It’s one thing to say you’ll be there—it’s another to actually show up when it counts. Shawn (CEO of Lovesac) very comfortably sits down with Sean Mike Kelly, host of The Digital Social Hour Podcast, to break down the Shawnism “See Who Shows Up.” The two talk about the power of a strong support system, the red flags in business relationships, and why working with friends can be a dangerous game. Sean reflects on how friends and family shape our journey, but their vision for us isn’t always our own. They also discuss why ego is the silent killer of relationships, the importance of recognizing naivete without losing optimism, and how friends and family can shape our journey, but their vision for us isn’t always our own. And as Shawn and Sean both agree – If you have just five people who will truly show up for you, you’re already winning the game of life. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How often do we say “no” to something before even thinking about what it could entail?  Shawn, welcomes the former CEO of Barstool Sports and the current CEO of Food52, Erika Ayers Badan, onto the show to discuss the Shawnism, “Say Yes First.” In a world where our usual impulse is to say “No,” Erika proves that saying “Yes” is crucial component to the formative times when growth matters most, how overthinking and micromanagement stifle long-term value, and why “I don’t know” can be the precursor to breakthrough decisions. With personal insights on relinquishing control and handling unpredictable challenges, Shawn and Erika reveal how committing to a clear mission starts with the courage to say yes.   This chat proves what many successful people can attest to - that saying yes can turn hesitation into action and inevitably redefine leadership for lasting success. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The beauty of traditions is that they connect the past, the present, and the future.  Shawn has a deep chat with James Rhee — Former CEO of Ashley Stewart and the author of The Red Helicopter — to explore the powerful Shawnism, “Tradition Breeds Coalition.” James shares his story of looking beyond the numbers to appreciate the true value of every individual and how nurturing organic, grassroots traditions—not those dictated from above—is oftentimes the saving grace for a struggling company.   The two also discuss the growing influence of AI on organizations, and why the humanist side of business will forever be irreplaceable.  Prepare for lessons on identifying “red helicopter” moments in your own life, the incredible power of generosity, and how leveraging natural traditions can build united coalitions in today's world. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shawn is joined by celebrity chef and mentor, Nyesha Arrington, to unlock the power of the Shawnism “Smile Anyway.”  Nyesha explains that a genuine smile isn’t about faking perfection—it’s about showing up authentically, even when life throws unexpected twists your way. The two explore why success means finding joy in the journey, why “fixing your own oxygen mask first” is key, and how embracing passion and authenticity fuels excellence and connection.  Tune in for an inspiring conversation that transforms everyday smiles into a recipe for resilience, creative fulfillment, and living life to the fullest. And be sure to check out Nyesha on the latest season of Fox’s Next Level Chef, airing now!  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Shawn catches up with wakeboarding champion and American Ninja Warrior contestant, Shaun Murray, to break down the Shawnism, “Living Well Takes Work.”  The two discuss how micro-decisions lead to macro results, proving that intentionality and persistence can push you far beyond your self-imposed limits. Shaun shares how his own mantra, “Do now well” is the key to living a good life, and why “coming in empty handed” is a great practice for all parents.   We also get to hear Shaun’s wild story of wakeboarding from an airplane, what he means by “living a conduit life,” and how every crash or wipeout usually sets the stage for greatness, if you have the will to persevere.  This is an incredible episode that proves if you want to live well, you’ve got to be ready to work for it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shawn welcomes entrepreneur, investor, and author, Sahil Bloom, onto the show to discuss the Shawnism, “It’s about time.” They explore the true value of time and uncover how investing in meaningful moments can create lasting wealth—far beyond just finances.  Tying together both the Shawnism and the ideas in his new book, Sahil breaks down the five types of wealth, the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, and how to manage time even when it feels like you have very little. Plus, the two talk about why delayed gratification is the key to a good life, and why few would trade places with billionaire Warren Buffett.   Don’t miss this thought-provoking conversation that will change the way you view your most valuable asset: Time. Be sure to grab a copy of Sahil’s brand-new book, The Five Types of Wealth, available now! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shawn invites Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, onto the show to share her thoughts on the Shawnism "Book the Gig" — the idea that saying yes to opportunities you're not prepared for can be one of the most powerful decisions you make.  Sharon and Shawn discuss how embracing a “who cares” mindset, listening to your intuition, and acting on it can lead to remarkable growth. They talk about the tangible benefits of a “do the best you can” mentality, the magic of writing things down, and why vulnerability is often the key to inspiring others.  Sharon also shares the untold, “un-scrubbed” stories that have shaped her successful career, and how naivety and failure can actually propel you forward.  In the end, booking the gig isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about taking that first bold step. To better take control of your own story, grab a copy of Sharon's amazing book, Stories and Heart, available at storiesandheart.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Shawn sits down with the man who is revolutionizing the world of sports entertainment - the founder of AEW, Tony Khan - to talk about the Shawnism “You Can Do Anything That Has Been Done.”  Tony shares his story of launching AEW, the many steps it took, and how timing played a crucial role in the company's early success. He also opens up about the value of being the underdog, trusting your instincts, and the moment when everything aligns, leaving you with no choice but to leap.  From dirt biking to transforming wrestling, the two discuss how surrounding yourself with the right people can turn seemingly impossible dreams into reality. They also break down the costs—financial, social, and personal—of building something great, why creative freedom is a key to success, and the importance of picking a lane and sticking to it.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, Shawn sits down with Meredith Marks from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City to discuss the powerful idea that "There's Always a Better View."  The two discuss the importance of being present in the moment, rather than always chasing what's next, and the delicate balance between ambition and gratitude. They talk about the idea that pursuing wealth for its own sake rarely leads to happiness, and how focusing on growth, creating, and doing what you love naturally attracts success.  Meredith also opens up about the pros and cons of living your life on reality TV, and how being in the public eye can ironically help you focus on what truly matters.  This episode is packed with tricks on how to navigate the universal challenge of being present, and avoiding the habit of immediately looking for the next best thing. Because as Meredith says, “There’s always a bright, shiny object out there.” See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Shawn sits down with Ray Angry — musician, producer, and member of The Roots - to dive deep into the Shawnism: "Envision with Precision."  Ray explains how this mindset directly contributed to his multiple performances at Carnegie Hall and why having a clear, intentional vision is essential for success. The two discuss the parallels between improvisation in music and adaptability in business, and how Ray used setbacks like national tragedies and a global pandemic as stepping stones, rather than obstacles.  Ray also shares insights on investing in your "Karmic bank account" by celebrating others’ success, a philosophy that has shaped his collaborations with artists like QuestLove, Christina Aguilera, and Elvis Costello.  Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about the power of vision, resilience, and committing to your calling. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

How many times have you thought about doing something, but convinced yourself that now is just not the right time? And when you continued to delay doing this thing, did that perfect moment ever actually come? This week Shawn sits down with the co-founder of Whole Foods, John Mackey, to discuss the powerful Shawnism: "Now is Better than Perfect." We hear the invaluable lessons that both have learned through their entrepreneurial journeys, revealing why taking action now, rather than waiting for perfection, is often the key to success.  The two also discuss how asking the simple question, “How much will that cost?” can help you identify the limitations and trade-offs of any solution, why overthinking and trying to “perfect” an idea often leads to failure, and how the fear of future uncertainties can prevent you from acting in the present. This episode is packed with wisdom on overcoming fear and embracing imperfection as a path to progress.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week Shawn sits down with Hubert Joly, former CEO of Best Buy, to discuss the Shawnism: "Play Full-Out"—a powerful approach to living with purpose and leading with passion.  Shawn and Hubert dive deep into the importance of identifying your own purpose, why the key to playing full-out lies in self-awareness and self-compassion, and how recognizing crucible moments can fuel both personal and organizational success.   Hubert also shares his journey of discovering and living his own personal purpose: "Unleash human magic." He explains how this guiding principle not only shaped his leadership style but also revolutionized the culture at Best Buy. Whether you're leading a team, building your career, or simply seeking to live a more meaningful life, this conversation will inspire you to discover your purpose and play full-out in everything you do. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Whether he’s creating an 11ft tall skull made from electronic waste, or hanging off of a 30-story skyscraper; Benjamin Von Wong is the epitome of “Try Everything.” This week, Shawn invites Benjamin onto the show to talk about his incredible journey from mining engineer to artistic activist, why it’s important for us all to determine our personal metric for a year well-lived, and how creativity and a “try everything” disposition often go hand in hand. Benjamin and Shawn also share their own experiences about believing in a vision and knowing when to let it go, and why it’s important for a team to confidently shares their thoughts on projects even if it goes against the vision of the boss.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

He’s the Ambassador of Joy, and Shawn welcomes him onto the show to talk about the Shawnism: Enjoy Hard Things. In the span of a few hours, Barry Shore went from a perfectly healthy and happy individual to a complete quadriplegic. He lost the use of his arms, his legs, and even his ability to speak. But one thing he didn’t lose was his positive spirit and outlook on life. And where he now is today, well it’s quite an incredible story. Join Shawn and Barry this week as they talk about Barry’s bounce back to the man he is today, the true power of manifestation, becoming your own spiritual chiropractor, and developing the capacity to do (and enjoy) hard things. The two also share their thoughts the extreme power of self-talk, and why, in Barry’s eyes, we should all learn to love dog poop.  Grab a paper and pen for this one. You won’t regret it. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We can all admit that it is fun to buy stuff. But what is truly motivating our desire to purchase more things? How do we reconcile what we want vs what we need?  The answer is in this week’s Shawnism: “Only Buy Things You Love.”  Shawn sits down with bestselling author and personal finance Guru, “Your Rich BFF” Vivian Tu, to talk about the growing lack of financial knowledge today, how social media has heavily influenced our buying behaviors, and why only buying what you love can prevent you from a cycle of constant consumption.   Vivian also gives us a lesson on what value-based spending is, and how it can truly help you gain an upper hand in your own financial journey.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever been checking out in line at a fast-food restaurant and the person behind the counter had a glazed-over, can’t make eye contact, “I’d rather be anywhere but here” expression, and you weren’t even sure if they got your full order? How did that make you feel? Enthusiasm is infectious and it can either work for or against us.  This week, Shawn is joined by the man who has made his mark in the fashion industry, the founder of KidSuper, Colm Dillane. The two talk about the influential power of enthusiasm, how internal excitement often leads to external success, and the strange tension between authenticity and public perception.  Colm Dillane also shares some great stories about his rise into the fashion industry, the risks he took because they aligned more with his long-term vision, and how making the best of each moment will often get you where you want to be.   See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Look at any object and there is a business behind it—probably a dozen or more. Look at any activity—there is a business behind it. Probably a dozen or more. There’s a million ways to make a million bucks.   This week, Shawn sits down with entrepreneur, business mogul, and one of the most influential investors in the world, Mark Cuban, to talk about the art of choosing the right business path, preparing a plan for success, and adapting to the bumpy ride that it may entail.  Shawn and Mark also discuss how to judge if an idea is worth investing in, why entrepreneurship isn't for the faint of heart, and the one game-changing technology every business should use. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Season 2 of the Let Me Save You 25 Years podcast is officially here, and Shawn D. Nelson is back to bring you some brand-new, life-changing Shawnism’s each week.  This week we start with a hard truth that many of us have to learn: Business is a contact sport.  Shawn sits down with CEO, author, investor, and one of the biggest personalities on the net, Gary Vaynerchuk, to discuss why success in business is not for the weak. It’s hard, takes sacrifice, and comes with a lot of bumps and bruises along the way. You, along with your team, will fall back and stumble forward, but it’s this sort of journey that separates the committed from the opportunists.  Shawn and Gary talk about their own professional pains that they’ve encountered, collateral damage that you often can’t shield your team from, and why the highest highs often come after the lowest lows.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Love matters - in life, business, personal growth - it matters immensely. But this doesn't mean that becoming a loving person always comes easily. With life's challenges and burdens, it can be difficult to define who you want to be and then commit to becoming that person.Garrett Gee, Family Travel Journalist at The Bucket List Family, is just the person to break down this week's Shawnism: Love matters. Whether you're loving others, learning to love yourself, or trying to minimize the trauma your children experience as they grow, love is a cornerstone of all things in life - and Garrett joins Let Me Save You 25 Years to share his thoughts, stories and experiences on this topic.Join us as we discuss:The importance of love and why it's difficult to be a loving personWhy emotional intelligence is the secret trait the world needs more ofChoosing who you want to become, then following throughWhy some burdens are worth the weight (and others aren't) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.