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Matt sits down with Craig Siegel for a deep dive into what it really means to become who you're meant to be and why most people are going about it the wrong way. WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE If you've been chasing success, adding more to your plate, and still feeling unfulfilled… this episode will shift your perspective. Craig breaks down the truth about personal growth, purpose, and alignment... revealing that transformation isn't about doing more, but about reconnecting with who you already are. Together, they explore why so many high performers feel stuck despite external success, how we unknowingly outsource our power, and what it takes to move from a state of lack into true wholeness. You'll learn how to stop chasing external validation, let go of outdated identities, and become a match for the life you actually desire. Craig also shares his personal journey from feeling misaligned and unfulfilled on Wall Street to stepping into a life of purpose, impact, and spiritual alignment... and the daily practices that helped him get there. If you've ever felt like there's more for you but you can't quite access it, this episode is your invitation to stop searching outside of yourself and start coming home. BOOK YOUR FREE BRAND STRATEGY SESSION WITH BRAND BUILDERS GROUP In this episode, we cover: How to become who you're meant to be Why chasing success can keep you stuck The difference between lack vs. wholeness How to align with your purpose and highest self Letting go of external validation and old identities The concept of "desire everything, need nothing" Why inner work is the key to external success How to reconnect with yourself and create real transformation Connect with Craig Siegel: Instagram Upcoming NYC Event Podcast Friend, if you made it this far in the show notes, thank you. There's a reason you listened to this episode. And, I'm grateful it found you. My hope is you help someone else find it by sharing this. Thank you for being here with us. 

Most people don't feel stuck because they lack motivation. They feel stuck because they're avoiding the truth that would force them to change. In this conversation with Connor Beaton, we break down why so many people stay in cycles of self-sabotage, disconnection, and confusion and how much of it comes back to one thing: choosing what's familiar over what's true. WATCH ON YOUTUBE Book Your Brand Strategy Session (psssttt... it's complimentary!!!)  We talk about the patterns that keep men stuck… Why your brain will choose harmful behaviors over growth… And how avoiding pain is actually what creates more of it. Connor shares his own story of hitting rock bottom, living out of his car, and what it actually took to rebuild his life, not through motivation, but through confronting the parts of himself he didn't want to face. This episode is about self-leadership, truth, and the real reason so many men feel lost. Because you're not broken. You're just avoiding something you know you need to face. In This Episode, We Cover: Why men avoid the truth (and how it keeps them stuck) The psychology behind self-sabotage Why familiar pain feels safer than unfamiliar growth The impact of absent (or emotionally absent) fathers Why so many men feel lost in today's world The role of male friendships and emotional isolation How to stop outsourcing your self-worth Why peace—not happiness—is the real goal Connor on Instagram Join Connor's Programs Connor's Podcast Connor's Website If You Enjoyed This Episode: Share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if this hit home, take a second to leave a review—it helps more than you know.

If you feel stuck right now — not because you lack desire, but because doubt keeps outweighing it — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Matt reframes one of the most misunderstood emotions in personal growth: doubt. Doubt does not mean you're incapable. It does not mean you're unqualified. And it certainly doesn't mean you should stop. It often just means you're inexperienced — or afraid of looking inexperienced. Through personal stories — from launching the podcast in his childhood bedroom to shifting from virtual interviews to in-person and even traveling to record — Matt shares how doubt showed up at every level of growth. And here's the truth: Doubt didn't disappear. The show went on anyway. In this episode, you'll learn: Why doubt doesn't need to be eliminated — it needs to be integrated The myth about confidence (and why it's not a prerequisite) How exposure — not avoidance — builds real self-trust Why waiting to "feel ready" is what's actually keeping you stuck How to take action at the size of your courage Confidence doesn't come before action. It's revealed through action. You're not stuck because you're broken. You're stuck because you're waiting to feel ready. So the question becomes: What's the smallest step you've been avoiding because doubt told you a story? Take it — with doubt. And watch what happens. BOOK YOUR FREE BRAND STRATEGY SESSION WATCH ON YOUTUBE FOLLOW MATT ON INSTAGRAM

If you've been carrying the weight of your world — and maybe everyone else's — for so long that you don't even know what you're holding anymore, this episode is for you. This isn't about weakness. If you've been holding it all together, you're strong. But strength without release turns into pressure. And pressure builds. In this solo episode, Matt shares the truth most of us were never taught about vulnerability. The issue isn't that vulnerability makes us weak — it's that we were never taught: How to be vulnerable Who to be vulnerable with When to open up Vulnerability isn't telling everything to everyone. It's telling the right thing, to the right person, at the right time. Through his own breaking point in 2020, Matt shares how years of bottled-up pressure led to a powerful release — and ultimately, renewal. Not just relief. In this episode, you'll discover: Why emotional shutdown is often inherited How to make vulnerability feel safe, not exposing The power of one honest release How opening up reconnects you to yourself You're not behind. You're not broken. You're just unopened. And you don't have to carry it alone. WATCH ON YOUTUBE FOLLOW MATT ON INSTAGRAM BOOK YOUR FREE BRAND STRATEGY CALL

Most people assume the biggest threat to their happiness is failure. But according to Suzy Welch, the real danger is something far more subtle — a life that's good enough. A career that looks successful on paper. A routine that feels comfortable. A path that others approve of. Suzy calls this the "B+ life" — a life that's pleasant enough to keep you there for decades, but misaligned enough to slowly drain your sense of meaning. It's what she refers to as the "velvet coffin." Soft. Comfortable. And quietly closing around you. In this deeply thought-provoking conversation, Suzy shares the research behind her groundbreaking Becoming You methodology, which has helped thousands of people identify their true purpose by understanding the intersection of their values, aptitudes, and interests. Together, we explore why so many people feel disconnected from the life they're living, what keeps them stuck there, and how to start reclaiming authorship of your own life story. If you've ever asked yourself "Is this really what I'm meant to be doing?" — this episode will give you the language, perspective, and courage to begin answering that question. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE BOOK A PERSONAL BRAND STRATEGY SESSION In This Episode, We Discuss: Why a "B+ life" can be more dangerous than outright failure The concept of the "velvet coffin" and why comfort keeps people stuck The four forces that pull us away from our authentic selves Why most people don't actually know their values How your values, aptitudes, and interests reveal your purpose Why purpose often evolves over time How misalignment creates anxiety and internal conflict How to stop living someone else's expectations Why it's never too late to reinvent your life The powerful difference between being the author of your life vs the editor Resources Mentioned Suzy Welch's book: Becoming You Values Assessment Tool: TheValuesBridge.com Suzy's workshops and webinars: SuzyWelch.com Suzy on Instagram

If you say you want more — more growth, more money, more fulfillment — but fear keeps stopping you right at the edge, this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Matt breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions about success: fear isn't something you eliminate. It's something you befriend. Because fear isn't costing you comfort. It's costing you the life you say you want. You'll learn: Why fear is protection — not sabotage Why high performers misinterpret fear as a stop sign The real fear behind growth (hint: it's not failure — it's becoming someone new) How to take your next honest step without waiting for fear to disappear Through personal stories — from launching the podcast in his childhood bedroom to expanding into new arenas — Matt shares how every level of growth came with fear. Fear didn't mean he wasn't ready. It meant he was expanding. You don't have to dive in. You just have to lean in. Courage isn't loud. Courage is movement while fear is still present. The question is simple: What have you been avoiding because fear told you a story? Lean in — and let 2026 remember your name. WATCH ON YOUTUBE FREE PERSONAL BRAND STRATEGY CALL

Carl Radke has built businesses, written a book, run marathons, and built a life that looks successful from the outside. But the real story isn't about TV, ventures, or visibility. It's about surviving himself. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE In this conversation, Carl opens up about the internal battle that shaped his life: overthinking, insecurity, addiction, self-criticism, and the quiet voice that told him he wasn't enough. He shares how sobriety forced him to face the mirror he'd been avoiding, why "one day at a time" isn't cliché but survival, and how small, consistent wins rebuild identity from the inside out. We explore the psychology behind self-sabotage, the power of returning to your childhood self, why fear is the doorway to growth, and how service and community pull you out of your own head. Carl also shares the financial, emotional, and relational cost of addiction — and how honesty became the foundation for healing. This episode isn't about alcohol. It's about the war within — and how to win it. Carl's work: Cake Eater Soft Bar (Greenpoint, Brooklyn) More Life Podcast In this episode you will: Understand why self-awareness can feel like a burden — and how it becomes your greatest asset when you stop numbing it Learn the "one day at a time" principle and how stacking small wins compounds into long-term identity change Discover why facing fear builds esteem faster than confidence ever could Hear how childhood environments quietly shape adult coping mechanisms — and how to reclaim the version of you that existed before survival mode Understand why service to others is one of the fastest ways to quiet anxiety and overthinking Learn why nothing is "above or below" you in business or life — and how humility builds real leadership Whether you're battling addiction, anxiety, self-doubt, or simply feel like you're your own worst enemy, this episode offers something deeper than inspiration. It offers a path. One day at a time. Book Your Free Brand Strategy Session Catch Matt on Instagram  

If you're serious about building a brand that actually moves people: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris Michael Chernow shares the brutal truth about addiction, ego, and the dangerous comfort traps that keep most people stuck in cycles they secretly hate but feel too afraid to leave. He reveals the psychological battle between faith and fear, explaining how the voice in your head that says you're not enough is often just your ego trying to protect you from discomfort — and why most people unknowingly take the bait. Michael breaks down how structure, discipline, and a 5AM routine became the foundation that rebuilt his life after overdose, and why asking for help — even when it feels humiliating — is the single habit that saved him. He opens up about growing up in chaos, battling self-hatred, surviving rock bottom, and building a life rooted not in money or status, but in love, family, and communication — the one variable research shows determines long-term happiness. 🛎️ WATCH ALL EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/MattLeBris In this episode, you will: Understand how ego disguises itself as comfort and why the negative voice in your head is often a habit you've trained yourself to believe Break free from the illusion that control comes from substances, success, or validation and learn how real confidence is built through daily structure Transform your mornings by implementing a simple discipline framework that builds momentum before the world wakes up Discover why great personal relationships — not wealth or titles — are the true predictor of long-term fulfillment and happiness Master the uncomfortable skill of asking for help so boldly and consistently that it changes the trajectory of your life Connect with Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelchernow/ Check out Kreatures of Habit: https://kreaturesofhabit.com/ Michael's Podcast: https://www.kohpodcast.com/  

BOOK YOUR BRAND STRATEGY CALL: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris In this episode of Decoding Success, Matt sits down in person with meditation expert and founder of Ziva Meditation, Emily Fletcher, for one of the most expansive conversations the show has had to date. What starts as a discussion about stress and high performance quickly becomes a deep dive into nervous system regulation, the real definition of meditation, and why most high achievers are unknowingly addicted to chaos. If you've ever believed that stress is just "part of the game" — especially as a high performer — this episode will challenge that assumption. Because according to Emily: Stress is not the event. Stress is your reaction to the event. And more importantly… Stress is the space between where you are and where you think you should be. WATCH ALL EPISODES ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why stress is not the price of success The difference between "high demand" and "high stress" Why most people aren't bad at meditation — they're simply untrained The difference between guided visualization and true meditation How chronic stress rewires your nervous system Why burnout is often self-created (and how to interrupt it) The concept of "internal regulation" vs. outsourcing regulation to phones, alcohol, porn, or productivity Why the present moment is the future in the making The balance of masculine (linear grind) and feminine (cycles, rest, seasons) energy in sustainable success How meditation acts as a hardware upgrade — not just a mindset shift Resources Mentioned Explore Ziva Meditation: 👉 https://zivameditation.com Free training preview: 👉 https://zivameditation.com/preview Ziva Podcast: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@zivameditation Follow Emily: 👉 https://www.instagram.com/emilystellafletcher/  

Get Guided Support on Building Your Brand If you're looking for clarity, strategy, and guidance on building a personal brand that actually feels like you, book a free brand call here: 👉 https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris In this episode of Decoding Success, Matt LeBris sits down with Danny Mondello—better known as Meals By Cug—for a raw, funny, and unexpectedly deep conversation about success, pressure, and why caring less might actually be the key to winning. Danny never chased fame or money. He was simply cooking, filming what he was already doing, and staying consistent. Over time, that approach turned into millions of followers, major brand partnerships, and the launch of his Brooklyn café, Casa Cugine. What sets this conversation apart is Danny's mindset. While most high performers obsess over outcomes and identity, he takes a radically different approach—one built on simplicity, emotional detachment, and living an "easier" life. In this episode, he shares why stress doesn't belong in success and how worrying less has helped him last longer in the creator economy. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why caring less can actually lead to better results How emotional detachment becomes a competitive advantage The difference between building for passion vs. pressure Why consistency beats talent in content creation How Danny went from hobby to business without burning out What really makes content perform (hint: it's not the algorithm) How Casa Cugine became both a business and a creative hub Why success doesn't need to feel heavy to be meaningful Connect with Danny / Meals By Cug: Casa Cugine (Brooklyn Café): https://www.casacuginebrooklyn.com/ Meals By Cug on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meals_by_cug/ Meals By Cug on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Meals_by_cug

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND CAN LEVEL UP... START HERE: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Robbie Bent reveals why entrepreneurial success, high performance, and constant pressure can disconnect you from the very self you're working so hard to elevate. After years of scaling a fast-growing company, Robbie found himself battling anxiety, founder stress, and emotional burnout — even while living the dream on paper. He shares how operating in "armor" — overwork, intensity, and survival mode — helped him achieve success, but left him feeling tense, overwhelmed, and internally disconnected. But here's the breakthrough: achievement didn't feel fulfilling until he stopped chasing validation and started building from purpose, creativity, and genuine connection. The real shift wasn't external success — it was learning how to feel safe, grounded, and present while still pursuing ambitious goals. Whether you're an entrepreneur, high performer, or driven professional dealing with burnout, anxiety, or success that feels empty, this conversation will help you understand the hidden mental health cost of achievement — and how to grow without losing yourself. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris In this episode you will: Recognize the emotional cost of chasing success from fear instead of authenticity Identify the "armor" behaviors that keep high achievers stuck in survival mode Understand why money, status, and recognition can't create lasting fulfillment Learn how to strive for excellence without tying your worth to outcomes Discover why creating meaningful work reconnects you to your true self OFFER: Robbie is offering you a complimentary experience at Othership. DM or Email Matt to claim the offer.  Check out Othership here: https://www.othership.us/ Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiebent/ Connect with Robbie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbiebent/  

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND LEVELED UP STARTS HERE: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris What does it really take to bet on yourself — especially when the path feels isolating and uncertain? In this episode, I sit down with Lil Mo Mozzarella to talk about leaving a stable career, stepping into comedy later in life, and why real confidence is built through action, not approval. We unpack the loneliness that comes with growth, the importance of protecting your value, and how turning pain into purpose is often the key to long-term success. This conversation is about earned self-belief — the kind that comes from showing up, taking risks, and staying in the game even when it's uncomfortable. WATCH EVERY EPISODE ON YOUTUBE HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris In this episode, we cover: • Why betting on yourself can feel isolating • How Mo pivoted into comedy • The cost of chasing validation • Protecting your value in business • Turning pain into purpose • Why regret is heavier than failure Connect with Lil Mo Mozzarella 🎤 www.lilmomozzarella.com 😂 Tour Dates 📲 @lilmomozzarella

LEVELING UP YOUR PERSONAL BRAND STARTS HERE: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris Most people think they're stuck because they lack discipline, confidence, or clarity. But what if the real reason you're not experiencing deeper intimacy, freedom, and fulfillment… is shame you don't even realize you're carrying? In this episode, I sit down in person with Stefanos Sifandos for a raw, honest conversation about the invisible force shaping our relationships, our self-expression, and the parts of our lives where we keep holding back. We explore why shame doesn't usually announce itself loudly— it hides in avoidance, performance, people-pleasing, and silence. And more importantly, we talk about what it actually takes to move through it. This is a conversation about what has to die for real intimacy to begin, why healing can't happen alone, and how being truly seen is the gateway to everything you say you want. WATCH ALL EPISODES ON YOUTUBE GRAB STEFANOS' NEW BOOK HERE  In This Episode, We Explore: Why shame is the hidden barrier to intimacy, authenticity, and growth How shame disguises itself as fear, procrastination, and "playing it safe" The difference between being "self-aware" and being truly integrated Why what you avoid emotionally tends to repeat in your life How shame shows up in relationships, communication, and self-expression Why healing happens in safe relationships—not in isolation What it actually means to stop hiding and allow yourself to be seen This Episode Is For You If: You feel successful on paper but disconnected internally You struggle to fully open up in relationships You keep repeating patterns you understand but haven't outgrown You feel like something is blocking your next level—but you can't name it You're ready to stop performing for love and start experiencing it --  If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who's been hiding parts of themselves too — or someone you want to feel closer to. And as always, if you enjoyed the conversation, leave a review. It helps more people find the show — and more importantly, find themselves.

Kate Eckman breaks down why so many high-achieving people feel disconnected despite doing everything "right." She explains how self-abandonment begins early in life as a way to earn love, safety, and approval—and how people-pleasing, perfectionism, and overachievement are survival responses, not strengths. Drawing from her own healing journey, Kate reveals why emotional invalidation teaches us to doubt our instincts, silence our truth, and perform instead of feel. She shares why choosing yourself often feels lonely, how solitude exposes what distraction hides, and why telling the truth—kindly and clearly—is the foundation of real self-love. This isn't about motivation or positive thinking; it's about stopping self-betrayal, releasing old identities, and coming home to yourself. Watch our episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris Monetize your personal brand in 2026: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris In this episode you will: Understand how self-abandonment forms and shapes relationships, success, and identity Learn why people-pleasing and perfectionism are trauma responses, not personality traits Discover why being alone feels uncomfortable—and how it leads to self-trust Identify when it's time to let go of an identity that no longer fits Redefine success as living in truth instead of performing for approval Connect with Kate: Listen to her podcast: https://www.kateeckman.tv/podcast Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kateeckman/ -- Connect with Matt:  Instagram YouTube -- Hey, if you made it this far in the show notes... thank you for your support. I'm grateful you're not only listening to the show, but you're engaged enough to read this. It would mean the world to show if you shared this with someone who needs it. This episode (and our others) has so much powerful meaning to it... someone in your life needs it. Thank you 3

👉 Want clarity on your own brand? Book a free 1:1 call with the Brand Builders team: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Most people think they've healed their past. But the truth is far heavier: your childhood blueprint is still running your life — your relationships, your success, your self-worth — and you don't even realize it. In this raw and revealing conversation, therapist and author Jason VanRuler returns to Decoding Success to break open the invisible patterns that shape us: earning love, chasing highs, self-sabotaging the moment life gets quiet, and mistaking achievement for fulfillment. This episode isn't about blame — it's about finally understanding why you are the way you are… and how to rewrite the script. If you've ever wondered why you push so hard, why you crash so hard, or why the middle feels unbearable — this one will hit you right in the truth. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris In this episode, we uncover: The childhood wound most people think they healed… but is still driving everything. Why high achievers feel empty even when they're "winning." The difference between using pain and being controlled by it. How to stop earning love and start feeling "I'm okay either way. How to change your relationship with your past without reliving every wound. What self-sabotage actually is — and the surprising first step to stop it. The role expectations play in suffering (especially with parents). Why being your authentic self feels so dangerous — and why it's the only path to real connection. This conversation is simple, confronting, and clarifying — the kind that doesn't just give answers, but gives you yourself back. Connect with Jason Website: https://www.jasonvr.com/ Pre-Order the NEW Book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason.vanruler/ Chapters 00:00 The Drive for Success and Parental Influence 02:28 Understanding Past Pain and Its Impact 05:27 The Role of Pain in Motivation 08:16 Embracing the Middle of Transformation 10:59 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Achievement 14:00 Shifting Intentions and Self-Acceptance 17:01 Whose Voice Are You Listening To? 17:53 Understanding High-Pressure Moments 19:06 The Nature of Resilience 20:03 Beyond Talking: Processing Pain 20:53 Identifying Patterns in Pain 22:14 The Role of Expectations in Relationships 23:37 Making Peace with Family Dynamics 25:51 Accepting People for Who They Are 27:39 The Question of Self-Acceptance 29:30 Grieving Unmet Expectations 31:31 Finding Acceptance in What We Need 33:37 Cultural Influences on Our Needs 34:23 The Complexity of Modern Life 36:30 Authenticity in Relationships 38:59 The Challenge of Being Authentic 41:50 Navigating Modern Dating 44:51 The Importance of Relationships 45:49 Healing Through Storytelling 50:20 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Our Actions 53:08 Embracing Failure as a Path to Growth 55:59 The Myths of Trauma and Healing 57:48 The Importance of Communication in Relationships 01:00:31 Simplifying Life: The Hard Mode Dilemma