The Real Cost of “Making It” with Justin Williams

From chance gas station encounters to building an empire brick by brick, Dedric & Krystal Polite share how they rose from generational poverty to create generational wealth — and lift others as they rise. In this candid conversation, they reveal how getting fired and evicted sparked their Airbnb hustle, how a betrayal at 19 fueled their mindset that failure isn’t final, and why mentorship is the ultimate cheat code. This is a real-world blueprint for building something that outlives you — for anyone ready to believe it’s gotta work or it’s gotta work.Chapters:00:00:00 - Step Into the Mindset of Eternal Optimism00:00:59 - The Unexpected Power Couple: Meet Krystal & Dedric Polite00:03:38 - From Struggle to Strength: Their Personal Turning Points00:09:18 - Betrayal at 19: Krystal’s Defining Moment in College00:17:09 - Fired Up: How Losing Jobs Sparked Their Entrepreneurial Fire00:21:43 - The Real Estate Hustle Begins—With Nothing But Grit00:22:58 - The Questions That Changed Everything00:23:36 - A Leap of Faith to North Carolina00:23:57 - Flipping the Script: Enter Real Estate00:24:24 - The Mentor Who Collapsed Their Learning Curve00:25:07 - Hustle Mode: Wholesaling Without a Roadmap00:26:03 - $16K Risk, Massive Reward: The Mastermind Move00:28:50 - Scaling Up: The Real Estate Breakthrough Moment00:32:13 - What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear00:35:11 - Want In? Here’s Where to Start00:38:56 - Lightning Round: Grit, Growth, and Grace in 60 SecondsLinks And Resources:Official Website of Dedric and KrystalPolite Wealth PortalDedric’s LinkedInKrystal’s LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

In this enlightening episode of the Eternal Optimist, Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Thomas Power, a visionary thinker in the realm of AI and community building. They delve into the transformative power of AI, the emergence of intimate community groups, and the potential business models that can sustain these groups. They also explore the intersection of big corporate transactions and intimate connections, offering a glimpse into the future of human-machine integration.Chapters:00:00:00 - Discussion on influential books that shaped the teenage years00:05:08 - Reflection on navigating challenges and finding inspiration amidst adversity during the comeback years00:10:27 - Sharing the journey from pain to progress, unveiling the joy of a comeback journey00:15:56 - Building a community of support and success, filling the void left by COVID00:21:11 - How a community of 100 caught the attention of big corporations00:22:11 - Unleashing the power of Chat GPT: Creating top 100 versions for companies and beyond00:25:14 - Navigating the blizzard of innovation and the potential business model for small, intimate groups00:31:44 - The future of perfect matches: Finding ideal partners, suppliers, clients, employees, and investors made easier with AI00:35:00 - Unlocking the power of AI: Matching perfect scenarios and unveiling hidden connections00:39:20 - Revealing social media presence and answering lightning round questionsLinks And Resources:WebsiteThomas Power on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Justin Williams — founder of Millionaire University — reveals what really happens when you “make it.” From quitting college with one semester left to racking up $120,000 of debt and raising a baby who slept in a closet, Justin’s path to flipping hundreds of homes and building multiple seven-figure businesses wasn’t overnight. But the hardest season? It came after the big payday — when he realized money means nothing without vision and family. Together with Matt, Justin unpacks what it really takes to build your “money machine” without losing what matters most.Chapters:00:00:00 - Meet Justin Williams: Breaking the Rules00:00:38 - From College Athlete to Risk-Taker00:01:38 - Family vs. Business: Finding True Balance00:03:50 - How to Build Your Money Machine00:07:21 - Struggle, Success & Real Fulfillment00:09:49 - The Moment Everything Changed00:13:25 - Hard Lessons That Paid Off00:16:33 - Small Wins, Big Momentum00:17:28 - Beating Doubt & Debt00:18:23 - Big Goals? Here’s How to Start00:20:29 - Stop Learning — Start Doing00:22:22 - Focus, Action & What Really Works00:24:51 - Family, Purpose & What Matters00:25:32 - Pay It Forward: Sharing the Journey00:26:47 - Books & Podcasts That Shape Success00:28:28 - Music, Passions & Staying Human00:30:01 - One Last Word on OptimismLinks And Resources:WebsitePodcast & YouTube: Search “Millionaire University”Email Justin DirectlyLinkedIn: Justin WilliamsThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What happens when you abandon the pitch, lead with vulnerability, and treat sales as a sacred conversation? In this powerful crosspost episode from I Made A Podcast, Matt Drinkhahn—host of The Eternal Optimist—flips the script on traditional business-building. He shares how one emotional moment in a sales meeting (yes, he cried) unlocked a radically honest and high-performing coaching practice. From cold calls and high-pressure quotas to $1M+ in revenue with zero paid ads, Matt dives into the principles of radical ownership, clarity-driven leadership, and relationship-first growth. Whether you’re a recovering perfectionist, a mission-driven entrepreneur, or a leader seeking smarter systems, this conversation is your wake-up call to build with integrity—and win.Chapters:00:00:00 - What Is the Eternal Optimist Really About?00:00:43 - How to Land World-Class Podcast Guests00:01:45 - What Makes ‘I Made a Podcast’ Different00:02:20 - Who Is Matt Ham (and Why You Should Care)00:03:37 - How This Podcast Was Built From Scratch00:06:22 - Why the Name ‘Eternal Optimist’ Almost Didn’t Happen00:10:49 - Behind the Mic: Favorite Guests + Big Lessons00:17:08 - The Smart Way to Build a Dream Guest List00:24:10 - The Ultimate Pre-Interview Prep Ritual00:25:00 - Tools That Make Guest Booking Effortless00:26:01 - Unlocking the PR Machine: A Behind-the-Scenes Look00:29:53 - Real Talk: How to Build Authentic On-Air Chemistry00:36:17 - Mistakes, Lessons & Growth: The Real Podcast Journey00:45:30 - If You’re Thinking About Starting a Podcast… Listen to ThisLinks and Resources:I Made a Podcast on Instagram @IMadeaPodcastI Made a Podcast on Facebook ⁠⁠@IMadeaPodcastThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt Drinkhahn sits down with Dr. Michael Brabant—transformational psychologist, spiritual guide, and Co-Founder of Candor & Coherence—for a deep dive into what it truly means to lead with clarity, coherence, and heart. Drawing from his journey through trauma healing, academia, and integrative spiritual practice, Michael reveals why traditional leadership tactics often fall short—and how cultivating psychological safety, embodied presence, and radical honesty can unlock authentic transformation in both life and business. If you’ve ever felt the tension between performing and truly being, this episode offers a powerful reframe on how real leaders grow.Chapters:00:00:00 - Step Inside The Eternal Optimist00:00:14 - Meet Dr. Michael Brabant: Depth Meets Clarity00:00:52 - A Childhood Gift: Curiosity Meets Sensitivity00:02:57 - Turning Sensitivity Into a Superpower00:05:24 - Healing the Past to Lead the Future00:08:58 - How Internal Validation Changed Everything00:12:21 - Finding the Self Beneath the Layers00:16:40 - Building Unshakable Trust Within Yourself00:21:45 - Why Self-Esteem Isn’t Optional00:24:56 - Facing Your Inner Critic Head-On00:25:26 - Feedback as a Catalyst for Growth00:29:14 - Vulnerability: The Gateway to Authentic Leadership00:32:36 - What Is Internal Family Systems, Really?00:36:47 - Practicing Empathy Without Losing Yourself00:38:36 - Why Leaders Must Do the Inner Work00:41:38 - Tools and Wisdom for the Growth Path00:45:29 - Parting Words on Presence and PossibilityLinks And Resources:Candor & Coherence WebsiteDr. Michael Brabant on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What happens when your lifelong dream shatters at 22—and you’ve got no Plan B? In this raw and real conversation, Matt sits down with Damon Lembi, former pro baseball player turned CEO of Learnit, to explore how identity, leadership, and imposter syndrome collide in high-stakes moments. Damon unpacks the four-step framework he built to overcome self-doubt—Label Your Fear, Work Hard, Practice Deliberately, Learn and Let Go—and shares how it’s helped him evolve from hitting home runs in the College World Series to upskilling over 2 million professionals globally. With vulnerability, grit, and a healthy dose of humility, Damon reveals how failing publicly, receiving tough feedback, and embracing setbacks have been the fuel behind his leadership journey. Whether you’re a CEO, entrepreneur, or ambitious professional, this episode is your playbook for turning adversity into mastery—and doing it with integrity.Chapters:00:00:00 - Kicking Off with Eternal Optimism00:00:29 - Meet Damon Lembi: From Dugout to Boardroom00:01:28 - Baseball Dreams, Big Setbacks00:05:28 - When Self-Doubt Takes the Mound00:10:04 - The 4 Steps That Saved My Confidence00:16:03 - From Receptionist to CEO: Earning It the Hard Way00:23:08 - The Diagnosis That Changed Everything00:23:48 - Losing Vision, Gaining Clarity00:24:37 - Brotherhood, Mentors, and Support That Stuck00:25:01 - Leading with Humility (and Hair Gel)00:28:06 - Why Podcasting and Connection Fuel Growth00:32:02 - Must-Read Books for Real Leaders00:39:31 - Music, Memories, and the People Who Shape Us00:43:30 - Final Wisdom and a Hopeful SendoffLinks And Resources:WebsiteDamon Lembi on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with endurance athlete, Harvard-trained lawyer, and father of six, Shawn Hoyt—a man who’s not just defying age, but redefining it. From sitting the bench in soccer to completing an Ironman and running a marathon at age 55, Shawn shares how hitting personal and professional rock bottom—divorce, job loss, and doubt—became the unexpected catalyst for a profound reinvention. This conversation dives deep into mental toughness, physical transformation, and the power of showing up with intention. If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s too late to start over or aim higher, this episode is your blueprint for rising stronger—with purpose, poise, and relentless positivity.Chapters: 00:00:00 - Kicking Off with Optimism & Energy00:00:50 - What Eternal Optimism Really Means00:02:39 - From the Midwest to Medford: Shawn’s Roots00:04:21 - When the Fitness Spark First Ignited00:06:15 - Breaking Limits, Facing Pain, and Getting Stronger00:14:28 - When Life Falls Apart—and How to Rebuild00:16:46 - Networking That Saved His Career00:22:44 - Getting Back in the Game, One Mile at a Time00:24:06 - Inside the Grit of a Half Ironman00:25:50 - Crushing Self-Doubt and Mental Roadblocks00:27:23 - Training Through the Boston Cold00:28:12 - Injuries, Setbacks, and Refusing to Quit00:30:57 - Race Day Gratitude and Going the Distance00:33:24 - Becoming the Role Model He Once Needed00:37:01 - Finding Love, Healing, and Starting Again00:42:45 - Books and Music That Fuel the Fire00:47:47 - Eternal Optimism, Defined Through ExperienceLinks and Resources:Website: shawnhoytstayactive.comLinkedIn: Shawn Hoyt on LinkedInInstagram: @shawnhoytstayactiveThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Mitch Weisburgh shares how “mindshifting” isn't just a catchy term—it's a critical life skill that helps us reclaim our thoughts, reshape our reactions, and rewire our brains for lasting success. Mitch walks us through deeply personal stories—from family betrayals and business breakdowns to breakthroughs in classrooms from New York to Niger. He reveals how emotional triggers hijack our minds and how we can use self-awareness, internal dialogue, and mindful distraction to shift from reactivity to resilience.Whether you're a leader navigating high-stakes decisions or an educator inspiring the next generation, this episode offers a rich toolkit to help you stop your brain from sabotaging your happiness and success. Tune in for a conversation full of radical acceptance, leadership growth, and timeless wisdom—because taking charge of your mindset might just change everything.Chapters:00:00:00 - Betting on Herself & Starting from Scratch00:01:02 - Meet Dorota Wallace: From Nursing to NYC Spa Royalty00:02:06 - Corporate Burnout to Spa Breakthrough00:04:01 - What a Failed Partnership Taught Her About Business00:08:34 - Groupon Goldmine: How She Converted 75% of Clients00:12:45 - Building a Spa That Feels Like a Five-Star Hotel00:20:12 - Her No-Fluff Approach to Skincare Protocols00:21:42 - The Real ROI of Relationship-First Business00:23:33 - How to Turn First-Time Clients Into Lifelong Fans00:27:04 - From Burned Out to CEO: Her Biggest Mindset Shift00:31:36 - Trendspotting & Why She Won’t Sell Just Anything00:39:19 - Real Talk: What It Takes to Thrive in the Spa Industry00:40:51 - What’s Next for Berry Blonde Spa?Links And Resources:MindShiftingWithMitch.comMindShiftingEducators.org📚 Book: Stop Your Brain from Sabotaging Your Happiness and Success – Available on AmazonMitch Weisburgh on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

What if the next global breakthrough in fighting poverty wasn’t a new policy or billion-dollar aid program—but a shift in energy and intention?In this heart-expanding episode, Matt sits down with Aidan Uttinger, the visionary CEO of The World’s Greatest Experiment, to explore how humanity’s most abundant and underestimated resource—love—can transform lives. Aidan unpacks how \$100/month can sponsor someone to meditate full-time, directing love back to donors and their own communities. From energetic reciprocity to rethinking philanthropy, this conversation is more than an idea—it’s a movement.Chapters:00:00:00 - Opening the Door to Something Bigger00:01:14 - Growing Up in Chaos, Searching for Peace00:04:09 - Running Away—and Running Toward Purpose00:08:08 - A New Family, A New Frequency00:12:36 - The Moment the Love Project Was Born00:16:23 - Turning Love Into a Measurable Force00:19:49 - The Accident That Changed Everything00:22:29 - Building a Love-Powered Movement in the Philippines00:23:14 - Teaching Children to Meditate for the World00:24:07 - Planting Seeds of Love in Pakistan00:25:19 - Scaling a Global Energy Shift00:26:23 - How Giving Love Changed Entire Communities00:28:51 - Creating Connections That Heal on Both Sides00:34:24 - Meditation as the Gateway to Becoming00:37:55 - Lightning Round: Lessons, Love, and What’s NextLinks And Resources: The World's Greatest Experiment Website Adrian on LinkedIn  Mentioned: Dr. Joe DispenzaThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!

Matt sits down with Brian “Big Country” Cornwell—a decorated veteran, para-athlete, and father of six—who shares his journey from the military to battling depression and PTSD to becoming a national champion in adaptive sports. Brian opens up about how youth coaching, nutrition, and purpose-driven work at Veterans Battle Grounds helped him reclaim his life and mission. This episode will leave you inspired to turn your struggles into strength.Chapters:00:00:00 - Welcome to a Story of Grit and Gold00:01:01 - Introducing Brian ‘Big Country’ Cornwell00:01:18 - Trading a D1 Scholarship for the Front Lines00:03:12 - Crushed, Broken, and Determined to Rise00:06:50 - Ownership: The Moment Everything Changed00:10:52 - Rebuilding Through Adaptive Sports and Healing00:14:04 - The Birth of Veterans Battle Grounds00:25:33 - Final Reflections and Rapid-Fire WisdomLinks And Resources:Guest Website: https://vbgg.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bigcountry-conwell-ab1aa4246/Thanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Eternal Optimist? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes and leave us a review!