The Determined Society with Shawn French
Shawn French
Shawn French
Step into the world of Culture Unscripted, where the bright lights meet thoughtful depth. Every episode takes you behind the headlines as we interview celebrities, renowned authors, and elite athletes—not to talk press lines, but to uncover their core truths and cultural perspectives. We dive into the stories behind the personas: What inspires a bestselling author to tug at society’s threads? How does an athlete navigate identity beyond the game? How do cultural icons harness influence to spark social change? These aren’t surface-level soundbites—they’re raw, revealing conversations that reflect who we are and where we’re headed. Expect humor. Expect heart. Expect breakthrough insights. Whether we’re unpacking a book that reshapes dialogue, exploring the impact of fame on mental health, or analyzing how sports stars challenge societal norms—Culture Unscripted brings you the human stories behind cultural icons and the societal conversations they spark. If you’re curious, driven, and ready for a show that celebrates the richness of culture through the faces shaping it—Culture Unscripted is where you belong. Tune in, and let’s explore the world through the voices that help define it.
1d ago
Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of The Determined Society, Shawn sits down with Zach Cogen, Head of Athlete Rehabilitation for the New York Red Bulls, to break down what real recovery actually looks like; physically, mentally, and emotionally. Zach shares his journey from collegiate wrestling to working with elite professional athletes across UCLA, EXOS, DC United, and now Major League Soccer. He explains the critical difference between return to play and return to performance, and why simply getting back on the field isn’t enough for high-level athletes whose careers depend on elite output. Key Takeaways -Return to play is not the same as return to performance -Recovery must address both physical and mental readiness -Sleep and nutrition are essential for healing and performance -Pneumatic compression improves circulation and recovery -Trust between athlete and practitioner is critical -Discipline and determination are built through consistency Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Zach Cogen https://www.instagram.com/thesportsphysio_/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
4d ago
Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this episode of The Determined Society, Sean sits down with Nicole Jaques, creator of the “House CEO” framework, content educator, and systems-driven parent helping families calm the chaos of modern life. Nicole shares how leaving a corporate public-relations career after becoming a mother forced her to confront an outdated narrative around being a “stay-at-home mom.” What emerged instead was a powerful reframe: running a household requires leadership, systems, and intentional design, just like any successful business. Throughout the conversation, Nicole breaks down how time blocking, simplified systems, and documented routines can reduce burnout, eliminate resentment, and create more space for real family connection. She explains why rest is not a luxury, why the “default parent” role is operational and how accountability and structure can actually bring freedom back into the home. Key Takeaways -Running a home requires leadership, not more effort -Systems reduce burnout by removing emotional friction -Time blocking creates freedom, not rigidity -Rest is essential to regulating mood and nervous system health -The “default parent” role works best when it’s structured and shared -Boundaries determine family connection Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Nicole Jaques https://www.instagram.com/itsnicolejaques/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jan 12
Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Nik Kleverov joins The Determined Society to break down the biggest misconceptions about AI, creativity, and the future of Hollywood. From his journey as an immigrant storyteller to becoming one of the first creatives working with OpenAI, Nik explains why there is no “magic AI button,” why creatives are more important than ever, and how AI is opening doors to original films, brand storytelling, and entirely new forms of entertainment. This episode dives deep into AI-generated films, advertising, originality, copyright, and why storytelling is still the true differentiator. Key Takeaways -There is no magic button in AI, great work still requires real effort. -AI doesn’t replace creativity; it amplifies strong storytellers. -Authenticity comes from human perspective, not the tool. -AI-created work can still be original and copyrightable. -Creatives who adapt will thrive in the next era of entertainment. -AI allows smaller teams to create bigger ideas faster. -Hollywood isn’t ending — it’s evolving. -Collaboration matters more than ever in AI workflows. Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Nik Kleverov https://www.instagram.com/kleverov/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jan 9
Check Out Therabody 👇 https://www.therabody.com/discount/DETERMINED Use Code: DETERMINED to get 15% off at checkout ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ In this powerful episode of The Determined Society Podcast, Brady McDonald shares his raw journey from alcohol dependency and fear to sobriety, faith, ultra-endurance racing, and building a life rooted in discipline and purpose. Brady opens up about quitting alcohol after realizing the cycle he was passing down to his daughters, how doing hard things like 75 Hard and ultra running gave him clarity, and the moment God intervened and changed the trajectory of his life. We dive deep into fatherhood, leadership, failure, faith, resilience, and why children don’t do what we say, they do what we do. This conversation also explores Brady’s mission to use running for something bigger than himself through 50K in 50 States, raising millions for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and how serving others brings more fulfillment than success ever could. Key Takeaways -Sobriety gave Brady clarity, courage, and control over his life. -Doing hard things builds confidence that transfers into every area of life. -Discipline is simple, but it’s never easy. -Fitness became the gateway to mental, emotional, and spiritual growth -Failure isn’t the end; it’s feedback for the next attempt. -The right people in your corner determine how far you go. -Faith showed up when quitting no longer felt like an option. -Serving others creates deeper fulfillment than personal success. Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Brady McDonald https://www.instagram.com/brady.mcdonald84/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jan 5
What do you do when heartbreak, betrayal, or a toxic relationship leaves you broken on the floor? In this powerful episode of The Determined Society Podcast, Shawn sits down with world-renowned breakup and divorce coach Sara Davison to talk about reclaiming your power when life knocks you down. Sara shares the deeply personal story behind her mantra “Screw You, Watch This,” how toxic relationships quietly trap people in cycles of fear and self-doubt, and the practical tools anyone can use to break free. Key Takeaways -Toxic relationships often feel familiar and safe, which is why people repeat them. -Healing starts when you take responsibility for your own power and decisions. -Emotional recovery requires replacing old patterns with new daily standards. -Small, consistent actions create momentum and long-term change. -Taking care of yourself first is essential, not selfish. -Children learn how to cope by watching how parents handle adversity. Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Sara Davison https://www.instagram.com/saradavisondivorcecoach/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Jan 2
What does it really take to build a scalable business that survives without you? In this episode of The Determined Society Podcast, David Royce shares how he went from knocking doors as a college student to building and exiting multiple pest control companies, including a $500M empire operating across 34 states and 5,000+ cities. David breaks down the real mechanics of scale, why blue-collar businesses with white-collar systems are massively underrated, and how obsession, systems, and cash flow discipline separate businesses that grow from those that collapse. Key Takeaways -A business is truly scalable if you can step away for 30 days and it still runs without you. -Growth is meaningless without strong cash flow and financial control. -Some of the most profitable opportunities exist in overlooked, blue-collar industries. -Systems and processes create freedom and allow a business to operate without constant involvement. -Great sales come from listening, understanding people, and solving real problems. -Obsession and persistence matter more than talent, because most people fail by quitting too early. Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA David Royce https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-royce-22539425/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dec 29, 2025
2025 was a turning point. Personally, professionally, and mentally. This episode is a raw reflection on how fixing one overlooked area of my life changed everything, from my marriage and mindset to the growth of The Determined Society. If you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or like something small is quietly holding you back, this conversation is about identifying that one thing and committing to real change. Growth doesn’t come from motivation, it comes from discipline, ownership, and doing the work when no one’s watching. Key Takeaways -Personal growth off-camera directly fueled professional success on-camera. -Fixing the “one thing” holding you back unlocks progress in every area of life. -Physical health improvements led to better clarity, confidence, and communication. -Consistency and discipline drove massive growth in 2025. -Emotional regulation improved relationships with family, team, and guests. -Growth in the show was a byproduct of personal accountability and self-care. -Feeling “seen” by the audience came from staying authentic and mission-driven. -Long-term thinking (years, not months) is key to sustainable success. -Momentum is built by doing the mundane work consistently and intentionally. Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Dec 26, 2025
In this episode of The Determined Society, host Shawn French sits down with Dr. David Karli, a renowned physician and entrepreneur in regenerative medicine, to explore the intersection of health, determination, longevity, and the future of medical technology. Dr. Karli opens up about his personal health crisis in his early 40s; including burnout, panic attacks, hormonal imbalance, and the wake-up call that forced him to rethink everything he believed about aging, performance, and medicine. What followed was a complete transformation that reshaped not only his body, but his mindset, career, and mission. Together, they dive into testosterone optimization, mental health in men, the psychology of discipline, and why process, suffering, and systems are unavoidable if you want real change. The conversation expands into cutting-edge regenerative medicine, AI-driven stem cell therapy, and the ethical questions surrounding longevity; including whether living longer actually means living better. Key Takeaways -Hormonal health is foundational to both physical and mental performance -Discipline is doing the work long after motivation fades -True transformation comes from systems, not shortcuts -Longevity without mobility and quality of life is a hollow win -Suffering is not the enemy, it’s part of growth -The future of medicine will be personalized, data-driven, and ethically complex Connect with me : https://link.me/theshawnfrench?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaY2s9TipS1cPaEZZ9h692pnV-rlsO-lzvK6LSFGtkKZ53WvtCAYTKY7lmQ_aem_OY08g381oa759QqTr7iPGA David Karli https://www.instagram.com/davidkarli/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
