The Matthews Mentality Podcast

Hosted by Kyle Matthews

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131

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Aug 2026

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About the show

A podcast dedicated to exploring the mindsets, mentality, and motivation of the world's top experts. From athletes and entrepreneurs to CEOs and business moguls, learn what it takes to find success and build a deeper understanding of the mentality required.

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60 recent

September 8, 20261 hr 17 min

Why the Most Talented Teams Still Lose

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Dr. Andre Martin, organizational psychologist and Chief Experience Officer at LEAD3R, to break down why even talented executive teams struggle to align and what separates teams that consistently perform at a high level. Andre explains the idea of "collective confidence," the shared belief that a team can succeed together, and why that confidence often needs to exist before the results show up. Drawing from his experience coaching CEOs and executive teams and working at companies including Google, Nike, Target, Mars, and Disney, Andre shares what he has learned about trust, leadership, culture, hiring, and team performance. The conversation explores why executive teams lose alignment, how self-interest can undermine trust, and why leaders need precise, shared language around strategy and priorities. Andre also explains how companies can avoid the "telephone game," where a clear strategy at the executive level becomes increasingly distorted as it moves through an organization. Topics covered in this episode: - Why executive teams struggle with alignment - What "collective confidence" means and why it matters - How Andre coaches CEOs and executive teams - Lessons from working at Google, Nike, Target, Mars, and Disney - Why trust is the foundation of high-performing teams - How self-interest can weaken executive team performance - Why leaders need precise, shared language around priorities - How the "telephone game" distorts strategy inside organizations - Andre's "Wrong Fit, Right Fit" framework - How to tell the difference between a hard season and the wrong job - Why companies should hire for how people work, not just what they have accomplished - Common hiring mistakes and better questions to ask candidates - Why belief can come before a team's winning streak - How leaders can intentionally build collective confidence - Using low-stakes wins to create momentum - "Borrowed brilliance" and learning from the strengths of others - Identifying and using each person's "zone of genius" - Why teams should train and develop together - Common blind spots for CEOs and executive teams - Why leaders may need to "re-recruit" their teams as strategies change - The importance of modeling culture through everyday behavior - Why leaders should recognize the process, not just the outcome - How to escape a victim mindset and take ownership Andre also shares why great teams are not built simply by putting talented individuals in the same room. Alignment, trust, belief, and clarity have to be developed intentionally, especially when an organization is changing direction or navigating a difficult period. Whether you're a CEO, executive, entrepreneur, manager, or someone trying to build a stronger team, this conversation offers practical lessons on leadership, organizational culture, hiring, trust, and creating teams that believe they can win together. Learn More About Dr. Andre Martin: Website: https://www.wrongfitrightfit.com Books: Collective Confidence Wrong Fit, Right Fit Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

September 1, 20261 hr 3 min

Why Starbucks Is Moving 2,000 Jobs to Nashville

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Stuart McWhorter, Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic and Community Development and newly named Deputy Governor, to break down why Tennessee has become one of the country's most competitive destinations for businesses, jobs, and investment. Stuart gives an inside look at how Tennessee recruits companies, supports existing businesses, and competes with other states for major economic development projects. From taxes and regulation to workforce development, infrastructure, logistics, and quality of life, he explains what companies are actually looking for when deciding where to invest billions of dollars and create thousands of jobs. The conversation also explores the growing push to bring manufacturing and critical supply chains back to the United States, why economic development has become increasingly tied to national security, and how Tennessee is positioning itself for the next generation of American growth. Topics covered in this episode: - Why companies are relocating and expanding in Tennessee - What Tennessee's Commissioner of Economic and Community Development actually does - How states compete to land major economic development projects - Why Tennessee's tax and regulatory environment attracts businesses - The importance of workforce development and access to talent - How site selection consultants influence corporate relocations - The role incentives play in attracting new companies - Why existing business expansions matter just as much as relocations - Starbucks' plans to create approximately 2,000 jobs in Nashville - LG Chem's $3.5 billion investment in Clarksville - Orano's $4 billion nuclear fuel project in Oak Ridge - Korea Zinc's $6.5 billion investment and the importance of critical supply chains - Why bringing manufacturing back to America is becoming a national security issue - Infrastructure, power, water, roads, and TVA's role in economic development - The opportunities and misconceptions surrounding data centers - How Tennessee coordinates across government agencies to move projects forward - What happens when Tennessee loses a major business deal - Stuart's transition from venture capital and business into public service - The values behind Tennessee's continued population and economic growth - Why Stuart believes one word defines what people are searching for when they move to Tennessee: hope Stuart also shares the realities behind the headlines of billion-dollar economic development announcements, including the years of planning, infrastructure investment, negotiations, and collaboration required to turn a potential project into real jobs and economic growth. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business leader, investor, real estate professional, or simply interested in why companies and people continue moving to Tennessee, this conversation offers an inside look at the strategy behind one of America's fastest-growing business environments. Learn More About Tennessee Economic & Community Development: Website: https://tnecd.com Follow Stuart McWhorter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuart-mcwhorter Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

August 25, 20261 hr 11 min

Why Your Gut Is Making You Sick | Dr. Daryl Gioffre

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Dr. Daryl Gioffre, board-certified chiropractor, gut health and longevity specialist, and bestselling author of Get Off Your Acid and Get Off Your Sugar. Dr. Gioffre shares how his career evolved from chiropractic care into a deeper focus on gut health, inflammation, nutrition, and longevity. After his father's battle with esophageal cancer and his own health struggles involving root canal infections and mold exposure, Daryl began searching for the underlying causes of chronic health problems rather than simply treating symptoms. The conversation dives into the gut microbiome, acid reflux, sugar addiction, chronic stress, mold toxicity, inflammation, and the everyday habits that Dr. Gioffre believes can have a major impact on long-term health. Topics covered in this episode: - Why Dr. Gioffre believes gut health is foundational to overall health - His father's esophageal cancer diagnosis and how it changed his career - The common misconceptions surrounding acid reflux and stomach acid - Why chronic stress can have such a significant impact on digestion - The "acidic lifestyle" and how anxiety, chemicals, inflammation, and digestive stress affect the body - Dr. Gioffre's "WMD" framework for foods he believes can negatively affect gut health - Breaking the cycle of sugar addiction - How to identify hidden sugars and problematic ingredients on food labels - Dr. Gioffre's personal experience with mold toxicity - Root canal infections and the health issues he experienced - Symptoms that may be connected to poor gut health beyond digestive problems - Why he believes in "test, don't guess" when addressing gut issues - Probiotics, yogurt, kombucha, and supporting the microbiome - Hydration, minerals, and choosing the right water - Why timing your meals can matter, including avoiding food before bed - Detoxification and building healthier daily habits - The "less is more" approach to improving your health - The story behind Get Off Your Acid and Get Off Your Sugar - Purpose, motivation, and creating lasting lifestyle changes Dr. Gioffre also explains why he believes quick fixes rarely address the root cause of chronic health problems and shares practical strategies people can use to become more intentional about nutrition, hydration, stress, sleep, and gut health. Whether you're interested in gut health, longevity, nutrition, acid reflux, reducing sugar, or simply improving your everyday habits, this conversation offers a deeper look at Dr. Gioffre's approach to understanding what is happening inside the body and making sustainable changes. Follow Dr. Daryl Gioffre: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdarylgioffre Get Off Your Acid Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/getoffyouracid Learn More About Dr. Daryl Gioffre: Get Off Your Acid: https://www.getoffyouracid.com Dr. Daryl: https://www.drdaryl.com Use code MATTHEWS15 for 15% off all Get Off Your Acid products at: https://www.getoffyouracid.com Get 15% off gut testing kits at: https://www.drdaryl.com/labs Use code: MATTHEWS15 Get Dr. Gioffre's Books: Get Off Your Acid Get Off Your Sugar Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

August 17, 20261 hr 15 min

He Escaped Iran at 16 With No Idea What Came Next

n this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Payam Zamani, founder and CEO of One Planet Group, CEO of Buyerlink, entrepreneur, investor, and author of Crossing the Desert. Payam shares his incredible journey from fleeing religious persecution in Iran as a teenager to arriving in the United States as a refugee with just $75 in his pocket. Less than 11 years later, he and his brother had built an early online automotive marketplace and taken the company public at a $1.2 billion valuation. But Payam's story goes far beyond financial success. After navigating the dot-com crash, divorce, family illness, and the loss of much of his wealth, he began rethinking the relationship between business, purpose, faith, and fulfillment. Those experiences ultimately shaped his philosophy of "spiritual capitalism," the belief that companies can pursue profitability while creating meaningful value for employees, customers, communities, and society. Topics covered in this episode: - Payam Zamani's escape from religious persecution in Iran - Being smuggled out of the country at 16 years old - Arriving in America as a refugee with $75 - Starting over and building his first technology company - Taking an early online automotive marketplace public at a $1.2 billion valuation - The dot-com crash and losing much of his wealth - Why money alone failed to create fulfillment - The philosophy behind spiritual capitalism - Building One Planet Group without outside capital - How Buyerlink connects consumers with automotive dealers and service providers - Turning around Inspirato by cutting roughly $45 million in expenses and reaching profitability - Leadership, humility, and putting people ahead of short-term profits - Work-life balance and the sacrifices behind entrepreneurship - Gratitude for America and the opportunities it gave his family - Concerns about social media, young people, and the loss of spiritual grounding - Writing his memoir, Crossing the Desert Payam also shares why he believes business can be a powerful force for good, why leaders should think beyond maximizing shareholder value, and how some of the most difficult periods of his life ultimately reshaped his definition of success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, executive, or someone navigating adversity in your own life, this conversation offers powerful lessons on resilience, leadership, faith, gratitude, and building businesses with purpose. Follow Payam Zamani: LinkedIn: Payam Zamani Learn More About One Planet Group: Website: https://oneplanetgroup.com Learn More About BuyerLink: Website: https://buyerlink.com Read Payam's Book: Crossing the Desert https://crossingthedesertbook.com Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 America as Hope 00:39 Meet Payam Zamani 02:32 Life and One Planet 04:02 Buyerlink Explained 06:30 Growing Up in Iran 08:38 Persecution and Survival 14:57 Decision to Escape 16:26 Smuggled Through the Desert 19:56 U.S. Embassy Breakthrough 22:42 Landing in America 27:56 Starting Over in California 30:03 First Tech Venture 32:23 Dot-Com IPO Reality Check 36:25 Crash, Divorce, and Faith 38:57 Work-Life Balance 42:17 Spiritual Capitalism Begins 43:13 Greed Versus Community 43:47 Spiritual Capitalism 45:09 One Planet Breakthrough 47:04 Unicorn Doubts 48:43 Writing Crossing the Desert 52:24 Memoir Truths Revealed 57:49 Inspirato Turnaround Playbook 01:04:20 Rapid Fire Reflections 01:07:26 Youth, Screens, and Faith 01:13:35 Closing and Daughter's Music

August 11, 20261 hr 3 min

I Went $20,000 Into Debt to Fight in the UFC | Alberto Crane

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Alberto Crane, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, UFC veteran, entrepreneur, and author of All In . Before fighting in the UFC, Alberto made a decision that most people would never consider—he went more than $20,000 into debt to chase his dream. With no sponsorships, little money, and no guarantee of success, he moved to Brazil, immersed himself in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and dedicated his life to becoming one of the best martial artists in the world. After years of setbacks, tournament losses, and relentless training, Alberto became a world champion, fought in the UFC, built multiple successful academies, and inspired thousands through his resilience. Later, an unexpected MRI led to a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), forcing him to face an entirely new battle outside the cage. This conversation explores courage, discipline, entrepreneurship, mindset, and what it truly means to go all in on your dreams. Topics covered in this episode: Why Alberto went $20,000 into debt to chase the UFC Moving to Brazil with no money to train Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Losing tournaments before becoming a world champion Building a career in MMA and earning a UFC contract The pressure and reality of fighting inside the Octagon Winning, losing, and dealing with performance anxiety Knowing when it was time to retire Being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Why he chose movement, nutrition, and lifestyle over medication The philosophy behind TacFit Why courage isn't the absence of fear Lessons from writing his memoir All In Building resilience through adversity Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, martial artist, or someone facing a difficult challenge, this conversation is packed with lessons on resilience, sacrifice, discipline, and pursuing a life without regrets. Follow Alberto Crane: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albertocrane Website: https://www.albertocrane.com Learn More About TacFit: https://www.tacfit.com Get Alberto's Book: All In https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GN1TCB5B?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

August 4, 202654 min

How That's It Became America's #1 Fruit Bar

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Katie Eshuys, President of That's It., the fast-growing clean-label snack company on a mission to help people eat more fruit through simple, minimally processed foods. Katie shares how That's It. has built a nationally recognized brand around products with just two ingredients, expanded into schools and major retailers across the country, and continues to innovate with new products designed to improve nutrition without sacrificing simplicity or taste. The conversation explores entrepreneurship, leadership, nutrition, women in business, endurance sports, resilience, and what it takes to scale a mission-driven consumer brand in today's competitive food industry. Topics covered in this episode: How That's It. is changing the healthy snack industry Why eating more fruit is one of the simplest ways to improve your health The philosophy behind clean-label food and minimal ingredients New products including Crunchables and Fruttola Growing a national consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand Expanding into schools and food service Katie's journey from Australia to leading an American food company The leadership lessons that helped her become President Why advocating for yourself is critical for career growth The differences between corporate leadership and startup culture Fiber, nutrition, and building healthier habits Training for endurance races and the mindset of resilience Recovering from setbacks and maintaining a growth mindset Advice for women pursuing leadership roles Follow Katie Eshuys: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieeshuys Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keshuys?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Learn More About That's It.: Website: https://thatsitfruit.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatsit Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

July 28, 20261 hr 1 min

The Night TaskRabbit Was Born

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Leah Solivan, founder of TaskRabbit, entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and one of the pioneers of the modern gig economy. What began as a simple idea after running out of dog food during a snowy Boston night grew into a global marketplace that changed how millions of people outsource everyday tasks before being acquired by IKEA. Leah shares the incredible story of leaving IBM in 2008 to build TaskRabbit from scratch, bootstrapping the business, raising venture capital, scaling through the highs and lows of startup life, and ultimately selling the company to IKEA after discovering that furniture assembly dramatically increased customer purchases. The conversation also explores artificial intelligence, venture capital, founder resilience, women in technology, work-life balance, and why AI is creating one of the biggest entrepreneurial opportunities in decades. Topics covered in this episode: The story behind founding TaskRabbit How a snowy night and a bag of dog food inspired a billion-dollar idea Leaving IBM to become an entrepreneur Bootstrapping before raising venture capital The realities of startup fundraising The physical and mental toll of building a high-growth company Selling TaskRabbit to IKEA Why AI is transforming marketplaces and entrepreneurship How venture capital is changing in the AI era What investors look for in successful founders Women in technology and leadership Balancing entrepreneurship, investing, motherhood, and personal fulfillment Building Precedent VC and investing in the next generation of AI startups Leah also shares lessons from nearly two decades in technology, discussing founder burnout, resilience, innovation, and why the next generation of entrepreneurs will have unprecedented opportunities because of artificial intelligence. Whether you're building a startup, interested in venture capital, exploring AI, or simply curious how one idea can transform an industry, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiring entrepreneurial lessons. Follow Leah Solivan: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahsolivan X: https://x.com/leahsolivan Learn More About Precedent VC: Website: https://precedent.vc Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

July 21, 20261 hr 4 min

Will Harris | The Truth About Regenerative Farming, Industrial Beef & America's Broken Food System

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Will Harris, fourth-generation cattleman, regenerative agriculture pioneer, and owner of White Oak Pastures in Bluffton, Georgia. What was once a conventional industrial cattle operation has become one of the most recognized regenerative farms in the world, raising 10 species of livestock across more than 3,200 acres. Will shares why he walked away from industrial farming in the mid-1990s, the animal welfare moment that changed his perspective forever, and how rebuilding his farm around nature's systems transformed the land, the business, and his community. Today, White Oak Pastures processes its own animals, ships premium meat directly to consumers nationwide, and has become a global model for regenerative agriculture. The conversation explores regenerative farming, soil health, carbon sequestration, food labeling, animal welfare, rural economic development, and why consumers have more power over the food system than they realize. Topics covered in this episode: Why Will Harris abandoned industrial cattle farming What regenerative agriculture actually means The truth about industrial beef production How regenerative farming improves soil health and biodiversity Carbon sequestration and the environmental impact of regenerative beef The role of pesticides, fertilizers, antibiotics, hormones, and monoculture farming Why White Oak Pastures processes livestock on-site The economics of regenerative agriculture Country-of-origin labeling and why it matters How consumers can reshape the food industry Revitalizing rural America through local agriculture White Oak Pastures' partnership with Silicon Ranch for solar grazing Lessons from four generations of farming Will's book, A Bold Return to Giving a Damn Will also discusses the importance of transparency in food production, rebuilding local economies through agriculture, and why leaving the land healthier than you found it should be every farmer's goal. Whether you're interested in farming, sustainability, nutrition, entrepreneurship, environmental conservation, or simply understanding where your food comes from, this conversation offers an insightful look at one of the most important conversations happening in agriculture today. Follow Will Harris: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whiteoakpastures Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WhiteOakPastures Learn More About White Oak Pastures: Website: https://whiteoakpastures.com Read Will's Book: A Bold Return to Giving a Damn https://whiteoakpastures.com/pages/book Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo

July 14, 20261 hr 33 min

David Bakhtiari on Aaron Rodgers, Injuries & Life After Football

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with David Bakhtiari, two-time First-Team All-Pro, five-time Pro Bowler, and one of the greatest left tackles of his generation. Over 11 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, David protected Aaron Rodgers' blind side, helped lead the Packers to consistent playoff runs, and established himself as one of the NFL's premier offensive linemen. David shares his incredible journey from being an overlooked high school recruit to earning a scholarship at the University of Colorado, declaring early for the NFL Draft, and eventually becoming a cornerstone of the Packers franchise. He opens up about draft day, earning Aaron Rodgers' trust, negotiating life-changing contracts, managing wealth, and the devastating ACL injury that ultimately changed the trajectory of his career. The conversation also explores player safety, artificial turf versus natural grass, mental resilience, identity after professional sports, and what it truly takes to compete at the highest level for more than a decade. Topics covered in this episode: David Bakhtiari's journey from Colorado to the Green Bay Packers Protecting Aaron Rodgers and life as an NFL left tackle What Aaron Rodgers told him before his first NFL start NFL Draft day, combine interviews, and falling to the fourth round The mentality required to become a First-Team All-Pro Offensive line techniques, preparation, and consistency Negotiating NFL contracts and building long-term wealth Real estate investing and financial discipline Behind the scenes of the Packers' Pitch Perfect 2 cameo The ACL injury that changed everything Multiple knee surgeries, rehabilitation, and returning to football Why David has become an advocate for player safety and natural grass fields Coping with retirement and finding purpose after football David also reflects on the emotional side of professional sports, sharing what it was like to lose the game he loved, the challenges of rebuilding after injury, and the lessons he's carrying into the next chapter of his life. Whether you're an NFL fan, athlete, entrepreneur, or someone navigating setbacks in your own career, this conversation offers an honest look at resilience, discipline, leadership, and what it takes to perform at an elite level. Follow David Bakhtiari: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidbakhtiari X: https://x.com/DavidBakhtiari Follow Kyle Matthews CEO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Don't Get Me Killed 00:54 Meet David Bakhtiari 02:17 Life After Football 04:08 Staying Fit After the NFL 06:42 From High School to College Offers 08:42 Choosing Colorado 11:50 Earning the Starting Job 15:04 Welcome to College Football 17:23 Realizing the NFL Was Possible 18:56 Declaring for the NFL Draft 22:59 NFL Combine Stories 25:34 Draft Day Slide 27:55 The Green Bay Packers Call 30:45 The Beach Meeting 32:10 FIFA with Aaron Rodgers 32:56 Clay Matthews' Welcome 34:19 First NFL Start 37:26 "Don't Get Me Killed" 39:17 Why I Wore #69 41:44 The Elbow Brace 43:01 Pitch Perfect 2 Cameo 49:51 Becoming an All-Pro 52:15 The Mental Side of Offensive Line Play 55:50 Signing a Big Contract 01:00:33 Money Habits & Investing 01:02:27 Tearing My ACL 01:03:10 Turf vs. Grass Debate 01:04:20 Why Turf Feels Different 01:07:09 Stadiums, Money & Player Safety 01:09:47 The MRI 01:12:58 Cartilage Damage & Multiple Surgeries 01:16:30 The Two-Year Rehab 01:17:41 Finding Identity After Football 01:21:58 Missing the Game 01:24:59 Aaron Rodgers Stories 01:26:17 Rapid Fire NFL Questions 01:32:20 Closing Thoughts

July 7, 20261 hr 32 min

Why Smart People Keep Losing Negotiations

In this episode of the Matthews Mentality Podcast, Kyle Matthews sits down with Dr. Abbie Marono, behavioral scientist, author, and international expert on trust, influence, body language, and human behavior. Dr. Marono has trained the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and numerous federal agencies on behavioral analysis, interviewing, and nonverbal communication. In this conversation, she explains how to better understand people, build trust faster, communicate more effectively, and become a stronger leader by learning the science behind human behavior. Beyond the research, Abbie shares her incredible personal journey through addiction, homelessness, trauma, and rebuilding her life into one dedicated to helping others better understand themselves and the people around them. Topics covered in this episode: How to read body language without falling for common myths Why body language often reveals more than words The science behind trust, influence, and first impressions Fight-or-flight responses and what they reveal about behavior Self-soothing behaviors, confidence, and anxiety cues Why context and cue clusters matter more than individual gestures The psychology of negotiation and influence Emotional regulation and the hidden side of leadership How curiosity creates stronger conversations and better outcomes Dr. Marono's journey from addiction and homelessness to becoming a leading behavioral scientist Healing from trauma and rebuilding self-agency Training the U.S. Secret Service, FBI, and federal agencies Why the best negotiators stop trying to "win" Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, salesperson, negotiator, or simply someone who wants to better understand people, this episode is packed with practical insights you can apply immediately in both business and everyday life. Follow Dr. Abbie Marono: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbiemarono LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbiemarono Website: https://www.abbiemarono.com Follow Kyle Matthews: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kylematthewsceo TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kylematthewsceo X: https://x.com/kylematthewsceo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylematthewsceo 00:00 Listen to Understand 00:45 Meet Dr. Abbie Marono 02:47 Why Body Language Matters 04:33 Fight or Flight Signals 06:29 Confidence and Self-Soothing 08:39 Reading Proximity Cues 12:11 Smiles and Building Trust 14:52 Influence vs. Manipulation 16:03 Addiction, Homelessness & Recovery 22:15 The Turning Point 23:14 Rebuilding After Trauma 27:56 Back to School & Finding Mentors 32:48 Research, Joe Navarro & Behavioral Science 41:48 Reading Context, Not Just Cues 43:57 Trauma and Mental Contamination 48:52 Intuition vs. Trauma 49:26 A Relationship Turns Dark 50:48 Betrayal and Assault 51:36 Feeling Trapped 53:14 Family, Healing & Recovery 54:29 The Science of Emotional Shutdown 56:23 Healing Through Safe Relationships 59:03 The Hidden Half of Leadership 01:01:39 Joe Navarro's Influence 01:06:10 Training Federal Agents 01:08:54 Building Trust Under Stress 01:12:08 Executive Blind Spots 01:19:50 Why Personal Becomes Professional 01:21:31 Self-Reflection and Shame 01:23:41 Rapid Fire: Body Language 01:28:54 Negotiation: Drop the Goal 01:31:42 Closing Thoughts