Give & Receive

In Episode 17 of Give & Receive, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov tackle a feeling so many people are struggling with right now: overwhelm. From nonstop headlines and uncertainty in the world to stress about work, politics, finances, and the future, how do we stay grounded when everything feels unpredictable? Brian and Elizabeth explore why today’s news cycle can leave us anxious, exhausted, and emotionally drained, while offering practical ways to respond without shutting down. Elizabeth shares a simple framework for processing difficult news, finding meaning in uncertainty, and turning anxiety into positive action. Together, they discuss how energy, compassion, relationships, and small acts of kindness can help us regain a sense of control in a chaotic world. Plus, Elizabeth leads a calming guided meditation to help you reconnect with your values and move through uncertainty with greater peace and clarity. If you’ve been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted by the state of the world, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you resolve conflict without losing your mind... or your energy? In this episode of Give & Receive, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov dive into the art of mediation, conflict resolution, and navigating difficult conversations in relationships, business, and everyday life. Brian shares real-world experiences mediating disputes in both his legal practice and personal life, while Elizabeth brings research-backed insight into how tone, emotional intelligence, and human connection can completely change the outcome of disagreements. The conversation explores: Why most conflicts are decided in the first few moments How to mediate disputes between family members, coworkers, and business partners Why people often don’t actually want what they say they want Practical ways to stay calm and impartial in emotional situations The hidden emotional toll of conflict and how to protect your energy Whether AI could ever replace human mediators Plus, Elizabeth shares a simple but powerful mindfulness exercise to help you approach conflict with more empathy, clarity, and compassion. If you’ve ever struggled with difficult people, workplace tension, family disagreements, or simply want to communicate better, this episode is packed with practical wisdom you can use right away. Listen now and learn how to turn conflict into connection. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you set healthy boundaries without feeling guilty? When should you say no? And how do boundaries actually help you give more to the people you care about? In this episode of the Give and Receive Podcast, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov dive into one of the most important (and hardest) life skills: setting healthy boundaries. From work-life balance and difficult personalities to family time, emotional energy, people-pleasing, and self-care, they explore how boundaries shape our happiness, relationships, and personal growth. Elizabeth shares practical ways to create boundaries that protect your energy without cutting people off, while Brian opens up about struggles with overcommitting, work demands, and balancing career with family life. They also discuss: ✔️ Why saying “no” is really saying “yes” to what matters most ✔️ Emotional, financial, digital, and time boundaries ✔️ How to stop people-pleasing and burnout ✔️ Practical phrases to set boundaries respectfully ✔️ Work-life balance and protecting family time ✔️ Why self-care is not selfish ✔️ How boundaries improve relationships and authenticity Whether you struggle with overworking, overgiving, people-pleasing, or simply protecting your peace, this conversation will help you rethink boundaries in a healthier, more compassionate way. Subscribe for more conversations on personal growth, giving, relationships, happiness, and living with intention. #HealthyBoundaries #PersonalGrowth #SelfCare #MentalWellness #Relationships #WorkLifeBalance #PeoplePleasing #SelfCompassion #Boundaries #GiveAndReceivePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does it really take to succeed at work? In this episode of the Give and Receive Podcast, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov sit down with Chris Simmons, Harvard Business School graduate, former PwC executive, and bestselling author of Nobody Told You, to break down the unwritten rules of career success that most people never learn. From navigating corporate politics to building powerful relationships, Chris shares the strategies that helped him rise to the top, and how you can apply them immediately. 🚀 In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why “friendship comes before favors” (and how it pays off long-term) The Respect, Protect, Project framework for winning with your boss How to position yourself for promotions before you’re ready Why “smart people don’t always win," and what actually matters How to overcome bias and control your professional narrative The real power of giving without expecting anything in return Chris also shares unforgettable real-life stories - from bringing pillows to work on day one to reshape perceptions, to helping others succeed and seeing it come back in unexpected ways. This episode blends career advice, psychology, leadership, and real-world experience into a conversation that will change how you approach your work and relationships. 👤 About the Guest: Chris Simmons is a former PwC leader, executive coach, speaker, and author of Nobody Told You: What Black, Asian, and Latino Professionals Must Know to Succeed at Work. He has led thousands of professionals and is known for his practical, no-nonsense approach to career growth. 🎯 Who This Is For: Professionals looking to get promoted faster Entrepreneurs and leaders building influence Anyone navigating corporate environments People interested in leadership, mindset, and personal growth 🔔 Don’t Forget: Subscribe for more conversations on success, mindset, leadership, and personal growth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 13 of the Give & Receive Podcast, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov break down how to get a better job without losing your confidence in the process. Brian shares practical job search strategies, networking tips, interview insights, and career advice based on mentoring thousands of professionals. Elizabeth brings the inner-work perspective, offering mindset tools, mindfulness, and encouragement for handling rejection, uncertainty, and the stress of looking for a new job. This episode covers how to find a job, how to build meaningful professional connections, why most jobs come through people you know, and how to stay grounded while navigating career change. Whether you are searching for your first job, trying to leave a role you hate, or looking for a new career opportunity, this conversation offers practical and emotional support to help you move forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Give and Receive, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov are joined by Dr. Wendy Sue Swanson—pediatrician, bioethicist, digital health leader, and founder of Skin Metal. Wendy shares the deeply personal story behind launching a prevention-focused skincare company designed to change how boys and men care for their skin, reduce skin cancer risk, and rethink self-care. The conversation explores what it really looks like to build a startup from the ground up, including the fear, uncertainty, financial pressure, and resilience that come with entrepreneurship. Wendy also reflects on meaningful work, Marty Seligman’s idea of using your greatest gift for the greatest good, and why confidence, health, and daily rituals matter more than we think. Plus, the episode touches on mindfulness, gratitude, parenting, behavior change, and the simple but powerful act of making children feel seen. In this episode: The mission and story behind Skin Metal Why men are often underserved in skincare and prevention What founders don’t realize about startup life until they’re in it The connection between self-care, confidence, and health Wendy’s perspective on giving, receiving, and seeing others—especially children Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 11 of Give and Receive, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov sit down with Joe Alalou, Co-Founder and General Partner at Daring Ventures, a New York City–based pre-seed fund backing industry-insider founders building software for the industries they know best. Joe shares his non-traditional path—from community college struggles and washing cars at Enterprise to transferring to Columbia, breaking into investment banking, and ultimately launching a venture fund built on one core belief: the market consistently overlooks mispriced talent. This conversation blends entrepreneurship, career strategy, and mindfulness—plus a practical framework for evaluating your job, why founders must learn to say “I don’t know,” and how to outlast the competition by taking one more rejection than everyone else. In this episode: Why it’s a privilege to work hard—and how to reframe the “boring” tasks The “Am I learning or having impact?” test for deciding when to leave a job Late bloomer lessons: gap years, motivation, and why readiness matters more than timing Joe’s recruiting mentorship: Wall Street After Community College and breaking into banking Founder psychology: your relationship with adversity and why it predicts success Playing to your signature strengths (and why you can’t be world-class at what you hate) Rejection as proof you’re trying—and the mindset shift that changes everything If you’re a founder, investor, or anyone navigating a career pivot, this episode is a masterclass in resilience, self-belief, and building momentum when the odds don’t feel in your favor. Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and building a meaningful life through giving and receiving. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Give and Receive, Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov explore one of the most misunderstood drivers of success: energy. From mindfulness and sleep habits to delegation, authenticity, and even environmental responsibility, this wide-ranging conversation breaks down how energy shows up in our bodies, our work, and our relationships, and how to cultivate more of it intentionally. You’ll hear: A guided energy awareness practice you can use anytime Why where your attention goes, your energy flows Simple daily habits that increase physical and mental energy How honesty, gratitude, and forgiveness directly impact energy The hidden energy cost of gossip, overwork, and poor delegation Practical business advice on conserving energy by letting go A powerful Give and Receive story showing how generosity comes full circle Whether you’re a founder, professional, or simply feeling drained, this episode offers practical tools and mindset shifts to help you restore energy, protect your focus, and show up fully, at work and in life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the true measure of success isn’t return on investment—but return on relationships? In this powerful episode of the Give and Receive Podcast, hosts Brian Potts and Elizabeth Peidrope sit down with global business leader Paul Gyra, a former CEO, COO, and managing partner with more than three decades of experience across international banking, asset management, and executive leadership. Paul shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in a large, artistic family in rural Vermont to living and working across Australia, London, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and Dubai. Along the way, he reveals how faith, generosity, risk-taking, and service shaped not only his career, but his understanding of success itself. This episode explores: Why giving without expectation creates lasting opportunity The difference between transactional success and relational wealth How faith, values, and compassion show up in leadership and business Global perspectives on work, purpose, and cultural connection Powerful personal stories about family, special needs parenting, mentorship, and legacy Paul also shares a moving story of taking a leap to help someone build meaningful work in the Middle East—proof that generosity often creates impact far beyond what we can see in the moment. If you’re searching for purpose in your work, clarity in your values, or a deeper understanding of what it really means to live a successful life, this conversation will stay with you long after it ends. 🎙 Give and Receive is a podcast about success, happiness, faith, and living a life grounded in generosity. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations about meaning, leadership, and living well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Give & Receive Podcast Episode 8, hosts Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov take a practical turn into the real-world startup playbook—covering the fundamentals most founders don’t think about early enough. Brian breaks down startup terminology in plain English, including services vs. product businesses, why product companies are often harder to scale, and what people actually mean when they say SaaS (software as a service). They also unpack the funding ladder—angel investors vs. venture capital (VC) vs. private equity—and explain how raising money works (and what “dilution” really means). Elizabeth brings the founder mindset: how to avoid burnout, reduce attachment to one outcome, and “ride the wave” through pivots, uncertainty, and the emotional roller coaster of entrepreneurship—while staying grounded. What “startup” really means (and why it applies to more businesses than you think) Services vs. products: which business model is easier—and why What SaaS means and why it can change the economics of a business The hidden reality of product businesses: inventory, cash flow, and risk The investor landscape: angel vs VC vs private equity Incorporation basics: what a company is, shares, and how founders set it up Founder mental health: non-attachment, pivots, and staying steady under pressure A “Give & Receive” story on how generosity created unexpected opportunities If you’re building a business, thinking about launching a side hustle, or trying to understand startup language without the jargon—this episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on business, mindset, and living the Give & Receive philosophy. #StartupAdvice #Entrepreneurship #BusinessModel #SaaS #AngelInvestor #VentureCapital #SmallBusiness #Founders #Mindset #GiveAndReceivePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful and wide-ranging episode of the Give and Receive Podcast, hosts Elizabeth Pajove and Brian Potts sit down with Dorian Nunez, a 50-year Wall Street veteran, Harvard Business School graduate, investor, mentor, and community leader. Dorian shares his extraordinary journey from Harlem to Harvard to Wall Street, reflecting on how mentorship, education, and service shaped his career — and why giving back has been central to every stage of his success. The conversation dives deep into: What values-based investing really means (and why it matters) How ESG and socially aligned investing actually work The growth of ETFs like DEMS and the role of data in aligning money with values Why most people don’t know what they’re truly invested in The power of mentorship, internships, and financial literacy How giving without expectation leads to unexpected opportunities Mindfulness, health, and sustaining a life of purpose and service Dorian also discusses his work with Goods Unite Us, community development venture capital, board leadership, and initiatives designed to expand access to capital and opportunity — especially in underserved communities. This episode is a masterclass in finance, leadership, values, and intentional living, and a reminder that how we invest our money — and our time — shapes the world around us. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, mindfulness, business, and living with purpose. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 6 of the Give and Receive Podcast, hosts Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov sit down with health-science leader and venture capitalist Urvashi Bhatnagar to explore how giving can reshape healthcare, business, and our inner lives. Urvashi shares her journey from physical therapist in India treating post-polio patients to founding the Good Science Fund, a venture fund focused on population health and solutions that transform lives at scale. She explains what a venture fund actually does in simple terms, how she evaluates early-stage health-related startups, and why social determinants of health (housing, income, environment, education) matter just as much as traditional medical care. Along the way, the conversation dives into: How early experiences in a polio ward in New Delhi shaped her belief in giving and system-level change Why investing in environmental and social factors is real healthcare, not just charity The connection between air pollution, environmental law, and population health How value-based care and modern healthcare models are (slowly) catching up to whole-person wellness Brian also tells a viral story about how he literally grew 1.5 inches at age 46 by using ChatGPT-prescribed posture exercises to correct a lifelong spinal curve – a fun example of digital tools intersecting with health, movement, and daily life. Elizabeth shares how her company Happiness Sangha helps high-achieving professionals (law partners, PE executives, and more) transform their inner world through structured year-long programs in self-compassion, mindfulness, and emotional resilience—and why true change in the outer world starts by healing the inner one. Urvashi closes with powerful stories of “give and receive” in real life: staying late to support patients and staff, focusing on outcomes beyond billable hours, and then unexpectedly receiving kindness back years later from people she helped—sometimes in the most everyday ways (like a ride, childcare, or a few dollars at a parking gate). If you’re interested in: Healthcare innovation & population health Venture capital in health & wellness Social determinants of health (SDOH) Mindfulness, self-compassion, and emotional well-being How giving comes back around in surprising ways …this episode will really resonate. 🎧 Listen / Follow: 👉 Subscribe to Give and Receive for more conversations at the intersection of giving, purpose, health, and leadership. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Episode 5 of the Give and Receive Podcast with Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov—a powerful, uplifting conversation all about gratitude: what it really is, why it matters, and how it can literally transform your health, your relationships, your work, and your daily life. In this episode, Brian and Elizabeth break down: ⭐ What gratitude truly means Not just a mood or reaction — but a trait you can develop that creates calm, resilience, and deep appreciation for life. ⭐ The neuroscience behind gratitude How gratitude improves your mental health, protects against depression, enhances sleep, strengthens your heart, reduces anxiety, and even… lowers acne. Yes, really. ⭐ Practical tools to build gratitude into your day • Daily joy lists • Gratitude cards • Meditation practices • Ancient traditions and teachings • “Thanks for everything, I have no complaints whatsoever.” ⭐ Elizabeth’s gratitude practices from retreats in Italy Including the unforgettable “gratitude letters” exercise that continues to change lives months later. ⭐ Brian’s startup story of grit and gratitude How a political-transparency idea unexpectedly became a five-year journey to launching and growing a real ETF — and why he’s deeply grateful for the obstacles along the way. ⭐ How gratitude strengthens every relationship From family and partners to coworkers, clients, and friends — and why specific gratitude is the glue that holds people together. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 4 of Give & Receive, hosts Brian Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov explore how self-compassion isn’t just about feeling better—it’s a scientifically grounded way to reduce anxiety and unlock professional success. Elizabeth shares powerful research-based practices for calming the nervous system, shifting from self-criticism to self-kindness, and creating the kind of inner safety that fuels both happiness and high performance. Brian opens up about his own struggles with anxiety as a young lawyer and how learning to face fear—and be kind to himself—changed everything. Together they discuss: Why self-compassion works better than self-esteem Practical daily tools to reduce anxiety and boost focus How mindfulness and intention can improve business outcomes The difference between self-indulgence and true self-care Real stories of “giving and receiving” that prove kindness always comes back around If you’ve ever battled anxiety, overthinking, or that inner critic that never quits, this episode will leave you with simple, actionable steps to reconnect with yourself and live—and work—with greater calm, clarity, and confidence. 🎧 Listen, learn, and grow with us. 💬 Share your own “give and receive” story in the comments or message Brian and Elizabeth to be featured in a future episode! #GiveAndReceivePodcast #SelfCompassion #Mindfulness #AnxietyRelief #MentalHealth #PersonalGrowth #BusinessMindset #BrianPotts #ElizabethPyjov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 3 of Give & Receive, hosts Brian H. Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov sit down with entrepreneur and former lawyer Paul Rosen—a founder behind multiple ventures including Skypad and a unicorn company—to explore a bold idea: long-term success is driven less by grind and more by connection, giving, and inner alignment. What you’ll learn: Why success tracks relationships and intuition more than study hours or hustle The real difference between sympathy vs. empathy—and how compassion avoids burnout while deepening impact Paul’s candid founder journey: pivots, macro shocks, luck, and keeping ego in check after a billion-dollar valuation How meditation and mindset shifts can reset a career (and a life) Elizabeth’s path from Big Law to Happiness Sangha and the “Individualized Journey: Path to Happiness” pivot that unlocked product-market fit If you’re building a business—or rebuilding yourself—this conversation blends practical founder wisdom with the science of the mind. 🎧 Featuring: Brian H. Potts (host), Elizabeth Pyjov (host), Paul Rosen (entrepreneur, founder, ex-lawyer) 👍 If this episode resonates, like, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs a reminder that giving leads to receiving. #entrepreneurship #leadership #mindset #empathy #compassion #startup #meditation #productmarketfit #podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode Two of Give & Receive, hosts Brian H. Potts and Elizabeth Pyjov take a deep look at the most relentless voice in your head — the inner critic. Elizabeth explains how this voice develops, why our brains are wired to focus on negativity, and how to retrain your mind through mindfulness and self-compassion. Brian shares personal stories about how silencing his inner critic changed his life and career. Together they explore: The science behind negative self-talk and evolution’s role in it Why high-achievers are often their own worst critics How to turn self-compassion into a practical daily habit Real-world examples of success through kindness and awareness 💡 If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough — this conversation will help you rewrite that story. 🧠 Listen, learn, and start speaking to yourself with the same compassion you show others. Watch Episode 1:    • Welcome to the Give and Receive Podcast!   Subscribe for more episodes on success, happiness & the science of the mind. #GiveAndReceivePodcast #Mindfulness #SelfCompassion #InnerCritic #PersonalGrowth #Leadership #EntrepreneurMindset #ScienceOfTheMind #MentalHealth #SuccessPodcast #ElizabethPyjov #BrianPotts #GiveAndReceive Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the Give and Receive Podcast! 🎙️✨ Hosted by Brian H. Potts, a serial entrepreneur and lawyer, and Elizabeth Pyjov, a leading expert in self-compassion and leadership of self, this podcast is all about teaching you how to be both successful and happy. In our very first episode, Brian and Elizabeth introduce themselves, share their unique journeys, and explain why they teamed up to create Give and Receive. You’ll hear about the vision behind the podcast, what listeners can expect in future episodes, and how giving and receiving can be the foundation of a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re chasing professional success, looking to improve your mindset, or striving for more balance, this show is here to help you grow. 🔑 What you’ll take away from Episode 1: Who Brian and Elizabeth are and what they bring to the table Why success and happiness go hand in hand The mission and purpose behind Give and Receive 👉 Subscribe now and join us on this journey of growth, fulfillment, and possibility. #GiveAndReceive #PodcastLaunch #SuccessAndHappiness #BrianHPotts #ElizabethPyjov Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Yes, it’s possible to be successful AND happy. This podcast will show you how. Hosted by serial entrepreneur and lawyer, Brian H. Potts, and world-renowned wellbeing coach, Elizabeth Pyjov, this podcast will teach you how to be successful—and be happy. Episodes drop every other week, starting September. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices