Kyo Conversations

What does it take to lead a 1,400-person organization while staying grounded, resilient, and connected to what truly matters? I sit down with Tim Lupinacci, CEO of Baker Donelson, to explore how he balances running one of the largest law firms in the U.S. with personal mental fitness practices, authentic leadership, and a vision for the future. Tim shares the pivotal moments that shaped his leadership philosophy, how reading and music fueled his early growth, and why he believes mental fitness is a competitive advantage in today’s world. We also dive into how AI is reshaping the legal profession, the concept of micro-resilience, and how leaders can clear the path for others while taking care of themselves. Don’t miss Tim’s new book Everybody Leads, now available!   Show Notes 00:00 – Who is Tim Lupinacci? Family, faith, and leadership roots 02:00 – Growing up on the move: books, music, and self-discovery 05:00 – Building daily reading habits and why they fuel his leadership 07:00 – The importance of m

What if the questions you fear the most could become your greatest guides? Journalist and applied behavioral scientist Elizabeth Weingarten joins Behind the Human to unpack the profound power of questions. From questioning her marriage and career to navigating new motherhood, Elizabeth shares how embracing life's unanswerable questions has transformed her world. We explore her new book How to Fall in Love with Questions: A New Way to Thrive in Times of Uncertainty and dive into the frameworks, stories, and personal practices that help us all sit with uncertainty, reframe stuckness, and find clarity amidst the chaos. Whether you’re facing a major life decision or simply feeling overwhelmed, this episode offers a radically compassionate lens on how to use curiosity, reflection, and even slowness as a way forward. Show Notes 00:00 – Introduction to Elizabeth and her work 02:00 – Lava lamps and evolving identity: Who are you, really? 04:30 – Writing as a grounding practice for motherhood and reflection 06

What if one prayer could change everything? In this episode of Behind the Human, Marc sits down with Matt Potter—co-founder of Pray.com—to unpack an extraordinary life story that began with a near-abortion and grew into one of the most influential faith-based platforms in the world. They explore how spiritual practice, digital innovation, and how a personal relationship with God are reshaping how we approach mental and emotional health. Whether you're religious, spiritual, or simply curious about how ancient rituals are finding new life through technology, this conversation will stretch your mind and open your heart.   **** Release details for the NEW BOOK.   Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram |   Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at che

What if your biggest breakthrough came from something you’ve been doing your whole life—breathing? I sit down with Adam Ludwin, founder of FivePointFive, a cutting-edge breathwork app that uses real-time biometrics and music to transform your mental, emotional, and physical state—anytime, anywhere. But Adam didn’t start here. We unpack his journey from building and exiting a $100M+ marketing tech company, to nearly burning out, to rediscovering meaning through breathwork. He shares how fatherhood shaped his views on education and well-being, how functional breathwork saved his health, and why he believes personalized, science-backed breathwork is the future of performance and longevity. Show Notes [00:03:00] Adam’s early entrepreneurial drive and family influence [00:07:00] Why he dropped out of university and what he did instead [00:12:00] Teaching mental fitness to his kids: gratitude, journaling, nasal breathing [00:17:00] Burnout, tight chest, and discovering functional breathwork [00:19:00] Sel

What if the friction you feel isn’t a flaw—but a misalignment with how you’re designed to operate? Meet Erin Claire Jones—author, teacher, and one of the world’s top voices in human design—to explore how this mystical-yet-practical framework can unlock more flow, purpose, and clarity in every part of life. From business to parenting to personal growth, this conversation blends wisdom and real-world tools to help you stop forcing what’s not working and start aligning with your true energetic blueprint.   Show Notes 00:02 – Erin introduces herself and shares how motherhood has shifted her sense of identity 00:04 – Why human design feels like “permission to be yourself” 00:08 – The mystical origin story of human design (and why usefulness matters more than belief) 00:14 – Erin’s personal story of discovering her design at a dinner party in NYC 00:21 – How she navigated early failures trying to bring human design to business 00:24 – The role of invitation and visibility for Projectors like Marc & Erin 00:25

Meet Anthony McLean—keynote speaker, screenwriter, and long-time youth advocate. We unpack why mental fitness is “everything you do so you can be at your best for the longest, with the least wear and tear.”  Show Notes Why “your authentic self is your superpower” and how to use it at work Mental fitness vs. hustle culture—Mr Beast as cautionary tale The “big-rocks” calendar hack for protecting creative time Fun as a non-negotiable productivity tool Parenting teens & first-year university students without losing influence Using AI as a creative co-pilot (and where the human stays irreplaceable) Rapid-fire takeaways: breathwork, journaling, therapy, and micro-recovery   **** ✨ Personal Socrates is on SALE! >>> Use UPGRADE20 at baronfig.com for 20% off through May and June.    Release details for the NEW BOOK.   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special

What if you could stop achieving your way into feeling worthy—and simply be enough as you are? Meet Melissa Arnot Reid / @melissaarnot — the first American woman to summit and descend Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen. But this conversation isn’t about records. It’s about the inner Everest we all face. Melissa reveals how a life of achievement masked wounds of not-enoughness, and how the journey of healing—not summiting—became her most important climb. We discuss shame, self-forgiveness, parenting, and the quiet power of curiosity. This is a raw and rare look at what it means to shift from proving your worth to simply knowing it.   **** ✨ Personal Socrates is on SALE! >>> Use UPGRADE20 at baronfig.com for 20% off through May and June.    Release details for the NEW BOOK.   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel

What if every screen you looked at had the power to improve your mental health—would you change what you watch? Meet Muhammad Lila, former CNN war correspondent and founder of Goodable—a platform that delivers clinically backed positive news to nourish your mind. We unpack the invisible cost of constant negativity in media, the neuroscience behind uplifting storytelling, and why the future of journalism could be the very antidote to our global mental health crisis. Muhammad shares his journey from reporting in war zones to launching one of the most impactful positive media platforms in the world. We discuss what happens when people finally feel seen, supported, and hopeful—and why this shift isn’t just good for our minds, but for business, society, and leadership.   **** ✨ Personal Socrates is on SALE! >>> Use UPGRADE20 at baronfig.com for 20% off through May and June.    Release details for the NEW BOOK.   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates

“Who are you?” What if the real question is: What are you? Paul M Vincent—human performance expert, psychedelic researcher, and co-host of the Demystifying Psychedelics series—sits on the other side of the mic to explore the layered evolution of identity. From training elite performers to studying with indigenous shamans, Paul opens up about mental health battles, inexplicable mystical experiences, and the profound impact of ceremony, flow, and community on human healing. This is a masterclass in surrender, wisdom, and the art of being.   **** ✨ Personal Socrates is on SALE! >>> Use UPGRADE20 at baronfig.com for 20% off through May and June.    Release details for the NEW BOOK.   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at check-out for savings on your next purchase. ✈️ * Spe

What if everything you’ve built was just the beginning? In this episode, I sit down with Anne Mahlum – serial entrepreneur, founder of Solidcore and Back on My Feet, and a powerhouse of personal transformation. Anne shares her journey from a $100 million exit to a life of deep contentment and empowerment, emphasizing the power of simplicity, self-trust, and deliberate life design. We talk about the art of letting go, the strength found in creating boundaries, and the often-overlooked importance of defining your own metrics for success. If you’ve ever wondered how to keep moving forward without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you. Opening Reflection: What would your life look like if you truly lived by your values, not just your goals? Anne’s Journey: From negative net worth to a $100 million exit – the power of purpose-driven work Letting Go for Growth: Why your identity should never be tied to just one role or outcome Building a Game You Can Win: The importance of setting clear

What if the life you’re meant to live is just one courageous choice away? In this episode, we dive deep into the journey of alignment and self-discovery with Tonya Papanikolov, founder of Rainbow, a medicinal mushroom company transforming lives. Tonya shares her personal evolution, from navigating crippling anxiety to building a business centered on intention, sustainability, and healing. We explore the moments that tested her resolve, the courage it took to step away from societal norms, and the power of listening to your inner voice. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disconnected, or uncertain about your path, this episode is your reminder that sometimes, the answers you seek are already within you — it just takes the right questions to unlock them. Key Discussion Points: The pivotal moments that shaped Tonya’s journey from misalignment to deep purpose How embracing discomfort can lead to clarity and fulfillment The transformative power of small, intentional shifts in daily life Building a business from th

Have you ever realized mid-fall... that there’s no ground below—and that’s the freedom? Ashli Blumenfeld—co-leader of the 90-year-old Standard Meat Company—takes us behind the curtain of a business renaissance grounded in emotional intelligence, bold risk-taking, and the messy middle of personal transformation. From navigating imposter syndrome to building a company culture that breathes creativity and connection, Ashli shares what it’s really like to let go of old identities and trust the fall. You’ll hear how a “mad scientist chef,” a surprise ice business, and wisdom from powerful coaches helped her rewrite her own story—and how her leadership is helping others do the same.   Meet Ashli Blumenfeld: President of Standard Meat Co. and 4th generation industry disruptor The journey from NYC fashion to Texas beef—and why coming full circle changed everything What it's like winning Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and still doubting yourself Rewriting identity in your 40s: reflections on parent

Have you ever considered that the most powerful spiritual practices might start with a game? In this heart-expanding episode, I sit down with healer Roya Darling and tech entrepreneur Andrew Chomer—partners in life and purpose—for a deeply reflective and refreshingly real conversation on relationships, rituals, and returning to self. From their unconventional morning practice of playing backgammon as a spiritual ritual to lessons on energy clearing, trauma healing, and raising empathic children, this episode invites us to examine how small moments can lead to radical transformation. Whether you’re navigating personal growth, partnership, or simply looking for a new way to start your day with intention, this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, seen, and inspired.   ****   Release details for the NEW BOOK. Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Than

Are you truly connected to the most authentic version of yourself, both personally and professionally? In the latest episode of Behind the Human, we delve into the remarkable journey of Sheleana Aiyana, founder of Rising Woman. From overcoming a challenging past marked by trauma and transformation, Sheleana has cultivated a global community of over 2.5 million followers dedicated to conscious relationships and spiritual growth. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and self-discovery. Key insights from our conversation include:

How can we better attune ourselves to the energy within and around us? On this episode of Behind the Human, we explore the mystic heart and the significant power it holds with Estelle Bingham, a distinguished holistic therapist and metaphysical teacher. Estelle's book, "Manifest Your True Essence," is a treasure trove of wisdom on: Cultivating heart coherence Accessing profound intuition Living a heart-led life Discover how tuning into our heart's wisdom can pave the way for deeper connections and transformative growth in this engaging episode.   ****   Release details for the NEW BOOK. Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at check-out for savings on your next purchase. ✈️ * Special props

We welcome back entrepreneur Lauren Dovey, founder of the Australian wellness tech company Heat Healer. Lauren discusses the growth of Heat Healer, the development of innovative products like the lymphatic suit, and the importance of maintaining 'feel good energy.' She also shares insights into her personal and professional journey, including her mental fitness practices such as journaling, manifestation, and Vedic meditation. Join us for an inspiring conversation about entrepreneurship, wellness, and balancing family life with business growth.   ****   Release details for the NEW BOOK here. Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at check-out for savings on your next purchase. ✈️ * Special props

Trey Ratcliff is a pioneering photographer and artist celebrated for his work in High Dynamic Range (HDR) photography. He is the founder of StuckInCustoms.com, the world's premier travel photography blog, where he shares his captivating images and stories from around the globe. Through his photography and creative endeavors, Trey aims to promote mindfulness and consciousness, inspiring millions of followers across various platforms. Recently, he has ventured into writing with his personal and spiritual memoir, "Soul's Compass: An Awakening Odyssey Beyond Earth," which explores his profound experiences in spirituality and the nature of reality, marking a new chapter in his creative journey. Also, the 3D > 5D video mentioned - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-2YBblXmPc&ab_channel=AfterSkool   ****   How Prepared is Your Team for the Next Big Disruption? Future-proof your team with Malosiminds.com * Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | Linked

I sit down with Paige Novick, a visionary jewelry designer and spiritual teacher. Paige shares her unique journey from an internship at Chanel with Karl Lagerfeld to establishing a successful fine jewelry and lifestyle brand in New York City. She discusses the integration of luxury design with spiritual wisdom and her transformative six-month period of meditation which took her business to new heights. The conversation also delves into Paige's practices for maintaining creative flow and her perspective on balancing business and spiritual alignment.   ****   How Prepared is Your Team for the Next Big Disruption? Future-proof your team with Malosiminds.com * Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter  Drop a review and let me know what resonates with you about the show! Thanks as always for listening and have the best day yet! * A special thanks to MONOS, our official travel partner for Behind the Human! Use MONOSBTH10 at

This week on Behind the Human, I sit down with Leon Logothetis, a former stockbroker turned adventurer, motivational speaker, TV host, and bestselling author. Leon discusses his transformative journey around the world relying on the kindness of strangers, leading to his acclaimed Netflix series, The Kindness Diaries. Leon's latest documentary, The Kindness Within: A Journey to Freedom on Amazon Prime, explores themes of self-discovery, healing, and universal connection. Throughout the interview, Leon reflects on his mental health struggles, the power of kindness, and the significance of living from the heart. The conversation delves into Leon's quest to find God in India, his filmmaking process, and the ongoing journey of integrating profound spiritual insights into everyday life.   ****   How Prepared is Your Team for the Next Big Disruption? Future-proof your team with Malosiminds.com * Get your copy of Personal Socrates: Better Questions, Better Life   Connect with Marc >>>  Website | LinkedIn | Instagram

Are you in control of your digital habits or are they controlling you? I sit down with Jay Vidyarthi to unravel the complexities of maintaining mindful relationships with technology. Jay, a writer, meditator, and thought leader in digital wellness, offers compelling strategies to reclaim our attention in a tech-driven world. His latest book, "Reclaim Your Mind," provides actionable insights to help you: