Podcast appearances and mentions of Eric Thomas

This episode is/was in early access for members from Wed, 26 Aug 2026 until Thu, 27 Aug 2026. Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — Make your hustle louder than your mouth. Spoken by: Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Inky Johnson instagram.com/inkyjohnsonmotivate Jocko Willink instagram.com/jockowillink Music: Audiomachine - The Unmasked Audiomachine twitter.com/audiomachine Really Slow Motion - Breaker of Chains Really Slow Motion facebook.com/ReallySlowMotion

This episode is/was in early access for members from Fri, 21 Aug 2026 until Sat, 22 Aug 2026. Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — Do more than anyone thinks you should, and more than YOU think you should. That's when you reach a point of dedication that separates you from the pack. Spoken by: Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Ray Lewis instagram.com/raylewis Dwayne Johnson instagram.com/therock Greg Plitt instagram.com/gregplitt David Goggins instagram.com/davidgoggins Les Brown instagram.com/thelesbrown Robin Sharma instagram.com/robinsharma Tyrese Gibson twitter.com/tyrese Jocko Willink instagram.com/jockowillink Andy Frisella instagram.com/andyfrisella Ed Mylett instagram.com/edmylett Music: Audiomachine - We Are Gods Audiomachine twitter.com/audiomachine

How bad do you want it? Do you ACTUALLY want to do this? If you actually want it, nothing and nobody will stop you or get in your way. If you don't? You'll let any excuse, any distraction knock you off course from achieving your ultimate goal. Everything starts with a single question. DO YOU ACTUALLY WANT THIS? Speakers Jocko Willink @JockoPodcastOfficial Dr. Joe Dispenza @drjoedispenza Mark Mathewshttps://www.instagram.com/markmathewssurf/?hl=enDr. John Delonyhttps://www.instagram.com/johndelony/Russ @russ Gary Vaynerchuk @garyvee Mel Robbins​ @melrobbins Eric Thomas @etthehiphoppreacher Les Brown @LesBrownSpeaks Marcus A. Taylor @MarcusATaylorOfficial Price Pritchetthttps://www.pritchettnet.com/Phil Healthhttps://www.instagram.com/philheath/?hl=enLebron JamesGreg Plitt @GregPlittOfficial Andrew Schulz @OfficialFlagrant Liam Payne @LiamPayneOfficial Chris Bumstead @ChrisBumstead David Gogginshttps://www.instagram.com/davidgoggins/?hl=enTim GroverKobe BryantAlex Hormozi @AlexHormozi Rick Rubinhttps://www.instagram.com/rickrubin/?hl=enBrian Bullock@BrianMBullockMusic: Secession Studios @SecessionStudios Really Slow Motion Buy their music:Amazon : http://amzn.to/1lTltY5iTunes: http://bit.ly/1ee3l8KSpotify: http://bit.ly/1r3lPvNAudiomachineTwelve Titans Music @twelvetitansmusic Soundstripe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — Excuses don't get you results. Only actions do. Spoken by: John Maxwell twitter.com/JohnCMaxwell Jocko Willink instagram.com/jockowillink Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Les Brown instagram.com/thelesbrown Elliott Hulse instagram.com/elliotthulse Music: Really Slow Motion - The 25th Hour (Ben Lionel Scott Remix 2) Really Slow Motion facebook.com/ReallySlowMotion The White Stripes - Seven Nation Army (Ben Lionel Scott Remix) The White Stripes instagram.com/thewhitestripes/

This episode is/was in early access for members from Sun, 9 Aug 2026 until Mon, 10 Aug 2026. Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — When you can master doing the things you hate to do, that's when you will succeed. Spoken by: Tim Grover instagram.com/attackathletics Mel Robbins instagram.com/melrobbins David Goggins instagram.com/davidgoggins Les Brown instagram.com/thelesbrown Andy Frisella instagram.com/andyfrisella Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Jocko Willink instagram.com/jockowillink Tyrese Gibson twitter.com/tyrese Ray Lewis instagram.com/raylewis Prince Ea instagram.com/prince_ea

What if the hardest season of your life is actually building the strongest version of you? In this mashup episode, I'm bringing together some of the most powerful conversations I've had about adversity, resilience, purpose, and what it really takes to keep going when life hurts. I believe one of the greatest separators in life is the ability to play hurt. Anybody can perform when they feel great, when the momentum is there, and when everything is going their way. The real test is what you do when you're tired, disappointed, grieving, afraid, or unsure of yourself. Those are the moments that reveal who you are becoming. Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins shares how adversity became one of his greatest teachers and how going inward forced him to confront the parts of himself that success alone could never fix. Eric Thomas breaks down the level of work, discipline, and self-evaluation required if you truly want extraordinary results, and why sometimes the answer isn't simply working harder, but raising your systems, your standards, and your entire level of execution. James Lawrence gives one of the most powerful examples of the One More mindset when he explains why, after completing 100 brutal endurance challenges, he got back up and did 101. Not because he had anything left to prove, but because he wanted people to know that even when you feel completely broken, there is still one more inside you. Dean Graziosi and I talk about changing your relationship with fear, pain, and hard things. The people who win at the highest levels don't spend their lives searching for the easiest path. They train themselves to move toward the difficult things that other people avoid. Jim Kwik reminds us that attention is everything and that one of the fastest ways to grow is to learn with the intention of teaching, because when you teach something, you begin to own it at a completely different level. And Maria Shriver offers the other side of resilience that we don't talk about enough. She reminds us about the power of the pause, reflection, and understanding that a meaningful life is not only about doing more, but also knowing when to slow down long enough to understand who you are becoming. I want you to understand something about the pain you're going through right now. It does not have to be wasted. Your hardest season can become your greatest testimony, your deepest pain can become the thing that qualifies you to help somebody else, and your breaking point can become your building point. You don't have to have your A-game every day. You just have to stay available, stay in the fight, and keep moving. Sometimes winning looks like one more call, one more meeting, one more workout, one more prayer, or simply getting up one more time. Key Takeaways: Why the ability to “play hurt” separates extraordinary people from everyone else Jay “Jeezy” Jenkins on turning adversity into purpose and becoming more self-aware Eric Thomas on matching your expectations with the level of work and systems required to achieve them James Lawrence on why doing “one more” matters most when you feel completely depleted Dean Graziosi on training yourself to move toward fear, pain, and difficult challenges Jim Kwik on improving attention and why teaching what you learn helps you own it Maria Shriver on the power of pausing, reflecting, and finding richness beyond constant achievement Why your pain can become the very thing that prepares you for your next level Your hardest days are not disqualifying you. They may be preparing you. So when life knocks you down, don't automatically assume it's time to retreat. Sometimes that pain is your opportunity to discover a level of strength, faith, and resilience you never would have found any other way. Get up, stay available, and do one more.

Eric Thomas shares a raw lesson on outgrowing where you came from, protecting your values, and the pressure that isn't real. He explains why success will separate you from the block, how to lock your non-negotiables before you get tested, and why the feeling that you're behind is usually just the internet talking. This episode will challenge you to define what you believe before someone else does.Source: Stop Being Thirsty | Eric ThomasHosted by Sean CroxtonFollow me on InstagramSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — Learn to bring that savage mentality out of yourself. Spoken by: Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher David Goggins instagram.com/davidgoggins Steve Harvey instagram.com/iamsteveharveytv Music: 2WEI - BURN Ninja Tracks - Lines of Infinity Ninja Tracks twitter.com/ninjatracks

Today we're going behind one of the most viral success stories on the planet. You know Dr. Eric Thomas (ET the Hip Hop Preacher) as the motivational voice in your ear at 4 a.m. telling you to "rise and grind." But before the stages, books, and PhD… there was a 16‑year‑old kid who walked out of his house and a mom left heartbroken. In this never‑before‑seen full video from the vault, I sit down in their home with Eric Thomas and his mom, Vanessa "ET Moms" Thomas, to talk about: • What really happened when Eric left home at 16 • How his mom processed the pain, fear, and "tough love" behind that moment • Pursuing your God‑given purpose when your parents want you to "play it safe" • How family secrets and unspoken expectations quietly destroy relationships • What forgiveness actually looks like when both sides have a story • Rebuilding trust, respect, and love after years of distance If you've ever: • Felt called to something bigger but your family didn't understand • Struggled with a broken relationship with a parent or child • Wondered when to persevere and when to pivot • Asked if reconciliation is even possible …this conversation is for you. Chapters:  0:00 – Intro: Why this story from the vault matters now 2:47 – ET: "My journey really started at 16" (leaving home) 6:05 – Mom's perspective: watching her son walk out & choosing sanity 8:59 – Detroit, drugs & the path ET didn't take 12:40 – Calling vs security: baby‑boomer mindset, insurance & entrepreneurship 19:06 – How to know when to quit vs persevere (the "heart test") 22:04 – "You don't get to give up": God, emails & the ripple effect 23:55 – Raising vs enabling: animal kingdom analogy & 32‑year‑old at home 26:00 – Leaving the village to become a man (Lion King analogy & homelessness) 29:50 – ET's forgiveness framework: ownership, expectations & letting go 35:36 – Mom: therapy, family choosing sides & the danger of secrets 41:19 – Why they put the messy truth in their books (and why it's not about them) 50:45 – Empowering women & single moms: shame, late college & refusing victimhood 1:01:00 – Expectations in relationships: parents, spouses, kids & shared reality 1:17:00 – Rebuilding: olive branches, boundaries & a stronger relationship Check out ET Moms here: https://www.etabooking.com/mamat  Thank you all for making our podcast Elevating Beyond with Mark Minard, in the top #100 on iTunes, Apple Podcasts, Spotify , and In over 52 difference countries :

Former Bengals Pro Bowl cornerback Eric Thomas joins Solomon Wilcots to break down the pressure facing Dax Hill, DJ Turner and Cincinnati's young secondary. They also discuss the battle at nickel corner and celebrate Bob Trumpy and James Brooks joining the Bengals' Ring of Honor. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

SpeakerEric Thomashttps://www.youtube.com/user/etthehiphoppreacherhttps://twitter.com/Ericthomasbtchttps://www.instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher/https://www.facebook.com/etthehiphoppreacherhttp://etinspires.com/MusicReally Slow Motion - Buy their music:Amazon : http://amzn.to/1lTltY5iTunes: http://bit.ly/1ee3l8KSpotify: http://bit.ly/1r3lPvN Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is/was in early access for members from Mon, 20 Jul 2026 until Wed, 22 Jul 2026. Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — When things go wrong, don't go with them. You are the light in the darkness. Spoken by: Les Brown instagram.com/thelesbrown Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Rich Wilkerson Jr twitter.com/richwilkersonjr Greg Plitt instagram.com/gregplitt Music: Zack Hemsey - Soothsayer (Ben Lionel Scott Reimagined) Zack Hemsey facebook.com/zackhemseymusic

If you want your life to change, it's YOUR job to do it. Nobody is coming to save you, it's on YOU to push yourself, put in the work, and make it happen. IT'S ON YOU.►Speakers Tom Bilyeu ‪@TomBilyeu‬ Jordan Peterson ‪@JordanBPeterson‬ David Gogginshttps://www.instagram....Ryan Smithhttps://x.com/RyanQual...Eric Thomas‪@etthehiphoppreacher‬ Marcus A. Taylor‪@MarcusATaylorOfficial‬ Mel Robbins‪@melrobbins‬ Gary Vaynerchuk‪@garyvee‬  Matthew McConaughey‪@MatthewMcConaughey‬ Joe Rogan‪@joerogan‬ Chris Williamson‪@ChrisWillx‬ Ryan Holiday‪@RyanHolidayOfficial‬ Elliot Ackermanhttps://www.instagram....Freddy Fri‪@FreddyFriMotivation‬ Les Brown‪@LesBrownSpeaks‬ Instagram - @daily_motivationsorgFacebook- @daily_motivationsorgSupport us PayPal

On this episode of Next Level: Good Vibes Only, Jessica and Darren Salquist break down a simple truth: the trail always teaches you something. Fresh off finishing a Ragnar Ultra trail race, through overnight miles, rain, and more than a few changes of wet clothes, they unpack what a hard challenge reveals about who you really are.Starting from a quote by Eric Thomas, they explore how the mind is your strongest muscle, how gratitude becomes a tool that carries you through the toughest moments, and why what you can't control matters less than how you prepare for it. Drawing on Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning and Phil Stutz's idea of Part X, Jessica and Darren share how discomfort, when you lean into it, becomes the very thing that grows you. As Darren puts it, it's a feeling you can't buy at Amazon or grab off the shelf at Costco. You earn it.Stick around to the end for five reflection questions you can carry into your own next challenge, whether that's a race, a goal, or simply a hard season of life. This one pairs beautifully with the companion meditation, Becoming Through the Challenge.Follow Darren Salquist, Life Changer, Self-Mastery + Heroic Performance Coach, PTA, and Personal TrainerIG: @salquid ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/salquid/⁠⁠Linkedin ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/darren-salquist-3836b770/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/darren.salquist?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠⁠Follow Jessica Salquist, Life Changer, Nationally Board Certified Reflexologist, Heroic Performance Coach, and Executive LeaderIG: @reflexologyjedi ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/reflexologyjedi/⁠⁠Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-salquist-46b07772/⁠⁠FB: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/salquistjessica?mibextid=LQQJ4d⁠⁠Find us both on IG @nextlevelreflexologycoaching ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelreflexologycoaching⁠⁠Wellness + Coaching — Next Level Coaching and ReflexologyWebsite: ⁠⁠www.nextleveltransformationalcoaching.com⁠⁠ Check out Heroic.us to enroll in a coaching program and be part of an amazing community.Buy the book Arete here: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/ctXhK7A⁠⁠ (on Amazon)

SpeakerEric Thomashttps://www.youtube.com/user/etthehiphoppreacherhttps://twitter.com/Ericthomasbtchttps://www.instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher/https://www.facebook.com/etthehiphoppreacherhttp://etinspires.com/MusicReally Slow Motion Buy their music:Amazon : http://amzn.to/1lTltY5iTunes: http://bit.ly/1ee3l8KSpotify: http://bit.ly/1r3lPvNWhat Have We Become - Confidential Musichttps://www.youtube.com/@ConfidentialMX Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

THE ART OF LOCKING IN 2.0! Close the door, put on your headphones, and enter the zone known as the flow state. This how the greats become stone cold and dominate. Powerful Motivational Speeches from Motiversity, featuring Kobe Bryant, Ronaldo, Chris Bosh, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Eric Thomas, Andy Frisella, Mike Tyson and more.Special thanks to:The Icons by Motiversity: https://www.youtube.com/@theiconsbymotiversityPatrick Bet-David: https://www.youtube.com/@VALUETAINMENTChris Williamson: @chriswillxSpeakersKobe Bryanthttps://www.instagram.com/kobebryantAndy Frisellahttps://www.instagram.com/andyfrisellahttps://andyfrisella.com/Eric Thomashttp://etinspires.com/@etthehiphoppreacher David Gogginshttps://www.instagram.com/davidgogginsMike Tysonhttps://www.instagram.com/miketysonChris Boshhttps://www.instagram.com/chrisbosh/Tim Groverhttps://www.instagram.com/timgroverPatrick Bet-Davidhttps://www.youtube.com/@VALUETAINMENTTim Groverhttps://www.instagram.com/timgrover/Lebron JamesCristiano RonaldoCoach PainYouTube: http://bit.ly/2LmRyeaInstagram: http://bit.ly/2XLcLW5Facebook: http://bit.ly/32tZdNiWebsite: http://bit.ly/2YTgWvqBook Coach Pain to speak at your organization: https://bit.ly/BookCoachPainMusic: Secession Studios https://www.youtube.com/user/thesecessionEpidemic Sound Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

THE ART OF LOCKING IN 2.0! Close the door, put on your headphones, and enter the zone known as the flow state. This how the greats become stone cold and dominate. Powerful Motivational Speeches from Daily Motivations, featuring Kobe Bryant, Ronaldo, Chris Bosh, Lebron James, Michael Jordan, Eric Thomas, Andy Frisella, Mike Tyson and more.Instagram - @daily_motivationsorgFacebook- @daily_motivationsorg

Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — Every setback, every struggle, every moment you are tested is shaping you into the person strong enough to reach the top. Spoken by: Steve Harvey instagram.com/iamsteveharveytv Les Brown instagram.com/thelesbrown Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Andy Frisella instagram.com/andyfrisella Tony Robbins twitter.com/tonyrobbins Inky Johnson instagram.com/inkyjohnsonmotivate Rick Warren twitter.com/rickwarren Rich Wilkerson Jr twitter.com/richwilkersonjr Robin Sharma instagram.com/robinsharma David Goggins instagram.com/davidgoggins Music: Audiomachine - Tangled Earth (Ben Lionel Scott Remix 2) Audiomachine twitter.com/audiomachine Secession Studios - And The Sky Turned Red Secession Studios thesecession.bandcamp.com

Get AudioBooks for Free Best Self-improvement Motivation Persistence: Best Goggins, Jocko & Eric Thomas Speech Fuel your drive with the ultimate motivational compilation featuring David Goggins, Jocko Willink, and Eric Thomas. Build grit and never quit. ⁠We Need Your Love & Support ❤️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 3 Audiobooks Free -

Get AudioBooks for Free Best Self-improvement Motivation Persistence 2: Ultimate Goggins, Jocko & ET Motivation Unlock relentless determination with the best motivational compilation featuring David Goggins, Jocko Willink, and Eric Thomas. Stay driven daily. ⁠We Need Your Love & Support ❤️ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Get 3 Audiobooks Free -

Special thanks to our partners:Lewis HowesChris WilliamsonDiary of a CEOMindvalleySpeakers: Inky Johnson @InkyDJohnson Matthew McConaugheyhttps://instagram.com/officiallymcconaugheyEckhart Tolle @EckhartTolle Gary Vaynerchuk @garyvee Eric Thomas @etthehiphoppreacher https://etinspires.com/Chris Williamson @ChrisWillx George Mackhttps://www.instagram.com/george__mack/Josh Groban @JoshGroban Marcus “Elevation” TaylorWebsite: https://bit.ly/MarcusTaylorWebsiteBook Marcus to speak at your organization: https://bit.ly/BookMarcusATaylorPanache Desai @panachedesai Coach Pain @coachpain8129 Will Hollis @WilliamKingHollis Music: Epidemic SoundSoundstripeXRSVAQB6MXYB81UV Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is/was in early access for members from Wed, 10 Jun 2026 until Wed, 10 Jun 2026. Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — Life will knock you down without warning. But when you remember your why, rise from the ashes, and refuse to surrender, nothing trying to break you can become stronger than the person you choose to become. Spoken by: Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Bayless Conley instagram.com/baylessconley Van Moody twitter.com/Van_Moody Les Brown instagram.com/thelesbrown Music: 2WEI - In The End (Ben Lionel Scott Remix) 2WEI twitter.com/2weimusic Secession Studios - Darkness of Light Secession Studios thesecession.bandcamp.com

Part 2 of Eric Thomas' powerful keynote presentation, recorded live at the 2024 Glover U Live Unreal Retreat in Traverse City, Michigan. In this inspiring continuation, Eric Thomas (ET) shares the traits that separate good from great. Using examples from legends like Michael Jordan and Tom Brady, ET breaks down the three essentials every high performer needs: the tool, the team, and yourself. He dives into the importance of creating value, betting on yourself, and surrounding yourself with the right people. ET also delivers a powerful message on change, explaining why successful people don't fear change—they prepare for it. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, sales professional, or someone pursuing personal growth, this keynote is packed with actionable insights to help you reach your next level. In This Episode: • The three things every great performer needs • Lessons from Michael Jordan and Tom Brady • Why value and self-worth matter • The power of betting on yourself • How to prepare for change and future success • Mindset shifts for achieving greatness

What if the life you want is only 52 days away? Not 52 months. Not 52 years. 52 days. That's how long it took Nehemiah to rebuild walls that sat in ruin for 140 years. Not because he had more resources. Because he stopped normalizing the ruin and started building. In this message, Pastor Eric Thomas delivers one of the most direct, no-excuses sermons of the year. Using the story of Nehemiah, the reality of financial freedom, and raw testimony about structure, systems, and standards, ET breaks down the real reason your life is still broken. It's not because it's too hard to fix. It's because you've normalized it. You didn't ask for the trauma. You didn't choose the betrayal. You didn't knock your own walls down. But 140 years later, you're still standing in the rubble. And God is asking you one question: when are you going to rebuild? Your norm determines your outcomes — not your prayers. You can pray all you want, but if your environment, your habits, and your circle are still operating in 140-year dysfunction, nothing changes. God is calling you out of the 140 and into the 52. Out of survival mode and into builder mode. Out of excuses and into execution. In this message you'll discover: → Why 52 days is not a timeline, it's an identity → The difference between normalizing ruin and normalizing rebuilding → Why your norm determines your outcomes, not your prayers → How to stop fighting the people God sent to help you → The real reason you've been protecting your old normal → Why financial, relational, and spiritual freedom all come down to one word: standards

Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — Grind so hard in the dark that when the world finally sees your hand raised, they mistake your sacrifice for talent. Spoken by: Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Andy Frisella instagram.com/andyfrisella Andy Elliot instagram.com/officialandyelliott Ed Mylett instagram.com/edmylett Music: Louis Viallet - Adrenaline (Ben Lionel Scott Remix) Louis Viallet Really Slow Motion - The 25th Hour (Ben Lionel Scott Remix) Really Slow Motion facebook.com/ReallySlowMotion

Part 1 of Eric Thomas' powerful keynote presentation, recorded live at the 2024 Glover U Live Unreal Retreat in Traverse City, Michigan. Known worldwide as one of the most influential motivational speakers, authors, educators, and pastors, Eric Thomas (ET) delivers an unforgettable message on gratitude, opportunity, personal growth, and execution. Drawing from his own journey through homelessness, growing up without a father, academic struggles, and numerous setbacks, ET shares how adversity can become the foundation for extraordinary success. In this inspiring first installment, Eric challenges the audience to think beyond their current circumstances and imagine what a life beyond their "best life" could truly look like. He discusses the power of gratitude, recognizing opportunities when they appear, and why the people you surround yourself with can dramatically impact your future. ET also reveals a powerful truth about success: people often treat you differently when you consistently execute at a high level. His message is clear—stop waiting, stop making excuses, and start executing. Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, leader, sales professional, or someone striving for personal growth, this keynote is packed with practical wisdom and motivation to help you unlock your next level. In This Episode: Eric Thomas' journey from homelessness to global success The connection between gratitude and opportunity Why your environment and relationships matter What a life beyond your best life looks like The importance of execution over excuses How success changes the way others perceive and respond to you Mindset shifts for achieving greatness

Most people stay stuck for years on something that could be done in weeks. This week the crew breaks down the story of one man who rebuilt what a whole city left broken for 140 years, and finished it in 52 days. The difference was ownership and urgency, not money or talent. JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. This is where the real conversations keep going. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D ENJOYING THE SHOW? If this episode hit you, take ten seconds to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. It helps more people find us. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: 140 Years vs 52 Days - The Wall That Changed Everything 00:02:33 Welcome and Team Introductions: Fresh Off the Plane Energy 00:05:01 Next Level Speakers Conference Announcement: Your 52-Day Moment 00:11:33 Fair or Foul: The Elderly Server Dilemma 00:14:54 The Tipping Epidemic: From Drive-Throughs to 35 Percent Suggestions 00:09:14 The Knicks Talk and Sports Banter: When Franchises Finally Break Through 00:20:49 The Sermon Breakdown: Self-Accountability and the 52-Day Principle 00:26:21 The Math That Will Blow Your Mind: 983 Opportunities Wasted 00:28:41 ET's Bathroom Story: When Vision Meets Self-Accountability 00:28:25 The Broken Comb Philosophy: Why DeDeThrows Things Away Immediately 00:38:03 Vision, Urgency, and Miracle Territory: The Three Keys to 52 Days 00:40:27 The Michael Jackson Warning: If You Don't Move, God Gives It to Prince 00:44:19 Rachel's Transformation: From Basement to 1.3 Million in Softball 00:45:47 The Hot Seat Moment: How 5,000 Dollars Changed Rachel's Life Forever 00:48:03 Rachel Creates the Next Mastermind: When Students Become Teachers 00:46:39 The Tithing Conversation: When Your Wife Gives 40 Percent 01:06:14 Toby and Fat's 8,000 Square Foot Mansion: Real Estate Without the Degree 01:06:14 Exposure Changes Everything: Why Most People Stay Broke 01:04:41 The Callus Principle: Why the First Brick Hurts the Most 01:10:15 Final Challenge: 140 Years or 52 Days - You Choose KALM DOWN WITH KARL Karl on why the callus comes before the breakthrough. The first brick hurts, but there is a point where you stop feeling it and start building faster than everyone still waiting to begin. MAL'S MILLIONAIRE MOMENT FEATURING JEMAL KING Jemal on why most people are not broke because they are lazy. They are broke because they have not been exposed to more. Your level of exposure determines your level of success. NEXT LEVEL SPEAKERS CONFERENCE June 5 to 7, 2026, Atlanta, GA. Learn to start, grow, and monetize your speaking brand. nextlevelspeakersconference.com APOC VIRTUAL CHURCH Saturdays 11am EST on YouTube. www.apocministry.org FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 ABOUT THE PODCAST The Secret to Success podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, the Hip Hop Preacher, Karl Phillips, the Bajan Sensation, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.

It's not your fault it broke. But it is your fault if it stays broken. You didn't ask for the trauma. You didn't choose the betrayal. You didn't plan the divorce, the loss, the abuse, the abandonment. You didn't knock your own walls down. But 140 years later, you're still standing in the rubble. And God is asking you one question: when are you going to rebuild? Using the story of Nehemiah, Pastor Eric Thomas exposes the real reason your life is still broken. It's not because it's too hard to fix. It's not because God hasn't shown up. It's because you haven't owned it yet. Nehemiah looked at walls destroyed for 140 years and rebuilt them in 52 days. Not because he had more resources or a bigger team. Because he stopped blaming, stopped avoiding, and started building. In this message you'll discover: → Why power is available but not automatic, and how to activate it in your life → The difference between assessing, praying, and finishing, and why most people never get to the third step → Why 52 days is all it takes when you stop making excuses and start taking ownership → How empty hands don't stay neutral, they either build with you or break what you're building → The real reason people who loved you when you were broken start hating you when you start healing → Why you can't build with 2 hands anymore, you need one for the work and one for the weapon → The electrician story, the credit report testimony, and the Rose Royce revelation that will change how you see God's standard for your life

She said no. You got down on one knee, opened the box, asked the question, and she said no. Not "I need time." Not "maybe later." She said no. So now what? In Episode 542, the crew tackles one of the most vulnerable questions a man can face: what do you do when your feelings are telling you one thing, but the data is telling you something completely different? A brother writes in after proposing to his girlfriend of several years, only to hear her say she's not ready. He's confused, hurt, and stuck between staying or walking away. ET, Karl, CJ, and Jemal break down why feelings will lie to you every single time, and why the data never does. ET gets raw about the moment Dede told him she didn't feel safe, not physically, but emotionally and mentally. How his ego wanted to defend what he'd built, but the data told him something else entirely. He shares how he got off the road for four months, gave her predictability, and watched their marriage transform because he stopped going with his feelings and started going with the facts. Karl brings the "what by when" accountability framework that keeps you honest. Jemal drops the vision about getting in front of your future, how he started his daughters' 529 plans when they were toddlers, and why Yani just graduated from Michigan State debt free. CJ tells the Slim Thug story, the moment he reached out to a Houston legend to help an artist he was mentoring, got ghosted, and realized the most important lesson of his career: stop asking people to do for you what you need to learn how to do yourself. They also break down why Joe Jackson energy isn't just for parenting, it's for every area of life where you're trying to build something real. From book covers to corporate stages to marriage, this episode will challenge you to stop letting your feelings run your life and start letting the data lead. If you've ever been rejected, corrected, or redirected and didn't know what to do next, this conversation is for you. Because your feelings will tell you to quit. The data will tell you to adjust. And the difference between the two is the difference between staying stuck and leveling up. Timestamps:

Special thanks to:DOAC: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDiaryOfACEOLondon Real TV: https://www.youtube.com/@LondonRealTVChris Williamson: https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisWillxSpeakersDavid GogginsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamdavidgoggins/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidgoggins/Twitter: https://twitter.com/davidgogginsWebsite: http://www.davidgoggins.com/Jocko Willink:YouTube: http://bit.ly/2v5XxuKInstagram: http://bit.ly/2M7oLdwFacebook: http://bit.ly/2JVVaRxTwitter: http://bit.ly/2O9ARVPWebsite: http://bit.ly/2Z5CYLpEric Thomashttps://www.youtube.com/user/etthehiphoppreacherhttps://twitter.com/Ericthomasbtchttps://www.instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher/https://www.facebook.com/etthehiphoppreacherhttp://etinspires.com/Really Slow Motion Buy their music:Amazon : http://amzn.to/1lTltY5iTunes: http://bit.ly/1ee3l8KSpotify: http://bit.ly/1r3lPvNBandcamp: http://bit.ly/1DqtZSoAudiojungleSecession Studios - To Boldy Go, Bound by Lighthttps://www.youtube.com/@SecessionStudios Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You don't need another sermon. You don't need another scripture. You don't need another devotional. You already know enough truth to be in heaven right now. The problem isn't knowledge. It's that you're not doing what you already know. And that's why you're stuck. In this message, Pastor Eric Thomas delivers one of the most direct, most convicting words of the year: a message about the real reason your life hasn't changed. It's not more information. It's accountability. And until you stop looking for more truth and start living the truth you already have, nothing will shift. Using the story of Nathan and David, the analogy of the 8-foot rim, and raw testimony about tithing on his business, Pastor ET breaks down the three levels of accountability that will take your life to the next level: Self. Home. Community. In that order. Most people skip self and go straight to trying to fix everyone else. That's why it never works. You can't save a drowning person when you're drowning too. You can't hold someone accountable when you haven't dealt with the plank in your own eye. In this message you'll discover: → Why your next level isn't coming from more truth — it's coming from accountability → The three levels of accountability: Self, Home, Community (and why order matters) → Why most Christians know the Word but aren't doing the Word → How to be your own Joe Jackson and Joe Clark so no one else has to → The difference between butter knife relationships and iron sharpening iron → Why you can't dunk on an 8-foot rim and expect 10-foot results → What it really means to examine yourself and test yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5) → The hospital analogy: why the church isn't full of just sick people → Why God had to tell Pastor ET to tithe on his business, not just his personal income

Greatness is not found in wanting more, but in becoming so obsessed with the grind that pain, pressure, and exhaustion become the price you gladly pay to live above the standard everyone else accepts. Spoken by: Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Robin Sharma instagram.com/robinsharma Ed Mylett instagram.com/edmylett Andy Elliot instagram.com/officialandyelliott Andy Frisella instagram.com/andyfrisella Music: Zack Hemsey - I Can Get It Back (Ben Lionel Scott Remix 2) Zack Hemsey facebook.com/zackhemseymusic

Most people say they want the truth, but the moment it shows up, they call the messenger a villain. This episode picks up where the Joe Jackson conversation left off and turns the mirror around. The real question isn't whether Joe was too hard on Michael. It's why we keep demonizing every coach, mentor, and visionary with the gift to push us toward what we say we want. DISCLAIMER: Our focus in this episode is not the Jackson family, and we are not endorsing or excusing abuse of any kind. Our focus is what happens when people push us because they see we are capable of more, and get demonized for it. The Jackson story is a starting point, not the subject.The guys dig into why visionaries always get villainized, why our relationship with trauma is broken, and the difference between feedback and validation. Karl shares the "Carlos" moment that changed how he receives criticism. ET tells the Mr. Gene swim instructor story that put this entire philosophy to the test with his own son. If you've ever fired the person trying to save you, this one is for you. In this episode: Why every visionary, from Moses to Joe Jackson, gets demonized during the process Why you can't receive help unless it comes wrapped exactly the way you want it The difference between looking for feedback and looking for validation How ET almost fired the swim instructor who taught his entire family to swim How to narrate your own story without playing the victim CHAPTERS: Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: Karl OS - The New Operating System 00:01:39 Welcome and Team Introductions: The Michael Jackson Movie Discussion 00:03:24 Did Michael Jackson Play the Victim His Whole Life? 00:04:15 Joe Jackson: Visionary or Villain? 00:23:06 The Gary, Indiana Reality Check 00:25:01 Feelings vs. Goals: Why Most People Stay Stuck 00:28:35 The Mr. Jean Swimming Lesson Story 00:37:12 Stop Looking for Validation, Start Looking for Feedback 00:44:20 Karl's Transformation: From Soft to Strategic 00:43:17 Next Level Speakers Conference Announcement 01:01:02 Kalm Down with Karl: Stop Living Your Life Like a Question 01:01:50 Mal's Millionaire Moment: Your Pension is Dead 01:04:02 The Secret Project Reveal: What Karl and Mal Are Building KALM DOWN WITH KARL: Stop living your life like a question and live like the answer that you are. God saw a problem on the planet and created you as the solution. Stop walking around uncertain. You are the answer. MAL'S MILLIONAIRE MOMENT: One pension is too close to no pension. Jemal breaks down how the average career span matches the average mortgage span, meaning you can have a property fully paid off by the time you retire from your day job. That's your second pension. He also shares how he turned his daughter's graduation gift into a down payment on her first property at 22. RATE AND REVIEW: If this episode hit you, take 30 seconds to rate and review on Apple Podcasts. It's the biggest way you help us reach the next person who needs to hear this. JOIN THE S2S PATREON: Early access, live recordings, behind-the-scenes content, Q&A, and ET speech streams. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" by Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney: https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D NEXT LEVEL SPEAKERS CONFERENCE: June 5-7, 2026 in Atlanta, GA. Featuring ET, CJ, Jemal, Karl, Inky Johnson, Jeremy Anderson, and Marco Kino. Early bird tickets active now. www.nextlevelspeakersconference.com APOC VIRTUAL CHURCH: Saturdays 11am EST on YouTube. www.apocministry.org WATCH THE VIDEO VERSION: https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 CONNECT WITH S2S: Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST: The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, CJ Quinney, Jemal King, and Karl "The Bajan Sensation" Phillips. The mission: show the authentic side of four men building businesses, marriages, wealth, and legacies in real time. No hype, no filters, just real conversations to help you believe in your own potential.

This episode is/was in early access for members from Mon, 11 May 2026 until Tue, 12 May 2026. Become a Member for early access, ad-free listening, video versions and exclusive content: https://benlionelscott.com/subscribe — Your darkest days are not the end of your story. They are the proving ground where pain either buries you or builds you into someone who refuses to quit Spoken by: Steven Furtick stevenfurtick.com Les Brown instagram.com/thelesbrown Eric Thomas instagram.com/etthehiphoppreacher Matt Damon imdb.com/name/nm0000354 David Goggins instagram.com/davidgoggins Rick Warren twitter.com/rickwarren Music: Zack Hemsey - See What I've Become (Ben Lionel Scott Remix 3) Zack Hemsey facebook.com/zackhemseymusic Secession Studios - The Void Rising Secession Studios thesecession.bandcamp.com

Your whole family is waiting on you. They just don't know how to ask There's a "no more" sitting in your spirit right now. A line you should've drawn months ago. A truth you've been carrying alone because saying it out loud feels too costly. So you've stayed silent. You've kept the peace. You've prayed about it. You've waited. And nothing has changed. In this message, Eric Thomas breaks down what happens to a home, a marriage, a family — and a calling — when the person who sees the problem won't open their mouth. And what happens the moment they finally do. What you'll walk away with: - Why "I'll just pray about it" can be the most damaging response you give - The difference between keeping the peace and keeping the problem alive - The 8 reasons we stay silent — and the truth that breaks each one - Why temporary discomfort is the price of preventing permanent damage - A direct word for the people who've been punished for telling the truth CHAPTERS ▶ Subscribe for new messages every week: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLRzMQFmplNd4-H1X5bj1jA?sub_confirmation=1

What if the thing that's holding you back isn't a lack of talent… but a lack of relentless standards, awareness, and the willingness to push just one more time? In this mashup, I brought together some of the most driven, disciplined, and mentally tough performers I've ever sat down with, and we go deep on what really separates winners from everyone else. You're going to hear from people like Eric Thomas, Lewis Howes, Grant Cardone, Alan Stein Jr., and Ryan Hawk, and every one of them brings a different angle on the same truth: success is not an accident. It's a decision backed by habits, standards, and daily discipline. We talk about the hidden “dream killers” that quietly derail your future before you even realize what's happening. Things like discouragement, comparison, and the voices that cause you to question your worth and your direction. I share how awareness alone can strip these obstacles of their power, because once you can identify what's working against you, you can finally start to take control of it. Eric Thomas brings the intensity and reminds you what it means to go all in when nobody is watching. Grant Cardone challenges you to think bigger and operate at a level where average simply is not an option. Lewis Howes opens up about overcoming internal barriers and aligning your life with purpose. Alan Stein Jr. and Ryan Hawk break down what elite performers do differently, and it always comes back to preparation, consistency, and standards that most people are not willing to live by. And I want you to really hear this part. The difference between you and the person you want to become is not some massive leap. It is the willingness to do one more. One more call. One more rep. One more hour. That mindset compounds over time and becomes your identity. It builds confidence, because confidence comes from keeping the promises you make to yourself. This episode is not just about getting motivated. It is about getting honest with yourself. Are you operating at your true standard, or are you negotiating with your potential? Because the truth is, you were not born to live an average life. You were born to max out. And the sooner you start acting like it, the sooner everything in your life begins to change. Key Takeaways: Awareness is power. When you identify the obstacles holding you back, they lose their grip on you Discouragement and comparison are silent dream killers that must be confronted head on Elite performers train to a higher standard, not just their current competition Confidence is built by keeping promises to yourself, not by waiting to feel ready The habit of “one more” is the ultimate separator between average and extraordinary Success is not about talent. It is about consistency, preparation, and discipline over time

Your soft coaching is killing their future. And you think you're being kind. In Episode 540, ET, CJ, Karl, and Jemal pull up to the table after watching the Michael Jackson movie and what follows is one of the most honest, uncomfortable, and necessary conversations this crew has ever had. About Joe Jackson. About tough love. About why we've been Catherine-ing people when we should have been Joe Jackson-ing them. And why the people closest to greatness are usually the ones being held back by feelings, comfort, and lies we call love. CJ gets cavity searched while ET watches in the distance… Then the crew dives into the Michael Jackson movie and what most people missed. Joe Jackson got them out of Gary, Indiana. From the steel mill to the charts. Six kids. Multiple number ones. And we've been dogging him out for decades without asking the hard question: would there even be a Michael Jackson without Joe Jackson? ET breaks down why he's been doing it wrong as a leader. Why caring about people's feelings has actually been holding them back. Why his mom kicked him out at 16 and it was the greatest gift she ever gave him. This episode will make you rethink every soft conversation you've had. Every time you coddled someone instead of challenging them. Every time you let someone stay comfortable when you knew they were capable of more. Because real love isn't making people feel good. Real love is helping them become who God called them to be. Timestamps: Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: The Airport Security Story - When ET Left CJ Behind 00:01:25 Welcome and Team Introductions: The Pastor's License 00:02:25 Fair or Foul: ET Goes Through Security While CJ Gets Searched 00:10:58 The Michael Jackson Movie: We Owe Joe Jackson an Apology 00:12:28 From Gary Indiana to Greatness: Joe Jackson's Vision 00:18:00 The Catherine vs Joe Jackson Debate: Love or Lies? 00:21:34 Stop Catherine-ing People: Why Feelings Are Holding You Back 00:19:37 The Candy Seller Revelation: When Compassion Becomes a Lie 00:25:25 Real Leadership Requires Losing People: The Mom Story 00:34:00 Joe Jackson Them: Holding People Accountable to Their Genius 00:40:12 The Real Estate Lesson: When Mom Made ET Buy the Right House 00:29:16 The Jalen and Jada Story: Taking Ownership of Your Part 00:37:45 I Don't Have Any More Care Left: The Superpower of Not Caring 00:28:30 The Trauma of Being Broke vs The Trauma of Success 00:44:52 Next Level Speakers Conference Announcement: June 5-7 Atlanta 00:45:58 Why AI Can't Replace Joe Jackson: You Still Need Humans 00:46:50 Closing: Patreon Meetup and Final Thoughts on Tough Love

What if the reason you're not winning isn't a lack of motivation… but the habits, standards, and stories you've been living by every single day? In this mashup, I brought together three of the most powerful minds on performance and personal growth: Eric Thomas, James Clear, and Jesse Itzler. And let me tell you something, this conversation is not about hype. It is about the real work. The kind of work that separates people who talk about winning from the ones who actually do it. You are going to hear how your habits, your standards, and your willingness to push past average are shaping every result in your life right now. James Clear breaks down why small, daily habits are not small at all. They are everything. He shows you how the systems you build either quietly move you toward your goals or slowly pull you away from them. Eric Thomas brings the intensity and reminds you what it really means to want something bad enough. Not kind of want it. Not when it is convenient. But when it costs you something. When you are tired. When nobody is watching. And Jesse Itzler gives you a completely different perspective on discomfort, showing you how leaning into hard things is actually the fastest way to expand your life. I also share with you the truth that most people do not want to hear. Your life is not changing because you are negotiating with your standards. You are negotiating with your effort. You are negotiating with your identity. The gap between where you are and where you want to be is not as complicated as you think. It is built in the decisions you make when it is easier not to. It is built in whether you choose to do one more, push one more, and become one more version of yourself every single day . This episode is going to challenge you. It is going to confront you. And if you let it, it is going to change you. Because the truth is, you do not need more information. You need more execution. You need more consistency. And you need to start living like the person you say you want to become. Key Takeaways: - Why your daily habits are either building your future or quietly destroying it - The real meaning of “wanting it bad enough” and how to raise your standards - How doing one more rep, one more call, one more action separates winners from everyone else - Jesse Itzler's approach to using discomfort as a tool for growth - Why your identity determines your outcomes more than your goals do - How to stop negotiating with yourself and start executing at a higher level I want you to walk away from this episode with one simple question in your mind. Are you really doing what it takes, or are you just telling yourself that you are? Because your results already have the answer.

Most people spend their whole lives chasing a version of success that looks right on paper and still leaves them empty. That is the conversation at the center of Episode 539, and it is one of the most honest hours this table has produced. Candis Quinney is back and she brings the moment that started everything. She was in her closet, stressed, overwhelmed, burnt out, with everything she had worked hard for, and still broke down. The house was there. The marriage was there. The kids were there. The pool was there. And none of it was enough. That moment did not break her. It built a movement. Candis is done watching women settle for a version of life that looks good from the outside and feels hollow on the inside, and she is calling everyone to a higher standard. ET picks up where Episode 538 left off, going deeper into what it actually felt like to release the need for control and what changed in his life and his marriage when he finally did. He also brings one of the most tender moments in recent S2S history, talking about going back to heal his mother and realizing she went through everything he blamed her for carrying. Karl's Kalm Down segment delivers one of the most practical frameworks this show has produced. Access and alignment are not the same thing. Just because something good comes to you does not mean it is yours. Make your decisions on alignment, not access. With Jemal away, CJ steps in with a sanctified session and does not hold back. God wants more for you than you want for yourself. Everything you do not have is because you are still operating below the level God designed for you. Stop shrinking. The episode also includes the announcement of ET and CJ's debut book "We Is Greater Than Me," now available for preorder on Amazon, and ET pulls out his GED on camera for the first time, earned February 9th, 1989, out of Lansing, Michigan. The certificate that started everything. If you are a woman who has ever smiled through something that was breaking you, Candis is building something for you. If you have ever felt like your life looks right but something is still off, this table sees you. In this Episode: Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: Access Is Not the Same as Alignment 00:00:57 The Shift: Letting Go of Control and Trusting God's Plan 00:05:22 Breaking Generational Cycles: Understanding Your Parents' Pain 00:07:54 The Yoke Up Revelation: What It Really Means to Partner with Christ 00:12:33 Your Best Self Is for Hard Times, Not Good Times 00:10:27 Letting Go of Titles and Traditions That Kill Us 00:28:07 The Jada Story: When DD's Leadership Changed Everything 00:19:55 From the East Side to Bliss: Candace's Transformation Journey 00:21:47 Parenting Without Living Through Your Kids 00:33:12 Book Reveal: We Is Greater Than Me 00:43:17 Candace's Movement: From Crying in the Closet to Leading Women 00:48:32 Closing Word: Grow Up and Open Your Packages Connect with Candis: @justcandisquinney on Instagram APOC Ministry virtual church, Saturdays at 11:00 AM ET on YouTube Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com/@SecretToSuccess?sub_confirmation=1 Join the S2S Patreon for early access every week: https://www.patreon.com/s2spodcast Follow us on Instagram: @s2spodcast Listen on Apple Podcasts: Search "Secret to Success" on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Secret to Success is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. About the Secret to Success Podcast The Secret to Success podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas (ET, The Hip Hop Preacher), Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. For over two decades ET has been one of the most recognizable voices in personal development, motivation, and leadership. The Secret to Success podcast goes beyond the highlight reel to show the real conversations happening behind the work, covering marriage, business, wealth building, faith, and what it actually takes to build a life worth living. New episodes every Thursday on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

What if the real reason you're not where you want to be isn't a lack of talent… but the habits, thoughts, and standards you've been tolerating? In this mashup episode, I'm bringing together some of the most powerful minds in personal development and performance to challenge the way you think about growth, discipline, and what it actually takes to win in your life. You're going to hear from Eric Thomas, James Clear, Jim Kwik, Alan Stein Jr., David A. Arnold, and Jay Shetty as we break down the hidden patterns that either elevate you or quietly destroy your potential. Eric Thomas brings the fire and reminds you that average effort will always produce average results, and that your level of commitment is the ultimate separator. James Clear simplifies success in a way that will change how you approach your daily habits and routines. Jim Kwik shows you how your brain is your greatest asset and how unlocking it can accelerate everything in your life. And Alan Stein Jr. gives you the discipline and standards required to perform at an elite level when it matters most. But this episode is not just about performance. David A. Arnold and Jay Shetty take us deeper into the human side of growth. They talk about self-awareness, identity, and the internal conversations that shape your reality. Because the truth is, your external results will never outperform your internal belief system. If you don't fix what's going on inside, nothing outside will ever fully work. Throughout this entire conversation, I keep coming back to one principle that I believe with everything in me. Awareness is power. Once you become aware of what's holding you back, whether it's your habits, your mindset, or the standards you're accepting, you can finally take control and start making changes that actually stick . This is about raising your identity, raising your standards, and becoming the person your dreams require. Key Takeaways: Why your daily habits are either building your dream or silently destroying it The difference between being interested and being truly committed to your goals How to reprogram your mind to work for you instead of against you Why discipline and standards matter more than motivation The hidden role self-awareness plays in long term success How your identity shapes every result you get in life The simple shifts that separate high performers from everyone else I want you to walk away from this episode with one question in your mind. Are your current habits, thoughts, and actions aligned with the life you say you want? If the answer is no, then today is your opportunity to change that. You don't need more time. You need more intention. Let's get to work.

Most people who feel stuck, angry, or burned out are not dealing with what they think they are dealing with. That is the throughline of Episode 538, a conversation that starts with the aftermath of the 1% Conference in Chicago and goes somewhere much deeper. CJ's wife Candis Quinney walks in fresh off one of the most powerful 1% Conferences the S2S family has ever put together, and her presence immediately changes the energy in the room. Candis is not here as a plus one. She is building something, a movement for women who are done performing, done pretending, and done settling for a version of life that looks good on the outside and feels hollow on the inside. Her story, including a moment of sitting in a closet with everything she was supposed to want and still breaking down, is the kind of honesty that most people spend their whole lives avoiding. It is also exactly why we named this episode what we named it. Before the episode even gets rolling, Karl opens with a reframe that sets the tone for everything that follows: God does not always allow the pain. Sometimes it is just our decisions. What is remarkable is that He works through it anyway. ET's conference debrief becomes one of the most honest moments in recent S2S memory. He traces his lifelong anger back to its real source, being uprooted from Chicago as a kid, losing his cousin-brothers, resenting a stepfather he never asked for, and spending decades needing to control everything because nobody was ever in control for him. The breakthrough comes when he finally connects the dots and realizes the plan he spent years fighting against was actually the plan that made him who he is. The episode also goes deep on DeDe's gift, her ability to see what no one else sees, illustrated through the story of Donovan, a child in their church navigating an impossible situation while his younger brother fights kidney failure. It is a quiet masterclass in what it looks like to show up for people with your actual gifts, not just your checkbook. If you are a woman who has ever smiled through something that was breaking you, this one is going to meet you exactly where you are. And if you have ever chased a life that looked right on paper and still felt empty behind closed doors, pull up a chair. This conversation was made for you. In this episode: Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: God's Plan Despite Our Decisions 00:00:55 Welcome and Team Introductions: Post-1% Conference Reflections 00:02:49 Conference Takeaways: Building Your Own Table With People You Trust 00:04:18 Behind the Scenes: The Real Work of Live Events That Nobody Sees 00:16:02 The Commonality of Humanity: We All Want the Five Pillars 00:17:17 Candice's Mission: The Off-Ramp for Women Who Have Everything But Aren't Enjoying It 00:05:18 DeDe's Role: The Eye That Catches What Everyone Else Misses 00:09:49 The Phone Detox Challenge: Too Much Access to Everything 00:21:58 Candis' Story: Forgiving Her Father and the Optical Illusion of Life 00:27:09 The Wedding Day Decision: Moving As If You Already Have the Relationship You Want 00:30:36 The Truth About Candice's Father: When the Answer Still Isn't What You Hoped For 00:36:58 Eric's Story: I Still Don't Have Good Parents 00:38:32 The Joseph Revelation: God Allowed This to Happen So You Could Save Others 00:39:15 The Bruce Banner Effect: When Unresolved Trauma Makes You Someone You Don't Like 00:43:13 The American Dream Versus the Divine Calling: Stop Comparing Your Life 00:53:25 Losing Control and Finding God: When DD Took Over the Conference 00:55:00 The Healing Begins When You Realize Your Parents Were Broken Too 00:57:49 Closing: You Don't Want to Be Me, You Want to Be on Stage Never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com/@SecretToSuccess?sub_confirmation=1 Join the S2S Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/s2spodcast IG: @s2spodcast Listen on Apple Podcasts: Search "Secret to Success" on Apple Podcasts Secret to Success is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King.

Somebody talked you out of your dream before it ever had a chance. Maybe it was a parent. Maybe a friend. Maybe someone you trusted. And the worst part? They didn't even know they were doing it. CJ takes his son Trey to a skateboard store and watches a 6-year-old fall twice in front of a crowd, get back up, and look at his dad like it was nothing — because CJ realized he was about to pass his own fear to his son. Fear of something he'd never even tried. ET traces his version, leaving comfort in Huntsville to chase something bigger when everyone said he already had enough. Jemal gives a raw testimony — real estate, the daycare, the businesses — every significant venture required blind, childlike faith. The one that didn't? Becoming a police officer. His whole family was already there. Everything else? Trust God with nothing upfront. And Karl brings the financial lens: your side hustle doesn't just need to make money. It needs to make sense. This one will make you think about who you've been taking advice from. And whether they've ever actually been on the skateboard.