Podcasts about High level

 In this episode, Travis Chappell sits down with Robin Dreeke, a former FBI special agent, to explore the art of communication. Robin shares his journey from spy recruitment to sales, emphasizing the importance of trust, empathy, and empowering others with choice. Discover actionable strategies to enhance your communication skills and build lasting relationships in both personal and professional settings. Visit Robin's website at robindreeke.com for more insights and resources on communication and leadership. ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ ✖️

Ben Criddle talks BYU sports every weekday from 2 to 6 pm.Today's Co-Hosts: Ben Criddle (@criddlebenjamin)Subscribe to the Cougar Sports with Ben Criddle podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/cougar-sports-with-ben-criddle/id99676

Episode Description: Join Travis Chappell on the Travis Makes Money podcast as he sits down with Jace Graham, CEO of Rising Phoenix Capital. In this insightful episode, Jace shares his expertise on alternative investments, focusing on the lucrative opportunities in oil, gas, and real estate. Discover how to leverage mineral rights, non-operated working interests, and 1031 exchanges to diversify your investment portfolio and generate passive income. Key Takeaways: Jace Graham's journey as a fourth-generation oilman and his insights into the oil and gas industry. The benefits of investing in mineral rights and how they can provide steady cash flow. Understanding the process and advantages of 1031 exchanges in real estate and oil investments. Tips for real estate investors looking to transition into oil and gas investments. Guest Information: Jace Graham: CEO of Rising Phoenix Capital, specializing in acquisition, investment, and asset management in the oil and gas sector. Resources Mentioned: Rising Phoenix Capital: rising-phoenix.com/guide ✖️ ✖️ ✖️ ✖️

Guest: Rafa Conde — Founder & CEO of Man of War, former DEA/Narcotics/SWAT officer, best-selling author, host of the Men of War podcast (35M+ downloads), elite leadership coach, and multimillion-dollar entrepreneur. Early Hustle & Lessons: Rafa's first money came washing cars at age 11, developing a bias for action, self-reliance, and learning to execute before overthinking or overplanning. Early entrepreneurship shaped his long-term drive to “just do it” — a theme he now instills in men seeking discipline and legacy. Wall Street to Law Enforcement: Spent 12 years on Wall Street, managing nearly $1B in assets, establishing himself as a high-producer and eventually running his own branch. Left for a greater sense of purpose, becoming a police officer at age 32 in one of the nation's most violent cities, later working narcotics, SWAT, and ultimately as a DEA task force officer. Rafa describes giving up material wealth and status and embracing “starting from scratch” as crucial for true growth and reinvention. Law Enforcement, Humility, & Adversity: Made his mark through work ethic and results—leading felony arrests and serving in specialized units (including undercover work and federal task force roles). Learned from major setbacks: lost home, cars, and income in the transition, but rebuilt through tactical training contracts and martial arts instruction, showing lasting resilience and adaptability. Reinvention: Founding Man of War: Later transitioned to building Man of War—a movement and business designed to restore “the warrior mindset” and healthy masculinity through high-impact events, masterminds, and coaching. His podcast "Men of War" surpassed 35 million downloads by championing direct, honest conversations about discipline, code, and male brotherhood in today's world. Philosophy on Masculinity & Leadership: Key problem: Modern men have grown soft, seeking comfort and avoiding adversity; true growth requires struggle, competition, and camaraderie. Emphasizes leading by example—“If you can't lead yourself, don't expect to lead anyone else.” Rejects “false leadership” based on rank—respect must be earned by character, resilience, and the courage to do hard things. Recommends men start with competition (e.g., martial arts) and purposely place themselves in uncomfortable situations to develop confidence, grit, and self-mastery. Programs, Reach, & What's Next: Man of War now provides elite events (“Crucible”), global masterminds (“House of Kings”), and a fast-growing father-son program (“Odyssey”), expanding across the US, Latin America, Europe, and beyond. Rafa continues to consult for top companies and help men build modern legacies based on strength, discipline, and honor. Connect with Rafa Conde & Man of War: Website: https://www.rafajconde.com/

Guest: Matthew Le Merle — CEO & Co-Founder of Blockchain Coinvestors, global blockchain VC, early investor in 1200+ startups (Coinbase, Kraken, OpenSea), author, and Silicon Valley board veteran. Background & Early Lessons: Matthew began his working life delivering newspapers as a child in rainy London, developing a lasting sense of responsibility and the importance of “seeing things through.” Earned a scholarship to Oxford for his academic and athletic excellence, then completed an MBA at Stanford. Built a career as a global advisor, executive, private equity leader, and later immersed himself in blockchain innovation. Blockchain Thesis: With 30+ years in Silicon Valley, Matthew saw the digital transformation of communication and content, but recognized a “missing link” for moving value securely over the internet. Blockchain/distributed ledger technology solved foundational challenges for digitizing finance — enabling secure, trustless, peer-to-peer transactions globally, overcoming flaws in traditional banking rails. Co-founded Blockchain Coinvestors, which invests via a fund-of-funds model across hundreds of VC funds and directly into more than 1,200 blockchain startups worldwide, spanning over 110 unicorns. Bitcoin's Future & Role: While he acknowledges that Bitcoin was a catalyst, Le Merle stresses it's the underlying technology's impact on payments, finance, and commerce that's world-changing. Believes Bitcoin (BTC) has enduring value as a store of value and “sovereign alternative” for people in unstable economies — sees it as “inevitable” that native digital finance will continue to grow globally. However, he notes BTC's long-term future depends on further technical evolution to enable faster, lower-cost, mass payments — real innovation will be when it is also digital money at global scale, not just a store of value. AI and the Arms Race: Sees both risk and opportunity in the intersection of blockchain, AI, and quantum computing: as threats emerge (e.g., AI-powered codebreaking), blockchain protocols must evolve, and the most secure blockchains—especially Bitcoin—will continue to improve. AI/quantum also unlocks new use cases (micro-payments, automated value flows) that legacy finance simply cannot address, making blockchain infrastructure and security ever more valuable. Venture Landscape & Defensibility: Le Merle's strategy: back the best VC fund managers, who in turn back top founders at the earliest stages, spreading risk and betting on the mavericks who build breakthrough companies. Warns that in AI (and other tech cycles), even groundbreaking startups can be displaced instantly by a new feature from a giant (e.g., OpenAI, Apple), so founders should build beyond “just a feature”—focus on defensible, deeply integrated solutions. Big Picture & What's Next: Digital assets, payments, and financial systems will become natively digital—blockchain is still in “early innings.” The best investment opportunities are at the convergence of Web3 and new agent/AI toolkits. Massive tech incumbents (Apple, Google, Microsoft) will keep acquiring—so both quick exits and rare breakout “escape velocity” stories are possible for top startups.

Guest: Lulu Ge — Founder & CEO of Elix Healing (elixhealing.com), holistic health entrepreneur, Inc. Female Founder 200, and advocate for women's hormone health. From Early Hustles to Harvard Boardrooms: Lulu's first entrepreneurial spark: selling bulk Snickers bars door to door as a kid in California, learning about “arbitrage” before knowing the word. Grew up in an immigrant household that highly valued education (her parents lived through China's Cultural Revolution, when universities were closed). Corporate Climb and Burnout: After earning degrees from UC San Diego, Columbia, and Wharton, Lulu built a career in management consulting and corporate transformation—eventually managing a $350 million portfolio at Saks Fifth Avenue/Hudson's Bay. Burned out and failed by traditional healthcare for her periodic, debilitating pain (once bled through her wedding dress, missed work for hormonal issues), Lulu rediscovered her family's Traditional Chinese Medicine roots—which became a foundation for her business. The Elix Healing Story: Frustrated by a healthcare system that “medicates symptoms instead of rooting out causes,” she consulted TCM doctors and, inspired by her grandfather (a hospital director in Hunan, China), realized the potential of herbal medicine for holistic hormone support. Launched Elix (2020) as the first digital menstrual wellness platform to blend 5,000 years of TCM with clinical research, offering personalized herbal formulas and online health assessments. The assessment even includes submitting a tongue photo—used by TCM to diagnose internal health. Impact & Growth: Hundreds of clinical trials and pilot tests inform Elix's formulas; real-world results show >90% of users report symptom improvements in the first month. Expanded from remedies for period pain to support PCOS, fibroids, perimenopause, digestion, sleep, and immunity. Elix now offers virtual coaching with TCM practitioners and educational resources on their blog/social channels. Community of 100,000+ followers, recognition in Forbes, Vogue, and Inc, and cited in multiple clinical and women's wellness studies. Advice and Philosophy: Healthcare should be holistic and personal: There's no “one-size-fits-all” solution—bio-individuality matters (what works for one may worsen symptoms for another). “Periods are a report card for your health”—you shouldn't have to accept pain and exhaustion as normal. Founding Elix was about democratizing access to ancient (yet evidence-based) healing, empowering clients to be their own advocates, and rebalancing performance and self-care in the modern world. Even for those not ready to try Elix, Lulu encourages small holistic actions—like getting a few minutes of sunlight on waking, or using deep breathing and gratitude to start your day. Connect with Lulu Ge & Elix: Website: elixhealing.com

High Level Sales Is Open To ANYONE and EVERYONE

Guests: Rob & Melissa Stephenson — Founders of Flea Market Flipper, full-time eBay resellers and educators Getting Started in Flipping: Rob began flipping nearly 30 years ago, inspired by his parents selling yard sale finds in the newspaper classifieds—long before eBay existed. Melissa joined the business 17 years ago after marrying Rob, initially unsure but quickly realizing the side hustle's earning potential as Rob “always found a way to pay for everything.” What began as a part-time venture became their full-time business in 2016, jumping from ~$42,000/year (part-time) to $133,000 in their first year full-time. Making the Leap to Full-Time: A turning point came when a change in Rob's day job benefits forced them to decide whether to search for another job or go “all in” on flipping. Committed to scaling, they switched from low-value, high-volume items to a high-profit, low-volume model—focusing on big-ticket items with $1,000–$2,000 profit per sale. How They Source and Sell: They look for high-retail-value used goods—commercial appliances, gym equipment, cooktops, and other hard-to-find, high-end items—that are undervalued in local markets but sell quickly on eBay to a national/global audience. Classic finds include a $5,000 parking lot security tower bought at auction and flipped for $25,000, and a $500 bus wash resold for $14,500. They source from Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, local auctions, garage sales, and thrift stores, then leverage eBay (global reach) for sales. Education & Flea Market Flipper: In 2015, Rob & Melissa launched their blog and eventually the Flipper University course to teach others their system. Their community has grown to over 1,500 students; many members have built part-time or even full-time incomes through flipping. Top Advice for Beginners: Start by flipping unused items around your house to get a feel for platforms and shipping without any risk. Build 50+ positive feedbacks on eBay with smaller items before jumping into high-ticket sales. The “secret weapon”: Learn to fix/repair items with YouTube or local help—often a simple repair makes an item much more valuable. “The money is made in the buy”—always look for great deals, not just selling skills. Industry & Business Model Insights: COVID and Gary Vee's embrace of flipping brought a surge in public interest, but the space is much more competitive and “noisier” now. Rob & Melissa focus on high-touch, high-value flipping to keep their business defensible against both AI/digital disruption and cheaper/lower-value competitors. Flipping teaches valuable life skills: negotiation, logistics, shipping, sales, research, and business management. Connect with Rob & Melissa: https://fleamarketflipper.com/

Guest: Scott Leese — Fractional CRO, 12 unicorns, 13 exits, six-time sales leader, five-time founder, three-time author, major LinkedIn community builder, newsletter publisher, and creator of multiple businesses. Early Days & First Hustles Grew up in a non-entrepreneurial household; sold baseball cards as a kid, had entrepreneurial “side hustles” in college. Spent much of his 20s battling and recovering from a life-threatening illness. Four years hospitalized, nine surgeries, struggled with painkiller addiction, read hundreds of books — which planted the seeds for future business curiosity. How He Got Into Sales & Startups First tech sales job at 27, encouraged by a friend who noticed Scott's resilience, competitiveness, and leadership. Sales led to VP/CRO roles at high-growth startups, where Scott built and scaled revenue teams, eventually leading to multiple exits and unicorn valuations. Lessons on Sales as a Career Sales is a pure meritocracy: “If you produce, you get paid. If you don't, you're cut — just like athletics.” Outproducing others shouldn't just lead to the same pay — sales rewards top performers more than most fields. Why Just Being a High-Paid Employee Isn't Enough Even top execs at successful startups rarely see transformational wealth (example: after a $500M+ exit, the founder gets $20M+, a C-suite leader gets $500K). True wealth comes from moving from “employed” to “owner” — writing books, building communities, conferences, consulting, investing in real estate, launching multiple income streams. The Coming Disruption & Opportunity from AI The rise of AI means most entry-level sales/tech/white-collar jobs will disappear or change radically. The era of corporate security is ending; individuals must think entrepreneurially, diversify income, own their brand, and quickly adapt. Future sales: Only high-level, complex, relationship-driven roles will survive; all “boiler room”/transactional sales will be automated or handled by agents. As commerce increasingly digitizes, the most acute personal/professional needs will be (1) “inner work” (purpose, mental/spiritual health) and (2) experiences/community. Optimism & The New Wave Exponential growth in personalized medicine & health/longevity businesses (AI-powered diagnostics, genetic-driven treatment, biohacking). Massive new opportunities for anything that promotes genuine human connection or personal growth (retreats, mastermind events, experiential learning, spiritual/purpose-driven work). In an automated world, experiences and community will be more valuable (and defensible) than ever. Scott's Personal Projects & Where to Connect https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottleese/

 Dr. Jeff Gross — Board-certified neurological surgeon, biochemist, biohacker, founder of Celebrate Regenerative Medicine, and longevity/biohacking consultant based in Las Vegas & Southern California. Medical & Health Longevity Background: Dr. Gross trained at UC Berkeley (Biochemistry & Molecular Biology), George Washington University School of Medicine, UC Irvine (Neurosurgery), and UNM (Spinal Biomechanics). He has decades of frontline experience in spine surgery, sports injuries, regenerative medicine, and now consults on biohacking and longevity. Biohacking & Longevity: Biohacking is essentially circles back to ancient wellness wisdom (eat well, sleep, exercise)—but enhanced by modern science (measuring phytonutrients, leveraging tech like red light, hyperbaric therapy, protein timing, etc). Emphasizes that “prevention” is still the number one defense against the four top causes of death in Western countries; early proactive screening and lifestyle habits remain critical. There is increasing crossover between “traditional medicine” and “naturopathic”/“functional” approaches—Dr. Gross sees this convergence as positive and overdue, but notes resistance still exists in mainstream medicine. Emerging Business Opportunities in the Wellness Space: IV centers, cryotherapy, and retail biohacking clinics (hyperbaric O2, red light therapy, peptides, weight loss clinics, etc.) are booming, especially in health-conscious cities. Low-barrier options: health coaching, nutrition consulting, affiliate/online influencer businesses—Dr. Gross notes people he knows personally earning seven figures as wellness affiliates. Innovations: Short-form EMS (electro-muscular stimulation) workouts, “blood flow restriction” exercise systems, and more. Cancer screening clinics: Now possible with advanced genomics and blood-testing—these are in demand but not widely available through traditional doctors/insurance, opening more avenues for direct-to-consumer providers. Supplementation & Biohacking Basics: “Non-negotiables” for almost everyone: Vitamin D3 (& often K2): Most people are deficient; optimal blood levels promote longevity, reduce inflammation, and lower all-cause mortality. Magnesium: Especially at night for recovery and cellular repair. Creatine: Improves muscle mass, heart health, and brain health; well correlated with longevity. Probiotics: Modern lifestyles make gut health challenging—good probiotic support is important. Nicotine: Can be a cognitive enhancer in low doses and proper delivery (gum/patch, NOT smoking)—but is highly addictive. Other Business/Money Ideas: Successful affiliate and influencer businesses for those passionate about health and wellness. Emphasizes supplement sales (with high trust and real value), personalized coaching, and education are evergreen opportunities. Industry Critique: Criticizes health insurance as a “legal mafia,” noting it often adds cost and hassle while limiting real preventive care. Encourages listeners to be their “own best advocate” for health—don't rely only on five-minute mainstream doctor visits. Connect with Dr. Jeff Gross: https://recellebrate.com/

Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld – the only person to serve as CEO of two Fortune 500 companies on different continents (Alcoa in the US, Siemens in Germany), global advisor, founder of K2 Elevation, angel investor, and author of Leading to Thrive. First Dollars & Early Hustle: At 12, worked illegally at a supermarket in Germany, later launched a Santa Claus business delivering gifts (and family messages!) on Christmas Eve. Early work taught the value of money, the realities of management at all levels, and why people must create and be paid for value. Mindset Developed by Adversity: Father died at age 10, grew up with a strong sense of self-reliance and urgency to earn. Immigrant family background; learned that “money is freedom” and that every dollar earned created options. Time spent with East German relatives instilled the lesson that money only matters if it can actually buy value. Spiritual & Emotional Energy: Foundation in faith (Protestant roots) was a crucial “anchor” through hard times and later in life. Dr. Kleinfeld's new book, Leading to Thrive, stresses the four types of energy: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Advocates for not shying away from love, gratitude, and faith even in the corporate world—even if those topics are often taboo at the boardroom level. Career Guidance & Advancement: Career wasn't about status, but about maximizing freedom and value creation. The path to more money: “Money comes in exchange for creating value—become indispensable and you'll gain negotiating power.” Focus less on salary and more on skill acquisition; become a self-starter and continually improve. Key mantra: “Love it, change it, or leave it.” Life is too short to waste in situations without progress or fulfillment. Overcoming Fear and Stagnation: Don't let fear (False Expectations Appearing Real) keep you “stuck”—analyze the true risks, and realize that most bad outcomes never materialize. Lessons from high performers: It's about energy management (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual), not mere time management. Embrace continuous experimentation and agile adjustments—failure is just feedback and learning (Edison paradigm: every failed attempt is progress). Legacy and Regret: Biggest regrets from those at the end of life: not being truer to themselves and not choosing happiness sooner. See happiness as a daily, conscious choice, not something to seek only at the end. Dr. Kleinfeld's Actionable Advice: Focus on increasing your value to others—money follows value. Regularly reassess: “Love it, change it, or leave it.” Invest in managing your physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual energy. Don't let fear dictate your story—break it down and act despite uncertainty. Read and learn from others (“Books condense a lifetime into a few hours—take the shortcut!”). Connect with Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld: https://www.leading-to-thrive.com/

AP correspondent Mimmi Montgomery reports on a meeting involving the leaders of China, Pakistan and Afghanistan.

George Stefanou – First-generation Greek-American, Forbes “Best in State” Next Gen Wealth Advisor (2023, 2024), author of Two Comma Wealth, and founder of the financial planning firm Two Comma Wealth. Early Hustle: Grew up working flea markets, managing a coffee stand by 14, learning firsthand about hard work and margins (selling hundreds of cups from a single bulk bag of beans). Family stress on work ethic over formal education (first in his family to finish high school/college). Mindset & Upbringing: Dad: 4th grade education, Greek immigrant roots, championed U.S. for its opportunity. Education wasn't pressured but encouraged as a path out of manual labor — “you can make a lot more money owning the business than swinging the hammer.” Professional Beginnings: Started at CVS (Florida): progressed from cashier to store management, realized the corporate grind wasn't for him. Discovered financial advising, took the risk, and built a book of clients from scratch despite early financial hardship. Career in Financial Planning: Earned numerous certifications (to build trust while young). Stresses need for lifelong learning and combining IQ and EQ for real success with clients. About Two Comma Wealth (the book): Written for both consumers and industry peers. Focuses on actionable strategies for surpassing $1M net worth, but especially on what changes after you cross that threshold: Complexity, emotional swings with market volatility, nuances around distributions, withdrawal rates, taxes, and estate planning. Challenges of first-generation wealth (scarcity mindset, fear of spending, finding balance between living now and preserving legacy). Aims to demystify wealth management for “everyday millionaires.” Certified Financial Planner Career Path: Entry routes: Broker/dealer, fee-only/RIAs, or hybrid. Education/licensing: Can get entry-level securities licenses in months; advanced credentials (CFP, CFA) take years but build a valuable career “moat.” Highly front-loaded: Most start with low/no pay, lots of cold prospecting, high attrition/turnover. Significant success and six/seven figures possible for those that break through. Modern firms now offer more support, salary, and training versus the old eat-what-you-kill model. The Power of Having a Moat: High difficulty of becoming a trusted CFP means fewer competitors once you succeed, and deeper, more meaningful client relationships. Final Takeaways: CFPs and financial planners can have massive, positive multigenerational impact—if they combine technical skill with empathy and true service. The field is very challenging at first but extremely rewarding. Barriers to entry and trust are a signal that the opportunity is real. Connect with George Stefanou: Book: Two Comma Wealth Contact: Find George on all major social media or email directly (contact in show notes)

Trent Lee — #1 ranked business broker in the U.S. seven years in a row, with 600+ closed sales totaling over $200M in deals and more than $15M in personal commission. Early hustle: Painted address numbers on neighborhood curbs and mowed lawns — learned value creation early. Current role: Licensed business broker & appraiser. Specializes in small to mid-sized businesses, valuations, and finding qualified buyers through cash, SBA loans, or seller financing. How he got here: Inspired watching his father sell his 700-employee company (private equity deal). Learned firsthand how CPAs, attorneys, and buyers operate in M&A. Started and sold businesses (financing consulting & medical alert response center). Frustrated with brokers he worked with → became one himself. How to become a business broker: Licensing depends on the state (some require real estate + broker permit, others none). Associations like IBBA help standardize training/education. Strong background in accounting, contracts, negotiations, and marketing is essential. Challenge: takes 12+ months before first commissions hit; most fail because they run out of money before their first big close. Earnings potential: Smaller deals: 8–15% commission. Larger/private equity deals: lower %. First year = expect $0 while building pipeline. Year 2+, even a few deals ($500K–$2M businesses) → six figures+. Industry is older (often second careers), but huge opportunity for those who survive the ramp-up. Why brokerage over ownership? Trent opts not to buy businesses himself. Brokerage gives income without employees, leases, or headaches. He's built wealth through business sales commissions, investing proceeds into 24 fully paid rental properties. Why so few business brokers? Most owners don't even know brokers exist (unlike real estate). Lack of awareness & high skill bar keeps supply small — which means big opportunity for specialists. For Buyers: Buying an existing business = easier path to cash flow than startups. Zero-money-down deals are rare clickbait; you'll usually need ~10% down. Can come from: personal cash/savings, self-directed retirement accounts, equity partner, or combination of buyer + seller financing. Buying with 0% down = 100% leverage → dangerous if market fluctuates. Better: leverage smartly so downturns = inconvenient, not devastating. Brokerage is a lucrative but long game; plan financially for the first year with no income. For buyers, don't chase unicorn “zero down” structures — get creative but realistic with 10% in. Buying an existing cash-flowing business is almost always better than starting from scratch. Email: trent@fcbblv.com 

Eva Yazhari — Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, early-stage investor, author of The Good Your Money Can Do, and advocate for conscious capitalism. Her funds have backed 50+ equity and 9 debt investments, reaching over 100 million customers across Africa and India. First and most recent dollar: First job: Working at a Staten Island bread shop. Today: Managing partner of a venture + private credit fund investing in emerging markets with LP capital. Family background & mindset: Father grew up in Tanzania; grandfather a medical doctor working with Catholic missions — early exposure shaped her view of Africa as opportunity, not risk. Parents were artists — exposure to art trained her in pattern recognition, now one of her investor superpowers. Education & mindset pivots: Started pre-med at Columbia → realized it was toxic competition. Pivoted to math, discovering both aptitude and love of problem solving. Training in mathematics = fluency in patterns, language of money, and risk analysis. Early career: VP at Entrust Capital (fund of hedge funds). Employee #2 → helped scale from $200M → $4.8B AUM. Managed relationships with activist hedge fund giants like Bill Ackman and Carl Icahn. Learned portfolio building, risk management, and fundraising skills that later became core to her VC work. Why venture capital in Africa & India? By 2050, 1 in 4 humans will be African; India today has the world's largest working-age population. 53% of the next decade's growth will come from these regions. Saw contrarian “alpha” opportunity most Western investors still dismiss. Sectors of focus: Healthcare Fintech Mobility Agtech (selectively) All are tech-enabled, solving essential problems for fast-growing middle classes. Conscious capitalism lens: Portfolio companies think beyond profits → align incentives with customers, governments, communities. Example: Rwanda's first licensed online pharmacy; startup scaling e-motorbikes after gas bikes banned. Beyond Capital gives founders a share of fund profits — equitable ownership model. Fundraising lessons: Fundraising is sales math: Eva raised her second fund after 550+ investor meetings → ~30–40 LPs. Funnel has to be very wide. Mindset matters: Rejections happen, but abundance mindset drives momentum. Referrals are gold: “Every dud knows a stud” — rejections often connect you to your best investors. Exude confidence from a clear strategy — investors back comfort + conviction. Personal insights: Considers herself an entrepreneur, not just an allocator. Believes leadership skills are as critical as financial acumen. Thinks of her fund as her “third child.” Alternate career: Pop star. Dream chat: Emma Grede (helped Kardashian brands scale). Learning style: Podcasts, audiobooks, physical books. Reading now: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle. Her book: The Good Your Money Can Do. Pump-up song: The Rapture Pt. 3 by Black Coffee. Weakness: Moving slowly — always in motion. https://www.instagram.com/consciousinvestor/?hl=en

Ep. 1241 Shadows of Power: Epstein, Russia, and the Alaska Deal – The Hidden Alliance Redrawing the World What if the Russia "hoax" and Jeffrey Epstein's shadowy network weren't separate scandals, but intertwined threads in a vast covert web? Join host Richard as he dives deep with investigative author Geoff Gilson, a former speechwriter for Margaret Thatcher, who reveals how the same elite intelligence operatives, financiers, and political dynasties orchestrate both—profiting from chaos while pulling strings far beyond partisan lines. GUEST: Geoff Gilson is a seasoned political strategist, investigative author, and ex-speechwriter for British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In his explosive book Maggie's Hammer, he unmasks the clandestine alliances of intelligence agents, financiers, and dynasties that manipulate scandals like the Russia probe and Epstein's operation, as well as geopolitical flashpoints from Moscow to Ukraine. With decades of insider insights, Gilson exposes how these shadow networks craft illusions of democracy while hoarding true power—making him an indispensable voice on hidden histories and global intrigue. BOOK: Maggie's Hammer: How Investigating the Mysterious Death of My Friend Uncovered a Netherworld of Illegal Arms Deals, Political Slush Funds, High-Level ... Secret Role as America's Hired Gun LINK:https://www.facebook.com/geoff.gilson  SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS!!! FABRIC BY GERBER LIFE Life insurance that's designed to be fast and affordable. You could get instant coverage with no medical exam for qualified applicants.   Join the thousands of parents who trust Fabric to help protect their family. Apply today in just minutes at meet fabric dot com slash STRANGE  TESBROS We're a small business built by Tesla owners, for Tesla owners. Everything we do is about helping our customers customize, protect, and maintain their ride — whether it's through our products or YouTube how-tos and reviews.  Go to tesbros.com and use code POD15 for 15% off your first order. That's T-E-S-B-R-O-S dot com and use code P-O-D-1-5 at checkout.  ⁠BUTCHERBOX⁠ ButcherBox delivers better meat and seafood straight to your door – including 100% grass-fed beef,free-range organic chicken, pork raised crate-free, and wild-caught seafood. Right now, ButcherBox is offering our listeners $20 off their first box and free protein for a year. Go to ⁠ButcherBox.com/strange⁠ to get this limited time offer and free shipping always. Don't forget to use our link so they know we sent you. HIMS - Making Healthy and Happy Easy to Achieve Sexual Health, Hair Loss, Mental Health, Weight Management START YOUR FREE ONLINE VISIT TODAY - HIMS dot com slash STRANGE https://www.HIMS.com/strange  QUINCE BEDDING Cool, Relaxed Bedding. Woven from 100% European flax linen. Visit QUINCE BEDDING to get free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.    BECOME A PREMIUM SUBSCRIBER!!!  https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm  Three monthly subscriptions to choose from.  Commercial Free Listening, Bonus  Episodes and a Subscription to my monthly newsletter, InnerSanctum.  Visit https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm Use the discount code "Planet" to receive one month off the first subscription.  We and our partners use cookies to personalize your experience, to show you ads based on your interests, and for measurement and analytics purposes. By using our website and services, you agree to our use of cookies as described in our Cookie Policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://strangeplanet.supportingcast.fm/

John Dwyer — founder of The Institute of Wow, direct response marketing expert, and creator of standout campaigns (including a rare Jerry Seinfeld deal) that help businesses win without competing on price. Key Points: Theming sells: Inspired by Disney, JD uses evergreen, public domain themes (wildlife, outer space, dinosaurs) to make offers irresistible year‑round. Free IP example: Attack of the Dinosaurs collectible promo netted $500K in 4 weeks. Seinfeld home loan campaign: Replaced rate discounts with a free vacation, resulting in billions in extra loans. Incentives over discounts: Low‑cost/high‑perceived‑value rewards take focus off price — must match what the audience wants. Turf farm + premium beer bonus = sold out in days. Loyalty rewards swapped for movie vouchers boosted response. Ultimate incentive — travel: Access to unsold hotel rooms sold as bulk vouchers (~$48 special). Works for big‑ticket and demo offers; Harley dealers see ~3.5 sales per 10 test rides. Same cost as a 10% discount, far more pulling power. Doesn't work for every sector (e.g., funerals). JD's Principles: Don't discount — differentiate with irresistible offers. Match incentive to customer desires, not product features. Use free IP themes to avoid licensing costs. Focus on high perceived value / low actual cost. Connect with John: vacationsincentive.com (email for 2‑for‑1 podcast listener deal) Email: john@theinstituteofwow.com⁠

Garrett Gunderson is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Killing Sacred Cows and What Would the Rockefellers Do?. He's built and sold an Inc. 500 financial firm, published ten books, created a comedy special on Amazon Prime, and now helps entrepreneurs grow their income, keep more of what they make, and design a life they love. In this episode, Garrett and Travis catch up on his last six years and dive into strategies for creating—not cutting—your way to wealth. Top 3 Takeaways: Expanding your means is as critical as budgeting and efficiency — you can't scrimp your way to wealth. Invest first in yourself — skills are compounding assets that make every other investment more profitable. Cash flow buys freedom — when expenses are covered by assets, you can focus on creating and innovating. Connect with Garrett Gunderson: Instagram: @garrettbgunderson — DM “Travis” for a free audiobook copy of Money Unmasked.

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Ann Pells shows aspiring entrepreneurs how to acquire already profitable, professionally managed small businesses that can net $10K/month—while requiring only about an hour a week to oversee. Drawing on her own journey from financial crisis to portfolio business owner, Ann explains how to find, fund, and operate recession-resistant companies without becoming a full-time operator yourself. On this episode we cover: From pink slip to passive ownershipYears ago, Ann's family was blindsided when her husband was laid off—their only income source at the time. With three young kids, she vowed never to rely on one job again. After trying time-intensive real estate investing, she realized she needed teams and systems to create income without 60–80 hour work weeks. The turning pointFive years ago, she discovered a funding and management team (via a 5‑minute YouTube video) that helped her pay off her house in five years and access $200K for business acquisitions. That same team now helps her—and her clients—find, vet, fund, and manage those businesses. First acquisition Type: Water delivery service (home essentials niche) Structure: Partnered with ~10 existing investors, stepped into a deal mid-process with management team in place. Why that industry: Recession-resistant necessity (like plumbing, HVAC, medical, funeral homes, etc.). Deal sourcing Common public marketplaces: BizBuySell, Website Closers, etc. Ann's management team does the research, shortlists candidates that match her criteria, and later operates the business post-close. Location can be local or remote if a strong manager is in place. Buyer criteria Target: ~25% profit margin Industries with steady demand regardless of economy. Prefer businesses already running well—opportunities to add tech or optimization for increased value at resale. Always buy with an exit strategy in mind (3–5 year horizon), even if planning to hold long term. Financing approaches Revenue-based financing: Loans underwritten on the target business's financials, not the buyer's personal credit. Seller financing where possible. Partnering to share risk and split profits. Her current portfolio 4 operating businesses Purchasing 2 more now Leverages same management/funding network for all deals Practical Advice for Aspiring Acquirers: Think recession resistance: Focus on “needs” industries like home services, healthcare, essentials. Use other people's expertise: Partner with existing managers and acquisition pros—don't try to play every role. Let the numbers guide you: Profit margin, stable cash flow, and solid P&L history matter more than “charm” or trendiness. Ask “How can I?” not “Can I?” — Shifts your brain into solution-finding mode. Top 3 Takeaways: Buying beats building: Acquire something already working with cash flow and processes in place. Partnering & management = leverage: You don't need to personally operate the business to benefit from it. Funding is out there: Revenue-based and seller financing can drastically reduce or eliminate upfront out-of-pocket costs. Notable Quotes: “Instead of telling ourselves we can't, ask: How can I?” “We don't buy to give ourselves another job—we buy with management teams in place so it's hours a week, not hours a day.” “Recession-resistant means: people need it whether the economy booms or busts.” Connect with Ann Pells: Website: lifegiverlegacy.com

Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher joined the University of Oregon as a baseball player. Liz Brenner, four-sport athlete, excelled at volleyball, basketball, softball and track at the University of Oregon. And Kendre Harrison recently played at Peach Jam, a prestigious high school basketball tournament. He plans to play basketball and football at the University of Oregon. We learn more about elite athletes and the power they hold at the college level from Lindsay Schnell, a senior writer covering colleges for The Athletic. 

Will the Auburn Tigers finally get over the hump and show themselves as one of the SEC's better football programs? Hugh Freeze assembled quite a talented roster, led by Cam Coleman, Eric Singleton, and Keldric Faulk, to help Auburn's 2025 season go much better than last year.Key players need to step up like Demarcus Riddick, Kayin Lee, and of course quarterback Jackson Arnold.On X @LO_ThePortal TikTok @lockedontheportalSupport us by supporting our sponsors!WayfairGet organized, refreshed, and back to routine for way less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.GametimeToday's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.Monarch MoneyTake control of your finances with Monarch Money. Use code LOCKEDONCOLLEGE at monarchmoney.com for 50% off your first year.FanDuelRight now, new customers can get TWO HUNDRED DOLLARS in BONUS BETS when your first FIVE DOLLAR BET WINS! Download the app or head to FANDUEL.COM to get started. Bet with FanDuel—Official Partner of the NBA.FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Josh Molina is the co‑founder and CEO of Makers & Finders, founder of Take It Easy Roasters, and a first‑generation Colombian‑American entrepreneur who's generated over $30M in lifetime sales. With 100+ employees and multiple Las Vegas locations, Josh has built beloved food & coffee brands from scratch while also mentoring students and supporting community nonprofits. Lessons & Practical Advice for Aspiring Café Owners: Be endlessly curious. Call the planning, building, and fire departments before you sign anything — learn the build‑out hurdles and code requirements. Mind the capital needs. A proper commercial kitchen hood and grease trap can run $80–100K alone. Save aggressively and protect your credit so you can bring capital to the table. Right‑size your space. Start smaller than you think; lower costs and keep it feeling full. Start small & build presence. Consider a coffee cart/truck or popup to prove your concept and audience before a full‑scale lease. Adapt to your market. Each neighborhood has distinct customer behavior — don't assume what works in one location will in another. Top 3 Takeaways: Niche + Experience = Differentiation: Pairing underrepresented cuisine with a service model Vegas didn't have created a clear market position. Location choice is strategy, not luck: Cheap rent in an up‑and‑coming area gave room to survive the early years and grow with the neighborhood. Systems before scaling: You can add locations faster than you can add process — but you'll regret it if you do. Connect with Josh Molina: Makers & Finders: makerslv.com

Nick Fowler is a Navy Aviation Rescue Swimmer turned viral marketing coach and TikTok Shop expert who's helped generate over $9.5M in sales through affiliate content. What started as a few free products and a $180 commission in his first week turned into a one‑month blowout—$350K in sales and $59K in commissions. Now Nick teaches aspiring creators how to grow, monetize, and go viral on TikTok without needing a huge following. Top 3 Takeaways: TikTok Shop is still a Blue Ocean: The platform is barely two years old, with low competition in many product categories. Volume + Hooks = Sales: Consistent posting with curiosity‑driven openers and problem‑solving demos drives clicks and conversions. Start broad, then niche: Test everything early—double down on categories where your videos convert best. Notable Quotes: “The hook at the beginning is everything—if you lose them there, nothing else matters.” “I made my yearly salary in the military in one month on TikTok.” “Pick products you can visually solve a problem with—it's easier to sell what you can show.” Connect with Nick Fowler: TikTok: @thenickfowler

Marissa Rodriguez is an e‑commerce growth expert who's helped clients generate over $100 million in online revenue. After leaving a decade‑long corporate career in fashion, she built a location‑independent business, eventually relocating to Greece in 2021. Through her company, Through Experience, she mentors entrepreneurs on building high‑revenue e‑commerce brands that support personal freedom. Top 3 Takeaways Act Entrepreneurially—Even in a Job: Find problems no one else is fixing, deliver unexpected value, and make yourself indispensable. Play the Long Game: Short‑term “step‑backs” in pay or title can massively expand your future market value if they build new capabilities. Design for Freedom: If your work is location‑agnostic, challenge assumptions about where and how you “must” live to be successful. Notable Quotes “I didn't see a ceiling in terms of earning potential—I just asked, ‘Where can I create value no one else is?'” “You can never be worse off by investing in your ability to learn and expand your capabilities.” “Sometimes you don't need the whole plan—you just need to take the next right step.” Connect with Marissa Rodriguez / Through Experience: Website & Programs: throughexperience.com

Brian Sloan is a true outsider entrepreneur—a former lawyer turned unconventional inventor and e-commerce mogul. Best known for launching the AutoBlow (the world's best-selling robotic male pleasure device), Brian has built a multi-million dollar business at the strange intersection of crowdfunding, product invention, adult e-commerce, and viral marketing. With over 20 patents and stunts covered everywhere from TechCrunch to Playboy, his story is a lesson in how creativity and opportunism can outperform more “vanilla” high-earning careers. Top 3 Takeaways Embrace Unconventional Niches: Some of the most lucrative opportunities are in spaces “polite” society ignores—if you can spot supply/demand gaps and bring professionalism, the rewards can be enormous. Learn by Doing, Iterate Relentlessly: You don't need every skill in-house. Build on existing products, use global suppliers, and aggressively learn the skills you need to move forward. If You Can't Buy Attention, Earn It: In “taboo” or restricted industries, PR stunts, viral content, and direct response marketing can build a brand when paid ads won't touch you. Notable Quotes “Everyone asked—are you sure? What if you fail? What will you fall back on? But I knew I wanted to compete on my own terms.” “It's not about being interested in the niche—it's seeing signals, buyer demand, and then figuring out how to serve it.” “I invented by necessity. If you can get people 70–80% of the way, the right partners can bring it home—and you don't need an engineering degree to do it.” Connect with Brian Sloan: Products: autoblow.com

Dr. Bob Rosen is a globally recognized psychologist, New York Times bestselling author, researcher, and sought-after advisor to CEOs and organizations. With decades spent interviewing hundreds of top leaders around the world, Bob's latest work focuses on a crucial, often overlooked success lever: learning to detach from the mental and emotional baggage that holds us back (the subject of his new book, Detach: Ditch Your Baggage to Live a More Fulfilling Life). Top 3 Takeaways Winning by Letting Go: True success isn't just about effort or ambition—it's about identifying the inner stories, fears, and attachments that keep you stuck, and learning to release them. Abundance and Imperfection are Superpowers: Happiness and agility come from embracing where you are, loving your imperfection, and taking risks—not just chasing the next goalpost. Self-Awareness is the New Competitive Edge: Every meaningful upgrade—in business, money, or life—starts when you become aware of what you're holding onto and choose to change the story. Notable Quotes “The healthiest leaders are deeply self-aware and committed to their development—it's their competitive advantage.” “Happiness comes from embracing what you have right now. Attachment to success, perfection, and stability blocks that happiness.” “Every morning you choose to live the day in love or fear. Fear locks you down; self-love and abundance open doors.” Connect with Dr. Bob Rosen: Website & Digital Learning: bobrosen.com

Delaney William is the founder of Elevated Tech, a coaching and done-for-you service that's helped 120+ professionals (from Meta, Google, Netflix, Airbnb, and more) land high-paying remote jobs—often more than one at the same time. After scaling his own income from $80K to nearly $400K/year by "job stacking," Delaney built a 7-figure business now generating $120K/month, proving you don't need to wait decades for financial freedom if you're willing to think (and work) outside the box. Top 3 Takeaways Stacking jobs is the ultimate “side hustle” for skilled professionals: If you have in-demand skills, you can often double or triple your income—without killing yourself, without building a business from scratch, simply by getting more remote jobs and “work hacking” your calendar. It's a game of volume and ROI: Success is about finding roles that care about output, not hours, and being ruthless about using tech, systems, and (if needed) inexpensive assistants to handle repetitive or low-value tasks. Discipline is key: The real path to freedom comes from keeping your lifestyle expenses in check even as your income rises—invest the surplus, don't inflate your spending. Connect with Delaney William: Website & Done-For-You Services: elevatedtech.us Instagram: @delaneywilliam_

You've built the business. You've done the work. But underneath it all, something still feels heavier than it should. In this episode, I'm breaking down why that pressure never seems to lift, no matter how much you accomplish, what's really driving the invisible tension behind your success, and why clearing subconscious survival wiring (not adding more strategy) is what will finally shift how your business, income, relationships, and life actually feel. If you're done performing success and ready to lead from the version of you who can actually hold it, you're going to want this one. Ready to stop guessing and start building a life that fits your real energy? Here's how we can work together:Book Your Free Subconscious Growth AuditYou don't need another strategy, you need to know what's in your way. During this free 30-min zoom call, we'll pinpoint the exact areas that subconscious patterns and energetic blocks are slowing you down, and we'll outline what needs to shift to create sustainable growth. Grab My Free Daily Energy Management AudioThis quick daily practice will help you clear what's not yours, ground into your own power, and create strong energetic boundaries that actually protect what you're building. In less than ten minutes, you'll reset your nervous system, reclaim your clarity, and move through your day anchored, focused, and fully in your own lane. Follow Me on InstagramFollow Me on TikTokCheck Out My YouTube Channel

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Send us a textIn this episode of the MLO Project, hosts Frazier and Michael introduce exciting news about their new initiative, High Level for Mortgage Pros 2.0. The main discussion revolves around the top five essential marketing automations for mortgage professionals, emphasizing the importance of consistent follow-up and personalization. The five key automations include instant lead response, abandoned application reminders, pre-approval follow-up, Google review requests, and a long-term nurture sequence. The hosts highlight how these automations can help mortgage professionals stay consistent, save time, and effectively nurture leads, thereby improving conversion rates and customer satisfaction.00:00 Introduction and Big Announcement Teaser00:48 Revealing Mortgage Pros 2.002:04 Challenges with High Level in the Mortgage Industry05:05 Today's Topic: CRMs and Automation05:39 Top 5 Marketing Automations for Loan Officers06:58 Automation #1: Instant Lead Response11:01 Automation #2: Abandoned Application Reminders16:40 Automation #3: Pre-Approval Follow-Up22:36 Automation #4: Google Review Requests28:48 Automation #5: Long-Term Nurture Sequence35:23 Conclusion and Upcoming WebinarRegister for the webinar!Join our HighLevel Facebook GroupTMP is presented by: Empower LOConnect with us at mloproject@empowerlo.com

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JJ Kinahan is the CEO of IG North America, overseeing Tastytrade, Tastycrypto, and Tasty Live, and is a veteran of over 30 years in the financial markets. From his early days shoveling snow for neighbors in Chicago to trading options on the bustling floor of the CBOE, JJ brings real-world experience and a deep understanding of market cycles, entrepreneurship, and the shifting investing landscape. On this episode we talk about: JJ's journey from a fourth-grade snow-shoveling hustler in Chicago to CEO and respected financial educator Lessons from his immigrant family upbringing, navigating a blue-collar path to college (thanks to baseball) and seizing an unplanned opportunity that redirected his career into trading The value of saying “yes” to new experiences—especially early in your career—and why breaking into offices, showing up, and staying open are career-changing moves Why the status and stigma against the trades is fading, with skilled labor now highly respected and compensated (“plumbers charge like lawyers—as they should!”) The evolution of JJ's career: from summer clerk at the options exchange to running trading operations and eventually leading Tastytrade and Tastycrypto Tasty Live's mission of financial education: daily free live content empowering retail investors with practical, actionable trading and risk management education JJ's active investing toolbox: stocks, options, futures, forex, crypto, real estate, and small business investing, plus the importance of “tuition” (learning cheaply when you're new) Step-by-step practicals: how non-professionals can use conservative options strategies like covered calls and puts to enhance returns on stocks they already own The real way to build wealth: small habits over a long time; why “get rich quick” always ends badly, and the importance of financial discipline Why starting small, managing risk, and knowing your downside before you act are the keys to surviving—and eventually thriving—as an investor Top 3 Takeaways Seize Opportunity and Say “Yes” Early: Careers—in trading or elsewhere—are built by showing up, embracing new experiences, and being available when opportunity knocks. Discipline and Risk Management are Everything: Start small, define your worst-case scenario, and don't let emotions (or others' hype) dictate your investments. Wealth is Built Slowly, Not Speculatively: There are no shortcuts. Learn, automate good habits, and put your money to work without betting the farm. Notable Quotes “People will pay you for things they don't want to do themselves.” “If somebody cracks the door, just beat it down and keep going until somebody tells you to stop.” “If anyone's telling you there's an instant way to make money—run. There's always risk and reward.” “Financial discipline is not a game—risk not thy whole lot!” Connect with JJ Kinahan: Free financial markets education: TastyLive.com Brokerage and trading platform: Tastytrade.com

Neil Ghosh is a proven leader who has spent 30+ years launching and scaling both nonprofit and for-profit ventures—all in service of meaningful impact. With work spanning over 50 countries, Neil brings unique experience bridging humanitarian mission and entrepreneurial rigor. His journey is a testament to how passion, adaptability, and value creation fuel both personal fulfillment and real-world change. On this episode we talk about: First hustle and immigrant experience: Neil's first jobs in America were cleaning kitchens and waiting tables—not glamorous, but foundational. As a new immigrant from Calcutta, India, he learned resilience, patience, and the lesson that any work can be a platform for excellence and opportunity. Foundational life lessons: Echoing his mother's mantra, “If you're going to sweep a floor, sweep it well,” Neil developed a career-long commitment to doing the best work possible—no matter the role. Mindset principles for impact and growth: Reinvention: Always strive to become the best version of yourself, regardless of circumstance or job title. Passion as a transferable skill: Carry enthusiasm wherever you go—passion for your work attracts allies, mentors, and opportunities. Mentorship's multiplying effect: Seek mentors and be a mentor. The more you give, the more returns in unexpected ways. Empathy as a strategic advantage: Empathy is not just a “soft” skill—it's a superpower in building trust, partnerships, and team cohesion. Brand (including failure): Authenticity and a willingness to share failures build a personal brand that is relatable and trustworthy. On getting mentorship and opportunity: The best mentors look for mentees who show grit, passion, and a willingness to add value in any position. Exceptional performance, even in “menial” jobs, is what gets you noticed and sponsored. Advice for ambitious newcomers: Don't expect entitlement; own your success by excelling wherever you start. Opportunity follows attitude and effort. Nonprofit vs. for-profit for “doing good” Top 3 Takeaways Do Good Wherever You Are: “Doing good” isn't dependent on working for a nonprofit—you can create impact in any career by showing up, helping others, and standing for something meaningful. Mentorship and Passion Create Results: The combination of a mentor's insight and a mentee's work ethic unlocks opportunity and advancement at every level. Operate with Business Rigor, Even in Nonprofits: Sustainability, efficiency, and accountability are just as important in the impact sector as they are in the for-profit world.

Marc Nudelberg's journey bridges high-level athletics and entrepreneurship. Having started in the pressure-cooker of college football coaching, Marc now leads On The Ball as president, transforming it into a renowned sales and leadership coaching company. His passion: helping individuals and organizations cultivate high-performance cultures, modern business development strategies, and the “1% better every day” mindset. On this episode we talk about: First lessons in helping and performance: Even as a child, Marc instinctively motivated others to move on from past successes and focus on continuous improvement. The power of sweat equity: At Florida State, he sacrificed high-paying family business opportunities to coach football and learn through action—not expecting pay, but investing in growth and relationships. Pursuing passion over profit (at first): Rather than follow the traditional (and easier) route to money, Marc chose to chase what truly interested him—understanding that real value comes from helping others, not simply chasing sales. Navigating big career choices: Given the chance to coach after college (at the poverty line), Marc chose passion over immediate money—knowing it was a now-or-never opportunity. Ten years in coaching = real-world MBA: From the realities of being fired to the requirement of always expanding his network, Marc learned resilience, adaptability, and how to thrive in chaotic environments—lessons that seamlessly translated into business and entrepreneurship. Modern sales mastery: After leaving coaching, he spearheaded business development for ESPN's local markets, winning rookie of the year by deploying modern outbound strategies—using LinkedIn, video, and personalized outreach, not just cold calls/emails. Leadership at On The Ball: Marc and his family have reimagined the company: from marketing agency to a human development, sales, and leadership training firm devoted to building high-impact, high-performance communities. The entrepreneur's edge: True entrepreneurship is about proactively shaping your life—taking personal responsibility, leveraging your network, and turning adversity into opportunity. Marc highlights that this path is now more accessible than ever, but only works if you root what you do in real passion and purpose. **#1 skill for making moreoney today: Communication. Marc emphasizes mastering video, digital presence, and conversational skills as the highest-leverage ability for anyone looking to start, grow, or pivot a business. Step one for side-hustlers: Start talking! Whether your idea is still just an idea or you're refining a side hustle, sharing it (in person, on video, or via email) is the only way to validate opportunities and turn intention into income. Top 3 Takeaways Sweat Equity First, Money Follows: Early-stage investment in skills, network, and helping others lays the foundation for outsized future earnings. Communication Is the Ultimate Multiplier: Video, digital presence, and clear messaging are the fastest path to attention, opportunity, and sales in the modern economy. Tie Profit to Purpose: Only those who connect what they do to what motivates them—personally or professionally—will persist through adversity and build something meaningful. Connect with Marc Nudelberg: https://ontheball.co/

Mike Milan—better known as Cash Flow Mike—is a former state trooper turned serial entrepreneur who's built 14 businesses and helped generate more than $50 million in improved cash flow for clients. His “Home Run Financial System” has been taught to over 25,000 bankers, accountants, and business owners, specializing in unlocking hidden cash, controlling growth, and transforming profitability into real, usable money. On this episode we talk about: Early work ethic: Mike's first jobs included 5+ years as a dishwasher, busboy, waiter, and bartender—roles that forced him out of his comfort zone and developed world-class people skills he credits for much of his later business success. The people advantage: Why real-world, high-contact service jobs (sales, restaurants, bar tending, etc.) build skills and confidence that pay dividends for a lifetime—arguably more than most college classes. Career pivots, family, and mindset: Mike became a Texas state trooper after college, enjoying the physical challenge and structure. But with a rapidly growing family (four daughters!), he soon realized that even a "secure" government job—with mapped-out raises and guaranteed pensions—was never going to match their expenses or aspirations. The leap to entrepreneurship: Despite "golden handcuffs" and the risk of leaving behind a salary, benefits, and security, Mike left his state position at age 29. He candidly discusses the fear, sacrifice, and tradeoffs required—but also the freedom and upside that followed. How he did it: Mike's transition to business owner started with a janitorial company (using military and law enforcement skills for discipline and attention to detail). When a client asked him to help recruit reliable workers, he identified a more leveraged model—staffing and placement for hotels—which allowed him to scale without personally doing all the cleaning. The cash flow difference: Mike explains the practicalities of launching a business as a parent—leaning on savings, maxing out credit cards, and maintaining razor-sharp focus. He underscores how true cash flow (not just accounting profit) lets businesses—and families—survive and thrive. Actionable advice: It is never "too late" to start over. The stories of Dave Thomas (Wendy's) and Colonel Sanders are reminders that the entrepreneurial window is always open if you're willing to take the risk, sacrifice, and learn new skills. The Home Run Financial System: Mike's system transforms intimidating financials into step-by-step strategies for real-world business owners—because profit doesn't pay the bills, cash does. Family, finances, and risk: For listeners with mouths to feed and bills to pay, Mike unpacks how he navigated saving, borrowing, and mitigating risk—acknowledging that while it's never easy, the upside is worth it. Top 3 Takeaways Soft Skills Unlock Hard Money: Jobs that force you to interact with thousands of people (restaurant, sales, service) prepare you for entrepreneurship better than any textbook. You Can't Cut Your Way to Wealth: There's a limit to how much you can save—at some point you must focus on income expansion, risk, and leveraging opportunity. There's No Perfect Moment, Only a Leap: Whether you're 29 (like Mike), 49, or 59, the decision to leave "security" for self-employment is always hard—but it's often the right move, even with a family and established life. Connect with Mike Milan: https://cashflowmike.com/

Darin Roberge is a veteran executive, analyst, and thought leader in the collector and classic car scene. As president of Motor Works Marketing, publisher of the Z 260 newsletter series, and current caretaker of Arizona Car Week, Darin has helped shape the future of America's most iconic car events while championing nonprofit causes and classic car culture. On this episode we talk about: Early hustle lessons: From picking up dog poop at a humane society to refereeing youth basketball, Darin learned early the value of doing work you genuinely care about—and how passion can shape a career. Pursuing what you love: Darin's entire professional life has revolved around his core interests—animals, guitars, cars, and motorcycles. He describes his path not as accidental, but as a blend of deliberate choices and seizing “right place, right time” opportunities. Unusual entry to the car business: After attending car auctions for years, a fateful incident (his girlfriend slipping and falling on a car at an event) led to a backstage introduction to the CEO of Russo and Steele. Within months, Darin went from punk rock frontman and nightclub promotions to a leadership role at one of the industry's major auction houses. Reinvention and loss: The sudden career shift wasn't easy—Darin lost friendships and faced accusations of “selling out.” He discusses the emotional fallout, what it means to outgrow old circles, and why ultimately you're the only one responsible for making decisions that serve your future self. Mindset and skill-building: Darin credits humility, a willingness to learn, and constantly offering value as his keys to success, both in the boardroom and as a leader in car culture. Leveling up in the industry: Now as the head of Arizona Car Week, Darin has tripled the size of the event, rallying the local community to create a car show that includes 30+ events—many of them free—making the culture accessible to everyone, not just millionaire collectors. Community impact: Arizona Car Week is a $300M economic engine for the region, supporting jobs, tourism, schools, and local infrastructure. Nonprofit innovation: Darin's newest ventures—Motor Works Gives and Classic Cars for Nonprofits—offer zero-cost, low-lift fundraising programs to help organizations monetize car donations and auction opportunities, raising over $25M for more than 40 organizations since 2018. Key advice: Life is long, and you're never “locked in.” If you're facing a major (possibly terrifying) change, be tough, stay open, seek positive outside passions (like boxing or music), and surround yourself with people who help you evolve. Top 3 Takeaways Don't Wait for Permission—Make Your Own Luck: Sometimes radical life changes—no matter how uncomfortable—open doors to once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Community and Flexibility Matter: Listening to your audience, staying humble, and being willing to adapt are essential for building lasting business and personal impact. Work That Means Something—To You and Others: Forget “get rich quick.” If you stay engaged with work you care about and strive to help your community, profit and fulfillment follow. Connect with Darin Roberge: https://www.instagram.com/darinmotorwerks/?hl=en https://motorwerksmarketing.com/darinroberge/

Stephanie Postell is the dynamic CEO and co-owner of Anchor Heating and Air, one of Charleston's fastest-growing and most respected residential HVAC companies.    With a background that spans education, entrepreneurship, and personal training, Stephanie brings a unique, people-centered approach to business leadership in the trades.    A two-time She Shines Award winner and founder of the She Means Business Conference, Stephanie is a passionate advocate for women in male-dominated industries and a sought-after speaker on topics like business growth, branding, and leadership.   Stephanie emphasizes that by investing in top-tier tools, benefits, and support for her team, she's eliminated excuses and reduced anxiety, allowing her staff to show up confidently for customers in crisis.    She also highlights the importance of surrounding herself with people who push her to grow, leading with authenticity, and staying grounded in service to both her employees and her community.    LinkedIn: Stephanie Postell   Check out our CEO Hack Buzz Newsletter–our premium newsletter with hacks and nuggets to level up your organization. Sign up HERE.  I AM CEO Handbook Volume 3 is HERE and it's FREE. Get your copy here: http://cbnation.co/iamceo3. Get the 100+ things that you can learn from 1600 business podcasts we recorded. Hear Gresh's story, learn the 16 business pillars from the podcast, find out about CBNation Architects and why you might be one and so much more. Did we mention it was FREE? Download it today!

Eli Rubel is a serial entrepreneur, best known as the "Agency Profitability Guy." Since 2020, his portfolio of agencies has produced over $9.8M in profits—all while maintaining part-time hours and full-time freedom. In this episode, Eli breaks down exactly how anyone can build (or scale) a service business—plus what it takes to turn it into a lifestyle asset that runs without you. On this episode we talk about: Eli's entrepreneurial roots: setting up a photo studio in his parents' garage, learning the lessons of low-wage jobs (room service at an hourly motel), and how early initiative shaped his career vision Starting and scaling agencies: from his first agency, Matter Made (a B2B performance marketing shop), to No Boring Design (brand/design for SaaS companies), and Profit Labs (helping agency owners boost profit margins) Why agency services are the ideal scalable side hustle: you can start solo as a freelancer, ramp up to replace (or surpass) your day-job income, and ultimately build a seven-figure company with qualified operators The proven roadmap for new agency founders: identify in-demand services (paid media, design, marketing automation, sales support, cold email, etc.), connect with industry experts, and model the playbook on what works—no need to reinvent the wheel Eli's personal story: pivoting from CEO of VC-backed startups and e-commerce turnarounds to building cash-generating, low-stress agencies that let him spend more time with family ("the tricycle life") The playbook: how Eli went from $0 to $40,000/month in personal net income within three months by leveraging his network, hiring great operators, and focusing on what he does best—relationships, vision, and assembling world-class teams The agency profit formula: stop doing the technical work yourself, hire/partner with people you trust, and empower them to do what you can't (or won't) Why AI is about to disrupt agencies—why you should “make hay while there's hay to be made,” but prepare for a new wave where niche expertise and AI/automation consulting become the next big opportunities How AI agencies (helping local businesses implement and automate with tools like HighLevel) could be the new “social media agency” gold rush for ambitious, young, or tech-savvy entrepreneurs Eli's advice: focus first on what's proven to bring in revenue, then use your earnings and freedom to pursue higher-purpose projects or passion businesses down the road Top 3 Takeaways Agencies Offer Scalable, Flexible Income: Proven models like paid media, design, and marketing are easy to start and scale—no reinvention needed, just execution and networking. Play to Your Unique Strengths: Don't force yourself to do what you hate—partner with those who are better at the technical work, and focus on your unique edge (relationships, vision, operations, deal-making). AI is the Next Massive Opportunity: Traditional agencies will be squeezed by AI, but that creates demand for those who can help small businesses adopt, automate, and run leaner-than-ever operations. Notable Quotes “Within three months we'd already surpassed my goal—$40,000 a month net income—and by three years, we'd produced $7M in profit.” “I have never deployed a single client dollar or been inside of a client's ad account since 2020. My superpower is assembling great people and letting them win.” “Soon, AI will put 80% of agency businesses out of business. But if you get great at implementing it for specific niches today, there are millions to be made.” Connect with Eli Rubel: Website: https://www.elirubel.com/

In this episode of the Untrapped Podcast, host Keith Kalfas speaks with Ryan Kettering, founder of Prolific Brand Design. They explore the significance of comprehensive rebranding and the importance of establishing a brand identity. Ryan shares insights into his decade-long experience in branding service businesses, emphasizing the need for businesses to act authentically and resonate with their market. They discuss the role of core beliefs, marketing strategies, and the importance of client experiences that are genuinely worth talking about. This episode offers valuable advice on branding, personal growth, and building a memorable business identity.     “You can never spend enough money to say the right thing—only you can say it, because it's your story. So why not be yourself, with the volume turned all the way up?” – Ryan Kettering Topics Covered: Meet Ryan Kettering: Branding Expert The Importance of Branding in Service Businesses Deep Dive into Branding Strategies Creating a Unique Brand Identity The Power of Authenticity in Branding Building a Strong Company Culture Marketing Strategies and Personal Motivation Creating Emotional Connections in Marketing The Power of Storytelling in Business   Practical Tips for Personal and Business Growth Key Takeaways Branding Isn't Just Design—It's Identity in Action: Ryan breaks down how powerful branding starts from within. It's not just about logos and colors—it's about knowing who you are, what you stand for, and how that shows up in every customer interaction. The strongest brands aren't loud—they're authentic and consistent.    Build a Business Worth Talking About: If no one's talking about your business, you're probably not doing anything worth talking about. Ryan challenges service business owners to stop chasing trends and start creating remarkable experiences that make customers want to share their story.   Purpose Isn't in the Clouds—It's in the Moment: Purpose isn't some big, elusive dream. It's doing the right thing, right now, with intention. Whether it's blowing off every inch of a customer's patio or handing a kid a Pokemon card, small, genuine actions leave lasting impressions.   Connect with Ryan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryankettering/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/ryankettering Website: https://prolificbranddesign.com/pages/about-us/ Connect with Keith Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keithkalfas/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelandscapingemployeetrap Website: https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keith-kalfas   Resources and Websites:  Start Getting Leads Now https://www.footbridgemedia.com/keith Resources You Need To Build A Successful Business https://www.keithkalfas.com/resources

Steven Perry's story is one of grit, reinvention, and making the leap—from commercial fishing in Alaska at 14, to making nearly $1M/year running Fortune 100 teams, then burning the boats to launch his own recruiting firm. As founder of The Well Recruiting Solutions, he now builds revenue-generating teams for advisory firms, aiming to empower 1,000+ clients by 2030. On this episode we talk about: Early hustle: commercial fishing in Alaska, learning at 14 the difference between working for a check and owning the business His first true entrepreneurial venture—sealing driveways, scaling a six-figure business by the end of college, and the lesson he learned when he simply shut it down instead of selling it Why Steven ultimately turned down a prestigious ROTC scholarship and a Navy career path to pursue entrepreneurship and finance His entry into financial services, starting as an intern at New York Life, becoming a top-producing advisor, and why being surrounded by high performers forced him to level up Lessons from sales and financial advising—mastering rejection, discipline, and the numbers game ("Whoever's willing to be told 'no' the most wins fastest") How being in the right environment and seeing other people succeed reframed what's possible, pushing him to greater heights Reaching financial milestones by 30—making $500K/yr, giving away and saving large percentages, but discovering money alone doesn't bring fulfillment or lasting happiness The personal finance strategy that enabled freedom: maximizing cash value life insurance and variable universal life for tax-free, flexible, and compound growth (plus why he prefers guaranteed accounts over variable for business owners) Navigating the transition out of a lucrative corporate job: searching for purpose, listening to intuition, and eventually being "pushed" into launching his own firm after a job opportunity disappeared How The Well Recruiting Solutions emerged from listening, networking, and recognizing a deep need for white-glove recruiting in wealth management; now scaled to nearly 30 employees with a future goal of $1B in revenue The difference between grinding for someone else and building for yourself—now hiring for his strengths and delegating everything else for maximum impact and fulfillment Top 3 Takeaways Ownership > High Salary: Building long-term wealth and fulfillment comes from owning and growing businesses, not just earning a high paycheck. Skill Stacks Compound: Every job, network, and hard moment (from fishing boats to insurance sales) built the resilience and expertise needed for entrepreneurial success. Freedom is Designed: Smart moves—like flexible, tax-efficient investments—enable you to take risks, start over, and say yes to your true calling without fear. Notable Quotes “I looked up and had a great income, but I didn't own anything. The day I left was the day there was no more equity, no more income.” “Whoever's willing to be embarrassed, to be told no, the most—wins the fastest.” “If you operate in your gifting all day, you'll be more profitable and productive. Now, if I don't want to do something, I can hire someone who does it better and faster.” Connect with Steven Perry: Recruiting for advisory/financial services: The Well Recruiting Solutions https://thewell.solutions/

Larry Puckett is a world-renowned venture capitalist and entrepreneur who's grown businesses from humble beginnings to multi-million dollar companies in finance, technology, distribution, and now all-natural supplements. Despite starting with very little, Larry's career arc is one of persistence, reinvention, and finding repeatable success—especially when life (and business) go sideways. On this episode we talk about: Growing up with hardworking parents, learning about scarcity, and developing a relentless work ethic cutting lawns and hustling for every dollar Learning (by necessity) that hard work doesn't always equal good money—and why working harder for someone else isn't the long-term answer Early entrepreneurial setbacks: pouring money into a golf apparel company without building an audience, failing fast, and picking up critical lessons for the next time The first real business win: starting an industrial lighting company that grew by focusing on client relationships and solving a basic, boring problem better than competitors Missing the “obvious”—the lesson in seeing (or overlooking) the next big vertical when you're too close to your own business Making the leap (twice) from a steady, high-paying job to bet it all on a vision: burning the bridges, sacrificing luxuries, selling personal items, and even delivering groceries to keep the dream alive The challenge and opportunity of entrepreneurship at 50+—why it's never too late to dream bigger or set a new example for your kids (and grandkids) Evolving from MLM to corporate roles, then to launching Theon Global—a debt-free, e-commerce supplement brand that went profitable in its first three days entirely through organic, audience-first marketing Mistakes in business partnerships, trusting too fast, and learning that doing it yourself (with the right people) is often best The importance of a mission-driven business: helping people live healthier lives with all-natural, all-organic alternatives Top 3 Takeaways You're Never “Too Late”: Larry relaunched at age 50+—after big wins and major losses—proving age and circumstance are rarely the true barriers to entrepreneurship. Boring Businesses Can Bring Big Wins: Success doesn't require inventing the next “hot” thing; doing the basics better than anyone else is a winning formula. Risk is Required—But Stack the Deck: Burn the bridges if you must, but minimize regret by preparing financially, learning from every setback, and building around proven audiences. Notable Quotes “We just stopped cold turkey...but about nine months in, it went from a lot of money to nothing. That's when we decided: there's no going back. We're burning the bridge and selling everything.” “You only lose if you quit. And the regret of not doing it will always outweigh the risk of trying.” “Business is about fundamentals: solve real problems, build audiences, create something people need—then serve your customers and your team really, really well.” Connect with Larry Puckett: Website & Products: theonglobal.com

Roger Martin is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and co-founder of two national franchise brands—RockBox Fitness and Beam Light Sauna. Over 30 years, he's built a reputation as a sales and marketing leader, C-level operator, and franchise innovator. Now CEO of RockBox, Roger's latest venture is Thrive More Autopilot, which helps brick-and-mortar businesses generate leads, nurture prospects, and convert more strangers into paying customers. On this episode we talk about: Roger's early lessons from his first job at Skippers Fish & Chips and why seeing a scarcity mindset sparked his commitment to continual self-development The evolution from a business/marketing degree to pharmaceutical sales, climbing the ranks in corporate America and eventually shifting to entrepreneurship after losing the “joy in the work” What it's really like to go from corporate security to launching your own business—risks, loss of perks, and why fulfillment often trumps traditional success The founding stories behind RockBox Fitness and Beam Light Sauna: blending fitness, music, and fun to create unique community-focused experiences and franchising them nationally How lessons from music, martial arts, and management shaped Roger's business philosophies What he learned through failure—why losing in business teaches you exponentially more than success, and why you have to keep swinging for the grand slam The importance of paying experts to accelerate your learning curve (and why you should always hire people who have already achieved what you want) The “aha” moment driving Thrive More Autopilot: most fitness/wellness businesses stumble not on lead generation, but on actually getting leads through the door, nurturing them, and converting them to customers Strategies for effective lead gen and sales for brick-and-mortar (and why “working your local network” and in-person community trumps all for many concepts) How Thrive More Autopilot blends AI, automation, and real human follow-up to help small/medium businesses actually monetize their pipeline, plus mindsets and methods for non-salesy sales success Top 3 Takeaways Find—or Build—Work That Gives You Purpose: Corporate success without fulfillment will fizzle; pursue what lights you up, even if it's a risk. Real Growth Means Paying (and Learning) for Speed: Hiring legitimate experts—those who have done what you want—can shortcut years of trial and error. Persistence Outweighs Failure: You'll still lose plenty, but business only requires one “grand slam” to change your life. Stick with it, keep learning, and never quit. Notable Quotes “You always assume the grass is greener… If you don't have joy in the work, go find something else to do.” “You only lose if you quit. If you don't quit, you can't lose.” “You learn nothing by winning—every lesson comes from when you fall on your face.” Connect with Roger Martin: Website: thrivemore.ai Franchise: rockboxfitness.com

Andrew Reichert is the CEO and founder of Birgo Capital, a Pittsburgh-based private equity real estate firm with $330M+ in assets under management and 3,600+ multifamily units. Having raised over $125M from investors, he oversees a team of 100+, is a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and podcast host. Andrew embodies the first-generation entrepreneur scaling from small “no money down” deals to leading nine-figure institutional real estate investments. On this episode we talk about: Andrew's beginnings: working restaurant jobs in high school, reading Rich Dad Poor Dad, and buying his first duplex straight out of college—with literally no money, no experience, and no credit Creative real estate deals before the Great Financial Crisis: stacking first and second mortgages for $20K in cash at closing, and holding through 2008 due to conservative numbers Growing from “house hacking” to 20 units while working at PNC Bank—then going all in on real estate entrepreneurship The start of Birgo Capital: launching the first $10M fund (ultimately oversubscribed at $17M) by innovating deal structure and aligning incentives with investors How he raised capital early: putting his own money in every deal, personally guaranteeing debt, and refusing management fees so all profit came from performance and carried interest Evolving capital structures as the company grew, with bigger investors seeking more traditional private equity fee models The “alignment of incentives” philosophy: why reputation, stewardship, and risk-sharing drive trust and investor confidence Mindset: expecting big outcomes, focusing on stewardship, and building toward $1B in assets under management Advice for new investors—how the right deal structure, total transparency, and performance alignment become powerful capital-raising tools Top 3 Takeaways Alignment of Incentives Raises Capital: Early success in raising millions comes from putting your own money on the line, personally guaranteeing loans, and only getting paid after your investors get paid—a structure that's impossible to say no to. From Small Deals to Big Funds: Anyone can start with “no money down”—but scaling to “big money raised” requires obsession with stewardship, track record, and structuring win-win deals for both small and large investors. Growth Is a Mindset: Expecting and planning for outsize results is key—set big goals, focus on serving your people and your capital, and build with humility and discipline. Notable Quotes “Our first deal? No money, no experience, no credit—but I walked away from closing with a $20,000 check.” “We wouldn't make a dime unless the investment performed. Investors got paid first, then we participated in the upside. It made the decision a no-brainer for backers.” “Larger investors want the fees and structure they're used to. But trust still comes down to alignment and stewardship.” “I always expected this to get big—our goal is $1B by 2030. For me, it's about serving more investors and stewarding more assets.” Connect with Andrew Reichert: Company: Birgo Capital (birgo.com)

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John Joseph is one of Las Vegas's top real estate sales executives and instructors, renowned for his leadership, productivity, and high standards. As a former branch manager, he led his office to the nation's #1 spot and, as a vice president, inspired over 2,000 agents to reach their potential. Now an author, John's new book, 365 Days of Real Estate Wisdom, delivers actionable strategies for both new and seasoned agents. With decades in the field, John brings hard-won insights into sales, discipline, and professional growth. On this episode we talk about: John's path from the corporate world to real estate and how a “golden parachute” pushed him into a career based on effort and results The challenges and opportunities facing real estate agents today, including market disruptions and commission changes How professionalism and consistent service bridge the gap between agents and consumers in a fragmented industry What separates the top 5% of agents from the rest—and why consistency and mindset trump raw talent The numbers game: how sales, discipline, and relentless lead generation create outsized results The importance of coaching, systemization, and following a proven process for new agents Overcoming distractions in the modern sales world and focusing on high-leverage activities The story behind 365 Days of Real Estate Wisdom—how John's daily mindset messages helped take a team from 180th to #1 in the nation Top 3 Takeaways Discipline Drives Success: Consistent daily actions—like contacting new leads and aggressive follow-up—are far more important than luck or natural talent. Sales is a Mindset Game: 90% of sales success comes from attitude, discipline, and the willingness to keep going, especially when it's hard. Professionalism Bridges the Gap: In a fragmented industry, the agents who treat their work as a business earn more trust, more clients, and ultimately more money. Notable Quotes “In real estate, you get paid commensurate to your effort. Consistency—showing up every day—is what makes the difference.” “Sales is 90% mindset, 5% skills, and 5% dumb luck.” “If you can generate just one lead a day, that's five a week—and real financial freedom is within reach, no matter your starting point.” Connect with John Joseph: Website: iSuccessTraining.com

Sean Tepper is the founder and CEO of Tikr, a software platform empowering everyday people to confidently invest in individual stocks. Before launching Tikr,, Sean mastered a system for generating consistent 15–50% annual returns in the stock market—with some years surpassing 100%. Today, Tikr, serves over 12,000 customers in more than 50 countries, combining technology, smart design, and a value investor's discipline to help regular investors outperform the S&P. On this episode we talk about: Sean's journey from picking strawberries and playing real-time strategy games to building a career in marketing, starting an agency, and investing in stocks The limitations of traditional education for creative and entrepreneurial thinkers—and how gaming taught Sean more about real-world strategy and multiple income streams than school ever could How Sean transitioned from agency work to investing, then eventually built his own SaaS business without raising outside capital The step-by-step process that took him from Excel spreadsheet to global SaaS platform, all while bootstrapping and keeping expenses lean Why businesses (especially SaaS) are more scalable than real estate, and how stock investing in carefully chosen companies can outpace buy-and-hold real estate strategies Sean's approach to value investing, using Tikr, to find and monitor 10–15 high-potential stocks at a time, and switching to index funds for wealth preservation closer to retirement The critical importance of confidence and education for first-time investors—and why most people lose money trading instead of investing How Tikr, works (and doesn't touch your money), using its own green–yellow–red rating system and push notifications to signal when to buy or sell Top 3 Takeaways Start Where You Are, Then Leverage Up: Build skills and income with what you have—then invest in scalable businesses or stocks to create real wealth. Invest, Don't Trade: 99% of traders lose money; all billionaire stock-market fortunes are built through long-term investing, not day trading. Confidence Beats Complexity: Knowledge, a clear process, and the right tools (like TKR) empower anyone—even beginners—to make smart investment decisions and outperform the averages. Notable Quotes “Video games actually taught me more about the real world and how to win at money than school ever did.” “Businesses—and especially the right SaaS business—will scale astronomically higher than real estate.” “The home run is people buying their first stock confidently. That is worth its weight in gold.” Connect with Sean Tepper: • • Website & App: ⁠https://www.tikr.com/⁠ (search for TKR on iOS, Android, or web)

Yousef Benhamida is an American inventor, entrepreneur, and investor who built a multi-million dollar business, Humboldt's Secret Supplies, from his apartment without a degree or external investors. After losing everything, Yousef rebuilt himself through a disciplined mindset and masculine self-leadership. He now dedicates himself to helping men overcome common challenges such as breakups, burnout, and self-doubt with a no-nonsense approach to growth, fitness, life, and business. His book, $1 Million Hot Girls in a Ferrari, shares raw truths about success and attraction. On this episode we talk about: Yousef's first entrepreneurial activities starting in middle school, including buying and selling items on eBay from a young age How early hustles and lessons shaped his entrepreneurial mindset despite coming from a family with limited financial means The brutal realities of entrepreneurship: long years of struggle, dealing with difficult people, and the persistence needed to succeed Developing resilience, pain tolerance, and a mindset that embraces risk and uncertainty as keys to long-term success Insights from The Hard Thing About Hard Things and how sharing the entrepreneurial struggle helped Yousef keep going The mission and evolution of Humboldt's Secret Supplies: creating and manufacturing efficient products for the agriculture space and other industries The value of relationships and competence over appearances in building trust with high-level business partners Yousef's philosophy on managing money: continuously reinvesting, staying hungry, and avoiding complacency Practical advice for those looking to go from a stable salary to entrepreneurship, emphasizing hard work, saving, and creating scalable businesses The importance of investing time and effort to build your own brand and business Fun rapid-fire insights including his love of tennis, admiration for his late father, and preferred methods of consuming information Top 3 Takeaways Resilience is Essential: Success requires enduring setbacks, maintaining pain tolerance, and staying willing to push through uncertainty and failure. Competence Builds Trust: Real competence and knowledge will always open doors and command respect far more than superficial status symbols. Reinvest to Grow: Continuous reinvestment of earned income fuels growth, sustaining hunger and momentum needed to build wealth. Notable Quotes “Entrepreneurship starts with looking up at the ceiling late at night, trying to figure things out because you can't sleep.” “The struggle is guaranteed, but success is not.” “If you're not constantly broke, you lose a little bit of that hunger.” “Money only solves your money problems, but it's easier to solve the rest of your problems if you got some money in the bank.” Connect with Yousef Benhamida: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yousefbenhamida/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/ONE-MILLION-DOLLARS-GIRLS-FERRARI/dp/B0DBFXRBT7