Decoding Success with Matt LeBris

384. How Heartbreak, Grief & Betrayal Can Become Your Greatest Strength | Jade Shenker

Sometimes the life you're meant to live can't begin until the version of you clinging to safety falls apart. Jade Shenker is a star of Netflix's Owning Manhattan, an entrepreneur, and an investor whose life looked successful from the outside. Behind the scenes, she was navigating betrayal, heartbreak, and eventually the devastating loss of her father... experiences that forced her to rebuild her identity from the inside out. Getting cheated on became the catalyst for everything. Instead of allowing pain to harden her, Jade leaned into healing. From therapy and energy work to spirituality, grief, and learning to trust her intuition, she discovered that the hardest seasons of life often become the beginning of our greatest transformation. What you'll hear in this conversation is how she stopped searching for validation from other people, why she believes every painful experience is preparing us for something greater, and the "hero's journey" mindset that completely changed the way she approaches adversity, relationships, and purpose. Jade on Instagram Shenker Charity Tennis Tournament In this episode you will: Discover how betrayal became the turning point that helped Jade rebuild her confidence and identity Learn why traditional talk therapy wasn't enough—and the healing modalities that transformed her life Hear how losing her father deepened her faith through unexpected signs, synchronicities, and a new relationship with grief Understand why seeking validation from others keeps us stuck, and how to begin trusting yourself again Rethink every painful chapter of your life through the lens of the hero's journey and why your greatest setback may actually be preparing you for your greatest purpose Book A Complimentary Brand Strategy Session with Brand Builders Group Connect with Matt on Instagram

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383. Why You Feel Lost in Life | Monica Berg

2w ago00:52:35Tap to summarize

Most people don't feel lost because they lack direction. They feel lost because they've spent years becoming someone they thought they were supposed to be. But before we get into it: claim yo' free brand strategy call here: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ In this deeply moving conversation, Monica Berg challenges one of the biggest assumptions we make about happiness, purpose, and success: that if we achieve enough, we'll eventually feel fulfilled. Instead, she argues that many of us are unknowingly living from our ego rather than our authentic selves, pursuing lives shaped by expectation instead of intention. Together, we explore what it really means to reconnect with who you are beneath the conditioning. We discuss why so many high achievers still feel disconnected, how to recognize when you've drifted from your true self, and why trust, not control, is the foundation of a meaningful life. If you've ever questioned your purpose, felt disconnected from yourself, struggled with change, or wondered why success hasn't brought lasting fulfillment, this conversation will give you a completely new perspective. Connect with Monica Berg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/monicarberg74/ Listen to the Podcast here Website: https://www.rethinkitlove.com/ In this episode, you'll learn: How to know if you're living the life you truly want or the life you've been conditioned to pursue Why so many successful people still feel lost, disconnected, and unfulfilled The difference between living from your ego versus living from your soul How childhood conditioning quietly shapes the decisions you make as an adult Why trust, not control, is the key to creating a more meaningful life The surprising reason change leads to greater happiness and fulfillment How to reconnect with your curiosity, intuition, and authentic self Why your greatest challenges may actually reveal your life's deepest purpose The mindset shift that helped Monica navigate raising a child with Down syndrome Practical ways to stop living for other people's expectations and start becoming who you were created to be If this conversation resonated with you, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear it.

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382. Why You Feel Disconnected (And How to Find Yourself Again) | Chantelle Otten

Jun 900:55:46Tap to summarize

In this episode of The Decoding Success Podcast, Matt sits down with renowned sexologist, therapist, and intimacy expert Chantelle Otten for a powerful conversation about self-love, intimacy, connection, identity, and what it truly means to find yourself again. Free Brand Strategy Call: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Watch all episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris Many people spend years searching for deeper relationships, more meaningful friendships, and lasting love without realizing that the relationship they are missing most is the one they have with themselves. Chantelle explains why so many people feel disconnected in today's world, how fear, loneliness, people-pleasing, and external validation pull us away from ourselves, and why intimacy is about so much more than sex. Together, Matt and Chantelle explore the connection between self-awareness and healthy relationships, the importance of curiosity over certainty, and how the people in our lives often serve as mirrors reflecting both our strengths and our blind spots. The conversation dives into therapy, attachment styles, resilience, self-discovery, friendship, grief, courage, and the surprising role that fun plays in living a fulfilling life. Chantelle also shares deeply personal reflections on love, loss, her mother's final life lessons, and the reminder that success means very little if we forget to actually enjoy the life we're building. If you've ever felt disconnected, lonely, stuck, misunderstood, or unsure of who you are becoming, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on how to reconnect with yourself and create a life that feels more authentic, meaningful, and alive. In this episode, you'll learn: Why so many people feel disconnected from themselves The surprising connection between intimacy and self-awareness How fear and external validation impact your relationships Why loneliness can exist even when you're surrounded by people The role friends play in helping us discover who we are How to receive feedback without losing yourself Why curiosity is essential for personal growth The difference between confidence and courage How healthy relationships act as mirrors for self-discovery Why self-love requires action, not just affirmation The impact of grief, loss, and resilience on personal growth Why "having more fun" may be the advice we all need most Connect with Chantelle: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chantelle_otten_sexologist/ Website: https://chantelleotten.com/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_lebris/

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381. The Secret to Making Friends, Finding Love & Feeling More Alive | Liv Schreiber

Jun 200:56:44Tap to summarize

In this episode of The Decoding Success Podcast, Matt sits down with Liv Schreiber for a refreshing conversation about modern dating, friendship, loneliness, connection, and what it really means to build a life that feels alive. In a world where we're more connected than ever digitally, many people feel more isolated than ever personally. Liv shares why dating apps, endless options, social media, and fear of rejection are quietly making it harder to build meaningful relationships—and what we can do about it. Together, Matt and Liv explore the surprising ways we sabotage connection, why showing up alone might be the best thing you can do for your social life, and how creating friendships often leads to the very relationships we're searching for. Liv also shares the powerful lessons she learned from her grandparents, the mindset that helped her meet her husband, why curiosity is more important than certainty, and how becoming comfortable with yourself changes every relationship in your life. Whether you're single, dating, married, building new friendships, or simply looking to feel more connected to yourself and the people around you, this conversation is filled with practical wisdom and reminders that life is meant to be enjoyed. In this episode, you'll learn: Why modern dating feels harder than ever How too many options can create decision paralysis The secret to making meaningful friendships as an adult Why showing up alone can change your life How to become more socially confident The importance of setting intentions before entering a room Why curiosity is more powerful than certainty The relationship between self-connection and healthy relationships How to navigate rejection without losing confidence The surprising mindset shift that helped Liv meet her husband Why loneliness is impacting both men and women How to create more fun, spontaneity, and aliveness in everyday life Connect with Liv: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livschreiber/ Camp Social: https://www.instagram.com/campsocial/ Hot & Single Matchmaking: https://www.instagram.com/hotandsingle/ Connect with Matt: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matt_lebris/ Free Brand Strategy Call: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Watch all episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris

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380. Heal Back Into Who You Were Before the World Changed You | Annalie Howling

May 2601:01:12Tap to summarize

In this episode of The Decoding Success Podcast, Matt sits down with Annalie Howling for a powerful conversation about healing shame, overcoming limiting beliefs, burnout, identity, self-worth, and what it truly means to become yourself again. Annalie opens up about the difference between who we truly are versus who we become in order to survive. Together, Matt and Annalie explore how childhood experiences, trauma, toxic relationships, societal expectations, and internalized shame quietly shape our identities, relationships, ambitions, and even our success. This episode dives deep into the hidden connection between high achievement and emotional pain, why so many successful people secretly feel unworthy, and how unresolved shame can fuel perfectionism, people-pleasing, anxiety, burnout, and self-sabotage. Annalie shares deeply personal stories about surviving violence, navigating divorce, rebuilding her life, and learning how to stop living according to "shoulds" and start living according to what she truly wants. She also explains why shame is often felt in the body long before it becomes conscious thought — and why healing begins by reconnecting with yourself rather than abandoning yourself for acceptance. Matt and Annalie also unpack the pressure of modern life, the trap of comparison culture, why so many people stay stuck in survival mode, and how healing can unlock a level of peace, freedom, self-leadership, and fulfillment most people never realize is available to them. If you've ever felt disconnected from yourself, trapped by anxiety, driven by invisible pressure, or exhausted from trying to become who the world expected you to be, this conversation will deeply resonate with you. Learn more about Annalie Howling: Annalie Howling Website Annalie Howling on Instagram Happy After Podcast Level up your personal brand with Brand Builders Group by booking a complimentary strategy session here: Book Your Complimentary Brand Strategy Session In this episode you will: Discover how shame and limiting beliefs quietly shape identity, relationships, ambition, and self-worth Learn the difference between your authentic self and the version of yourself created through adaptation and survival Understand why high achievement and burnout are often deeply connected to emotional wounds and feelings of unworthiness Explore how trauma, anxiety, and shame can fuel perfectionism, people-pleasing, and self-sabotage Learn why so many people live according to "shoulds" instead of what they truly want Discover how to identify the hidden beliefs that may be keeping you small, stuck, or disconnected from yourself Understand the difference between sustainable high performance and survival mode Learn why comparison culture and modern productivity pressures are exhausting so many people emotionally Explore how healing creates peace, clarity, self-trust, and emotional freedom Hear Annalie's perspective on grief, healing, purpose, and rebuilding your life after painful experiences Learn why shame's biggest lie is convincing you that it's "too late" Discover how to stop existing in survival mode and start fully living your life

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379. The Truth About Love Most People Learn Too Late | Amy Chan

May 2100:59:58Tap to summarize

Most people think they have a dating problem. What they actually have is a pattern problem. Watch our episode on YouTube We don't just choose partners. We choose familiarity. And for a lot of people, that means unconsciously chasing the same emotional experience over and over again. The hot-and-cold dynamic. The anxiety. The longing. The feeling of having to earn love instead of safely receiving it. Relationship expert and bestselling author Amy Chan explains why so many people keep falling for unavailable partners, confusing chemistry with compatibility, and mistaking chaos for passion. Because the truth is, healthy love often feels unfamiliar before it feels safe. This conversation goes far deeper than dating advice. Amy breaks down the psychology behind limerence, nervous system activation, repetition compulsion, and why people unconsciously recreate the emotional wounds they experienced in childhood. She shares the exact patterns that quietly sabotage relationships, the role inconsistency plays in triggering anxiety, and why stable love can initially feel "boring" to people conditioned by unpredictability. Matt and Amy also unpack modern dating culture, the pressure created by social media expectations, and the dangerous advice being normalized online. Together, they explore what actually creates lasting love: commitment, mutuality, emotional safety, integrity, and the willingness to work through discomfort instead of running from it. Amy opens up vulnerably about her own relationship patterns, the years she spent chasing emotionally unavailable people, and the personal breakthrough that finally changed everything. The result is a masterclass on love, attachment, healing, friendship, emotional maturity, and what it truly means to build relationships that last. If you've ever wondered why dating feels exhausting, why you keep repeating the same patterns, or what healthy love is actually supposed to feel like, this episode will change the way you see relationships forever. UnSingle: The Art of Loving Yourself, Building Healthy Relationships, and Dating Smarter Amy on Instagram Amy's website (bootcamps + more fun!) In this episode you will: Discover why people unconsciously recreate familiar emotional wounds in relationships and how childhood experiences quietly shape who you're attracted to Learn the difference between chemistry and compatibility and why confusing the two leads so many people into unhealthy relationships Understand why inconsistency and hot-and-cold behavior activate anxiety in the nervous system and what emotionally safe love actually feels like Break down the four pillars of a healthy relationship: chemistry, compatibility, timing, and mutuality Explore the psychology of limerence, chasing, and emotional addiction and why some people become attached to the pursuit of love more than love itself Learn why healthy relationships can initially feel "boring" to people conditioned by chaos, unpredictability, or emotional instability Understand the role commitment plays in long-term love and why feelings alone are never enough to sustain a relationship Discover the difference between wanting love and having the capacity and ability to maintain a healthy relationship Learn practical ways to create deeper intimacy, emotional safety, and lasting connection inside long-term relationships Hear Amy's framework for building "relational wealth" through nourishing friendships, meaningful community, and intentional human connection

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378. How To Release Trapped Emotions From The Body | Dr. Bradley Nelson

May 1401:00:37Tap to summarize

In this episode of The Decoding Success Podcast, Matt sits down with Dr. Bradley Nelson for a mind-expanding conversation on trapped emotions, emotional baggage, inherited trauma, and the hidden energy shaping your life, relationships, health, and identity. Dr. Bradley Nelson explains why unprocessed emotions do not simply disappear — they become stored energy inside the body. From chronic pain and anxiety to self-sabotage and relationship struggles, he shares how emotional baggage can quietly distort our personalities, lower our emotional frequency, and interfere with our ability to fully live, love, and heal. Matt and Dr. Brad dive deep into the connection between physical symptoms and emotional pain, the concept of the "heart wall," inherited emotional trauma passed down through generations, and why healing does not always require reliving painful memories. This episode challenges the way we think about therapy, healing, identity, and human potential. Dr. Brad also shares incredible real-life stories of emotional release leading to dramatic shifts in physical pain, emotional well-being, and even creative expression — including why your body may be holding onto experiences your conscious mind has long forgotten. If you have ever felt emotionally stuck, disconnected from yourself, weighed down by anxiety, or unable to fully move forward in life, this conversation may completely shift the way you understand healing. Get your copy of: The Emotion Code The Heart Code Learn more about Dr. Bradley Nelson: Discover Healing Dr. Bradley Nelson on Instagram Level up your personal brand with Brand Builders Group by booking a complimentary strategy session here: Book Your Complimentary Brand Strategy Session In this episode you will: Discover how trapped emotions become stored energy inside the body and how they may shape your personality, behavior, and emotional patterns Learn why emotional baggage can manifest as physical pain, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and self-sabotage Understand the difference between processing emotions versus suppressing or amplifying them — and why both can create emotional residue in the body Explore the concept of inherited emotional trauma and how emotional energy can be passed down through generations Learn why healing does not necessarily require reliving painful memories or retraumatizing yourself Discover what a "heart wall" is, why most people unknowingly build one, and how it may block love, creativity, connection, and fulfillment Hear powerful stories of emotional release leading to dramatic shifts in physical pain, emotional well-being, and personal transformation Understand why Dr. Brad believes the body is constantly communicating with us through symptoms, pain, and emotional signals Explore the connection between energy, frequency, vibration, and emotional health Learn how asking for guidance, support, and deeper awareness can radically transform your healing journey

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377. Becoming Who You're Meant to Be (Stop Chasing & Start Aligning) with Craig Siegel

Apr 1601:12:05Tap to summarize

Matt sits down with Craig Siegel for a deep dive into what it really means to become who you're meant to be and why most people are going about it the wrong way. WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON YOUTUBE If you've been chasing success, adding more to your plate, and still feeling unfulfilled… this episode will shift your perspective. Craig breaks down the truth about personal growth, purpose, and alignment... revealing that transformation isn't about doing more, but about reconnecting with who you already are. Together, they explore why so many high performers feel stuck despite external success, how we unknowingly outsource our power, and what it takes to move from a state of lack into true wholeness. You'll learn how to stop chasing external validation, let go of outdated identities, and become a match for the life you actually desire. Craig also shares his personal journey from feeling misaligned and unfulfilled on Wall Street to stepping into a life of purpose, impact, and spiritual alignment... and the daily practices that helped him get there. If you've ever felt like there's more for you but you can't quite access it, this episode is your invitation to stop searching outside of yourself and start coming home. BOOK YOUR FREE BRAND STRATEGY SESSION WITH BRAND BUILDERS GROUP In this episode, we cover: How to become who you're meant to be Why chasing success can keep you stuck The difference between lack vs. wholeness How to align with your purpose and highest self Letting go of external validation and old identities The concept of "desire everything, need nothing" Why inner work is the key to external success How to reconnect with yourself and create real transformation Connect with Craig Siegel: Instagram Upcoming NYC Event Podcast Friend, if you made it this far in the show notes, thank you. There's a reason you listened to this episode. And, I'm grateful it found you. My hope is you help someone else find it by sharing this. Thank you for being here with us.

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376. Why Most People Avoid the Truth (And Stay Stuck Because of It) | Connor Beaton

Mar 2601:21:15Tap to summarize

Most people don't feel stuck because they lack motivation. They feel stuck because they're avoiding the truth that would force them to change. In this conversation with Connor Beaton, we break down why so many people stay in cycles of self-sabotage, disconnection, and confusion and how much of it comes back to one thing: choosing what's familiar over what's true. WATCH ON YOUTUBE Book Your Brand Strategy Session (psssttt... it's complimentary!!!) We talk about the patterns that keep men stuck… Why your brain will choose harmful behaviors over growth… And how avoiding pain is actually what creates more of it. Connor shares his own story of hitting rock bottom, living out of his car, and what it actually took to rebuild his life, not through motivation, but through confronting the parts of himself he didn't want to face. This episode is about self-leadership, truth, and the real reason so many men feel lost. Because you're not broken. You're just avoiding something you know you need to face. In This Episode, We Cover: Why men avoid the truth (and how it keeps them stuck) The psychology behind self-sabotage Why familiar pain feels safer than unfamiliar growth The impact of absent (or emotionally absent) fathers Why so many men feel lost in today's world The role of male friendships and emotional isolation How to stop outsourcing your self-worth Why peace—not happiness—is the real goal Connor on Instagram Join Connor's Programs Connor's Podcast Connor's Website If You Enjoyed This Episode: Share it with someone who needs to hear it. And if this hit home, take a second to leave a review—it helps more than you know.

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BONUS: You're Not Stuck — You're Waiting to Feel Ready

Mar 1900:20:23Tap to summarize

If you feel stuck right now — not because you lack desire, but because doubt keeps outweighing it — this episode is for you. In this solo episode, Matt reframes one of the most misunderstood emotions in personal growth: doubt. Doubt does not mean you're incapable. It does not mean you're unqualified. And it certainly doesn't mean you should stop. It often just means you're inexperienced — or afraid of looking inexperienced. Through personal stories — from launching the podcast in his childhood bedroom to shifting from virtual interviews to in-person and even traveling to record — Matt shares how doubt showed up at every level of growth. And here's the truth: Doubt didn't disappear. The show went on anyway. In this episode, you'll learn: Why doubt doesn't need to be eliminated — it needs to be integrated The myth about confidence (and why it's not a prerequisite) How exposure — not avoidance — builds real self-trust Why waiting to "feel ready" is what's actually keeping you stuck How to take action at the size of your courage Confidence doesn't come before action. It's revealed through action. You're not stuck because you're broken. You're stuck because you're waiting to feel ready. So the question becomes: What's the smallest step you've been avoiding because doubt told you a story? Take it — with doubt. And watch what happens. BOOK YOUR FREE BRAND STRATEGY SESSION WATCH ON YOUTUBE FOLLOW MATT ON INSTAGRAM

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All episodes

384. How Heartbreak, Grief & Betrayal Can Become Your Greatest Strength | Jade Shenker

383. Why You Feel Lost in Life | Monica Berg

382. Why You Feel Disconnected (And How to Find Yourself Again) | Chantelle Otten

381. The Secret to Making Friends, Finding Love & Feeling More Alive | Liv Schreiber

380. Heal Back Into Who You Were Before the World Changed You | Annalie Howling

379. The Truth About Love Most People Learn Too Late | Amy Chan

378. How To Release Trapped Emotions From The Body | Dr. Bradley Nelson

377. Becoming Who You're Meant to Be (Stop Chasing & Start Aligning) with Craig Siegel

376. Why Most People Avoid the Truth (And Stay Stuck Because of It) | Connor Beaton

BONUS: You're Not Stuck — You're Waiting to Feel Ready