How Success Happens

Retired four-star general Stanley McChrystal joins the show to celebrate the launch of his new Masterclass and share his approach to empowering teams and cultivating leadership at every level of an organization. He walks us through strategies for encouraging teams to take risks, even when failure carries serious consequences. But he admits that, despite a lifetime in the military, burpees are still the worst.

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Dan revisits his chat with dermatologist-turned-global-sensation Dr. Sandra Lee, better known as Dr. Pimple Popper. She shares how a simple blackhead video blew up the internet, and what it’s really like to build a business on pus and pimples (while still protecting her patients). Plus, she bursts some skin myth bubbles.

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Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira, Mistress of the Dark) joins Dan to pull back the coffin lid on her 45-year reign as the queen of Halloween. She shares how The Groundlings and a one-off local TV gig turned into her pop culture empire, why embracing her alter ego became her greatest business decision, and how she spends Halloween. Elvira also talks about her new cookbook Elvira's Cookbook from Hell (spoiler: it includes Cheese Whiz and crushed potato chips), her autumnal gin, and her friendship with Pee-wee Herman. From reframing Hollywood typecasting to becoming a brand that defines a holiday, Elvira...

 In this snack-sized episode, Dan revisits his conversation with comedy legend Dan Aykroyd. From managing teams on movie sets to co-founding Crystal Head Vodka, Aykroyd shares what he’s learned about leadership, product design, and sales. Plus, as a lifelong risk-taker, he explains the proper way to eject from a fighter jet. A tip you definitely don’t want to miss.

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Lucy Guo, the tech founder who unseated Taylor Swift as the youngest self-made female billionaire in the world, joins the show with practical advice and some controversial takes. She breaks down her winning strategy for raising funding, explains why we overestimate risk, and shares her biggest red flag when investing. Plus, she talks numbers on why buying a private jet might be the worst financial move you’ll ever make.

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Just in time for the new season of the Real Housewives franchise, Dan reruns his chat with OG Housewife Bethany Frankel. She shares how she juggles a million things without losing her mind, the secret to keeping her energy sky-high, and why now is prime time for bold new ideas. This episode is sure to have you ready to hit the ground running.

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What happens when the world’s best-selling author teams up with a leadership expert? You get a playbook for thriving in a changing world. James Patterson, drawing on his experience as a former CEO, master marketer, and publishing icon, teamed up with Dr. Patrick Leddin, PhD to write Disrupt Everything—and Win. The book and this discussion is an awesome mashup of Patterson’s real-world lessons and Leddin’s three-year Vanderbilt study on disruption. They share how to stop fearing change, flip obstacles into opportunities, and why becoming a “positive disruptor” might just be the key to success.

Le...

How does Michael Strahan juggle it all? From Good Morning America to hosting game shows, running clothing lines, and producing TV, he somehow makes it look easy. In this throwback chat, he talks about the power of compartmentalizing, why trusting your team matters, and how lessons from the NFL still guide him today. Plus, hear his take on Tom Brady, what it really feels like to sack a quarterback, and why nothing can quite replace the game.

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WWE Superstar Chelsea Green, recently featured in Netflix’s WWE: Unreal, joins the show to talk about her journey through different wrestling personas, how she made it to the biggest squared circle in the world, and why success is about more than just money. Dan does his best not to cringe as Chelsea shares the injuries that come with life in the ring. Having played both hero and villain, she opens up about keeping the noise of online hate from spilling into her real life. After all, she says, her job is to spend ten minutes play-fighting her best fr...

In this Snack Break, Dan dusts off his convo with comedy powerhouse Sebastian Maniscalco. You know him from sold-out stand-up tours and roles in The Irishman and Green Book. Maniscalco is about to hit the road again, starting September 12. He talks about how to find your voice, why the “downs” are just as important as the “ups,” and what it feels like to stand on a set with Joe Pesci, Robert De Niro, and Martin Scorsese staring back at you. Oh, and as a bonus, Dan confronts his addiction to the “A” word.

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Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary, aka Mr. Wonderful, stops by to talk about his new watch insurance company, Wonder Care, created with the 1916 Company. He fields listener questions, reveals what he loves about watches, and shares his secrets for keeping his energy cranked to 11. Plus, he justifies how he ended up spending $12.932 million on a baseball card.

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Three-time Super Bowl champ Jerry Rice and his daughter, Jaqui Rice Gold, joined the show in 2021 to discuss co-founding G.O.A.T. Fuel energy drink. They share how Jerry's passion and talents on the field (the man holds the record for the most NFL records) have translated to his business endeavors.

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Tahmi DeSchepper found herself in a spot many of us have been before — she had a comfortable job in a stable field that suddenly crashed, forcing her to figure out what comes next.

Tahmi took this moment as an opportunity to pursue her lifelong passion for jewelry making and the arts. And her all-in bet on herself paid off. Her jewelry line, called Tahmi, has been sold in over 100 galleries and boutiques, and has thrived since she started selling direct-to-consumers in Amazon’s store in 2019.

More than 60% of sales in Amazon’s store come from independ...

TV psychic John Edwards has a new book, Chasing Evil, about his work with the FBI to track down a serial killer. But that’s just one part of his story. He’s also the founder of the subscription app Evolve TV Plus and is on a mission to teach people how to take leaps of faith, trust their instincts, and trade security for the unknown. Even with his spirit team on call, his founder journey hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Listen for his unfiltered advice for overcoming struggles and finding your greater purpose.  

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Dan revisits his chat with Natalie White, the powerhouse founder of Moola Kicks, the first high-performance basketball sneaker made just for women. Natalie found success by spotting a hole in the market, ignoring the doubters, and staying locked in on what her customers actually needed.

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 Mike Hayes, former commanding officer of SEAL Team Two, joins the show to talk about his new book Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose. He shares hard-won lessons on overcoming doubt, building strong teams, and why serving our communities is one of the highest callings. Even more inspiring - 100% of the book’s profits go to The 1162 Foundation, which has already paid off 11 Gold Star widows’ mortgages.

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Dan rewinds to his chat with Nikki Sixx, legendary bassist and songwriter for Mötley Crüe. They dig into how the band was founded, what it feels like to hit that opening chord in front of thousands, and why sticking to your guns (and putting in the work) matters more than chasing record deals. Crank up the volume, roll down the windows, and enjoy this bite-sized blast of inspiration.

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Sam Porter began his career as a sports agent before making the leap to sports team owner. Today, he partners with celebrity investors like Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac, and Eva Longoria to lead Club Necaxa. He joins the show to talk about his new FX/Hulu series Club Necaxa, his philosophy on building winning teams, and the most emotional moment of ownership he’s experienced so far.

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You know Patrick Warburton as Putty from Seinfeld, the voice of Joe on Family Guy, or maybe as that very jerky Ken in Bee Movie. In this bite-sized episode, Patrick talks to Dan about what Jerry Seinfeld taught him about leadership, how to survive the highs and lows of a creative career, and why happiness shouldn't wait for success.

Last year, Patrick stepped behind the camera to executive produce Suburban Fury, a documentary about the attempted assassination of President Gerald Ford. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s raised over $26 million for St. Jude Children’s Research H...

What does it take to climb Mount Everest or run an ultramarathon? Jesse Itzler and Devon Lévesque know from personal experience. That love of testing their limits led them to co-found Runningman,  a three-day health and wellness festival featuring the world’s largest sauna, icy cold plunges, and breakout sessions to help you level up your body and mind.  In this episode, they’ll also share how the right mindset and a little entrepreneurial grit can take you further than you ever imagined. Oh, and did we mention the beer?

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In this snack, Dan revisits his conversation with the one and only Ralph Macchio, star of The Karate Kid, The Outsiders, and My Cousin Vinny, recorded just after the release of his memoir, Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me. Ralph opens up about handling early success, surviving career dry spells, and why loving the Mets helped him avoid Hollywood burnout. Plus, Dan shares a big announcement about what’s next for the show!

Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on the air.

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Kim Perell is a 9-time founder, investor in over 100 startups, and now the author of Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire. She stopped by the show to share why knowing when to move on is just as important as sticking things out. Kim breaks down the blocking out the haters, the clever trick she uses to quiet imposter syndrome, and the mindset that helped her rise from her kitchen table to leading a $235 million exit.

Want more Kim and more Dan? Check out Level Up August 22 and 23.

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Glenn Howerton of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-founded a whiskey company with his fellow stars Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day. In this snack-size episode, Glenn and former Four Walls Whiskey CEO Casey McGrath talk with Dan about why their whiskey isn’t just for drinking at home alone, it’s meant to be shared in the place that inspired it - the bar.

Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com, and Dan just may read it on the air.

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Bobby Moynihan, superstar SNL alum and the voice of Jedi Bob on LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, joins Dan to talk about his newest project. The Clean Plate Club, a live improv show where in-person ticket holders can get a meal cooked on stage, and everyone else can join online starting August 12th.

Bobby also reads about Dan (the sheep, not the host) from his children’s book “Not all Sheep are Boring.” He reflects on what success really means, the highlights of his career, and how to command any stage, whether it’s a comedy club, a...

Chess grandmaster and human rights advocate Garry Kasparov joined Dan on Get a Real Job to talk about pressure, performance, and what he calls the “attacker’s advantage.” He explains why being nervous is normal and how he’s learned to channel that energy into winning. If you’ve ever wondered if high performers still get nervous, this episode is for you.

Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on the air.

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Business coach, podcaster, and new author Mick Hunt joins the show to talk about the personal mission that drives everything he does, his because. From growing a $70 million insurance business to casually launching Mick Unplugged (one of Apple’s top-ranked podcasts), Mick shares the world view that shaped his path and the power of emotional intelligence. Want more Mick? His new book How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One drops September 23rd.

Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on the...

Bestselling author James Patterson sat down with Dan while promoting his memoir James Patterson. In this snack break, Dan revisits their conversation about James’s childhood and the moment he knew it was time to commit to writing full-time. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re headed in the right direction in life, this one’s for you.

Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on the air.

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Comedian, actor, and founder Ben Gleib is a busy bee. He's the host of the brand new podcast The Wrong Side of History, where he debates politics with guests from the opposite side of the aisle. But he's also taking on his biggest project yet: launching the first late-night talk show built natively for the internet. In this episode, Gleib talks about learning to run a multi million-dollar business, how to stay calm while public speaking, and the unexpected ways Siri has improved his sex life.

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Model, actor, and star of Too Much, Emily Ratajkowski sat down with Dan in 2021 for Entrepreneur’s 100 Women of Impact issue. In this snack break, Dan revisits her honest take on 10-year plans, creative ambition, and the pep talk she gave listeners who might be afraid to take the leap. If you agree that failure sucks, but know it’s part of the deal, this episode is for you.

Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on the air.

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Celebrity chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Robert Irvine joins Dan for a live taping of the show in New York. Robert discusses the big risk he took on FitCrunch — and how it paid off big time — as well as the work he does for veterans and first responders with The Robert Irvine Foundations. Robert also shares how one unforgettable episode of his show, Restaurant: Impossible, reshaped his definition of success and the way he treats every guest who walks through his doors. He also does shots with the audience, answers questions from the crowd, and sends everyone home with a signed c...

In this snack-sized episode, Dan revisits his conversation with Ed Brubaker, comic book author of Criminal, Batman, and Daredevil, and co-creator of Marvel’s The Winter Soldier. They talk about how the comic book world has changed, why chasing your dream job can actually hold you back, and the value of doing what you love.

Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on the air.

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In this on-site interview from Las Vegas, Dan sits down with the Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri, at the Customer Contact Week (CCW) convention. Their conversation covers everything from creating a positive impact in the world to life after death with a few wild detours in between. Guy gives a listener feedback on a product idea and even leaves a surprise for the next guest. Want to see what he did to Dan’s jacket? Watch this episode on Spotify.Wanna get your product in front of a future guest?  Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan jus...

Grab a cup of coffee and check in with volleyball icon Gabby Reece and big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton, the duo behind  Laird Superfood, Laird Apparel and XPT, an extreme performance training system. In this snack-sized episode, they share the lessons sports taught them about business, how they work through challenges together, and why authenticity is their not-so-secret ingredient for success. A quick hit of inspiration to keep you moving.

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Mary Lynn Rajskub, known for playing Chloe O'Brian on 24 and Gail the Snail on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, joins the show to talk about what success means at this stage of her career. She shares her excitement about her new role in North by North, recalls the final line of 24, and Dan explains how she once helped him out at work. While success might smell like pomegranates to some, for Mary Lynn, it smells like bacon and dogs.

Got a question for comedian Ben Gleib? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it o...

Retired Navy SEAL Squadron Commander Randy Hetrick didn’t mean to invent the TRX. but once the idea took hold, he got intentional fast. From field testing to sourcing materials and even sewing the early prototypes himself, Randy treated every part of the process with military precision. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to take an idea from scrappy to scalable, this episode delivers.

Got a success tip we can share on the show? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on the air.

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Author and cartoonist Stephan Pastis is a creative shape-shifter. He left a legal career to create Pearls Before Swine, wrote the bestselling children’s book series Timmy Failure, added screenwriter to the list, and now has his eye on travel writing. In this conversation, he shares how he protects his creativity, listens for the joke, and occasionally gets so deep in the zone he has to double-check whether he’s wearing pants.

Got a hilarious question for Food Network star Robert Irvine or comedian Ben Gleib? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on t...

Dan went to the New York Botanical Garden for a live taping of The Martha Stewart Podcast. He almost got to talk to Martha Stewart, but did come back with tape of her conversation with actress Jameela Jamil. In this episode, Martha shares the power of gardening, Jameela explains why Martha is her ultimate inspiration, and Dan reveals that if he were a tree, he’d be an oak, but not the sturdy kind!

Got a burning question for Food Network stars Robert Irvine or Guy Fieri? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might re...

Tom Brady calls in to the show to talk about building great teams off the field, the leadership strategies that defined his career, and why he’s now in the business of making GOAT gummies. After the call, Dan is joined by friend of the show Nick “Fitzy” Stevens to break down the tape, adding some color commentary on the mindset and moves that earned Brady seven rings and made the rest of us wonder if he’s actually human.

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 In this mini-episode, Dan sits down with the People’s Shark, Daymond John, to talk about why most pitches fall flat and what separates the great ones. Daymond shares what entrepreneurs get wrong when asking for advice, and how a sharper, more thoughtful approach can open the right doors.

Got a burning question for Food Network stars Robert Irvine or Guy Fieri? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepreneur.com and Dan just might read it on the air.

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Smokin’ Ed Currie has built a career around peppers - growing them, cooking with them, and pushing the limits of heat. His creations have been featured on Hot Ones and are well known among hot sauce fans. But Ed’s mission goes beyond spice. As the man behind the world’s spiciest peppers, he’s just as focused on taking care of his family, his employees, and his customers. In this episode, he shares why his sauces are about more than pain - they’re about serving a higher calling.

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