The Optimist

Think your life isn’t interesting enough for the internet? Think again.In this raw, eye-opening conversation with creator economy expert JT Barnett, we dive headfirst into the biggest lie holding people back: the belief that their lives aren’t worth sharing. JT unpacks how every seemingly “ordinary” life contains extraordinary stories—and why it’s crucial to overcome self-doubt, embrace the cringe, and start creating content anyway.From overcoming panic attacks as a pro hockey player, to launching viral TikTok houses, JT reveals the vulnerable journey behind his success, proving that the only difference between you and the creators you admire is their willingness to put themselves out there.If you’ve ever felt your story wasn’t good enough for the spotlight, this episode might just change everything you believe about yourself—and what’s possible when you stop hiding and start hitting record.

In this episode, Caleb Ulffers joins Jake Hurwitz to explore a powerful mindset shift: Everything is Easy. From embracing rejection and stepping fearlessly into new experiences, to optimizing your life with mindfulness, style, and authentic leadership, Caleb delivers practical insights you can apply immediately. Caleb shares his personal journey of growth, overcoming major setbacks, and building a fulfilling life through intentionality and relentless curiosity. Whether you're starting fresh or seeking deeper clarity, this episode offers tools to optimize your mindset and build a purposeful life.

Danny Cortenraede is a successful investor, former media exec, and founder of InStudio Ventures — but this episode isn’t about business deals or exit valuations.It’s about balance.About fatherhood.About building a wildly ambitious life without sacrificing your health, your kids, or your peace of mind.In this raw and honest conversation, Danny shares the tools, systems, and mindset shifts that helped him move his family across continents, build a venture fund, and stay grounded in what really matters. We talk about marriage, money, kids, burnout, discipline, and how to design a life that’s both powerful and peaceful.

In this episode of The Optimist, I sit down with James Beshara; serial entrepreneur, investor, founder of Magic Mind, and host of Daily Vedanta, for a powerful conversation about what really drives us.We explore:- The hidden worldviews that shape every decision we make- Why ambition without peace leads to burnout- How ancient philosophy helped James recover after selling his company in a fire sale- The dangers of chasing success to prove your worth- And what it means to truly find your dharma — and build a life around itTimestamps00:00 – Intro & how this episode came together03:00 – James’ story of building Magic Mind & going caffeine-free05:00 – The intersection of masculinity, entrepreneurship, and philosophy06:30 – What is Vedanta? The philosophy of non-duality explained08:00 – How your worldview shapes everything (even if you don’t know it)12:00 – Peace vs. Prosperity: the two things we’re all chasing15:15 – Growing up with meditation, Descartes, and entrepreneurship19:00 – Building a $400M company—and what happened after it collapsed21:00 – The breaking point: depression, identity crisis, and ego death23:00 – Discovering Alan Watts and the philosophy that changed everything28:00 – Why most of us never articulate our worldview31:00 – Vedanta’s 3 internal tools: body, mind, and intellect34:30 – The “virus” of attachment — and how to overcome it36:10 – The one book James recommends to every founder38:00 – How to build emotional resilience through daily practice40:00 – Exposure therapy, knowing your level, and startup lessons44:00 – Don’t chase excitement — how to stay grounded47:00 – The danger of building from a place of proving yourself50:00 – How to find your dharma: what the world is asking of you53:00 – Why life really begins at 40 (and everything before is just research)57:00 – Dharma, individuation, and the key to real belonging1:00:00 – Your talent is what feels *easy* to you — don’t overlook it1:02:00 – Albatrosses, surfers, and the beauty of doing what comes naturally1:03:00 – Where to find James and what he’s building now---✨ Whether you’re building a company, rebuilding yourself, or just trying to stay present, this episode will move you.

I used to think bucket lists were kind of cheesy… until I made one.Then I printed it on a four-foot poster and hung it in my house.That one exercise completely changed how I see my life.In this solo episode of The Optimist, I break down how a simple homework assignment from a coach turned into the most profound and energizing thing I’ve ever done:creating a list of 300 things to do before I die.I’ll share:How I came up with the list (with a little help from ChatGPT)Why 300 is the magic numberHow I designed the poster and what happened when strangers at Kinko’s read itThe sniper rifle story (yes, really)And why this list has become my favorite tool for staying inspired, grounded, and excited about the future🎁 Want your own poster?The first 5 people who DM me their list — even if it’s messy or unfinished — I’ll design and ship you your very own version for free.No fluff. No coaching funnel. Just a gift from me to you.Make your list. Hang it up. Watch your life change.👉 Subscribe to The Optimist for more honest, human conversations on identity, ambition, and becoming who you’re here to be.

Why do breakups hit men and women so differently? And what does real healing actually look like?In this episode, Jake sits down with relationship coach Niki Van Houten for a raw, revealing conversation about heartbreak, emotional maturity, and the evolution of modern masculinity. They dive deep into the science and soul of breakups—why women often grieve earlier, why men stay distracted longer, and how both can learn to process pain without shame.Together, they unpack:- Why most men avoid feeling their grief (and what to do instead)- How to support your friends through breakups (without giving terrible advice)- Why it’s okay to not be “fully healed” before dating again- The difference between masculine & feminine energy—and how to balance them- How to consciously uncouple with love, respect, and growth- What every man should ask himself before trying to “glow up” post-breakupIf you’re navigating the end of a relationship, or supporting someone who is, this one’s for you. It’s not just about getting through heartbreak—it’s about becoming who you’re meant to be on the other side of it.

This week, Jake welcomed Naz Perez, the first woman on his podcast, for a candid conversation about heartbreak, loneliness, and meaningful connections. As founder of Heartbroken Anonymous, Naz shares insights on why so many Americans feel disconnected despite being more "connected" than ever. They discuss the physical and emotional toll of heartbreak, how men and women process pain differently, and practical advice for creating safe spaces to be vulnerable.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction & Getting to Know Naz 14:38 The Loneliness Epidemic in America25:21 Heartbroken Anonymous Origin Story35:05 The Universal Experience of Pain41:42 How Men and Women Experience Heartbreak Differently51:00 "Open Heart vs. Closed Heart": Creating Vulnerability59:03 Dating Advice & Communication Between Men and Women1:05:42 Why Men Need Non-Judgmental Spaces1:15:20 Final Thoughts on Modern Masculinity

In this episode of The Optimist, Jake sits down with Kenny Borg, a coach and entrepreneur, to discuss the "meta crisis" - the overlapping series of crises affecting our modern world and mental health. They explore how men can navigate feeling overwhelmed, the importance of finding connection, and practical ways to maintain balance. Kenny shares his journey from D1 college football player to entrepreneur to coach, offering insights on masculinity, fatherhood, and finding stillness in chaotic times.Timestamps:0:00 Introduction and defining the meta crisis5:48 The physiological effects of being overwhelmed14:40 Three essential practices: time alone, time in nature, time with men20:39 The importance of personal retreats and creating space31:42 Effectively communicating needs in relationships38:34 The value of male connection and friendship46:30 Kenny's transformation from athlete to entrepreneur54:15 Finding happiness beyond financial success1:02:46 What it means to be a man today1:04:30 The power of meditation and controlling your attention

In this episode, Jake sits down with breathwork instructor Chris Keener to discuss how breathwork can transform your relationship with stress, increase clarity, and enhance performance. Jake opens up about his recent breathwork journey and together, both explore how this ancient practice can help modern men connect with themselves.Timestamps:0:00 - Chris explains how he reimagined his bachelor party as a men's retreat7:00 - Jake shares his transformative first breathwork experience and how it brought clarity to his life14:00 - The history of breathwork and its connection to human stress responses21:00 - Understanding the physical sensations during breathwork (like the "lobster hands")27:00 - How breathwork helps reclaim control over your nervous system35:00 - Simple breathing techniques to use during stressful situations41:00 - Chris guides Jake through a powerful "1111" breathing exercise for meetings54:00 - How breathwork can enhance athletic performance in surfing, jiu-jitsu and more1:00:00 - Chris shares his thoughts on what it means to be a man today: "Learn who you are and become it"

Join Jake Hurwitz on The Optimist for a profound conversation with Lee Povey about men's groups, emotional intelligence, and modern masculinity. From his early work in therapy to founding transformative men's communities, Lee shares insights on helping men develop emotional awareness and authentic connections.Timestamps:2:38 - Early experiences with men's groups11:31 - Understanding feelings and emotional intelligence14:18 - History of masculinity and societal expectations23:52 - How to become a better listener37:33 - Creating healthy men's communities49:52 - Redefining masculinity and strength1:17:13 - Success stories from men's groups1:24:47 - What it means to be a man todayA must-listen for anyone interested in personal development, emotional intelligence, and building stronger relationships. Lee shares practical wisdom on leading with vulnerability while maintaining strength and purpose in the modern world.

In this episode, I sat down with Eddie Roche, founder of DMN8 Fitness, for a conversation about Eddie's journey from semi-professional athlete to successful entrepreneur. Eddie shared powerful insights about overcoming adversity, building successful businesses aligned with your natural talents, and the importance of community in fitness. From his early days as an athlete to creating one of LA's most prominent fitness communities, this conversation digs deep into what it takes to find your path and help others along the way.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro and background with Eddie Roche6:07 - Building community at DMN8 Fitness7:19 - Eddie's journey from Australia to Los Angeles9:13 - Early soccer career and traveling the world10:03 - Transitioning from soccer to triathlon12:33 - Family financial hardship and life changes14:19 - Starting over and pursuing entrepreneurship23:53 - Learning that "help is not coming"31:33 - Building Dominate from personal training to community35:21 - Finding your true path and natural gifts40:19 - Morning routines and working on yourself53:35 - The fitness industry and building authentic community1:02:51 - How to start your fitness journey1:07:31 - Perspectives on body positivity and inclusion1:15:05 - What it means to be a man: "Give"

After losing two family members to cancer, Salim Najjar dedicated his life to understanding how our bodies process stress. After years of research, his favorite metric to track became heart rate variability-- the variance between each heartbeat. While most of us think about heart rate (beats per minute), HRV measures the fluctuations in intervals between your heart beats, which reveals how adaptable your nervous system is to stress. The higher your HRV, the more resilient you are, and the more bandwidth you have.

What if true success isn't about pushing harder toward future goals, but about being present and curious about whatever is happening right now? In this episode of The Optimist, I talk to my very own personal coach, Jared Schuster. This conversation challenges conventional ideas about masculine success and achievement. We explore why so many "successful" men feel empty despite their accomplishments, and how breaking free from society's success script can lead to genuine fulfillment. Jared shares insights on moving beyond autopilot living, embracing present-moment awareness, and discovering purpose through authentic curiosity.

In this episode of The Optimist, Philip Folsom explores the crisis of masculinity and leadership in modern society. Drawing from his extensive experience, Folsom reveals how the breakdown of traditional kinship systems has left men disconnected from purpose and authentic leadership. The conversation delves into shocking statistics about veteran suicide rates and examines why modern men struggle to find meaning in a culture of isolation. Folsom shares powerful insights about the difference between true leadership through service versus mere power, and offers practical wisdom for rebuilding authentic connections in today's disconnected world. Key topics covered: The critical importance of kinship systems and tribal belonging Why modern men remain "uninitiated" and stuck in adolescent mindsets The parallel between military training and psychological transformation Practical steps for developing authentic leadership and purpose The vital difference between service-based and power-based leadership Whether you're interested in leadership, personal development, or understanding modern masculinity, this episode provides essential insights for anyone seeking to build stronger connections and more meaningful communities.

"The harshest critic you'll ever face isn't on Twitter or in boardrooms – it's the voice in your own head." These words hung in the air of our recording studio last week. Adam Greenfeld, founder of Thesis and a leading voice in brain health, had just cut straight to the heart of something I'd been wrestling with. We'd planned to talk about optimization, supplements, and brain function – that's his specialty, after all. But somehow we'd wandered into deeper territory: the complex relationship we have with ourselves. Watch the full episode to learn how Adam has learned to be the compassionate, grounded, and inspiring founder he is today.

What if everything you knew about handling conflict was wrong? In this raw and honest conversation with elite performance coach Steve Cullen, we dive into my journey of completely transforming how I approach conflict, emotions, and modern masculinity. After a chance meeting at a Santa Monica coffee shop, Steve challenged me to try something radical: 30 days without engaging in any conflict. What started as a simple challenge turned into a complete rewiring of how I approach leadership, relationships, and what it means to be strong in 2024. 💡 Key Insights: 1. Why 99% of your "urgent" emotional reactions don't matter after 48 hours 2. How to turn conflict into connection 3. The modern definition of "provide and protect" 4. Why emotional intelligence is the new competitive advantage in business