Peakality Podcast

The Accidental CEO: I Didn't Even Think I Belonged Here with Mark Steiner

What happens when the CEO running the show feels like he's faking it? In this episode, Mark Steiner, co-founder of Gig Salad, sits down with Courtney to unpack what he calls being an "accidental CEO." From skipping college to building one of the largest event marketplaces in the country, Mark shares the messy, non-linear path that got him there, and the late-in-life ADHD diagnosis that finally made it all make sense. This one goes deep into impostor syndrome, masking, sobriety, adoption, and what it really means to lead with humility. A real conversation for anyone who's ever felt too creative for business and too business-minded for the artists. 🎧 Tune in to the latest episode of the Peakality Podcast

How Social Media Is Actually Rewiring Your Nervous System - Dr. Bruce Wayne Meleski

What if the gap between your biology and modern technology is the real reason you can't sleep, focus, or feel calm? In this thought-provoking episode, I sit down with Dr. Bruce Wayne Meleski, founder of Body Logic and a pioneer in human performance, to explore why traditional practices fall short in today's overstimulated world and how HIIT training for the brain can rewire your nervous system from the body up. In This Episode, You'll Learn: — Why the evolutionary mismatch between technology and biology is fueling anxiety, insomnia, and burnout — How peak performance shifts from physical conditioning to mental capacity at the highest levels — The science behind neuroception training and how it builds new neural pathways that supersede old patterns — Why "more is better" is the wrong philosophy for the brain and what to do instead — How the "tug of war" moment signals real transformation in progress — The truth about energy, modulation, and emergent integration in human performance Whether you're an executive battling burnout, an athlete chasing your next level, or anyone feeling the weight of modern life on your nervous system, this conversation delivers grounded science and practical wisdom on calming the system and reclaiming clarity. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, performance, and human potential.

Reinventing Yourself After a Stroke: Art, Resilience & the Power of Mindset with Mark T. Smith

div]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-2 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8"> _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 standard-markdown"> What does it take to rebuild your identity when everything you've worked for is stripped away? In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with Mark T. Smith, an internationally acclaimed artist and creative executive, to explore how creativity becomes a survival skill and what it means to keep creating when life forces you to start over. In This Episode, You'll Learn: - How to recover creative skills and identity after a stroke, and the mindset shift that unlocked it - Why the "beginner's mind" is the secret weapon against imposter syndrome - How to build a "force field" that protects your energy from negativity - Why process matters more than the final product - Simple truths on discipline, manifesting goals, and taking that first messy step Whether you're navigating creative blocks, rebuilding after setback, or seeking wisdom on resilience, this conversation delivers honest stories and actionable insights. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, innovation, and personal growth.

Why the Best Leaders Stop Talking and Start Listening with Paul Sohl

What does it take to lead through complexity, from the cockpit of an F-18 to the boardroom of a nonprofit driving innovation across 23 counties? In this episode, I sit down with Rear Admiral Paul Sohl, a retired US Navy flag officer, test pilot, engineer, and current CEO of the Florida High Tech Corridor, to explore how the principles of military leadership translate into building thriving innovation ecosystems in the civilian world. With 33 years of service spanning aviation, test pilot school command, and oversight of all Navy warfighting systems testing, Paul has led at every level, from the ready room to enterprise-scale operations. Now, he's channeling that experience into convening universities, industry, and government to catalyze innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurship across Florida. In This Episode, You'll Learn: - Paul's unexpected path from a Midwestern kid to MIT, Navy ROTC, and a 33-year military career - What the Navy really looks for in test pilots, and why they don't want Maverick - The humbling reality of career failure and how it builds resilience - Why "work-life balance" is a myth, and what to do instead - How to navigate the military-to-civilian transition with grace and curiosity - Why community-driven innovation matters more than ever - The convergence of gaming, AI, and medicine, and what it means for the next generation - Simple but powerful leadership truths: stop talking, start listening, and let your team lead Whether you're a leader navigating transition, a parent raising the next generation of innovators, or someone seeking practical wisdom on leadership and resilience, this conversation delivers real stories and actionable insights. Don't forget to subscribe for more conversations on leadership, innovation, and personal growth.

Training the Mind: Focus, Memory, and Growth with Dr. Rick Addante

In this week's Peakality Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Rick Addante, neuroscientist at the National Institutes of Health, NASA mission crew member, and former wrestling coach at the Olympic Training Center. We unpack how to: ⚙️ Prime your brain for peak performance before the pressure hits 💡 Use the science of "slowing down" to outperform under stress 💬 Build teams rooted in honest communication, not just positivity 🧠 Give yourself grace with memory — and hack it with simple techniques 🌱 Protect your critical thinking skills in the age of AI If you're chasing better performance, stronger leadership, or just trying to understand what your brain is really capable of, this one's for you. 🎧 Listen now! #PeakalityPodcast #Neuroscience #PeakPerformance #BrainScience #MentalPerformance #LeadershipDevelopment #GrowthMindset #StressManagement #CriticalThinking #HumanPerformance #NASAScience #MindsetMatters