The School of Greatness Hall of Fame

When people talk about sports legends, they mean the best of the best of the best.Names everyone knows.Names that people don't forget.Well I had the privilege of meeting one of these legends a couple months back.From his presence alone, I knew immediately why he had achieved such an incredible level of athletic success.Ray Lewis is one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history. He played his entire 17 year career with the Baltimore Ravens including two Super Bowl titles, Super Bowl MVP in 2000, and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice.Oh yeah, he's also a NYT bestselling author, father of 6, and a devoted philanthropist.But I'm just getting started.The wisdom Ray shared with me during our podcast conversation was so deep, so grounded, so based in results, that I was hanging on every word. Be sure to listen to the last half (we went for a while because it was such a good conversation). Ray goes DEEP into the role of faith, love, and respect in creating greatness.Ray has not had an easy life. He's faced pretty much every challenge you can imagine. But his definition of what greatness and being a man really means is spot on.I can't wait for you to hear the powerful perspective of this true greatness legend in Episode 415 on The School of Greatness.Some questions I ask:Was there a time when you switched away from being fueled by pain and anger? (14:43)Where would you be right now if your dad had been loving, caring, and attentive? (40:06)How did you prepare for the big games of your career? (1:02:57)In this episode, you will learn:What Ray was trying to prove by dedicating himself to wrestling in high school (6:42)Where Ray’s drive for dominance comes from (12:32)What The Rock was really like when he was playing football for the University of Miami (23:18)How Ray picked the number 52 for his football career (23: 58)The real reason he left college early to get drafted in the NFL (29:47)What the real challenge in life is (31:59)How Ray overcame a stutter he developed as a kid (37:34)Ray’s definition of what it means to be a man (48:19)The story behind how Ray got Michael Phelps to come out of retirement (1:14:18)Ray’s vision for his legacy – so powerful (1:19:18)What he hopes people will say about him after he’s gone (1:24:59)Plus much more…

14 Apr 20191h 42min

Legends like Tony Robbins and Jack Canfield.They've shared their best tips and habits and their episodes have become some of the most popular.Today's guest is another one of these legends :)Dean Graziosi was on TV everyday for 17 years straight -- because his infomercials around real estate training were that successful and popular.He is a multiple NYT bestselling author, the top real estate trainer in the world, and is friends with the best of the best.But, like many other greats, he didn't start with much.Dyslexic, broke, coming from a family that always struggled with money, and just trying to figure life out, Dean is an incredible example of the power of turning your story around because YOU choose to.We met years ago through a mutual friend but this is the first time we got to sit down and really dive into his brilliant mind and how he has created what he has created.I was hanging on every word (and not just because he's a great storyteller) because Dean's style of teaching, talking, writing, and explaining is so easy to understand, no matter who you are.We covered his top habits for millionaire-level success, and he told me some stories that made me tear up.I'm really excited to share the wisdom and passion Dean shares in Episode 428.Some questions I ask:How did you shift out of a broke mindset into success? (5:08)Why do you keep pushing and working after achieving so much success? (34:25)What’s the thing people misunderstand about you the most? (38:24)In this episode, you will learn:The formula for making the most successful infomercial (13:30)The top daily habits to transform you relationship with success (22:07)How to get yourself to do things you don’t want to do (25:15)The 7 Levels Deep exercise that changed Dean’s life and purpose forever (26:37)The 3 types of entrepreneurs (34:43)How to be the observer of your thoughts (45:44)Plus much more…

14 Apr 201954min

I heard about today's guest because he recently came out with a new book about negotiation.If you're any kind of business person, you know the importance of this skill.I thought I was a pretty good negotiator already, but I wanted to learn more.So I invited Chris Voss to come by the studio for an interview.Little did I know how much I would learn.Within the first 15 minutes Chris and I were role playing as if a real life hostage scenario was happening and he was the bad guy.That was just the beginning.I couldn't stop asking Chris questions because I was learning so much and the information was so powerful.Chris is not just an author.He worked in the FBI (and the police force) for over 20 years as a top hostage negotiator, working over 150 kidnappings, to say the least.Now he runs a top consulting company and teaches negotiation to graduate students at universities like Harvard and Georgetown.I guarantee you'll learn something valuable within the first ten minutes of listening to this interview.Get ready to take lots of notes in Episode 379 with Chris Voss.Some questions I ask:What are the traits that make a good negotiator? (29:58)Who are the most difficult people to negotiate with? (32:04)How long should you wait to consider a deal? (33:50)How do men and women compare as negotiators? (38:03)What is the difference between sympathy and empathy? (42:51)How do you become the smartest person in the room? (56:47)What's the worst thing to say in a negotiation? (1:00:06)In this episode, you will learn:Why appearing powerless in a negotiation means you're in power (6:21)The phrase to look out for in a negotiation (10:20)Why being nice in negotiations gives you power (15:09)The bank robber role play Chris and I go through (and his critique of how I do) (18:41)The secret to getting the upper hand in a negotiation (22:46)How to tell if someone is a control freak (23:07)How to negotiate with an alpha personality (25:56)Why emotional currency is so valuable (28:07)How to trigger someone to give you the information you want (34:50)Why you shouldn't ask "why" questions (36:21)The most powerful way to say "no" (39:42)Why identifying a negative diminishes it (44:39)Why you want the other side to feel like they won when the deal is settled (1:02:10)The 3 types of yeses (1:02:53)My personal favorite line to get an upgrade (1:05:42)Plus much more...

14 Apr 20191h 20min

Interested in learning how to build a life and business around doing what you love? So am I. Let's connect.Put yourself in these shoes: your mom gives birth to you at 17, you never meet your father, you drop out of high school, and are homeless as a young man.But despite this, you go to college (even though it takes you 12 years to get through your degree), then you build your own business, become a world-class speaker, and finish your PhD at age 44.Yes, this is a true story, and today's guest on The School of Greatness is the main character.Eric Thomas, aka the Hip Hop Preacher, is a true example of greatness in action.You may have heard his voice on a YouTube video giving a now world-famous speech with the line, "When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, then you will be successful."We cover a lot including his thoughts on education, the power of executing your plans, how mentors influence your path, and the potential of hard work and focus.Welcome to Episode 121 with Hip Hop Preacher Eric Thomas.Some questions I ask:Why is accountability so important to you?Why are you so committed to excellence and greatness in your own life?How important is having mentors and coaches throughout your life?What are 3 big mistakes entrepreneurs make?In this episode, you will learn:The difference between degrees and educationHow purpose can help you find your passionOur gifts and talents do not perfect and hone themselves (we have to do this!)In every 24 hours, we can either break our life or make our lifeWhy he gets up at 3 am every dayHow he sets up boundaries for his work timeWhy your content will be stronger if you disconnect from all distractions dailyHow execution is the heart of your business – if it stops, your business diesThe story behind why his son graduating from high school is his greatest accomplishmentWhy most companies don’t make it past 3 yearsThe power of the discipline to waitPlus much more…

14 Apr 20191h 3min

Little did I know we would become the kind of friends that FaceTime each other constantly, work out together whenever we're in the same town, and goof off like high school kids.You've already heard Steve on two previous 5 Minute Fridays on The School of Greatness, so he doesn't need a huge introduction.But what you may not know about him is that he is a NFL Superbowl Champion who is the best punter in the world - and yet he chose to retire early.He is a devoted husband and father of 4 kids who mean everything to him.And he's one of the hardest workers I've ever met. Not just in the gym. (But yes, for sure in the gym.)Of course, I openly admit I also have a huge man crush on his body.When he came into town last weekend, I insisted he stay at my place and we got to hang out all weekend.I wanted him to come on the podcast for a full episode so that all of you could get to know him like I have and get inspired to be your very best.Welcome to the incredibly positive mind and huge heart of Steve Weatherford in Episode 356.Some questions I ask:Why did you retire from the NFL in the peak of your career? (11:47)What was it like to play your last game? (22:38)What advice do you have for women who want a man that is driven? (36:54)How do you get in the zone before you work out? (48:45)What are most people missing that they could improve on? (54:07)How important is mastering your body and your health in terms of achieving any other goal in your life? (1:05:31)In this episode, you will learn:Why Steve sees retirement as starting over (9:03)The crazy idea Steve came up with for he and I to compete against each other (10:38)Why he's wanted to have a big family since he was 15 (34:16)How Steve made it through school with ADHD  (38:10)What he eats in a typical day to look like he does (42:05)Steve's best pump up speech (46:33)The power of positive self-talk (57:35)How Steve dealt with being bullied in high school (1:04:05)The reason 90% of people fail at achieving their goals (1:06:55)What being fit tells someone about you (1:09:50)Plus much more...

14 Apr 20191h 31min

Yes, we are talking about relationships again on  The School of Greatness.Partly because I love learning as much as possible about how to create and maintain healthy, amazing relationships (and I need a lot of coaching in my love life).But partly because I heard today's guest speak at Summit at Sea in November and I knew I had to have her on the podcast.Esther Perel is a world-renowned relationship therapist, bestselling author, and sought-after speaker who has focused her career on exploring the role of sex and eroticism in making and breaking intimate relationships.She has an incredible world-view of relationships in many different cultures, which has allowed her to see what works and what doesn't on a bigger level.I asked her a ton of questions in our interview and she had answers.You may already have set ideas about what intimate relationships should look like, but I know you'll get some new perspective from listening to this interview.Get ready to get vulnerable with yourself as you take a look at your relationships in Episode 285 with Esther Perel.Some questions I ask:How does your anxiety and dread for things work for or against you?Why did you write this book about sexuality?What are the core reasons you see that end relationships?How does your work support or not support your relationship with your husband?What's the ideal relationship in the modern world?How do you know when it's the person you can make a life with?In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why Esther was inspired in her work by the Clinton sex scandalThe cultural differences in how adultery is viewed around the worldThe effects in the U.S. of how sex education is presentedIndifference, contempt, neglect, and violence are the main issues in any intimate relationshipWhy people often treat their partner worse than anyone else"A friend is someone who will always do more for others than for themselves."The impact our parents have on our relationship skills (this is big)Women get bored with monogamy sooner than men (because the romance usually dies after marriage)A better question than "What turns me off" is "When I turn myself off is"Why investing in being your best self and pursuing what lights you up keeps you interested in a monogamous relationshipThe relationship between emotional risk and desireWe now expect our partner to be a whole village for us since we live much more private livesThe 4 Pillars of Modern Relationships: Trust, Affection, Intimacy, DesireThe idea that your marriage can have different phases (like a new marriage each time) with the same personThe value of yearly check-ins with your partner (not when a crisis is happening) to see what's going onWhy it's important to separate the idea of failure from divorceThe Millenial generation are the children of the divorced and disillusionedThe influx of couples who are married but live apart aka LAT couples (more common in the older generation)What originally attracts you to someone is often what eventually drives you crazy about themPlus much more...

14 Apr 20191h 17min

The guest we have on for EPISODE 400 (!!! can you believe it?) is a true master at training the mind.He's not a PhD or medical doctor.He's not a research scientist.He's a man who has learned from his own experiences (and much study and work) how to maximize the full potential of our brains.John Assaraf started out life really struggling.He was no good in school, got into trouble, and his home wasn't the best.But he made some key decisions (and had some key mentors) in his early adulthood that changed everything.Fast forward to today and he's written NYT bestselling books, been featured in blockbusters like The Secret, and runs several million dollar companies.He's also very wise and gives freely of his insights and learnings.I was hanging on every word as he explained how our brains actually work when it comes to peak performance and overcoming limiting beliefs.Get ready for true greatness in Episode 400 with John Assaraf.Some Questions I Asked:What holds people back from starting a business? (9:13)Why are we so wired to react to situations? (26:25)Why did you get into so much trouble as a kid? (48:44)How do you retrain your mind to breakthrough a financial limit? (1:04:38)In this episode, you will learn:In this episode, you will learn:The simplest, surest way to change your results (12:50)After decades of research, what John’s morning routine currently looks like (32:21)The big shift that is coming in neuroscience that will dramatically change how we learn (44:05)How to build your confidence (yes it’s all in your head) (47:25)The difference between wanting and committing to your goals (57:30)Plus much more…

14 Apr 20191h 24min

When I started the podcast,  The School of Greatness, one of the top three people I wanted to get on the show was Tony Robbins.That happened in Episode 109, and it's been one of the most popular episodes to date.With the release of the paperback version of his book, we were asked to bring him back on, and I gladly accepted as I knew there was much more wisdom we could all learn from someone doing this work for nearly 40 years.This time we met on his private jet as he was about to take off from LA. My good friend Nick Onken, one of the world's top lifestyle photographers, came along to take all of the photos you see on this post as well. It was awesome.And our conversation took a different turn than the first time we discussed money. Tony took a deep dive into the mindset of abundance, positivity, faith, and prosperity.He told incredible stories of how this applies in real life - even when you're broke! And he gave some important updates about his previous financial advice in the book.Don't miss this powerful conversation in Episode 311 with the man, Tony Robbins.Some questions I ask:How can someone have a mindset of giving when they can barely pay their bills? (2:03)What is the one strategy you would coach if you had nothing else to share? (13:19)How do you stay hungry? (15:25)How do you stay grounded in your personal relationships with so much demand for your time? (18:36)Is your intimate partner a big influence in how much wealth you will create? (23:40)In this episode you will learn:Why Tony is so driven (not what you'd think) (11:50)The common denominator under every successful person (13:33)What a fiduciary is and why Tony is changing his recommendations about them (33:30)Where the power of commitment makes the biggest difference in your happiness (42:00)Plus much more...

13 Apr 201952min