Best Matthew Cheng Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 293: Build Real Wealth Without Burning Out with Lane Kawaoka 46:46

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3d ago46:46

46:46

About the guest: Lane Kawaoka is a real estate investor, entrepreneur, and founder of The Wealth Elevator, a platform dedicated to helping high-net-worth individuals and business owners move beyond traditional investing. A former engineer turned full-time investor, Lane has built a multimillion-dollar portfolio through alternative investments and h…

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On Mind Games, Power & Obsession - Showrunner HOWARD GORDON & Writer DANIEL PEARLE - Highlights 17:38

6d ago17:38

17:38

“How do you render something interior filmically? How do you communicate the details of the lost child, of the amount of time of the stuck creative process, and even the exterior, or the externalization of the house as a kind of hellish thing that's barely staying together—literally flooding with waste—and that you can't afford? So those are the de…

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The Beast in Me starring CLAIRE DANES - Behind the Scenes w/ HOWARD GORDON & DANIEL PEARLE 46:26

6d ago46:26

46:26

“And I think there's also just something about an unfettered or uncensored id that is so captivating. We all have that fantasy of doing exactly what we want with no consequences and sort of letting that go. I think when you see an athlete at the peak of their game, doing that embodied thing and living that dream, or when someone has actually done h…

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In the Presence of the DALAI LAMA - Doc. Director of WISDOM OF HAPPINESS - Highlights 14:08

9d ago14:08

14:08

“I can change my mind. I can reduce anger, hatred. Nothing to do with religion. All religions carry the message of love, loving kindness, and tolerance. With different views, there is a possibility to synthesize new ideas. If majority of the world leaders become female, world become safer. I feel that. Compassion is the key factor. Non-violence, co…

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WISDOM OF HAPPINESS - Heart-to-Heart w/ DALAI LAMA - Conversation w/ Director Barbara Miller 43:34

9d ago43:34

43:34

“ Everybody wants happiness, joyfulness, peaceful world. Our 21st century will not be easy century. Fear, anger, hatred. In our mind we created distinctions. Different nationality, different color, different religion. Strong concept of “we” and “they”. Brothers and sisters of this small planet, we are same human beings. Meanwhile, global warming is…

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Episode 292: Redefine Your Identity and Achieve Unreasonable Growth with Dr. Nona Djavid 47:08

10d ago47:08

47:08

Most leaders set goals that feel safe, but safe goals don’t create transformation. In this episode, Dr. Nona Djavid shares how to rewire your brain, expand your identity, and design a vision so bold it scares you, then make that vision feel safe enough to live. We break down her 4-step framework for unreasonable growth, the neuroscience behind iden…

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Episode 291: How to Build Founder Confidence When No One Believes in You with Anya Cheng 52:41

17d ago52:41

52:41

About the Guest: Anya Cheng is the Founder and CEO of Taelor, a leading men's clothing subscription service that provides personal styling and curated rentals, powered by AI. A Girls in Tech 40 Under 40 honoree, she previously led eCommerce and digital innovation teams at Meta, eBay, Target, and McDonald's. Taelor’s mission is to help people dress …

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Episode 290: How to Break Free from Perfectionism Without Losing Your Edge with Mitch Matthews 55:35

24d ago55:35

55:35

Ever feel like no matter how much you achieve, it’s still not enough? Like the goalposts keep moving and the pressure to look successful is crushing the joy of actually being successful? Mitch Matthews is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and success coach who helps people dream bigger, think better, and do more of what they’re built to do. Th…

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"Everything is Art. Everything is Politics." AI WEIWEI'S TURANDOT Dir. MAXIM DEREVIANKO - Highlights

24d ago

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“So when we decided to do a documentary to follow Ai Weiwei, we knew, of course, it wouldn't be just a simple opera, and we knew he would bring his own very special and original vision. Because, of course, he is not an opera director. From his point of view, it's a challenge, but from another perspective, it’s probably an enrichment for the opera a…

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AI WEIWEI'S TURANDOT 59:36

24d ago59:36

59:36

“Everything is Art. Everything is Politics. I think art competes with reality. And art will give you the last words.” –Ai Weiwei The renowned artist and activist Ai Weiwei has used sculpture, photography, documentaries, and large-scale installations to challenge authoritarian power for decades. But his project at the Rome Opera House, directing Puc…

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Episode 289: Be One of a Kind: Redefining Success and Time with Mike Milligan, CFP 52:17

1M ago52:17

52:17

Ever feel like you’re just treading water, trying to grow, lead, and live with purpose, but never quite feeling in control? Today’s guest, Mike Milligan, grew up in extreme poverty, endured personal tragedy, and still built a thriving multi–seven-figure business while living life on his own terms. His story of resilience and intentional living is a…

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Episode 288: Trust Your Gut & Outwork the Rest: Building Legacy Through Leadership with Nathan Pearce 1:03:36

1M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

About the Guest: Nathan Pearce is the founder and CEO of Pearce Bespoke, a rapidly growing men’s custom tailoring brand redefining what it means to “look good, feel good.” From running a t-shirt business in his early 20s to building a national franchise in custom suiting, Nathan’s journey is a masterclass in grit, vision, and learning from losses r…

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Episode 287 - Exercising Agency: Choosing Change and Growth with Meg Trucano 44:25

2M ago44:25

44:25

High performers like us can get stuck chasing outcomes, living by ‘shoulds,’ and searching for the perfect choice. That black-and-white thinking keeps us on autopilot and robs us of momentum. Today’s guest, coach and Changeology host Meg Trucano, has lived this work. After burning out in a prestigious research career, a single question, ‘How will y…

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Episode 286: Say Yes Until Say No: Action, Leadership & Growth with John Donnelly 48:54

2M ago48:54

48:54

Too many high-performers get stuck in overthinking. They let opportunities pass, waiting for the “perfect time.” John Donnelly knows this firsthand. From leading through the 2008 mortgage crash to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro at 50, John built his career and life on one principle: say yes until you have to say no. In today’s episode, you’ll learn how…

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Episode 285: From Blindness to Big Business: How to Scale Beyond Yourself with Aaron Golub 40:56

2M ago40:56

40:56

Too many leaders hit a wall trading time for money, playing it safe, or letting fear hold them back. Aaron Golub, legally blind, former D1 athlete, NFL free agent, and now speaker-turned-SaaS founder, didn’t let obstacles stop him. In this episode, you’ll learn how adaptability, trust, and self-awareness helped him move from keynote stages to co-fo…

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Why We Need Stories in Times of Crisis: ETGAR KERET on Healing, Connection & Creativity in the Age of AI - Highlights 19:13

2M ago19:13

19:13

“I feel that when you don't tell your story, it's as if you have a limited existence. We can always have some kind of choice, but I'm saying that the story we choose may be the most crucial choice that we make, because this story will affect all the other choices.” Etgar Keret is one of the most inventive and celebrated short story writers of his g…

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Finding Humanity Through Storytelling with Author & Filmmaker ETGAR KERET 1:08:23

2M ago1:08:23

1:08:23

“When I write my stories, I don't want to solve things in life. I just want to persuade myself that there is a way out. Maybe I am in a cell, maybe I'm trapped. Maybe I won't make it, but if I can imagine a plan for escape, then I'll be less trapped because at least in my mind, there is a way. I think that my parents are survivors. They always talk…

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Episode 284: Why Failing Forward is the Secret to Growth with Heather Hodges 51:58

2M ago51:58

51:58

About the Guest: Dr. Heather Hodges is an organizational psychologist, keynote speaker, speed painter, and author of Heart Work: How to Lead People, Build Culture, and Unleash Creativity in Home Care. After leaving a corporate VP role, she followed her calling to help leaders unlock creativity and lead with courage. Heather’s unique approach blends…

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Episode 283: How Feedback and Possibility helps you Thrive with Maritza McClendon 46:00

2M ago46:00

46:00

About the Guest: Maritza McClendon is an Olympic silver medalist, speaker, and corporate leader currently serving in Communications and Community Affairs at Carter’s. Beyond her remarkable swimming career, Maritza has dedicated herself to inspiring others through speaking, leadership, and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Today, she continu…

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Episode 282: How to Thrive in a World That Won’t Stop Changing with Scott Stirrett 57:52

3M ago57:52

57:52

About the Guest: Scott Stirrett is the founder of Venture for Canada (VFC), an organization that has supported over 10,000 young professionals in launching their careers. He is also the author of The Uncertainty Advantage, a book that equips people of all ages to embrace change and uncertainty as a superpower instead of fearing it. Scott’s work has…

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Episode 281: Coaches Corner - How to Unlock True Potential in Your Team by Coaching for Discovery, Not Dictation with Steve Mellor 9:33

3M ago9:33

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About the Episode In this episode of The Growth Ready Podcast: Coaches Corner, host Steve Mellor challenges the common misconceptions about coaching. Using the legendary story of Coach Jim Valvano and NC State’s 1983 championship run, Steve illustrates that true coaching isn’t about control, shouting, or rigid direction, it’s about facilitation, cu…

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Episode 280: How to Build Partnerships That Drive Real Growth with Elia Blankenship 49:28

3M ago49:28

49:28

About the Guest: Elia Blankenship is a consulting leader at RSM specializing in transformation work for financial institutions and beyond. With a background in management, organizational change, and a deep commitment to emotional intelligence, Elia challenges the traditional “consultant tells, client does” approach. Instead, she builds partnerships…

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From 'Bee: Wild' to the 'Kiss the Ground' Regenerative Agriculture Documentary Trilogy - Highlights 15:03

3M ago15:03

15:03

"For the last two decades, I've made over 20 films about the environment, starting with oil and carbon emissions. Those films, Kiss the Ground and now Common Ground, talk about how we can stabilize the climate, reverse climate change, grow nutrient-dense food, and help farmers make a profit through biodiversity and regenerative practices and princi…

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Episode 279: Invisible Boxes & Unshakable Roots: How to Lead With Curiosity and Courage with Tracy Clark 52:16

3M ago52:16

52:16

About the Guest: Tracy Clark is a leadership coach, former managing partner of an international oil & gas events business, and a passionate advocate for helping founders and leaders break through invisible limits. After scaling her company 450% and exiting for eight figures, Tracy shifted her focus to guiding others in discovering their own transfo…

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All About Bees, Soil & Regeneration with Documentary Filmmaker REBECCA TICKELL 1:00:46

3M ago1:00:46

1:00:46

“I didn't really appreciate bees until I became a farmer, and then I started to understand how essential bees are for our food. They pollinate 70% of our food, and that feeds 90% of the world. There's a whole world of insects that creates the color in our food; it's what creates the flavor in our food. It's part of our biodiversity, and it's essent…

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Art, Empathy & Resilience with CADY McCLAIN, Actor, Director, Writer, Artist, Musician - Highlights 11:20

4M ago11:20

11:20

“I had to become the father of my family very young because my parents divorced when I was 12. My situation was a little bit unusual in that my father kind of disappeared, and I had been making a fair amount of money as a kid, doing commercials and television and film. We needed money, and I kind of became the breadwinner. But I had this amazing wo…

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A Life in Acting with Emmy Award-winning Actor, Director, Writer CADY McCLAIN 1:06:02

4M ago1:06:02

1:06:02

“I won my first Emmy when I was 21, which was the result of absolutely devoting myself day and night for two years to doing all the scene work. I attended classes simultaneously and did plays until my mother died. I studied with Michael Howard for eight years. Even when I was so tired I couldn't get up to do a scene, he would say, "Get up and do a …

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Episode 278: Living Out Loud and Embracing Life’s Seasons with Lori Melancon 56:33

4M ago56:33

56:33

About the Guest: Lori Melancon is the CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Chamber. A driven, candid, and deeply passionate leader, Lori is known for her commitment to systemic change, economic development, and building a more connected and resilient Baton Rouge. Her leadership style blends transparency, emotional intelligence, and a deep belief in communit…

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Episode 277: Trust, Feedback, and the Daily Win: A Growth Conversation with Lex Gillette 46:35

4M ago46:35

46:35

About the Guest: Lex Gillette is a world-renowned Paralympic track and field athlete, speaker, and author. Despite losing his sight at age 8, Lex has built a career marked by world records, Paralympic medals, and a powerful mission to teach others how to "see" their potential. His message centers on leadership, resilience, and unlocking excellence …

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Episode 276: Curiosity, Capacity & Showing Up: Why Knowing Yourself Changes Everything with Amanda Stern 55:47

4M ago55:47

55:47

About the Guest: Amanda Stern is a coach, writer, speaker, and expert in the practice of journaling as a tool for self-discovery, emotional clarity, and intentional living. A lifelong learner and former librarian, Amanda has built a unique approach to helping others show up more fully in their lives. She blends soft skills like presence and empathy…

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Episode 275: Remembering Why You Started - Happy 7th Birthday to us! 13:51

4M ago13:51

13:51

About the Episode: In this special milestone episode, Steve Mellor reflects on seven years of podcasting and what’s kept him going through every high and low. He shares a deeply personal story of a swimmer he once coached, Timmy and how rediscovering his "why" led him back to joy and forward to the Olympic trials. Steve also invites listeners to as…

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Exploring The Sympathizer, America's Forever Wars & Challenging Power w/ Author VIET THANH NGUYEN 1:02:34

4M ago1:02:34

1:02:34

“What I've discovered as a writer is that fear is a good indicator that there is a truth. To speak the truth in a society is oftentimes an act that requires some courage. Those processes of being an other for me in the United States were obviously very fundamental to shaping who I am as a person and as a writer. It was very difficult to undergo, bu…

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On Borges, Gore Vidal, Robert Frost & The Writing Life with Author & Filmmaker JAY PARINI 30:47

4M ago30:47

30:47

“Poetry is the prince of the literary arts to me. It's at the very top because it's language refined to its apex of memorability. I am interested in poetry as memorability and poetry as something you live by. These are the words you live by. These words stay in your brain and guide your life. That's what I am interested in. My memoir slash autofict…

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Episode 274: Passion, Purpose & the Pivot: A Candid Career Chat with Gene Rice 46:54

5M ago46:54

46:54

About the Guest: Gene Rice is a seasoned executive recruiter, entrepreneur, and author of the bestselling book “From Grad to Grown-Up.” With a rich career that spans from owning rock clubs to founding one of the top executive search firms in the U.S., Gene is dedicated to helping young professionals and leaders find clarity, passion, and purpose in…

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Episode 273: Intentionality, Impact & Inner Greatness with Larry Long Jr. 51:42

5M ago51:42

51:42

About the Guest Larry Long Jr. is a global keynote speaker, sales coach, author, and founder of LLJR Enterprises. Known for his infectious energy and motivational message, Larry inspires professionals around the world to rediscover their greatness and live with purpose. A former athlete turned corporate sales leader, Larry now helps others step int…

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Episode 272: Purpose, Passion & the Power to Impact Millions with Amy Boone Thompson 44:10

5M ago44:10

44:10

About the Guest: Amy Boone Thompson is the CEO and Owner of IDEA Health & Fitness Association, a trailblazer in the wellness industry, and Chair of World Active. With over two decades of experience in fitness leadership, Amy has worn every hat, from personal trainer to executive leader. Her mission is rooted in making health and movement accessible…