419: Rethinking Goals AND How We Achieve Them! – Curiosity, Neuroscience & Doing Life Differently GUEST: Neuroscientist and Bestselling Author - Anne-Laure Le Cunff
DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy
Release Date: 05/15/2025
DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy
What if the biggest thing holding you back from your next breakthrough isn’t a lack of strategy… but a lack of attention? In this powerful and deeply moving episode of DREAM THINK DO, Mitch sits down with Mae Yoshikawa - writer, yogi, teacher, TEDx speaker, and founder of Kizuki Journaling - for a conversation that challenges how we think about awareness, action, and big dreams. Mae shares how the Japanese concept of kizuki - those quiet “aha” moments of realization - can become the foundation for meaningful change in leadership, business, and life. Drawing from her personal journey...
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What do you get when you mix adventure, leather, legacy, and a black lab named Blue? You get today’s incredible guest: Dave Munson, founder and CEO of Saddleback Leather Co. Dave’s story is as rugged and wild as the bags his company is known for. It all started with a single sketch in a Mexican leather shop and has grown into a globally recognized brand with customers who are passionate about quality, story, and craftsmanship. In this episode, we dive deep into Dave’s journey - from burning out as a youth pastor to selling handmade bags off the back of his Land Cruiser… to now leading...
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We’re talking with executive coach, entrepreneur, and all-around epic human Travis Ensley about how to design a life you actually want to be living. And guess what? It all starts with 4 deceptively simple - but powerful - questions that Travis has been using with himself, his family, and now the high-level leaders he coaches. We dig into: What these 4 questions are Why they actually work (no fluff here) And how YOU can use them to make meaningful changes… whether you’re running a team, building a business, or just ready to live with more focus and intention. Travis also opens up...
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We’re kicking off the new year with something that’s become a DREAM THINK DO tradition: RESET WEEK! That’s right - this isn’t about boring resolutions that barely last 48 hours. This is about real, sustainable momentum. In this solo episode, Mitch Matthews is back at the mic (refreshed from some unplugged “cabin” time!) and walking you through a 5-step strategy to reset your mindset, your goals, and your energy for the year ahead. This isn't about perfection. It's about intention. It’s about reflecting on what worked (and what didn’t), getting clear on what you want to...
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In this short and heartfelt episode… Mitch Matthews is keeping it simple but powerful. It’s a mini-episode, just 15 minutes… but it’s packed with a mindset shift that could transform your holidays (and maybe even your new year!). As we dive into this season that’s often full, fast, and a little frantic… we wanted to offer you a concept that’s helping Mitch to stay grounded, present, and joy-filled. It’s a two-word mantra that’s serving as his personal battle cry: “Christmas Curious.” Whether you're someone who loves spreadsheets and schedules… or you’re someone...
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An Interview with former Navy SEAL, CEO & bestselling author Brent Gleeson In this powerful episode, Mitch Matthews sits down with Brent Gleeson - former Navy SEAL, CEO, and bestselling author - to dive into the mindset, routines, and values that allow you to go ALL IN on what matters most, even during the most chaotic of times… (even the holidays!). With insights from Brent’s new book ALL IN: The Pathway to Personal Growth and Professional Excellence, this episode offers a practical roadmap for finishing the year strong and stepping into 2026 with focus, clarity, and intention. Read...
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An interview with Olympic Medalist, Author, & Design Thinker John K. Coyle What if your next breakthrough wasn’t about fixing your weaknesses… but doubling down on your strengths? This week on DREAM THINK DO, Mitch sits down with John K. Coyle - an Olympic silver medalist turned Fortune 500 exec, design thinking expert, and Emmy-winning analyst - to explore what happens when you stop trying to fix what’s “wrong” with you… and instead, design a life around what you do best. John shares his journey from burnout and humiliation on the U.S. Olympic speed skating team to a...
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In this inspiring and deeply authentic episode, Mitch sits down with someone he recently shared the TEDx stage with - Dr. Angela Walker Franklin. Dr. Franklin is the President and CEO of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, and not only is she the first woman and first person of color to hold that role in the university’s 125+ year history… she’s also a licensed clinical psychologist, a published author, and a powerful voice for leading with empathy, courage, and clarity. They dive into her unique upbringing in a small South Carolina town - where her family ran a funeral...
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In this episode, Mitch sits down with the brilliant and bold Dr. Julia Garcia - a psychologist, behavioral researcher, and the author of the powerful new book, The 5 Habits of Hope. With 20+ years of experience working with students, educators, CEOs, and entire communities to create space for hope, Dr. J brings the science and the soul - blending tactical tools with raw honesty and deep life experience. This isn’t toxic positivity. This is real, grounded, authentic hope. And it couldn’t be more timely. As we head into the holidays - a season that can stir up a lot of different...
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We’ve got an inspiring and eye-opening conversation for you this week as Mitch sits down with Shawn D. Nelson - the founder and CEO of LoveSac. If the name sounds familiar, it should. LoveSac has become a billion-dollar disruptor in the furniture space, known for their ultra-comfy bean bags and their game-changing modular couches that are built to last a lifetime. But long before LoveSac became a publicly traded company with hundreds of retail stores… it started in Shawn’s parents’ basement with a roll of vinyl, some foam, and a wild idea. Since then, Shawn’s story has included...
info_outlineOkay, DREAM THINK DOers… get ready! Because today’s guest is creating a new and inspiring path when it comes to embracing curiosity, thinking differently, and doing life in bold and unconventional ways.
We’re talking with Anne-Laure Le Cunff.
Anne-Laure is a powerhouse neuroscientist, entrepreneur, and the brilliant mind behind Ness Labs—a platform dedicated to helping people to think better, learn faster, and work happier.
Her weekly newsletter inspires over 100,000 curious minds, diving into the science of creativity, lifelong learning, and mindful productivity.
But that’s just the beginning!
Anne-Laure (Ann-Lor) is also the author of the new book… Tiny Experiments—a game-changing book that challenges us to ditch rigid goals, embrace uncertainty, and turn our lives into a series of small but powerful experiments.
She’s currently researching the neuroscience of curiosity and adaptability at King’s College London—digging into how different brains learn in different ways.
And before all this? She was at Google, leading digital health projects and shaping the future of wellbeing through tech.
Her work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Forbes, Financial Times, WIRED… and more.
She’s lived in Paris, New York, Tokyo, and London… and whether she’s researching, writing, or challenging how we think about success—one thing’s for sure… she’s living a life of dreaming bigger, thinking better, and DOing life with more curiosity, freedom, and fun!
ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS:
Remember… you can now check out Mitch’s OTHER podcast called “ENCOURAGING THE ENCOURAGERS” anywhere you listen to podcasts.
It’s specifically designed for Coaches, Speakers and Content Creators and provides a quick dose of inspiration, strategy AND… of course… encouragement!
Find it on Apple Podcasts: Click here
Find it on Spotify: Click here
Find it on Anchor: Click here
Find it on Google: Click here
Resources Mentioned:
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Tiny Experiments: How to Live Freely in a Goal-Obsessed World – Get the book on Amazon
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🧠 Nest Labs Weekly Newsletter – Anne-Laure’s science-backed tips on learning, creativity, and productivity.
We Want to Hear From YOU! 🎙💡
What’s one small but significant “TINY STEP” you want to take… TODAY?
Write it down and make it happen! Remember… Little steps. Small bets. Low risk but big pay offs!
Comment below and let us know what resonated most with you from this powerful convo!
And if this episode connected with you… PLEASE share it with a friend (they will thank you)!
And please… leave a review! It encourages me and my guests AND it helps more Dream Think Doers find the show! THANKS SO MUCH! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐