Marketer of the Day with Robert Plank: Get Daily Insights from the Top Internet Marketers & Entrepreneurs Around the World

Do you ever feel like you want a bigger life, but your actions, routines, and mindset don't match the size of your goals? Maybe you've hit a big milestone and then felt lost, or you're staring at your own “Everest” and quietly wondering if you have what it takes. How do you stay driven after success, push through fear, and keep going when motivation disappears? In this episode, Mark Pattison shares a blueprint for doing hard things on repeat. Mark is a former NFL wide receiver, the first NFL player to complete the Seven Summits, an Emmy Award-winning storyteller, and a media leader who helped take Sports Illustrated from #17 to #1. He's also the author of Finding Your Summit: How to Build Resilience and Faith to Rise Above Life's Challenges, host of the Finding Your Summit podcast, and the subject of the NFL Films documentary Searching for the Summit. Mark reveals the system that has allowed him to excel across wildly different arenas, pro football, extreme mountaineering, media, and speaking. He explains how he uses Big Hairy Audacious Goals (B-HAGs), a relentless daily routine, and a “pyramid of success” built on consistency and discomfort to keep progressing, even when fear, doubt, or fatigue hit hard. Mark Pattison's story isn't just about climbing the world's highest peaks or winning trophies, it's about proving that discipline, consistency, and effort can turn ordinary beginnings into extraordinary outcomes. From the NFL to Everest to Emmy-winning storytelling, Mark has built a life around big goals, relentless preparation, and an unshakable mindset that treats failure as a teacher, not a verdict. https://youtu.be/k_3mu0a0eEA?si=rGRSNv3tjN_7LuQJ If you've felt stuck, under-challenged, or unsure what's next after a big win or a painful loss, this episode offers a clear challenge: decide what your Everest is, build the routine to support it, and commit to giving “a little more” than you have before. The views from your next summit may be closer than you think, if you're willing to climb. Quotes: “I've kind of coined my life ‘making the impossible possible,' because I think so many times we put limitations on what we can do or we don't think big enough.” “Success started to come when I stopped chasing the reward and started chasing the challenge. I wasn't going after the trophy; I was going after growth.” “Everybody in life has the choice to be bad, average, good, great, or exceptional. I choose to be exceptional, and that means it takes a little more to make a champion.” Contact Details: Visit Mark Pattison's Facebook Page Connect with Mark Pattison on LinkedIn Explore Mark Pattison's Official Website Follow Mark Pattison on Instagram Dive into the YouTube Channel of Mark Pattison Follow Mark Pattison and Find Your Summit on TikTok Follow Mark Pattison on X and Find Your Summit Get a copy of Finding Your Summit: How to Build Resilience and Faith to Rise Above Life's Challenges on Amazon

Most people learn American history through famous battles, the founding fathers, and well-known landmarks, but some of the most powerful stories come from small, forgotten places that never make it into textbooks. In this episode, Fort Plank historian Ken D. Johnson reveals the hidden Revolutionary War history of Fort Plank and New York's Mohawk Valley, and how one obscure frontier fort shaped the lives of families, soldiers, and communities for generations. Ken shares how a simple genealogical curiosity about his own ancestors turned into a decades-long mission: preserving the stories of the ordinary men, women, and children who defended and rebuilt the Mohawk Valley. What began as researching family roots led him deep into merchant ledgers, military orders, land claims, church records, and personal journals, evidence that allowed him to reconstruct the true story of Fort Plank and its people with remarkable precision. Rather than rewriting history with modern opinions, Ken focuses on documented facts and first-person accounts, which he compiles in works like “In Defense of the Facts: An Ongoing Search for Fort Plank” and “The Bloodied Mohawk.” You'll hear why Fort Plank was far more than just a military outpost. Built on the remnants of a French and Indian War site, it became a critical commissary fort, supplying food, candles, and essentials to Revolutionary troops based on complex ration systems. After the war, when local families returned to burned-out farms and ruined homes, they didn't leave the fort to rot, they repurposed its materials to rebuild barns, houses, and livelihoods, turning a symbol of war into the foundation of a renewed community. Ken also explains how financial records and account books can unlock family and local history in ways birth and death records never could. By tracking payments, debts, and land transfers, he has uncovered relationships and corrected long-standing genealogical assumptions, like tracing a supposed “Bowman” connection back to the more accurate “Bauer” family through a single, telling transaction. His work shows how genealogy and local history are inseparable, and how understanding one brings the other into focus. https://youtu.be/WXxHZQGAEM4?si=XWLGjiuo8Qn6I_53 If you're interested in genealogy, Revolutionary War history, the Mohawk Valley, or simply understanding where you come from, this episode will change how you think about the past. Ken shares practical starting points for tracing your own roots, why talking to grandparents and elders matters, and how knowing your family's story can give you deeper identity, pride, and perspective. To explore further, visit FortPlank.org, where you'll find research links, contact information, and details on Ken's books and ongoing discoveries about Fort Plank and the Mohawk Valley. Quotes: “In my mind it's not really genealogy, and in my mind it's not really history; it's just this is the way it was, and this is how it happened.”  “You will never, not ever, ever understand your family until you understand the history;  and you'll never understand the history until you understand the families.”  “No one else studies this place, no one else wants to maintain it, nobody else wants to preserve the memories, and so it's kind of a self‑imposed duty.”  Contact Details: Explore Ken D. Johnson's Official Website Visit Ken D. Johnson's Facebook Page Get a Copy of The Bloodied Mohawk on Amazon Get a Copy of In Defense of the Facts: An Ongoing Search for Fort Plank on Amazon

Modern advertising is louder, faster, and more crowded than ever, yet so much of it feels forgettable. In an AI-saturated landscape where campaigns blur together and creativity is often watered down by committees, truly distinctive work is rare. Today's guest, Kyle Duford, associate partner at Optimism (a five-time Ad Age Small Agency of the Year), is on a mission to bring back magic, momentum, and meaning to marketing for brands like Airbnb, DoorDash, Bachan's Barbecue Sauce, and Habit Burger. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kyle Duford reframes what optimism really is, and what it isn't. It's not blind positivity or fake happiness. Instead, Kyle defines optimism as the belief that tomorrow can be better with intentional change and hard work. He shares how Optimism uses this mindset as a strategic engine to design ideas people choose, ideas that build belief, earn attention, and turn cultural energy into growth. Rather than chasing vanity metrics, his team focuses on real business drivers: deeper customer connection, brand differentiation, and momentum that actually moves the needle. https://youtu.be/mWYj_EErXrw?si=HVlWVjQgrxBvQYWV You'll hear specific stories from campaigns for Bachan's and Habit Burger, where Optimism took “ordinary” food products and transformed them into irresistible, talk-worthy brands. Kyle explains how his team starts with a rigorous brand and competitive strategy, then chooses the right mix of executions, TV spots, YouTube shorts, outdoor, social, stunts, events, or print based on the problem they're solving, not the latest marketing fad. He also unpacks why independent agencies are critical to saving great advertising in a world dominated by holding companies and safe, committee-approved ideas.Kyle dives into the role of AI in advertising, outlining why Optimism uses AI to iterate, not ideate. Humans set the strategy and originate the ideas; AI helps rapidly explore variations, visualize directions, and speed up production, without replacing the creative leap that only people can make. He ties this into a bigger conversation about the generational divide in media consumption, from Gen X's analog-to-streaming evolution to how Gen Z and Gen Alpha navigate a fragmented, choice-rich world where there is no longer a single “monoculture.” If you're a marketer, founder, or brand leader wondering how to stand out when audiences are overwhelmed, distracted, and skeptical, this conversation will give you a powerful new lens. Kyle introduces “Optimism: A Case for the Only Idea That Has Ever Actually Worked,” a research-backed, story-driven book that shows how optimism has consistently driven breakthroughs in business, science, art, and life. If you've been feeling like your brand is stuck in the “mushy middle” of lookalike messaging and safe campaigns, Kyle's perspective on optimism, creativity, and momentum may be exactly what you need to break through. Quotes: “If you look at what makes a human, a company, a brand, anything different than all the other things like it, you start finding these little idiosyncrasies of people that are just so fucking gorgeous.” “The independent agency is still very important in advertising, and it's the independent agency who has the ability to; really form an opinion of a brand that's going to move the needle.” “Our definition, my definition is that optimism is the belief that tomorrow could be better with some change, that we can work hard together or solo, whatever the task is at hand to achieve better.” Contact Details: Explore Kyle Duford's Official Website Connect with Kyle Duford on LinkedIn Check out the Optimism Website Follow Kyle Duford on Instagram Get a Copy of Optimism: A Case for the Only Idea That Has Ever Actually Worked on Amazon

What if the only thing standing between you and your “happily ever after” is the story you're telling yourself? Maybe you feel stuck, procrastinating on the book you've “meant to write for years,” struggling to show up consistently on social media, or second-guessing every move because you're afraid of failing publicly. Are you silently waiting for the perfect time, more confidence, or a clear guarantee before you take action? In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Jeffrey A. Barnes shares how surviving two life-threatening brain tumors forced him to stop waiting for “someday” and finally write the book he'd been talking about for over 20 years. That wake-up call turned into his bestselling books, “The Wisdom of Walt” and “Beyond the Wisdom of Walt,” which use Walt Disney's life, legacy, and the Disney parks as a framework for leadership, courage, and action. Jeff explains why the real difference between Walt Disney and everyone else wasn't just vision or creativity; it was his relentless willingness to get off the park bench and take action despite doubt, fear, and criticism. Jeff unpacks Walt Disney's philosophy on sequels, creativity, and innovation, and what it means for modern creators who feel trapped by their own past success. From the rise of endless Disney sequels to the box office struggle of more original projects like Tomorrowland, Jeff explains the tension between giving audiences what they think they want and pushing forward into new territory. It's a powerful lens for any entrepreneur or brand wrestling with the question: “Do I keep repeating what's working, or do I risk something new?” https://youtu.be/OSz-MXZD6SU?si=Pffss8JQ1gk2zzYP Finally, Jeff shares a behind-the-scenes look at his new relationship-focused book with his wife, Lindsey, “Nothing Can Stop Us Now: Timeless Tips for Your Happily Ever After,” which uses Disney themes and stories to offer down-to-earth relationship advice. Along the way, he reminds us that “life is hard, enjoy it anyway”, and that happiness is a daily choice, not a distant outcome you'll reach “once everything finally works out.” If you've ever wanted to infuse your business, brand, or life with more Disney-level storytelling, courage, and joy, this episode will challenge you to stop overthinking, start acting, and become the hero of your own story. Quotes: “We can sit on the park bench and think ourselves into oblivion. We need to get up and start taking courageous and consistent action.”  “The real difference between Walt Disney and everybody else was his willingness and his courage to take action.”  “What's required in a great story isn't a happily ever after ending, that's what we tend to chase. What's required in a great story is conflict, obstacle, adversity, difficulty.” Contact Details: Visit Jeffrey A. Barnes's Facebook Page Connect with Jeffrey A. Barnes on LinkedIn Explore Jeffrey A. Barnes Official Website Get a Copy of The Wisdom of Walt on Amazon Get a Copy of Beyond the Wisdom of Walt on Amazon

For many retirees, the fear isn't just living longer, it's outliving their money. Housing-rich but cash-poor seniors often feel trapped, thinking their only choices are to downsize, rent, or lean on family. Today's guest, Kevin Guttman, CRMP, is one of only about 210 Certified Reverse Mortgage Professionals in the U.S., and he's on a mission to change the conversation around retirement cash flow, home equity, and reverse mortgages. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Kevin explains how reverse mortgages have evolved from their early days in 1961 into a tightly regulated, post-2015 financial tool designed to help seniors age in place, eliminate mandatory mortgage payments, and tap into home equity without giving up ownership. He breaks down what a reverse mortgage really is (and isn't), why so much of the negative press is based on outdated or incomplete information, and how the program can provide tax-free cash flow, a growing line of credit, or a way to finance a new retirement home without adding a monthly mortgage payment. Kevin shares real-life stories from his book, A Reverse Mortgage Changed My Life, including clients who went from putting groceries on credit cards to finally being able to sleep at night, couples who avoided seven-figure mistakes by not selling and renting, and retirees who used a reverse mortgage to move into low-maintenance homes that fit their health needs, without financial panic. He also explains the math behind why there's usually still equity left at the end, even when interest is deferred, and how appreciation and conservative lending limits work in the homeowner's favor.Beyond the product itself, Kevin emphasizes financial education, strategic use of debt, and the wealth-building power of real estate. He and Robert discuss why schools don't teach money fundamentals, why parents need to take the lead, and how misunderstandings about homeownership and retirement planning can quietly cost families millions over the long term. https://youtu.be/P0iNdMei5fY?si=1Gm0NG6MaQcB6U0x Finally, Kevin explains why it's critical to work with a true specialist, a Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional, instead of a general loan officer or financial advisor who dabbles in the space. He walks through his streamlined 22-day process from application to closing, his no-pressure, education-first approach, and the resources he offers through his website and book for anyone considering a reverse mortgage. If you or your loved ones are approaching retirement and worried about cash flow, this conversation will give you a grounded, up-to-date look at whether a reverse mortgage could be a smart part of your plan. Quotes: "Real estate is strategic debt. People who own real estate have a forty-times higher net worth than people who rent." "People hear 'reverse mortgage' and the wall goes up, but they're going off of inaccurate or outdated information." "If you don't make your property tax payment, you're going to be foreclosed on, whether you have a regular mortgage, a reverse mortgage, or no mortgage." Contact Details: Explore Kevin Guttman's Official Website Visit Kevin Guttman's Facebook Page Connect with Kevin Guttman on LinkedIn Follow Kevin Guttman on Instagram Get a Copy of A Reverse Mortgage Changed My Life on Amazon

Many high-performing entrepreneurs quietly hit a wall. They've built the business, the net worth, the lifestyle, and yet they still feel trapped, exhausted, or strangely unfulfilled. Today's guest, Saahil Mehta, entrepreneur, mountaineer, and coach to eight-figure founders, helps leaders who have “made it” but still feel like they're living someone else's definition of success. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Saahil reveals his “Seven Summits” framework for redefining success on your own terms. Drawing on real-world experience from scaling four businesses and climbing 6,000-meter peaks, he shows why the traditional success playbook you inherited from family, culture, or social media becomes an invisible ceiling on your performance, energy, and happiness, and what to do about it. Instead of chasing more revenue, more deals, and more status, Saahil helps entrepreneurs identify the seven most important dimensions of their lives (beyond just health, wealth, and relationships), then intentionally prioritize what truly matters. You'll hear how he narrowed his real estate focus to a specific niche, learned to say “no” to distracting opportunities, and avoided the costliest mistakes of shiny-object syndrome. Saahil also shares powerful lessons from a painful failed partnership and his mountaineering expeditions: the importance of pre-committing to “what if” scenarios, documenting agreements like a “constitution” for your business, and having clear decision rules before emotions and pressure kick in. https://youtu.be/hn6XmPaeVSc?si=5vwhMa3QNo_t-WKf One of the most practical takeaways is his “backpack” and energy audit exercise, a simple daily practice of asking what drains and what raises your energy so you can spot patterns, identify life clutter, and systematically remove the habits, commitments, and relationships that weigh you down (even if they're “useful” but no longer worth carrying). If you're a successful founder who feels stuck, misaligned, or quietly asking, “Is this it?” This conversation will help you gain clarity, reclaim your time and energy, and move toward a zero-regret life that's actually true to you. Quotes: “The problem is not you; it's that the system you were following was not yours, it was inherited from someone else's definition of success.” "Once they have clarity on what that is, decision making becomes easier, they start taking steps in a direction that is in line with their definition of success, and then life starts to get more fulfilling."  “As long as you keep taking one step forward every day, you eventually make it to the summit.” Contact Details: Explore Saahil Mehta's Official Website Visit Saahil Mehta's Facebook Page Connect with Saahil Mehta on LinkedIn Follow Saahil Mehta on Instagram Discover How Top Entrepreneurs Scale Success Without Burning Out

Born in a farmhouse with no electricity, losing his mother at birth, and growing up in a one-room schoolhouse with torn dictionaries, Colonel Charles Cone had every reason to believe life would keep him small. Instead, he spent 30 years in the U.S. military, became a Navy and then Air Force pilot, flew in three wars, earned the first computer science degree ever awarded at Texas A&M, and is still flying and working out with a trainer at 100 years old. In this episode, Charles shares the remarkable journey behind his autobiography, A Burning Desire to Fly, and how a “dumb farm kid” with hay fever, no role models, and almost no resources built a life of service, courage, and quiet excellence. We explore the defining moments that shaped him: the psychologist who wrote “a burning desire to fly” on his file and unintentionally gave him a lifelong mantra; being assigned to a plane he didn't want, deciding to excel anyway, and becoming the youngest patrol plane commander in the Pacific; surviving a harrowing typhoon flight with almost no fuel and no navigation; and the day his crew including his roommate died in a crash on the very day he was to leave the Navy, a tragedy that led, through another twist of fate, to meeting his future wife. Charles reflects on living through World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the entire arc of aviation and computing from punch cards and 1K memory to smartwatches and self-flying aircraft while holding onto simple, old-school values of duty, faith, and persistence. https://youtu.be/8djRJrN-p00?si=D-oDT1g35hKdBEFT Charles also shares the “unflashy” secrets behind his longevity and impact: decades of disciplined physical fitness, continuing to learn and contribute long after retirement, saying yes to service (from Lions Club projects to flying mercy missions), and treating every assignment even the ones he didn't want as worth doing to the best of his ability. If you're feeling stuck, discouraged, or tempted to coast into later life, this conversation is a living rebuttal: a 100-year case study in why you don't quit, why you keep your body and mind engaged, and why, as Charles sums it up in his favorite quote and life lesson, you “never give up.” Quotes: "I'm just an ordinary old jerk, and it's kind of surprising to me when I wake up now and then and say, ‘Well, you're what they call an author,' and you're not really an author, you're just a plain old guy."  "I guess I realized that my persistence had gotten me a long way; there was that sort of thing of not giving up. Don't give up, and I still say that today." "All of us get discouraged at one time or another in some circumstance, and if you can just sit back and get rid of that discouragement and say, ‘Well, let's get on with it, let's do what needs to be done,' if it means quitting and changing, change, but don't just fret about it." Contact Details: Get a Copy of A Burning Desire to Fly on Amazon Explore Charles Cone's Official Website

Are you still playing by the old career rules, sending out resumes, waiting for HR to notice you, and hoping AI doesn't filter you out before a human ever sees your name? Are you frustrated that you “did everything right” (education, resume, interview skills) yet still feel invisible in a job market overrun by automation, layoffs, and gig work? In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Dr. Chaz Austin explains why corporate loyalty is dead and why every worker, employee, freelancer, or consultant must start thinking like an entrepreneur. Drawing on his doctorate in organizational leadership from Pepperdine, three books, including How to Find Work for the Rest of Your Life, LinkedIn Learning career courses, and a TEDx talk, he breaks down how AI has flooded the hiring system with noise, and why employers are retreating to the safest filter they know: real human relationships and referrals. Instead of hoping an algorithm notices you, Chaz shows you how to become the person people already know and trust before an opening is ever posted, rather than relying on random luck. https://youtu.be/4Ooqx32wiHs?si=HVYTr3Zmb0rgE6ks Dr. Chaz walks you through a practical, modern strategy centered on LinkedIn, targeted groups, and consistent visibility. He reveals how to position your profile, so decision-makers instantly see your value, how to use groups and volunteering as an “audition” for future work, and why you must embrace the reality that you now have two jobs: your craft and your self‑marketing. His “farmer” metaphor, planting and nurturing many relationship seeds over time, offers a realistic, sustainable way to generate ongoing gigs, referrals, and opportunities without feeling like a pushy salesperson. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone frustrated by ignored applications, unstable employment, or a nagging fear that they're being left behind by AI and automation. If you're ready to stop depending on resumes and start building a relationship-powered, opportunity-rich career in the gig economy, Dr. Chaz's approach may be the reset you need. Quotes: "Think of yourself as a farmer: plant as many seeds as you can. You water them, you nurture them, and you don't need all of them to grow; if a few start to pop up, that's your new client, that's your new gig." "Sometimes they don't hire the best people; they hire people they know and trust that they've worked with before." "You need to lower your expectations significantly about the old sending out the resume. You can continue to do that, but don't expect anything. A lot of it is just busy work."  Contact Details: Explore Dr. Chaz Austin's Official Website Visit Dr. Chaz Austin's Facebook Page Connect with Dr. Chaz Austin on LinkedIn Follow Dr. Chaz Austin on Instagram Get a Copy of How to Find Work for the Rest of Your Life on Amazon

Many people don't lose their love for reading and deep thinking; they just get buried under responsibilities, distractions, and endless screens until their imagination quietly slips into the background. Today's guest, Barry J. “BJ” Spaulding, a former federal law enforcement officer and military veteran turned science fiction author, shows how stories can pull us back into wonder, responsibility, and faith. After 32 years of service, a divorce, retirement, and the pandemic, Barry finally returned to his teenage dream of writing, and the result is a growing catalog of books, including Dark Star, The Fight for Survival, and Who's to Blame. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Barry shares how his background in the Army, law enforcement, and Dungeons & Dragons helped him build believable universes, flawed heroes, and grounded military sci‑fi. He explains why Dark Star took 15 years to fully come together, how he weaves real-world tactics, emotional trauma, and survival decisions into epic space battles, and why he refuses to write “perfect” heroes. His stories blend science fact, combat experience, and speculative fiction in a way that still feels human and uncomfortably honest about what people do when the stakes are life and death. Barry also dives into the deeply personal inspiration behind Who's to Blame, a story about a man named George who spends his life blaming God for every tragedy, until God finally brings him to heaven for a direct, no-excuses conversation. Through that lens, Barry explores blame, loss, faith, and personal responsibility, asking hard questions like: What part did I play in what happened? and Do we create our own heaven and hell? If you've ever wondered how modern faith, free will, and suffering could be explored through a compelling story instead of a dry debate, this episode lays out a powerful blueprint. https://youtu.be/bYx9q-h23Yc?si=WRRRmtnLCYW5z5Ck Along the way, Barry and Robert talk about why reading and writing are more important than ever in a tech-saturated world, how books slow your mind down, force you to visualize, and create a private dialogue between the words and your soul in a way movies and social media can't match. Barry shares practical insights into his writing process, why he often writes without an outline, how reader feedback sharpened his character development, and what's coming next (including a twist-filled vampire novel, a heartfelt story for his daughter, and a Dark Star prequel and sequel). If you love science fiction, military thrillers, faith-driven stories, or need a nudge to pick up a book, and maybe a pen. Again, this conversation will rekindle your imagination and remind you why stories matter. Quotes: "I wanted to create a believable universe. I didn't want it to be just things appear, things are there, and there's no real explanation behind it." "I will tell people over and over again: don't stop reading. Technology is wonderful, but it can't replace a good book on a quiet evening." "When you're reading, it's between the words on the page and your soul. You envision what's on the pages. You can't do that in a movie theater." Contact Details: Visit Barry J. Spaulding's Official Website Discover The Fight for Survival available now on Amazon Read Who's to Blame today available now on Amazon Explore the thrilling world of Dark Star available now on Amazon

Are you scaling your e-commerce brand in revenue, but not in profit? Are you flying blind on CAC, LTV, fulfillment costs, and ad performance, hoping the numbers work out later? Many founders grow to low 7-figures on hustle and luck, only to hit a painful ceiling of chaos, cash-flow problems, and agency fatigue.  In this episode of Marketer of the Day, growth partner Cem Atik of Harucon Ventures shows you what it really takes to move from low 7-figures of chaotic growth to predictable, profitable scale. With 13+ years in e-commerce and a track record of stepping into DTC brands “stuck between traction and chaos,” Cem doesn't just run ads, he and his team take equity and full control of marketing, perform deep finance and marketing due diligence, and rebuild growth systems from the inside out. Cem reveals the three bottlenecks he sees in almost every 7- and 8-figure brand: founders who don't know their true CAC and LTV, broken or non-existent third-party tracking and attribution, and a lack of real control over fulfillment, taxes, and operational costs. He explains how, by building a single source of truth for numbers and cohorts, brands can finally make confident decisions about where to cut spend, where to double down, and how aggressively they can acquire new customers. Instead of guessing, you start steering your business with clarity. https://youtu.be/3fHMwV8W1tE?si=WS6EZKQnCQ77GEYj You'll also hear a powerful case study of a brand doing $10M/month that boosted revenue while cutting marketing spend by 20–25% just by fixing structure and supply chain inefficiencies, saving 9% on fulfillment alone. Cem calls his model “marketing for adults”: performance-based, numbers-first, and designed so both sides win only when the business truly grows profitably. Along the way, he shares why humility beats ego when hiring marketers and operators, and why, if you truly control your numbers, you can afford to move fast and even be a little chaotic everywhere else. If you're tired of agency fatigue, unclear profitability, and growth that feels like a gamble instead of a strategy, this conversation will give you a concrete blueprint. You'll discover how to get a grip on your metrics, clean up your ad accounts, and build a team and system that take you from “winging it” at $1–5M to scaling like a pro toward $50M and beyond, without losing your sanity or your margins. Quotes: “Brands that grow from five to fifty million don't do it because they run better marketing; they do it because they did the groundwork that allows them to grow safely.” “If you have control over your numbers, you can be chaotic in everything else, and as long as your execution speed is great, you will still succeed.” “You could be the best email, WhatsApp, Google Ads, or Meta guy, but the only thing that will always win is a good team that's working proactively together.” Contact Details: Connect with Cem Atik on LinkedIn Explore Harucon Ventures Official Website

Most creators don't struggle because they lack expertise. They struggle because tech overwhelm, scattered tools, and indecision keep them from turning their knowledge into a scalable business. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Bryan McAnulty, founder of Heights Platform, shares how solopreneurs can use AI-powered tools to build profitable online courses and communities, without sacrificing authenticity or getting buried in tech headaches. Brian pulls back the curtain on Heights Platform, an all‑in‑one course creation and community platform used by creators in over 100 countries. Instead of using AI to churn out low-quality “slop content,” Heights uses AI to act like a virtual assistant and coach, helping you set up your programs, structure offers, handle technical details, and even plan your marketing, while you stay focused on the one thing only you can do: teaching from your real-world experience. You'll hear how features like live lessons, built‑in video calls, and gamified communities make it easy to deliver a premium, high‑touch learning experience. Bryan explains how you can run live cohorts directly inside your platform, automatically turn those sessions into course content, and use community features both to increase student results and to attract new leads with public community posts that rank in search, essentially turning your community into a living, SEO-friendly knowledge base under your own brand and domain. A big part of the conversation dives into pricing psychology and offer design. Bryan challenges the common trap of selling $10–$20 mini products and hoping volume makes up the difference. Instead, he walks through why most experts underprice themselves, why transformation and outcomes should drive your pricing (not video length or course size), and how adding community and live coaching can justify premium price points while delivering far better results for your students. https://youtu.be/_Vi-niuEZYs?si=EWdDlQeT8A_efrS5 Finally, Bryan shares a powerful perspective on thinking bigger with AI. As AI tools get faster and more capable, the real differentiator won't be who has access to AI; it will be how you work, how you think, and how clearly you communicate your vision to these tools. From internal dev tools that used to cost tens of thousands to build, to weekend projects now powered by AI, Bryan shows how creators and entrepreneurs can ride this wave instead of getting left behind. If you've ever felt stuck between too many platforms, too many decisions, and not enough momentum, this episode will give you a concrete path to launching (or relaunching) your online course and community with confidence. Quotes: "I don't see AI replacing the humans for this kind of expertise. Our goal is to assist you, because most people don't wake up every day excited to use software, they're excited about the outcome the software helps them achieve."  "If every business has this magical AI agent that can do anything, then what makes the difference between you and any other business? If everyone can generate unlimited content and unlimited software, the difference comes down to how you do things."  "There weren't really many platforms that were actually focused on helping your customers get results. Marketing is kind of a solved problem, but learning is not a solved problem." Contact Details: Visit Bryan McAnulty's Facebook Page Connect with Bryan McAnulty on LinkedIn Learn More About Heights Platform Start & Grow Your Creative Business with Creator Climb Brayan McAnulty Official Website Explore the YouTube Channel of Bryan McAnulty

Business owners rarely fail because they're short on tools or tactics, they fail because they blend in. In a world where everyone has access to AI, automation, and endless data, the real danger is that your message, brand, and leadership lose their human edge. Output becomes polished but generic. Teams get buried in analytics while intuition, originality, and genuine connection get pushed aside. Today's guest, Nir Bashan, keynote speaker, creativity consultant, and author of The Solution Mindset: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving, has helped brands like Rolex and Porsche turn creativity into measurable profit by treating it as a practical business tool, not something fluffy or optional.  In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Nir shows us why creativity is now the last true competitive advantage in the age of AI. He explains how AI has become the great equalizer: everyone can generate emails, posts, and scripts at scale, but very few know how to separate the “AI fire hose” of output into what's truly valuable, authentic, and on-brand. Nir reveals how to use AI as a starting point while applying a creativity rubric to refine, reshape, and humanize your content so it sounds like you and actually resonates with your audience. https://youtu.be/juP8aaBUPaI?si=b9yJ3lZXJT0Q3s2T This conversation is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, marketers, and leaders who feel overwhelmed by data, distracted by constant digital noise, or frustrated that their AI-assisted content still falls flat. If you've been wondering how to stand out when everyone else has the same tools, Nir's Solution Mindset will show you how to reclaim creativity as a skill, integrate it with your analytics, and turn everyday problems into opportunities for differentiation and growth. Quotes: “Creativity is an actionable tool that we can use to grow businesses, get into new markets, change product, and change how customers relate to what we offer. The problem is that most people don't use it."  "AI is now the great equalizer. Everyone has access to it, so the question becomes: what do we do to get to the next level? That shortage, that gap there, is creativity."  "Reality doesn't lie strictly in the numbers; it lies in a balancing of the analytics and the creative. That's what I help people do, connect those two things to optimize their business." Contact Details: Visit Nir Bashan's Facebook Page Connect with Nir Bashan on LinkedIn Explore Nir Bashan's Official Website Follow Nir Bashan on Instagram Get a copy of The Solution Mindset: Mastering the Art of Problem Solving on Amazon Dive into the YouTube Channel of Nir Bashan

Most people don't fall short in retirement because they're lazy or bad with money. They fall short because their home equity sits idle, taxes quietly eat away at their gains, and they've never been shown how to turn real estate into reliable retirement income without creating another full-time job. Maybe you're a homeowner in a high-cost market, a realtor with “lumpy” income, or a self-employed professional with no real pension, are you sitting on hundreds of thousands in equity and still worried you'll outlive your money? In this episode of Marketer of the Day, mortgage broker and retirement strategist Kerry Worden shows you how to “Retire on Real Estate” by using short-term rentals, reverse mortgages, and tax-deferral strategies to turn what you already own into cash flow. If you've ever wondered, “Am I an accidental millionaire on paper but broke in retirement?” or “How do I use my house in my retirement plan without losing it?” This conversation is for you. https://youtu.be/eZ9SNKq6J_8?si=IAl1yuQcM6stemiP Kerry shares the story behind Buckeye Basecamp, his short-term rental near Yosemite that sleeps up to 20 people, and explains why short-term rentals, set up as real businesses, can deliver stronger income and better tax treatment than many traditional long-term rentals. You'll hear about passive activity loss limitations, why so many investors and retirees leave money on the table, and how especially in your higher-earning pre-retirement years, short-term rentals can help you keep more of what you make. If you're a realtor, homeowner, or self-employed pro who's built up equity but not a real plan, this episode will challenge how you think about risk, retirement, and your house. Kerry's mindset, captured in his personal motto “DFQ: Don't F'n Quit,” is about not giving in to fear, myths, or confusion, but getting just educated enough to make smart, confident decisions for yourself and your family. Quotes: “Short-term rentals for retirement can be opportunity or overload. If you're not ready, it really can feel like too much, but for people trying to get ready to retire, especially in those higher-income years, they can be incredibly helpful.”  “A reverse mortgage line of credit has a unique attribute: it grows and never stops growing. Even if the value of the house never goes up again, that line of credit keeps increasing anyway.” “My purpose with financial planners and realtors is to show them how a reverse mortgage can help their clients not outlive their assets and reduce their tax liability. If you ignore home equity, you're ignoring one of the biggest tools in the retirement toolbox.”  Contact Details: Visit Kerry Worden's Facebook Page Connect with Kerry Worden on LinkedIn Visit Real Retirement Strategies Official Website Learn More About Buckeye Basecamp Follow Kerry Worden on Instagram Get The Copy of Retire of Real Estate: The Realtor's Retirement Plan on Amazon

What if the worst season of your life became the catalyst for your greatest creative work? Are you stuck in grief, burnout, or retirement drift, wondering if your story is “too ordinary” to ever matter to anyone else? Have you poured your savings and your soul into a book, only to discover that writing it was just the beginning, and now you're drowning in marketing advice you can't afford to follow? In this episode, retired West Virginia teacher turned romantic thriller author Robin Beamer Dalton shares how the loss of her husband, the shock of suddenly living alone after 27 years together, and the looming dread of dark winter evenings pushed her to finally write the book she'd always dreamed of. In just five intense months, she turned ten-hour writing days into Threads of Obsession, an action-packed, twist-filled romantic thriller that keeps the predator in the heroine's life from the first chapter almost to the very end. https://youtu.be/A42sEnjJ6VY?si=DeC0bSugA417DJ71 Robin is uniquely qualified to talk about transforming pain into purpose. She spent 33 years teaching everything from physical education to reading, served as a reading specialist and adjunct instructor at Marshall University, and has been a voracious reader since childhood. She's channeled that lifelong love of story, plus her own experiences with grief, caregiving, and small-town life, into a compelling novel and a tireless grassroots marketing campaign. If you're an aspiring or struggling author, or someone wondering whether it's “too late” to reinvent yourself, Robin's journey will show you exactly how to turn your life experience into a powerful, marketable story without a massive budget. Quotes: “I got my computer out, I prayed over it, and just started writing, and I worked about 10 hours a day on it for about five months.”  “I didn't know what I was going to write till I was writing. I didn't have an outline on paper or in my head, and when I'd get to a point I'd think, this is the perfect place to throw a kink in the story.”  “I decided I would turn the tables and write where she actually would have been the first one never to leave the coal camp in the story. She was single, she didn't have a husband and children, so I could send her out into the world in a way real life never allowed.” Contact Details: Connect with Robin Beamer Dalton on Facebook Visit Robin Beamer Dalton's Official Website Follow Robin Beamer Dalton on Instagram Threads of Obsession on Amazon

From broke musician and scrappy ad-agency owner to in-demand video producer and podcast studio leader, Dan Portik has ridden every wave of media disruption, not just surviving each shift, but turning it into his next level of growth. In this episode, Dan shares how he evolved from a 90s advertising entrepreneur into the founder of BVS Media Group and Premier Podcast Productions, running a 12,000-square-foot studio in Cleveland that serves coaches, experts, and companies with high-end podcasts, documentaries, and AI-powered video content. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by cameras, editing, and AI tools, or worried that AI might make your skills obsolete, Dan's story is a masterclass in turning disruption into opportunity. Dan also shares a powerful mindset shift for creatives and professionals facing AI and other “disruptors”: you can either declare your career over, or you can look for licensing, new revenue streams, and scalable digital assets built on the skills you already have. Through examples like turning a home-services client into an on-screen superhero, hosting Joe Rogan, style three-camera podcast sessions for Bitcoin experts, and drawing on wisdom from mentors like Tom Hopkins and Zig Ziglar, Dan shows how service, adaptation, and consistency beat fear every time. Whether you're a coach, consultant, or business owner who knows you should be doing more with video and podcasts, or a creative person worried about AI, this conversation offers a grounded, practical roadmap for building a resilient, opportunity-rich media presence. https://youtu.be/kTbhC8BwFys?si=VL58vKjh0sdHZkXM You'll learn how to think about goals, budget, and ROI before you hit record, why human conversation and storytelling still beat fake AI content, and how to use AI as a streamlining tool (not a replacement) in your production workflow. If you've been wanting to launch a podcast, upgrade your video presence, or finally use AI the right way in your marketing, this episode will give you a clear path forward and a behind-the-scenes look at what's possible with a pro studio like BVS. Quotes: “What I'm finding about AI is, yeah, it's a shiny tool in the corner, but all it really does is streamline everything that you're doing. “I can't even tell you how many times I could have easily just folded it up, but you have to find the opportunities and have that mindset to find the opportunities.” “We don't use voiceovers; we use AI voiceovers. They're perfect. Why would I hire someone when I can use a perfect voice that can be done in five seconds?” Resources: Dan Portik on LinkedIn Connect Dan Portik on Facebook Visit the Official Website of Dan Portik Premier Podcast Productions Official Website BVS Film Productions Official Website Follow Dan Portik on Instagram

After spending more than three decades researching her pioneer ancestors, faith-based author Susan Billings Mitchell refused to let their stories stay dry and distant. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Robert Plank talks with Susan about how she turned generations of family history into Forever Stalwart, a gripping, novel-style series that feels more like an epic saga than a genealogy report The series follows three real Mormon pioneer families: Titus Billings, Isaac Morley, and Edward Tuttle, as they navigate persecution, the Missouri extermination order, disease, starvation, harsh weather, and repeated forced migrations in their quest for religious freedom. Susan explains how a single request from her father to “write Grandpa's story” led her into years of pre-Internet research in small museums and libraries, reconstructing the life of her great-great-grandfather after his original journal was lost, refining. https://youtu.be/eu983UhCWwE?si=ZVYXVe_6gdHeIii1 What began as an 800-page historical “brick” has become a multi-volume saga organized by both location (Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, across the plains, and Salt Lake) and spiritual theme (discovery, testing, sacrifice, enduring, refining). Susan shares how she balances strict historical accuracy with engaging storytelling, carefully weaving in fictionalized letters and scenes, but always documenting her sources and clearly labeling what's imagined. You'll hear why her motto is “Hearts Turn When History Talks,” how understanding pioneer hardships can give us fresh perspective on modern “problems,” and how she's using tools like FamilySearch and Amazon print-on-demand to make these stories available to current and future generations. If you've ever wanted to make your own family history readable, inspiring, and impossible to put down, this conversation will show you what's possible. Quotes: "They didn't set out to be heroes; they just wanted religious freedom. They just wanted to live the new gospel." "My website motto is ‘Hearts Turn When History Talks,' and I think history is so important. I really think it's the stories that turn hearts." "If we don't learn from the past, we're going to repeat the same mistakes, and there's an effort out there to destroy history. A lot of our history is just being wiped out—that's not right." Resources: Visit the Official Website of Susan Billings Mitchell Forever Stalwart on Amazon

Most organizations still rely on outdated employee surveys and filtered feedback to understand engagement, culture, and reputation. The problem? Those tools rarely reveal what people really think. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Robert Plank talks with Dean Browell, co-founder of Discover Feedback, and returning guest Rich Salon about how digital ethnography and deep social listening uncover the unprompted conversations that matter most. Dean explains how anthropologists analyze public online behavior on platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and niche forums, to capture real employee and consumer sentiment at scale. Instead of just checking a survey box, organizations can finally see both the what and the why behind engagement, recruitment, retention, and brand perception. Rich brings the HR and operations perspective, contrasting opinion surveys and “pencil‑whipped” responses with the raw, candid insights employees share when their boss isn't watching. Together, they reveal how this approach helps spot emerging risks, surface hidden strengths, and turn lived experiences into tactical changes. If you want to move beyond generic engagement scores and truly understand how your workforce and audiences talk about you online, this episode is your playbook. https://youtu.be/zh4UA1A6TZY?si=W2CHZfw2NKTEFRLM If you're serious about recruitment, retention, and employer brand in a world where every role has its own subreddit or niche community, this conversation will challenge how you think about listening. You'll learn how to move beyond outdated survey culture, mirror your employees' own language back to them, and use real-world behavior as your most valuable data source. If your organization is ready to go beyond “pretty good” engagement scores and build decisions on what employees are actually saying in the wild, Dean and Rich's approach may be the competitive advantage you've been missing. Quotes: "When employees don't trust the anonymity of surveys and fear retaliation for honest feedback, every number leadership sees is filtered—and filtered data leads to flawed decisions."  – Rich Salon "Digital ethnography is the next big gift HR can give to business, because for the first time we can reliably understand not just what employees feel, but why they feel that way."  – Rich Salon "Digital ethnography can make you look like you're predicting the future, but all you're really doing is finally listening to conversations that have been happening in plain sight the whole time."  – Dean Browell  "Like Jane Goodall, we don't touch the monkeys; this isn't about prompting anyone; it's about quietly watching what people already say when they think no one from corporate is listening."  – Dean Browell Resources: Dean Browell on LinkedIn Rich Salon on LinkedIn Visit the Official Website of Rich Salon Explore More at Discover Feedback Discover Feedback on Facebook

What if the only thing standing between you and your next breakthrough is fear? What if AI isn't replacing creativity, but unlocking it? And what if your life story, business experience, or personal struggle could become the foundation for a thriving brand, multiple income streams, and a deeper connection with your audience? In this inspiring and wildly creative episode, Audrey Bell-Kearney returns to the show to share how she reinvented herself yet again; this time by blending AI, storytelling, publishing, community building, and entrepreneurship into an exciting new fiction book franchise called The Housewives of Gwinnett. Audrey opens up about her journey from publishing nonfiction how-to books for over two decades to discovering how AI could help her unlock an entirely new level of creative expression. https://youtu.be/Nl0sQ0VS9H8?si=XorIcy4DEqsUL_1O Audrey explains why so many entrepreneurs stay stuck despite having talent and resources, how fear silently sabotages business owners, and why authenticity and personal branding matter more now than ever in the age of AI avatars and automation. She also reveals her unique strategy for turning a single book into five or more streams of income using audiobooks, puzzles, games, collectibles, and live community experiences. With decades of experience in publishing, podcasting, branding, and entrepreneurship, Audrey brings a rare mix of practical wisdom, creativity, and visionary thinking. Whether you want to write a nonfiction authority book, launch a fiction series, grow your business, or finally bring your ideas to life, this episode will leave you energized and full of possibilities. Quotes: “Fear holds a lot of people back because once everything is in place, now you can no longer say, ‘I don't know what business to start.'” “AI is my happy partner, and we sit here and create stuff that makes me happy and hopefully makes other people happy too.” “If you create it and think people will just come, that's not true. You have to create visibility and put yourself out there.” Contact Details: Connect with Audrey Bell-Kearney on Facebook Follow Audrey Bell-Kearney on Instagram Connect with Audrey Bell-Kearney on LinkedIn The Message in the Mural: Secrets are painted in plain sight on Amazon Audrey Bell-Kearney Official Website

In this inspiring episode, Tracey Lyons-Tozier joins host Robert Plank to discuss her mission of helping families navigate the world of special education, neurodiversity, and self-advocacy through her powerful children's book series, Mama Bulldog Books. Drawing from her experience as a master's-level clinical social worker, professional education advocate, and parent of children with autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, Tracey shares how personal struggles, including a devastating legal battle with a school district, inspired her to empower other families facing similar challenges. https://youtu.be/mVcPLgoPCBs?si=0FIy3JNFI57NVS3h Whether you're a parent, teacher, advocate, or simply someone passionate about inclusion and education, this episode delivers practical insights, emotional encouragement, and hope for families navigating special education and neurodiversity. Throughout the conversation, Tracey explains how books like Benny Speaks Up, Fiona Finds What's Fair, and Mikey Can't Help It help children better understand autism, ADHD, dyslexia, IEPs, 504 plans, bullying, fairness, and emotional regulation. She reveals why teaching children to advocate for themselves is one of the most important life skills parents can nurture and why compassion and understanding are critical for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids alike. Tracey also opens up about the emotional realities of parenting children with special needs, the challenges families face in the education system, and the importance of having advocates during IEP meetings. She shares details about her upcoming ADHD-focused book, Abby and Jack Aren't Bad Dogs: Mama Bulldog Tackles ADHD, which explores hyperactive, inattentive, and combined ADHD presentations through relatable family storytelling. Quotes: “Fair isn't everybody getting exactly the same thing. It's everybody getting what they need to learn.” “Not being timid and silent, not being angry or aggressive, but being calm and assertive—even when you're scared—that's how children learn to advocate for themselves.” “I promised myself at that moment that if I could keep anybody from hearing ‘Google it,' I would.” Contact Details: Connect with Tracey Lyons-Tozier on Facebook Follow Tracey Lyons-Tozier on Instagram Connect with Tracey Lyons-Tozier on LinkedIn Fiona Finds What's Fair (Mama Bulldog Book) on Amazon Tracey Lyons-Tozier Official Website

From surviving Type 1 diabetes, cancer, amputation, medical malpractice, and near-death experiences to rebuilding her happiness and marriage, Paula Aldis shares a deeply personal story of resilience, faith, and emotional healing. In this episode, Paula opens up about living with chronic illness from childhood, enduring more than 30 surgeries, and navigating years of physical and mental hardship while refusing to lose her identity or hope. https://youtu.be/W9GEKvAdFvw She discusses the emotional toll of constant medical crises, the strain it placed on her family and marriage, and the turning point that inspired her to write her memoir, The Woman Who Wouldn't Quit: Unbreakable Spirit. Paula explains how writing the book became a cathartic process that helped her reclaim her voice, process trauma, and finally move beyond simply surviving. The conversation also explores topics like adoption, parenting children with mental health challenges, PTSD in military families, finding happiness after trauma, and learning to appreciate life's small moments again. Paula's story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn't about pretending to be strong—it's about continuing to move forward, even after unimaginable pain. If you've ever struggled with chronic illness, emotional burnout, family hardship, or finding joy after adversity, this episode will leave you inspired by Paula's honesty, courage, and refusal to quit. Quotes: “Find something that you can do versus what you can't do, and I've had to make that my mental thought. You can still do things.”  “There is getting past the most horrific things that you go through. You can get past it. You have to just get right with yourself first to move on.” “The scars will always be there, but I now see them as reminders of what I have been through. I wear them with pride.”  Contact Details: Follow Paula Aldis on FacebookSubscribe to Author Paula Aldis on YouTubeShop Paula Aldis' Books on AmazonVisit Paula Aldis' Official Website

From surviving two strokes, heart failure, and a life-saving transplant to producing a powerful PBS documentary series, Jonathan Scott Bognar shares a raw and inspiring story of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. In this episode, Jonathan opens up about losing his ability to speak due to aphasia, rebuilding his career from the ground up, and how he transitioned from Hollywood film production into meaningful storytelling that educates and serves others. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg8iomv10Wk We dive into his upcoming documentary Alive But Not Well, which explores major diseases affecting people as they age through the lens of patients, caregivers, doctors, and advocates. Jonathan explains how his own health journey sparked the idea, and why caregiving is one of the most overlooked yet universal human experiences. He also breaks down his philosophy of “rigorous optimism” and “rugged flexibility,” showing how mindset, persistence, and adaptability are critical not just in business but in surviving life itself. If you've ever faced adversity, struggled with reinvention, or wondered how to turn pain into purpose, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your limits and remind you to “die with memories, not dreams.” Quotes: “Everything in life is about how you view what's happening to you—you have to choose a positive attitude, even when it's hard.”  “In order to succeed, you have to be rigid in your commitment but flexible in your approach—that's where real progress happens.”  “Rigorous optimism means you don't always feel positive—you fight to be positive anyway.” Contact Details: Jonathan Scott Bogner Official Website

From zoonotic infectious diseases to Kabbalistic metaphysics, Dr. Michael Kosoy argues that modern biology is missing something critical: the invisible dimensions of life that our instruments can't measure, but that still shape health, disease, and ecosystems. A retired but still-active CDC infectious disease researcher with over 200 scientific publications, Dr. Kosoy joins us to unpack his book “The 10 Dimensions of Kabbalistic Biology (Abridged Edition)” and explain why more data doesn't always mean more knowledge sometimes, it actually increases uncertainty. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDLIiLf3Swo We explore how his decades at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, his work on zoonotic diseases, and his long-term study of Kabbalah came together into a new framework he calls Kabbalistic biology. Dr. Kosoy explains why traditional, dualistic thinking in science breaks down when we confront real-world complexity (like the pandemic), how invisible structures, hierarchies, and “unknowns” still follow patterns, and why we need better tools for orienting ourselves in a fast-changing, paradox-filled world. If you're curious about holistic science, invisible biology, microbiomes, pandemics, and the intersection of spirituality and rigorous research, this conversation offers a practical, and surprisingly grounded toolbox for thinking differently about life itself. Quotes: “The more data and more information we collect, the more uncertainty we create.”  “Instead of useless debates between reductionists and holists, I propose a system for orientation between those two extremes.” “First dimension is what I call segmentation to unification—it's your choice as an investigator to select how complex you want to see the system.”  Contact Details: Connect with Dr. Michael Kosoy on FacebookDr. Michael Kosoy on AmazonDr. Michael Kosoy Official Website

From small chiropractic clinics to multi-location hotels, my guest Ephraim Epstein of Fit Solutions (fitsolutions.biz) reveals how modern cybercriminals operate like full-time sales teams prospecting, nurturing, and “closing” attacks on businesses that mistakenly think they're too small to be a target. We dig into real-world ransomware stories, why Office 365 and Google Workspace email accounts are the #1 breach vector, and why SMS-based two-factor authentication is no longer enough to keep your company safe. Ephraim explains how 24/7 security monitoring, penetration testing, and smarter authentication can prevent the kind of total business shutdowns he sees far too often. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdNwdnTf_hw We also explore how AI is changing the game not just for attackers, but for defense and operations. Ephraim shares how his team uses AI to reduce labor costs, automate SMS conversations that feel human, and deliver concierge-level experiences at scale, like hotel texting systems that book spa appointments, schedule room cleanings, and answer questions with a 74% engagement rate. Finally, he opens up about the entrepreneurial lessons learned from a failed CrossFit gym, why “side hustles” often backfire, and how complementary revenue streams (IT → cybersecurity → AI) helped Fit Solutions grow while staying focused on what they do best. If you're a business owner wondering whether your systems are really safe and how AI can actually improve your bottom line, not just sound cool, this conversation will give you a practical, story-driven roadmap. Quotes: “Opportunities are wrapped in problems. Whenever I find a problem, I ask where the opportunity is and how I can turn it into an advantage.” “Side hustles are not really great if you chase a second revenue stream that doesn't complement your main business; both the side hustle and your core business will suffer.” “Focus on the main thing, become amazing at it, and crush it, then add complementary revenue streams that feed and strengthen your core, instead of chasing random ideas that pull you in ten directions.” Contact Details: Connect with Ephraim Epstein on LinkedInEphraim Epstein Official Website

College admission doesn't have to be terrifying, unaffordable, or a giant mystery. In this episode, global educational consultant Shellee Howard of College Ready joins Robert Plank to break down how families can navigate college admissions strategically instead of emotionally. Shellee explains why “no one gets into college anymore” and “there's no scholarship money” are myths, how her Class of 2026 students earned $10.3M+ in scholarships with 100% college acceptance, and why there is a “perfect-fit college” for every student (including tuition‑free options). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BnwsMD-hagQ You'll hear a candid discussion on the truth about college vs. trade school, why “influencer” is not a career plan without real skills, and how AI is reshaping which majors and careers will still exist in four years. Most importantly, Shellee shares her process for helping students answer the hardest question, “Who are you?” So they can package themselves, stand out beyond GPA and test scores, and use college as a stepping stone to a meaningful future instead of an expensive dead end. Quotes: “Teach your child to love reading and to think for themselves, and they will be able to learn anything they ever want to learn for the rest of their life.” “College is a stepping stone to their future, not the end game. When students know who they are and what they're good at, the path actually gets easier.” “Do what you love and the money will come. I'm not talking about a hobby—I'm talking about a career you deeply enjoy. People ask me when I'm going to retire; why would I ever retire when I love inspiring teenagers?”  Contact Details: Connect with Shellee Howard on FacebookConnect with Shellee Howard on LinkedInShellee Howard Official Website

Visionary author and conscious leadership guide Bo Lockwood joins Robert Plank to share how a series of near-death experiences, a dark divorce, and a massive brain bleed awakened him to his true purpose: helping people “always be bold” and step into their power. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd53Loq8o1c Bo explains what New Earth Civilization really is (a state of consciousness, not a movement), how he's gathering 1,000 change makers through PrincetonGreen.org, and the story behind his book Essence: A Gateway to Expansive Living, co-created with his 93‑year‑old spiritual mentor, Anne Emerson. You'll learn about self-awareness, fear vs. fearlessness, letting go of attachment, and how spiritual entrepreneurs and business leaders can drive real, systemic change. Quotes: “Everything happening outside is a reflection of what's going on inside of us. Life is a mirror.”  “Unfortunately, we as humans tend to grow through struggle. It's like a dandelion trying to break through asphalt—once it does, it begins to really bloom, and that's how we grow too.”  “It's not fear no or fear none—it's fear less. We always experience fear; it's part of the human experience. The difference is that I feel the fear and do it anyway.”  Contact Details: Connect with Bo Lockwood on Facebook Connect with Bo Lockwood on FacebookBo Lockwood on AmazonBo Lockwood Official Website

From living off the grid to helping businesses get recommended by AI, Mike Caldwell (The Marketing Medic) explains how to win in an AI-first search world without obsessing over traditional SEO. He shares how his small Mad Trapper trail race series outranks huge competitors inside AI, thanks to clear, empathic messaging that speaks to people's difficulties, desires, dreads, and dreams. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNjZZe-gmsQ We break down Mike's AI Visibility Stack Message, Mechanics, Mentions, Match and why clarity beats cleverness in copywriting for both humans and AI. You'll hear how things like schema, consistent branding, and question-based headings help AI truly “get” what you do, plus a wild story of how one popular business was basically invisible to AI because of a single WordPress performance plugin. If you want AI to recommend you (not just your bigger competitors), this episode gives you a practical roadmap that blends empathic marketing, simple technical fixes, and a human-first approach summarized in Mike's rule: “Sell unto others as you would have them sell unto you.” Quotes: “Clarity beats cleverness. You don't need flowery copywriting—you need direct, clear copywriting. That's what your audience is going to respond to, and that is also what AI is going to understand as well.”  “SEO is about tweaking the algorithm. AI visibility is about the personal side—how clearly you speak to real people's problems and desires.”  “You can have tons of five-star reviews and great content, and still be invisible to AI if the mechanics are wrong. One plugin can literally erase 95% of your site from AI's view.”  Contact Details: Connect with Mike Caldwell on FacebookConnect with Mike Caldwell on InstagramConnect with Mike Caldwell on LinkedInMike Caldwell on AmazonMike Caldwell official website

From redefining “abundance” for CEOs to reframing how AI changes thought leadership, my guest Dr. Mitchell Levy, PhD, shares a bold and practical framework for building a legacy that goes far beyond quarterly results. We talk about how most leaders mistakenly equate abundance with money and resources alone and why true executive abundance means bringing happiness and success to five stakeholder groups: family, employees, customers, investors, and community. Mitchell explains how over-focusing on investor returns and short-term metrics creates “short-termism,” and how shifting what you measure can completely change how you lead, hire, and make decisions. He also opens up about the intense grind of finishing his PhD dissertation, the difficulty of unwinding after months of 12–16 hour days, and what it looks like to actually live the principles he teaches. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nV_JQ50_978 Mitchell walks us through his Executive Abundance Engine clarity, credibility, consistency, and commitment and why his research shows that 98% of thought leaders lack the clarity to state their purpose in three to nine words. We explore how AI has made thought leadership ubiquitous, why trying to hoard ideas behind NDAs is obsolete, and how showing up consistently across LinkedIn, your website, podcasts, and AI search results is now essential to being seen as a credible authority. Along the way, Mitchell shares vivid stories from publishing 750+ books, sitting on a public company board, and coaching fast-growing CEOs who want their current success not to undercut their long-term impact. If you've ever worried about AI “stealing” your ideas, felt tension between serving investors vs. everyone else, or wondered how to align your message, brand, and behavior into a coherent legacy, this conversation will give you a clear, visual, and deeply human roadmap for leading with abundance in every part of your ecosystem. Quotes: “Executive abundance is bringing happiness and success to five different stakeholder groups. If you're running a company, your job is to make more than just the investors happy.” “A leader's legacy is felt in the success of their stakeholders. Legacy is not something that comes tomorrow. Legacy is something that is felt today.” “If we take care of the employees, they'll take care of the customers. If we take care of the customers, they'll take care of the investors. In Executive Abundance, investors are fourth, not first.” Contact Details: Mitchell Levy on InstagramMitchell Levy on LinkedInMitchell Levy on AmazonMitchell Levy official website

Are you stuck in a life that looks “fine” on the outside but feels wrong on the inside?Do you overthink every decision, stay in your comfort zone, and quietly wonder, “Is this really it for me?” Edwin Soler, a Dream Realization Partner, life coach, author, and podcast host of “Closing the 18 Inch Gap.” After losing a 27-year career just three months after publishing his book, Edwin rebuilt his life and business from the ground up. Now he helps people close the 18-inch gap between their head (logic, fear, overthinking) and their heart (dreams, purpose, calling). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mep2fa8t8cM If you've been thinking about life coaching, feel stuck in your career, or want to expand your comfort zone without blowing up your life, this episode shows you what's possible. Quotes: "You can't think your way into your dreams. You have to live from the heart that imagined them." “Coaching is about awareness. The answers may already be in you—you just need the right questions to draw them out.”  "We do a lot of comparisons. We compare our backstage to someone's front stage. People say, ‘I'm an overnight success'—but it took 15 years to get there." Contact Details: Connect with Edwin Soler on FacebookConnect with Edwin Soler on LinkedInEdwin Soler on AmazonEdwin Soler Official Website

From childhood trauma and feeling invisible to becoming the self-described “Queen of Courage,” Sharon Rolph has lived what psychologists call post-traumatic growth and now helps retirees do the same. In this episode, Sharon shares how she transformed early abuse, lifelong invisibility, and a late-in-life career shift into a mission: helping retirees and baby boomers rediscover their spark, step into their essence, and realize that retirement is not the beginning of the end, but the start of a new, deeply meaningful chapter. We dig into the ideas behind her book “Fresh Courage in Retirement: Finding Purpose, Essence and Fulfillment,” and why she believes your “invisible assets” your personality, values, and what makes your heart sing matter more than your bank account. Sharon explains how unhealed trauma can still be driving today's leaders and managers, why leading from love instead of fear changes everything, and how simple practices like listing 20 things you love to do, clarifying your core values, and noticing what frustrates you can point directly to your purpose. https://youtu.be/lGL9PGBIG5A Sharon also shares practical tools and real-life stories: using art blocks and quotes to anchor new beliefs, designing a retirement that feels like an adventure instead of a slow decline, and approaching your later years with curiosity, experimentation, and service. Whether you're newly retired, thinking ahead to retirement, or trying to heal from your own past while building a better future, this conversation offers a gentle but powerful roadmap for finding meaning, courage, and joy after 60. Quotes: “What makes me stand out is I've learned a new term… there's post-traumatic growth. I'm the model of post-traumatic growth.” “Your vocation is the place where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet.” “Never underestimate the power of a planted seed. A seed has to have a harvest, and I'm on tippy-toe expecting a marvelous harvest.” Contact Details: Connect with Sharon Rolph on LinkedInSharon Rolph on AmazonSharon Rolph official website

From dusty gift bottles on a home bar to a three-year journey tasting 365 whiskeys, co‑author Patrick Sanaghan turned casual curiosity into a structured, joyful experiment in flavor, learning, and humility. In this episode, we talk about his new book “A Year of Drinking Whiskey: Two Old Geezers and a Great Bartender Sailing Down Whiskey River,” co‑written with Tom Nicoletto and bartender Julius Facenda, and how three non‑experts approached whiskey like a long-term learning project instead of a snobby insiders' club. Patrick explains why this book is intentionally written from a beginner's perspective, what he learned about the real relationship between price and quality, and why “trust your taste buds” became the core lesson of the whole adventure. We dive into how they structured their tasting process (including grading and always tasting neat), why environment matters so much (smells, glasses, ice, and timing), and how simple habits like slowing down, letting a pour breathe, and sipping instead of gulping can completely change how you experience whiskey. https://youtu.be/wN6wl6nqIwU We also explore the human side of the project: how long-term experiments build curiosity and discipline, why different people can experience the same whiskey in totally different ways, and what it means to enjoy life's “electives” without getting lost in pretension or overindulgence. Whether you're whiskey-curious, a casual drinker, or someone staring at a shelf of bottles wondering where to start, this conversation gives you a friendly, practical starting point and permission to ignore the hype and follow your own palate. Quotes: “Trust your taste buds. You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy great whiskey.” “Don't be intimidated by the labels or the price tags—the best whiskey is the one you actually like.” “It's meant to be sipped and enjoyed, not gulped. Slow down and let the experience unfold.” Contact Details: Connect with Pat Sanaghan on LinkedInPat Sanaghan on AmazonPat Sanaghan Official Website

From mastering body language to reprogramming your subconscious for confidence, influence, and rapid change, my guest Dr. David Snyder shares practical NLP tools to take control of your internal state and external results. We talk about why everything humans do is driven by feelings, how posture and breathing are the fastest ways to shift your emotional state, and how power posing and playfulness can dramatically speed up learning and habit change—especially in a post-COVID, highly digital world where connection, validation, and trust are the real competitive edge. https://youtu.be/FbyLFowougk David explains how NLP maps the “code” of your subjective experience so you can model top performers, uncover the hidden beliefs driving your behavior, and install more useful internal programs. You'll learn how to communicate more effectively, make people feel deeply understood (without manipulation), and upgrade your confidence and productivity in minutes—before a sales call, Zoom meeting, presentation, or tough conversation. If you've ever known what to do but struggled to do it, this episode gives you practical, fast-acting tools you can use right away. Quotes: “Everything you do is driven by a feeling—change the feeling, and you change the behavior.” “The fastest way to change your mind is to first change your posture and your breathing.” “People don't just want information; they want to feel seen, understood, and validated.” Resources: David Snyder on FacebookDavid Snyder NLP on Linkedin NLP Power Site

From stage four cancer survival to rebuilding identity, purpose, and execution under extreme pressure, my guest Carlos Perez has dedicated his life to one mission: helping people recover clarity and strength after crisis. In this episode, I talk with Carlos about how he rebuilt his life after multiple cancer diagnoses and transplants, and how he now teaches professionals to regain focus, emotional control, and direction when life feels uncertain. We also explore what most high performers get wrong about adversity—how they stay stuck in survival mode long after the crisis is over, why avoiding discomfort delays real healing, and how small daily actions can steadily rebuild identity and confidence over time. https://youtu.be/I1CfVapQw0s?si=yAIqcQb1bPZ5XKcz Carlos breaks down the difference between surviving and truly rebuilding, why emotional strength matters more than motivation, and how clarity often comes from facing discomfort instead of avoiding it. You'll hear how he went from hospital recovery beds to becoming a “rebuild architect,” how speaking and coaching became part of his healing journey, and why helping others became his new mission. We also talk about fear, procrastination, and how simple actions like writing one page, having one conversation, or taking one step forward can completely change the direction of a life. Quotes: Don't wait for tomorrow. The time is now. You are stronger than you think.” “You can either drown in your problems or break them down one by one.” “Strength is already inside you—you just have to use it.” Resources: Carlos Perez speaks Carlos Perez on Linkedin

From space‑lab clean rooms to the inner universe of human awareness, my guest Todd R. LeBlanc has spent decades exploring both the frontiers of technology and the depths of consciousness. In this episode, we talk about his journey from seasoned space‑lab manager to author of The Book of Odd and his new project, The Book of Odd: Awakening. Todd explains why our greatest “technology” isn't rockets or AI, but awareness itself—our ability to live in the present moment, ask better questions, and recognize that “right now” is the only place we ever have any agency. We dig into what most people get wrong about time, the anthropic principle and our role as conscious observers, and why cultivating curiosity, gratitude, and critical thinking is more powerful than chasing status or stuff. https://youtu.be/j4cga5xSrRQ?si=FnUBXqWFik_RCERl You'll hear how Todd structures his days around meditation and writing before he gives any energy to his day job, why he believes we should “give our best self to ourselves” first, and how simple habits like journaling, reading, and daily reflection can lead to a quiet but profound awakening. We talk about seeing hidden wonder in everyday things—from toilets and soccer balls to the Panama Canal and public libraries—how to protect yourself from misinformation by strengthening your own mind, and why he thinks we're each just one line in a much larger language of existence carried through our DNA and culture. If you're ready to become more present, more curious, and more intentional with your one “flicker” of time, this conversation will give you both inspiration and concrete first steps. Resources: Todd R. LeBlanc on Linkedin The Book of Odd

From Navy SEALs and top‑ranked wrestlers to desk‑bound professionals in constant pain, my guest Master Phil Ross has spent his career on one mission: fix what most fitness programs miss—your back, shoulders, and “hidden core.” In this episode, I talk with Phil about how he helps people avoid unnecessary surgery, rebuild strength after injury, and stay mobile and powerful well into their 70s and beyond. We get into what most people get wrong about back pain, why devices and quick fixes rarely solve the root issue, and how deep support muscles like the multifidus, erector spinae, and transverse abdominis actually protect your spine. Phil breaks down the difference between flexibility and mobility, why your “cylinder of power” matters more than visible abs, and how five to ten minutes a day can radically shift your back and shoulder health. https://youtu.be/wpfsq-NOVZs?si=jwIvnsF9qCocd6o1 You'll hear how Phil's “Get Off Your Back” and Body Bell Method programs help everyone from high school wrestlers to Special Forces operators stay strong and pain free, why his elite wrestling team has zero shoulder harnesses while competitors are taped up, and how a 75‑year‑old client now performs weighted Turkish get‑ups. We also talk about motivation, removing the “dread factor” from workouts, and how to reframe exercise as small, fun “exercise snacks” that fit into a busy day. Quotes: “People say they don't have time to train, but you only have one body. When you take care of your body, your mind and your spirit follow.” “You don't need a pill, a stimulation device, or a quick fix. Strength, mobility, and proper alignment are your first line of defense.” “Shoulda, woulda, coulda don't add up to one little word: did. Now it's your time to do it.” Resources: Phil Ross on Linkedin philross.com

From early days of bulky PCs under desks to two decades inside Microsoft, my guest Paul Slater has had a front row seat to every major tech shift—and now he helps leaders face the most disruptive one yet: AI. In this episode, I talk with Paul about how AI is not just a tool, but a new “team member” that forces us to rethink work, skill, and strategy. We get into why AI adoption feels so unstable and fast, how to stay relevant when the tech changes every three months, and why your real moat now is human traits like resilience, adaptability, and better judgment—not code or features alone. https://youtu.be/lN_0c2WpmYA?si=SykUIBM_BUg-0N1z You'll hear how Paul sees AI reshaping code, software moats, and whole industries, why “vibe code” and new dev tools mean almost any SaaS can face a clone or a rival in a weekend, and how his 90‑day “AI Ready Human” approach helps people move from anxious user to strategic partner with AI. We also go into his failure story with his startup Billion Minds, what he learned about mission drift and hard shutdown calls, and how that experience now fuels his work with companies that want to be AI ready at both the human and org level. If you are a founder, leader, or pro who wants to stay valuable in a BANI world—brittle, anxious, non‑linear, incomprehensible—this episode will help you see how to match AI power with human skill, culture, and better choices. Quotes: AI is not here to replace top performers—it exposes the ones who never learned how to think.” “Any moat that rests on software alone is weak now; with new AI tools, a rival can build a better version of your app in a weekend.” “The only honest answer to ‘Where is your business in three years?' is ‘I have no idea'—so your real edge is people and systems built for constant change.”Resources: Paulslater.ai (Company) Paul Slater on Linkedin

From sharp suits and street flash mobs to global media features, my guest NeAndre Broussard has spent his life on one mission: change the way the world sees Black men and the way Black men see themselves. In this episode, I talk with NeAndre, the founder of Black Menswear, about how a simple idea a network of Black men in suits turned into a movement, a media force, and a business. We get into why powerful visuals can do what speeches and debates often can't, how intentional media reshapes narratives about Black men, and how community and culture can sit at the center of a real, profitable brand. https://youtu.be/vPYyLiS8gtE You'll hear how NeAndre's viral flash mob photo shoots started, why he focused on joy, excellence, and visibility instead of trauma, and how Black Menswear grew from a creative idea into a platform for partnerships, revenue, and opportunity. We also talk about what it takes to lead a movement while still paying the bills, how he thinks about brand, community, and profit, and the mindset shifts Black men and allies can make to support this kind of change. If you're a founder, creator, or just someone who cares about how stories about Black men get told, this episode will help you see how image, media, and community can work together to build both legacy and income. Quotes: “One flash mob photo shoot can do more for a young Black boy's self-image than a hundred debates about stereotypes.” “When you control the image, you shift the narrative. Once the narrative moves, opportunity follows.”“We don't just wear suits we rewrite the script on what it means to be a Black man.” Resources: Black Menswear NeAndre Broussard on linked

From smoggy San Diego tennis courts to shaping the Green New Deal, my guest Mark Z. Jacobson has spent his life answering one question: How do we actually fix air pollution and climate change? In this episode, I talk with the Stanford professor and director of the Atmosphere/Energy Program about why we don't need miracle technologies; we just need to deploy the clean solutions that already work. You'll hear why many “solutions” like carbon capture, blue hydrogen, biofuels, and new nuclear are expensive distractions, how wind, water, and solar can reliably power the grid 100%, and why electrifying everything (cars, heating, cooking, industry) slashes both energy use and deaths from air pollution. https://youtu.be/DDTbFNebRVE Mark also walks me through real-world data from 150+ country-level transition plans, his own 100% renewable home, and why the biggest barrier now isn't technology, it's politics, misinformation, and lack of focus. If you're a founder, policymaker, or just a concerned citizen wondering whether we're doomed or if the solutions are real, this episode will help you see what actually works, what doesn't, and how you and I can both help accelerate the transition. Quotes: “We don't need miracle technologies to solve climate change, we need the courage to deploy the solutions we already have.” “Every year we delay the transition to clean energy, seven and a half million more people die from air pollution. Waiting is not neutral, it's deadly.” “This isn't a technology problem anymore; it's a focus problem. When we ignore the distractions and double down on wind, water, and solar, a 100% clean energy world becomes inevitable.” Resources: Mark Jacobson on LinkedIn Stanford University

From childhood repression and medical gatekeeping to living authentically and educating others, Wendy Cole has walked the transgender journey in a way few have and she's turned that lived experience into a powerful force for change. As a gender diversity consultant, speaker, and co‑host of the podcast Demystifying the Transgender Journey, Wendy helps organizations, communities, and leaders understand what it really means to be born transgender and how to create environments where everyone can belong. https://youtu.be/jg66oS0Gvto In this episode, you'll hear how early rejection and threats of institutionalization shaped Wendy's life, what finally made transition possible in her 60s, and why she believes gender is “between the ears, not the legs.” You'll learn how clear, compassionate education can replace fear with understanding, why focusing on the “60% in the middle” creates the biggest social impact, and how organizations can better support transgender and LGBTQ+ employees, customers, and community members. Quotes: “Gender is between the ears, not the legs your body is just the costume, not the character.” – Wendy Cole “I didn't transition to become someone else; I transitioned so the world could finally see who I've always been.” – Wendy Cole “The most radical act a transgender person can take isn't changing their body; it's refusing to be ashamed of who they are.” – Wendy Cole Resources: Empower Your Organization with Gender Diversity Training Wendy Cole on LinkedIn

In this episode, you'll hear why most companies obsess over new customers while quietly losing profitable existing ones, how to build simple after-sales processes that don't require massive new budgets, and why empathy and listening are still the most powerful “technology” in your business. Nigel also shares common recurring mistakes he sees in SMEs like deleting unhandled inquiries every day and how a few low-cost changes can dramatically improve retention, margins, and morale. https://youtu.be/S9XZHyF-u4A If you're a founder, owner, or leader at a small or medium-sized business who feels things are “not performing as well as they should,” this episode will show you how to plug the leaks, protect your revenue, and make after sales a core part of your growth strategy instead of an overlooked niche. Quotes: “You don't need more leads“After sales isn't a niche it's the moment every customer decides whether to stay or leave.” – Nigel Woodall “If you're deleting inquiries, you're deleting revenue and training customers to buy from someone else.” – Nigel Woodall ''You need to stop throwing today's opportunities in the bin.” – Nigel Woodall Resources: Nigel Woodall on LinkedIn Building revenue-protecting capability into SME customer operations

From recovering $71 million in “forgotten” money to turning everyday workers into six‑figure earners, David Church is the guy people call when they've hit a financial wall and need a real alternative to traditional retirement plans and side hustles. As the founder of Surplus Institute, David teaches a simple, repeatable system for locating surplus and unclaimed funds often tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars that rightfully belong to homeowners and everyday citizens, but are trapped behind red tape and confusing government processes. https://youtu.be/cS5B8oNePfw You'll hear how David helps over 50 and especially over 60 professionals replace their income, why banks and governments have little incentive to push this money back to its owners, and how you can build a business helping people claim what's theirs without needing prior real estate or legal experience. Quotes: “Clarity turns hidden money into real money.” – David Church “Follow up is where the big checks live.” – David Church “Learn one market, master one system, replace your income.” – David Church Resources: David Church on LinkedIn Surplus Institute

From de-confusing buyers to selling your superpower in an AI world, Maury Rogow is the strategist companies call when their “sales problem” is really a storytelling problem. As the author of Why Buyers Say No, Maury shows entrepreneurs and marketers how to stop blending in, break free from price wars, and build recurring revenue by asking the right questions, crafting epic stories, and leveraging emotional triggers. You'll hear why jargon kills deals, how to discover your superpower, and why using AI for content is only part of the solution clarity is what makes you truly wealthy. https://youtu.be/GYXayAdGtB4 Maury also shares how Hollywood storytelling and high-tech sales taught him to craft compelling narratives that convert prospects into loyal customers. If you're a founder, marketer, or business leader struggling to stand out in a crowded market, this episode will help you unlock your uniqueness, build trust, and close bigger deals without discounting. Quotes: “AI can make content cheap, but clarity can make you wealthy.” – Maury Rogow “Most companies don't lose because of product they lose because of confusion.” – Maury Rogow “Your story is your superpower. Find what makes you unique and stand out.” – Maury Rogow Resources: YOUR BRAND WILL LIVE OR DIE BASED ON THE STORY YOU TELL' Maury Rogow on linkedin

I used to run my business feeling like I was flying blind with the numbers. In this episode, I sit down with Rob from Finance Insight Matters, a fractional CFO who helps seven and eight-figure online businesses turn messy financials into real growth. We talk about the finance hierarchy of needs, simplifying accounting, and using AI the right way to make smarter decisions. https://youtu.be/Y8miM3fCj84 Rob shares his journey from elite banking to building clean tech ventures in China and the lessons he learned about keeping things simple, focusing on profit, and knowing when to double down or move on. He also gives practical advice on cleaning up your books, preparing your business for growth or exit, and why transparency with your CFO or accountant matters. If you want to finally get control of your finances and scale with confidence, this episode is for you. Quotes: “Accounting is too important to leave to accountants alone your business decisions depend on a clean, reliable source of truth.” “Focus on what you can control. Simplify your finances, your systems, and your strategy and the possibilities for growth multiply.” “In business, go all in or get out. Double down on what works, or redirect your time to what will actually succeed. Resources: Fractional CFO | FP&A | Accounting for 7 & 8-Figure Online Businesses Rob te Braake on Linkedln

From helping business owners “keep more of what they earn” to doubling their company's value in months, Marc Adams is the expert founders call when they're serious about exiting on their terms. As founder of Acquisitions for You and author of Secrets to 10X Your Business and Cashing Out Tax Free, he shows entrepreneurs how to avoid equity dilution, bypass debt, and maximize the payout from a sale. You'll hear why most business owners leave 30–50% of their wealth on the table, how to prepare your company to be sellable without disruption, and why starting early is the key to keeping more of your legacy. Marc also shares how he turned personal adversity into a mission to help the “9 out of 10” business owners stuck in the broken system of exits. https://youtu.be/aNmaetID84Q If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or business owner planning a future exit, this episode will help you think bigger, keep more of your hard-earned value, and start building a roadmap to a truly profitable sale. Quotes: “Most business owners leave half their payday on the table without even realizing it.” – Marc Adams “You can double the value of your business without taking on debt or giving away equity.” – Marc Adams “The real question isn't what you sell your business for it's how much actually goes in your bank.” – Marc Adams Resources: Marc Adams on LinkedIn How to Double Your Value and Maximize Your Exit

From shaping New York's underground poetry scene in the 1970s to transforming travel, memory, and history into haunting verse, WL Gertz is the poet readers turn to when they want art that survives the moment. As co‑founder of Dreams magazine, he helped define the Beat generation ethos spontaneous writing, anti‑materialism, jazz rhythms, Eastern philosophy, and personal liberation. Decades later, he channels a lifetime of adventures into his two poetry collections, Broken Dreams and Land of Forgotten Fish. https://youtu.be/gesLG2DzOjQ You'll hear how decades of global travel from sleeping in European hostels to attending Woodstock shaped his worldview, why travel is a confidence and character builder, and how stepping outside your comfort zone can expand your mind. WL also shares how the digital age is reviving interest in the Beats, making music, poetry, and art more accessible than ever. He reflects on what makes poetry “good,” how stream of consciousness writing captures the complexity of life, and why publishing fuels continued creativity. Quotes: “Travel is the ultimate teacher you leave as a boy and return as a grown man.” “Poetry isn't about being obvious; it's about stirring the mind and surviving time.” “If it feels good, do it life is too short for hesitation and regrets.” Resources: William Gertz on LinkedIn We bring the world together

From waking up “sleeping giants” across five continents to building a new kind of school for the AI era, Kevin Voisin is the coach leaders call when their “mindset problem” is really a radical honesty problem. As Coach of Coaches and co‑creator of Apogee Strong micro‑schools, he shows entrepreneurs how to stop lying to themselves, break out of self‑sabotage, and operate as the force of nature they already are. You'll hear why most “personal development” advice is fake, how to recognize when you're at rock bottom and rock top, and why saying “I don't know why this keeps happening” is almost always a lie. Kevin unpacks why perfection is a horizon you can never reach (but still need), how to live powerfully imperfect, and how to use AI as the “tractor of the mind” instead of a threat to your livelihood. Kevin also shares how he thinks about parenting and education in a world where knowledge alone is no longer power only what you produce with it. If you're an entrepreneur, parent, or emerging leader who secretly feels like an impostor despite your wins, this episode will help you reclaim choice, embrace discomfort, and build a life and business that match who you really are. Quotes: “You're not a lost floatie in the ocean you're a force of nature.” – Kevin Voisin “Excellence is achievable. Perfection is a lie.” – Kevin Voisin “Most people don't have a self‑sabotage problem; they have a honesty problem with themselves.” – Kevin Voisin Resources: APOGEE Kevin Voisin on LinkedIn

From helping scale global leaders like Google, Uber, TikTok, and Samsung to guiding high‑growth startups through user acquisition plateaus, Gilad Bechar is the strategist brands call when “growth problems” turn out to be strategy problems. As founder and CEO of Moburst, he breaks down how to stop spray‑and‑pray marketing, run truly data‑driven campaigns, and build acquisition engines that match real KPIs, budgets, and market dynamics. You'll hear how AI, new discovery platforms like ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude, and evolving user behavior are changing SEO, app growth, and performance marketing and how to adapt before your competitors do. https://youtu.be/aNzSorwOcJM Gilad shares how Moburst audits a business, reverse engineers growth goals, and dissects competitor strategies, channels, creatives, calls to action, and languages to uncover what's actually working in your niche. He explains when you should rebuild your website or app, when to lean into user‑generated content and TikTok communities, and how to safely leverage AI and automation without destroying trust or firing teams too fast. If you're a founder, CMO, or growth leader, this episode will help you spot hidden opportunities, avoid costly mistakes, and design a marketing strategy that scales predictably. Quotes:“Most companies don't have a growth problem they have a strategy problem.” “Marketing works best when it's brutally data‑driven and wildly creative at the same time.” “If you're still using yesterday's playbook, don't be surprised when your growth stalls tomorrow.” Resources: moburts Gilad Bechar on Linkedln

After decades of balancing demanding government work, family life, and responsibilities, Raine Bee finally gave herself permission to chase the dream she'd carried since childhood: becoming a children's fantasy author. On this episode of Marketer of the Day, Raine shares the story behind The Wishing Family in Quest for Magic, a heart‑warming adventure about a family of genies who face danger together, support each other unconditionally, and prove that real magic is found in unity, love, and courage. https://youtu.be/rPPGB_-0Jh4 Raine reveals how classic tales like Sinbad, Aladdin, and Arabian Nights, her experiences with vibrant Asian weddings, and her love of colorful English landscapes inspired the book's world. She explains how each member of the genie family has unique powers except Max, a changeling who must fight to reclaim his magic and save his family, and how those struggles mirror real‑life challenges kids face with emotions, communication, and belonging. She also opens up about retiring during lockdown, emailing her resignation from a sunny field, and turning that moment of freedom into the focus and confidence she needed to finish her book, write a sequel, and finally let her inner child lead the way. Quotes: “Age is just a number; your real age is the courage of your heart and the curiosity of your inner child.” “Family isn't only blood; it's anyone who stands beside you in the dark and helps you find your way back to the light.” “Children don't just need magic on the page; they need the magic of knowing they can say ‘please help' and be heard.” Resources: The Wishing Family in Quest for Magic on Amazon Raine Bee Books