Phil Januszewski is a dynamic keynote speaker dedicated to spreading positivity and well-being. Many years ago, he worked as a line cook and decided he loved food too much to make a meal for people and not see them enjoy it. He brought his passion for food into the high school physics classroom, where he taught for over a decade. Now, Phil is embarking on a career as a professional speaker. He's already been on the circuit for many years, part of the duo M&P Presentations, with fellow educator Matt Matkovich. I caught up with Phil at his home outside of Chicago to chat and break bread. We talked about our mutual love of cooking and how it creates community and links us to our past. Also on this episode, Matt also complains about his sore legs after one game of softball and the natural high of springtime!

Is public speaking a natural high? How about a traveling around and being paid to speak? This episode's guest is a longtime professional speaker and friend, Ty Sells. After decades on the stage, Ty knows as well as anyone the highs and lows of public speaking. The episode takes place during Matt and Ty's training for prevention specialists in Columbus, Ohio. Ty brings energy, genuine humor and heart to everything he does. He's been working with young people and adults for over thirty years. He believes change comes through connection and connecting with audiences is his specialty. If you like what you hear, check out more of Ty's work at Youth-Led Drug Prevention and Leadership - Youth to Youth International. Editor's Note: To jump right to the interview, go to 6:51.

In this episode, Matt bikes alongside Shahram Hejazi, Princeton professor, entrepreneur and investor. Shahram reflects on his first few years in America and what it's like to live alone at 15 years old! We learn about his philosophy of "things could always be worse" and how that helps in him today. In addition, Matt sums up his packed week of natural highs and lows traveling throughout New Jersey and to Chicago. Editor's Note: To jump right to the interview, go to 9:51.