Lubo Smid Podcast

Hosted by Lubo Smid

Business Entrepreneurship

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100

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Aug 2025

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About the show

Get to know industry leaders beyond their highlight reels. Hosted by STRV co-founder/CEO Lubo Smid, the Lubo Smid Podcast extracts the wisdom of people killing it in their fields. Advice, stories, predictions. It’s all here.

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60 recent

August 7, 202555 min

Aging Is a Disease—And We Can Cure It: Inside the Vision of Enhanced Games | Dr Aron D'Souza

Meet Dr. Aron D'Souza, the visionary behind Enhanced Games and a bold new era in human performance. From redefining the limits of sports to challenging how we think about aging, cognition, and enhancement, Dr. D’Souza shares why the future belongs to the enhanced. We dive into the science of superhumans, the race between nations to innovate, and why travel might be the new smoking. This is more than sport—it’s a glimpse into the next stage of human evolution.Chapters:00:00 The Vision of Enhanced Games04:05 The Future of Human Enhancement12:19 The Next Age of Mankind20:21 The Role of AI and Regulation26:48 The Power of Innovation and Market Dynamics30:04 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Personal Dedication34:37 The Vision Behind Enhanced Games39:21 Extraordinary Sacrifices for Extraordinary Lives42:27 The Enhanced Games: A New Era in Sports46:17 Personal Routines and Cognitive Enhancements52:38 Finding Purpose and Making an Impact Dr Aron D'Souza on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arondsouza/

July 24, 202550 min

#99 Trends, Tech, and the Future of Community-Driven Fitness | Edward Hertzman

Meet Edward Hertzman, founder of Athletech Media and the voice behind the fitness industry’s new wave. From building Sourcing Journal to launching the go-to platform for fitness and wellness news, Edward shares how media, investment, and community are reshaping a fast-growing space. We dive into personalization, the rise of Hyrox, and why this fragmented industry finally has a seat at the table.Chapters:00:00 The Impact of a Major Fitness Event03:00 Industry Trends and Innovations06:06 Community and Collaboration in Fitness08:43 Investor Insights and Market Dynamics11:47 Technological Advancements in Wellness14:45 The Future of Health and Fitness24:41 Personalized Experiences in Tech and Branding30:23 Innovations in Fitness and Wellness Products38:06 The Rise of Community in Fitness Events43:01 Reinventing Fitness Brands for the Future46:06 Non-Negotiables for Wellness and Performance

July 10, 202550 min

#98 Why Cold Plunges Are More Than a Trend — Inside the Ice Bath Industry | Chiel Kraai

Meet Chiel, wellness entrepreneur and founder behind a fast-growing cold plunge brand, who’s helping shape the future of recovery through contrast therapy and community. From building beautifully designed ice baths to scaling globally and navigating wellness culture, Chiel shares how product, strategy, and stillness are transforming the way we recharge—one plunge at a time. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Contrast Therapy and Business Insights 02:57 The Rise of Ice Bathing and Wim Hof's Influence 06:02 Challenges of Scaling a Global Business 08:56 Competition and Product Differentiation 11:52 Marketing Strategies for Different Markets 14:49 Design and Quality as Key Differentiators 17:50 Personal Experience and Daily Practices 20:39 Future Growth and Market Potential 23:42 Innovations in Commercial Ice Bathing 26:53 Navigating Complex Regulations in the Wellness Industry 27:46 Innovative Product Development and Patents 29:33 Exploring Global Trends in Ice Bathing and Recovery 32:15 The Rise of Social Wellness Clubs 34:51 Opportunities in Offline Connection and Community Building 39:11 Personal Journeys: The Decision to Stop Drinking 44:59 Prioritizing Sleep for Longevity and Health 48:16 Wisdom for Life and Business Improvement Chiel Kraai on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiel-kraai/?locale=nl_NL

June 26, 202555 min

#97 From 100+ OrangeTheory Franchises to Prana Living: Fasting, Frequency & Consciousness | Pavel Stuchlik

Meet Pavel Stuchlik, entrepreneur, DJ, and founder of Upper Aeon, who built over 100 OrangeTheory franchises before stepping away to explore the deeper dimensions of human potential. From running a fitness empire to guiding dark retreats and living on prana, Pavel shares how fasting, frequency, and stillness became his path to inner power. Chapters: 00:00 – From OrangeTheory to Inner Work 01:17 – Lessons from Failure & Redefining Success 04:00 – First Business & Burning Out 08:12 – Building 100+ OrangeTheory Franchises 10:37 – Dark Retreats, Fasting & Conscious Tech 15:40 – Selling OrangeTheory & Starting Over 17:20 – Losing It All & Reinventing Through COVID 19:55 – Purpose-Driven Business & Early Spiritual Roots 22:55 – Merging Ancient Wisdom with Biohacking Tech 25:55 – Darkness Retreats, Frequencies & Finding Clarity 28:10 – Designing Transformational Events Like a Template 29:50 – Building a Purpose-Driven Franchise for Facilitators 32:10 – Life Patterns, Mindset & Healing Through Awareness 35:00 – The 4-Phase System: Wake Up, Clean Up, Power Up, Rest 38:40 – The ME-WE-BE Model & Levels of Consciousness 38:40 – Exploring the Edge: Sundance, Prana & Dark Retreats 41:15 – Breath, Dance, Meditation: The BDM Method 43:40 – Pranic Living & 25 Days Without Food 47:20 – Tech for Consciousness: Apollo, Neurovisor & More 52:30 – Finding Balance: Weekly Fasts, Monthly Resets, Yearly Darkness Pavel Stuchlik on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pavel.aeon/?hl=en

June 12, 202548 min

#96 Can Tech Solve Mindfulness? The Science Behind Muse and Modern Meditation | Ariel Garten

Meet Ariel Garten, neuroscientist and co-founder of Muse, the brain-sensing headband transforming how we approach meditation, focus, and mental wellness. From her early passion for the mind to building one of the most recognized names in neurotechnology, Ariel shares the science behind Muse and how it’s helping people track brain activity, improve habits, and stay calm in a noisy world. This episode explores the intersection of tech, behavior, and mindfulness—and what it means to truly know your own brain. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Muse and Its Founders 01:00 Ariel's Journey into Neuroscience and Meditation 04:16 The Evolution of Wearable Technology and Brain Health 06:48 Insights from Muse Studies and Meditation Benefits 07:47 Challenges in Building a Consistent Meditation Practice 11:30 Strategies for Developing a Meditation Habit 17:10 The Best Times to Meditate and Muse Usage Patterns 19:19 The Evolution of Muse Devices and Future Innovations 24:24 Introduction to Muse S Athena 25:17 Neurofeedback and Brain Training 28:40 Heart Rate Variability and Breathing Exercises 30:27 Teaching vs. Stimulating: The Approach to HRV 32:32 Business Growth and User Engagement 35:33 Challenges in Hardware and Software Development 40:31 The Future of Brain Health Tracking 46:19 Personal Health Routines and Practices Ariel Garten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielgarten/?originalSubdomain=ca

May 29, 20251 hr 7 min

Why Behavior, Not Workouts, Is the Real Key to Fitness | Tom Barten

Tom Barten’s journey started with personal transformation—and led to building one of the most scalable fitness coaching platforms in Europe. In this episode, he shares how understanding human behavior, not just workouts, became the foundation of Personal Body Plan. We dive into the four pillars of sustainable fitness, the shift from PDF to tech-based coaching, and how Tom built a movement rooted in community, personal growth, and smart scaling. From wearables and AI to the power of Hyrox and the future of fitness, this one’s for anyone building something real in wellness. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey Begins: Personal Transformation in Fitness 10:12 Understanding Human Behavior: The Key to Success 18:05 Scaling Success: From PDF to App 25:34 Building a Team Around the Team 30:44 Lessons Learned: Focus and Management in Entrepreneurship 32:38 Outcome Builders: A New Venture in Expert Development 35:33 Building a Scalable Business in Health and Fitness 39:01 The Role of Technology in Health and Fitness 45:42 Personal Experiences with Wearables and Technology 46:01 Tom's Fitness Routine and Upcoming Changes 49:39 The Appeal of Hyrox and Community in Fitness 55:39 The Future of Technology in Fitness and Health 01:01:25 Embracing AI for Business and Personal Growth Tom Barten on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bartentom/?originalSubdomain=nl

May 15, 20251 hr 3 min

Why Most People Fail at Fitness (and How to Fix It) | Brandon Cullen

Meet Brandon Cullen, founder of MADabolic, who’s redefining the fitness industry by blending human connection with smart technology. Rooted in the belief that consistency beats intensity, MADabolic’s unique programming is built around strength, simplicity, and long-term wellness. Drawing on his journey from athlete to entrepreneur, Brandon shares how resilience, leadership, and data-driven decisions fuel sustainable business growth. With a clear vision for the future of fitness, he’s building a model that prioritizes real results, personal health, and understanding your core consumer. This is a conversation about stripping things down to what works—and showing up 1% better every day. Chapters 00:00 The Genesis of MADabolic: Blending Fitness and Technology 11:38 Consistency Over Intensity: The Key to Fitness 21:50 Programming for Life: The Metabolic Approach 30:43 Navigating Technology: A Human-Centric Fitness Experience 32:57 From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Overcoming Business Challenges 33:31 Resilience and Adaptability in Sports and Business 35:10 Leadership vs. Management: A Personal Journey 39:31 Vision and Growth: Defining Success in Business 41:50 The Importance of Culture in Business 47:24 Market Positioning and Consumer Understanding 51:32 Data-Driven Decisions in Location Strategy 54:44 Simplifying Life: Back to Basics in Health and Fitness Brandon Cullen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/playingguilty/

May 1, 20251 hr 15 min

#93 From Realizing Childhood Dreams That Are Going Viral to Disrupting EdTech with AI

Meet Amin Shaykho — creator, entrepreneur, and visionary behind Kadama, the AI-driven learning platform reshaping education. By capturing his journey of chasing childhood dreams, Amin has built viral content that’s captivated over 5M followers across TikTok and Instagram. In this episode, we dive deep into AI, the future of the metaverse, and a world where having virtual friends will be completely normal. Amin also shares how Kadama is empowering students through personalized learning and mentorship, backed by a thriving community of 2M+ learners. Plus, we explore how he's finding balance between ambition, health, and longevity. Chapters: 00:00 Chasing Childhood Dreams: The Start of Amin’s Viral Journey03:00 Building Big: Giant Ice Cream Buckets, Popcorn, and Red Robin Pranks06:00 Viral Content Strategy and Brand Collaborations09:00 Ethics Behind the Videos: Fun, Respect, and Giving Back12:00 Growing Kadama: Education, AI, and Student Empowerment16:00 How Social Media Platforms Shape Content and Loyalty20:00 The Future of AI in Education: Personalization and Problem Solving27:00 Virtual Friends and Emotional AI: A Look into the Next Generation33:00 The Rapid Rise of AI Innovation and Startup Opportunities39:00 Reflections on Technology, Responsibility, and Human ConnectionAmin Shaykho on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminshaykho/

April 17, 20251 hr 0 min

#92 Ammortal Chamber: Fastest Way To Reset, Recharge, And Rejuvenate The Body and Mind | Brian Le Gette

Meet Brian Le Gette, CEO at Ammortal, whose vision is reshaping the future of holistic wellness through innovation and intention. Inspired by the fusion of ancient wisdom and modern science, Brian co-created the Ammortal Chamber—a wellness device designed to optimize health, support longevity, and reconnect us with our innate healing power. Drawing on bioenergetics, AI, and nature’s principles, the chamber provides a multi-sensory experience that promotes recovery, reflection, and transformation. With a focus on accessibility and human potential, Brian is building a future where technology supports deeper consciousness, personalized healing, and meaningful growth—empowering us all to live fuller, healthier lives. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Immortal Chamber and Wellness Innovations03:01 The Science Behind the Chamber's Technology06:08 The Experience of Using the Chamber09:02 Design and Development of the Chamber12:07 Market Presence and Adoption by Athletes14:51 Collaboration and Future Innovations17:51 Long-term Vision and Impact on Health20:54 Nature and Technology: A Harmonious Approach24:07 The Role of AI in Future Health Solutions28:42 Exploring Ancient Wisdom and Modern Technology34:09 Skepticism and Acceptance in Wellness Technology40:49 Accessibility and Future of Wellness Devices46:15 Anecdotal Success Stories and Personal Experiences51:34 Personal Wellness Routines and Philosophies57:05 Transformative Experiences and Final Reflections

April 3, 202551 min

#91 Unlocking Human Potential: Genomics as a Key to Health | Kian Sadeghi

Meet Kian Sadeghi, Founder and CEO of Nucleus, whose personal loss inspired a mission to transform how we understand and use our DNA. Driven by a deep belief in the power of genomics, Kian set out to make genetic testing more meaningful and accessible—helping people uncover personalized health insights, manage chronic disease risk, and make informed choices around longevity and family planning. Through Nucleus, he’s building a future where our DNA empowers us to live healthier, longer lives.Chapters:00:00 The Genesis of Nucleus: A Personal Journey08:05 Navigating Challenges: The Psychological Toll of Entrepreneurship14:30 The Power of Understanding: Deep Dive into Genomics20:09 Making Genetics Actionable: User Experience and Insights24:53 The Future of Longevity: Genomics as a Key Player28:17 Integrating Genetic and Non-Genetic Factors in Health Assessment31:08 The Future of Longevity and Chronic Disease Management33:46 Innovations in Family Health and Genetic Matching35:00 Balancing Speed and Safety in Biotech Development38:14 Advancements in Genetic Insights for Family Planning41:07 Exploring Genetic Traits and Their Implications44:25 Personal Insights from Genetic Testing47:14 Sources of Inspiration and Continuous Growth49:20 Optimizing Health Through Longevity PracticesKian Sadeghi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kian-sadeghi-8273ba178/