This Is How I Made It (HIMI)

PODCAST · business

This Is How I Made It (HIMI)

This Is How I Made It (HIMI) is a podcast hosted by Max Van Auken that shares real stories from athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders about the mindset, habits, and purpose behind success. It inspires listeners to grow through discipline, faith, and resilience while finding their own path to greatness.

  1. 7

    How Kenyon Murray Raised Two NBA Stars | S1 EP7

    What does it truly take to raise not one, but two NBA stars? Is it talent, luck, or genetics or is it something far deeper? In Season 1, Episode 7, we sit down with Kenyon Murray, a father, mentor, and leader whose approach to parenting and development helped shape two elite athletes who reached the highest level of basketball. This episode goes beyond highlights and box scores to uncover the principles that built greatness long before the spotlight arrived. Kenyon Murray shares the unfiltered truth about what leadership looks like inside the home. From early mornings and long nights to tough conversations and unwavering standards, he breaks down how discipline, accountability, and structure became the foundation for success. He explains why leadership isn't about control it's about example, consistency, and teaching your children how to lead themselves when no one is watching. This episode dives deep into the mental side of development: how to build confidence without creating entitlement, how to push excellence without breaking spirit, and how to prepare young athletes for pressure, criticism, and failure. Kenyon opens up about moments of doubt, sacrifice, and decisions that weren't always popular but were necessary to shape resilient, focused competitors. His story is a powerful reminder that greatness is forged through intention, not accident. Beyond basketball, this conversation speaks to parents, coaches, and mentors in every field. Kenyon reveals how he taught his sons to handle adversity, stay grounded in success, and remain disciplined in an environment full of distractions. He emphasizes character over clout, work ethic over hype, and long-term growth over short-term wins values that translated directly into elite performance at the highest level. You'll hear about the importance of environment, the role of honest feedback, and why leadership starts with responsibility at home. Kenyon explains how he balanced belief with realism, support with standards, and love with accountability creating athletes who were prepared not just for the NBA, but for life beyond the game. This episode is raw, insightful, and deeply inspiring. It challenges common narratives around youth sports and exposes what it really takes to develop elite performers from the inside out. Whether you're chasing greatness, raising future leaders, or looking for lessons that apply far beyond the court, this conversation delivers value at every level. If you want to understand how intentional leadership can shape destiny and how the right guidance can turn potential into legacy Season 1, Episode 7 is an episode you don't want to miss.  

  2. 6

    Forbes Billionaire Gives Us Priceless Leadership Advice | S1 EP6

    In this episode, we sit down with Hyatt Brown, billionaire philanthropist and lifelong leader, for a grounded conversation on leadership, responsibility, and community impact. Hyatt shares his vision behind the Museum of Arts and Sciences, discussing why investing in culture, education, and future generations matters more than personal recognition. From building successful businesses to building institutions that serve the public, this conversation explores what leadership looks like when it's rooted in service. This is not about status, it's about what lasts.

  3. 5

    What Serving In Iraq Taught This US General About Leadership General Ernest C. Audino | S1 EP5

    In this episode, we sit down with Brigadier General Ernest C. Audino for a powerful conversation on leadership, service, and purpose. With over four decades of experience at the highest levels of the U.S. Army, General Audino shares what leadership truly looks like when it is tested under pressure, in combat, and in moments where character matters more than rank. Throughout the discussion, he emphasizes leading by example, the responsibility leaders carry to those they serve, and the importance of building trust and lasting relationships over time. Drawing from his experiences commanding units both at home and overseas, including one of the most meaningful chapters of his career advising Iraqi forces, General Audino offers grounded insights on accountability, humility, and making decisions in service of something bigger than yourself. This episode goes beyond military leadership. It is a masterclass in values driven leadership, applicable to business, athletics, community building, and life. Whether you are leading a team, a family, or simply trying to lead yourself better, General Audino's perspective is a reminder that the most impactful leaders are those who serve with purpose, integrity, and consistency.

  4. 4

    His AI Tech Helped Generate $7B (and you've never heard of him) Manish Hirapara | S1 EP4

    Manish Hirapara is the founder and CEO of PeakActivity, a digital-strategy and technology-services firm that has grown under his leadership into one of the fastest-rising companies in the industry. Before launching PeakActivity in 2015, he spent years leading global e-commerce operations for a major retailer, where he helped manage digital platforms responsible for billions in revenue. With deep experience in both technology and business, Manish has built a reputation for driving innovation, helping companies modernize, scale, and adapt, all while prioritizing purpose, culture, and the human side of leadership. In our conversation, we dive into: How to lead with humility and vision in both business and life, transforming leadership from ego to empowerment. The transformative power of AI and tech: not as a replacement for humanity, but as an enabler of creativity, efficiency, and sustainable growth. What it takes to build and scale a modern digital company: balancing innovation with people-first values, staying adaptive in shifting technological landscapes, and embedding purpose into every decision. The parallels between personal growth and organizational growth, and how traits like resilience, curiosity, and integrity underpin both. Tune in and get ready for a conversation that breaks down complex ideas into simple, actionable insight the kind that stays with you long after the episode ends.

  5. 3

    How Mayor Derrick Henry Made It | S1 EP2

    In this extended HIMI episode, we sit down with Derrick Henry, the Mayor of Daytona Beach, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation that explores the layers of leadership, family, community, and legacy. Mayor Henry takes us on a journey from his early days growing up in Daytona to the moments that shaped his passion for public service and education. He reflects on the responsibilities that come with leading a city, the values that keep him grounded, and the lessons learned while navigating the pressures of political and community leadership. He also dives into his time coaching basketball and shares rare behind-the-scenes stories from his championship years, particularly his connection with NBA All-Star Vince Carter. From the discipline and culture inside the gym, to mentoring young athletes, to witnessing the rise of one of the greatest high school players ever, Mayor Henry gives us a front-row look at what it means to build champions on and off the court. Throughout the episode, he breaks down the essential principles that drive effective leadership: humility, clarity, service, accountability, and the ability to stay rooted in your "why." This conversation is filled with gems for anyone striving to lead with integrity, elevate their community, and build a life anchored in purpose.      

  6. 2

    How Gale Lemerand Built a $400M Empire Without A Degree | S1 EP3

    In this episode, we sit down with Gale Lemerand, a self-made multi-million-dollar entrepreneur whose journey has shaped the business landscape across Daytona Beach and beyond. From humble beginnings to building an empire in hospitality, real estate, and education, Gale breaks down the mindset, discipline, and philosophy that fueled his rise. He shares powerful lessons on: Turning small opportunities into long-term success Building businesses that last Leading with humility and vision Reinventing yourself through every phase of life Whether you're an entrepreneur, creator, or someone chasing a bigger future, Gale's story offers the blueprint for sustained excellence and impact. New episodes of "How I Made It" drop weekly, tap in, take notes, and follow the journey.

  7. 1

    How Reggie Theus Made It | S1 EP1

    Welcome to the first episode of How I Made It. We're kicking things off with Reggie Theus, former NBA All-Star and now the Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach at Bethune-Cookman University. In this conversation, Reggie shares the mindset, discipline, and cultural awareness that fueled his rise from NBA success to leading an HBCU program. He breaks down what real leadership looks like, how to thrive in new environments, and what it takes to build excellence that lasts. If you're an athlete, creator, or entrepreneur looking for real game-changing insight, this episode sets the tone. Watch, learn, and elevate. More interviews coming soon. Subscribe to stay locked in.   Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/mxVrzlgU9t4

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

This Is How I Made It (HIMI) is a podcast hosted by Max Van Auken that shares real stories from athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders about the mindset, habits, and purpose behind success. It inspires listeners to grow through discipline, faith, and resilience while finding their own path to greatness.

HOSTED BY

Max Van Auken

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