“By doing this work, we know there’s something powerful about how
the human heart opens in the presence of other open-hearted humans.”
– Matt Brannagan, CEO, Hoffman Institute Foundation

Matt Brannagan Hoffman Institute CEO Hoffman Podcast — Photo by Sam Comen

We open season 12 of The Hoffman Podcast with Matt Brannagan, Hoffman Process teacher and Hoffman Institute’s new CEO. In conversation with Drew, Matt reflects on this moment of transition and the thoughtful leadership handoff shaped by Raz and Liza Ingrasci. Their generosity, wisdom, and long-term vision laid the foundation for what Matt terms “Hoffman 3.0.” It’s an evolution rooted in continuity, care, and purpose.

Hoffman 1.0 was the creation and first few phases of this powerful work by Bob Hoffman. The Hoffman Process started in Bob’s office in Oakland, California, in 1967. He shepherded it through its first iterations, beginning with one-on-one clients, then a series of weekly group classes, and finally the week-long Process we know today. Hoffman 2.0 began with Raz and Liza establishing the Hoffman Institute and creating the non-profit it is today, increasing capacity so more people could attend the Hoffman Process. They laid the foundation for incredible growth and transformation. Now, on that strong foundation, Hoffman 3.0 takes flight.

Matt steps into this role after 18 years at the Hoffman Institute, serving as both teacher and leader. Before Hoffman, Matt served in the military. He deployed to Iraq shortly after completing the Process in 2004. For more than two decades with Hoffman, Matt has lived and honed a life of service and leadership. Currently, he’s a doctoral candidate pursuing a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Matt brings a steady, embodied presence to this new Hoffman era.

We hope you enjoy this conversation with Matt and Drew, the first of this season. We have many great guests ahead that we know you’ll love.

Setting an important context:

We offer this context to help frame the conversation you’re about to hear. In this episode, Drew and Matt discuss the legacy of Raz Ingrasci, founder of the Hoffman Institute Foundation. We recorded this conversation on December 19. With great sadness, we share that Raz passed away unexpectedly on December 31. This was the same day he formally stepped back from his day-to-day role at Hoffman, alongside his wife, Liza.

More about Matt Brannagan:

Matt Brannagan is the Chief Executive Officer of the Hoffman Institute Foundation. He joined the Institute in 2007 and has previously held the roles of Chief Operating Officer and Director of Faculty, in addition to serving as a Teacher and Coach. Matt is a retired veteran and former Master Resilience Trainer for the U.S. Army. He is currently a Ph.D. candidate in Clinical Psychology and holds both a B.A. in Sociology and an M.A. in Transpersonal Psychology.

Matt Brannagan CEO Hoffman Institute Hoffman Podcast

Matt learned of the Hoffman Process at the age of 20 after recently completing three years of active military duty. While examining his direction in life, he was inspired by those he met who had attended Hoffman. It became the logical next step on his growth journey, and he completed the Hoffman Process in 2004, unexpectedly being deployed to Iraq shortly after graduation. While holding a senior role in his unit, it was his Hoffman community that challenged him to continue his personal work during that crucial time, and he enrolled in Hoffman teacher training shortly after returning home.

Extensive leadership training allows Matt’s work as a Hoffman faculty member to be grounded in clarity, compassion, and accountability, led by the belief that organizational culture is strengthened when people feel empowered, supported, and connected to purpose. In his work with students, “I love that moment when it all clicks, and the students begin to take on the tools and practices for themselves. They offer such great insights, and I get to deepen my learning as I teach.”

Committed to guiding Hoffman’s evolution, Matt is focused on ensuring sustainable long-term growth. He is honored to usher the Institute into its next chapter and holds deep gratitude for the opportunity to carry forward the work stewarded for decades by Liza and Raz Ingrasci.

Watch and listen to Matt & Drew:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03FNQBZKBeM

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Listen on Spotify

As mentioned in this episode:

Listen to Matt on The Hoffman Podcast: S2e22: Communities of Meaning.

Our new California retreat site is Santa Sabina. Our first Process at Santa Sabina will be in April 2026.

The Q2: Beyond Mom and Dad – Our 3-day Hoffman graduate program.

Listen to Tim Callan on The Hoffman Podcast: S2e14: A Journey Through Grief to New Love