The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex

Most people don't fail because of lack of effort, motivation, or discipline — they fail because of a belief they don't even know they have. In this episode, Paul Alex sits down with Shelly Lefkoe, co-founder of the Lefkoe Institute and one of the world's leading experts on eliminating limiting beliefs. With over 35 years of experience, Shelly breaks down how unconscious beliefs are formed, why positive thinking doesn't work, and how the stories you absorbed early in life may still be controlling your success today. You'll hear real examples of how beliefs like “I'm not good enough,” “mistakes are bad,” and “success requires suffering” silently drive procrastination, burnout, fear, and self-sabotage — even in high achievers and entrepreneurs. Shelly also explains the critical difference between behavior patterns and beliefs, and why lasting change only happens when beliefs are eliminated at the root. If you've ever felt stuck repeating the same cycles, pushing harder without real progress, or wondering why you know what to do but still don't do it — this conversation will hit home. Connect with Shelly Lefkoe on Instagram: @shellylefkoe Learn more and access her free resource here:

Innovation doesn't fail because companies lack ideas—it fails because leadership and culture aren't built to support change. In this episode, Paul Alex sits down with Bud Caddell, founder of NOBL (nobl.io), to break down what actually stops organizations from executing on bold ideas. Bud shares real-world lessons from working with global brands and fast-growing companies, explaining how misaligned incentives, poor leadership behaviors, and broken decision-making systems quietly kill innovation. He also reveals what leaders must do differently to build cultures where change doesn't just start—but actually sticks. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a team leader, or building from the ground up, this conversation will reshape how you think about leadership, culture, and execution. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNB9ivoJf7ppjuSplOAkEZw LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you:

What if mastering a few simple AI skills could completely change your income in 2025? Today, Paul Alex brings on AI powerhouse Alicia Lyttle (@alicialyttle) to break it all down. Alicia has spent more than 25 years in the online space, built multiple multi-million-dollar businesses, trained governments and universities worldwide, and became one of the top voices in AI literacy. Today, she reveals how anyone—from total beginners to seasoned entrepreneurs—can leverage AI to level up their income, productivity, and opportunities. From shutting down her digital marketing agency overnight to going all-in on AI, Alicia shares the mindset shifts, tools, and strategies that helped her become one of the most sought-after AI consultants in the world. She explains how entrepreneurs are cutting production time from weeks to hours, why AI literacy is now the #1 skill on LinkedIn, and what you must learn immediately to stay ahead of the coming workforce shift. Whether you're building a business, pivoting careers, or simply trying to future-proof your skills… this conversation will change everything you thought you knew about AI. Your Network Is Your Net Worth! Make sure to add me on all platforms: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNB9ivoJf7ppjuSplOAkEZw LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out my companies below:www.CashSwipe.com Get your FREE copy of “Blue to Digital Gold – The New American Dream”:www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when a career-ending injury becomes the catalyst for a completely new life? In today's episode, Ted Stern (@fitresponder) shares how snapping his ankle on duty pushed him into the online world — and how that single moment transformed him from a frustrated first responder into a multiple 6-figure fitness entrepreneur. Ted breaks down the exact steps he used to scale from making a few thousand a month to consistently hitting $100K+ months, why niching saved his business, how first responders sabotage their own potential, and what it really takes to build a winning culture and team in 2025. We also dive deep into limiting beliefs, environment, accountability, and the mindset every first responder needs if they want to level up their health, income, and identity. Whether you're in law enforcement, an entrepreneur, or someone ready for a transformation — this episode is loaded with real, tactical value. In This Episode You'll Learn:

From sleeping under bridges to building a 9-figure real estate empire, William Fonseca has lived through darkness most people never escape — addiction, homelessness, abuse, and complete loss. But instead of letting his past define him, William transformed his pain into a global mission: saving and educating children around the world through purpose-driven real estate and charitable work. In this powerful and deeply emotional conversation, William breaks down the moment faith redirected his entire life, how he rebuilt from absolutely nothing, and why serving others became the center of his entrepreneurial success. His story is raw, unfiltered, and a reminder that no matter how far you fall, you can rise even higher.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with Justin Colby (@thejustincolby) — a seasoned entrepreneur who reveals the unfiltered truth behind building wealth, surviving market disasters, and reinventing yourself when everything falls apart.

In this powerful episode, Paul Alex sits down with health insurance powerhouse Mara Dorne (@maradorne) — a woman who went from losing six businesses, her home, and every sense of stability… to becoming one of the most respected leaders in the health insurance industry, generating over $1 billion in team production. Mara breaks down the real truth behind health insurance sales — the part most people never see. She opens up about failing for six straight months, rebuilding her life as a young mother with no options, and the mindset shift that helped her turn everything around. From navigating a male-dominated field to building elite sales teams across the country, Mara's story proves that you don't need experience — you need resilience, ownership, and the courage to go all in. In this conversation, you'll learn:

What happens when two world-class Latin dancers mix culture, community, and entrepreneurship? You get Lee Edward Smith (@leeelgringuito) & Katherine Aguilar (@kataguilarsmith) — the power couple behind DCBX (@dcbxevents), Rhythm Investor, and one of the strongest relationship-driven networks in real estate today. In this episode, we dive deep into how they transformed their passion for dance into a multi-industry empire built on connection, culture, and elite-level networking.

In today's episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, I sit down with powerhouse entrepreneurs TereZa Lolli (@terezalolli) and Anthony Lolli (@anthonylolli) — a couple who turned their personal battles, health crises, and parenting challenges into a global blueprint for transformation. From becoming a multi-millionaire at 22… To ballooning to 315 lbs and nearly losing his life… To rebuilding his body, mindset, and mission from the ground up… Anthony shares the truth behind one of the most inspiring comebacks ever documented.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, Brock McClelland (@thebrockmcclelland) shares the raw, unfiltered truth about overcoming addiction, surviving rock bottom, rebuilding his life through faith, and the mindset that took him from “nothing” to leading multiple successful companies. This is more than a story about entrepreneurship—it's a story about grit, discipline, spiritual alignment, and the belief that your past does NOT dictate your future. Brock breaks down the sacrifices, the 100-hour workweeks, the moment he decided to change his life forever, and the powerful role his wife played in pulling him out of darkness. If you're stuck, lacking direction, needing hope, or trying to achieve your first million… this episode will hit your heart and recharge your spirit.

What does it really take to reinvent your life? To go from a career built on discipline and danger… to becoming a multi-millionaire, global entrepreneur, and high-performance machine? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, Tomo Marjanovic breaks down the real blueprint behind confidence, discipline, pain, standards, and what it takes to join the top 1% of men. Tomo isn't just successful — he's intentional. From his early days in law enforcement, to bodybuilding, to building elite networks in Dubai, to mastering the balance between wealth, fitness, mindset, and family… his story shows you exactly how to build the strongest version of yourself. Inside this episode, you'll learn:

When life forces you to start over, most people freeze.Drew Lutzke built a business. In this powerful episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, Drew (@andrew_adltalentplug) breaks down how he went from sitting in his mom's garage—unsure of his future—to launching ADL Search & Staffing, a faith-driven recruiting agency now expanding across major U.S. cities. Drew shares how he:

From battling addiction… to facing jail time… to becoming a multi-millionaire in high-ticket sales — Jon Briseno has lived a transformation most people wouldn't believe. In this episode, Jon opens up about the darkest chapters of his life, the moment everything collapsed, and how hitting rock bottom forced him to rebuild with discipline, sales skills, and relentless self-belief. He went from having nothing — no money, no opportunities, no direction — to leading sales teams, closing massive deals, and changing his family's future forever. You'll hear: How addiction and jail shaped his mindset The turning point that pushed him into entrepreneurship How he developed elite sales skills with zero experience The strategy that led him to multi-million-dollar success Why discipline mattered more than motivation How he now helps others earn life-changing income This isn't a highlight reel — it's a raw, real blueprint for anyone who feels stuck, broken, or overlooked. If you've ever doubted yourself or your path, John's story will prove that your past doesn't define your future. Guest: Jon BrisenoInstagram: @realjonbriseno

What would you do if you earned $1.7 million before turning 21… and then lost every dollar? Most people would crumble. But today's guest — Fareed Abedini — used that rock bottom moment as the catalyst for one of the greatest comebacks you'll ever hear. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, Fareed opens up about the brutal reality of losing millions through day trading, the shame of watching it all disappear, and the exact moment he realized he had to rebuild from nothing. What followed was a transformation fueled by mentorship, resilience, and a new vehicle for wealth: Airbnb. From couch-surfing with his mentor… To managing properties he didn't own… To scaling into arbitrage… To building a profitable real estate operation from zero… Fareed breaks down the strategies, mindset shifts, and painful lessons that turned him into the entrepreneur he is today. How Fareed turned $25K into $1.7M in six months The moment everything collapsed — and how he handled it The mentor who changed his life and forced him to level up How he started Airbnb with no money, no credit, and no properties The 20–25% management strategy anyone can begin with Why arbitrage became his turning point The numbers behind his first Airbnb ($6,500 month, $3,000 mortgage) How to rebuild your identity after financial failure Why Airbnb is still one of the most scalable models for new entrepreneurs If you've ever felt stuck, lost, broke, or unsure of your next move — this episode will remind you that you're one decision away from a completely different life. Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQ LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see how we can help you:

What if you could build $20K–$50K/month in passive income with no tech background, no prior sales experience, and just pure grit? In today's episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with Seve Ortale (@seve_ortale_), a 25-year-old entrepreneur who went from 600 straight rejections to building a multi-six-figure residual income stream in payment processing — all in under two years.

What if the lowest point of your life became the foundation of a multimillion-dollar career? In today's episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with Alex Ruiz (@iamrobertalexruiz) — a young entrepreneur who went from being homeless and lost at 21… to funding over $12 million in credit and business capital by the age of 25. Alex opens up about the adversity he faced growing up with a single mother and nine siblings, how he battled internal doubt, and the exact moment he decided to stop living small and start leveling up. His journey takes us through solar door-to-door sales, barber school, mentorship investments, and ultimately the credit repair and funding business that changed everything. In this episode, you'll discover:

In this powerful episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with Kassie Kennaugh — Air Force veteran, mother of four, former firefighter, and the entrepreneur who built, scaled, and sold her own insurance agency before becoming President of a major insurance company. Kassie's journey is a raw, emotional blueprint of resilience. From facing trauma, depression, and self-doubt… to losing 150 pounds, rising through the ranks, taking on six-figure debt, scaling her agency 400%, and exiting successfully — her story is the definition of grit, purpose, and transformation. Today, she breaks down:

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we're tackling one of the biggest killers of progress—self-doubt. You know that voice that says, “You're not ready,” or “You'll embarrass yourself”? Paul has heard it too—especially when he left his secure detective career to chase entrepreneurship. He shares the raw truth: confidence isn't something you're born with. It's built—one uncomfortable day, one bold move, and one tough decision at a time.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we tackle one of the most common killers of progress—overthinking. You plan, you research, you talk about it endlessly… but you never actually move. Paul breaks down how overthinking is just fear in disguise—and how to replace hesitation with momentum through courage, clarity, and consistent action.

Every entrepreneur hits walls—failed launches, tough losses, unexpected turns. The real test isn't whether you fall; it's how quickly you rise. The most successful people in business don't escape failure—they elevate from it. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dive into how setbacks can become your greatest source of strength and clarity. You'll discover:

In business, everyone's obsessed with moving faster—but speed without strategy is just spinning in circles.

Most entrepreneurs hustle nonstop chasing success—but at what cost? In this solo episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, I reveal a powerful blueprint for creating real work-life balance without slowing down your momentum.

From sleeping behind a McDonald's at 16 to being featured on the cover of Forbes Canada, Tasha Antell (@iamtashaantell) is living proof that your past does not define your future. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, Tasha opens up about her incredible journey — escaping an abusive childhood, becoming a single mother of three, and transforming pain into power. Starting with one cleaning job that earned her $300, she went on to build multiple thriving companies across industries — including janitorial services, IT, marketing, biomedical, and chemical manufacturing. You'll learn:

Most people wait for the perfect time to chase their goals — but the truth is, that time never comes. Success doesn't happen by chance; it starts with one bold decision. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we break down how one choice can completely reshape your life and mindset. You'll learn:

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we break down what it truly takes to lead your market instead of chasing it. Paul reveals how he used to study every competitor—what they sold, how they branded, how they spoke—until he realized one powerful truth: followers chase approval; leaders create direction. The market rewards originality, not imitation.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dig into one of the biggest roadblocks to success—ego. It's the silent killer of growth that blinds you from the lessons and mentors that could take you to the next level. Paul shares how his early wins in business almost cost him everything when pride got in the way. The moment he stopped learning and listening, growth stopped too. But when he embraced humility, everything changed—his mindset, his leadership, and his results.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dive into what separates good teams from great ones—the ability to attract hungry, high-performing people. Paul reveals how, early in his leadership journey, he made the mistake of hiring purely for skill. Over time, he learned that skills can be taught—but hunger can't. Real winners aren't drawn to titles or hype; they're drawn to consistency, discipline, and leaders who embody what they expect from others.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we uncover why speed beats everything—talent, money, and even experience. Paul shares how urgency—not funding or credentials—helped him transition from law enforcement to entrepreneurship. While others planned for months, he took messy action and learned by doing. Because in business, hesitation is expensive—and done will always beat perfect.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we flip the script on what it means to have weaknesses—and how the very thing you think holds you back might be your greatest strength. Paul shares how not being a “tech guy” early in his career forced him to master communication and leadership, two skills that helped him build multiple 7-figure companies. Instead of hiding weaknesses, he learned to train them into assets.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we flip the script on what it means to have weaknesses—and how the very thing you think holds you back might be your greatest strength. Paul shares how not being a “tech guy” early in his career forced him to master communication and leadership, two skills that helped him build multiple 7-figure companies. Instead of hiding weaknesses, he learned to train them into assets.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we uncover why most entrepreneurs don't fail because of bad ideas—they fail because they waste time. Paul shares how working 80–100-hour weeks in law enforcement taught him that being busy doesn't mean being productive. True success isn't about doing more—it's about doing what matters most.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dive into how to build a brand so strong that competitors can't copy it—they start to fear it. Paul reveals the truth most entrepreneurs miss: branding isn't about fancy logos or websites—it's about trust. Real branding is built through consistency, reputation, and results. Every message, product, and customer interaction either strengthens or weakens your name.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dive into what it really means to build a legacy that outlives you—because true success isn't just about income, it's about impact. Paul shares how he came from a family that didn't pass down money or connections—only hard work. But he reminds us that legacy isn't what you leave for your family; it's what you leave in them. Every disciplined decision, every standard you raise, and every mindset you change writes a new story for the next generation.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we break down why the best investment you'll ever make isn't in real estate, crypto, or the stock market—it's in YOU. Paul shares how his first real return didn't come from Wall Street, but from investing in a mentor. That decision multiplied not just his income, but his mindset. Because while markets can crash, skills don't. Knowledge compounds faster than interest ever could.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we break down the truth about turning passion into profit—and why energy alone isn't enough. Paul reveals how his first ATM route started as a side hustle, but his real passion wasn't machines—it was freedom. That passion, when paired with a clear system and consistency, turned into multiple 7-figure businesses.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we expose one of the biggest killers of momentum—listening to too many opinions. When Paul left law enforcement to build his first business, everyone had advice: some called him crazy, others told him to play it safe. If he had listened to them all, he admits he'd still be clocking in. Most advice comes from people's fears, not your potential—and if you want to build something great, you have to learn to filter out the noise.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dive into one of the most liberating truths in business—the goal isn't to compete, it's to create. Paul shares how, early in his entrepreneurial journey, he wasted time watching competitors—tracking their prices, posts, and moves—until he realized real winners don't chase markets… they shape them. The moment you stop trying to outdo others and start delivering unique value, your competition disappears.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we break down one of the most underrated success factors—your environment. Paul shares how his mindset shifted the moment he left the negativity of his 100-hour-week law enforcement circle and began surrounding himself with entrepreneurs. The people around you either pull you backward or push you forward—and success requires protecting your environment like your future depends on it.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dive into one of the most powerful lessons in sales and business—how to sell value, not price. Paul shares how early in his career he used to pitch clients by focusing on saving money—and why that approach failed. Once he shifted to leading with impact instead of numbers, everything changed. People stopped seeing him as a vendor and started seeing him as a partner in their success.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we break down one of the most overlooked success principles in business and life—the power of asking the right question. Paul shares how, as a detective, one bad question could derail an entire case—and how the same principle applies to entrepreneurship. Too many people chase quick answers when what they really need is a better question. The moment you shift your focus from “How do I make money fast?” to “How do I build something that pays me long-term?” your entire trajectory changes.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we explore one of the most underrated success habits in business and life—staying laser-focused in a world full of distractions. Paul compares his days on the radio in law enforcement to entrepreneurship: back then, his mission depended on hearing the one call that mattered. Today, success depends on filtering out digital noise, trends, and opinions that pull your attention off target.

In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we dive into the mindset that separates average performers from true visionaries—thinking bigger than your surroundings. Paul shares how his early goals shifted dramatically after learning to ask better questions: not “How can I grow one route?” but “How can I build something that changes lives?” Thinking big isn't about fantasy—it's about practical imagination backed by disciplined action.