Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success

Episodi

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  Jon Hacker - The Uphill Battle of a Young Entrepreneur 16.09.2026 57min

  It's tough enough being an entrepreneur.Having a genius idea has its own challenges.Being young doesn't make it any easier.Add in weird and thinking you can do it all on your own, and you're got a real headache.Then, top it off with a lack of high mental fitness and you enter the realm of Impossible.In a nutshell, that's my guest in this podcast episode, Jon Hacker, founder of NeurGear and ZenBud.Jon opens up about his journey as a young entrepreneur who had to learn a bunch of lessons really quick to create the success he has achieved today.We also talk about:Trust and RespectPassionThe upside to being weirdand where the grass is really greenerWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success? Send Mikal Nielsen a message on PodMatch here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitnessTo learn more about Jon Hacker and ZenBud, check out his website here: https://zenbud.health/Jon’s socials: @zenbudhealth @jon_t_hackerConnect with him on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hacker/#mentalfitness #entrepreneur #youngentrepreneur
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  Double Trouble - Stop it! 09.09.2026 31min

  Lower mental fitness does not create more trouble in your life and business.But, it creates more Double Trouble.In this episode of Mental Fitness - The Gateway to success, we dive into the more subtle and unconscious trouble we crate on top of the trouble we already have.We can't avoid trouble.But, we can avoid double trouble through the awareness of it.In this podcast episode, you will learn:  How and why we create double trouble  Where to focus to reduce and eliminate it  The beautiful foundation that drives all thisThe book I briefly mention is the Quick Fix to Any Problem. Available on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X6Y2ME4Want to speed up your own journey of getting rid of double trouble?Message me or email: [email protected]#MentalFitness #Freedom #Happiness
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  From stroke induced business life to wood turning with Chip Scholz 02.09.2026 1h 2min

  A high flying business life with all the trimmings came to an abrupt stop for Chip Scholz. A stroke and having to relearn how to move, to speak and to read changed everything.In our podcast conversation, Chip shares how wood turning helped him recover and re-invent himself to health, writing books and becoming an executive coach.We talk about the role of mental fitness in it all and the importance of staying curious, present and patient.Chip also introduces us to the green character from the 1950s: Gumby and the term Semper Gumby which is about staying flexible in business.And here the books that Chip refers to:Being Wrong by Kathryn Schultz,From Strength to Strength by Arthur C BrooksThe Second Mountain by David Brooks.  Check out Chip’s own books on Amazon:Every Dog Has Its Day  https://a.co/d/0huQdkPESmall Decisions, Big Shifts  https://a.co/d/06TwM9qtFor more on Chip Scholz and to connect:FB: https://www.facebook.com/ChippturnsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chipscholz/Website: https://www.scholzandassociates.comWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success? Send Mikal Nielsen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness#MentalFitness #PersonalGrowth #Freedom
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  How mental fitness helps with mental health issues 26.08.2026 36min

  In this episode of Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success, we dive into where and how mental fitness relates to mental health.I share my personal view on the way the term ‘Mental Health' is used these days.And I share a very personal story of my biggest mental health issue - depression - and how I rid myself of it using mental fitness.I dive into the role the mind plays in mental health issues and why - to me - mental fitness is critically important in dealing with those issues.If you want to explore this in more depth with me, email me at [email protected]#MentalFitness #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth
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  Corporate ‘kick ass’ to meditation teacher - Katharine Chestnut’s raw story 19.08.2026 1h 2min

  In this episode, I sit down with Katharine Chestnut for the raw, reflective and inspiring story of her life, from corporate ‘kick ass’ to meditation facilitator via an abusive marriage, motherhood and burnout.Although this conversation with Katharine is of value to anyone, I feel it speaks in particular to women in business.Topics we cover:Regrets... putting them it right placeEmotions... using them for what they are made forMeditation Snacking... the way forwardMental Fitness... the key role it plays in both ups and downs Check out Katharine's books and other valuable services she provides here: https://katharinechestnut.com/Connect with her on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drumbabe/Want to be a guest on Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success? Send me a message on PodMatch here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness
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  Meditation Snacking: Grow Your Mental Fitness the Easy Way 12.08.2026 38min

  In this episode I share something I’ve had a lot of success with — both personally and as a coach: Meditation Snacking.I walk through my 30+ year meditation journey and the simple shift that changed everything for me.We explore:• What meditation really is• The essence and true purpose of it• Why most people believe it’s good for them… yet still don’t do it• How surprisingly easy and quick it can bePlus, as always, we look at how this ties directly into mental fitness — and why it delivers a powerful double benefit.If you’d like personal guidance with meditation snacking, get in touch: [email protected]
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  Near Death, Long COVID & 12 Books: Holly Porter on Mental Fitness, Purpose & Redefining Success 05.08.2026 1h 3min

  In this inspiring episode of Mental Fitness – the Gateway to Success, I sit down with Holly Porter — serial entrepreneur, mum, author of 12 books, Long COVID survivor, and someone who has lived through a near-death experience.Holly shares how extreme adversity completely reshaped the way she lives and leads. We dig into:How to stay centered when life and business feel overwhelmingly busyThe quiet power of purpose (even when you don’t fully know what it is yet)A healthier, more sustainable definition of successWhere mental fitness fits into leadership, parenting, and building a meaningful lifeFinding inner peace, joy, and happiness — while also facing the hard, messy parts we usually avoidHolly is refreshingly honest about both the breakthroughs and the struggles. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom for anyone navigating high pressure, recovery, or the desire to build a life and business that actually feels good.🔗 Holly’s latest passion project: https://internationalretreatassociation.com/📚 Her books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B06XC3LCFM💼 Connect with Holly on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollyporterWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness – the Gateway to Success?Message Mikal Nielsen on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness#MentalFitness #Leadership #Purpose #Entrepreneurship #NearDeathExperience #LongCOVID #PersonalGrowth
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  Turning the Five Dysfunctions of a Team into Strengths with Mental Fitness 29.07.2026 37min

  In this episode we dive into The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni and explore how a lack of mental fitness fuels every one of those dysfunctions.You’ll discover how growing mental fitness — in both the team and the team leader — transforms those same dysfunctions into powerful strengths that drive real success and the outcomes you actually want.This episode builds directly on Episode 50, where we explored the importance of building great team cultures.Missed it? Catch it here: https://youtu.be/-Sd1aNoGYRYThe practical field guide I mention (packed with tools for working with the dysfunctions) is:Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni.Got specific questions or want to explore how this applies to your team? Email us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you.#TeamCulture #MentalFitness #Leadership #FiveDysfunctions #PatrickLencioni #TeamPerformance
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  Becoming yourself, Steve Barton's journey to freedom and Mental Fitness 22.07.2026 1h 2min

  As we head into the 2nd inning (year 2) of this podcast, we start with a very different and candid guest episode with Steve Barton.We get into the deeper stuff - the deeper essence of being a human being - while still operating in the world of running a business, being married and growing a family.Steve shares openly - and humourishly - about his journey of ups and downs, massively growing a business, discovering the F word and how that changed everything.And, of course, we relate all that to mental fitness and how it impacts outcomes.In our conversation, Steve guides me through a powerful process he calls “The GAME of TEN”. Here the steps:I am TenI'm doing the best that I can with the awareness I haveI'm always right with the awareness I haveI am enoughI do enoughI have enoughLike most of my guests, Steve and I met on PodMatch, the dating app for podcasters and guests. If you - or someone you know - want to be a guest on this podcast, connect with me on PodMatch here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitnessTo learn more about Steve Barton and access the book he wrote with his son, here the details:Book Link:https://www.amazon.com/Father-Son-Aha-Moment-Happiness/dp/B09QP3KDBKThe Father The Son and The AHA Moment"Tools For Helping You and Your Child develop a path To Happiness."Website: www.stevebartoncoaching.comLInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/service-marketplace/projects/15194679164/
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  Building Elite Team Cultures: Mental Fitness, Change & Leadership 15.07.2026 36min

  In this episode, I share a powerful real-world example from a conversation I had with a CEO just a few hours before recording — diving deep into what it actually takes to create and grow exceptional team cultures.We explore how mental fitness plays a crucial role across every stage of cultural change, whether you’re operating at a small scale or transforming a large organization. I break down the natural resistance to change that every leader faces and, more importantly, where to focus your energy to overcome it.Whether you lead a great team, a good one, an average one, or one that’s struggling — the fundamental key to improvement remains the same. This episode delivers practical insights you can apply immediately.If you’re a leader ready to elevate your team culture and want to explore this personally in your own context, email me at [email protected] and we’ll set up a conversation.
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  Lessons from the Diamond: Mental Fitness with Award-Winning Coach Tim Neiman 08.07.2026 1h 2min

  From the baseball diamond to the stage and the mic, Tim Neiman has spent a lifetime mastering leadership, resilience, and mental toughness.In this episode of Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success, I sit down with award-winning baseball coach, speaker, author and podcaster Tim Neiman to explore how the lessons learned on the field directly translate to mental fitness and success in life.We dive deep into:How not to talk to umpires (and why emotional control matters)Making tough decisions with playersThe evolution of maturing as a coach over decadesAn unexpected health scare that changed everythingConnecting all of it back to mental fitness and personal growthTim also shares the inspiring story behind his own podcast, Straight Lines Podcast, and why staying aligned with your principles is everything. (I was honored to be a guest on his show just last week!)Whether you’re a coach, athlete, leader, or someone working on your own mental game, this conversation is packed with insights and wisdom to ponder and implement.Connect with Tim Neiman:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-neimanWebsite and Podcast: https://coachtimneiman.com/🎙️ Want to be a guest on Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success? Message Mikal Nielsen on PodMatch: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness👉 Watch Tim’s episode with Mikal on his Straight Lines Podcast here: https://youtu.be/1Ar0B1aERIs?si=WgBW-AQ14GdThSn3
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  Seek to Understand Before Being Understood - in Life & Leadership | 1-Year Anniversary 01.07.2026 38min

  Thank you for an incredible first year! 🎉 In this special 1-year anniversary episode, I celebrate you — our listeners — and share one of the most transformative principles I live by and teach as a coach:“Always seek to understand before seeking to be understood.”I dive deep into why this simple yet profound phrase is so powerful in both personal and professional life. From navigating challenging family conversations (where I find it hardest to apply) to its critical role in social interactions and the workplace, this mindset shifts everything.I also explore how it separates great leadership from mere management, and I connect it to my favorite coaching analogy: the GPS — you must first know your starting point before you can guide anyone effectively.Whether you’re a leader, parent, partner, or someone who wants to improve your relationships and communication, this episode will give you practical insights you can apply immediately.If this phrase or episode resonates with you, please share it with someone who needs to hear it. Thank you for being part of this journey — here’s to Year 2!If you want to explore this in a more personal way, email me at [email protected].
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  From Car Crashes to Crystal Clarity: Alan Lazaros on Aligned Success 24.06.2026 45min

  In this educational episode of Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success, my guest, Alan Lazaros, opens up about the dramatic turning points that transformed his life and business.Alan shares the critical difference between his early success — which lacked deeper alignment — and the serious wake-up call that finally brought everything into focus. He reveals the three life-altering events that changed everything, including two major car accidents, as well as the pivotal moment he realized he was gifted — a realization that completely redefined how he approaches life and business.To wrap up, Alan delivers three practical gems everyone can apply immediately to elevate their own success:Habit TrackingWho Do You AdmireTaking The High RoadWhether you’re navigating setbacks, searching for alignment, or looking to level up your mindset and results, this conversation is filled with raw honesty, resilience, and actionable wisdom.Connect with Alan Lazaros:Facebook: www.facebook.com/alan.lazarosInstagram: @alazaros88LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alanlazarosllcYouTube: @NextLevelUniversityWebsite: nextleveluniverse.comWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success? Message Mikal Nielsen on PodMatch → podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitnessIf you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review — it helps us bring more inspiring stories to you!New episode every week.
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  F*ck the Shoulds: Break Free from Procrastination 17.06.2026 38min

  In this powerful episode of Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success, we’re tackling the hidden force behind procrastination, stress, anxiety, and frustration: the Shoulds.You’ll discover:How “shoulds” quietly drain your energy and keep you stuckWhy they hide in plain sight (and how to spot them)The crucial difference between internal and external shouldsA simple, highly effective countermeasure that actually worksAnd most importantly — what Mental Fitness has to do with all of it (hint: everything).If you’ve been avoiding important tasks, feeling overwhelmed, pissed off, or anxious, there’s almost always a “should” at play. This episode will help you identify it, challenge it, and finally move from procrastination to productive action.Stop letting invisible rules run your life. It’s time to say F*ck the Shoulds.🎧 Tune in now and start reclaiming your energy and momentum.If you want to explore this more deeply in your own life and business, email me at [email protected]
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  From Threat of Jail Time to Global Red Light Empire: John Harper’s “Slow Up” Journey 10.06.2026 59min

  In this powerful and deeply honest episode of Mental Fitness – The Gateway to Success, Mikal Nielsen sits down with John Harper — founder of the international red light therapy company Lumaflex.John shares his remarkable journey from facing the threat of jail time, struggling with mental fitness, and battling a brain tumor… to becoming a calm, confident entrepreneur who built a thriving global business. Through his own physical struggles and healing process, he discovered the transformative power of red light therapy — which led him to create high-quality red light therapy devices now used around the world.This conversation is packed with raw insights on:Moving from mental chaos to calm confidenceTaking calculated risksThe critical importance of mental fitnessAnd the simple yet profound philosophy that changed everything: “Slow Up?”If you’re looking for inspiration, practical wisdom, and proof that it’s possible to turn your deepest struggles into your greatest success, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with John Harper & Lumaflex:Website: www.lumaflex.comInstagram: @johngrahamfitness & @lumaflexLinkedIn: John Graham HarperX: @LumaflexBodyProFacebook: John Graham Harper & LumaflexWant to be a guest on the show? Reach out to Mikal Nielsen on PodMatch: podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness
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  Mental Fitness vs Physical Fitness: Who Wins? 03.06.2026 33min

  (Incredibly Results from 77,000+ Business Leaders)What is most important for business owners and leaders — Mental Fitness or Physical Fitness?I asked this question to over 77,000 business owners and leaders, and the results genuinely surprised me. In this episode, I reveal the clear winner, share the fascinating (and sometimes controversial) data behind it, and explain why the outcome left me both excited and frustrated.I also dive deeper into the powerful relationship between mental and physical fitness — why they’re not actually in competition, and how the best leaders approach both. Plus, I answer some of the most interesting questions that came up during the research.This episode references these two previous guest episodes:•  EP19 with Clayton•  EP37 with JD TremblayIf you’re a leader who wants to develop Mental Fitness in yourself or across your organization, check out my Positive Intelligence profile here.Interested in bringing Mental Fitness training into your team or company? Email me at [email protected]
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  Brain Athletes: The New Leaders in Business | Arnold Beekes 27.05.2026 49min

  In this powerful episode, Dutch-born former COO and CEO Arnold Beekes shares his bold vision for the future of leadership: Brain Athletes.After decades at the top of multinational corporations managing up to 6,000 employees, Arnold walked away from traditional corporate life and the disillusionment of his home country, Holland. Now based in Paraguay, he’s on a mission to develop a new generation of leaders through his Better for All Leaders movement.Arnold opens up about his personal transformation — moving from outer-world success to true inner-world mastery — and introduces the concept of Brain Athletes: leaders who train their minds with the same discipline elite athletes train their bodies.Key Takeaways:How to shift your inner critic into your inner cheerleaderWhy helping others is essential for authentic leadershipThe power of staying curious in a fast-changing worldIf you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone who wants to perform at a higher level mentally and emotionally, this episode will inspire and equip you with practical wisdom.Connect with Arnold Beekes:Better for All Leaders → brainathletes.clubFree Brain Health Community → skool.com/brain-fitness-7070Twitter/X: @ArnoldBeekesLinkedIn: Arnold BeekesYouTube: @ArnoldBeekesInstagram: @arnold.beekesMental Fitness: The Gateway To Success PodcastSubscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode.Let us know in the comments: Are you ready to become a Brain Athlete?#Leadership #MentalFitness #BrainHealth #PersonalDevelopment #EntrepreneurshipWant to be a guest on Mental Fitness - the Gateway to Success? Send Mikal Nielsen a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/mentalfitness
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  Happy For No Reason: The Ultimate Human Desire 20.05.2026 37min

  Happy For No Reason: The Ultimate Human DesireIn this powerful episode of Mental Fitness: The Gateway to Success, we explore one of humanity’s deepest drives — the pursuit of happiness.I reveal my core belief that happiness is not something we need to chase or earn — it is our natural state, our birthright, and the strongest hidden driver behind sustainable success.You’ll discover the surprising answer to this key question:What does happiness have to do with mental fitness?My answer? Everything… and nothing.I break down the powerful distinction between:•  Happiness for a reason (conditional, fragile, and temporary)•  Happiness for no reason (unconditional, resilient, and life-changing)This episode draws deep inspiration from Marci Shimoff’s transformative book Happy for No Reason and shows you how cultivating “happy for no reason” dramatically strengthens your mental fitness, clarity, and leadership presence.Whether you’re a business owner, leader, or anyone seeking more fulfillment, this conversation will challenge how you think about happiness and give you a new foundation for both personal joy and professional success
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  No One Can Hurt You: Heartfelt Wisdom with Saw Myint 13.05.2026 32min

  In this heartfelt episode of Mental Fitness: The Gateway to Success, I sit down with Saw Myint — a Burmese-born mortgage broker now thriving in Sydney, Australia. Saw shares how she blends the Buddhist way with the fast-paced world of business, proving you don’t need to sit on a cushion to live mindfully.This conversation is packed with practical life wisdom and powerful gems, including:Why we unnecessarily hold on to past events — and how to finally let them goThe liberating truth that no one can hurt us psychologicallyThe profound power of having a genuine desire to help othersSaw’s journey and insights offer a refreshing perspective on resilience, purpose, healing and success that goes beyond traditional self-help.Listen now for inspiration that will shift how you approach both life and business.To learn more about Saw Myint and her work:Facebook: One Stop Property FinanceEmail: [email protected] you’d like to explore meditation and its benefits for your personal and professional life, email me at: [email protected]
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  Mental Fitness: The New Superpower for Leadership & Business Success 06.05.2026 15min

  In this episode of Mental Fitness - The Gateway to Success, we dive deep into why mental fitness is rapidly becoming the ultimate competitive advantage in business and leadership.Mental fitness is the ability to face challenges, pressure, and conflict with clarity and positivity — free from stress, frustration, worry, or anger. Leaders who develop it don’t just survive tough environments; they thrive in them.I explore how mental fitness directly transforms key leadership areas:- Taking smart Risks- Masterful Listening- Boosting Creativity- Authentic Connecting- Team Building (and how to grow mental fitness across your team)- Sales excellenceWhether you’re a business owner, leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode delivers insights to the importance of strengthening your mental game and unlock higher performance.If you found this valuable, please share it with your network.Want to explore how mental fitness can specifically elevate your leadership or business? Reach out — I’d love to talk (book a call here)Interested in sharing your own story as a guest? Join me on PodMatch here