Are Ivy League students smarter than a fifth grader?
Prepare to be surprised by this playful, campus-wide experiment that puts basic knowledge to the test—and reveals that even top scholars get stumped on the simplest questions.
In this special "Intern Takeover" episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond hands the mic to rockstar interns Audrey Chen and David Herzberger, who hit the snowy grounds of Cornell University with a mission: connect with strangers and challenge them with classic "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?" questions.
From figuring out the inventor of the light bulb to naming the smallest US state, you'll hear plenty of amusing wrong answers, epic redemptions, and accidental bloopers—proving that knowledge gaps can be both humbling and hilariously relatable.
Key highlights:
By the end, you’ll be challenged to step out of your own comfort zone and strike up a conversation with someone new. Because as this episode proves, everyone—no matter how accomplished—can get tripped up by the basics. And that’s what makes learning, laughter, and human connection thrive.
Episode Overview:00:00:25 – Lou Diamond welcomes the audience and introduces the annual Intern Takeover—this year with interns Audrey Chen and David Herzberger.00:01:51 – Audrey Chen reveals their playful plan to quiz students: “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?”00:02:46 – David Herzberger shares his surprise at how tricky basic questions can be—even for the best and brightest.00:04:45 – Recordings take place during a cold, snowy day, adding challenge and camaraderie.00:05:16 – The intern duo begins their campus adventure, connecting and interviewing students on fun, simple questions.00:06:02 – Major moments: students answer questions on geography, history, science, math, and pop culture—sometimes hilariously wrong!00:13:08 – Brain teasers and redemption rounds keep things lively.00:19:17 – Audrey Chen and David Herzberger reflect on the fun and personal growth from cold-approaching strangers and spreading Thrive Loud’s mission.
Jump into this episode and see how YOU stack up against Cornell’s finest!
What if "work-life balance" is really a myth—and the real struggle is between what you have to do and what you want to do?
In this episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with Cherylanne Skolnicki, top-rated speaker, coach, and founder of Brilliant Balance, for an honest, eye-opening conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about balance. Cherylanne shares the story behind her transition from a successful corporate career at Procter & Gamble to her mission helping thousands of women worldwide "reengineer" their lives for greater fulfillment at work and at home—without losing themselves along the way.
Key Highlights:
If you’re ready to drop the pressure of perfection and finally move toward a life you genuinely love, this episode is for you!
Timestamped Overview:
00:00 – Intro Announcer welcomes listeners and introduces Lou Diamond.
00:29 – Lou Diamond introduces Cherylanne Skolnicki and her work.
01:28 – Cherylanne Skolnicki shares her origin story, corporate life, and shift to helping women find balance.
02:49 – How Brilliant Balance grew from personal curiosity to a global coaching platform.
04:23 – The true source of imbalance: "have to do" vs "want to do."
06:04 – High achievers, the skill set behind fulfillment, and learning to say "no."
07:11 – Lou Diamond asks about Cherylanne’s “greatest hit” concept; Cherylanne Skolnicki shares the aha moment and emotional realities.
10:02 – Delegation, letting go, and stories of teamwork from podcast production.
11:07 – The universal "gift" Cherylanne receives: lightbulb moments with audiences.
11:38 – All about BRAVE—weekly action, courage, and women supporting women.
13:17 – Where to find Cherylanne online and connect.
14:20 – Fun Street: Cherylanne’s favorite movies, foods, activities, and travel dreams.
17:29 – Episode wrap-up, final thoughts, and how to keep thriving.
Ready to rethink what “balance” really means? Press play, get inspired, and take your first BRAVE step!
What if the pursuit of peak performance left you completely burned out—and the only way forward was to become the CEO of your own health?
In this jaw-dropping episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Amanda Soukoulis, who shares her gripping journey from elite athlete, private equity star, and Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader finalist—all seemingly at the top of her game—to a sudden health crash that forced her to rebuild her life from the ground up. Amanda pulls back the curtain on her transformation through functional medicine and nervous system mastery, revealing why chasing quick fixes doesn’t work and how real healing requires data-driven detective work from within.
Highlights include:
Whether you’re stuck in a health plateau or feeling dismissed by the medical system, this episode will inspire you to take charge and “thrive” on a whole new level.
Episode Overview:
00:00 — Intro Announcer sets the stage: Amanda Soukoulis’s journey from elite performance to health rebuilding
01:04 — Lou Diamond welcomes Amanda; Amanda’s story unfolds
01:31 — Amanda details her sudden crash and struggle to find answers
03:17 — Deep dive into functional medicine: what it is, how it’s different
04:34 — Amanda’s healing timeline, setbacks, and lessons learned
07:06 — The role of external pressures: perfectionism, stress, and environment
09:31 — Amanda’s “why me” moment, pivotal church event, and purpose-driven pivot
12:29 — The U3 System explained: uncover, uproot, unleash your health
15:53 — Transforming lives: Amanda’s biggest reward
17:03 — Amanda’s current cleanse and her infectious energy
17:33 — Fun street: favorite movies, music, food, and travel
22:12 — Amanda’s connection to Greece and Kalamata olives
23:13 — Farewell: keep moving onward and upward!
Tune in and discover what it truly means to move onward, upward, and thrive—no matter where you start.
What if the moment your life appeared most put-together was the exact instant everything fell apart?
In this revealing episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond sits down with Tara Benoit—a competitive athlete, CEO, and self-described “purpose-filled powerhouse”—whose journey took an unimaginable turn after surviving a rare and life-altering heart event (SCAD: Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection).
Discover how Tara Benoit, a high-achieving woman who thought she’d mastered strength and resilience, was forced to redefine her own identity when her heart—and her life—quite literally tore apart. She opens up about the physical and emotional toll of her recovery, navigating a “devastating” loss of identity and learning that true strength isn’t found in always doing more.
Key Highlights:
Whether you’re driven to achieve more, facing your own crossroads, or just looking for evidence that transformation is always possible, this episode is packed with raw truth, hope, and next-level inspiration.
Timestamped Overview
This is one episode you’ll want to share with anyone looking for a comeback story—or who needs a reminder that life’s sharpest turns can reveal your true direction.
What if everything you thought was “common sense”… isn’t actually common at all?
On this eye-opening episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond welcomes Natsuyo Lipschutz—Tokyo native, global consultant, five-time speech contest champion, and cancer survivor—who reveals how our assumptions about culture, communication, and even “common sense” can lead to major misunderstandings, lost opportunities, and game-changing breakthroughs in business and life.
Together, they dive into Natsuyo Lipschutz’s transformative “Culture of One” framework, showing how cultural diversity goes way beyond nationality or ethnicity and is shaped by layers of personal experience, values, and perspectives. From getting fired by someone in her own culture for being “too Americanized,” to helping international leaders overcome cross-cultural barriers, Natsuyo Lipschutz shares candid stories and practical strategies for building trust, asking game-changing questions, and helping teams find their one powerful voice.
Key highlights include:
Timestamped overview:
00:00: Intro and welcome
00:01: Career rewind and roots in cross-cultural communication
00:05: The true meaning of cultural diversity (“Culture of One”)
00:08: Why “common sense” isn’t always common—real-life consulting lessons
00:12: Asking powerful questions & uncovering blind spots
00:14: Speech contest wins and delivering content in English
00:15: Audience aha moments and the impact of communication
00:17: Natsuyo Lipschutz’s “happy accident” gift from her work
00:18: Fun Street—movies, music, food, and dancing revelations
00:24: Final reflections—life as a global citizen and adapting through experience
00:26: Closing thoughts and Thrive Loud outro
Get ready to challenge the way you think about culture, leadership, and connection—with actionable advice you can use today. Listen in, and start building YOUR culture of one!
What if the secret to surviving—and thriving—in the chaos of change is learning to lead as if you’re skydiving into the unknown?
In this shockingly honest and insightful episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond welcomes innovation strategist and author of "Leading Through Free Fall," Brianna Sylver.
Prepare for an eye-opening conversation that rewrites the rules of leadership during turbulence, revealing why true growth often begins when you let go of certainty and learn to trust—both yourself and your teams.
Brianna shares her journey from accidental entrepreneur to the founder of Sylver Consulting, an innovation research and strategy firm serving Fortune 1000 organizations and city governments. Drawing parallels between skydiving (yes, literal free-fall!) and guiding organizations through massive change, Brianna unpacks how embracing turbulence and uncertainty is the key to unlocking trust and transformation.
Key highlights include:
Whether you’re a leader navigating layoffs, organizational paralysis, or personal uncertainty, this episode is packed with the encouragement and strategies you need to turn turbulence into trust—and thrive at the next level.
Timestamped Episode Overview: 00:00 – Meet Brianna Sylver: accidental entrepreneur and innovation strategist
03:30 – The metaphor of “free fall” leadership revealed
06:05 – Turning turbulence into trust—how Sylver Consulting does it
09:36 – The epidemic of uncertainty in Fortune 1000 organizations
13:50 – Rethinking movement: why sometimes you need to pause to grow
15:09 – The “gift” of creating transformational content
17:40 – Real-world breakthroughs from Brianna’s book
18:56 – Where to connect with Brianna: LinkedIn, Silver Consulting, and more
19:53 – Fun Street: movies, music, chocolate cake, and more
24:00 – Musical theater dreams and hot yoga bootcamp
25:50 – If Brianna could be anywhere…why Brazil beaches win
26:59 – Closing thoughts: leading through free fall
27:34 – Thrive Loud outro and where to find more
Ready to unlock growth and navigate change with confidence? Dive in and get inspired!
What if being a Jewish leader today meant navigating both unprecedented pride and relentless adversity—all at the exact same time?
In this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond, you’ll hear firsthand how Rabbis Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy are answering that challenge for their community, and what lessons their journey might hold for all of us during turbulent times.
Co-hosted by the ever-insightful Michelle Katz, Lou brings you an uplifting, thought-provoking conversation exploring faith, identity, and the surprising power of disagreement. The rabbis share their distinct paths to leadership, their emotional response to recent global events affecting their community (including the aftermath of October 7th), and reveal how anti-Semitism has fostered a deeper sense of purpose—and clarity—within their roles.
You’ll also get an exclusive peek into their podcast, In Such a Time: a daring initiative at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester that confronts divisiveness with honest, respectful dialogue. The rabbis discuss why modeling disagreement is sacred, how Jewish tradition champions debate, and what they've learned about creating content in a rapidly changing world.
Catch this episode for:
Timestamped Overview:
00:00:02 – Intro Announcer introduces the show and host Lou Diamond
00:00:26 – Lou Diamond welcomes listeners and co-host Michelle Katz
00:01:54 – Michelle Katz introduces guests Jonathan Jaffe and Rabbi Leora Londy
00:02:45 – Jonathan Jaffe shares his journey to Temple Beth El
00:03:46 – Rabbi Leora Londy shares her path from Israel to the congregation
00:05:00 – Discussion on transitioning into a new community and building leadership
00:07:41 – How Jewish identity and anti-Semitism are shaping community responses
00:12:18 – The emotional toll and responsibility of spiritual leadership
00:14:32 – Introduction and purpose behind the In Such a Time podcast
00:17:26 – Content creation as a relational and spiritual gift
00:22:23 – Where to find the rabbis’ podcast and community resources
00:22:42 – “Speakeasy Pub Crawl”: Rapid-fire fun questions and personal insights
00:29:02 – Closing remarks: reflections on leadership, community, and hope
Whether you’re seeking inspiration, understanding, or just great conversation about thriving in extraordinary times, this episode is guaranteed to deliver.
In this powerful episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond welcomes Tiffaney Childers—author, speaker, and suicide loss advocate—for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation. Tiffaney shares her deeply personal story of losing both parents to suicide, her long journey through grief, and the moment that inspired her to reclaim her identity and help others find hope after tragedy. She introduces her "Rise Up Method," a step-by-step approach to healing that includes reaching out, journaling, embracing change, and protecting your peace.
Together, Lou Diamond and Tiffaney Childers discuss the urgent mental health crisis, the importance of talking openly about suicide, and the life-changing work being done through local outreach programs for survivors. Tiffaney also shares how listeners can find support, start their own groups, and utilize resources to help themselves or others struggling with loss.
Tune in for an inspiring story of courage, practical tools for healing, and essential information about building community in the face of mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is navigating loss or needs hope, this episode is a must-watch.
Learn more about Tiffaney's book, her advocacy work, and key suicide prevention resources in the episode links!
What if the wounds holding you back aren’t the ones you can see—or even remember?
In this thought-provoking episode of “Thrive LouD,” host Lou Diamond sits down with certified trauma care practitioner and rapid transformational therapy expert Stacey Uhrig, unlocking the surprising truths about trauma, healing, and why so many high-achieving people struggle with feeling “not enough”—despite seemingly perfect childhoods.
Discover:
The pivotal “whisper” that steered Stacey Uhrig
toward a transformative, purpose-driven career—plus how her own 30-year journey in therapy led her to create something she’d never seen before in the mental health space.
The emotional roots behind the most common wound her clients face, and why psychological safety matters just as much as physical safety—whether you recognize the trauma or not.
Insider insights into Polyvagal Theory, nervous system science, and rapid transformational therapy, and how Stacey Uhrig combines these modalities to empower healing and resilience.
How her podcast, “Flip Your Mindset,” was born out of pandemic necessity and now delivers top experts and real stories for those seeking guidance beyond traditional therapy.
Her refreshing philosophy on rest, self-compassion, and giving yourself permission not to be “on” 24/7.
Fun street favorites—from movie picks like “Sliding Doors” to why Taylor Swift’s newest ballad is on repeat in her life.
Whether you’re looking to understand your own stuck-ness, supercharge your resilience, or simply get inspired by someone who’s turned hard-won wisdom into healing for herself and others, this episode is packed with practical advice and honest conversation that just might flip your worldview.
Episode Timestamp Overview:
Don’t miss the episode that might just flip your understanding of trauma, healing, and thriving for good.
What if the harshest traumas you’ve faced could become the very fuel that drives you to thrive?
In this deeply moving episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond sits down with Cristina Simmons—a dynamic speaker, trauma-informed wellness coach, pediatric occupational therapist, and author of Eat Your Feelings—for a conversation packed with raw honesty, resilience, and hope. Cristina opens up about her journey through childhood verbal abuse, unimaginable loss, a cancer scare, marital challenges—including infidelity—and raising a son with autism. She shares how these experiences not only shaped her, but catalyzed her mission to help other women move beyond survival into true, lasting healing.
Key highlights include Cristina’s unique perspective on identifying and working with trauma, how “Eat Your Feelings” was born from the intersection of personal and professional wisdom, and the powerful role of self-love and faith in healing. She reveals the “aha” moments from the stage that connect so deeply with audiences. Plus, hear about her upcoming plans: launching a podcast, expanding her publishing company to support vulnerable storytellers, and stepping onto even bigger speaking platforms.
If you've ever wondered how to channel pain into purpose—or just need a jolt of inspiration—this episode is for you.
Episode timestamps
Listen in for an episode full of heart, healing, and the unstoppable power of resilience.
What if taking a sledgehammer to your old apartment could reveal not only a spectacular new home—but also the secret ingredients to thriving in one of the toughest industries out there?
On this episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond sits down with Elizabeth Vergara, CEO and founder of Vergara Homes and the creative force behind the demo-to-decor podcast “Demo this, Build that.” Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from growing up on construction sites with her father to breaking barriers as a woman entrepreneur in the design-build sector—especially in New York’s fiercely competitive Upper East Side.
Discover:
Whether you’re dreaming of a home makeover, fascinated by the world of design, or just love a good story about smashing through barriers—this episode is a must-listen.
Timestamped Episode Overview:
Tune in for inspiration, real talk, and a behind-the-scenes look at transforming spaces—and lives.
What if the true thief of your wealth isn’t out there—it’s lurking in your own mind?
On this episode of Thrive LouD, host Lou Diamond welcomes Hall of Fame speaker, best-selling author, and renowned relationship marketing expert Bill Cates. Bill introduces listeners to the concept behind his latest book, The Hidden Heist, and reveals how our unconscious beliefs and emotional hang-ups around money are, quite literally, robbing us blind.
Lou and Bill have a candid, humorous, and at times eye-opening conversation about the “psychological bank robbers” hiding within all of us. They dive into why even the ultra-wealthy secretly fear losing it all, how social media is warping our money mindsets, and why most financial education skips the crucial step—what we believe about money itself.
Key Highlights:
Whether you’re struggling with your money mindset or just want a totally fresh take on building wealth, this episode has priceless insights—and more than a few laughs.
Timestamped Overview:
00:00 – Introduction and welcome to Bill Cates02:12 – What is “The Hidden Heist” and how did the book come to be?03:43 – The unspoken emotional barriers and anxieties people have about money06:05 – Reframing beliefs: Scarcity vs. abundance and how money truly flows08:10 – Storytelling through parable: Why Bill’s new book departs from traditional guides 13:35 – Two types of financial freedom and why inner peace often eludes even the wealthy 14:54 – Co-writing a parable, real-life stories, and crafting the book for all ages17:58 – Social media’s impact, financial “gurus,” and the cost of keeping up20:01 – Where to learn more: TheOrdinaryMillionaire.com & TheHiddenHeist.com21:19 – Speakeasy Pub Crawl: Heist movies, classic rock, food, and travel dreams26:18 – Closing thoughts and reminders
Tune in and discover: What’s the hidden heist keeping you from your wealthiest, happiest self?
What if everything you thought about “good” was wrong? What if being “good enough”—not perfect, not exceptional, just genuinely good—was actually… amazing?
In this thought-provoking episode of Thrive LouD, Lou Diamond welcomes Heather Campbell, author of Good is Amazing, for a conversation that will challenge everything you’ve ever learned about success, self-worth, and the drive for greatness. Together, they dig deep into why society tends to undervalue “good” and equate it with mediocrity, how the pressure to always be “great” or “exceptional” can drain our joy, and why recognizing and celebrating the everyday “good” might be the real key to fulfillment and thriving.
Key highlights include:
If you’ve ever wondered why you (or your kids, or your employees) don’t feel like “enough” or how to break free from the relentless chase for “greatness,” this episode is for you.
Episode Timestamp Overview:
Ready to shoot for “good” and realize it might be better than you ever imagined? Hit play now!
What if building a billionaire’s legacy, launching the next big blockchain, and closing Miami real estate deals could all happen in one place—over sun, champagne, and buried treasure hunts in the Hamptons?
In this jam-packed episode of Thrive Loud, Lou Diamond takes you inside the ultra-exclusive Global Passion Project event in Southampton, NY. You’ll get an unfiltered look at how family office leaders, tech visionaries, legacy builders, and luxury lifestyle juggernauts are making their mark to “change the world, and have a little fun while they’re at it.”
Key Highlights from This Episode:
If you’ve ever wondered how today’s wealthiest, most visionary leaders are “having it all”—impact, family, legacy, and legendary parties—you’ll find a front-row seat inside this episode.
00:00:02 – Meet Lou Diamond, your connector to the globe’s most inspiring leaders
00:01:03 – Black Opal Life: Secret luxury for the unique few (and buried treasure in the Bahamas!)
00:04:55 – Building Black Opal: Making time the greatest luxury
00:07:09 – Heritage, fun, and capital: What legacy families crave
00:09:15 – Blockchain, reimagined: XDC Network’s impact on trade and finance
00:12:34 – The power of real ecosystem-building in Web3 and beyond
00:15:16 – Why legacy trusts matter: Nexus explains true asset transfer
00:17:47 – Unexpected joy: What makes top-tier networking events matter
00:20:01 – Staying resilient: Where do these leaders seek inspiration?
00:21:27 – The Miami Boys: Fusing music legends with major real estate
00:23:33 – Market insights: When should you buy in Florida?
00:25:50 – Networking with Hiltons, Rockefellers, and more
00:27:09 – Massive plugs, new companies, and where to connect
Ready to peek behind the curtain of how the world’s movers and shakers really connect, invest, and thrive? Hit play on this unforgettable edition of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond.
Show NotesTimestamped Episode Overview
What if the only thing holding you back from greatness is sitting quietly between your ears—your own mindset?
Get ready to have your mind blown on this episode of Thrive Loud with Lou Diamond, as we dive into the fascinating world of mindset mastery, self-hypnosis, and performance breakthroughs with celebrity hypnotist, motivational speaker, and author, Ricky Kalmon.
In this genuinely eye-opening interview, Lou and Ricky break down the real science (and a bit of the “magic”) behind mindset transformation—from reducing stress, banishing mental clutter, and boosting productivity to transforming how you play golf, pitch in the boardroom, and show up in life. Ricky shares the wild story of how his comedy hypnotist show for corporate events evolved into game-changing growth mindset keynotes, why he believes all hypnosis is actually self-hypnosis, and how training your brain is now recognized as a powerhouse hard skill across industries.
You’ll hear about:
Plus, you’ll get some fun insights into Ricky’s preferences (snappy cookies over soft, sushi fan, and why The Godfather is his ultimate “golf” movie). And if you love golf, don’t miss the insider story behind Ricky’s new book, Leverage Your Mindset for Golfers—even though he doesn’t play!
Ready to unlock your hidden mental superpowers? Hit play and thrive loud with mindset maverick Ricky Kalmon!
Episode Overview:
00:00 – Lou’s energetic introduction & why mindset matters
01:06 – Meet Ricky Kalmon: His journey from hypnotist to corporate mindset expert
03:57 – Why has it taken so long for mindset to get its due?
06:07 – Meditation vs. hypnosis: What’s the difference?
08:45 – How suggestions and self-hypnosis can shape your life
10:41 – The real challenge: Decluttering the mind for peak performance
13:25 – How Ricky practices what he preaches (even listening to his own audios)
15:06 – Golf, mindset, and the story behind Leverage Your Mindset for Golfers
18:12 – Ricky’s surprising admission: he doesn’t golf, but his methods work everywhere
20:26 – Feedback and transformative results from clients (leaders and athletes alike)
22:30 – Where to find Ricky, his books, and app
24:31 – Fun Street: Ricky’s favorite “golf” movie, food, routines, places, and more
29:40 – Ricky’s top pick of magical golf courses and favorite destinations
30:47 – Final thoughts, thanks, and outtro
Tune in and discover how your mindset can change your world—one thought at a time!
What if you discovered that bravery isn’t something you’re born with—but a muscle anyone can build, one courageous act at a time?
In this inspiring episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, US Marine Corps veteran, keynote speaker, and bravery expert Jill Schulman unveils the science behind fear and how anyone can practice and grow their own courage. Jill shares her unlikely journey from a small-town Minnesota girl—arriving at Marine training in a hot pink outfit—to leading Marines and ultimately becoming a thought leader on bravery. She reveals the evidence-based tools and daily practices that helped her (and can help you) push through fear, pursue uncomfortable challenges, and experience profound personal growth.
Key highlights from this episode:
Whether you’re ready to conquer a big goal, take a small brave step, or simply curious how courage really works, this episode will give you actionable strategies and the motivation to thrive onward and upward.
Timestamped Episode Overview:
00:00 – Lou Diamond opens with a challenge: How brave are you?01:00 – Meet Jill Schulman: USMC vet, bravery expert, and her “Legally Blonde” arrival 02:54 – How Jill discovered the science of bravery and overcame her early Marine hurdles 04:34 – Why bravery is built, not born (the muscle analogy)06:14 – Defining bravery: Voluntary action in the face of fear09:05 – Practical ways to get braver: cognitive reframing, “embrace the suck,” and behavioral hacks12:34 – The power of your “brave tribe” and implementing bravery daily13:22 – Writing a book: Jill’s personal “suck” and how Ken Blanchard helped her push through16:10 – What Jill gained from creating her bravery movement (and overcoming good for great)18:33 – Where to find Jill’s bravery assessments, tools, and more19:39 – Fun Street: Avatar, pump-up music, brussels sprouts, peach cobbler, skydiving, Paris, and more!26:32 – Lou and Jill wrap up with a call to keep moving “onward and upward” bravely
Ready to grow your own bravery? Hit play now!
What if the power to change the world—for good or for ill—rests in the hands of today’s most innovative leaders, and AI is the key?
In this eye-opening episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, recorded at the exclusive Global Passion Projects event in Southampton, Long Island, Lou sits down with three remarkable guests: Mark Jennings (Byte Investments), Larry Leeds (philanthropist and investor), and Edwin Wang (frontier technology investor). Together, they deliver candid insights on the future of technology, philanthropy, and the very fate of society.
You’ll discover:
Whether you’re passionate about investment, curious about the future of AI, or searching for hope and honest perspective in uncertain times, this episode delivers powerful, thought-provoking conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.
Don’t miss this exclusive behind-the-scenes plunge into the minds moving the needle on what’s next—for tech, for business, and for humanity.
What if a world-renowned surgeon could solve your decade-long medical mystery…in just three seconds—all thanks to TikTok?
On this eye-opening episode of Thrive Loud, Lou Diamond welcomes Dr. Erin Nance, a double-board-certified orthopedic surgeon, TikTok influencer, best-selling author, and trailblazing founder of the Feel Better app. Dr. Nance shares the incredible story of diagnosing a patient’s elusive condition in mere moments—over social media—unveiling both the shocking gaps and untapped solutions in today’s medical information landscape.
Dive behind-the-scenes with Dr. Nance as she reveals:
Dr. Nance also gets candid about her personal pivots, the realities of modern healthcare, and the balance she finds in tennis and creating original (sometimes cringe-worthy!) content.
Whether you’re tired of Dr. Google’s doom scrolling or want to hear how innovative experts are restoring trust in health communication, this episode will absolutely change your perception of medical advice online.
Timestamped Episode Overview:
00:00 – Lou’s introduction + the rampant problem of medical misinformation
01:20 – Dr. Erin Nance joins & her viral TikTok diagnosis that changed everything
03:58 – The struggle to find trustworthy health advice online
05:30 – How the Feel Better app works and what makes it unique
07:34 – Free vs. paid content and supporting physician creators
08:56 – Early impact and restoring trust in healthcare
10:33 – The rewards—and surprises—of medical content creation
13:05 – Dr. Nance’s personal journey and pivots
14:37 – Where to find Dr. Nance, her book, podcast, and the Feel Better app
15:45 – Fun Street: Movies, food, tennis, and the inside scoop on content creation
22:39 – Snap decision: Where Dr. Nance would travel instantly
22:59 – Final plugs and episode close
Don’t miss this empowering conversation—filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable ways you can cut through the noise, feel better, and thrive.
What really happens behind the scenes of the professional speaking world—and why do so many aspiring speakers hit a wall before ever seeing the spotlight?
In this episode of Thrive Loud, host Lou Diamond welcomes back speaker coach and manager Li Hayes to unveil the truth behind building a thriving speaker business and getting to the coveted main stage.
Li Hayes pulls back the curtain on the realities of the speaking industry: from why “just getting gigs” is a myth, to the gritty work and knowledge required to succeed, and the kinds of speakers the industry actually needs. She reveals the origin story of her game-changing “Path to the Main Stage” podcast, a platform created to democratize inside knowledge for emerging and established speakers alike—no gatekeeping, no half-answers.
Li and Lou dive into:
If you’re a speaker striving for the main stage or just want to know how the best in the business keep leveling up, this episode packs both strategy and inspiration.
Episode Overview by Timestamp:
Don’t miss this episode if you want practical wisdom and real talk from industry insiders who walk the walk.
What if you could know the true age of your brain—and start reversing it today?
On this electrifying episode of Thrive LouD with Lou Diamond, recorded live at the Global Passion Project in Southampton, you'll get an insider's look at the breakthrough technologies—and bold thinkers—reshaping our future of health, longevity, and social impact.
Lou sits down with a stellar lineup, including Dr. Ramses Alcaide, CEO of Neurable, who unveils how wearable brain-sensing headphones could soon make brain health measurements as common as step counters. Hear firsthand accounts from athletes concerned about cognitive decline, how new brain tech works for real users, and why investors like Peter Thiel, Chris Sacca, and Merck are betting big on brain longevity.
Then, XPRIZE's Jason Bateman joins to pull back the curtain on the world’s most audacious innovation prizes—from a $101M longevity award to wild carbon-capture ideas like artificial whale poop. Jason argues the biggest problems—like tribalism and the digital divide—need both competitive fire and courageous community to solve.
The conversation turns to a dynamic panel with Dr. Jerome Corsi, Dr. Raj Kumar, Josh Rubin, and FDA legal expert Mike Druckman, who reveal how the pandemic, personal experience, and the hunger for systemic change are fueling a revolution in healthcare, data, and investment.
If you're ready to meet the visionaries and game-changers shaping tomorrow—and learn what YOU can do about it—this is an episode you can't miss.
Timestamped Overview:
00:00 – Introduction Setting the scene for the Global Passion Project episodes01:01 – Dr. Ramses Alcaide shares how Neurable’s brain-sensing technology is set to change healthcare (and everyday wearables)03:35 – Addressing privacy, safety, and real-world impact of brain data04:45 – Use case: Early detection of neurodegenerative conditions for athletes & those with family risks05:16 – Investors backing brain longevity and the growth of wearable brain tech06:15 – Partnering with the Department of Defense to protect soldiers’ brain health07:27 – Scaling to military and commercial markets; 14 years of research brought to market 08:22 – What Dr. Ramses takes away from the Global Passion Project: Purpose, passion, and legacy09:09 – Where to find Neurable and connect with Dr. Ramses online09:50 – Jason Bateman of XPRIZE: Solving billion-scale challenges with multimillion-dollar prizes10:43 – Longevity, AI-driven education, space innovation, climate action, and wild ideas like artificial whale poop for carbon capture12:29 – The surprising origins of XPRIZE and how competition fuels innovation14:05 – Insights from the event: Harnessing capital, competition, and visionary philanthropy17:07 – Jason’s biggest issue to solve: The digital divide and loss of empathy online18:50 – XPRIZE’s next moonshots—like decoding the ovary’s health signals21:49 – Jason’s dream location: Bondi Beach, Australia22:30 – Panel intros: Dr. Jerome Corsi, Dr. Raj Kumar, Josh Rubin, and Mike Druckman reveal their personal missions and expertise26:43 – What’s resonating at the event: Investment optimism and diverse passion for impact27:21 – Panel insights: Fusing expertise, diverse backgrounds, and hunger for change in healthcare28:20 – Dr. Raj’s call to action: We need a little more anger and drive to change healthcare for all30:07 – Dr. Corsi: The role of global partnerships and funding to transform care30:56 – Panel contact details and their organizations for listeners and would-be collaborators34:27 – One-word summaries of the event: Inflection, Transformation, Loyalty, Spectacular 34:41 – Closing notes and where to connect with Thrive Loud and Lou Diamond