Happy, Not Satisfied: Recent Episodes
Daniel Morrison
Host Daniel Morrison takes an industry agnostic approach to success as he interviews musicians, athletes, composers, directors, professors, coaches, entrepreneurs, and more about a time they created their own luck and how living the Happy, Not Satisfied mindset helps them thrive.
Happy, Not Satisfied means finding joy and contentment in our daily lives through the process of growth and development. It's accepting the fact that there is no “end”, and if we wait until we are on the other side of a goal or achievement to be happy, we will never be fulfilled.
Andy Muir is the CFO of Kim Kardashian's super-startup SKIMS, and she is the former CFO of Nike's Jordan Brand. She is a brilliant thought leader and culture creator with an inspiring story and take on life.
Her episode originally aired in 2023 and is one of the most popular episodes of HNS to date! Here it is again for those who missed it (or those who want to listen again!).
Peter J. Holt is the managing partner of the San Antonio Spurs, CEO of Holt Group, and managing partner of Iron Spring Venture Capital.
In this episode, Peter delves into the profound connection between sports and the philosophy of being happy, not satisfied. He shares personal stories from his journey with the Spurs, including the early challenges his family faced to keep the team in San Antonio in the 1990s, the values that drive the organization, and how they measure success beyond just winning championships, but by always doing "the next right thing."
Peter's insights on maintaining a positive impact, focusing on long-term goals, and finding joy in everyday efforts offer valuable lessons not only for sports enthusiasts but for anyone striving for growth and fulfillment in their own lives.
Melissa Unsell-Smith is a serial entrepreneur who has built two software companies, including a successful bootstrapped, multi-million dollar software company. Melissa's newest venture, Catalytic Icon, elevates female entrepreneurs by awakening their worth and talents.
In this episode, we discuss the, "I'll be happy once I..." mindset and how it led Melissa to an awakening and adjustment in how she would define personal and professional success.
We discuss the truth behind the idea that, "there is no end" to our growth, the power of stepping outside of our comfort zone, and the futility of worrying about outcomes rather than finding ways to enjoy the processes and routines within our daily lives. Melissa shares her view on the connection between physical wellness and mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-care practices that have helped her find peace in recent years.
Learn more about Melissa at https://www.instagram.com/melissaunsellsmith/ and visit her website https://www.catalyticicon.com/
Jorge Villarreal is a visionary multidisciplinary artist whose work is deeply rooted in the exploration of cultural identity. From his upbringing as a first-generation Mexican American in a Texas border town to his transformative journey creating and exhibiting his work globally, Jorge shares insights from his journey of growth as an artist and nonprofit founder.
We delve into his newly launched Casa Caché project, a groundbreaking artist residency in Havana, Cuba born from his connection to Havana's artistic tapestry. Through Jorge's journey, we confront the myth of overnight success and reflect on the depths of perseverance and serendipity that shape artistic legacies.
Join us for a conversation about cultivating resilience, fostering cultural exchange, and creating our own fortunes amidst the ebb and flow of artistic pursuit.
Follow Jorge on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pachowmycow/ @pachomycow and @casa_cache, and learn more about Jorge on his website here: https://www.jorge-villarreal.com/ and at https://www.casacache.com/
SISI is a self-made singer/songwriter based in Austin, TX. Since becoming a signed musician in 2023, she's played ACL, toured internationally, and her new single, "Sugar," drops today.This episode explores SISI's process of growth as a musical artist alongside her process of growth through grief, while simultaneously building her career in several areas outside of music: wine, yoga, and hospitality. As she has learned to, "embrace the mess," she shares how all of the facets of her interests have intertwined to support her art and her passion to share it with others.We talk about living in the moment, balancing others' perception of your life and career growth vs. your present reality, and digesting grief and trauma. SISI overcomes the, “I’ll be happy once I…” mindset by understanding that we aren’t guaranteed tomorrow, and resiliency is practiced moment to moment—not one big event at a time.Learn more about SISI on Instagram @_ohsisi, and and listen to her single, "Sugar," out now on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/2tWe2Ns2xK4KxKSIYvM6kz?si=EvljRDYGTMqtxs3cikEptw and Apple https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sisi/1477720266.http://happynotsatisfied.com/
026 - No Feeling Is Final with Gio DiZuritaSan Antonio artist Gio DiZurita's work has been shown and collected all over the world.This episode delves into Gio's creative process, and how she lives each day as her own masterpiece, overcoming the, "I'll be happy once I..." trap that can so often leave us longing for more when it comes to our relationship with achievements and milestones.She shares how she has learned to make rejection her friend, embraced the mantra that no feeling is final (good or bad) in life, and carved out routines for herself that keep a balanced and healthy relationship with navigating the blend of art and commerce.Learn more about Gio at https://www.dizurita.com/, follow on social media @gio.dizurita.happynotsatisfied.com/
San Antonio entrepreneur Daniel Trevino grew his restaurant business Box Street with his partners from a food truck concept to two brick and mortar locations within the past few years.
Box Street, evolved from The Box Street Social, has become one of San Antonio’s most popular all-day brunch and dinner destinations, with vibes that continue to draw crowds. This episode dives into the intentionality of the team's creative decisions, and how to stay happy, not satisfied while pushing through the vulnerability of putting your authentic art into the world.
From Box Street’s iconic interior design by Caroline Garcia-Bowman, to its memorable music and delicious dishes curated and designed by Chef and Co-Founder Eddie Garcia, the tight-knight team behind the business is creating and serving something really special that is contributing to the San Antonio restaurant scene and helping to build the city’s future.
https://boxstallday.com/
happynotsatisfied.com/
Christina Olivarez is founder and owner of two companies, The Social Butterfly Gal and Hustle + Socialize. She's a TEDx speaker and a multiple-time award winner in her field.
As a former social media manager turned business coach, Christina helps Latina entrepreneurs be unapologetically visible online & offline.
She shares the story of founding her businesses and the lessons she's learned along the way as she works to find joy in the process of growth and build more opportunities for the next generation.
https://www.thesocialbutterflygal.net/
https://hustleandsocialize.com/
https://www.happynotsatisfied.com/
He served the Queen of England and Princess Diana at Claridges Hotel in London at 18 years-old. He lived in Paris and was awarded the Bronze Medal of National Defense for his service to French General Roquejoffre, commander of the Gulf War. He coordinated high profile events at the Wheatleigh Hotel in the Berkshires, Massachusetts. He then landed in San Antonio, where he has worked for 26 years to elevate the city's culinary landscape with his popular restaurant concepts at the historic Pearl and beyond. Hospitality expert and French national Philippe Placé talks about enjoying his journey and passion in life: to feed people.
Placé shares his philosophy on the art of creating memorable dining experiences for guests, and his mission to continue to grow restaurant concepts with his business partners, Jeff Balfour and Jérôme Sérot of Southerleigh Hospitality Group.
https://www.southerleigh.com/
https://www.instagram.com/happy.notsatisfied/
https://www.happynotsatisfied.com/
In this episode, we recap 4 of our favorite takeaways inspired by conversations with guests in 2023:
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Accept what is
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Patience brings peace
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Practice perspective
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Say yes to you
In this episode, we talk with Roma Villavicencio, TV host of KENS 5's Great Day SA and owner/designer of La Coronita Hats about her journey with loss and overcoming adversity. Roma lost her mother to cancer when she was only 18 years-old, and at 20 years-old she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Despite these challenges, she persevered, finished school, embarked on her dream journalism career, and worked her way up to host Great Day SA. In 2020, Roma founded La Coronita Hats y Más, her own hatting company on a mission to give hats to people going through chemotherapy so that they can feel confident and beautiful. She shares openly about learning to prioritize her mental and emotional wellness, and other ways she keeps herself healthy and happy as she continues to navigate personal and professional growth.
happynotsatisfied.com
lacoronita.com
@happy.notsatisfied
@romavontv
@lacoronita.hats
@danieldmorrison
@eleanoramorrison
Sometimes growth is messy, and it doesn't always look like you thought it would. Dan brings his wife Ellie on the podcast again as Co-Host, and they talk about how they process each others needs and expectations for personal and career growth, both as individuals and in their relationship as they adjust to parenthood.
happynotsatisfied.com
@happy.notsatisfied
@danieldmorrison
@eleanoramorrison
Daniel Morrison and Daniel Asgari have a lot in common. They share a name (obviously), but The Dans were also both high school band directors in Texas and are dads to young boys. On this episode, they discuss fatherhood as it relates to teaching, how to view Happy, Not Satisfied through the lens of parenting, and how effective self-care leads to more effective leadership in the classroom and as a parent.
Happy, Not Satisfied
HNS Instagram
Executive Vice President of Unscripted Films, Television, and Podcasts at Anonymous Content, Jessica Grimshaw, talks about what's misunderstood in the unscripted entertainment space and shares her views on success, ambition, leadership, and how she lives her life happy, but not satisfied.
Happy, Not Satisfied
Anonymous Content
Brett Eisen is a classically trained Chef who has worked with NFL, NBA, collegiate and Olympic athletes, including the Oregon Ducks, Sacramento Kings, Denver Broncos, USA Women’s Soccer Team and the USA Olympic Ski Team. He currently works as a Private Chef and High Performance Nutritionist out of the greater Los Angeles area.
Happy, Not Satisfied
Chef Brett
He's a FinTech founder, thought leader, and was the commencement speaker and valedictorian at Loyola Marymount University. He is also only 23 years old. Christian Jackson is among the most impressive young people you will ever encounter. On this episode, he talks about founding his company, Mula, the times he created his own luck, his big-picture goals (spoiler alert, they probably aren't what you would expect), and how he believes in working smarter, not harder.
Mula Website
Happy, Not Satisfied
Recognized as one of the top 10 business attorneys in the nation, self-made powerhouse Kelli Cubeta talks about the joys and challenges of owning her law firm, how she overcame a debilitating fear of public speaking, her thoughts on effective leadership, and how hard work and being comfortable with discomfort has propelled her in life and in her career.
Andy Muir is the former CFO of the Jordan Brand, and current CFO of Kim Kardashian's company Skims. She is a thought leader, a culture builder, a master communicator, and an inspirational leader.
https://www.happynotsatisfied.com/
https://www.instagram.com/happy.notsatisfied/
It WASN'T love at first sight! In celebration of their wedding anniversary and recently becoming parents, Dan brings his wife Ellie on the podcast again as Co-Host, and they talk about why living Happy, Not Satisfied over the past decade has helped them overcome challenges in their relationship and build a stronger marriage.
happynotsatisfied.com
@happy.notsatisfed
@danieldmorrison
@eleanoramorrison
He was the CEO of Time, Inc., Imagine Entertainment, and Gemstar-TV Guide. He was also the President of Fox's National Sports and Entertainment Cable Networks. Rich Battista epitomizes creating your own luck. He also believes in sweating the small stuff and does NOT believe in five-year career plans.
https://happynotsatisfied.com/
https://www.instagram.com/happy.notsatisfied/
https://www.richbattista.com/
Hollywood producer Kelly Funke talks about how she created her own luck while following a non-traditional path that included three "tours of duty" in entertainment, roles with a furniture startup and a senate campaign, and a successful tenure as CMO at FILA. She now serves as President of Littleton Road Productions which is responsible for Dr. Death on Peacock, The Girl From Plainville on Hulu, and the upcoming series Hatching Twitter on Netflix.
https://www.littleton-road.com/
https://www.happynotsatisfied.com/
Lolipop moments: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVCBrkrFrBE
Host Daniel Morrison talks about a productive approach to New Year's resolutions along with his personal experience with not allowing himself to feel joy until he accomplished a goal, and how he's working to overcome this, "I'll be happy once I..." mindset. He discusses the mindset more universally and how awareness of the problem is the first step to overcoming it.
Website
Host Daniel Morrison and his wife Eleanora Morrison talk with NBA Champion, NBA All-Star, and broadcaster for the San Antonio Spurs: Sean Elliott, and registered dietitian, wellness expert, and founder of The Diplomacy Diet: Claudia Zapata Elliott. They discuss creating luck, living the Happy, Not Satisfied Mindset, cultivating a powerful partnership, and more.
The Diplomacy Diet
Instagram
Happy, Not Satisfied
Instagram
Jeremy Spicer is the owner of SASI, The Leadership People, LLC. SASI is a student leadership consulting firm focused on the empowerment of young leaders. SASI believes that students become empowered to succeed in their organizations and their personal lives when they are properly equipped with a deeper knowledge and understanding of people, organizations, systems, and processes. Jeremy is a former band director that won some of the biggest marching band competitions in the world. Additionally, he helps design large-scale productions for highly competitive and successful fine arts groups across the country. Listen as Jeremy talks about how he created his own luck, how he overcame the "I'll be happy once I..." mindset, and how he learned to stop burning the candle at both ends.
Serial entrepreneur and former Olympic-level athlete Stewart Gill talks about how he created his own luck, the power of a positive mindset, and what it means to lead.
Dr. Alexander Lloyd Blake works as an award-winning conductor, composer/arranger, vocal contractor, singer, and music activist. Named Musical America’s 30 Professionals of the Year in 2019 and the Louis Botto Award for Innovative actions and Entrepreneurial Zeal from Chorus America, Blake was recently featured in both the NY Times and LA Times for work in diversity and anti-racism within classical music.
Blakeis the Founding Artistic Director of Tonality, an award-winning choral ensemble focused on spreading a message of unity, peace, and social justice through a culturally diverse choral setting. He also serves as the Choir Director at Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA). Additionally, he serves in Los Angeles and New York City as a Principal Associate Conductor of the National Children’s Chorus.
We flipped the script on this episode of the podcast: Ellie Morrison interviews Dan about his own journey living #happynotsatisfied, and they open up about how the mindset has strengthened their relationship over the last several years.
Follow @happy.notsatisfied on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/happy.notsatisfied/ and visit https://www.happynotsatisfied.com/ for more.
Host Daniel Morrison talks with Michael McDonnell - Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Fortune 500 biotech company Biogen. Biogen recently released the results of a late-stage clinical trial featuring a medication that showed a 27% DECREASE in cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients. Michael talks about how he created his own luck when he landed his first CFO position, and how he practices the Happy, Not Satisfied lifestyle in his approach to leadership and life.
Jen Widerstrom is an entrepreneur, celebrity trainer, and wellness industry leader widely known for her big-hearted coaching on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” while also operating as the Fitness Director of SHAPE Magazine. She portrayed Phoenix on “American Gladiators,” and is the Founder and CEO of FÖRENA – an online content platform and community that features a membership group that exchanges resources, provides accountability for healthy lifestyle choices, and creates much needed connection. Listen as she describes how she overcame failure, created her own luck, and designed a life she loves.
Host Daniel Morrison talks with Dr. Sean Maika, Superintendent of the North East Independent School District, about all things Happy, Not Satisfied. Dr. Maika describes how he created his own luck during his journey of growing up in a town of 100 people in Canada to becoming the leader of one the largest and most successful school districts in Texas.
Academy Award-winning producer Andrew Carlberg talks about how his celebrated film, “Skin,” almost didn't see the light of day, the power of being prolific, and how hard work pays off. The Oscar win was the tip of the iceberg, but listen to discover how he formed the rest of the iceberg beneath the surface.
Coming soon: Founder and Host Dan Morrison will interview guests across different industries about creating their own luck and living the Happy, Not Satisfied lifestyle.
Follow @happy.notsatisfied on Instagram and visit happynotsatisfied.com to learn more.