Decoding Success with Matt LeBris

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/

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

YOUR PERSONAL BRAND CAN LEVEL UP... START HERE: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Robbie Bent reveals why entrepreneurial success, high performance, and constant pressure can disconnect you from the very self you're working so hard to elevate. After years of scaling a fast-growing company, Robbie found himself battling anxiety, founder stress, and emotional burnout — even while living the dream on paper. He shares how operating in "armor" — overwork, intensity, and survival mode — helped him achieve success, but left him feeling tense, overwhelmed, and internally disconnected. But here's the breakthrough: achievement didn't feel fulfilling until he stopped chasing validation and started building from purpose, creativity, and genuine connection. The real shift wasn't external success — it was learning how to feel safe, grounded, and present while still pursuing ambitious goals. Whether you're an entrepreneur, high performer, or driven professional dealing with burnout, anxiety, or success that feels empty, this conversation will help you understand the hidden mental health cost of achievement — and how to grow without losing yourself. WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris In this episode you will: Recognize the emotional cost of chasing success from fear instead of authenticity Identify the "armor" behaviors that keep high achievers stuck in survival mode Understand why money, status, and recognition can't create lasting fulfillment Learn how to strive for excellence without tying your worth to outcomes Discover why creating meaningful work reconnects you to your true self OFFER: Robbie is offering you a complimentary experience at Othership. DM or Email Matt to claim the offer. Check out Othership here: https://www.othership.us/ Connect with Robbie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robbiebent/ Connect with Robbie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robbiebent/

LEVELING UP YOUR PERSONAL BRAND STARTS HERE: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris Most people think they're stuck because they lack discipline, confidence, or clarity. But what if the real reason you're not experiencing deeper intimacy, freedom, and fulfillment… is shame you don't even realize you're carrying? In this episode, I sit down in person with Stefanos Sifandos for a raw, honest conversation about the invisible force shaping our relationships, our self-expression, and the parts of our lives where we keep holding back. We explore why shame doesn't usually announce itself loudly— it hides in avoidance, performance, people-pleasing, and silence. And more importantly, we talk about what it actually takes to move through it. This is a conversation about what has to die for real intimacy to begin, why healing can't happen alone, and how being truly seen is the gateway to everything you say you want. WATCH ALL EPISODES ON YOUTUBE GRAB STEFANOS' NEW BOOK HERE In This Episode, We Explore: Why shame is the hidden barrier to intimacy, authenticity, and growth How shame disguises itself as fear, procrastination, and "playing it safe" The difference between being "self-aware" and being truly integrated Why what you avoid emotionally tends to repeat in your life How shame shows up in relationships, communication, and self-expression Why healing happens in safe relationships—not in isolation What it actually means to stop hiding and allow yourself to be seen This Episode Is For You If: You feel successful on paper but disconnected internally You struggle to fully open up in relationships You keep repeating patterns you understand but haven't outgrown You feel like something is blocking your next level—but you can't name it You're ready to stop performing for love and start experiencing it -- If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who's been hiding parts of themselves too — or someone you want to feel closer to. And as always, if you enjoyed the conversation, leave a review. It helps more people find the show — and more importantly, find themselves.

👉 Want clarity on your own brand? Book a free 1:1 call with the Brand Builders team: https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Most people think they've healed their past. But the truth is far heavier: your childhood blueprint is still running your life — your relationships, your success, your self-worth — and you don't even realize it. In this raw and revealing conversation, therapist and author Jason VanRuler returns to Decoding Success to break open the invisible patterns that shape us: earning love, chasing highs, self-sabotaging the moment life gets quiet, and mistaking achievement for fulfillment. This episode isn't about blame — it's about finally understanding why you are the way you are… and how to rewrite the script. If you've ever wondered why you push so hard, why you crash so hard, or why the middle feels unbearable — this one will hit you right in the truth. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@MattLeBris In this episode, we uncover: The childhood wound most people think they healed… but is still driving everything. Why high achievers feel empty even when they're "winning." The difference between using pain and being controlled by it. How to stop earning love and start feeling "I'm okay either way. How to change your relationship with your past without reliving every wound. What self-sabotage actually is — and the surprising first step to stop it. The role expectations play in suffering (especially with parents). Why being your authentic self feels so dangerous — and why it's the only path to real connection. This conversation is simple, confronting, and clarifying — the kind that doesn't just give answers, but gives you yourself back. Connect with Jason Website: https://www.jasonvr.com/ Pre-Order the NEW Book Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason.vanruler/ Chapters 00:00 The Drive for Success and Parental Influence 02:28 Understanding Past Pain and Its Impact 05:27 The Role of Pain in Motivation 08:16 Embracing the Middle of Transformation 10:59 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Achievement 14:00 Shifting Intentions and Self-Acceptance 17:01 Whose Voice Are You Listening To? 17:53 Understanding High-Pressure Moments 19:06 The Nature of Resilience 20:03 Beyond Talking: Processing Pain 20:53 Identifying Patterns in Pain 22:14 The Role of Expectations in Relationships 23:37 Making Peace with Family Dynamics 25:51 Accepting People for Who They Are 27:39 The Question of Self-Acceptance 29:30 Grieving Unmet Expectations 31:31 Finding Acceptance in What We Need 33:37 Cultural Influences on Our Needs 34:23 The Complexity of Modern Life 36:30 Authenticity in Relationships 38:59 The Challenge of Being Authentic 41:50 Navigating Modern Dating 44:51 The Importance of Relationships 45:49 Healing Through Storytelling 50:20 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Our Actions 53:08 Embracing Failure as a Path to Growth 55:59 The Myths of Trauma and Healing 57:48 The Importance of Communication in Relationships 01:00:31 Simplifying Life: The Hard Mode Dilemma

💰 Book your F R E E Brand Strategy Call here: freebrandcall.com/mattlebris In this powerful and deeply honest conversation, Matt sits down with bestselling author, entrepreneur, and spiritual teacher Jessica Zweig for a raw exploration of what it really means to surrender, evolve, and take radical responsibility for your life. Jessica opens up about her recent season of expansion — navigating anxiety, overwhelm, business transitions, spiritual initiation, and the deeper truth behind why so many of us resist change even when we're praying for a breakthrough. Together, they unpack the difference between surviving and co-creating, how to listen to your body's signals without letting fear lead, and why our toughest moments are often the exact pathways into our next level. This episode is equal parts grounding and activating — especially if you're in a season of uncertainty, reinvention, or feeling like you're outgrowing the life around you. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why surrender is the true catalyst for growth How to trust change when everything feels uncertain The role of "initiations" in your spiritual and personal evolution Why overwhelm and anxiety aren't life sentences How to develop radical self-responsibility (and why it's a superpower) The body's truth: what your anxiety is really trying to tell you How to stop outsourcing your power to mentors, coaches, and relationships The surprising connection between joy, abundance, and alignment What happens when you finally take off the mask Why softness is strength — and how to practice it daily Connect With Jessica Website: jessicasweig.com Instagram: @jessicasweig Podcast: The Spiritual Hustler Books: Be and The Light Work If You Enjoyed This Episode Send this to someone going through a transition. Share this with a friend who needs a reminder that they're not behind — they're being initiated.

👉 Start here (free strategy call): freebrandcall.com/mattlebris Today's conversation with TV personality and author Valerie Greenberg is a masterclass in shifting from external approval to inner authority. We dig into befriending the inner critic, choosing presence over the next "big high," and how to build your Confidence Community... those truth-tellers who both cheer you on and call you up. If you've ever felt like a black sheep trying to "catch up," this one brings you back to center. In this episode, you'll learn Best-friend energy: Practical ways to befriend (not silence) your inner critic so you can respond instead of react. Ambition vs. acceptance: How to hold big goals while staying present on the "flatline" days. The curiosity reset: A simple "ask why" loop to process anxiety and stop chasing the next hit of validation. Confidence Community: Who belongs in it, how to find them, and why "the least powerful person" can change your life. Ego off, outcomes on: Following up without taking things personally—and using wins as smart re-engagement moments. Self-care ≠ vanity: Aligning workouts, sleep, and habits with feeling grounded (not performing for the feed). Breaking habits the honest way: From nail-biting to bigger patterns—how to assess, ask for help, and upgrade behavior. Links & Resources Free Brand Strategy Call (Matt): freebrandcall.com/mattlebris Valerie's Book: You've Been Validated — Amazon link Valerie on Instagram: @valgreenberg If this helped you… Follow Decoding Success and turn on notifications. Share this episode with the friend who's hardest on themselves. Leave a rating & review—tell us your favorite takeaway and tag Matt & Val on IG. Time Stamps 00:00 — Why "you've been validated" starts with your own stamp of approval 02:40 — Being your own best friend (perfectionism, overthinking, and doing anyway) 05:16 — Presence over comparison: getting okay with "good enough today" 08:25 — "Where you are is right": ambition without self-rejection 10:45 — A porter's two minutes that lit up the whole day (character > status) 13:20 — Authenticity that translates on and off camera 14:54 — There's only one you: why the world needs your exact wiring 16:28 — Bullying, anxiety, and becoming a natural cheerleader 21:02 — Feeling feelings > fearing feelings (shadow work basics) 27:12 — Curiosity loop for the "flatline" days 29:42 — Self-care done right: intention > imitation 33:38 — How to assemble your Confidence Community (and who's worthy) 45:42 — The "lowest" person who unlocked the biggest break 49:20 — Valerie's one piece of advice: recognize and share your value

BUILD YOUR BRAND WITH INTENTION 👉 https://freebrandcall.com/mattlebris/ Psychotherapist Terri Cole reveals how childhood wounds quietly shape every relationship you have—and how to finally heal them. From codependency and fear of disapproval to the inability to set healthy boundaries, Terri shares the personal stories and therapeutic frameworks that have helped thousands reclaim their self-worth and rebuild trust in love. She opens up about the moment she realized she was abandoning herself in relationships, the three questions that expose repeating relationship patterns, and how learning to speak your truth—without guilt—is the key to secure attachment. You'll walk away understanding that you can't build healthy love by trying to be perfect; you build it by learning to be real. Follow Terri on Instagram: @terricole Join Terri's Membership: terricole.com/tcm Get her bestselling book, Boundary Boss: terricole.com In this episode, you will: Uncover the roots of codependency – Learn how childhood dynamics create patterns of people-pleasing, fear of disapproval, and self-abandonment in adulthood Master the Three Cues for Clarity – Terri's simple framework to identify who someone reminds you of, where you've felt this before, and how that pattern repeats Redefine boundaries as self-respect – Discover why preferences, desires, and deal-breakers are the foundation of every healthy relationship Heal your attachment style – Understand how early attunement—or lack of it—impacts your ability to form secure, interdependent relationships Transform discomfort into growth – Learn why uncomfortable conversations are where real healing and intimacy begin Build emotional maturity – Replace control and reactivity with curiosity, empathy, and self-awareness in every relationship Get more from Matt: Follow on Instagram: @MattLeBris Watch full video episodes on YouTube: Decoding Success