How to Make Decisions Under Fire
 Mike Hayes, former commanding officer of SEAL Team Two, joins the show to talk about his new book Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose. He shares hard-won lessons on overcoming doubt, building strong teams, and why serving our communities is one of the highest callings. Even more inspiring - 100% of the book’s profits go to The 1162 Foundation, which has already paid off 11 Gold Star ...
30m Aug 27, 2025
30m
Snack Break: Nikki Sixx
Dan rewinds to his chat with Nikki Sixx, legendary bassist and songwriter for Mötley Crüe. They dig into how the band was founded, what it feels like to hit that opening chord in front of thousands, and why sticking to your guns (and putting in the work) matters more than chasing record deals. Crank up the volume, roll down the windows, and enjoy this bite-sized blast of inspiration. Learn more...
11m Aug 24, 2025
11m
Why Is Everyone Buying Soccer Teams?
Sam Porter began his career as a sports agent before making the leap to sports team owner. Today, he partners with celebrity investors like Ryan Reynolds, Rob Mac, and Eva Longoria to lead Club Necaxa. He joins the show to talk about his new FX/Hulu series Club Necaxa, his philosophy on building winning teams, and the most emotional moment of ownership he’s experienced so far. Want more succes...
33m Aug 20, 2025
33m
Snack Break: Actor Patrick Warburton
You know Patrick Warburton as Putty from Seinfeld, the voice of Joe on Family Guy, or maybe as that very jerky Ken in Bee Movie. In this bite-sized episode, Patrick talks to Dan about what Jerry Seinfeld taught him about leadership, how to survive the highs and lows of a creative career, and why happiness shouldn't wait for success. Last year, Patrick stepped behind the camera to executive pro...
8m Aug 17, 2025
8m
Success Is Running at Your Own Pace (With Beer)
What does it take to climb Mount Everest or run an ultramarathon? Jesse Itzler and Devon Lévesque know from personal experience. That love of testing their limits led them to co-found Runningman,  a three-day health and wellness festival featuring the world’s largest sauna, icy cold plunges, and breakout sessions to help you level up your body and mind.  In this episode, they’ll also share how ...
32m Aug 13, 2025
32m
Snack Break: Ralph Macchio
In this snack, Dan revisits his conversation with the one and only Ralph Macchio, star of The Karate Kid, The Outsiders, and My Cousin Vinny, recorded just after the release of his memoir, Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me. Ralph opens up about handling early success, surviving career dry spells, and why loving the Mets helped him avoid Hollywood burnout. Plus, Dan shares a big announcement a...
10m Aug 10, 2025
10m
Kim Perell Found Success by Mastering the Moment
Kim Perell is a 9-time founder, investor in over 100 startups, and now the author of Mistakes That Made Me a Millionaire. She stopped by the show to share why knowing when to move on is just as important as sticking things out. Kim breaks down the blocking out the haters, the clever trick she uses to quiet imposter syndrome, and the mindset that helped her rise from her kitchen table to leading...
32m Aug 06, 2025
32m
Snack Break: The Gang Makes Whiskey
Glenn Howerton of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-founded a whiskey company with his fellow stars Rob McElhenney and Charlie Day. In this snack-size episode, Glenn and former Four Walls Whiskey CEO Casey McGrath talk with Dan about why their whiskey isn’t just for drinking at home alone, it’s meant to be shared in the place that inspired it - the bar. Got a question or a rude comment? Ema...
9m Aug 03, 2025
9m
Bobby Moynihan Found Success as a LEGO
Bobby Moynihan, superstar SNL alum and the voice of Jedi Bob on LEGO Star Wars: Rebuild the Galaxy, joins Dan to talk about his newest project. The Clean Plate Club, a live improv show where in-person ticket holders can get a meal cooked on stage, and everyone else can join online starting August 12th. Bobby also reads about Dan (the sheep, not the host) from his children’s book “Not all Sheep...
38m Jul 30, 2025
38m
Snack Break: Chessmaster Garry Kasparov
Chess grandmaster and human rights advocate Garry Kasparov joined Dan on Get a Real Job to talk about pressure, performance, and what he calls the “attacker’s advantage.” He explains why being nervous is normal and how he’s learned to channel that energy into winning. If you’ve ever wondered if high performers still get nervous, this episode is for you. Got a question or a rude comment? Email ...
6m Jul 25, 2025
6m
Mick Hunt’s Secret to Success? He Found His Because
Business coach, podcaster, and new author Mick Hunt joins the show to talk about the personal mission that drives everything he does, his because. From growing a $70 million insurance business to casually launching Mick Unplugged (one of Apple’s top-ranked podcasts), Mick shares the world view that shaped his path and the power of emotional intelligence. Want more Mick? His new book How to Be a...
30m Jul 23, 2025
30m
Snack Break: James Patterson
Bestselling author James Patterson sat down with Dan while promoting his memoir James Patterson. In this snack break, Dan revisits their conversation about James’s childhood and the moment he knew it was time to commit to writing full-time. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re headed in the right direction in life, this one’s for you. Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccessh...
5m Jul 18, 2025
5m
Comedian Ben Gleib Finds Success in Going Slow
Comedian, actor, and founder Ben Gleib is a busy bee. He's the host of the brand new podcast The Wrong Side of History, where he debates politics with guests from the opposite side of the aisle. But he's also taking on his biggest project yet: launching the first late-night talk show built natively for the internet. In this episode, Gleib talks about learning to run a multi million-dollar ...
35m Jul 16, 2025
35m
Snack Break: Emily Ratajkowski
Model, actor, and star of Too Much, Emily Ratajkowski sat down with Dan in 2021 for Entrepreneur’s 100 Women of Impact issue. In this snack break, Dan revisits her honest take on 10-year plans, creative ambition, and the pep talk she gave listeners who might be afraid to take the leap. If you agree that failure sucks, but know it’s part of the deal, this episode is for you. Got a question or a...
6m Jul 11, 2025
6m
Robert Irvine and Dan Bova Live in New York
Food Network star Robert Irvine, of Worst Cooks in America and Restaurant: Impossible, joins Dan for a live taping of the show in New York. Robert shares how one unforgettable episode of his show reshaped his definition of success and the way he treats every guest who walks through his doors. He also does shots with the audience, answers questions from the crowd, and sends everyone home with a ...
1hr 1m Jul 09, 2025
1hr 1m
Snack Break: Ed Brubaker Talks Success in the Comic Book Industry
In this snack-sized episode, Dan revisits his conversation with Ed Brubaker, comic book author of Criminal, Batman, and Daredevil, and co-creator of Marvel’s The Winter Soldier. They talk about how the comic book world has changed, why chasing your dream job can actually hold you back, and the value of doing what you love. Got a question or a rude comment? Email it to howsuccesshappens@entrepr...
9m Jul 04, 2025
9m
Guy Fieri and Dan Bova Live in Las Vegas
In this on-site interview from Las Vegas, Dan sits down with the Mayor of Flavortown himself, Guy Fieri. Their conversation covers everything from creating a positive impact in the world to life after death with a few wild detours in between. Guy gives a listener feedback on a product idea and even leaves a surprise for the next guest. Want to see what he did to Dan’s jacket? Watch this episode...
23m Jul 02, 2025
23m
Snack Break: Laird Hamilton and Gabby Reece
Grab a cup of coffee and check in with volleyball icon Gabby Reece and big-wave surfer Laird Hamilton, the duo behind  Laird Superfood, Laird Apparel and XPT, an extreme performance training system. In this snack-sized episode, they share the lessons sports taught them about business, how they work through challenges together, and why authenticity is their not-so-secret ingredient for success. ...
13m Jun 27, 2025
13m
To Mary Lynn Rajskub, Success Smells Like Bacon and Dogs
Mary Lynn Rajskub, known for playing Chloe O'Brian on 24 and Gail the Snail on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, joins the show to talk about what success means at this stage of her career. She shares her excitement about her new role in North by North, recalls the final line of 24, and Dan explains how she once helped him out at work. While success might smell like pomegranates to some, for M...
29m Jun 25, 2025
29m
Snack Break: How Randy Hetrick Perfected TRX
Retired Navy SEAL Squadron Commander Randy Hetrick didn’t mean to invent the TRX. but once the idea took hold, he got intentional fast. From field testing to sourcing materials and even sewing the early prototypes himself, Randy treated every part of the process with military precision. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to take an idea from scrappy to scalable, this episode delivers. Go...
6m Jun 20, 2025
6m
Timmy Failure Author Stephan Pastis Always Makes Sure He's Wearing Pants
Author and cartoonist Stephan Pastis is a creative shape-shifter. He left a legal career to create Pearls Before Swine, wrote the bestselling children’s book series Timmy Failure, added screenwriter to the list, and now has his eye on travel writing. In this conversation, he shares how he protects his creativity, listens for the joke, and occasionally gets so deep in the zone he has to double-c...
42m Jun 18, 2025
42m
Snack Break: Martha Stewart Grows Success
Dan went to the New York Botanical Garden for a live taping of The Martha Stewart Podcast. He almost got to talk to Martha Stewart, but did come back with tape of her conversation with actress Jameela Jamil. In this episode, Martha shares the power of gardening, Jameela explains why Martha is her ultimate inspiration, and Dan reveals that if he were a tree, he’d be an oak, but not the sturdy ki...
8m Jun 13, 2025
8m
Tom Brady Chews Up Success
Tom Brady calls in to the show to talk about building great teams off the field, the leadership strategies that defined his career, and why he’s now in the business of making GOAT gummies. After the call, Dan is joined by friend of the show Nick “Fitzy” Stevens to break down the tape, adding some color commentary on the mindset and moves that earned Brady seven rings and made the rest of us won...
29m Jun 11, 2025
29m
Snack Break with the People’s Shark
 In this mini-episode, Dan sits down with the People’s Shark, Daymond John, to talk about why most pitches fall flat and what separates the great ones. Daymond shares what entrepreneurs get wrong when asking for advice, and how a sharper, more thoughtful approach can open the right doors. Got a burning question for Food Network stars Robert Irvine or Guy Fieri? Email it to howsuccesshappens@en...
5m Jun 06, 2025
5m
From Carolina Reapers to Hot Ones, Smokin’ Ed Feels Success in His Gut
Smokin’ Ed Currie has built a career around peppers - growing them, cooking with them, and pushing the limits of heat. His creations have been featured on Hot Ones and are well known among hot sauce fans. But Ed’s mission goes beyond spice. As the man behind the world’s spiciest peppers, he’s just as focused on taking care of his family, his employees, and his customers. In this episode, he sha...
25m Jun 04, 2025
25m
Boll & Branch Found Success by Putting All Their Eggs in One Basket
Scott Tannen wasn’t even allowed to buy the sheets for his own bed, his wife Missy handled that. When she couldn’t find the perfect set they co-founded Boll & Branch, a luxury bedding company built on comfort, sustainability, and ethical production. In this episode, Scott shares the story behind the brand, the $2 million risk that paid off, and the recurring nightmare that still haunts him - ev...
30m May 28, 2025
30m
Jeneva Rose Can’t Divorce Writing from Marketing
Jeneva Rose, author of The Perfect Marriage and The Perfect Divorce, doesn’t start writing until she’s nailed the elevator pitch. Every part of her creative process is shaped by her background in marketing, an edge that’s helped her go from an eBook-only release with a small press to a hardcover launch in big-name stores. In this episode, Jeneva breaks down how she binge-writes her books to mak...
22m May 21, 2025
22m
Barbara Corcoran’s Secret to Success? A Day at the Beach
What’s the secret behind Barbara Corcoran’s billion-dollar success? According to her, it all started with getting up from her desk and heading to the beach. Barbara invited host Dan Bova to her All-Star Entrepreneur Retreat in New York City, and sat down to share how she turned a $1,000 loan into The Corcoran Group—and became a beloved Shark. In this candid conversation, Barbara talks about how...
18m May 14, 2025
18m
How Rescuing Chihuahuas with Kaley Cuoco Led to Katie Hunt’s Big Success
Soon after Katie Hunt got a cold message on LinkedIn asking her if she would be interested in founding a celebrity-backed brand, she found herself bonding with actress Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) over their love of rescuing elderly chihuahuas. Together, they founded Oh Norman!, a dog product company guided by the core ethical principle of asking, “What would a dog do?” Katie drew on her e...
30m May 07, 2025
30m
Dana Perino Dances Her Way to Success
How good is Dana Perino’s advice, really? Just ask the young woman who watched The Five, took Dana’s tips to heart, and used them to land a job at Fox News—then signed up to be mentored by her favorite host. In this episode, Dana shares career advice for Dan’s son, her take on finding love, and why we should all go easier on our scrolling thumbs. From leading a PR firm to serving as White House...
30m Apr 23, 2025
30m
Mike Sacks Doesn’t Wait For Permission to Succeed — and You Shouldn’t Either
Andy Richter calls this week’s guest “a bona fide weirdo with virtually no interest in satisfying anything other than his own personal obsessions.” The weirdo in question is Mike Sacks, who has written for the likes of Vanity Fair, The New Yorker, Time, The New York Times, McSweeney’s and who has built something of an industry writing novelizations of movies that don’t exist and memoirs of peo...
35m Apr 09, 2025
35m
Jon Taffer
Jon Taffer is a guy who is not afraid to get in the weeds, in the grease traps and in the mouse droppings to squeeze the success out of bars and restaurants on the verge of collapse. And he’s not afraid to raise his voice while doing it. Jon is the executive producer and star of Paramount Network’s “Bar Rescue,” and he sat down with host Dan Bova to share his career journey, his advice to entre...
24m Mar 26, 2025
24m
New York City's Marathon Man
Rob Simmelkjaer is the CEO of the New York Road Runners, the organization that gathers 55,000 sadists every year to run the iconic New York City Marathon, among many other events. We (barely) caught up with Rob as he was getting ready to hop a flight to Japan to run the Tokyo Marathon to find out how he finds time to train, how newbies can get started, and what you need to do to let your feet f...
36m Mar 12, 2025
36m
Anthony Michael Hall
Actor Anthony Michael Hall has been in some of the most iconic movies and shows ever, and the man just keeps on iconic-ing year after year. You know him from “Sixteen Candles,” “Weird Science,” “Saturday Night Live,” “Edward Scissorhands,” “The Dead Zone” and jumping ahead to right now, a starring role in the new season of “Reacher.” Listen to the funny and philosophical man as he discusses how...
28m Feb 26, 2025
28m
S2 Ep13: How Chef Douglas Keane Is Making Fine Dining Fun
Douglas Keene is the award-winning chef and co-owner of the Michelin-starred restaurant Cyrus in California. He’s got a new memoir out, “Culinary Leverage: A Journey Through The Heat,” and on this episode, we to talk about the life stories that define his cooking career journey, his crazy notion that people who work in restaurants need to have livable wages, and find out just what the heck a Mi...
40m Feb 12, 2025
40m
S2 Ep12: Being Lazy Is the Key to Winning in Business and Life
Gabrielle Judge coined the term “Lazy Girl Jobs” on social media, and is challenging the way people approach work and how they think about success. The message seems to be resonating, at the time of this recording, she has over 300K followers on Instagram and 220K on TikTok. Listen in as the self-anointed “Anti-Work Girlboss” shares strategies to make gains in your career and personal happiness...
28m Jan 29, 2025
28m
S2 Ep11: "Wolf Man" Director on Monetizing Terror
I spoke with Leigh Whannell, the director and co-writer of the new movie “Wolf Man.” The movie stars ​​Christopher Abbott ("Poor Things") and Julia Garner ("Ozark" and "Inventing Anna.") I won’t give anything away, but I’ll just say that they take a trip to a house in the middle of the woods and not-great things happen. Film/slasher fans know Leigh as the co-creator of "Saw" and fun party guy J...
27m Jan 15, 2025
27m
S2 Ep10: Shaq Is Back!
From winning NBA Championship rings to bringing new businesses to life, there's no goal that's too big for The Big Aristotle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
22m Jan 08, 2025
22m
S2 Ep9: Erin Andrews
The absolute GOAT NFL sideline reporter popped in and shared insights about her thriving apparel business WEAR by Erin Andrews, explained what it’s like to experience the Taylor Swift effect firsthand, shared her tips for beating nerves in stressful situations, and gave us her Super Bowl prediction! (Sort of.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
27m Dec 18, 2024
27m
S2 Ep8: Actor Chris Diamantopoulos
Hilarious actor Chris Diamantopoulos has appeared in so many fantastic shows and movies, these show notes could be a book. You know him from “Red Notice,” “Silicon Valley,” “The Boys in the Boat” and now he can be seen in the brand-new comedy heist show “The Sticky” on Amazon. If you want a pep talk from Mickey Mouse, you’ve come to the right podcast episode! Learn more about your ad choices. V...
35m Dec 12, 2024
35m
S2 Ep7: Ken Burns
Our host Dan Bova has been lucky enough to interview Ken Burns several times over the past few years. Burns, as you know, is quite the filmmaker, whose documentaries like “The Civil War,” “Baseball,” and “The Vietnam War” have earned him five Emmys and two Oscar nominations. He just premiered his latest work, the four-hour film “Leonardo da Vinci” — which he co-directed with his daughter, Sarah...
27m Nov 27, 2024
27m
S2 Ep6: How to Calm the F*ck Down
The election might be over, but chances are the tension we've all been feeling is not. That;'s why we invited Sarah Knight, best-selling author of the profanely perfect self-help guides “The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck” and “Calm the F*ck Down,” to come on the show to share much-needed advice for silencing the crazy talk in our heads and to help us catch our collective breath. For...
26m Nov 13, 2024
26m
S2 Ep5: "The Walking Dead" Turns 21
This being Halloween season, we thought it was the perfect time to speak with the business brains behind one of the most successful and goriest franchises of all time, “The Walking Dead.” David Alpert is the co-founder and CEO of Skybound, the home of “The Walking Dead” and many other titles including “Invincible.” He built the company with legendary comic book creator Robert Kirkman, who began...
29m Oct 30, 2024
29m
Starting a Business That Aligns With Your Passions
Bonnie Mauldin has been hustling since she was a kid. At eight years old, she was knocking on doors offering to shovel driveways. After graduation, she entered the medical field, but quickly discovered it was not for her. Now, Bonnie owns two successful businesses, The Mauldin Group and Mauldin Production Company. Having learned a lot along the way, Bonnie shares her tips on changing careers, s...
33m Oct 17, 2024
33m
S2 Ep4: Questlove
He’s a Grammy-winning musician, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, a DJ, a teacher, author of multiple books, a podcaster, host of the web series “Quest for Craft” and oh yeah, the co-frontman for a little band you may have seen on “The Tonight Show” called The Roots. In this conversation, the very busy Questlove talks about being crazy productive without going crazy, re-capturing your creativ...
35m Oct 16, 2024
35m
S2 Ep3: Get Into Mindset of a Champion
Joe De Sena (CEO of Spartan Race), Ben Askren (Co-Founder of AWA) and clinical psychologist David Sacks discuss their new book, “Extreme Balance: Paradoxical Principles That Make You a Champion.” In the world of elite sports, the authors say that victory is often attributed to physical and athletic prowess, but argue that the real key to unlocking our full potential lies in our mindset. During ...
49m Oct 02, 2024
49m
S2 Ep2: David Cross, Professional Talker
David Cross is a self-described "professional talker," but let's go ahead and expand on that bio just a bit. Cross is one of the funniest human beings on this planet we call Earth, touting a resume that is absolutely littered with iconic comedy creations — Mr. Show, Arrested Development and his latest special, Worst Daddy in the World, to name a few. He's very funny — and very busy. He currentl...
53m Sep 18, 2024
53m
S2 Ep1: Stefon Diggs, NFL Superstar and Fashion Pioneer
Four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Stefon Diggs is not only one of the most talented players in the NFL, he's also one of the most stylish. The Houston Texans star launched his own fashion line LIEMhomme, which has been celebrated in the pages of Vogue and other high-fashion magazines, and sat down to discuss its launch, his vision and the brand's future.
23m Sep 04, 2024
23m
S1 Ep319: Jacob Hadjigeorgis, Owner of Jacob’s Pickles, on Turning a Vision into Reality
Jacob Hadjigeorgis, owner of Jacob's Pickles in the Upper West Side, shares his journey from growing up in a family of restaurateurs to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Guided by his father, his mentor, Jacob honed the qualities that set him apart: a deep passion for hospitality, a strong work ethic, and a creative vision. In this episode, he discusses how these traits, along with his innova...
40m Aug 21, 2024
40m
S1 Ep318: Vishal Dhawan, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Curb Mobility, on Learning from Challenges and Driving Innovation
Vishal Dhawan, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Curb Mobility, a ride hailing marketplace that connects you to professional drivers in cities nation wide. In this episode Vishal shares his journey of building, leading, and inspiring teams to launch scalable products that delight users. With a knack for solving complex problems and opening new markets, Vishal has grown products from early...
32m Aug 07, 2024
32m