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What if the person who transformed your entire career is also someone you haven't spoken to in seven years? In this episode, Ryan Ellefsen shares how he helps businesses take credit cards, lower processing fees, and protect their revenue as VP of EasyPay Direct, a merchant services company he recently joined after 20 years in the industry. EasyPay serves coaches, consultants, speakers, and internet marketers, processing payments for names like Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, and Frank Kern across 34 US locations. Ryan built his career expertise under the mentorship of Steve Thorne, CEO of NMR (National Marketing Resources), eventually rising from Processing Manager to VP and co-building what became Platinum Payment Systems. Today, Ryan is known for his transparent, relationship-first approach to merchant services — always insisting on a face-to-face conversation before onboarding any client, no matter how small. Ryan honors Steve Thorne, the man who hired him at $70,000/year when he was making $23,400 as a Spanish teacher in Utah. Phil Smith introduced Ryan to Steve while both were in an MBA program, and Steve believed in Ryan enough to bring him into NMR, where Ryan spent 10 transformative years climbing from Processing Manager all the way to VP. Under Steve's roof, Ryan co-built a merchant processing company that eventually merged into Platinum Payment Systems. [00:03:41] Reconnected Through a Mutual Friend Kevin and Ryan originally met years ago at Genius Network Recently reconnected via mutual friend Anthony Simon through an email introduction Neither realized in the intro email that they already knew each other [00:03:51] VP of EasyPay Direct: What He Does and Who He Serves Merchant services company helping businesses accept credit cards and get funding Specializes in the coach, consultant, speaker, author, and internet marketing space Serves major names like Tony Robbins, Grant Cardone, and Frank Kern Recently joined after 20 years in the industry; he and CEO Brad Weimert were friendly competitors for two decades [00:05:04] EasyPay vs. PayPal: The Key Difference PayPal is better for card-present transactions like retail stores EasyPay specializes in card-not-present, high-risk: coaching, big-ticket packages, phone sales High-risk means future fulfillment over time, high-ticket pricing, sold over the phone Premier company in the country for internet marketing and coaching businesses [00:07:55] What Inspires Ryan Most: Giving People a Fair Deal Has an affinity for the person being ripped off by hidden fees Philosophy: everybody can win — a 10-year relationship beats a 6-month windfall Sometimes helps small businesses where he makes almost nothing — and loves it Tries to learn something from every single conversation [00:13:02] How EasyPay Lowers Your Rates Over Time EasyPay has its own gateway to manage multiple banks from a single login Uses Level 3 Advantage and tokenization to lower interchange rates Can lower interchange by up to 75 basis points (0.75%) EasyPay's margin stays fixed; all savings go directly to the client [00:18:40] The Industry's Dirty Secret: Watch Your Statements Processors can legally raise your rates by burying notice in statement fine print Not calling to cancel is considered acceptance of new terms They raise rates 5 –10 basis points at a time. Visa changes rates every six months and they go up more often than down [00:26:15] Started as a Spanish Teacher Making $23,400 a Year Graduated college, went on a church mission to South America from 1991 to 1993 Came back, majored in Spanish teaching, played sports, had fun First teaching job in Utah in 1997 paid $23,400/year Started a carpet cleaning business in school that eventually made 10x his teaching salary [00:28:00] Phil Smith Introduces Ryan to Steve Thorne Met Phil Smith in his MBA cohort Phil introduced him to Steve Thorne, CEO of NMR (National Marketing Resources) in Kearney, Missouri Steve hired Ryan as Processing Manager at $70,000/year nearly triple his teaching salary His bonus in year two was bigger than his entire teaching salary [00:29:05] Ten Years at NMR: From Manager to VP Progressed from Processing Manager → Director → Managing Director → VP NMR and sister company PMI did infomercial production for Dean Graziosi, Anthony Morrison, and others Did hundreds of millions in coaching and big-ticket event sales Ryan pitched starting a merchant processing company; Steve challenged him to make it a million-dollar idea. [00:30:31] When a Great Relationship Fractures Ryan and Steve haven't spoken in seven years following a lawsuit Ended in a no-fault settlement — neither side got what they wanted Ryan still considers Steve one of the best, most honest people he's ever met "If he ever catches wind of this podcast… I would welcome that" [00:35:20] What Steve's Mentorship Still Looks Like Today After the split, became VP of a digital marketing company within 6 months Core lesson from Steve: how to treat people with genuine sincerity "Nobody who's ever met Steve Thorn dislikes Steve Thorn" Attributes his versatility and confidence across industries entirely to Steve's tutelage KEY QUOTES "My philosophy is that everybody can win. If you can set up a relationship that makes some money for the next 10 years, that's way better than a relationship that makes you a whole bunch of money for six months." - Ryan Ellefsen "Steve Thorn transformed my life. If he hadn't given me that opportunity, I wouldn't be where I am today and I wouldn't have what I have today." - Ryan Ellefsen "Nobody who's ever met Steve Thorn dislikes Steve Thorn. He's sincere. He's a good guy and he just knows how to treat people. And so I learned a lot from him in that regard." - Ryan Ellefsen CONNECT WITH RYAN ELLEFSEN
The government's independent advisor on rape, Professor Katrin Hohl, is warning that despite an overhaul on how to investigate rape, there is a lack of awareness of the changes across courts in England and Wales which is affecting the outcomes of trials. Also today, the Justice Secretary David Lammy is launching a new national Legal Advisors service for rape victims, as well as a pilot project that will look at shifting the focus of rape court cases from the victim to the perpetrator. It will be led by Professor Hohl who joins presenter Nuala McGovern to discuss it along with Nogar Ofer from the Centre for Women's Justice.As the Winter Paralympics get underway, we look at why women remain under-represented. Only 26.5% of Paralympians are expected to be women, and just 24% of Team GB. Meanwhile research from Activity Alliance and Women in Sport shows that disabled girls are far less likely than boys to see a future for themselves in sport. So what's holding them back, and what needs to change? We're joined by Phil Smith of ParalympicsGB, Kate Baker from UK Sport, and Paralympic champion Kelly Gallagher, all live from Italy.Ashley Dalton, the MP for West Lancashire, announced last week that she was stepping down from her role as Health Minister to focus on constituency work and her health. Last year she revealed that her breast cancer had returned, and metastasised. This means living with advanced breast cancer everyday – it can't be cured, but it can be managed. She joins Nuala to discuss her decision.How far would you go for a year off work? The character at the centre of new comic novel Motherfaker is prepared to fake a pregnancy. After her husband disappears with her life savings, teacher Barri Brown is dreaming of escape and a new life, but has limited options. So begins her great pregnancy heist. Anna Brook-Mitchell discusses the inspirations for her debut novel and its key themes from grief to connection and being child-free by choice. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths
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Phil Smith sharing at Grace on March 8, 2026
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Paralympics GB won't be at the Opening Ceremony in Verona on Friday, but its not a boycott as a result of the return of the Russians - it's just all the athletes in Cortina are competing the next day! It's one of the many talking points as we cross to Cortina this episode Milano Daily and countdown to the 50th anniversary of the Winter Paralympics with chef de mission Phil Smith. We try and answer one your questions - could Scotland stage a Winter Games? And tomorrow's news today is BACK - with wheelchair curling mixed doubles stars Jo Butterfield & Jason Kean starting on Wednesday (Mar 4!) Milano Daily is back with updates everyday on the 2026 Winter Paralympics! (Thanks to Phil for the Agitos in Cortina
Phil Smith sharing at Grace on Sunday, March 1, 2026
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Phil Smith sharing at Grace on February 22, 2026
Time to hear from Rotherham United fan, and now Non-Executive Director Phil Smith. We talk being a fan and working with the club you support • Talking Millers with Joe Rafferty Link for our other The Third Shot - https://www.thirdshot.ukFollow us over on Twitter -https://x.com/rufc_podIf you want to contact New York Talk - rufcpod@gmail.comMake sure to follow us on X and FacebookPlease also give us a 5 star rating wherever you are listening Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Phil Smith sharing at Grace on February 8, 2026
James Copley is joined by Phil Smith and Jason Jones to react to Sunderland's emphatic win over Burnley on transfer deadline day.The panel break down a dominant night at the Stadium of Light, discuss the key moments from the 3-0 victory, and assess what it means for Sunderland's season moving forward. There's also reaction to deadline day business, late transfer twists, and how Régis Le Bris' side are shaping up after a hugely encouraging evening on Wearside.
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Paul Hawksbee is joined by Andy Jacobs for this special Deadline Day show. We speak with football agent Phil Smith, who gives us insight into what agents do on the final day of the transfer window. Danny Kelly also joins the show for a Premier League review. Plus, we hear from comedian and Crystal Palace fan Jim Daly, who shares his experience of having the worst seat ever at a football match. Enjoy! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Phil Smith sharing at Grace on February 1, 2026
When a patient says, "I biffed the car," how should that be translated? Puzzles like this represent the gap between description and diagnosis, and are a critical part of neurological practice. In this podcast for the February 2026 issue of Practical Neurology, editors Phil Smith and Geraint Fuller take turns decoding some of the mysteries of everyday neurology. They cover dementia with Lewy bodies, osteoporosis and fracture risk, and anxiety and depression in epilepsy patients, as a sample of some of the published work in the latest journal. There's also a guide to the latest stroke rehabilitation guidelines, freezing of gait, and a farewell to a 'nom de plume'. Read the issue: https://pn.bmj.com/content/26/1/1 Please subscribe to the Practical Neurology podcast on your favourite platform to get the latest podcast every month. If you enjoy our podcast, you can leave us a review or a comment on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/3vVPClm) or Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4baxjsQ). We'd love to hear your feedback on social media - @PracticalNeurol. Production and editing by Brian O'Toole. Thank you for listening.
Phil Smith and James Copley react to Sunderland's heavy defeat against West Ham United and break down what went wrong on the day. The pair also discuss the latest Sunderland transfer news, including potential incomings, contract situations and what could happen next as the window approaches.Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Phil Smith sharing at Grace on January 18, 2026
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Phil Smith sharing at Grace on January 11, 2026
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Phil Smith sharing at Grace on January 4, 2026
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Phil Smith sharing at Grace on December 28, 2025
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Phil Smith sharing at Grace on December 14, 2025
Recorded live at DSEI 2025, this episode features host Kate Cox and a panel of Janes experts, Sean Corbett, Leendert Van Bochoven, and Phil Smith. They discuss the evolution of open-source intelligence (OSINT) and its vital role in global security. The panel examines the challenges posed by an overwhelming volume of data in the digital age and explores how artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation are transforming the collection, processing, and verification of open-source information and why the human analyst is more important than ever.Watch the video of the recording on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8qE-hKSG5g
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Pastor Phil Smith preaches that Jesus, as the promised, eternal, final type foreshadowed b Melchizedek, offers the actual hope of drawing near to God better than anyone else.
Phil Smith sharing at Grace on December 7, 2025
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A defeat at Craven Cottage. A bit of perspective required perhaps? Phil Smith joins Stephen and Gareth to reflect. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Who do we need to scan? Behind the constant considerations of irradiation risk and resource usage, there is nuance to be found. Parkinson's disease - being a clinical diagnosis - doesn't suggest a need for imaging, yet one case in this issue argues that should not be an absolute rule. Another paper brings in the context of a specific patient: does one man really need 50 CT scans in his life? There's also an unboxing of uveitis, diagnosis of Alexander disease in adults, and an exploration of connections between the microbiome and neurology. This being the fifth(!) Christmas podcast for editors Phil Smith and Geraint Fuller, they finish with the annual crossword and book club update, featuring hot cross buns and hummingbirds. Read the issue: https://pn.bmj.com/content/25/6/501 Please subscribe to the Practical Neurology podcast on your favourite platform to get the latest podcast every month. If you enjoy our podcast, you can leave us a review or a comment on Apple Podcasts (https://apple.co/3vVPClm) or Spotify (https://spoti.fi/4baxjsQ). We'd love to hear your feedback on social media - @PracticalNeurol. Production and editing by Brian O'Toole. Thank you for listening.
Nick is back with the popular daily racing podcast alongside racing post lead writer Lee Mottershead. With the news the State Man is out for the season still fresh, Nick gets the latest on two horses whose careers have intertwined with his: Gordon Elliott tells us Brighterdaysahead will to run at Navan this weekend, while Jeremy Scott says that Golden Ace may yet make the Fighting Fifth after her disappointing comeback. Plus, Ben Pauling reflects on an excellent day yesterday with Diva Luna, while updating us on several stable stars. In Bahrain, Nick catches up with Godolphin boss Hugh Anderson, and handicapper Phil Smith as the kingdom seeks Group One status for its biggest race. Plus TPD's Adam Mills tries to find a tactical angle into the Bahrain Trophy. With Magic Millions the next major Australian staging post, MD Barry Bowditch explains how this event has become such a phenomenon in recent years.
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Tom Gellie and Joe Dunn (Ski Dad TV) chat about their views on various topics taught in skiing:- The Float Phase Transition- Affordances as a concept to focus on with students - Equipment experiments. Binding ramp angle and boot canting- When do you teach technique vs skills?This was a great conversation that was sparked after Tom and Joe spent half a day skiing together in the Australian winter. Links:Ski Dad Tv Channelhttps://youtube.com/@skidadtvJoe reacts to Toms podcast with Phil Smith and Snow displacemnthttps://youtu.be/BNrYDrUgu0A?si=k2jppvf5cbVandFTC shaped turns Suck - Joe explains whyhttps://youtu.be/rnOQHItyts4?si=aKdRM2U5SQhjzAK4Ramp angle testing https://youtu.be/nKiXP7NGJBQ?si=SCZrYRa7chYSZ-jUThanks for listening. 25% off Discount code for the Big Picture Skiing learning platform for my Podcast listeners: PODCASThttps://bigpictureskiing.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Join us for an incredible opportunity to hear from renowned economist Dr. Julianne Malveaux, who will be returning to our classroom to shed light on how the government shutdown is disproportionately affecting the Black community. She will also provide valuable insights into the pivotal political races coming up in next week’s elections. But that’s not all! Before Dr. Malveaux, Phil Smith, the President of the National African American Gun Association, will join us. He will share powerful reasons behind the surge in membership and the significance of this movement. Additionally, Zaki Baruti, the President General of the Universal African Peoples Organization, will introduce us to the courageous Cuban freedom fighters. Activist Kwabena Rasuli will also join us for this engaging conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Join hosts Ryan Greigg and Jacqueline Smith on the 15 Point Plan podcast as they welcome Phil Smith to discuss the power of setting challenging goals for enhanced energy and reduced stress. Phil shares his inspiring journey from a non-runner to completing the Chicago Marathon at age 50 alongside his son, underscoring themes of perseverance, family support, and achieving the impossible. Listen to learn what motivates high achievers and how relationships can uplift and fuel your ambitions. Discover the parallels between marathon training and life's broader challenges. ---------- Connect with the 15 Point Plan: 15 Point Plan: https://WinMakeGive.com/15-point-plan/ Win Make Give Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WinMakeGive Learn more about the co-hosts: Jacqueline Smith: https://www.instagram.com/jacquelinerae_smith/ Ryan Greigg: https://www.instagram.com/ryanparkgreigg/ Book one of our co-hosts for your next event: https://WinMakeGive.com/speakers/ Part of the Win Make Give Podcast Network
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On Episode 606 of Impact Boom, Melissa Abu-Gazaleh of Top Blokes Foundation discusses addressing Australia's youth mental health crisis by creating safe spaces for young men to build resilience, how mentoring in schools and workplaces reduces social risk factors, and why scaling patiently is critical for long-term systemic change. If you are a changemaker wanting to learn actionable steps to grow your organisations or level up your impact, don't miss out on this episode! If you enjoyed this episode, then check out Episode 512 with Phil Smith and Luke Wright on fusing men's sheds and social enterprise to empower remote Indigenous communities -> https://bit.ly/3KSXETE The team who made this episode happen were: Host: Indio Myles Guest(s): Melissa Abu-Gazaleh Producer: Indio Myles We invite you to join our community on Facebook, LinkedIn or Instagram to stay up to date on the latest social innovation news and resources to help you turn ideas into impact. You'll also find us on all the major podcast streaming platforms, where you can also leave a review and provide feedback.
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Ufi VocTech Trust and the RSA are delighted to unveil the recommendations of the Digital Badging Commission.Over the past 18 months, the Digital Badging Commission has brought together leading minds across education, technology, policy and employment to reimagine and define the essential steps required for digital badges and credentials to transform learning, recognition, and opportunity in the UK. Our collective vision is clear: now is the time for digital badges and credentials to unlock a more inclusive, dynamic and skills-rich economy. The recommendations offer a clear roadmap to revolutionise the UK's skills system by using digital badges to: Make skills more visible, portable and economically valuableSupport employers to source and develop the skills they needEnable the government to unlock talent and address the challenges of economic inactivity and regional growthJoin Ufi VocTech Trust, the RSA, Phil Smith and senior leaders from education, industry, politics and technology as we reveal the Commission's far-reaching recommendations for practical, transformative system-wide change. BackgroundThe UK's current systems for recognising skills and experience are not fit for purpose. They are failing to keep pace with the needs of learners, employers and the broader economy, contributing to persistent economic inactivity, skills gaps and stalled productivity. The weaknesses impact everyone: individuals cannot easily demonstrate their capabilities, employers struggle to assess them, and regions and national governments lack precise data on who has what skills and where they are located. Since its launch, the UK's Digital Badging Commission has engaged extensively with forward-thinking employers, pioneering education leaders, influential policymakers and technology innovators. At its heart, the DBC has pursued a bold, game-changing ambition: creating a trusted, unified approach to digital badges and credentials with the potential to transform the UK skills system. Our recommendations outline a roadmap to empower individuals to clearly showcase their unique talents, help employers identify the skills they urgently need, and position the UK economy to thrive with increased agility, inclusivity, and productivity. The Commission suggests that a UK-wide digital credentialing ecosystem, which combines formal qualifications and digital badges in interoperable digital skills wallets, could generate substantial economic value by addressing inefficiencies in training, hiring, and workforce mobility. Analysis conducted for the Commission suggests that such a system could reduce duplicated training across sectors, lower recruitment costs through faster hiring, and improve workforce retention through better-recognised upskilling. We're pleased to announce that Phil Smith, CBE REng, Chair of Skills England, will kickstart the conversation, followed by a panel discussion featuring some of the UK's leading voices in skills and innovation.Keynote speakerPhil Smith, CBE FREng, Chair of Skills England and the Digital Skills CouncilPanel membersDr. Patrina Law, Digital Badging Commission, The RSAProf Sir Chris Husbands, Co-Chair of the Digital Badging CommissionRebecca Garrod–Waters, Chief Executive of Ufi VocTech Trust and Co-Chair of the Digital Badging CommissionAlexandra Willans, Careers and Technical Education Partnership Director, Bradford CouncilAbout the Digital Badging CommissionThe Digital Badging Commission, a collaboration between Ufi VocTech Trust and the RSA, has explored how digital badges can be developed and adopted to strengthen the UK's skills infrastructure. It is working to design a national approach to digital badging and credentials, helping to recognise learning, participation and skills wherever they happen. Find out more at www.badgingcommission.orgDonate to the RSA: https://thersa.co/3ZyPOEaBecome an RSA Events sponsor: https://utm.guru/ueembFollow RSA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thersaorg/Like RSA on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theRSAorg/Listen to RSA Events podcasts: https://bit.ly/35EyQYUJoin our Fellowship: https://www.thersa.org/fellowship/join
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