What the Marshmallow Test Reveals About Serendipity (and Success)
Release Date: 06/05/2025
He Had No Plan. Then Built Two Agencies and Sold Them Both.
The Happy Accidents Podcast
He didn’t go to university. He had no formal training. He didn’t even know what a copywriter was. But Andy Strote ended up founding two successful creative agencies in Toronto, landing massive clients like Ontario Hydro, Manulife, and CIBC — and eventually selling both companies in separate acquisitions. In this episode of Happy Accidents, Andy shares his incredible journey from warehouse worker to creative entrepreneur, and how serendipity played a surprising role at every turning point. 🚪 From fake portfolios and mailroom connections... 🧾 To penny stocks that paid off big... 🤝...
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What the Marshmallow Test Reveals About Serendipity (and Success)
The Happy Accidents Podcast
Is success about willpower… or something more unpredictable? In this unscripted and unedited episode of Happy Accidents, Dennis flips the script and explores the surprising connection between the famous Marshmallow Test and the role of serendipity in success. You’ll hear why delayed gratification does matter... but also why it’s not the full story. Through real-world examples (like James Dyson’s journey), his TED Talk insights, and a candid take on free will, faith, and timing, Dennis breaks down the two possible paths we follow when chasing success and how unexpected opportunities...
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He Flipped a 450lb Tire, Got Injured… Then Accidentally Built a Fitness Brand
The Happy Accidents Podcast
What do a 450-pound tire, a back injury, and 60-second squats have in common? For Michael Cassidy — everything. In this episode of Happy Accidents, Michael shares how a devastating back injury, a pandemic career pivot, and a total lack of time to work out led to the unexpected birth of his fitness brand: the 60 Second Workouts App. We explore: The accident that kickstarted his health journey Why “not having time to exercise” became his biggest business idea How he used LinkedIn to build an audience in tech + wellness The science behind micro workouts and why they actually work The power...
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The Sweetest Revenge - How Kathleen King Lost Everything and Baked a Billion Dollar Comeback
The Happy Accidents Podcast
Link to the article mentioned in the episode: https://dennisgeelen.me/the-solopreneurs-guide-to-recurring-revenue-how-to-build-a-subscription-based-business What happens when you're pushed out of the business you built from scratch? In this episode of Happy Accidents, I share the jaw-dropping true story of Kathleen King—the woman behind Tate’s Bake Shop. Before it became a $500 million cookie empire, Kathleen was betrayed by her business partners, fired from the company that bore her name, and left to rebuild from ground zero. But instead of quitting, she started over—with a new...
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The Accidental Invention That Turned Fashion Purple Forever
The Happy Accidents Podcast
Did you know that your favorite colorful outfits owe everything to a teenager’s failed experiment? In 1856, William Henry Perkin was just 18 years old when he accidentally created mauveine—the world’s first synthetic dye—while trying to cure malaria. This vibrant purple shade, once reserved for royalty, took over the fashion world in a craze known as the “mauve measles.” But Perkin’s discovery didn’t just change fashion. It revolutionized the textile industry, sparked the birth of synthetic dyes, and even led to advancements in medicine! And here’s the crazy part, Perkin was...
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Is College Still Worth It? A Serial Entrepreneur’s Take
The Happy Accidents Podcast
How Going Against the Grain Leads to Success – JG Francoeur on The Happy Accidents Podcast In this episode, I sit down with serial entrepreneur JG Francoeur to talk about what it really takes to succeed in business. We dive into: ✅ Why going against the grain often leads to the biggest breakthroughs ✅ How being open to new opportunities can change your career trajectory ✅ The importance of constantly learning and adapting in entrepreneurship JG shares his journey, lessons learned, and the mindset shifts that helped him build multiple successful businesses. If you're an entrepreneur...
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How One Email Sparked a Chain of Serendipity
The Happy Accidents Podcast
Can you create your own luck? In this episode, I share a real-life example of how a single email led to an unexpected chain of events—proving that serendipity is often just bold action in disguise. Inspired by Sahil Bloom’s Curiosity Chronicle, we dive into the power of taking shots, building connections, and embracing uncertainty to unlock new opportunities. You'll learn: ✅ How a simple DM changed Sahil Bloom’s book sales ✅ And I did exactly the same thing in return! Two great stories (intertwined) that you're not going to want to miss. As promised, here's the link to Sahil's...
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How One Trip Reshaped Coffee Culture
The Happy Accidents Podcast
Discover how Howard Schultz turned Starbucks into a global coffee empire after a life-changing trip to Milan. This episode explores the serendipitous events and entrepreneurial journey that reshaped coffee culture in America and beyond. Learn how Schultz's vision of bringing the Italian café experience to America faced skepticism but ultimately triumphed. We'll dive into the power of serendipity in business and share tips for aspiring entrepreneurs on recognizing unexpected opportunities. Don't miss out on this inspiring story of determination, innovation, and how one trip changed the...
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A Backyard Accident - The Insane Origin Story of Dude Perfect
The Happy Accidents Podcast
How Dude Perfect Became YouTube Legends | Happy Accidents Podcast Discover the incredible journey of Dude Perfect, the viral sensation that started with a backyard basketball bet and became one of the biggest names on YouTube! From their days as college roommates at Texas A&M to building a global empire with billions of views, Tyler Toney, Garrett Hilbert, Cody Jones, and twins Coby and Cory Cotton turned their love for trick shots into a record-breaking phenomenon. In this episode, we dive into: ✅ How their first video, "Backyard Edition," went viral ✅ The highs and lows...
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The Crazy Accidental Invention of Glass
The Happy Accidents Podcast
Over 5,000 years ago, ancient Phoenician merchants accidentally discovered glass during a simple cooking mishap on a sandy beach. In this episode of Happy Accidents, we uncover the fascinating history of glass, from its serendipitous beginnings to its evolution through ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, and beyond. Learn how this accidental invention shaped art, architecture, and innovation across centuries. Plus, I share some mind-blowing facts about modern glass production and its role in our everyday lives. This is a story of serendipity and ingenuity you won’t want to miss!
info_outlineIs success about willpower… or something more unpredictable?
In this unscripted and unedited episode of Happy Accidents, Dennis flips the script and explores the surprising connection between the famous Marshmallow Test and the role of serendipity in success.
You’ll hear why delayed gratification does matter... but also why it’s not the full story. Through real-world examples (like James Dyson’s journey), his TED Talk insights, and a candid take on free will, faith, and timing, Dennis breaks down the two possible paths we follow when chasing success and how unexpected opportunities often hold the key.
This is not your typical episode. No guests. No storytelling scripts. Just a mic, a message, and a refreshing perspective on what really moves the needle in life and business.
Here's the link to Dennis's TEDx Talk on serendipity: https://youtu.be/u_F6azldLTo
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