In Search Of Excellence

Hosted by Randall Kaplan

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Oct 2026

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In Search of Excellence goes inside the lives of extraordinary entrepreneurs, CEOs, investors, athletes, entertainers, and leaders to uncover what it really takes to achieve exceptional success. Hosted by Randall Kaplan - serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and creator of the Extreme Preparation™ methodology - the podcast explores the preparation, habits, failures, relationships, resilience, mindset, and decisions behind extraordinary achievement. Randall’s guests include Tony Robbins, Mark Cuban, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mike Tyson, David Solomon, Dana White, Robert Greene, Sammy Hagar, and many more. The show has ranked as high as #3 in Entrepreneurship and #10 in Business on Apple Podcasts. Each episode delivers practical lessons and powerful stories about building careers and companies, overcoming adversity, making better decisions, developing winning mindsets, and preparing for the moments that matter most.

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October 17, 202644 min

Matt Brannigan: Can You Really Break the Patterns Holding You Back? | E195

You can spend seven days changing your life—and return home to discover that your old patterns are still waiting for you. So how do you make personal growth last? In Part 2 of my conversation with Matt Brannagan of the Hoffman Institute, we get into what happens AFTER the Hoffman Process: the difficult conversations, the return to everyday life, and the ongoing work of becoming the person you want to be. I share what it was like to tell my parents “I forgive you and I love you,” why I made a major mistake by going straight home after the retreat, and how quickly familiar circumstances brought back behaviors I thought I had changed. Matt explains why lasting growth isn’t about never getting triggered again. It’s about noticing your patterns sooner, reducing how intensely and how long they control you, and choosing a better response. We also discuss vulnerability, the extraordinary connections formed in a group of strangers, the difference between the Hoffman Process and therapy, why preparation matters, and what seven days without a phone can teach you about yourself. One of my biggest takeaways is simple: awareness alone isn’t change. You need reminders, support, and the willingness to keep doing the work long after the retreat ends. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s becoming calmer, more present, more thoughtful, and more intentional—one decision at a time. CHAPTERS 00:00 Forgiving your parents—and starting a difficult conversation 03:49 What happens when the seven-day retreat ends? 07:08 My biggest mistake after the Hoffman Process 08:17 Does the transformation fade over time? 09:47 Measuring progress: shorter, less intense patterns 12:44 The ten patterns I keep on my desk 13:50 Hoffman teachers versus traditional therapists 16:32 How vulnerability changed our group 19:04 Can Hoffman and therapy work together? 20:25 Why preparation creates safety 22:15 Inside the retreat: rooms, food and long days 25:58 Seven days without a phone or distractions 27:34 Why boundaries matter during the retreat 29:49 The person I want to become 30:51 What Matt wants prospective participants to know 34:05 Would I do the Hoffman Process again? 35:18 Cost, scholarships and accessibility 37:12 Final reflections ABOUT MATT BRANNAGAN Matt Brannagan is CEO of the Hoffman Institute Foundation and Chair of Hoffman Institute International. A U.S. Army veteran and former Master Resilience Trainer, he joined Hoffman in 2007 and has served as a teacher, coach, Director of Faculty, and Chief Operating Officer. Learn more: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/ ABOUT RANDALL KAPLAN I'm a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, early investor in Google, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through my Extreme Preparation® methodology, I coach founders, CEOs, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals to achieve extraordinary personal and professional results. PRIVATE COACHING — WORK WITH ME I privately coach a limited number of high achievers who want to elevate their careers, scale their businesses, overcome obstacles, and reach higher levels of success personally and professionally. If you're ready to invest in yourself and make meaningful changes in your life, I'd love to hear from you. Learn more or inquire about coaching: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Or DM me COACHING on Instagram: @randallkaplan WATCH, LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@randallkaplan Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L Podcast website: https://www.insearchofexcellence.com/ CONNECT WITH RANDALL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/randallkaplan/ LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Personal website: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ WATCH MY TED TALK How to Get Your Dream Job with Extreme Preparation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs JOIN THE CONVERSATION What is one pattern you recognize in yourself that you would like to change? Share your thoughts in the comments. If you found this conversation valuable, please like the video, subscribe to In Search of Excellence, and share this episode with someone who might benefit from it. #HoffmanProcess #PersonalGrowth #EmotionalIntelligence #SelfAwareness #Forgiveness #InSearchOfExcellence #RandallKaplan About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

October 9, 20261 hr 17 min

Matt Brannigan: Why Success Still Feels Empty | E194

What happens when you achieve the success you dreamed of and still don’t feel okay? I went to the Hoffman Institute during a painful divorce, and I was terrified of confronting things I had buried for years. It’s something that most of us don’t think about until it’s too late: mental health deserves the same attention we give our physical health. In this emotional and bare-it-all conversation, I share what it took to face some of my own patterns and face the demons of my childhood that have been holding me back my entire life and influencing the way I’ve lived for my entire life.. In Part 1 of In Search of Excellence, I sit down with Hoffman Institute CEO Matt Brannagan to talk about the Hoffman Process: a week-long personal-growth retreat that helps people examine patterns learned in childhood. According to the Hoffman Institute, the Process has helped more than 150,000 people since 1967. I share what frightened me about attending, what Scooter Braun told me beforehand that prevented me from backing out at the last minute, and why the 10-page questionnaire brought me to tears many times. We discuss a friend who earns $50 million a year but hated going to work, and why achievement doesn’t always bring fulfillment. Matt explains how Hoffman influenced his leadership during his deployment in Iraq, Bob Hoffman’s “negative love syndrome” framework, and the Quadrinity: emotions, intellect, body, and spirit. We also discuss forgiveness, parenting, and why recognizing a pattern is only the beginning of changing it. In this conversation • Why success and money can leave happiness unresolved. • How childhood patterns can affect your relationships and work. • Why self-awareness alone may not change your behavior. • How understanding your parents can open the door to forgiveness. Chapters 00:00 - Success and the search for happiness 00:54 - From Hoffman to Iraq 03:52 - From Hoffman student to CEO 06:34 - How Bob Hoffman created the Process 09:58 - You achieved your goals but still feel empty 16:03 - What Scooter Braun told me before Hoffman 25:49 - How childhood shapes the way we seek love 31:40 - Your personality or a pattern you can change 36:20 - The Quadrinity explained 44:41 - Making $50 million and hating your job 48:06 - How emotional stress shows up in your body 52:07 - What Hoffman means by your spiritual self 54:14 - The work that starts before you arrive 56:32 - The questionnaire that brought me to tears 1:06:56 - Why self-awareness alone is not enough 1:09:58 - The letter that helped me forgive my parents About Matt Brannagan Matt Brannagan is CEO of the Hoffman Institute Foundation and Chair of Hoffman Institute International. A U.S. Army veteran and former Master Resilience Trainer, he joined Hoffman in 2007 and has served as a teacher, coach, Director of Faculty, and Chief Operating Officer. He holds a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology and is a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology. Hoffman Institute: https://www.hoffmaninstitute.org/ About Randall Kaplan Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, early Google investor, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation® methodology, he coaches founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals on achieving their personal and professional goals. Join the conversation Which pattern would you most like to change: overworking, perfectionism, or avoiding difficult conversations? Tell us in the comments. Like the video, subscribe to In Search of Excellence, and turn on notifications for Part 2. Share this with someone who needs to hear that asking for help is a strength. Want to work one on one with me I privately coach a limited number of high achievers who want to elevate their careers, scale their businesses, and reach higher levels of success professionally and personally. To apply to work with me, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Listen and connect Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L All episodes: https://www.insearchofexcellence.com/ Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Follow Randall Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Support If you’re struggling or in crisis in the U.S., call or text 988 for free, confidential support, 24/7. Online chat: https://988lifeline.org/ #HoffmanProcess #MentalHealth #InSearchOfExcellence About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

September 9, 20261 hr 29 min

The 5 Types of Cheating and the Question Betrayed Partners Never Ask | Jim Sexton | E193

What if an affair isn't where a marriage first breaks, but the moment years of disconnection finally become impossible to ignore? After more than 25 years and 1,000 matrimonial cases, renowned divorce lawyer Jim Sexton reveals the five types of infidelity, the warning signs couples routinely miss and the painful question betrayed partners almost never ask. In Part 3 of this extraordinary conversation with Randall Kaplan, Jim begins with one of the most shocking prenuptial agreements he has ever encountered: a clause that reduced a wife's alimony by $50,000 for every ten pounds she gained. The judge called the provision disgusting, but upheld it. Jim then explains how marriages can slowly unravel when couples stop doing the seemingly insignificant things that once made their partners feel noticed, desired and loved. Neither person may recognize the damage while it is happening. By the time an affair occurs, it may be the final symptom of a relationship that has been deteriorating for years. Randall and Jim explore: • The five distinct types of infidelity • When flirting crosses the line into cheating • Why revenge affairs create more pain instead of relief • Whether sex addiction can become an excuse for avoiding deeper problems • The questions men and women commonly ask after discovering an affair • Why learning every sexual detail may make healing more difficult • The conversation couples should have before resentment becomes betrayal • Whether trust and intimacy can be rebuilt after infidelity • Why opening a struggling marriage is often treated as a final Hail Mary • When divorced parents should introduce a new partner to their children • How to protect children from loyalty conflicts after divorce • Why preparation and organization have been essential to Jim's success Jim also opens up about his own dating life, the freedom and responsibilities of being single, his relationship with his sons and the grief of knowing that the people and animals we love will not be with us forever. The conversation closes with Jim's deeply personal reflections on love, success and mortality, including the one message he would leave his sons if he had only 60 seconds to live. Jim also tells Randall that this was one of the most comprehensive interviews he has ever done and calls Randall's Extreme Preparation "shocking to be on the other side of." What causes more damage to a marriage: the act of cheating or the years of disconnection that often precede it? Share your answer in the comments. If this conversation made you reconsider love, loyalty or marriage, please like the video, subscribe to In Search of Excellence and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Timestamps 00:00 Getting caught cheating versus confessing 00:28 Who should never get married? 01:55 The disgusting prenup clause a judge upheld 07:03 How small acts of neglect can predict a divorce 11:44 When does flirting become cheating? 16:43 Jim Sexton's five types of infidelity 25:10 Is sex addiction real or sometimes an excuse? 27:14 Can someone cheat and still have a happy marriage? 33:50 What betrayed partners ask after an affair 39:04 The painful question almost nobody asks 43:10 Do open marriages work? 47:43 Why preparation is the foundation of Jim's success 51:20 When should children meet a new partner? 57:31 Protecting children during and after divorce 1:03:21 Accepting what you cannot control 1:11:11 Jim's honest answer about his dating life 1:17:04 Jim plays Fill in the Blank to Excellence 1:21:43 Jim's final message to his sons 1:22:11 Why Jim called this one of his most comprehensive interviews About Jim Sexton James J. Sexton is a leading matrimonial and family law attorney who has handled more than 1,000 cases during over 25 years in practice. He is the bestselling author of If You're in My Office, It's Already Too Late and How to Stay in Love. His candid insights into marriage, divorce, infidelity and relationships have made him one of the world's most widely watched legal voices. Connect with Jim Sexton Website: https://www.nycdivorces.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nycdivorcelawyer YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sextonshow TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nycdivorce Watch Parts 1 and 2 Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qKNSync_uw Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrHjXLgBUVo Listen to In Search of Excellence Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L All episodes: https://www.insearchofexcellence.com/ Work One on One with Randall Kaplan Randall privately coaches a limited number of entrepreneurs, executives and high achievers who want to accelerate their personal and professional success. Apply here: https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

August 18, 20261 hr 38 min

Divorce Lawyer Jim Sexton: Why Marriages Fail, Prenups, Sex, Monogamy & Divorce | E192

Divorce lawyer Jim Sexton has spent nearly 30 years watching marriages fall apart - and he knows the mistakes couples make long before they ever enter a courtroom. In Part 2 of my conversation with Jim Sexton, one of the country’s most experienced divorce attorneys, we go deep on marriage, divorce, prenups, monogamy, sexual compatibility, dating, choosing the right partner, divorce statistics, and what actually makes relationships last. Jim has represented executives, entrepreneurs, CEOs, athletes, celebrities, and high-net-worth families through some of the most difficult divorces imaginable. After decades on the front lines of family law - and after going through divorce himself - he has developed some fascinating and sometimes controversial views about love, marriage, sex, money, and relationships. We talk about why getting married may be one of the most legally significant decisions you’ll ever make, despite most people having almost no idea what they are legally agreeing to. Jim explains why the best divorce lawyer may actually be the lawyer who keeps you out of court, why spending $10,000 fighting over $5,000 makes no sense, and why divorce should eventually be approached more like a business transaction than an emotional battle. We discuss whether prenups are unromantic, whether they actually hold up in court, and why Jim argues that a thoughtfully constructed prenup can actually create greater emotional and financial safety in a marriage. Then we get into some of the most controversial research and observations surrounding sexual history, sexual satisfaction, monogamy, marriage success, and divorce. It’s a conversation about how to choose the right person, build a stronger relationship, understand what marriage actually means, and avoid mistakes that can cost you emotionally and financially for years. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — The legal reality of marriage almost nobody understands 05:45 — Why a great divorce lawyer may actually keep you OUT of court 12:53 — How to find a great divorce attorney without trusting Google rankings 18:44 — The “Sopranos strategy” before divorce—and why Jim says it can backfire 24:27 — Why Jim Sexton says every first date is basically a sales call 29:59 — The fear that stops people from making the move they actually want 34:20 — The 3 real reasons people get married 41:30 — Who probably should NOT get married 46:07 — “Everyone has a prenup” — Jim explains what most couples don't realize 51:41 — How long should you date before getting married? 59:38 — Do more sexual partners increase the likelihood of divorce? 1:07:42 — Jim's controversial definition of successful monogamy 1:20:11 — Why divorce rates rise dramatically after the first marriage 1:31:12 — Do prenups actually work? What they can—and cannot—protect ABOUT JIM SEXTON Jim Sexton is a veteran matrimonial and divorce attorney with nearly three decades of experience handling complicated divorce, custody, financial, and family-law disputes. Throughout his career, Jim has represented high-net-worth individuals, entrepreneurs, CEOs, executives, athletes, and celebrities while developing a reputation as an experienced courtroom strategist and negotiator. ABOUT RANDALL KAPLAN Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of the In Search of Excellence podcast. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, Randall helps founders, executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and ambitious professionals improve their strategy, communication, preparation, decision-making, and execution so they can achieve extraordinary results in business and life. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Should everyone get a prenup before getting married? How long should couples date before marriage? And what matters most to a successful long-term relationship: love, compatibility, communication, sexual chemistry, financial compatibility—or something else entirely? WANT TO WORK ONE-ON-ONE WITH ME? I privately coach a limited number of founders, executives, business owners, entrepreneurs, and other high achievers who want to elevate their careers, scale their businesses, make better decisions, and reach higher levels of success professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com WATCH MY EXTREME PREPARATION™ TEDx TALK How to Get Your Dream Job with Extreme Preparation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs LISTEN TO IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-search-of-excellence/id1579184310 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XICUDIchVrkXBR0i6L For more information: www.randallkaplan.com FOLLOW RANDALL Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan X / Twitter: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

August 4, 20261 hr 16 min

James Sexton: What 25 Years as a Divorce Lawyer Taught Jim Sexton About Life and Love | E191

Jim Sexton has spent more than 25 years watching more than 1,000 couples who once loved each other divide their families, fortunes and futures – but the experiences that shaped him most happened long before he entered a courtroom. One of America’s most successful divorce lawyers opens up about growing up with an alcoholic father, nearly losing his mother throughout childhood, confronting fear, dealing with anticipatory grief, being overweight, rebuilding his body, and learning how extraordinary communication can transform relationships, negotiations and careers. James “Jim” Sexton is one of America’s most prominent divorce lawyers, a bestselling author and one of the internet’s most widely watched voices on love, marriage and why relationships fall apart. But before exploring the courtroom lessons that made him famous, Randall Kaplan takes Jim back to the experiences that created the man behind the reputation and incredible success. The conversation also explores Jim’s struggle with weight, isolation and bullying. After reaching college, he made the decision to change his physical condition one difficult step at a time—eventually becoming a marathon runner, weightlifter and longtime Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. Jim then recounts his time as a hospice volunteer, including sitting with people who had no family present during their final hours and reading them stories. He shares why he would read Winnie-the-Pooh aloud to dying patients and how those experiences taught him to keep death in his peripheral vision without allowing it to diminish his appreciation for life. He also reveals the practice he developed of telling the people he loves how he feels before every goodbye. For Jim, it is not enough to tell someone that you love them. He believes they should also know that you fully recognize and feel their love for you. Timestamps: 00:00 — Why a lawyer who has watched 1,000 marriages collapse still believes in love 01:44 — The chaotic childhood that trained Jim to read people instantly 08:15 — What happens when a child is repeatedly told his mother may die 14:05 — The moment Jim decided he could no longer remain the “fat kid” 20:00 — Why he volunteered to sit beside strangers as they died 24:57 — The two things Jim wants everyone he loves to know before he dies 29:43 — The letter to his late mother that uncovered a lifelong emotional wound 37:30 — Why Jim kept a tarantula beside his bed for more than 20 years 40:45 — When fear creates success—and when it begins destroying it 50:40 — The unglamorous job experience Jim requires from potential employees 57:31 — The communication skill that separates Jim from other elite lawyers 1:03:00 — Why authenticity matters more than sounding impressive 1:04:40 — What Jim learned from FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss 1:07:00 — The storytelling secret behind Jim’s extraordinary audience retention About Jim Sexton James Sexton is one of the country’s most prominent and successful divorce and matrimonial attorneys. During a legal career spanning more than 25 years, he has handled over 1,000 matrimonial cases and represented high-profile individuals, business leaders and ultra-high-net-worth clients in complex family-law matters. He is also the bestselling author of: • If You’re in My Office, It’s Already Too Late • How to Stay in Love Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall! Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

June 18, 202650 min

Owen Hanson: From Cocaine Kingpin to Prison Redemption | E190

Owen Hanson went from USC athlete to international cocaine kingpin, Sinaloa cartel associate, and federal inmate serving a 21-year sentence — but his story did not end in prison. In this raw conversation with Randall Kaplan, Owen reveals how he survived addiction, cartel violence, prison PTSD, betrayal, and rock bottom before rebuilding his life through discipline, redemption, and entrepreneurship. Owen Hanson’s story is one of the most shocking and intense redemption stories ever told on In Search of Excellence. Known as “The Cocaine Quarterback,” Owen opens up about the decisions that led him from college athletics and gambling into the world of drug trafficking, his connection to the Sinaloa cartel, and the terrifying consequences of crossing into that life. Randall Kaplan digs deep into the moments most interviews miss: the role of relationships and connections, the work ethic that fueled Owen’s rise, the addiction that nearly killed him, and the prison sentence that ultimately saved his life. Owen also shares what life was really like inside a federal prison — from withdrawal and six-by-eight cells to loyalty, PTSD, survival rules, and the entrepreneurial instincts that helped him build a protein ice cream business behind bars. What started with a frozen protein shake became “King Pin Creamery,” a prison-side hustle that revealed the same business instincts Owen now wants to use legally. This episode also explores Owen’s second chance: his legal break through a Rule 35 motion, the corrupt attorney case that helped reduce his sentence, his work today speaking to athletes and at-risk youth, and his mission to prevent others from making the same mistakes. Timestamps 00:00 - The cartel moment Owen says he will never forget 01:00 - Why USC’s network changed the direction of his life 03:08 - The work ethic behind becoming one of America’s biggest cocaine dealers 04:19 - Why Owen says prison may have saved him from dying 05:28 - The prison “dance” every inmate has to learn fast 06:47 - The loyalty question Owen still refuses to compromise on 12:21 - The day Owen considered ending his life 14:15 - How a frozen protein shake became a prison business empire 19:01 - The prison handshake deal that created a salt monopoly 23:01 - The sounds that still trigger Owen’s prison PTSD 24:21 - The legal twist that took years off his sentence 34:47 - How Mark Wahlberg became connected to The Cocaine Quarterback 38:20 - Why Owen now speaks to athletes for free 40:31 - Owen’s biggest regret, scariest moment, and message to everyone watching 46:32 - Owen’s reaction to Randall Kaplan’s Extreme Preparation About Owen Hanson Owen Hanson, also known as “The Cocaine Quarterback,” is a former USC athlete, entrepreneur, and the subject of the documentary The Cocaine Quarterback. After becoming involved in gambling, international drug trafficking, and the Sinaloa cartel, Owen was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison. Today, Owen is focused on redemption, legal entrepreneurship, mentorship, and speaking to athletes and young people about the dangers of gambling, drugs, greed, and chasing fast money. His story is a powerful warning about how ambition without direction can destroy a life — and how discipline, accountability, and resilience can rebuild one. Like this video Subscribe to In Search of Excellence Comment your biggest takeaway Share this episode with someone who needs to hear Owen’s warning Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall! Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

June 11, 20261 hr 49 min

The True Story of Owen Hanson: USC Walk-On, Drug Kingpin, Prison & Redemption | E189

Owen Hanson went from a disciplined kid in Redondo Beach to a USC walk-on football player surrounded by celebrities, pro athletes, and power — before one bad decision became the rush he chased for years. In this raw conversation with Randall Kaplan, Owen reveals the true story behind **Netflix’s The Cocaine Quarterback**, his rise from campus hustles to a global drug and gambling operation, his connection to the Sinaloa cartel, and the prison sentence that forced him to rebuild his life. Owen Hanson’s story is not just a crime story — it is a story about ambition, insecurity, adrenaline, ego, consequences, and redemption. Randall Kaplan sits down with Owen for a gripping Part 1 conversation that begins with Owen’s childhood in Redondo Beach, including his father’s strict discipline, his parents’ separation, and the early emotional wounds that shaped his identity. Owen opens up about feeling abandoned, learning not to cry, and channeling pain into sports, competition, and survival. From there, the conversation moves into Owen’s earliest signs of entrepreneurial instinct — including a childhood gambling hustle with quarters and lunch bets — before tracing how those same instincts later became dangerous when mixed with money, status, and the need to belong. The episode also dives into Owen’s rise at USC, where he became a walk-on football player during one of the most iconic eras in college football. Surrounded by celebrities, athletes, parties, and status, Owen explains how access became power — and how that power slowly turned into a criminal network. Randall and Owen then unpack the expansion from campus dealing to a sports betting business, then to international money movement, cartel connections, Australia, cocaine, laundering schemes, and the moment everything began closing in. Timestamps 00:00 - The moment Owen realized he was in too deep 00:42 - How a USC athlete became connected to the Sinaloa cartel 01:52 - The childhood wound Owen says shaped everything 07:00 - The 11-year-old hustle that revealed his future instincts 10:54 - The line between strategy and manipulation 16:47 - The USC setback that sent Owen to Tijuana 21:08 - The first lie that gave him the rush he chased for years 23:16 - How Owen became the only non-scholarship player to make the USC football team 25:11 - Inside the USC football celebrity machine 36:16 - The gambling customer who changed Owen’s life forever 42:38 - The million-dollar-a-day offer that pulled him overseas 1:36:39 - How prison became the beginning of Owen’s redemption About Owen Hanson Owen Hanson is a former USC athlete, entrepreneur, public speaker, and the subject of the Netflix documentary “The Cocaine Quarterback”, produced by Mark Wahlberg. After walking on to the USC football team during one of the most iconic eras in college football, Owen’s life took a dramatic turn as he became involved in illegal sports gambling, drug trafficking, and cartel-linked money movement. He was ultimately sentenced to 21 years in federal prison and served 10 years before being released early. Today, Owen speaks publicly about the consequences of his choices, the psychology of addiction to risk and status, and the difficult path toward accountability, growth, and redemption. Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here for my One-on-One Coaching program: www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall! Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

May 19, 202650 min

John Mackey’s Wild Story: From Dishwasher Showers to a $13.7B Amazon Deal | E188

John Mackey built Whole Foods Market from a small natural foods store into a $13.7 billion company acquired by Amazon — but his greatest lessons came from moments of crisis, not victory. From the emotional relief of going public to the life-changing impact of 9/11, the pressure of activist investors, and the cultural battle after the Amazon merger, Mackey reveals what it really takes to build a mission-driven company that lasts. Key Takeaways Boldness creates momentum John Mackey says that when you begin something with purpose and determination, the world starts to shift. The money, people, and opportunities begin to appear. Culture is built through authentic appreciation Mackey believes appreciation is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to transform relationships, meetings, morale, and organizations. The Amazon deal was about more than money The Whole Foods sale was not just a financial transaction. Mackey saw it as the best stakeholder solution for customers, team members, suppliers, investors, and the future of the company. Health is the next great frontier Through Love Life, Mackey is now focused on holistic wellness, longevity, food, fitness, medical care, community, and helping people make more conscious choices. Timestamps 00:00 - The “food awakening” that changed John Mackey’s life forever 00:39 - The boldness advice that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset 02:03 - What John Mackey did the day Whole Foods went public 05:04 - The terrifying 9/11 moment that changed his future 09:44 - Why going public is not the “holy grail” most founders think it is 10:14 - The mistake Whole Foods made before activist investors attacked 13:59 - The hostile meeting that forced Mackey to consider selling Whole Foods 16:30 - The question that made Amazon the answer 18:30 - What really happened when John Mackey met Jeff Bezos 22:18 - The surprising reason the $13.7B Amazon deal was all cash 28:08 - John Mackey’s honest reaction to Randall Kaplan’s Extreme Preparation™ 31:15 - The simple meeting ritual Mackey says can transform company culture 37:28 - The three practices Mackey says can transform your life 41:12 - John Mackey’s next mission after Whole Foods 44:46 - The rapid-fire answers that reveal Mackey’s true definition of success About John Mackey John Mackey is the co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market, one of the most influential grocery and natural foods companies in the world. He helped build Whole Foods from a small natural foods store into a publicly traded company that became a national leader in organic food, conscious capitalism, team-based culture, and mission-driven retail. In 2017, Whole Foods Market was acquired by Amazon in a landmark $13.7 billion transaction, one of the most significant retail acquisitions of the decade. Mackey is also a bestselling author, entrepreneur, advocate for conscious capitalism, and founder of Love Life, a new holistic health and wellness company focused on food, fitness, longevity, medical care, emotional well-being, and community. About the Host — Randall Kaplan Subscribe to In Search of Excellence for more conversations with world-class entrepreneurs, founders, leaders, and high performers. Share this episode with someone who is building a company, leading a team, or trying to become the healthiest version of themselves. Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I privately coach a limited number of high achievers through personalized one-on-one coaching focused on elevating careers, scaling businesses, and reaching higher levels of success both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... Follow Randall! Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

May 12, 202656 min

John Mackey: How Whole Foods Grew From One Store to $22 Billion in Sales | E187

What does it really take to build a company from one store in Austin, Texas into Whole Foods Market, a global brand with more than 540 stores, $22 billion in annual sales, and a $13.7 billion acquisition by Amazon? John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods, joins Randall Kaplan to reveal the hard-earned lessons behind entrepreneurship, resilience, fear, failure, raising capital, work ethic, conscious capitalism, and the life-changing moments that shaped one of America’s most iconic business founders. Key Takeaways Fear is the biggest limiter of human potential. John explains why fear of failure, fear of judgment, and even fear of success stop people from answering their own “hero’s journey.” Failure only becomes failure when you quit. From getting cut from the basketball team to losing money in the early days of Whole Foods, John shows how setbacks can become turning points. No job is beneath you. Dishwashing, bussing tables, bagging groceries, and entry-level work build discipline, humility, work ethic, and service. Entrepreneurs must learn to sell the dream. Whether raising $45,000 from friends and family or pitching venture capitalists on Sand Hill Road, persistence and conviction matter. Business is a community of relationships. The Whole Foods flood taught John that customers, team members, suppliers, investors, and lenders are all stakeholders in a shared mission. If you found value in John Mackey’s story, take a moment to like this video, subscribe to In Search of Excellence, and share it with someone building something difficult. Comment below: What lesson from John Mackey’s journey resonated with you most—failure, resilience, work ethic, raising capital, or conscious capitalism? Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall! Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

May 5, 202640 min

Brian Grazer: Academy Award Winner Brian Grazer on Success, Creativity, and Greatness | E186

What do you do when the world keeps telling you no? Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer reveals how rejection, curiosity, creativity, and relentless belief helped him build one of the most extraordinary careers in Hollywood history. In this powerful episode of In Search of Excellence, host Randall Kaplan sits down with Brian Grazer to explore the real lessons behind success in film, business, and life — from mentorship and intellectual property to storytelling, resilience, preparation, and the mindset required to achieve greatness. Brian shares unforgettable stories about Lew Wasserman, Ron Howard, Splash, 8 Mile, Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind, and the career-defining moments that taught him why owning ideas matters more than chasing relationships — and why “no” is often just a temporary point of view. In this episode: Why intellectual property is the foundation of lasting success. The lesson Brian learned from hundreds of rejections. How curiosity opened the door to new opportunities and major films. What it feels like to lose at the Oscars — and finally win. Brian’s views on preparation, creativity, storytelling, and greatness. About Brian Grazer Brian Grazer is an Academy Award-winning producer who has produced 130 feature films and 45 television shows, including A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, 8 Mile, The Da Vinci Code, 24, Empire, Friday Night Lights, and Arrested Development. His productions have received 47 Oscar nominations with 9 wins, 296 Emmy nominations with 63 wins, 71 Golden Globe nominations with 11 wins, and have generated more than $15 billion in worldwide box office. He is also the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling book A Curious Mind. Want to Work One-on-One with Me? I coach a small group of high achievers on how to elevate their careers, grow their businesses, and reach their full potential both professionally and personally. If you're ready to change your life and achieve your goals, apply here: www.randallkaplan.com Listen to my Extreme Preparation TEDx Talk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIvlFpoLfgs Listen to this episode on the go! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/23q0XIC... For more information about this episode, visit https://www.randallkaplan.com/ Follow Randall! Instagram: @randallkaplan LinkedIn: @randallkaplan TikTok: @randall_kaplan Twitter / X: https://x.com/RandallKaplan Website: www.randallkaplan.com 1-on-1 Coaching: www.randallkaplan.com About Randall Kaplan: Randall Kaplan is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, executive coach, co-founder of Akamai Technologies, founder and CEO of JUMP Investors, and host of In Search of Excellence. Through his Extreme Preparation™ methodology, he helps founders, executives, business owners, and ambitious professionals improve strategy, communication, decision-making, and execution. Coaching and Staying Connected: 1-on-1 Coaching | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn | X

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