Kyo Conversations

What changes when you stop looking at someone for what they’ve done—and start asking who they are?Marc sits down with Diane Kahn, founder of Humans of San Quentin, who has interviewed more than 3,000 incarcerated individuals around the world. Diane shares how a single question—“How are you?”—can break open years of silence, shame, and survival.Together, they explore the unseen stories behind incarceration, why nearly everyone she meets inside was a victim first, how media narratives distort our understanding of “criminals,” and what it truly means to approach another human being with compassion. This episode challenges assumptions, expands empathy, and reveals the healing power of being seen.Timestamps:00:00 — “Who are you?”01:00 — From teacher to prison educator04:00 — The moment her perception of “prison” shattered05:45 — Who we’re really locking up07:00 — Why the media is feeding us the wrong story10:00 — The power of asking: “How are you?”15:00 — Building trust inside a hyper-surveille

What happens to a society that forgets how to be surprised — and how do we rebuild our capacity to truly see one another?Andy Mills, award-winning journalist and master storyteller explores the search for meaning, the role of curiosity in modern journalism, and why culture — not legislation — may be the single most powerful force shaping our future.We talk about Andy’s early years in ministry, his transformative time reporting in South Sudan, and the worldview that emerged from witnessing both the best and hardest parts of humanity. Then we dive into his groundbreaking AI series The Last Invention (Apple | Spotify) and why he believes this moment represents a hinge point in human history.This episode blends philosophy, journalism, mental fitness, and cultural critique — ultimately reminding us that even in times of rapid technological change, the most important tools we have are still profoundly human.Timestamps:00:00 – Identity & Meaning02:00 – Leaving Religion & Finding Story05:00 – T

What do you do when the world starts changing faster than your ability to make sense of it?Do you hold tighter to what you know… or do you learn how to evolve, let go, and redefine who you are?In this episode, I sit down with legendary investor and True Ventures partner Tony Conrad, a man who has helped shape some of the most influential companies of the past two decades — and who is now in the most reflective stage of his life and career.We talk about the quiet side of leadership, the inner work required to stay relevant, why the AI revolution is forcing everyone to rethink their value, and how a surreal moment in a deportation jail in India woke him up to the fragility of everything we take for granted.Timestamps:00:00 — Who is Tony Conrad? Identity beyond job titles02:00 — Building True Ventures & the early days nobody saw05:00 — The J-curve years: failure, doubt, and patience08:00 — AI: the biggest shift of Tony’s lifetime10:00 — How True Ventures stays mentally fit as a team12:00 — Cul

What if one small, curious decision could ripple across generations and change the world?In this heartfelt episode, Marc sits down with Lindsay Mattick, creative director, entrepreneur, and author of the bestselling Finding Winnie — the true story that inspired Winnie the Pooh. Lindsay shares how her great-grandfather’s compassionate act of buying a bear cub for $20 during WWI led to one of the most beloved characters in literary history.Their conversation unfolds into a masterclass in creativity, storytelling, and the art of slowing down. From starting her own agency to balancing motherhood and meaning, Lindsay explores how we can all find connection, courage, and calm in a world obsessed with speed — and why she still walks every morning at sunrise to clear her mind and reconnect with her creative flow.Timestamps:[00:00] – Who is Lindsay Mattick? Mother, entrepreneur, and creative storyteller.[02:00] – The leap into entrepreneurship and learning to take risks.[06:00] – The

What would change if every leader brought their whole heart to work?Marc sits down with Claude Silver, Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX and the force of empathy behind Gary Vaynerchuk’s global company, to celebrate the launch of her debut book Be Yourself at Work. Claude opens up about the years-long journey of writing it, how she overcame self-sabotage, and why patience—not pressure—is the real superpower of sustainable leadership.Together, they explore how fear and “fake urgency” have hijacked workplace culture, and how reconnecting to our hearts can transform not only how we lead but how we live. Claude shares her raw stories—from a 93-day wilderness expedition that redefined her resilience to the rituals she uses daily to “clean her mind.”Timestamps:00:00 — Who is Claude Silver? From Chief Heart Officer to lifelong learner02:00 — The calm before launch: why release day felt peaceful, not pressured04:30 — Dancing with self-sabotage and learning to finish what you start06:45 — Why writing

What if three tiny resets could transform your day? Neuroscientist and BrainTap founder Dr. Patrick Porter joins Marc to demystify brainwaves (alpha/theta), reveal why most adults are missing true recovery, and share simple, science-backed protocols to sleep deeper, focus better, and bounce back faster. From box breathing to hydration with minerals to timing your coffee, Dr. Porter shows how micro-habits compound into macro clarity.Timestamps:00:00 – Who is Dr. Patrick Porter? From early biofeedback to BrainTap’s mission02:30 – Growing up with the Silva Method: shifting from negativity to possibility10:30 – Brainwaves 101: beta (reactive) vs. alpha (neutral/creative) vs. theta (inventive)14:30 – Sound & light entrainment: isochronic tones, binaural beats, and why groups sync18:00 – Sleep and the brain’s detox system; why level-4 sleep matters23:00 – The “3 daily resets”: morning, afternoon, evening (and what to do in each)24:10 – Morning: no blaring alarm; psychological sighs; sunlight & grounding28:0

What if the way you move your body could completely rewrite how you think, feel, and lead?In this conversation, fitness entrepreneur and creator of the 21 Day Fix, Autumn Calabrese, joins Marc to explore how motion heals the mind, why failure is an essential teacher, and how our hardest moments often shape our greatest growth. From her childhood in Cleveland to building one of the most-watched fitness empires on the planet, Autumn opens up about trauma, self-belief, morning rituals, and the micro-habits that keep her centered while impacting millions.Timestamps:00:00 — Who are you?04:00 — From dance to personal training09:30 — Healing old wounds through creation13:00 — Hitting rock bottom and finding Tony Robbins18:00 — Movement as medicine22:00 — The 21 Day Fix origin story28:00 — Speaking dreams into the universe34:00 — Building a new brand and following the signs35:00 — Morning rituals and mindset training40:00 — Micro habits, not extremes45:00 — Evening rituals and breathwork49:00 — What’s next for A

What if the key to fulfillment wasn’t found in what you achieve, but in how you experience it?In this powerful and vulnerable conversation, entrepreneur and consciousness teacher Scott Britton joins Marc to explore the intersection of achievement and awareness. From his early startup success and outward perfection to a deep inner reckoning, Scott shares how meditation, psychedelics, and daily self-inquiry helped him awaken to a new way of living — one that integrates consciousness directly into work, relationships, and leadership. Together, they discuss the shift from “doing” to “being,” the layers of healing that unfold over time, and why true growth happens not on silent retreats but in the chaos of everyday life.Timestamps:02:00 – The moment Scott realized he wasn’t his thoughts05:00 – How alopecia and stress led to meditation07:00 – Outward success vs. inner emptiness09:30 – The opening that came through suffering10:00 – Ayahuasca and the direct experience of consciousne

What if the sanctuary you’re looking for is one you build with your own two hands?In this episode, I sit with Michael Dellios, artist, builder, and co-founder of Sip Saunas. From growing up on job sites with his father to becoming a lifelong entrepreneur, Michael shares how following his curiosity led him from advertising to furniture-making to creating spaces that restore health, connection, and presence.We dive into sauna culture, rituals that quiet the mind, and why creating sacred spaces—whether it’s a chair, a mug, or a sauna—can transform the way we live.This is a conversation about creativity, resilience, trusting your gut, and building not just structures, but experiences that last for generations.Timestamps:00:00 – Who is Michael Dellios? A beautifully imperfect human02:00 – The peace of building with your hands04:00 – Growing up with a builder father and learning artistry through design05:30 – The entrepreneurial journey: from grass-cutting to marketing to music to furn

What if a single accident could forever change the way you see life, fear, and possibility?In this powerful conversation, Lisa Garr—broadcaster, entrepreneur, and near-death experiencer—shares how a mountain biking crash opened a door to another dimension of awareness. From navigating memory loss and brain healing to building a career amplifying voices of transformation, Lisa reveals how imagination, intention, and perspective can unlock flow and possibility in all our lives.Timestamps:[00:01:00] The accident that changed everything—Lisa’s near-death experience and the pine tree lesson.[00:05:00] The fear that shut her voice down—and two years of recovery through meditation and neurofeedback.[00:12:00] Why imagination is the golden key to unlocking miracles.[00:17:00] Flow states, awareness, and how we can experience “near-death insights” without trauma.[00:23:00] Fear vs. presence: why fear only exists in the past and future.[00:25:00] The Bali story—helping a friend hover betwe

What sustains you when you’re standing between who you’ve been and who you’re becoming?In this conversation, Marc sits down with Lamees Butt, builder, entrepreneur, and founder of Riser, to explore what it really takes to thrive in the messy middle of building. From Lego castles as a child to scaling tech companies and now reimagining the hiring process, Lamees shares candid insights on resilience, visualization, confidence, and why culture—not skill—determines success.She also opens up about the personal loss of her mother and how her mother’s lessons in confidence continue to shape her journey today. This is an honest, practical, and deeply human look at building—whether it’s a career, a company, or yourself.Timestamps:00:00 | Who are you? Lamees on being a builder03:00 | From Lego blocks to early entrepreneurial sparks06:00 | First ventures, failures, and the lessons of timing08:00 | Losing autonomy and the awakening to build for herself11:00 | Visualization + planning: Lamees’ practice for clari

What if the most honest conversation you’ll ever have is the one you write to yourself?Depression cycles, chasing highs, and the quiet power of contentment — Oliver Mann shares a practical journaling approach that actually creates change: Reveal → Reclaim → Rewrite, plus the underrated technique of dialogue writing (a Jung-inspired way to talk with parts of yourself) and why community turns a private practice into real-world transformation. We also explore “success compounds, mistakes disappear,” how to stop outsourcing self-worth, and why you don’t need perfect handwriting to heal.Show Notes00:00 – 03:15 · Who is Oliver? From cyclical depression to contentment; “success compounds, mistakes disappear.”03:16 – 05:45 · Catching yourself “hunting for highs” vs living from contentment; decoupling self-esteem from external validation.06:00 – 08:30 · Journaling as “self-interrogation” and why the medicine tastes sour before it helps.08:31 – 12:10 · What journaling isn’t: against “tick-box” diaries and mechanical gr

What if your next great story isn’t scripted—it’s discovered? Director and storyteller Kate West (Huckberry Presents) takes us from the Beijing Paralympics to the mountains of Wyoming and into the making of Huckberry’s hit series “DIRT.” We unpack how breaking the fourth wall, leading with curiosity, and lacing scenes with “tidbits” of education keeps viewers glued to the screen—and inspires families (Marc’s included) to explore the world togetherShow Notes00:00 – Who is Kate West? Athlete, mom, storyteller, and the Huckberry Presents lead.01:00 – Origin story: Beijing Olympics and falling in love with Paralympic narratives.02:30 – Imposter syndrome, film in NYC, and choosing the brand route.04:00 – Brand storytelling vs. ads; why lifestyle matters more than slogans.05:00 – “Stay curious, seek joy”: the motto Kate shouts to her kids—and her crews.06:00 – Breaking the fourth wall and showing the crew: making BTS part of the story.07:00 – Joy as a production value; mental fitness and presence on set.08:00 – Cre

When was the last time you got quiet enough to hear what your life is already telling you?What powers your best decisions—hustle or quiet? Chef-founder and former actor Vikki Krinsky shares how she turned premonition-level intuition, elite-client kitchen experience, and stubborn resilience into VK Bars, a clean B12 energy bar now landing in luxury hotels—without venture money. From a life-altering choice at 15 to follow her inner signal, to staging in Europe, to cooking for A-listers, to saying “no” to additives and “yes” to athletes, Vikki shows how to stack wins, slow down, and let feelings inform execution. Show Notes00:00 – Who is Vikki? “Fuel” as a life theme; movement, mind, and food as energy.02:00 – Immigrating S. Africa → Canada; early journaling; adversity shaping drive.04:30 – Premonitions as a kid; learning to nurture intuition.07:00 – Pivotal choice at 15: soccer scholarship dreams vs. TV pilot—listening to guidance.10:30 – Industry pressure to get “camera-ready”; shifting into nutrition &am

What if the number that finally got you healthy wasn’t on a scale—but in your biological age?Entrepreneur Tyler Smith shares the gut‑punch test result that said he was “47” at age 39—and how that shock set him on a year‑long quest that became Hundred, a “doctor in your pocket” designed to meet people where they’re at and help them reach their G‑H‑O‑A‑T: greatest health of all time. We dig into baselines before willpower, killing the “sleep is a flex” myth, the power of 100‑day protocols, overcoming siloed health data, and how founders can win more days than they lose. Show Notes00:00 – Who is Tyler, really? Identity beyond the bio; “foodie in training” and restaurant lessons that became life skills.03:00 – Service, speed, problem‑solving. How restaurant work built his entrepreneurial operating system.08:00 – The biological‑age gut punch. “Sleep is irrelevant”… until the test says 47. Family history and motivation.13:00 – Step one: measure everything. Comprehensive bloodwork, genetics, VO₂ max, imaging—wh

What if the biggest obstacle to your health isn’t lack of motivation—but lack of structure?I sit down with Carl Daikeler, the visionary behind Beachbody (now BODi), the billion-dollar fitness platform that revolutionized home workouts with programs like P90X. Carl shares the pivotal “this isn’t it” moment that changed his career trajectory, the early sparks that shaped his creative approach, and the simple yet powerful system he uses to stay consistent—especially when motivation runs out. We explore the magic of accountability groups, the hidden epidemic of loneliness, and why exercise is more than just physical—it’s the gateway to a longer, sharper, and more connected life. Whether you’re a fitness lover or a reluctant exerciser, Carl’s story will challenge you to rethink how you approach health, discipline, and community. Show Notes00:00 – Who is Carl Daikeler without the titles?01:00 – The creative upbringing that planted the seeds for BODi06:00 – Producing sports TV—and the halftime moment that chang

What if death wasn’t something to fear, but a catalyst for your greatest transformation? Somatic practitioner, dancer, and poet Hannah Blake reunites with Marc to explore how we heal, evolve, and reconnect to the heartbeat of nature. They unpack the journey from performance to purpose, discuss the intelligence of the body, and the importance of death—physical, emotional, and egoic—as a portal to rebirth. Hannah shares her personal journey through burnout, Crohn’s disease, plant medicine, and community building in the Oregon forest. This episode dives into the intersection of somatic psychology, sacred ceremony, and the need for collective healing in a fractured world. Our first conversation can be found here.    Show Notes 00:00 – Opening: Who is Hannah today? 02:00 – Revisiting their first conversation and Hannah’s core identity 05:00 – How a cultural dance trip changed her life path 07:00 – Healing Crohn’s and creating the SOM Maya method 10:00 – Dance as spiritual expression, not performance 1

What if the edge you’re searching for isn’t outside of you—but already within? I sit down with Gina Tucci-Karnisovas—mental strength coach and former competitive athlete—to explore the often-overlooked drivers of sustainable performance: breath, presence, visualization, and grounded confidence. Gina shares how embracing both “white belt curiosity” and “black belt strength” helped her navigate intense performance anxiety and how that mindset now shapes her work with elite athletes and high performers. We get into what real confidence looks like, how to stay calm under pressure, and why mental fitness is just as essential as physical training—if not more.   Show Notes 00:00 – The “white belt” mindset: humility, curiosity, and reverence 03:00 – Martial arts, Stoicism, and her evolution into sports psychology 06:00 – Her mom’s legacy: breath, Pac-Man visualization, and mental resilience 10:00 – From performance anxiety to mental strength coaching 12:00 – Discovering breathwork and yoga as transformation

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