What's The Big Idea

In this solo cast, I explore parenting through the archetype of being loving and firm, what it actually looks like to lead with a big heart while holding clear boundaries. I share a personal story about my son Hiro and a comedy routine he was working on, and how that moment became an unexpected lesson in restraint, trust, and leadership as a parent. I talk about why allowing our kids to feel embarrassment is not something to protect them from, but something to honor as a natural part of self expression, creativity, and growth. We look at how rescuing too quickly can unintentionally undermine confidence, and how holding loving boundaries helps children build resilience and self trust. I also reflect on the importance of honoring agreements in the parent child dynamic, and how consistency, clarity, and warmth work together to create safety. This episode is an invitation to practice parenting that is deeply compassionate and deeply grounded, without collapsing into permissiveness or control.   Key takeaways in t

I didn’t bring Mastin Kipp on the show because Oprah called him a “thought leader for the next generation.” I brought him on because, when I reconnected with his work after years apart from it, I felt a new groundedness, a shift from motivational self-help and personal transformation, to something deeper…talking about the body, the nervous system, and real emotional wellbeing. We start by diving into Mastin’s journey, from managing platinum-selling rock bands to pioneering Functional Life Coaching, and a series of synchronistic awakenings. His story is a reminder that no matter how much you achieve, if your system isn’t safe, you’ll keep crashing into the same wall. There was one central teaching that will be especially valuable to those on the growth path: It’s not about being calm all the time. The real gift is how fast you return to baseline after life knocks you sideways. If you’re craving real change, in leadership, love, business, or your inner world, this episode will interest you. We cover science, so

What if the “long game” of leadership isn’t about knowing the perfect playbook or chasing the next quick fix, but about the discipline to choose, practice, and recommit, week after week, for years on end? What if the most profound growth you’ll ever experience as a founder or leader is not a moment of sudden insight, but the slow compounding of self-awareness, responsibility, and everyday choices over decades?   This episode of What’s the Big Idea features Rand Stagen, seasoned entrepreneur, founding member and former board chair of the Conscious Leadership community, and for more than twenty-five years, the driving force behind the Stagen Leadership Academy. Widely known for his insistence that culture and leadership can’t be separated, and for helping organizations play the “infinite game,” Rand brings decades of experience in guiding high-performing teams, family businesses, and visionary founders beyond short-term tactics to something deeper, stickier, and far more meaningful.   Andrew sets the stage for

After climbing the “success mountain” of Princeton, Forbes 30 Under 30, a successful exit to SalesForce, Scott found himself cracked open by a spiritual awakening that forced him to build a bridge between rapid inner growth and a life of high achievement. Today, that bridge looks like writing, a vibrant online community, and honest conversations about integrating self-realization with contribution, prosperity, and adventure. Scott is a pioneer at the intersection of modern entrepreneurship and spiritual transformation. He’s spent the past six years living out the question: How do you pursue the expansion of consciousness while deeply thriving in the modern world? The result is his new book Conscious Accomplishment, which is coincidentally launching today (10/8). Why does this matter to me? Because, like Scott, I know what it’s like to “win” and get the thing we told ourself we wanted, only to discover something’s still missing. We talk openly about that search. I’ve sat with Scott in men’s retreats where t

When I was a lost 21-year-old with no idea what I wanted to do with my life, service saved me. I didn’t know where to find fulfillment or a sustainable, financially viable career, but I remembered the joy of supporting young people with disabilities to play sports in college. My dad said simply, “Why don’t you just do more of that?” With nothing else to hang on to, I took his advice and started my first nonprofit, Dreams for Kids DC. Running that organization, I realized that marginalized communities—like folks with disabilities—are often only seen as recipients of service, not as people who can give. We evolved our programs so that the kids we served also had opportunities to serve others, showing them they were capable of contribution. For me, service has always been one of the most direct pathways to purpose. That’s why I’m so excited to have Dan Doty on the podcast today. Dan is a founder of Everyman, one of the men’s work facilitators I respect most in the world, and an excellent father, husband, and dee

What if business could be as human, and as messy, as life itself? What if being an ethical leader wasn’t about hitting some mythical state of perfection, but rather about showing up, getting a little lost, and finding your values again and again along the way? On this episode of What’s the Big Idea, Andrew sits down with David Gelles, New York Times reporter, bestselling author, and one of the most thoughtful chroniclers of modern leadership and capitalism. If you’ve grappled with questions about doing “good business” or wondered whether it’s really possible to put planet and people on equal footing with profit, David’s the guy you want in your corner. His latest book, Dirtbag Billionaire, tells the wild and often contradictory story of Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, who not only built a world-class company on his own weird, gritty values, but ultimately gave the whole thing away. This episode goes way deeper than another pat case study in “purpose-driven business.” Andrew and David push into the real

How do we turn love and intimacy into a living practice, one that transforms how we lead, connect, and show up in our romantic relationships?   On this episode of What’s the Big Idea, Andrew sits down with John Wineland, celebrated teacher, author, and guide to all things relationship, intimacy, and embodied masculine leadership. John is known for his transformative workshops and years of study with David Deida, as well as for helping thousands of people move past cliché ideas about intimacy toward something much deeper, kinder, and truly life-changing.   If you are curious about sacred intimacy, tantra, or what it means to lead from the heart, John brings these sometimes mystified topics down to earth. He clarifies that sacred intimacy isn’t a fixed state , but the practice of allowing the divine - love, consciousness, presence, to flow through your relationships. Drawing on stories from his own journey and decades working with men, women, and couples, John shares a toolkit for both cultivating connection an

Today’s guest is Carl Buchheit, transformational coach and Co-Founder of the lauded NLP Marin (A staple training ground for silicon-valley's best CEO's and executive coaches.) Carl brings a fresh, heart-centered take on leadership, communication, and Neuro-Linguisting programming.  If you have been curious to learn more about NLP and why it is so popular amongst super coaches like Tony Robbins and high performing entrepreneurs, this episode will provide some helpful context.  So, what is Transformational NLP? At its core, NLP is about noticing and shifting the unconscious patterns in how we think, speak, and act. Transformational NLP takes it further, helping you rewrite old stories, dissolve limiting beliefs, and build more conscious, connected relationships. It’s about using language and awareness not just to perform better, but to live more authentically. Carl walks us through a handful of simple, powerful practices: State awareness: how to shift your emotional energy in real time Reframing: changing th

What if the biggest breakthroughs in your leadership had nothing to do with what you do and everything to do with the way you see?   In this episode of What’s the Big Idea?, I sit down with Diana Chapman, co-founder of the Conscious Leadership Group and co-author of The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership. If you’ve ever heard someone talk about “above and below the line” leadership, you’re already hearing her influence.   We break down the 15 Commitments framework, one of the most transformational tools I’ve encountered in my work as an executive coach. These commitments aren’t rules. They’re ways of seeing and being that fundamentally change how you lead, relate, and live.   We talk about: The #1 thing that keeps leaders stuck (and how to shift it) Why personal responsibility is the ultimate power move How to use curiosity to dissolve conflict The real cost of drama in teams and how to lead beyond it   If you’re searching for an introduction to the 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership or want

Ep 55. Today’s guest is John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market and a pioneer of conscious capitalism. In this powerful conversation, John shares the personal stories and hard-earned wisdom behind his newest framework, Win Win Win, and what it truly means to lead with love. From the start, John opens the door to a deeper kind of dialogue. He shares the psychedelic awakening at age 22 that cracked open his worldview and put him on a lifelong journey to integrate business, spirituality, and service. That experience sparked a series of realizations that shaped not only how he built Whole Foods, but how he now lives his life. At the heart of our conversation is the big idea he recently brought to the TED stage: Win Win Win. It’s a simple but transformative concept. In every interaction, how can we create something that’s good for ourselves, good for the other person, and good for the larger whole? John believes this is the path to lasting impact, and he offers the tools to make it real. Together, we walk th

Today's guest is Joe Hudson, one of the most sought after Executive Coaches in Silicon Valley and Founder of The Art of Accomplishment. He shares his insights into the art of making better decisions by developing emotional fluidity and living by principles. Drawing on years of experience coaching high-level leaders (including work with Sam Altman and OpenAI), Joe explores how our relationship with emotions directly impacts our decision-making clarity. Joe reveals his approach to decision-making, emphasizing the importance of connection, wonder, and understanding the true nature of our emotional landscape. He outlines how great decisions don't come from avoiding difficult emotions or outcomes—they emerge when we welcome all possibilities and align with our deepest principles. Through captivating stories and practical frameworks like the VIEW methodology, Joe shares his core principles for effective decision-making. Whether discussing parenting insights that transformed his relationship with emotions or explori

Episode Title: No More Mr. Nice Guy - How to stop people pleasing and get the love, life and connection you want.    Guest: Dr. Robert Glover, renowned psychotherapist, author of No More Mr. Nice Guy, and founder of Integration Nation, a men’s community fostering authentic masculinity and growth. His Big Idea: Authentic growth begins by breaking free from the "Nice Guy Syndrome," a deeply ingrained pattern of people-pleasing and self-sabotage rooted in toxic shame and unmet childhood needs.  Transformation happens when men take responsibility for their needs, embrace boundaries, and cultivate relationships that foster mutual respect and genuine connection. Dr. Glover encourages men to pursue an integrated life by owning all aspects of themselves, both their light and shadow, and creating a community that empowers healthy masculinity. Dr. Robert Glover, a leading voice in men’s personal development, shares his transformative insights on overcoming the Nice Guy Syndrome. Drawing on decades of therapeutic experi

Today’s guest is Bryan Franklin, one of the world’s top executive coaches, he shares his insights into what truly makes a great coach. Drawing on years of experience coaching high-level leaders and training the next generation of trusted advisors, Bryan explores the unique qualities and skills that allow coaches to guide their clients toward clarity, resilience, and personal evolution. Bryan reveals his approach to impactful coaching, emphasizing the importance of love, presence, and understanding multiple perspectives. He outlines how great coaches don’t just give answers—they create conditions that allow clients to access deeper truths and discover new pathways forward. Through captivating stories and practical advice, Bryan shares his core principles for effective coaching, from crafting authentic connections to embracing the complexity of each individual’s journey.

Today's guest is Jonny Miller, a nervous system specialist, transformational coach and host of the Curious Humans podcast. In this episode, Jonny dives into the science and practice of nervous system regulation, sharing how this foundational skill can help individuals manage stress, increase emotional balance, and perform at their best.  Drawing from his personal experiences and journey of growth, Jonny highlights how mastering the nervous system has been pivotal in overcoming emotional challenges and achieving mental clarity. Jonny explains how understanding the body’s stress response - along with tools to regulate it - can have a profound impact on how we navigate life’s demands, whether in the realm of entrepreneurship, sports, or creativity.  He breaks down the ways our nervous system impacts our ability to handle stress, recover from burnout, and build long-term resilience. He breaks down the science behind nervous system regulation and offers practical insights on how breathwork can help anyone handle s

In this episode, we speak with Raz Ingrasci, the Chairman of the Hoffman Institute, about the life-changing impact of the Hoffman Process.  Andrew just completed the week long training on the day this podcast was recorded.  With over four decades of experience in human development, Raz explains how early childhood conditioning deeply affects our adult behaviors, often leading to patterns that no longer serve us. These patterns, rooted in the need to mirror our parents to secure love and survival, are referred to as "Negative Love Syndrome." Raz’s personal insights into the Hoffman Process and his decades-long experience working with thousands of individuals shine through as he shares practical tools for emotional healing and personal growth. He talks about how compassion, especially toward oneself, is the bridge to deeper self-understanding and long-term behavioral transformation. For anyone interested in emotional growth or those looking to break free from limiting beliefs, this episode provides an introduc

Today's guest is Annie Lala. Annie is one of the top relationship experts and coaches on the planet. I am very fortunate to have called her my relationship coach through my 11 year marriage, my recent divorce, and now with my new partner Melissa. I would not be in the happy co-parenting relationship I currently an with Miki (my ex) without her love and support. She is truly world class at helping people to work through really difficult challenges and conflict in their relationships. She's a master at the technical and the practical.... the rituals, communication techniques that help people to stay in love and cultivate inspiring partnerships. She's also just plain brilliant. She's able to talk about the esoteric and the mental models of love and relationship, with a fluidity and mastery that is interesting and deeply inspiring. She is one of my favorite people on the planet. She's a genius when it comes to creating and sustaining a love filled relationship. So ,whether you are already in the relationship of y

These days, I only fire up the podcast for people who I believe to be truly world-class at what they do.   @jaysongaddis is one of those people.   His book “Getting to Zero” provides a practical framework to master conflict resolution in our important relationships.   Jayson offered up a ton of practical wisdom about how we can approach conflict consciously, tips for effective communication, and how to navigate the inner turmoil that challenges our personal fulfillment and growth.   Here are

Valter Longo is an Italian-American biologist and gerontologist who is a professor of gerontology and biological science at the University of Southern California. He is the director of the USC Longevity Institute and the Program on Longevity and Cancer at IFOM (FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology) in Milan, Italy. Longo is known for his research on the biological mechanisms of aging, and for his work on fasting-mimicking diets, which he claims can promote health and longevity. He has written several books on the subject, including "The Longevity Diet" and "The Fasting Diet". Longo advocates for periodic fasting as a way to promote overall health and prevent disease. He believes that intermittent fasting, which involves limiting food intake to certain times of day or certain days of the week, can help reduce inflammation, improve metabolic health, and promote cellular repair and regeneration.   In today's episode, we focus on intermittent fasting. 

Jim McCann is the business leader, author, and philanthropist who founded 1-800-Flowers.com and grew the business from its roots as a single flower shop in Manhattan into the world's largest florist. With a passion for helping people deliver smiles, Jim transformed the flower and gift marketplace to help customers express themselves and connect with the important people in their lives.    Devoted to helping others, Jim founded the nonprofit organization Smile Farms to provide meaningful jobs to young adults and people with developmental disabilities. Jim also started the Connectivity Council, which brings together therapists, researchers, and thought leaders to share ideas and trends around human connection and community.

How have your friendships changed since COVID began?    How did your community shrink or expand?    Do you have more depth with less people?    If you want some help exploring these types of questions and the power of friendship in the age of loneliness, this is a great one.    - We explore the stats that break down the loneliness epidemic we are currently facing in America. - Tangible strategies for building friendships and community - Intro to facilitation and meaningful gathering - Two friends talking about the power of human connection