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by Lance W Essihos
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- Apr 6, 20261h 54m
The Habits That Destroy Hockey Careers Before They Start | Robert Mazin | Ep. 468
Most hockey players don't lose their career to injury.They lose it to the weekend.The party. The girls. The phone. The slow drift away from the one window they were ever going to get.Robert Mazin left Latvia at 15 with no agent, no mentor, no roadmap. He found his way through hockey programs across three continents and watched hundreds of players blow their shot from the inside out. Now he runs 369 Sports and Entertainment and spends his life making sure young athletes don't make the same mistakes.In this episode we talk about what actually separates the players who make it from the ones who don't. It has nothing to do with talent. It never did.We talk about the window. Why 16 is the moment everything either locks in or falls apart. What happens to a young man's brain and body when discipline disappears. The death that comes when sports ends and there's nothing left to hold onto. And what breathwork and emotional fitness have to do with any of it.This is the conversation the locker room never had.For the players. For the parents. For the coaches who know something is missing but can't name it.Connect with Robert Mazin and 369 Sports:Website: https://www.369ent.com/369 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/369.ent/Robert's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rrmazin/?hl=enFree 5-Minute Power Reset Breathwork: https://lance-essihos-2.kit.com/8ad61Mastering Adversity: https://www.amazon.sg/Mastering-Adversity-Unlock-Warrior-Within/dp/B0BFV6D54NConnect with Lance Essihos:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lance.essihosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-w-essihosUniversity of Adversity Podcast: https://feeds.captivate.fm/universityofadversityEmail: lance@lancewessihos.com
- Mar 12, 202653 min
Why Healing Isn’t Enough (Build Emotional Fitness to Handle Anything)
Three months since my last solo episode and I’m back.In this one I share a personal update, what I’ve been noticing with founders lately, and something I’ve been building quietly behind the scenes that I’m excited to finally talk about.We dive into the difference between healing and capacity, two things most people confuse.Healing clears the past.Capacity determines how much you can hold moving forward.I also share why many founders burn out, what AI might be doing to our creativity and intuition, and why emotional fitness may be the most important skill a leader can develop.At the end of the episode I introduce something new I'm launching: The Emotional Fitness Club.In this episode🧠 Healing vs capacity and why both matter🔥 The real reason founders burn out📱 What AI might be doing to creativity and intuition💪 What emotional fitness actually means🚀 What I’ve been building behind the scenes for founders🎙️ Mentioned in this episodeEmotional Fitness Club — The Emotional Fitness Club is temporarily closed. If you’re interested or have questions, you can email me directly at lance@lancewessihos.com.ResourcesFree 5-Minute Power Reset Breathworkhttps://lance-essihos-2.kit.com/8ad61Mastering Adversity (Book)https://www.amazon.sg/Mastering-Adversity-Unlock-Warrior-Within/dp/B0BFV6D54NStay ConnectedInstagramhttps://www.instagram.com/lance.essihosLinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-w-essihosUniversity of Adversity Podcasthttps://feeds.captivate.fm/universityofadversityEmaillance@lancewessihos.com
- Dec 8, 202511 min
Five Brutal Truths I Learned After Losing My Brother to Suicide and My Dad to Cancer
I lost my brother to suicide and my dad to cancer only eighteen months apart. Those were the hardest moments of my life and they changed everything. Grief stripped life down to what actually matters and forced me to grow in ways I never expected.This episode is a raw look at loss, healing, and the hard truths that shape you when life breaks you open. If you’re navigating grief or heavy emotions, this will help you feel less alone.In this episode you’ll learn:💔 The truths grief forces you to face⏳ How loss changes you over time⚡ Why life moves faster than we think🗣️ The cost of avoiding important conversations🤝 Why relationships matter more than anything🧩 How to cope without numbing the pain🔥 Why adversity can become a turning point👉 A powerful reflection on grief, meaning, healing, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life after loss.🧠 Sponsor: Mindful MedsTrusted by high performers who want to think clearer, feel calmer, and stay balanced.Mindful Meds blends plant medicine, functional mushrooms, and natural nootropics into clean, lab tested formulas designed to support clarity, focus, and resilience.🎁 Get 15 percent off with code ADVERSITY → mindfulmeds.ioWORK WITH MEBreakthrough SessionA deep emotional reset session for founders and high performershttps://stan.store/lanceessihos/p/mas...Podcast Guesting for FoundersGrow your visibility, authority, and reachhttps://lanceessihos.com/micupApply to Work With Me CoachingFor founders and leaders ready for deeper emotional fitness and personal transformationhttps://lanceessihos.com/your-apply-linkRESOURCESFree 5 Minute Power Reset Breathworkhttps://lance-essihos-2.kit.com/8ad61...Mastering Adversity Booklanceessihos.com/bookMore on my work → lanceessihos.comStay ConnectedInstagram – https://www.instagram.com/lance.essihosPodcast – https://feeds.captivate.fm/universityofadversityFacebook – https://www.facebook.com/universityofadversityLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/lance-w-essihosEmail – lance@lancewessihos.com
- Nov 6, 20251h 20m
The Truth About Adversity No One Talks About — Caitlin Cogan Doemner | Ep. 465
I lost my brother to suicide and my dad to cancer only eighteen months apart. Those were the hardest moments of my life and they changed everything. Grief stripped life down to what actually matters and forced me to grow in ways I never expected.This episode is a raw look at loss, healing, and the hard truths that shape you when life breaks you open. If you’re navigating grief or heavy emotions, this will help you feel less alone.In this episode you’ll learn:💔 The truths grief forces you to face⏳ How loss changes you over time⚡ Why life moves faster than we think🗣️ The cost of avoiding important conversations🤝 Why relationships matter more than anything🧩 How to cope without numbing the pain🔥 Why adversity can become a turning point👉 A powerful reflection on grief, meaning, healing, and the courage it takes to rebuild your life after loss.🧠 Sponsor: Mindful MedsTrusted by high performers who want to think clearer, feel calmer, and stay balanced.Mindful Meds blends plant medicine, functional mushrooms, and natural nootropics into clean, lab tested formulas designed to support clarity, focus, and resilience.🎁 Get 15 percent off with code ADVERSITY → mindfulmeds.ioWORK WITH MEBreakthrough SessionA deep emotional reset session for founders and high performershttps://stan.store/lanceessihos/p/mas...Podcast Guesting for FoundersGrow your visibility, authority, and reachhttps://lanceessihos.com/micupApply to Work With Me CoachingFor founders and leaders ready for deeper emotional fitness and personal transformationhttps://lanceessihos.com/your-apply-linkRESOURCESFree 5 Minute Power Reset Breathworkhttps://lance-essihos-2.kit.com/8ad61...Mastering Adversity Booklanceessihos.com/bookMore on my work → lanceessihos.comCONNECT WITH MEInstagram → @lance.essihosPodcast → University of AdversityFacebook → Lance EssihosLinkedIn → Lance W EssihosEmail → lance@lancewessihos.com
- Sep 19, 20251h 2m
Discipline Is Devotion: Escaping Burnout & Finding Purpose | Matt Gottesman
Matt Gottesman is a visionary writer, strategist, and creator who has built an audience of 10,000+ readers while guiding entrepreneurs and leaders toward alignment with their true calling. His work has been recognized for its clarity and unique ability to reframe success beyond hustle culture.But behind his wisdom lies a deeper truth: many of us are living out of alignment — chasing external success while ignoring intuition, mistaking discipline for force instead of devotion, and burning out in the process.In this conversation, Matt and Lance explore:Why discipline is devotion — and how to reframe your relationship with hard workThe real root of burnout and why it signals misalignment, not weaknessHow intuition acts as your soul’s GPS (and why it never lies)The continuous journey of self-discovery and humilityHow to know when to push forward and when to pivotThe role of surrender in navigating uncertainty and changeWhy consistency builds capacity and unlocks true growthHow to find your unique niche by embracing the through-line of your life experiencesThe difference between forcing success and aligning with purpose👉 This episode is a masterclass in aligning discipline with devotion, leaning into change with grace, and trusting your inner guidance to create a life on purpose.🌬️ Exciting news! I’ll be a featured speaker at the Global Breathwork Summit — a 3-day online gathering, September 26–28, 2025.✨ Guided breathwork journeys🌀 Science, spirit & somatic wisdom🌿 Healing, trauma integration & soul expansion🌐 Connection rooms & community🎁 Special gifts & bonuses👉 Reserve your free spot here: globalbreathworksummit.com/reg?am_id=lance4008I’ll be leading a powerful session called Breathe Into Your Power. Come as you are — breathe into who you are becoming.🧠 Sponsor: Mindful MedsTrusted by high performers who want to think clearer, feel calmer, and live with greater balance.Mindful Meds combines plant medicine, functional mushrooms, and natural nootropics into blends that are organically sourced, rigorously lab-tested, and designed to support clarity, resilience, and peak performance.🎁 Get 15% off with code ADVERSITY → mindfulmeds.io🔗 Connect with MattWebsite → mattgottesman.comInstagram → @mattgottesmanSubstack → The Niche Is You🫁 Work with LanceStep into exclusive 1:1 experiences designed for high performers ready to go all in:Mastery Breathwork Breakthrough Session – A private session to release, reset, and reconnect with your true power. 👉 Book now [Breakthrough Session]1:1 Mentorship (Application Only) – For those committed to deep transformation, performance, and purpose.👉 Apply here → [Mentorship application]Get Seen & Get Known with Mic-Up Media – Strategic podcast bookings to position you as the authority you are.👉 Apply here → [Podcast Booking Application]📖 Resources & LinksMastering Adversity (Book) → lanceessihos.com/bookMore on Lance’s work → lanceessihos.com📲 Stay ConnectedInstagram → @lance.essihosPodcast → University of AdversityFacebook → Lance EssihosLinkedIn → Lance W EssihosEmail → lance@lancewessihos.com
- Aug 25, 20251h 2m
The Lie Men Have Been Told (And How To Finally Break Free)
Rudi Riekstins has been named one of the Top 5 Coaches in the world by Thrive Global and a Top 20 Thought Leader by Business Insider. He’s a leadership visionary, business mentor, and transformational speaker trusted by entrepreneurs, creatives, and even billionaires.But behind the accolades lies a truth we rarely talk about. Men have been fed a lie — that we must always be strong, stoic, and never show vulnerability.That conditioning disconnects us from who we truly are, leading to broken relationships, self-sabotage, and lives lived out of alignment.In this conversation, Rudi shares:The biggest challenge men face today and why it costs them their powerWhy 98% of people don’t actually know who they areThe unconscious programs created in childhood that run our adult livesHow to stop self-sabotage and break destructive patternsThe daily practice that saved his life and can transform yoursWhy presence is the most powerful gift you can give yourselfHow to align your mind, body, and energy so you become magnetic to what you wantThis episode is a roadmap back to authenticity and power. If you’ve ever felt like you’re living someone else’s story, this is the conversation you’ve been waiting for.🧠 Sponsor: Mindful MedsThis episode is brought to you by Mindful Meds — trusted by high performers who want to think clearer, feel calmer, and live with greater balance.Mindful Meds combines plant medicine, functional mushrooms, and natural nootropics into blends that are organically sourced, rigorously lab-tested, and designed to support mental clarity, emotional resilience, and peak performance.Whether it’s microdosing to reset your mind or functional stacks to sustain focus, Mindful Meds is helping leaders, creators, and athletes operate at their best.👉 Get 15% off with code ADVERSITY → mindfulmeds.io🔗 Connect with RudiWebsite → rudiriekstins.comInstagram → @rudiriekstins🫁 Work with LanceStep into exclusive 1:1 experiences designed for high performers ready to go all in:Mastery Breathwork Breakthrough Session – A private session to release, reset, and reconnect with your true power.👉 Book now → Session Link1:1 Mentorship (Application Only) – For those committed to deep transformation, performance, and purpose.👉 Apply here → Mentorship ApplicationGET SEEN & GET KNOWN with strategic podcast bookings - Mic-Up Media (Application Only) – Get positioned on top shows and seen as the authority you are.👉 Apply here → Podcast Booking Application📖 Resources & Links📖 Mastering Adversity (the book) → lanceessihos.com/book🌐 More on Lance’s work → lanceessihos.com📲 Stay Connected:Instagram → @lance.essihosPodcast → University of AdversityFacebook → University of AdversityLinkedIn → Lance W EssihosEmail → lance@lancewessihos.com
- Aug 7, 202551 min
The Psychedelic Renaissance: A New Era of Healing
🔥 Episode Summary:Paul F. Austin, founder of The Third Wave, joins us for a deep dive into one of the most important conversations shaping mental health today: the psychedelic renaissance.Psychedelics are moving from taboo to mainstream. Microdosing LSD, psilocybin, and other plant medicines are now being studied for their ability to heal trauma, regrow neural pathways, and transform lives. But as these powerful tools gain popularity, are we ready for what comes next?– Why psychedelics are finally being destigmatized– The neuroscience behind LSD and microdosing– How integration after the experience creates real, lasting change– Why legalization is both an opportunity and a major risk– How psychedelics may heal neurodegenerative diseases– The role AI will play in the future of therapy and creativity– Why personal responsibility is critical in this new eraThis isn’t just a conversation about psychedelics. It’s about how we navigate healing and human potential in a world transformed by technology.🧠 Sponsor: Mindful MedsThis episode is brought to you by Mindful Meds—premium plant- and fungi-based supplements trusted by high performers to stay clear, focused, and balanced.Mindful Meds source their ingredients from organic growers in Canada and the USA, rigorously lab‑test every batch for purity, and design blends that combine traditional herbal wisdom with cutting‑edge science. Whether you’re looking for clarity, focus, emotional resilience, or simply a deeper sense of balance, their microdoses and functional stacks can help you get there.👉 Get 15% off with code ADVERSITY at mindfulmeds.io🧠 What You’ll Learn:🔥 The science behind psychedelics and their impact on mental health🔥 How microdosing can improve mood, focus, and well-being🔥 Why integration is more important than the psychedelic experience itself🔥 The challenges and opportunities of legalization🔥 How psychedelics can regrow neural pathways and reverse disease🔥 Why AI can help but never replace human intuition⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – The Evolution of Psychedelic Conversations11:57 – Navigating the Line Between Medicine and Recreation22:56 – Microdosing: A Path to Enhanced Well-Being23:07 – The Transformative Power of Psychedelics28:00 – Psychedelics vs. Traditional Medications33:31 – Legalization and Accessibility of Psychedelics37:10 – Balancing AI and Human Creativity🧔♂️ About Paul F. Austin:Paul F. Austin is an entrepreneur and thought leader pioneering the integration of microdosing psychedelics into personal and professional development. As the founder of Third Wave, he educates on the intentional use of psychedelics to enhance creativity, clarity, and leadership.Paul has been featured in Forbes, Rolling Stone, and BBC Worklife for his innovative work. He developed the Practitioner Certification Program to train professionals in leveraging psychedelics for innovation and strategic growth.Paul’s approach combines scientific rigor with bold exploration, inviting leaders to redefine success through transformative experiences.Explore Paul’s World:🌐 paulaustin.co🌐 thethirdwave.co🌐 psychedeliccoaching.institute📲 Instagram – @paulaustin3w🐦 X – @thirdwaveishere📘 Facebook – Third Wave Psychedelics🔗 LinkedIn – Third Wave Psychedelics▶️ YouTube – Third Wave Channel🫁 Ready for a Real Breakthrough — and the Path to Self-Mastery?✔️ 4-session breakthrough packages✔️ 3-month and 6-month deep-dive intensivesIf you’re ready to go all in — mentally, emotionally, spiritually — this is the work.→ Book a FREE discovery call: <a href="https://calendly.com
- Jul 7, 202546 min
Why Men Are Falling Apart and What It Really Takes to Rebuild | Joe De Sena | EP 461
🔥 Episode Summary:Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan and Tough Mudder, returns with one of the most necessary wake up calls for men today.We break down the hard truth: men are getting soft. Comfort is killing purpose. We’ve lost our edge — and Joe’s here to help you take it back.Joe unpacks:– Why modern life is designed to make men weak– When the decline actually started (and it wasn’t just the iPhone)– How the pandemic nearly destroyed Spartan — and why he didn’t quit– What actually builds grit in kids (and why parents are failing)– What to do if you're stuck, soft, or spiraling– Why movement is the cure for grief, depression, and weakness– The rule that carried Joe through hell: The standards don’t changeThis isn’t motivation. It’s a call to arms.🧠 What You’ll Learn:🔥 How comfort destroys resilience🔥 Why the world doesn’t want you strong🔥 Joe’s survival story from losing $100M🔥 The power of adversity in shaping identity🔥 Why kids need structure, struggle, and discipline🔥 The mindset that separates warriors from victims🔥 Why you need hard dates and high standards to thrive⏱️ Chapters:00:00 – The Biggest Problem Men Face02:25 – When It All Started to Go Wrong05:56 – Losing $100M & Refusing to Quit11:30 – The Mental Toll of Constant Pressure15:54 – When Naysayers Show Up18:53 – Why Society Doesn’t Want You Fit22:09 – Grief, Loss & Movement as Medicine24:56 – Raising Gritty Kids: Camp Sparta27:50 – The “Quitter’s Office”31:56 – Why Adversity Must Be Ongoing36:45 – What To Do When You’re Stuck38:29 – Dates on the Calendar = Identity Shifts39:05 – What’s Next for Spartan🧔♂️ About Joe De Sena:Founder and CEO of Spartan and Tough Mudder.Ultra-endurance athlete. Bestselling author.On a mission to rebuild a stronger, grittier society.📘 Explore Joe’s World:🎟 Free Spartan Race Ticket – Email: joe@spartan.com🏕 Camp Sparta (Death Camp for Kids) – Subject: Camp Sparta🌍 Spartan & Tough Mudder – https://www.spartan.com📲 Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/realjoedesena🌐 Website – https://joedesena.com🫁 Ready for a Real Breakthrough — and the Path to Self-Mastery?✔️ 4-session breakthrough packages✔️ 3-month and 6-month deep-dive intensivesIf you’re ready to go all in — mentally, emotionally, spiritually — this is the work.→ Book a FREE discovery call: https://calendly.com/lanceessihos/clairtycall→ Explore the The offers: https://www.masterybreathwork.co/🎙️ You’ve built the brand — but are you finally ready to use your voice?You’ve put in the work. You’ve built something real.But deep down, you know you’ve been holding back.There’s a message inside you the world needs to hear — but playing small won’t get it out.At Mic-Up Media, we don’t just get you booked on top podcasts —We help you get seen, heard, and fully felt as the authority you were born to be.We help you speak with conviction, lead with clarity, and take the stage like it’s already yours.Because every next level demands more truth, more courage, and a version of you that no longer hides.And as you rise — we’ll help you face down anything standing in the way of your voice, your power, and your mission.👉 Apply now → https://lanceessihos.com/micup/📖 Mastering Adversity (the book) → https://www.lanceessihos.com/book🔗 More on Lance’s work → https://lanceessihos.com📲 Stay Connected:Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/lance.essihosPodcast – https://feeds.captivate.fm/universityofadversityFacebook – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/
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About University of Adversity
University of Adversity is a show about the moments that change us — especially the ones we didn’t ask for.I’m Lance Essihos, and I sit down with athletes, bestselling authors, doctors, entrepreneurs, spiritual teachers, and everyday warriors to have real conversations about adversity — the kind that strips away the surface and forces us to face who we really are.We go deep into the mindset shifts, emotional breakthroughs, and practical tools that helped them rebuild. Not just to survive, but to come back stronger, clearer, and more aligned.This isn’t motivation.It’s what happens after the breakdown, when you’re trying to put the pieces back together and make it mean something.If you’re in a season of uncertainty, burnout, or reinvention — this show is here to walk with you.We don’t just talk about getting through the hard times.We talk about who you become because of them.
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