G. Michael Hopf is a USA Today bestselling author of forty books, including The New World series which sold over a million copies, a Marine veteran, and co-founder of Beyond The Fray Publishing.

Subscribe to EOFire

Apple | Spotify | iHeart

Guest Resources

Michael Hopf Website – Connect with Michael and explore his work at his website.

G. Michael Hopf Facebook – Follow Michael on Facebook.

3 Value Bombs

1. Suffering is inevitable, but staying stuck is optional. Your response to adversity defines the trajectory of your growth.

2. Reframing is a superpower. Choosing how to perceive failure, tragedy, and pain can transform setbacks into stepping stones.

3. Life is for the living. Even through profound grief, moving forward honors those we’ve lost and empowers those still with us.

Sponsors

HighLevel: The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies! Learn more at HighLevelFire.com!

ThriveTime Show: Attend the world’s highest rated business growth workshop taught personally by Clay Clark and now featuring Football Star, Tim Tebow, and President Trump’s son, Eric Trump, at ThrivetimeShow.com/eofire!

ZipRecruiter: Streamline your hiring with ZipRecruiter! See why 4 out of 5 employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Just go to ZipRecruiter.com/fire to try it for free!

Public: Build a multi-asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto, and more. Go to Public.com/fire to fund your account in five minutes or less!

All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Alpha is an experimental AI tool powered by GPT-4. Its output may be inaccurate and is not investment advice. Public makes no guarantees about its accuracy or reliability—verify independently before use. *Rate as of 6/24/25. APY is variable and subject to change. **Terms and Conditions apply.

Show Notes

**Click the time stamp to jump directly to that point in the episode.

Today’s Audio MASTERCLASS: From Suffering to Success

[1:12] – Michael shares what he believes about success that most people disagree with.

Failure is not an end—it’s an opportunity to reassess, learn, and level up.

[3:08] – Michael talks about his definition of suffering.

Suffering is an emotional toll taken when something expected is lost.
It’s deeply personal but universally human.

[04:46] – Michael tells how someone can adapt to life after tragedy.

Mindset is everything: You’re not alone in suffering.
Spiritual teachings and historical figures illustrate that suffering is natural—and surmountable.
Simplify life and take ownership of your emotional responses.

[8:06] – Michael talks about the importance of mindset.

Mindset is built from values, beliefs, and discipline.
Michael shares how his family motto “Hopfs don’t quit” shapes his children.
Reframing challenges like Jocko Willink’s “Good” mantra builds resilience.

[11:13] – A timeout to thank our sponsors!

ZipRecruiter: Streamline your hiring with ZipRecruiter! See why 4 out of 5 employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Just go to ZipRecruiter.com/fire to try it for free!
Public: Build a multi-asset portfolio of stocks, bonds, options, crypto, and more. Go to Public.com/fire to fund your account in five minutes or less!
- All investing involves the risk of loss, including loss of principal. Brokerage services for US-listed, registered securities, options and bonds in a self-directed account are offered by Public Investing, Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Public Investing offers a High-Yield Cash Account where funds from this account are automatically deposited into partner banks where they earn interest and are eligible for FDIC insurance; Public Investing is not a bank. Cryptocurrency trading services are offered by Bakkt Crypto Solutions, LLC (NMLS ID 1890144), which is licensed to engage in virtual currency business activity by the NYSDFS. Cryptocurrency is highly speculative, involves a high degree of risk, and has the potential for loss of the entire amount of an investment. Cryptocurrency holdings are not protected by the FDIC or SIPC. Alpha is an experimental AI tool powered by GPT-4. Its output may be inaccurate and is not investment advice. Public makes no guarantees about its accuracy or reliability—verify independently before use. *Rate as of 6/24/25. APY is variable and subject to change. **Terms and Conditions apply.

[13:58] – Michael talks about the strategies that help people move from suffering to success.

Study others who’ve overcome adversity—history is full of examples.
Meditation helps manage emotional state and fosters clarity.
Practice mental stillness regularly to build mental strength.

[15:56] – Michael tells why perspective matters.

Society often conditions us to cope destructively.
Letting go of ego and outdated beliefs opens the door to healing.
Healthy coping starts with rethinking what we’ve been taught about grief.

[18:05] – Can someone truly succeed after tragedy?

Yes, but first: allow yourself to grieve.
Eventually, you must choose to live—and thrive—for those who are still with you.
Michael shares his personal story of loss and choosing to live fully for his surviving daughters.

[21:39] – Michael gives his final takeaway and call to action.

Don’t let suffering define you—it can be a tool for growth.
Michael Hopf Website – Connect with Michael and explore his work at his website.
G. Michael Hopf Facebook – Follow Michael on Facebook.

[22:55] – Thank you to our Sponsor!

ThriveTime Show: Attend the world’s highest rated business growth workshop taught personally by Clay Clark and now featuring Football Star, Tim Tebow, and President Trump’s son, Eric Trump, at ThrivetimeShow.com/eofire!

Killer Resources!

1) The Common Path to Uncommon Success: JLD’s 1st traditionally published book! Over 3000 interviews with the world’s most successful Entrepreneurs compiled into a 17-step roadmap to financial freedom and fulfillment!

2) Free Podcast Course: Learn from JLD how to create and launch your podcast!

3) Podcasters’ Paradise: The #1 podcasting community in the world!