

Long Shot Leaders with Michael Stein
Michael Stein: Entrepreneur, actor, filmmaker, comedian & self help expert
Long Shot Leaders tell the stories and secrets of leaders, Innovators, entrepreneurs, and various high achievers. We interview people of all walks of life and explore their struggles, shortcomings, challenges, and setbacks that ultimately lead to growth and betterment.
Hard-hitting and fast-moving, connecting people from all walks of life to learn about entrepreneurship, leadership, relationships, cruise ships, and any other kind of damn ship you can think of. We talk to leaders in culture, film, regular business, show business, monkey business, you name it! digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and tricks that listeners can use.
Michael Stein likes deconstructing why people do what they do and how they can be better.
Hard-hitting and fast-moving, connecting people from all walks of life to learn about entrepreneurship, leadership, relationships, cruise ships, and any other kind of damn ship you can think of. We talk to leaders in culture, film, regular business, show business, monkey business, you name it! digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and tricks that listeners can use.
Michael Stein likes deconstructing why people do what they do and how they can be better.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 2, 2024 • 27min
He recounts his remarkable journey from playing high school football in various locations like LA and Washington state to becoming a Navy SEAL, and his military aspirations despite facing challenges in his athletic and academic pursuits, Jake Zweig.
Jake Zweig is a results-driven leader who has brought the standards of excellence in teamwork, focus, and toughness from his former world as a Navy SEAL to college football. Mr. Zweig utilizes proven motivational techniques and sincere mentorship to develop his players into tomorrow's leaders. His unique background blends the intensity of his military Special Forces training with his commitment to the success of his football team. Zweig is currently a leadership development coach focusing on the C suite. Formerly joined NFL great Lovie Smith's team at the beginning of the 2017 season and immediately initiated a comprehensive program review. He provided new assessments of division opponents and targeted training and game tactics. His efforts resulted in the special teams squad achieving three blocked kicks—one of which was the decisive game-winner against Western Kentucky. He created structured practice plans to bolster their defense against kickoff and punt returns, as well as preventing their own kickers from getting blocked. Additionally, he fostered team leaders to maintain the team's focus and intensity during every game.

Mar 26, 2024 • 50min
Despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle, he faced significant health challenges, including a tumor, heart disease, and liver problems, leading to an inspiring journey of self-discovery and healing, Ian Clark.
Ian Clark, Founder and CEO of Activation Products, on How To Live Longer and Health Supplements That Can Help You Do It. When Ian was just 46 years old, a number of life-threatening health issues hit him all at once. He was forced to start searching for solutions. Refusing to accept a negative outcome, he chose a natural path to fixing his health. Ian traveled the globe and uncovering potent remedies with powerful natural health benefits. After years of intense research and learning what it takes to support the body's natural ability to heal itself, Activation Products was born... and quickly grew to help tens of thousands of people take control of their own health every day.

Mar 19, 2024 • 31min
Her remarkable life story of resilience, resourcefulness, and trailblazing success. With a focus on discovering purpose, her personal journey unfolds in a practical formula and workbook, showcasing her commitment to empowering others, Dr. Esther Zeledon.
Dr. Esther Zeledon, founder of Be.Act.Change, is a seasoned coach specializing in high achievers, drawing on over two decades of experience working with diverse individuals, teams, and communities. As an immigrant woman, she uniquely grasps the challenges faced by those overcoming systemic barriers. Dr. Zeledon's work revolves around guiding individuals and communities in discovering and embracing their purpose, navigating obstacles, and flourishing with intent. Her global influence includes presentations at numerous events, inspiring professionals to find fulfillment through purpose. In addition to her coaching role, she serves as a distinguished senior development advisor and localization expert, contributing transformative insights to governments, NGOs, businesses, and communities. Dr. Zeledon's strategic, collaborative, and transformative approach is evident in her work crafting impactful business development, sustainability, communication, and project management plans. Holding a BA from Swarthmore College and PhD and MS degrees from UC Berkeley, she is dedicated to helping clients create enduring and meaningful change.

Mar 12, 2024 • 47min
A seasoned fighter pilot, shares the remarkable journey that led him from a childhood fascination with aviation to becoming a distinguished member of the U.S. Air Force, Hasard Lee.
Hasard Lee is a U.S. Air Force fighter pilot and the international bestselling author of "The Art of Clear Thinking," a Wall Street Journal Bestseller that was the #2 bestselling business book in the country. It has since been translated into nearly a dozen languages. As a flight commander, Hasard led pilots into combat during one of the most intense periods of War in Afghanistan. There, he flew over eighty combat missions and became one of the only fighter pilots to fly two different types of jets into combat on the same day while supporting troops under fire. Hasard was then hand-picked to fly the F-35―the most advanced and expensive weapons system in history―which was still in development at the time. During his last role on active duty, Hasard became the Chief of Training Systems for the largest training base in the world, leading the development of new technology and teaching methods to train future fighter pilots. In his book, "The Art of Clear Thinking," Hasard distills what he's learned during his career flying some of the Air Force's most advanced aircraft. With gripping firsthand accounts from his time as a fighter pilot and fascinating turning points throughout history, he reveals decision-making principles that can be used in business and in life. Hasard's keynote presentations have been called "a gripping display of visual storytelling" where audiences need to "strap in and hold on to as he lights the afterburner on leadership and risk management under extreme pressure." His videos have been viewed over 130 million times on YouTube, and he has reached over 290 million people globally.

Mar 8, 2024 • 9min
The crucial role of time management in achieving success, highlighting the value of maximizing time and effort, Michael Stein.
Michael Stein is born prematurely with immunity issues and diagnosed with dyslexia and a stutter, he grew up in a broken home feeling socially awkward and impulsive. Despite these obstacles, he found inspiration in the movie Rocky and began exercising daily to improve his health. Stein became a physical fitness trainer at 16 and founded a social club in high school. He initially aimed to be an entrepreneur and actor but faced setbacks, including a failed tool company venture. Despite not attending college, he pursued interests in psychology, business, and acting. At 19, Stein ventured into stand-up comedy and later became a prominent nightclub promoter. He landed acting roles, including the lead in a short film later adapted into "Boogie Nights." He organized major promotional events, delved into personal growth studies, and produced documentaries on nightclub and rave culture. Transitioning to filmmaking, Stein wrote, directed, and produced acclaimed works like "Rituals and Resolutions," which garnered festival awards and HBO distribution. Facing financial struggles, he started a tarp-selling business, Abadak Inc., which became highly successful. In his mid-30s, Stein wrote, directed, and starred in "Love Hollywood Style," featuring renowned actors. Alongside his business success, he initiated "Tarp-Aid," donating tarps to the homeless. Today, Stein continues to diversify his ventures, including stand-up comedy, acting, filmmaking, and podcasting. His journey from adversity to success serves as inspiration for those facing similar challenges, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

Mar 7, 2024 • 47min
His journey from stand-up comedy to entrepreneurship reveals how his ADHD diagnosis shaped his approach to podcasting, authenticity, and his unique perspective on concentration, storytelling, and the impact of personal branding, Michael Stein.
Michael Stein is born prematurely with immunity issues and diagnosed with dyslexia and a stutter, he grew up in a broken home feeling socially awkward and impulsive. Despite these obstacles, he found inspiration in the movie Rocky and began exercising daily to improve his health. Stein became a physical fitness trainer at 16 and founded a social club in high school. He initially aimed to be an entrepreneur and actor but faced setbacks, including a failed tool company venture. Despite not attending college, he pursued interests in psychology, business, and acting. At 19, Stein ventured into stand-up comedy and later became a prominent nightclub promoter. He landed acting roles, including the lead in a short film later adapted into "Boogie Nights." He organized major promotional events, delved into personal growth studies, and produced documentaries on nightclub and rave culture. Transitioning to filmmaking, Stein wrote, directed, and produced acclaimed works like "Rituals and Resolutions," which garnered festival awards and HBO distribution. Facing financial struggles, he started a tarp-selling business, Abadak Inc., which became highly successful. In his mid-30s, Stein wrote, directed, and starred in "Love Hollywood Style," featuring renowned actors. Alongside his business success, he initiated "Tarp-Aid," donating tarps to the homeless. Today, Stein continues to diversify his ventures, including stand-up comedy, acting, filmmaking, and podcasting. His journey from adversity to success serves as inspiration for those facing similar challenges, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

Mar 6, 2024 • 43min
His extraordinary journey and a multifaceted entrepreneur whose resilience and creativity have propelled him from a challenging childhood to entrepreneurial success, Michael Stein.
Michael Stein is born prematurely with immunity issues and diagnosed with dyslexia and a stutter, he grew up in a broken home feeling socially awkward and impulsive. Despite these obstacles, he found inspiration in the movie Rocky and began exercising daily to improve his health. Stein became a physical fitness trainer at 16 and founded a social club in high school. He initially aimed to be an entrepreneur and actor but faced setbacks, including a failed tool company venture. Despite not attending college, he pursued interests in psychology, business, and acting. At 19, Stein ventured into stand-up comedy and later became a prominent nightclub promoter. He landed acting roles, including the lead in a short film later adapted into "Boogie Nights." He organized major promotional events, delved into personal growth studies, and produced documentaries on nightclub and rave culture. Transitioning to filmmaking, Stein wrote, directed, and produced acclaimed works like "Rituals and Resolutions," which garnered festival awards and HBO distribution. Facing financial struggles, he started a tarp-selling business, Abadak Inc., which became highly successful. In his mid-30s, Stein wrote, directed, and starred in "Love Hollywood Style," featuring renowned actors. Alongside his business success, he initiated "Tarp-Aid," donating tarps to the homeless. Today, Stein continues to diversify his ventures, including stand-up comedy, acting, filmmaking, and podcasting. His journey from adversity to success serves as inspiration for those facing similar challenges, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination.

Mar 5, 2024 • 36min
Explore the remarkable journey of Skiing and Olympics, a Colorado native, as she shares her extraordinary evolution from growing up on a ranch near Glenwood Springs to becoming a professional ski racer, Alice Mckennis Duran.
Alice McKennis, born and raised in western Colorado, embraced a childhood filled with skiing and horseback riding. Her passion for skiing led her to the U.S. Ski Team, where she excelled on the World Cup circuit and earned a spot in the 2010 Winter Olympics. Despite a setback from a knee injury in 2011, Alice persevered, achieving a career highlight with a World Cup Downhill win in 2013. However, tragedy struck in Germany, causing a severe knee injury that jeopardized her future in ski racing. Although she aimed for the 2014 Winter Olympics, recovery proved challenging. Alice returned to competition in 2015, securing a national title and showcasing her resilience. In the 2018 season, Alice continued to shine, finishing fifth in the Olympic Downhill and earning third in the World Cup Downhill in Sweden. Unfortunately, a coaching accident in 2018 led to a prolonged recovery, with five surgeries keeping her off the slopes for 11 months. Alice returned to competition in 2020, maintaining her momentum until a knee and ankle injury in 2021 forced her to reconsider her career. In the spring of 2021, she made the tough decision to retire from ski racing. Post-retirement, Alice has embraced coaching at Ski and Snowboard Club Vail and works as an Athlete Gift Officer for the US Ski & Snowboard team, contributing to fundraising and supporting fellow athletes.

Mar 4, 2024 • 24min
A remarkable journey to world championships in skiing, coupled with her dedication to mastering the sport's mindset, is illuminated through personal anecdotes and reflections on parenthood, Lorraine Huber.
Lorraine Huber is recognized as one of the strongest and most experienced female big mountain skiers in the world today. She is a long-term competitor in the Freeride World Tour and has podiumed over twenty-five times at international freeride competitions. Lorraine has been featured in ski films by Warren Miller and Shades of Winter, as well as in a series of experimental ski films by Austrian filmmaker Hanno Mackowitz. She is a winner of the 'Best Freeride Female' film award by the International Freeski Film Festival (iF3). The ski instructor's daughter from Lech am Arlberg, Austria, is a UIAGM ski guide and Level III ski instructor and a sought after freeride coach in Austria. Each year, she runs the highly popular 'Women's Progression Days': a freeride camp for women to improve ski technique and risk management in the backcountry. She also co-founded and managed Austria's first ever freeride school, the 'Freeride Center Sölden', for five years. Lorraine is a presenter at film festivals, a columnist for a freeride magazine, and works as a professional speaker. Fascinated by the mental side of her sport, Lorraine is currently studying a Master degree in mental strength coaching at the University of Salzburg.

Feb 27, 2024 • 25min
He started his entrepreneurial journey at 13 and later became the CEO of GreenPal, an online platform like Instacart but for lawn mowing services, Bryan Clayton.
Bryan Clayton is CEO and co-founder of GreenPal an online marketplace that connects homeowners with local lawn care professionals. GreenPal has been called the "Uber for lawn care" by Entrepreneur magazine and has over 200,000 active users completing thousands of transactions per day. Before starting GreenPal Bryan Clayton founded Peachtree Inc. one of the largest landscaping companies in the state of Tennessee growing it to over $10 million a year in annual revenue before it was acquired by Lusa holdings in 2013. Bryan's interest and expertise are related to entrepreneurialism, small business growth, marketing and bootstrapping businesses from zero revenue to profitability and exit. Bryan Clayton has been recognized as one of Inc. Magazine's "Top Entrepreneurs" and has built GreenPal to over 300,000 customers and $30 million a year in revenue. He is a serial entrepreneur with 22 years of experience in the lawn, landscaping, and garden industry. Before GreenPal, he built Peachtree Inc. to over $10 million a year before selling it. In my experience, most people don't know this, but Bryan is a thought leader in the green industry, often sharing his insights through various media outlets and speaking engagements.


