Aware with Seb

Hosted by Sebastian Naum Leon

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Episodes

102

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Aware with Seb is a globally ranked podcast with one goal: to ELEVATE your life. Learn about MONEY, mindset, WELLNESS, spirituality, and LEADERSHIP not as separate lanes, but as parts of the same system. Sebastian Naum Leon, a successful entrepreneur, public speaker, and top-notch interviewer, dives deep with visionary LEADERS, experts, CEOs, artists, and entrepreneurs who are changing the game. This isn’t roll-your-eyes self-help. It’s real-life training to be a badass human. Awareness makes better humans. And better humans make better friends, partners, lovers, and leaders.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 10, 2026Episode 986 min

The Female Founder Wellness Economy LIVE from Wellist Miami 2026 | Shelly Kapoor Collins

We welcome Shelly Kapoor Collins, founder of Shatter Fund, powerhouse venture capitalist, and policy advisor, recorded live in a fast-paced, hard-hitting hot seat at the Wellist Wellness Week Miami 2026. Named one of Forbes’ “40 Women to Watch Over 40” and a prominent tech advisor to the Obama and Harris administrations, Shelly is on a mission to rewrite the traditional venture capital playbook.In this brief but powerful conversation, Seb and Shelly deconstruct the deep-seated biases of traditional VC funding and explore why "pattern recognition" is broken. From her contrarian investment strategy at the Shatter Fund to why she views energy and intuition as legitimate business data, Shelly delivers a masterclass on finding alpha in untapped markets and tackling society’s trillion-dollar bottlenecks.Topics DiscussedRapid-Fire "Smash or Pass" for FoundersUncovering Alpha by Ignoring VC PatternsAccess as the Ultimate Innovation LeverEnergy and Reiki in High-Stakes BusinessThe Trillion-Dollar Mental Health Productivity DrainMoving Beyond the "Female Founder" LabelThe Non-Profit Missing Piece for True SuccessConnect with Shelly on LinkedInConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

May 29, 2026Episode 9713 min

Miami Beach Mayor on a LIVE Hotseat at Wellist Miami 2026 | Steven Meiner

Video viewers: we apologize for the mishap! The video will only be blocked for only about two minutes so please stay with us!We welcome Steven Meiner, Mayor of Miami Beach, recorded live in a fast-paced hot seat at the Wellist Wellness Week Miami 2026. A champion of modern governance, Steven shares how he is cutting through bureaucratic noise to transform a high-stakes tourist hub into a premier global wellness capital.In this brief but hard-hitting conversation, Seb and Steven deconstruct the intense trade-offs of rapid city expansion. They explore the strategy behind replacing chaotic spring break crowds with health festivals, the reality of chasing Blue Zone accreditation, and the "worst-case scenario" principle for making tough leadership decisions under pressure.Topics Discussed"Smash or Pass" City LogisticsThe Spring Break TransformationThe Infrastructure of Perception (FAR & Density)Hacking Late-Night Emails for GovernanceLaw & Order vs. Unlimited GrowthThe "Worst Case Scenario" Leadership PrincipleBlue Zone Accreditation: Project vs. RealityGlobal Fitness Capital vs. Bureaucratic FrictionThe Epicenter of South Florida TourismThe Compassionate City ParadoxConnect with Steven on InstagramConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

May 27, 20260 min

Aware with Seb: Trailer

Aware with Seb is a globally ranked podcast with one goal: to ELEVATE your life.Learn about MONEY, mindset, WELLNESS, spirituality, and LEADERSHIP not as separate lanes, but as parts of the same system.Sebastian Naum Leon, a successful entrepreneur, public speaker, and top-notch interviewer, dives deep with visionary LEADERS, experts, CEOs, artists, and entrepreneurs who are changing the game.This isn’t roll-your-eyes self-help.It’s real-life training to be a badass human.Awareness makes better humans.And better humans make better friends, partners, lovers, and leaders.

May 20, 2026Episode 961 hr 17 min

This Modern Buddhist Will Change How You Think | Hector Marcel

We welcome Hector Marcel, the rebellious voice of modern Buddhism and a master of organizational change. From high-stakes corporate boardrooms to New York’s premier enlightenment studio, Hector has spent decades proving that ancient Tibetan technology is the ultimate tool for navigating the chaos of the 21st century. As a scholar, speaker, and mental health coach, he helps individuals and global teams hack the code of the human mind to unlock untapped potential and achieve excellence through stillness.In this conversation, Seb and Hector deconstruct the "Beautiful Lie" of reality and the physics of perception. They explore why we are "never enough" in a world of infinite potential, how to transform physical pain into bliss, and the controversial truth about "looksmaxxing" versus inner longevity. This episode is a practical guide to rewriting your personal script and finding profound joy within the ordinary, messy human experience.Topics DiscussedAncient Tech for Modern LifeThe "Bad Netflix Series" RealityThe Physics of Perception (0.0035%)Hacking Knee Pain for BlissCorporate Hector vs. Wellness HectorThe "Fuck Off" Seed PrincipleLicking Honey Off a Razor BladeLooksmaxxing vs. ViewmaxxingIntention: The DNA of the SeedThe Timothée Chalamet ObsessionConnect with Hector on Instagram Connect with Hector on His WebsiteConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

May 7, 2026Episode 9532 min

A Look at Collective Awakening, Human Energetics, & The LightBody w/ Shen Tong

We welcome Shen Tong, a serial entrepreneur, impact investor, writer/poet, speaker, mentor, and former political rebel who has lived one of the most extraordinary arcs of our time. From his days as a prominent activist and "Most Wanted" student leader at Tiananmen Square to his current status as a titan of food innovation, Shen has spent 40 years exploring the intersection of global impact and collective consciousness. As the visionary founder of New York-based TheFutureCo (TFC) and co-founder of the world-renowned accelerator Food-X, he has become a mastermind of social entrepreneurship, launching and scaling ventures across regenerative agriculture, health, and deep tech to achieve 11 successful financial exits.In this conversation, Seb and Shen explore the "Life’s Zero Point" philosophy and the non-linear nature of time and memory. They discuss the harrowing night of the Tiananmen Massacre, the survival instinct versus true courage, and how to "back into" material abundance by aligning your soul’s mission with the energy of money. This episode is a masterclass on staying anchored to your personal ethos while navigating the flow of the modern world.Topics DiscussedThe Most Wanted ExilePlayful Purpose at TiananmenThe Non-Linear MemoryCourage vs. FearRudders and SailsThe Physics of PresenceGnosis and the Gut BrainThe Flower of Life Business ModelBiophotons and DNA LightThe "Shenanigans" StanceConnect with Shen on his websiteConnect with Shen on LinkedInConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

April 22, 2026Episode 9442 min

Gene Keys Creator Richard Rudd on The Meaning of Life (and What’s Next for Him)

We welcome Richard Rudd, a world-renowned teacher, mystic, and poet who has spent decades exploring the depths of human consciousness. From trekking the Himalayas to earning a Master’s in Metaphysics, Richard has synthesized Eastern and Western mystical traditions into the Gene Keys, a profound system for unlocking the higher purpose hidden within human DNA.In this conversation, Seb and Richard explore the journey from "Shadow to Gift" and the transformative power of the "Sacred Pause". They discuss the discipline of contemplation, the reality of spiritual evolution, and why true wisdom begins with being gentle toward ourselves. This episode is a masterclass on staying anchored to your personal ethos while navigating the complexities of the modern world.Topics DiscussedMystical RootsThe "Ugly" Side of SurvivalThe DNA MythThe 7-Year CocoonContemplation is KingThe Individual vs. The SoulSailing & SourcingThe 80/20 of Inner WorkLearning Through SilenceThe Anti-Seriousness StanceConnect with Richard & Gene Keys hereConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

April 7, 2026Episode 9358 min

Scaling CPG & Modern Wellness | Dan Cox

We welcome Dan Cox, a Los Angeles–based entrepreneur and the visionary founder of the wellness brands Wellthy and Metcon. From his early days behind the retail counter to building and scaling multi-seven-figure CPG brands, Dan has mastered the transition from hands-on customer service to national distribution on major platforms like Amazon and GNC.Join as we dive deep into the grit required to build a modern wellness empire without outside funding. They explore the "unsexy" side of the CPG industry, from the high stakes of inventory management to the logistical nightmare of single-origin sourcing, and why the "better for you" category is often just a marketing trap. Dan also tackles the toxicity of chasing trends, the reality of "learning by screwing up," and why true brand longevity depends on prioritizing customer trust over short-term Meta-ad wins. This episode is a masterclass on the discipline of scaling a business while staying anchored to a personal ethos in a flavor-first world.Topics Discussed:Retail RootsThe "Ugly" Side of CPGThe "Better for a Few" MythSupplement Trust & FDAFlavor is KingD2C vs. Retail RealityBootstrapping & Ingredient EthosThe 80/20 Founder DisciplineLearning Through FailureThe Anti-Mentorship StanceConnect with Dan on InstagramConnect with Wellthy hereConnect with MetCon hereConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

March 14, 2026Episode 9224 min

Going Fast Alone is Slowing You Down: Streetside Confessions | Brandon DesJarlais

We welcome Brandon DesJarlais, a world-class athlete and the visionary founder of Beyond the Board. A Red Bull World Championship silver medalist and Hollywood stunt double for Vin Diesel, Brandon has transformed his professional longboarding career into a global movement. Since 2020, he has hosted over 300 events and mobilized hundreds of skaters worldwide, including his famous "Santa Run" involving over 500 skaters in full costume.Recorded live during a walk through the iconic Venice Skatepark, this candid conversation explores Brandon’s unique approach to decision-making and his transition from a solo "badass" brand to a vulnerable, mission-driven leader. Together, Seb and Brandon pull back the curtain on the "pull vs. push" motivation of entrepreneurship, the visceral power of vision, and the courage required to conquer fear, whether bombing a hill or launching a new venture.Topics Discussed:Decision-Making Without a MapThe Power of Visceral VisionPush vs. Pull MotivationHollywood Stunts and Persistent ValueTransitioning Identities"Go Fast Alone, Go Far Together"Courage vs. FearThe Traveling Good TourSpeaking it into ExistenceLearning from FailureConnect with Brandon on Instagram or brandondesjarlais.comConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

March 4, 2026Episode 9153 min

The Non-Starving Artist Mentality | Ruben Rojas

We welcome Ruben Rojas, a Los Angeles–based artist, muralist, and the visionary founder of the Live Through Love movement. From transforming public spaces with large-scale installations to building a multi-seven-figure creative business, Ruben has bridged the gap between fine art and global commercial platforms like BMW and the NFL.In this powerful conversation, Seb and Ruben dive deep into the radical transformation of a man who walked away from a career in finance to impact a billion people through creativity. They explore the collapse of the "American Dream" during the 2008 financial crisis, the toxicity of the "starving artist" narrative, and how to maintain mental resilience when your self-worth is no longer tied to material success. This episode is a masterclass on viewing creativity as a discipline and choosing love as a leadership tool in an increasingly divisive world.Topics Discussed:The Finance ExitThe 2008 Subprime MeltdownRedefining the American DreamKilling the "Starving Artist" MythAbundance vs. ScarcityScaling CreativityGlobal Brand CollaborationsHealing through ArtThe Mission for ImpactLove as a DisciplineThe Trapped ArtistConnect with Ruben on Instagram or rubenrojas.comConnect with Live Through Love on InstagramConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com

February 25, 2026Episode 9021 min

This CEO Turns Plastic into Profit: Streetside Confessions Edition w/ James Merrill

We welcome James Merrill, the visionary founder of StokedPlastics and the inventor of the award-winning StokedPlastic® blend. He is also the driving force behind Opolis, a mission-driven eyewear brand that builds premium frames using upcycled water bottles pulled directly from the ocean. Recorded live while walking on the street, this candid conversation pulls back the curtain on the "sweat and tears" reality of building a sustainable business from the ground up. Together, Seb and James explore the intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship, highlighting the challenges of raising capital, navigating long sales cycles with major retailers like Burton and REI, and the vital importance of mental resilience for conscious leaders.Topics Discussed:The Reality of Startup LifeFundraising and CriticismThe Opolis MissionScaling SustainabilityMental Health and Letting GoAvoiding BurnoutThe Microplastics CrisisFighting GreenwashingPurpose vs. ProfitInnovating for the MainstreamQuantifiable ImpactConnect with James on InstagramConnect with Opolis on InstagramConnect with Stoked Plastic on InstagramConnect with Sebastian on InstagramSebastianNaum.com