYouTubeWebsiteResources Mentioned’Rebel and Create’Ned’s podcastFatherhood Legacy JournalNed’s TEDx TalkMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Cindy Morgan Jaffe believes that improving our relationship with money can be life-changing for everyone. She's also a nationally qualified counselor, a Certified Life and Recovery Coach, and an XChange Guide. She helps people have a positive attitude toward money. She shares her money perspective and how she thinks about making money and spending it wisely.Topics Covered05:43 - Cindy talks about what she learned from her family's financial challenges17:23 - How Cindy overcame her eating disorder and the lessons she learned23:47 - The way relationships made an impact on her life.31:33 - Cindy shares her seven principles for living a rich life42:21 - What money dating and the principle behind it53:17 - The first positive money principle: which is choiceConnect with CindyFacebookInstagramLinkedInPersonal WebsiteResources MentionedJackson HoleMiddlebury collegeMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Rich Campe is the CEO at ProAdvisorCoach, a dear friend and mentor, and a fascinating individual. We call him ‘The Wizard’ because he is the one of the most captivating speakers around. On this episode, Rich shares the challenges that turned him into the individual he is today. Despite his professional success, Rich has dealt with serious internal challenges that have turned him into an incredible individual — and he shares those lessons.Topics CoveredRich shares how an early diagnosis shaped his childhood and early adult lifeHow Rich lost $26,000 of his family’s money at the age of 21The lessons Rich learned from experiencing a devastating loss in his familyRich shares why he thinks it’s so important for people to keep up with technologyHow the culture of employees and business has shifted significantly in recent yearsThe advice Rich would give to budding entrepreneurs or business ownersConnect with Rich on LinkedInResources MentionedPro Advisor CoachTony RobbinsSt. Simon’s IslandMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Les McDaniel is a man driven to inspire others towards their truest and best self. He’s a husband, a father, a leadership coach, a facilitator, a real estate professional and also a beautiful soul. Les shares with Matt the challenges he faced growing up and how that’s shaped his ability to deal with his family’s current obstacles. He’s got a great, caring heart and an absolute pleasure to have on the show!Topics Covered07:15 - Les shares his journey growing up as a small child in a world filled with bullying12:41 - The effect Les’ relationship and involvement in the church had on his life20:00 - How attachment to even our most precious things can cause us suffering26:09 - Les shares his what he learned helping his wife recover from cancer and a stroke38:12 - The way Les has leveraged his unique gifts and life experiences to grow43:16 - How Les interprets and utilizes challenges to create growth in his life.Connect with LesFacebookFollow on InstagramEpic Fusion LifeResources MentionedFront Row DadsAbilene Christian UniversityMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Dr. Mike Horvitz joins Matt to share his sometimes-unbelievable story of resilience and overcoming challenges. Despite succeeding professionally in academia and real estate, Mike shares how he was able to overcome severe substance abuse, a bout with cancer, and a challenging divorce. But Mike also shares the lessons that he’s learned along the way and the opportunities they’ve created for his life.Topics Covered03:13 - Mike shares the origin story of his memorable Zoom background07:22 - How Mike was able to overcome his addictions to abusive substances15:30 - Mike shares his journey overcoming excruciating physical ailments28:20 - The way Mike hopes to solve housing affordabilityConnect with MikeFriend on FacebookConnect on LinkedInEmail - [email protected] in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Sandy Solomon is a titan in the financial services industry and someone who is incredibly focused on serving people at the highest level. In his professional life, Sandy helps clients make important financial planning decisions, but Matt and Sandy keep it strictly personal on this episode. Sandy shares with Matt how his childhood impacted the decisions he made as an adult, and they also discuss how Sandy’s kept his sobriety for so many years. Listen in for an inspiring show!Topics Covered05:19 - How Sandy’s upbringing led to him having a high EQ (emotional intelligence)11:50 - Sandy shares about his rebellious years as a teenager and some of his critical decisions17:57 - Why Sandy decided to pursue his first career and opportunity23:22 - The story of Sandy’s battle with substance abuse and its effect on his family30:21 - How Sandy began to transition careers and rebuild his relationships39:35 - Sandy’s (and Matt’s) favorite sales training program45:46 - The advice Sandy gives most about overcoming challenges.Follow Sandy on FacebookResources MentionedThe Sandler Selling SystemYou Can't Teach a Kid to Ride a Bike at a SeminarInteract Studio - Speaking & Presentation Skills for LeadersFreeing Your Radical Hero: Fighting the Impostor MindsetMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Frank Wiseman is a leader in the Southeast real estate industry and a beloved member of the Charlotte community. After graduating from Ohio State University, Frank went on to be a highly-recognized sales and business leader. Frank and Matt discuss how bullying impacted Frank’s early development and why personal development can actually be a bad addiction. Frank also shares his outlook on growing teams and developing organizations.Topics Covered6:38 - How Frank struggled with confidence and dealt with bullying as a child12:33 - The ways Frank views challenges as opportunities to strengthen relationships21:30 - Why organizations are so important to Frank’s personal and professional life28:56 - Frank shares why personal development can actually be an addiction36:39 - Why Frank values and prioritizes his children’s activitiesListen to Frank’s podcast, ‘We Are Dead Men Talking’Resources MentionedMind to MatterTony RobbinsTony Hawk DocumentaryMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Adair Cates is a mother and leadership development expert that helps groups and teams connect deeply to solve problems. Adair uses a collaborative approach that focuses on strengths, expands thinking, breaks through blocks and establishes new routines. Matt and Adair discuss her journey in the corporate world and also as an entrepreneur, and she also talks about her approach to mastering new skills.Topics Covered4:50 - Why aesthetics and style are so important to Adair9:26 - The approach Adair takes to learning new skills12:10 - Adair’s experience as an exchange student in Spain16:48 - How Adair dealt with her entrepreneurial failures28:24 - Adair shares her approach to finding solutions to big challengesConnect with AdairConnect with Adair on LinkedinAdair’s WebsiteResources MentionedXchange ApproachThe SecretMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Jared Montz is a former professional soccer player that is now helping the next generation of athletes reach their potential. He also is a speaker and entrepreneur with a portfolio of businesses. Matt and Jared talk about Jared’s formative years to becoming a professional athlete, and how an unfortunate injury changed the trajectory of Jared’s professional career. Jared also shares how his time as a professional athlete and coach have impacted him as an entrepreneur and leader.Topics Covered6:11 - How Jared’s mindset developed as a young athlete.13:55 - The different ways Jared improved his skills and abilities.19:30 - Why a leader’s attitude makes such a big impact on their team.24:46 - Jared’s shares the story of his career-ending soccer injury.32:41 - How Jared prioritizes the project and activities he does44:30 - Why Jared makes it a point to connect people in his network.Connect with JaredFollow Jared on InstagramConnect with Jared on LinkedInOnline Soccer AcademyResources MentionedS.C.O.R.E. for LifePure BarreQuietFranchise SecretsDan SullivanGive and TakeRebootEgo is the EnemyVivid VisionMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

Our first guest episode highlights a gentleman who has been a huge inspiration and guide for Matt’s professional life. Jon Berghoff is a father, a hall of fame sales leader, a former sales executive at Vitamix, and the co-founder of XChange, a company that’s trained over 10,000 leaders since the pandemic. Matt and John talk about parenting, the power of purpose, and also how Jon’s dealt with some serious recent challenges.Topics Covered03:05 - How Matt and Jon both share a love for ‘The Office.’06:33 - Jon’s outlook and perspective on the recent challenges he’s faced13:24 - How Jon shifted his perspective from a victim mentality19:29 - The way organizational culture allowed for him to succeed25:33 - How his company pivoted during the Pandemic38:10 - Why asking questions before taking action can be beneficialGet a Free Video Series from Jon - Unlock Group Potential | XCHANGEResources MentionedCutcoVectorVitamixOnline Exchange ExperienceMentioned in this episode:Buy Book on Amazon!!

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.