and still feel like your life is falling apart.

Money is coming in.

The business is growing.

But your health, your relationships, your family—they’re quietly slipping away.

That’s exactly where Jim Sabellico found himself.

Working from 3AM to 9PM.

Six days a week.

Providing everything his family needed…

Except himself.

Until one moment changed everything—

standing in front of a half-eaten birthday cake on his son’s birthday.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Jim Sabellico to unpack the moment that redefined success—and the journey that followed.

You’ll learn:

• Why traditional success can leave you empty
• The hidden cost of “providing” without presence
• How to redefine success across ALL areas of life
• The 6 “slices” of a complete life
• How to start showing up for what actually matters

If you’re building wealth but losing yourself in the process…

this episode is your wake-up call.

👉 Subscribe to the Freedom Nation Podcast and start building your own Freedom Day the right way.

Episode Takeaways:

• Success without presence leads to emptiness

• The “half-eaten birthday cake” moment that changed everything

• Why providing financially is not the same as being present

• How burnout can destroy relationships and health

• The importance of redefining success personally

• The 6 “slices” of a full life:

• Professional
• Emotional
• Relational
• Financial
• Spiritual
• Physical

• Why most people skip the step of feeling “seen and heard” before growth

• How identity work is the foundation of transformation

• Why relationships are the most powerful business tool

• Freedom is when work and life feel the same

About the Guest:

Jim Sabellico is an entrepreneur, marketing expert, and host of the No Half Cakes podcast. After building multiple 7- and 8-figure businesses, he realized success isn’t just about money—it’s about creating a life you won’t regret later. Now, he helps entrepreneurs redefine success, simplify their growth, and build businesses that align with their purpose. Through real stories and actionable insights, Jim empowers high achievers to take back control of their time, energy, and impact.

Links:

https://nohalfcakes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/jsabellico

https://www.youtube.com/@JimSabellico

https://www.instagram.com/jimsabellico

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsabellico/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Find someone to serve… when you actually help people genuinely, business will take care of itself.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking you have all the answers… thinking you know best.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Profit First… understanding how to properly allocate money was very helpful.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Google Analytics… and from a non-technical standpoint—relationships.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to live a life where people are gonna wonder if you're at work or at play.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

They followed the “right” path—career, family, responsibilities—but something feels off.

They’re busy… but not fulfilled.

Successful… but not free.

Life starts happening to you instead of being designed by you.

The years go by fast. Goals get buried.

Dreams get postponed.

And before you know it—you’re living a life you didn’t intentionally choose.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Josh Carr, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed “entrepreneur’s entrepreneur,” to talk about the moment that changed everything.

At age 30, Josh found a list of 100 goals he wrote in college—and realized he had barely scratched the surface.

That moment sparked a complete shift in how he approached life, business, and freedom.

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why freedom is NOT the absence of responsibility
• How taking control of your life creates real happiness
• The mindset shift that separates reactive living from intentional living
• How entrepreneurs can redesign their path at any stage

If you're serious about building your Freedom Day, this episode will challenge how you think about success and fulfillment.

Episode Takeaways:

• Why many people drift into life instead of designing it

• The impact of revisiting your life goals (and realizing how much you’ve ignored)

• Why turning 30 can be a major wake-up call

• The difference between reactive living vs intentional living

• Why freedom is NOT about doing less—but choosing more

• The concept of the hedonism paradox (chasing pleasure vs purpose)

• Why taking on responsibility actually increases happiness

• How entrepreneurs can redesign their lives at any stage

• The importance of aligning your actions with your values

• Why controlling your responsibilities = real freedom

About the Guest:

Josh Carr is the CEO of Echo Water, a pioneering company at the forefront of hydrogen-based wellness. A few years ago, he could barely climb the stairs in his own home due to severe arthritis. After adding hydrogen-infused water to his wellness routine, his symptoms became far more manageable—enough to get his life back. Based on this personal experience, he joined Echo as CEO to champion hydrogen water as a simple and consistent way to improve health.

Links:

https://echowater.com/

https://www.facebook.com/echohydrogen/

https://www.youtube.com/@Echohydrogen

https://www.instagram.com/echohydrogen

https://www.linkedin.com/in/superstar/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? ““I’d probably go back to what I know best—building relationships and finding opportunities where I can add value quickly.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Trying to scale too fast without the right systems in place.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Good to Great… it really shaped how I think about building companies.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI tools… especially for marketing and content creation—it’s completely changed how we operate.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having control over your time and being able to choose what you work on.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

They chase income, hustle harder, and try to do everything themselves—without systems, without guidance, and without a real strategy.

What happens when you make the wrong investment early?

You spend years trying to recover.

You work longer hours.

You burn out… and still feel stuck.

And even when you start making money, growth creates new problems—broken systems, hiring struggles, and chaos behind the scenes.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Hadley Nightingale, who shares his journey from dairy farming to building a real estate company through:

1. Market crashes
2. Bad early decisions
3. Scaling challenges
4. And learning the hard way

You’ll learn:

1. Why most investors fail in real estate
2. The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when scaling
3. How to build systems and teams that actually grow your business
4. How AI is transforming operations and efficiency

If you want to avoid costly mistakes and build a real, scalable path to your Freedom Day, this episode is a must-listen.

Episode Takeaways:

• Why “it’s different this time” is a dangerous mindset in real estate

• The costly impact of early bad investment decisions

• Why working harder is NOT the solution to scaling

• The importance of systems before hiring

• Why hiring operators too early can hurt your business

• How recurring revenue (property management) stabilizes income

• The real reason most businesses fail when scaling

• Why AI is a game changer for efficiency and operations

• The power of focusing on one business before expanding

• How struggle builds the foundation for long-term success

About the Guest:

Hadley Nightingale is the CEO of New Zealand Property Buyers, founded in 2020. Through his leadership, the business has scaled rapidly in just five years! Today, NZPB manages hundreds of properties and has helped hundreds of clients successfully secure investment properties across New Zealand, operating with a remote team across New Zealand and Southeast Asia.

Links:

https://www.newzealandpropertybuyers.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Newzealandpropertybuyer/

https://www.instagram.com/hadleynightingale/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadleyn/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “going out and selling something… Who do I know? What can I sell?… validate your product before you've spent any time trying to make it.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? ““Going too wide too soon… and… spending a ton of money on sales and marketing without a solid delivery system… basically burning cash.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Dan Martell's Buy Back Your Time… one of the best books… around hiring and buying back your time.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Manus AI… and Claude… we’re pretty AI heavy… they help run reports, build systems, and improve efficiency.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “not having to worry about money… and having the time to spend with your kids and family… freedom to choose what I do.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

At the same time, traditional real estate investing is becoming harder… higher costs, tighter margins, and fewer opportunities.

What if you’re doing everything right… but still not building real freedom?

What if the real opportunity isn’t in what everyone else is doing—but in a space most investors overlook?

Meanwhile, a massive demographic shift is happening right now:

Millions of baby boomers are entering their later years—and the demand for senior living is exploding.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Radhika Rastogi, co-founder of Relik Capital Group. Radhika shares her journey from healthcare consulting to building a real estate business—without leaving her W2—while raising a family and redefining what freedom looks like.

If you’re serious about building your Freedom Day, this episode will change how you think about investing.

Episode Takeaways:

• Why senior living is NOT just real estate—but a healthcare business

• The massive baby boomer demand wave driving long-term opportunity

• How syndications allow you to invest passively with $50K–$100K+

• Why returning investor capital early accelerates wealth building

• The importance of operators in real estate success

• Risks in senior living: legal, staffing, and operations

• How strong company culture improves both returns and resident care

• Why proximity and mentorship can accelerate business growth

• How AI tools are transforming real estate and business operations

• Redefining freedom: balancing wealth, time, and family

About the Guest:

Radhika Rastogi is the Co-Founder of Relik Capital Group, a senior-living real estate investment firm redefining what it means to raise capital in a sector with explosive demographic demand and limited supply.

Radhika enjoys speaking about entrepreneurship, business growth, and real estate investing. She also covers senior living fundamentals, capital-raising strategies, operational value creation, and the emerging opportunities available to today’s investors.

Links:

https://www.relikcapitalgroup.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rastogirad/

https://www.instagram.com/radhika.invests

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rastogi-radhika/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’ll probably open up a Google Doc and start making a list of like 15, 20 people that are very close to me… I would ask them what they need… I would try to just structure a deal and… raise a friends and family round.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Number one mistake was not paying for proximity sooner… I did everything myself… but did not look for growing my network.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “$100 Million Offers by Alex Hormozi… learning how to craft an offer that is irresistible.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I use Claude every day… it’s like a thought partner in my pocket and I use it for everything.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “It’s being present with people that I love without asking others permission.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

What happens when the business loses money for years? When lawsuits drain your savings? When every decision feels like it could sink the company?

These are the moments when most entrepreneurs quit.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Mike Konrad, founder of a successful electronics manufacturing company that has survived for more than 34 years.

Mike shares the unfiltered story of entrepreneurship—from starting a company after an idea was rejected, surviving early financial losses, fighting lawsuits, and eventually building a thriving business.

They also discuss the mindset required to survive the early years of business and why the skills that start a company often aren't the skills needed to grow it.

If you're building a business or chasing your own Freedom Day, this episode delivers real-world lessons every entrepreneur needs to hear.

Episode Takeaways:

• Why Mike calls himself a “reluctant entrepreneur”

• How a rejected idea led him to start his own company

• The lawsuit that nearly destroyed the business before it began

• Why many startups lose money for the first several years

• The concept that skills that start a business won’t scale it

• Why entrepreneurs must “shift gears” as the company grows

• The importance of hiring people who complement your weaknesses

• Why relationship-based businesses outperform transactional ones

• How AI tools are transforming business research and productivity

• Why authenticity and personal freedom matter more later in entrepreneurship

About the Guest:

Mike Konrad is the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, a company he launched in 1992 that has become a leader in post-reflow cleaning and reliability solutions for the electronics manufacturing industry. He is also the host of two successful podcasts, Reliability Matters, focused on electronics reliability, and The Reluctant Entrepreneur, where he explores the real journeys of business founders.

With more than three decades of entrepreneurial and technical experience, Mike brings a unique perspective at the intersection of business growth, innovation, and reliability.

Links:

https://www.mikekonrad.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@thereluctantentrepreneur

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtkonrad/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “First thing I’ll do with my $500 is go to a bar, spend 20 on a couple of cocktails and figure out what happened… I think I would continue what I do now, which is education and sharing my experiences with other entrepreneurs.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “We used to advertise in a very obnoxious way… our ads basically said we’re the best and everyone else sucks. We even spent $70,000 on a giant waterfall at a trade show—and someone asked us to move our equipment so they could take a better picture of the waterfall.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Good to Great by Jim Collins.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI… my AI of choice is ChatGPT. I use it to research topics, guests for my podcast, and subjects that I’m speaking or writing about.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to build or speak or contribute without having to ask permission.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Brands spend months building excitement for a launch or event, only to see systems collapse under demand. Customers wait for hours, inventory disappears instantly, and the experience leaves fans angry instead of excited. Even massive companies with billions in resources still struggle to handle high-demand launches.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Michael Dodsworth, CEO and founder of Fanfare, a platform designed to solve the chaos of high-demand launches. Michael shares how his frustration as a consumer—and his experience as a software engineer at Salesforce—led him to build technology that helps brands manage massive traffic spikes, eliminate bots, and reward loyal customers.

They also dive into entrepreneurship, startup lessons, and how emerging technologies like AI are changing the way businesses are built today.

If you're interested in building businesses, solving real problems, and creating your own Freedom Day, this episode is packed with insights.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why ticket buying and product launches often create terrible customer experiences
2. How scarcity marketing and high-demand events overwhelm traditional systems
3. The opportunity entrepreneurs can find by solving frustrating consumer problems
4. Michael’s journey from software engineer to startup founder
5. Lessons learned from working at Salesforce and scaling large software platforms
6. Why startups must focus on real customer problems first
7. How AI tools are dramatically accelerating product development
8. Why niche problems can still create highly profitable businesses
9. The importance of feedback, failure, and learning fast as an entrepreneur

About the Guest:

Michael Dodsworth, founder and CEO of Fanfare—the platform turning product drops into sellouts without the chaos. After nearly two decades in the trenches of high-stakes launches for top brands, Michael has seen it all—crashed servers, bot-infested queues, and fan meltdowns. He’s the guy behind the scenes when Taylor Swift tickets break the internet or a sneaker release spirals into a PR nightmare.

Links:

https://fanfare.io/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dodsworth/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I have an Australian shepherd that needs feeding in the morning… otherwise he gets kind of grumpy. I think it would be hitting the whiteboard thinking about the problems that I see… thinking about the people I know and the skills I have and how I may be able to solve those… and then just start building.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I think maybe not doing this sooner… especially with the pandemic. There was a huge opportunity here and I was probably a few months, maybe a year and a half too late… I was slow in trusting myself and taking the plunge.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “I read The Mom Test when I started this… it’s about getting feedback from customers and removing the ego from conversations so you don’t bias yourself into making incorrect choices.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI is everywhere… I’m using speech-to-text everywhere now. I’m using a tool called Whisper Flow… I pretty much just use one key to turn the microphone on and dictate.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Think about those niche problems you see seven or eight times a day that nobody is solving… Maybe it’s not a billion-dollar problem, maybe it’s a few hundred-thousand-dollar problem. If you have enough of those, you’re in a good place.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many people think their only options are refinancing, selling, or becoming a full-time landlord. Meanwhile, the housing crisis continues, assisted living costs skyrocket, and starter homes push past the million-dollar mark in markets like California. The opportunity is there—but most homeowners don’t know how to leverage their own land.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Gil Vaisman, founder of Go ADU, to break down how Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are transforming real estate investing—especially in high-cost markets like Los Angeles. Gil shares how he transitioned from freelance film editor to construction entrepreneur, why ADUs are one of the smartest ways to increase property value and generate rental income, and how delegation—not hustle—is what ultimately created his own version of freedom.

If you’ve ever wondered how to create cash flow without buying another property, this episode might completely change how you look at your backyard.

Key Takeaways:

1. What an ADU really is (and how it differs from additions or tiny homes)
2. Why ADUs must be fully independent structures with separate utilities
3. Typical ADU costs in California ($350–$500 per sq ft)
4. How ADUs can help offset mortgages or generate rental income
5. Why ADUs are a powerful solution for aging parents or adult children
6. The reality of California’s rebuilding bureaucracy after wildfires
7. Why short-term rentals are not truly passive
8. How Gil’s business evolved through vertical integration (buying equipment, adding dumpster services)
9. The leadership shift from doing everything yourself to delegating effectively
10. Why freedom starts with controlling your reactions—not just your income

About the Guest:

Gil Vaisman is the founder and CEO of Go ADU Construction, a leading design-build firm in Los Angeles that is redefining the residential housing market through high-quality Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and garage conversions. Frustrated by the lack of transparency in the construction industry, Gil established his company with a "client-first" philosophy, specializing in navigating the complex logistics of permitting, engineering, and zoning so homeowners can focus on the joy of expanding their living space rather than the red tape.

Passionate about solving the local housing shortage and creating tangible value for families, he brings a warm, hands-on approach to building, viewing every project as a partnership rooted in trust and integrity. Whether discussing the technical intricacies of urban planning, the financial benefits of ADUs, or the entrepreneurial journey of building a values-driven business, Gil offers a relatable and expert perspective on how smart construction can transform communities.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/gil.vaisman.7

https://www.youtube.com/@goaduconstruction

https://www.instagram.com/goaduconstruction

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gilvaisman/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Try to find something that I can leverage for more. It’s probably going to be a service. Where can I create value? I’d look at my skill set. For $500, I’m not going to start investing in imports.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “A lot of them… but I don’t see them as mistakes. I call it education. The only way I was going to learn was by messing it up.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Using AI. If you’re not incorporating it into your day-to-day life, you’re behind.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is the ability to stop and decide how I want to react—not react in the way I’m supposed to. We can’t control what happens to us, but we are 100% in control of how we react.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Leaving stability feels terrifying. What if the business fails? What if you choose the wrong niche? Most entrepreneurs either never start… or pivot constantly, chasing trends, platforms, and tactics — and never gain traction. The result? Burnout, confusion, and no clear Freedom Day.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with business coach and former PwC director Lidia Axe, who walked away from a fast-track corporate career after realizing partnership didn’t equal freedom. She shares how courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s acting despite it — and how building a lifestyle-centric business model, strong habits, and focused execution creates real independence. Lidia explains why most entrepreneurs fail from distraction, how to stay consistent, and why your network — not your niche — may be your most valuable asset.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why corporate success doesn’t always equal personal freedom
2. Courage means acting despite fear — not waiting for confidence
3. The danger of pivoting too quickly instead of improving systems
4. Why solopreneurship still requires a support network
5. How to design a lifestyle-centric business model first — tools second
6. Why execution matters more than ideas in business growth
7. The power of habits in building entrepreneur identity
8. How accountability and focus beat chasing every platform trend
9. Why AI can accelerate creativity instead of replacing it
10. How freedom means choosing what you work on each day

About the Guest:

Lidia Axe helps talented, heart-driven coaches turn inconsistent income into consistent $10K+ months—without sleazy tactics, gimmicks, or cookie-cutter strategies. Instead of telling coaches to “just post more,” they focus on what actually drives results: clear positioning, strong offers, and sales that feel aligned and ethical.

They work with coaches who are stuck juggling a full-time job and a part-time coaching hustle that barely pays the bills, helping them identify the real problem—usually not their skills, but their strategy. Known for honest, constructive tough love, Lidia challenges coaches to stop hiding behind certifications and start building a business that supports the impact they want to make.

Links:

https://www.skool.com/a-zone/about

https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I open my phone book and start contacting people — offer help, ask for projects. Your network is your net worth.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Pivoting too quickly instead of improving the same thing. I would abandon it instead of tweaking and experimenting.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Stand the Fuck Out — it gives a practical framework to differentiate yourself in a crowded market.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI. I really dove into ChatGPT and learned what it can do for me. I’ve uploaded who I am so it speaks my language and writes the way I write.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “To do what you want, when you want, how you want.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Many founders unknowingly build complicated systems that trap them instead of freeing them. They overspend on tools they don’t need, overextend themselves financially, and ignore foundational business basics—like leadership structure, banker relationships, and clear accountability. Add to that hiring mistakes, ignoring gut instincts, and overleveraging during growth cycles… and those battle scars start adding up.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with serial entrepreneur and founder of Bootstraps & Battle Scars, Chris Shurian, to unpack nearly four decades of real-world entrepreneurial experience. Chris shares how he survived major setbacks, navigated the 2008 financial crash, executed a successful exit, and now helps business owners simplify their operations and build sustainable leadership systems. This conversation is a masterclass in business basics, resilience, and designing your company so it creates freedom—not another prison.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most businesses are overcomplicated by unnecessary tech stacks

• The hidden cost of “$40 to death” subscription overload

• Why simplifying systems often increases profitability

• The power of having a real banker relationship—not just a bank account

• How peer mastermind groups eliminate the loneliness at the top

• Why founders need safe spaces to share both struggles and wins

• The danger of ignoring your gut when hiring or partnering

• Why business owners must define clear roles and accountability structures

• How structuring your company early determines your long-term freedom

• Why you shouldn’t wait until 65 to enjoy your life

About the Guest:

Chris Shurian is a lifelong entrepreneur who has spent more than 39 years building businesses that bring people together and create lasting memories. From leading a $15 million construction company to developing the Water’s Edge Resort in Bear Lake and founding the popular Cody’s Gastro Garage Restaurant, Chris has a proven track record of turning vision into reality. He’s been recognized as a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, featured in Utah Business Magazine’s Forty Under 40, and honored with multiple industry awards.

Outside of business, Chris is a lucky husband, father of 8-1/2, grandfather, “dog-dad” to a Berne-Doodle named Harley and “dog-granddad” to a fat German Shepherd named Drax, two-time Ironman finisher, and a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos and LA Dodgers.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/shurian.chris.rachel

https://www.youtube.com/@chrisshurian2025

https://www.instagram.com/shurianchrisandrachel/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshurian/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “You circle yourself with your inner circle. You bring your people together and say, ‘Okay, what’s next?’ You circle the wagons, talk about it, and get after it.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not going with my gut. I made some very big decisions—hiring certain people, aligning with certain people—that I knew in my gut weren’t right. And it came back and bit me big time.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The E-Myth by Michael Gerber. That’s where I learned why you build a business and how you build it properly.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI. I really dove into ChatGPT and learned what it can do for me. I’ve uploaded who I am so it speaks my language and writes the way I write.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Do what I want, when I want, and how I want. Build your life and business so you can enjoy it now—not wait until you’re 65. Don’t be a slave to your job.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

That fear keeps people stuck in panic, poor financial decisions, and “hope-based” investing. Some take reckless risks trying to catch up, while others become so conservative they quietly fall behind inflation—draining their future month by month. Without clarity, even hard work can turn into decades of running in financial circles.

In this powerful episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Nassief, author and creator of the One Page Wealth Compass, who was fired at 63 after 18 years with the same company. Facing the very real possibility of being broke by 65, David reinvented himself, rebuilt his income, and—within six years—created a seven-figure portfolio using a simple, disciplined, “set-it-and-forget-it” investing approach. David shares how understanding incentives, avoiding expensive traps, and following clear principles helped him turn a late-life crisis into true financial freedom—and why it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

Key Takeaways:

1. What it feels like to be fired at 63 and face running out of money by 65
2. Why David chose commission-only sales as a last-ditch reinvention—and how it paid off
3. The danger of working hard while still “walking in financial circles”
4. How the One Page Wealth Compass was inspired by a real scientific experiment
5. Why understanding how advisors get paid can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars
6. How David avoided a costly life-insurance retirement plan by following incentives
7. Why boring, disciplined investing often beats exciting strategies
8. How volatility can be used for you, not against you
9. Why saving rate, behavior, and consistency matter more than chasing returns
10. The difference between retirement and FIGNA: Financial Independence, Graduate to the Next Adventure
11. Why freedom means choosing work you love—not being forced to work

About the Guest:

David Nassief, whose real life financial turnaround experience is as much of a Rocky type story as it is a personal finance discussion. He was fired at 63 from an 18 year corporate position with virtually no retirement savings, no job prospects, and the chilling realization that his career was effectively over. Out of desperation he charted a completely new direction in both his career and personal finances. His unique and simple “one page wealth compass” guided him to seven figure financial freedom in under six years.

Now, in his book, One-Page Wealth Compass, he shares that exact compass along with the hope and practical steps he wished he had known decades earlier. He's here to show us how it's never too late to navigate safely to financial freedom.

Links:

https://onepagewealthcompass.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would play to my strengths. I’ve learned that I’m good at selling intangible products I truly believe in—with integrity. The first thing I’d do is find a product I believe in deeply and sell it honestly. I know I’d get back on my feet quickly that way.”
2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Keeping my first business alive far longer than I should have. I knew in my heart it wasn’t working, but I didn’t want to face it. Waiting too long when you’re in the wrong thing can do serious damage.”
3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Goal by Eliyahu Goldratt. It sounds like an engineering book, but it’s really about principles—how to break through bottlenecks and impossible problems. I’ve read it five times.”
4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Virtual assistants. I use Upwork for long-term help and Fiverr for short projects. It’s like having a full virtual team working in the background.”
5. What is your definition of freedom? “Understanding correct principles and living by them. Whether it’s money, health, or faith—if you live by the wrong principles, life is hard. When you live by the right ones and keep things simple, freedom follows.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Even successful exits don’t guarantee peace. Without intention, entrepreneurs fall right back into grind mode, recreating the same pressure under a new name. Add health scares, burnout, and mental overload, and “success” starts feeling like a trap instead of a win.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with James Lang, a former college dropout turned COO who helped scale and exit a $20M company, to unpack what real freedom looks like after success. James shares how health challenges forced him to redesign his life, why most people accidentally build prisons instead of businesses, and how he’s now helping companies navigate AI without fear, hype, or ballooning costs. This conversation is a powerful reminder that freedom isn’t just about money—it’s about health, clarity, and building systems that work with your life, not against it.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most people unknowingly build businesses that trap them instead of free them

• How James went from college dropout to COO and successful company exit

• Why “toxic entrepreneurship” is replacing real ownership in the gig economy

• The danger of being told how much you’re allowed to earn

• How health crises force better business design (whether you like it or not)

• Why mental health is a leadership advantage—not a weakness

• The hidden cost problem no one is talking about in AI

• Why James avoids investing in AI stocks despite working in the space

• How AI should multiply people, not replace them

• Why trust-based teams are essential to freedom

• The difference between building fast and building sustainably

About the Guest:

Today’s guest is James Lang, Managing Partner at OverLang Venture Partners and a leader with a remarkable track record in scaling organizations. Before launching his venture firm, James served as Chief Operating Officer of a MedTech startup where he generated over $20 million in revenue and built a team of 60 people from the ground up—developing talent, culture, and operational excellence along the way.

Now, James is focused on helping American companies leverage AI the smart way. Through OverLang Venture Partners, he and his team have developed a proprietary AI infrastructure designed to accelerate growth while respecting—and enhancing—the human capital inside each organization. James brings a blend of real-world executive experience, technical insight, and a passion for empowering businesses to compete in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Links:

https://www.overlang.com/

https://www.facebook.com/james.lang.542358

https://www.youtube.com/@OverLangVenturePartners

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “The first thing I’m doing is calling the people in my network that I already have trust and mutual respect with and asking how I can help. Step one is helping someone else. Step two is understanding why they need that help—because that’s where opportunity lives.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Grinding without paying attention to my mental health. I thought I just had to work harder and push through, and I didn’t realize how much damage that was doing until I stepped back.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. It explains why high achievers hit a wall—and how to build the second curve before it’s too late.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Conversations. Talking to people—clients, partners, team members. Technology matters, but understanding people matters more.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to build a company around your limitations instead of pretending you don’t have any. Freedom is having trust, health, and the ability to step away without everything breaking.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Doctors, executives, and other “dangerously overeducated” professionals tell themselves they can’t pivot. They postpone freedom until retirement, trading health, family time, and joy for security. The result? Burnout, regret, and years lost in careers that no longer fit who they’ve become.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Maureen Gibbons, former emergency room physician turned lifestyle medicine expert and coach, to share how she intentionally transitioned out of traditional medicine without burning the boats. Dr. Maureen reveals how she rebuilt her career around health freedom, time freedom, and income freedom, created scalable systems instead of another stressful job, and now helps physicians and high-achievers escape burnout while making a bigger impact. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to redesign your life before retirement, this conversation delivers clarity, courage, and a practical path forward.

Key Takeaways:

• Why burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s often a broken system

• How Dr. Mo transitioned from ER medicine to lifestyle medicine without financial panic

• The identity crisis professionals face when stepping away from prestigious titles

• Why creating systems can accidentally recreate another stressful job

• The dangers of hiring friends and “hiring for potential” too early

• How group coaching accelerates growth through shared learning and trust

• Why freedom requires aligning health, time, and income—not just money

• The concept of choosing relevance over retirement

• Why passive income and scalable skills are not a zero-sum game

• How small freedoms (like buying movie popcorn without stress) define real wealth

About the Guest:

Dr. Maureen “Moe” Gibbons—known as Dr. Moe—is a physician, entrepreneur, and author of Freedom to SHIFT. She helps high achievers trade overload for health, time, and income freedom through practical lifestyle medicine and real-world systems.

Links:

https://shiftwithdrmoe.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DrMoeGibbons

https://www.instagram.com/drmoegibbons

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d start with the same morning routine I do every day—take care of my body and my brain first. Then I’d ask, ‘Where do I put this $500 so it can multiply?”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Hiring friends and hiring for potential—hopes and dreams. That’s what ruins friendships and creates pain.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell. That book was a complete game-changer for me.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My calendar. If you can’t see how you’re spending your time, you don’t know what your priorities really are.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to do what I want, when I want, without fear. And if my husband has a week off and says, ‘Can we go somewhere?’ the answer is yes.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

At the same time, affordable housing is disappearing. Starter homes are no longer being built, rents continue to rise, and entire communities are priced out of traditional real estate ownership. Investors chase trendy assets while overlooking one of the most resilient and misunderstood sectors in real estate.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Leo Young, former Tesla employee and co-founder of Cornell Communities, to unpack why mobile home parks and manufactured housing are becoming one of the most compelling real estate investments today. Leo shares how burnout and uncertainty at Tesla pushed him to seek passive income, how his first distribution check changed everything, and why professionally run mobile home communities can deliver strong cash flow while doing real social good. This conversation breaks down the stigma, the numbers, and the future of affordable housing investing.

Key Takeaways:

• How Leo went from studying finance and working at Tesla to real estate investing

• Why a single passive income check completely changed his mindset about wealth

• The truth about mobile home parks—and why the stigma is fading

• Why manufactured housing is the cheapest form of non-government subsidized housing

• How owning the land (not the homes) creates stability and lower default risk

• Why municipalities rarely approve new parks—and how that limits supply

• How professional operators improve communities through deferred maintenance upgrades

• Typical cap rates and why institutional money is flooding into the space

• The difference between active and passive investing in mobile home parks

• Why relationship-based deal sourcing beats competing with Wall Street funds

• How bundling small parks can create institutional-grade exit opportunities

About the Guest:

Leo Young is the Founder of Cornell Communities, a real estate firm revitalizing manufactured housing communities across eight states. He leads more than 500 affordable housing units and over $30M in assets while delivering strong, consistent returns for his investors. Before launching Cornell Communities, Leo worked in private equity and was the top regional salesperson at Tesla. Today he helps audiences understand the real story behind affordable housing, entrepreneurship under pressure, and building systems that scale.

Links:

https://leoyoungrealestate.com/

https://www.facebook.com/leoyoungre/

https://www.youtube.com/@LeoYoungRealEstate

https://www.instagram.com/leoyoungrealestate

https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-young/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d reach out to my contacts and see how I can help them. The first step is re-establishing a financial base, because when you’re in survival mode you don’t make good decisions. I’d find a way to transact and build from there.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking I could do everything myself. Even if you can, you shouldn’t. Doing that for too long slowed our growth and didn’t serve the team well.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The One Thing by Gary Keller. As a philosopher and entrepreneur, I have endless ideas—but you can only execute so much. You have to focus on your one thing.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Notion. I use it for journaling, tracking goals, CRMs, and documentation. It’s frustrating at first—I quit twice—but once it clicks, it’s incredibly powerful.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The option to do what you want, when you want, and where you want. Financial freedom is the base, but location freedom takes it to another level. Seeing the world and different perspectives is real freedom.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many who try trading lose money fast because they jump into advanced strategies without a foundation. Others stay stuck working longer hours, sacrificing their health and family life because they believe stable income can only come from a paycheck.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Vlad Taimanon, professional trader and founder of Trader.Foundation, to reveal how anyone can build predictable monthly income using high-probability options strategies — without gambling or staring at screens all day. Vlad shares how a health crisis and corporate burnout forced him to redesign his life, why most traders fail, and how his “paycheck collector” strategy produces consistent income with built-in safety and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Why burnout and stress often come from relying on only one income source

• How Vlad went from corporate executive to financially free trader

• The mistake most new traders make that causes massive losses

• Why options selling strategies can generate predictable monthly paychecks

• How to reduce trading risk using time and probability

• Why foundation and rules matter more than “magic strategies”

• How Vlad teaches traders to build income with clarity and discipline

• Why peace of mind matters more than chasing huge wins

• How trading can become a real income stream — not a gamble

About the Guest:

Vlad Tayman is the founder of Trader Foundation and a former corporate executive who spent 20 years running training programs for Fortune 500 leaders. Despite achieving traditional success—corner office, six-figure income, and executive status—Vlad found himself burned out, disconnected from his family, and searching for a way out.

After losing $29,000 in just 29 days trading penny stocks, he hit rock bottom—an experience that forced him to truly master how trading works. He went on to develop a safe, structured swing-trading system that consistently generates 8–20% per trade with only minutes of setup time.

Today, Vlad has helped over 1,000 busy professionals and business owners build reliable secondary income streams—without quitting their careers or living glued to charts—proving that financial freedom doesn’t require sacrificing your life to get it.

Links:

https://trader.foundation/about-us

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would put it into our paycheck-collector strategy and let it compound. I’d rather grow it safely than chase big risky wins.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Opening a sandwich shop — going into a business I didn’t understand and relying on other people’s knowledge.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “The Remarkable tablet — I use it for training, teaching, and running my business.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Success without fulfillment is failure. Freedom is having income, family time, personal growth, and helping others — all together.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many entrepreneurs chase scale, automation, and shiny new systems—only to end up burned out, disconnected, and trapped in businesses they no longer enjoy. High stress, endless meetings, and bloated infrastructure quietly replace the freedom they set out to build.

Even highly skilled operators fall into this trap. Over-engineering, rushing scale, and listening to expensive “experts” can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and destroy momentum. Meanwhile, consumers are waking up to the limits of pharmaceuticals and demanding real, holistic solutions—but most businesses compromise on quality to chase margins.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Ben “The Mushroom Guy,” a former AI automation and systems expert who walked away from Fortune-100 consulting to build a fast-growing mushroom-based wellness company from an RV. Ben shares how focusing on one mission, one product philosophy, and zero compromise on quality led to selling thousands of units in under 90 days. He breaks down his distributor-led growth model, how AI now reduces costs instead of inflating them, and why freedom comes from consistency, not chaos. This is a real-world lesson in building cash flow, impact, and a business that supports life—not the other way around.

Key Takeaways:

1. How Ben transitioned from AI automation and e-commerce into holistic wellness entrepreneurship
2. Why burnout often comes from scaling too fast, not too slow
3. The power of focusing on 10 sales per day instead of overwhelming revenue goals
4. Why “no fillers, no synthetics” became the company’s biggest competitive advantage
5. How subscription revenue creates momentum and predictable cash flow
6. Why giving away product samples can outperform aggressive sales tactics
7. The distributor “milk run” model and why local human connection still beats algorithms
8. How Ben avoided expensive software by building his own AI-powered CRM systems
9. Why consistency and stability outperform forced growth
10. How true freedom is created by choice, time control, and low pressure—not material excess

About the Guest:

Benjamin Bressington, founder of BareRemedy and the voice behind their 'Medicine Man' persona. After spending a decade advising Fortune 1000 companies on behavior design, Ben discovered the transformative power of medicinal mushrooms during his own health struggles.

Now he's on a mission to help 1 million people reclaim their health using nature's most powerful remedies. Through Bare Remedy, he creates innovative mushroom tinctures and adaptogenic gummies using ancient spagyric extraction methods that capture up to 100% of beneficial compounds – versus the industry standard of just 30-50%.

Links:

https://app.bareremedy.net/store/447447783e6b48f3bd78f109cacb9375

https://www.facebook.com/benjamin.bressington

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminbressington

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Create a killer offer and connect it to Facebook ads. Then rinse and repeat—shorten the customer acquisition cycle from 30 days to 7 days, to 3 days, to 24 hours. That’s exactly what I had to do last year when my merchant account got shut down overnight.”

1. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking I needed to scale faster. I spent six figures trying to force scale, when consistency and stability would have produced better results with far less stress.”

1. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Obstacle Is the Way. Most entrepreneurs try to go around the hard thing instead of through it. Real progress comes from doing what’s uncomfortable—better.”

1. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT, Claude, and lovable.dev. AI isn’t the problem—lack of skill using it is. Mastering these tools is a massive competitive advantage.”

1. What is your definition of freedom? “Having the time to choose what I want to do—or not do. Go boating, hiking, ride my bike, spend time with my partner—without pressure. It’s not about stuff. It’s about peace and choice.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

That belief keeps people trapped. While they wait to “fix their credit” or “save a down payment,” time passes, rents rise, and opportunities disappear. Worse, many were never taught about passive income at all—only how to work harder for money instead of making money work for them.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Webb, known as the No Money Millionaire, to break that myth wide open. From growing up in Detroit with a single mother on welfare to being evicted over 15 times, David shares how he learned—through painful trial and error—how to buy real estate using other people’s money (OPM). He explains how he acquired apartment buildings with $0 of his own cash, how to approach investors the right way, and why determination and perseverance matter more than credit scores or capital.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most people are wrongly taught to “work for money” instead of building passive income.

• How David did two no-money deals early on—but still struggled with mindset for years.

• The moment the “light bulb” went off when he bought an apartment building with OPM.

• How to find investors without knowing rich people or attending fancy meetups.

• The exact language to use when asking someone to invest with you (and what not to say).

• Why value-add apartment buildings create faster wealth than single-family homes.

• How 5+ unit properties are evaluated based on the deal, not your personal finances.

• Why seller financing and house-hacking can help people start with bad credit and no cash.

• The difference between competitive vs. creative mindset in building wealth.

• Why time freedom—not just money—is the real goal of financial independence.

About the Guest:

David Webb, known as The No Money Millionaire, went from rock bottom to building a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio by mastering mindset and leveraging Other People’s Money. Today, he teaches everyday people how to break limiting beliefs and use proven no-money-down strategies to create financial freedom. His story is gritty, real, and proof that wealth isn’t reserved for the wealthy—it’s available to anyone willing to take action.

Links:

https://nomoneymillionaire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thenomoneymillionaire

https://www.youtube.com/@NoMoneyMillionaire

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “The very first thing I would do is get part of the real estate groups—introduce myself and let people know what I want to do. Then I’d find lenders and ask them bluntly what they need from me. And finally, I’d get active in chambers, meetups, Rotary clubs—anywhere business people are who want to invest but don’t have the time.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Partners. It’s like a marriage, and disagreements in business can be disastrous. You have to be very careful who you partner with.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles. It completely changed my mindset from competitive thinking to creative thinking.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI. I use it for notices to tenants, reviewing contracts, structuring deals, and even brainstorming creative investor terms. If you’re not using AI today, you’re behind.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Time. Freedom is not having anyone tell you that you can’t be there for your family or the people you love. It’s being able to go where you want, when you want.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Without intentional boundaries, digital overload quietly steals your time, focus, and mental health. Many business owners mistake constant availability for commitment—answering every message, working nights and weekends, and sacrificing relationships, creativity, and well-being in the process. Over time, this leads to burnout, stalled growth, and a life that looks nothing like the freedom you set out to build.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Kelsey Green, founder of Summit in Six, to explore how digital minimalism, accountability, and intentional boundaries can radically transform your productivity and quality of life. Kelsey shares her journey from environmental science and nonprofit burnout to building a business centered on focus, health, and high-impact work. She explains how her six-month mastermind helps women creatives and entrepreneurs accomplish meaningful goals—without sacrificing mental health or relationships—and why reclaiming your attention is essential to reaching your Freedom Day.

Key Takeaways:

• Why burnout is often a boundary problem—not a motivation problem.

• How Kelsey transitioned from wildlife biology and nonprofit work into entrepreneurship.

• The hidden cost of constant digital availability for business owners.

• Why focus beats hustle when it comes to building sustainable success.

• How masterminds and accountability compress years of progress into months.

• Why phones and screens fracture attention—even when they’re face-down.

• The connection between digital overload and declining creativity, focus, and mental health.

• Why entrepreneurs must set boundaries early with clients—or pay for it later.

• How intentional tech use can support your values instead of sabotaging them.

• Why true freedom includes time, health, relationships, and mental clarity—not just money.

About the Guest:

Kelsey L. Green is an aspiring digital minimalist, strategist, speaker, and community builder on a mission to help people reclaim their focus, creativity, and in-person connections.

She’s the creator of Summit in Six, a high-accountability mastermind where women bring bold, creative projects to life, and How to Build Your Circle, a course about cultivating a meaningful and vibrant community.

Kelsey explores how our digital habits impact our relationships, attention, and sense of fulfillment, and how setting simple boundaries can open space for what really matters.

With humor, insight, and a deep belief in human potential, she reminds people that a lot of the good stuff in life still happens face-to-face and when we strengthen the connection to ourselves.

Links:

https://www.kelseylgreen.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseylgreen/

https://www.instagram.com/kelseylgreen/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “The first thing I would do is continue to focus on my mental and physical health. That’s the foundation of a successful business. Before I tried to drum up clients or anything else, I’d prioritize my mental, physical, and emotional health.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not setting any kind of boundaries or expectations with clients—answering every email, call, and last-minute project request. That was a huge mistake early on.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport—and also Deep Work by Cal Newport. Both are incredible for reclaiming focus and intentionality.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Automation and third-party scheduling tools—especially for content. They let you create and schedule without having to constantly be on social media.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is having the space to take care of my health, go to therapy, do yoga, work out, and support my clients in a meaningful way. It’s not doing whatever you want—it’s creating a life that supports who you want to be.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

The financial industry isn’t built for your success—it’s built for theirs. You work hard for your money, yet your investments might be draining you through unnecessary fees, misaligned strategies, and short-term hype that destroy long-term gains.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Robert Rolih, international investing educator and author of The Million Dollar Decision, to reveal how everyday investors can outperform Wall Street without gambling or day trading. Robert shares his journey from losing his life savings to building a global investing platform that helps people minimize fees, focus on long-term strategy, and achieve financial freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• How Robert went from losing his savings to becoming a global investing mentor.

• Why small fees lead to big losses—and how to stop them from stealing your future.

• The difference between money-making skills and investing skills—and why you need both.

• Why mastering sales, marketing, and negotiation is key to growing your income.

• How ETFs beat most managed funds over the long term.

• The importance of understanding your investments before you invest.

• Why “get-rich-quick” thinking leads to disaster—and how patience wins every time.

• How to avoid scams, bubbles, and media-driven investment hype.

• Why Bitcoin and gold require timing and discipline—not emotion.

• How true financial freedom gives you peace of mind and time freedom.

About the Guest:

Robert Rolih is the international bestselling author of The Million Dollar Decision, a book that has been translated into several languages and featured worldwide. His mission is to expose what the financial industry doesn’t want you to know about investing and to empower everyday people to achieve superior long-term results. Robert has helped more than 7,000 investors in 73 countries simplify their investing approach, reduce risk, and build wealth with confidence.

Links:

https://robertrolih.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rolih-685a6893/

https://www.facebook.com/robert.rolih

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d start building my personal brand around a niche. Today, it’s all about authority—writing a book, building a following, and becoming known as the expert people trust.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting a printer supplies business just because it looked profitable. I hated it. Never go into a business for money alone—go in because you can solve a real problem.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley. It’s the best guide to building your personal brand and becoming the go-to expert in your field.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini—all of them. As a non-native English speaker, they’re my co-writers, editors, and idea generators. It’s been revolutionary for me.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Peace of mind and time freedom. Knowing I don’t have to worry about money and can do what I want, when I want, with whoever I want—that’s true freedom.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many people feel lost, frustrated, or stuck, chasing quick fixes or blaming circumstances instead of mastering the basics. Without principles and discipline, it’s easy to waste time, repeat mistakes, and lose your sense of direction.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Dr. Mark L. Teague, author of A Working Man’s Guide, about what it really means to live with purpose, accountability, and timeless values. From growing up on a Texas farm to earning a doctorate and leading in banking and manufacturing, Dr. Teague shares lessons that apply to every generation. Discover how to frame life’s problems, own your time, and build a lasting legacy rooted in principle, not preference.

Key Takeaways:

• Why life’s challenges are opportunities—not injustices.

• The two kinds of people: those who take life seriously and those who don’t.

• The importance of knowing your foundation—what you stand on when life tests you.

• How principles outlast trends, cultures, and preferences.

• A simple method to “frame the problem, not the blob” for better decision-making.

• Why who owns your time determines who owns your future.

• Practical steps to reclaim control of your time and build discipline.

• The difference between “getting rich” and building a meaningful legacy.

• How Dr. Teague’s book helps working men (and women) rediscover pride and purpose in work.

About the Guest:

Dr. Mark L. Teague, PhD, is a seasoned executive, business owner, and author. As a champion of the American working class, his professional dedication to traditional values in a modern world position him as a trusted guide for those striving to build a legacy of significance. With a background in banking, finance, and entrepreneurship, he advocates for personal responsibility, resilience, and meaningful goals. Dr. Teague holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and has received numerous accolades.

Links:

https://aworkingmansguide.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DrMarkLTeague

https://www.facebook.com/DrMarkLTeague

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d mortgage my house, rent it out, and invest that money in the stock market to start trading. Then I’d hit the farms, knock on doors, and find land to buy or develop. Once I find the right deal, I’d get the financing, flip it, and repeat until I’m back.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Letting others own my time. Once I learned that whatever owns your time owns your future, I stopped letting people waste it. Time is your most precious resource.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Scriptures—the ultimate book of human wisdom. Then A Working Man’s Guide. And for investors, A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel—it teaches patience and long-term thinking.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Canva—for creative work—and Excel’s Data Analysis Pack for decision-making. Learn to use your tools deeply; they multiply your effectiveness.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Thomas Jefferson called it ‘essential liberty’—the unobstructed exercise of your will, restrained only by the equal rights of others. Freedom is living life on your own terms while respecting others.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Without a plan, passion alone isn’t enough. Too many creative entrepreneurs burn out chasing projects that don’t pay—or worse, they never start at all. They look up years later still waiting for “the right time.”

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Brent Lindstrom—real estate developer, investor, and author of One for the Money, Two for the Soul—about how he turned a $45K salary and a 10-year plan into full financial independence. Brent shares how he used cash flow from real estate to fund his writing and film career, why “clean fiction” is his calling, and how he’s now building a studio that gives young filmmakers real opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• How Brent went from construction worker to financially free investor and storyteller.

• The 10-year plan that allowed him to quit working for money and focus on creative work.

• Why financial spreadsheets were the key to his freedom.

• How he used real estate development to fund his writing and filmmaking dreams.

• Why he writes “clean fiction” adults can enjoy without worry.

• How he’s building a film studio supported by rental cash flow—so creativity never depends on investors.

• Why giving back through mentorship and student collaboration fuels long-term success.

• How to combine your left-brain (finance) and right-brain (creativity) for a truly balanced life.

About the Guest:

Having spent most of his life in Utah, Brent Lindstrom has been surrounded by a strong community of Christians and is a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A lifelong fan of adventure stories, he grew increasingly frustrated with the excessive profanity and sexual content that pervade much of modern fiction. Determined to create an alternative, he began writing adult novels that deliver the thrill, depth, and excitement of the genre—without the vulgarity.

Believing that readers shouldn’t have to settle for young adult fiction just to avoid inappropriate content, Brent Lindstrom writes stories crafted with adults in mind—clean, engaging, and full of adventure. His passion for storytelling and love of good books inspire him to write whenever time allows, even while maintaining a full-time career.

His goal is to publish at least one novel per year, gradually building a library of uplifting, exciting stories. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his creative vision into film, bringing his stories to life on the big screen. Guided by the belief that life is too short to ignore one’s passions, he lives by the motto: “Live your dreams!”

Links:

https://www.lightmindedarts.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d mortgage my house, rent it out, and invest that money in the stock market to start trading. Then I’d hit the farms, knock on doors, and find land to buy or develop. Once I find the right deal, I’d get the financing, flip it, and repeat until I’m back.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting a swimming pool company. I thought I knew what I was doing because I’d built pools before—but I lost half a million dollars on that one. Painful, but it taught me a lot.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Two: Andrew Carnegie by David Nasaw—because it shows how hustle and learning build empires. And Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki—because it’s still the best common-sense guide to money.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Microsoft 365. It’s not flashy, but Excel, Outlook, and Copilot AI run my world. I build everything—budgets, forecasts, writing drafts—in that suite.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having the choice to do what you want in life. Freedom isn’t retirement—it’s the ability to choose your journey every day and follow your dreams while you’re still able to enjoy them.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

From school to social media, we’re conditioned to think small. We’re told money is evil, rich people are greedy, and success requires suffering. The result? Millions trapped in poverty consciousness, living paycheck to paycheck while believing wealth is out of reach.

In this powerful conversation, Jeff Kikel sits down with Randy Gage, entrepreneur, author, and prosperity mentor, to talk about how he went from teenage prison inmate to multimillionaire mentor and creator of the Breakthrough You program. Randy reveals why true prosperity means being healthy, happy, and free, how to destroy limiting beliefs about money, and the secrets to building wealth with purpose and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• How Randy went from armed-robbery inmate at 15 to global entrepreneur and thought leader.

• Why debt-free living isn’t the same as financial freedom—and when “good debt” creates leverage.

• The secret to building multiple streams of income without burnout.

• Why health + relationships + wealth = true prosperity.

• How his Breakthrough You program helps entrepreneurs move from poverty to abundance mindset.

• Why it’s easier to make a large amount of money quickly than a small amount slowly.

• The power of “thinking time” and disconnecting from distractions.

• How his upcoming book Millionaire in the Mirror helps readers see the wealthy version of themselves.

• Why governments and schools are designed to keep people dependent—and how to break free.

About the Guest:

Randy Gage is a Speaker Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and thought leader known worldwide as The Entrepreneur Whisperer. From a jail cell as a teenager to becoming a multi-millionaire entrepreneur, Randy has spent three decades helping people rewrite the mental programming that blocks their prosperity.

He’s the author of 15 books translated into more than 25 languages, including Risky Is the New Safe, Mad Genius, and Radical Rebirth. Randy’s been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Fox News, and SUCCESS Magazine, and has shared the stage with some of the world’s most influential business minds.

Hosts love Randy because he doesn’t deliver theory — he brings bold ideas, provocative stories, and practical strategies that get audiences thinking bigger and acting smarter about money, success, and mindset.

Links:

https://randygage.com/

https://www.facebook.com/randygage/

https://x.com/Randy_Gage

https://www.youtube.com/randygage

https://www.instagram.com/randy_gage

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I start building a list that I own and control—probably an email or text list. Then I go to blogs and podcasts, give away value for free, and trade knowledge for subscribers. That list is the most valuable asset any business has.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Getting seduced by tactics—staying busy instead of strategic. Without a big-picture plan, you confuse activity with achievement.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “If you’re a CEO—anything by Ben Horowitz. For entrepreneurs, 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan Sullivan and Dr. Benjamin Hardy. And Love Yourself as Though Your Life Depends on It by Kamal Ravikant.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I built AI agents trained on my books and blogs—my co-CEO, ‘Neil.’ He thinks like me and challenges my ideas. I use him a hundred times a day.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is living life on your terms—with people who bring meaning, doing work that lights you up, and leaving the world better than you found it.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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IBM just saved over $3.5 billion using AI agents. Amazon has replaced over 14,000 decision-making roles with AI. It’s not science fiction—it’s happening now. Those who resist risk being left behind. But for those who embrace it, AI isn’t a threat—it’s the ultimate competitive edge.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Joy Rowland, founder of Clairecroft and AI strategist, to talk about how she helps companies and entrepreneurs deploy intelligent AI voice and task agents that save time, boost profits, and work 24/7. Joy shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to the UK to Canada—and how she turned her tech background into a mission to help others “AI-proof” their careers and automate success.

Key Takeaways:

• How Joy went from immigrant to IT consultant to AI founder.

• Why IBM and Amazon’s AI investments are transforming business efficiency.

• The difference between simple automation and true AI intelligence.

• Why every business—from medspas to corporations—can benefit from AI agents.

• How AI can book appointments, close sales, and send personalized invoices automatically.

• The risks and opportunities of the 2026 AI adoption boom.

• How to identify the 80% of your business that can be automated today.

• The importance of “AI-proofing” your career with new, in-demand skills.

• Why burnout disappears when tech handles what you don’t love doing.

• How Joy’s company, Clairecroft, is helping businesses adopt WatsonX and IBM’s AI systems.

About the Guest:

Joy Rowland — a mentor, speaker, and top-ranked podcast host who went from surviving childhood abuse and poverty to creating the life she once only dreamed of.

Through her journey of rebuilding confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to grow through community, Joy now helps women 40+ reinvent themselves emotionally, socially, and financially.

She brings warm, insightful, and action-oriented conversations that help women stop waiting — and start becoming.

Links:

https://www.joyrowland.com/

https://www.facebook.com/joyrowlandx

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyrowland/

https://www.youtube.com/@JoyRowlandx

https://www.instagram.com/joy.rowland_

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’m going to go find a business and build an AI voice agent for them. I know if I can do that, I’ll make all my money back and more.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking there was a secret to success. There isn’t. Successful people just fail faster, keep adapting, and never stop moving.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Science of Getting Rich. It changed how I see wealth creation. Manifestation means nothing without action.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT. I’ve trained it to know my voice, my goals, and my business. It’s like hiring a genius assistant that never sleeps.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Waking up excited to do what I love every day. That’s my litmus test for freedom—peace, purpose, and fulfillment.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

While millions chase average returns through ETFs and index funds, the world’s top funds continue to multiply fortunes for a select circle of insiders. Most people never get the chance to play the same game—until now.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Justin Kuyper, founder of OpenVest, a revolutionary investment platform that brings hedge fund-level performance to everyday investors. Justin shares how his Wall Street background led him to create a low-cost, subscription-based investment model that uses advanced analytics, regulatory partnerships, and proprietary data to make high-performing strategies accessible to all.

Key Takeaways:

• How Justin’s Wall Street and Columbia MBA experience inspired OpenVest.

• Why traditional hedge funds exclude 99% of investors—and how OpenVest changes that.

• The power of data-driven investing and proprietary analytics.

• How OpenVest integrates with Interactive Brokers for secure, regulated trading.

• The role of liquidity and transparency in modern portfolio management.

• Why low-cost subscription models could redefine the investment industry.

• How OpenVest provides hedge fund-style returns with simple access through iOS and Google Play.

• Why real innovation in finance means breaking down barriers, not building them.

About the Guest:

Justin Kuyper, the Co-Founder & CEO of Openvest — a fintech platform that gives everyday investors access to the kinds of high-performing, alternative investment portfolios once reserved for the ultra-wealthy. A former hedge fund manager and Columbia MBA, Justin has managed to build Openvest from scratch into a disruptive force in the investment space — offering elite-style portfolios with no AUM fees and just a $300 minimum. Get ready to rethink what smart investing looks like

Links:

https://openvest.co/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-kuyper-a862b0103/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d do the same thing I did to start this business—it took less than $500 to begin. I’d run the same playbook again, from day one.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Errors of omission—missing opportunities because I didn’t act fast enough. Palantir would be an example I overlooked that’s since skyrocketed.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Everything Store by Brad Stone. It’s an incredible look into the building of Amazon that you won’t find in any article or interview.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Adobe InDesign. We use it daily for design and marketing—it’s powerful once you get past the learning curve.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having more money coming in than going out so you can pursue your passions freely. It’s about having enough cash flow to live on your own terms.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

They want to scale but can’t afford full-time help. Hiring VAs feels risky and time-consuming. And trying to “do it all” often leads to exhaustion, poor results, and stalled growth.

In this empowering episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Joanna Zhang, founder of Operations Genie, about how she escaped the corporate grind as a financial planner to create a globally recognized, award-winning fractional VA model. Joanna reveals how her plug-and-play team system helps business owners grow faster, stay in their genius zone, and find freedom—without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways:

• How Joanna went from corporate financial planner to entrepreneur and founder of Operations Genius.

• Why burnout and frustration pushed her to create a new model for business support.

• How her “fractional VA” system won global recognition for innovation

• Why energy management is more important than time management.

• The spiritual awakening that helped her align leadership, business, and purpose.

• How AI can empower—not replace—creative collaboration in business.

• Why building systems that support both growth and soul alignment is the future.

• The three layers of freedom: physical, emotional, and spiritual—and how to achieve them.

About the Guest:

Joanna Zhang is the award-winning founder of The Operations Genius and creator of the world’s first Fractional VA Service, a revolutionary approach to operational support that gives entrepreneurs the flexibility, accountability, and expertise they nee, without the overhead of a full-time or part-time team. Recently honoured with the 2024 Stevie International Business Award for innovation, Joanna has transformed the way small business owners and thought leaders scale sustainably.

She began her entrepreneurial journey not as a consultant, but by building a support team for her own ventures. Seeing how her systems, structure, and human-centred leadership could help others, she opened these resources to fellow entrepreneurs, creating a business model that marries operational precision with empathy and conscious leadership.

Links:

https://operationsgenius.net/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhang-joanna/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would first reflect on why my business was gone. Everything happens for a reason. If I can learn from it, I can grow. Then I’d ask, what value can I bring to others? I’d start again creatively and gratefully, because just being alive is already enough to begin.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I would first reflect on why my business was gone. Everything happens for a reason. If I can learn from it, I can grow. Then I’d ask, what value can I bring to others? I’d start again creatively and gratefully, because just being alive is already enough to begin.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “If you’re spiritual—Conversations with God. If you’re logical—The Power of Now. Both help you connect your mind, heart, and energy to reach your genius zone.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My phone notepad. Simplicity is key. I capture ideas, images, and plans instantly—everything’s synced in the cloud so I can work anywhere.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to wake up any day and set your own schedule. To work when you want, be with your kids, take vacations, or go for a run in the middle of the day. Freedom isn’t money—it’s time and choice.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Without a plan, selling your business can feel less like a victory and more like an identity crisis. You go from being the decision-maker to asking, what now? The truth is, financial freedom isn’t automatic—it’s something you have to build intentionally.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Ian Noble, founder of RunSteady Investments, about how he sold his family business, diversified into real estate, and built a life centered around time freedom and family. Ian shares what he learned from selling a seven-figure business, how he helps other entrepreneurs invest passively in real estate, and why your post-sale plan matters just as much as your exit strategy.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Ian bought his father’s business, went millions into debt—and made it thrive.

• The lessons he learned from selling his company and transitioning to passive income.

• How to build wealth outside your business through real estate and lending funds.

• The importance of running your business like you plan to sell it.

• Why most business owners are their own bottleneck.

• How to diversify cash flow without taking on another “job.”

• The tax advantages and lifestyle perks of passive real estate investing.

• Why mindset—not money—is the biggest barrier to true freedom.

About the Guest:

Ian is the founder of RunSteady Investments. He brings with him the experience of owning a small business in Austin, Texas consisting 14 locations and over 90 employees. After 14 years, he successfully exited the service industry business in 2023. Now, his sole focus is on helping people passively invest in real estate with mobile home parks and private lending funds. Ian brings 10+ years of experience as an active investor in the Austin real estate market and in Colorado. His portfolio includes residential and commercial properties. He also passively participates in various syndications as a Limited Partner in mobile home parks, self-storage facilities, private lending, and debt funds.

Ian earned his degree in economics from the University of Texas. He and his wife Lauren live in Austin, TX with their three children. In his free time, he enjoys running marathons and international travel.

Links:

Free Passive Investing in Real Estate Cheat Sheet: https://go.runsteadyinvestments.com/freedom-nation-podcast

Join My Passive Investor Mailing List: runsteadyinvestments.com/investor-club

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/iannoble1/

Instagram: @ian_invests

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Stick to what you know. If I had $500, I’d go buy a power washer, post a few free ads, and start washing driveways. Do something familiar with a quick return—get your hands dirty and get moving.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not partnering. I was selfish early on and wanted everything for myself. I missed opportunities and wisdom from other smart people. Now I seek out the brightest in the room and hire top talent—it keeps you in the game longer.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Who Not How—it reframes your mindset from ‘How can I do this?’ to ‘Who can do this for me?’ And Buy Back Your Time—it helps you put a dollar value on your time and eliminate $10 tasks when you’re worth $500 an hour.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My virtual assistant in the Philippines. She’s incredible—handles admin better than I could and frees me up to focus on growth. Fractional and virtual talent is the secret weapon for small businesses.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to wake up any day and set your own schedule. To work when you want, be with your kids, take vacations, or go for a run in the middle of the day. Freedom isn’t money—it’s time and choice.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Financial uncertainty isn’t just about markets—it’s about control, fear, and freedom. The money system affects every part of our lives, from our groceries to our government. Yet, most people have no idea how deep the problem goes or how to protect themselves from what’s coming next.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Morgan, founder of The Morgan Report and one of the most respected voices in the precious metals industry. Known as “The Silver Guru,” David shares his journey from pilot and engineer to financial educator and author, revealing why all fiat fails, how to invest intelligently in metals, and why real freedom starts with financial independence.

Key Takeaways:

• How David’s curiosity about money as a kid turned into a 25-year career in finance.

• Why fiat currency systems always fail—and why this time isn’t different.

• The role of gold and silver as the ultimate “money of last resort.”

• The smart way to invest in mining stocks without gambling.

• How to hedge against inflation and build real, tangible wealth.

• Why integrity and ethics matter in the financial world.

• The real reason digital currencies are rising—and what dangers they bring.

• How self-responsibility and mindset determine financial success.

• Why his new documentary Silver Sunrise explores the spiritual and emotional impact of money.

About the Guest:

David Morgan is one of the world’s most trusted voices on precious metals, macroeconomics, and the silent storm building beneath the financial system. As a strategist with over four decades of experience,

he has guided thousands of investors through the fog of fiat currency, market manipulation, and debt-driven illusion.

He publishes The Morgan Report, authored The Silver Manifesto, and is frequently featured on major media outlets and financial documentaries, including the Four Horsemen film.

But David’s mission goes far beyond the financial markets. He challenges the mainstream narrative and encourages audiences to see beyond political spin, economic distraction, and digital overreach. His upcoming documentary Silver Sunrise confronts the erosion of liberty through centralized monetary control. David teaches people how to think—not what to think—empowering them with clarity, humility, and context in an increasingly complex and confusing world.

Links:

https://www.themorganreport.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedavidmorgan/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d break it into five categories. Probably invest a hundred in an option trade on the metals market, use the rest for transportation and old-school resumes. Then I’d contact my network online, consult, and be back on my feet in a month.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Trusting the wrong people—especially in startups. You don’t realize how risky they are until you’ve given time, energy, and money to something that turns out to be a scam.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “My own book, Fiat Fails. It’s about integrity in the monetary system and why reforming money is essential for humanity’s future.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Camtasia. It lets me turn complex financial ideas into clear visuals. A picture really is worth a thousand words.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is living in a voluntary system—financially, politically, spiritually. It’s about keeping promises, doing no harm, and living by your word.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Without an exit plan or systems in place, owners risk burnout, financial loss, and missed opportunities. Many believe their business is worth millions — but when it depends on them for everything, that value disappears overnight.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Rafael Pinho, co-founder of TD Pine Advisors and a former CFO turned entrepreneur, to talk about exit strategy planning and building transferable business value. Rafael shares his journey from Brazil to Texas, from corporate finance to entrepreneurship, and how he now helps business owners turn “jobs” into true assets that can run — and sell — without them.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most small businesses aren’t truly sellable — and how to fix that.

• The difference between business valuation and transferable value.

• How to create systems so your business can run without you.

• The biggest mistakes owners make when trying to sell.

• How family succession plans can destroy business value if ignored.

• The mindset shift needed to go from employee → business owner → asset owner.

• Why business owners must “work on their business, not in it.”

• How TD Pine Advisors helps entrepreneurs scale and prepare for exit.

• The power of budgeting and financial discipline for freedom.

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “You move to America at 46 with nothing. You start a knowledge business — just like we did. All you need is a laptop, your brain, and your network. It’s about helping business owners become ‘medium-aires,’ not just making billionaires richer.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I’ll borrow my partner Brandon’s: growing a family business 4x, but losing it due to poor succession planning. That destroys value — and it’s my mission to make sure that never happens again.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Bible. It’s the ultimate business manual. Also: How to Think Like a Roman Emperor for mindset, Getting to Yes for negotiation, and Grit by Angela Duckworth for perseverance.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT — it’s been our Employee of the Month for 13 months straight. It saves hours of work if you feed it right.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having options. Owning your time. Freedom comes with stewardship — using your time wisely and giving back to your community.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Without clarity and purpose, wealth becomes another burden. Families drift apart, burnout sets in, and people reach their “Freedom Day” only to ask, “Now what?” Many never discover that true financial success isn’t just about the balance sheet—it’s about building a rich life as well as a rich bank account.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Nicholas E. Michels, wealth manager and author of Rich by Choice. Nick shares his emotional journey from childhood financial hardship to helping others live intentionally and confidently with money. He breaks down how to create a personal wealth plan centered on purpose, faith, and family—and why understanding your “why” is the secret to lasting happiness and freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• How a childhood experience of financial loss shaped Dr. Michels’ mission to help others.

• Why wealth management should start with your why, not your portfolio.

• The six pillars of his Elite Wealth Management Process—from investment consulting to impact giving.

• How intentional family activities can create lasting memories and connection.

• The power of the “rocking chair test” for designing your dream life.

• How to reframe your money mindset to become rich in life, not just rich in cash.

• Why AI is a powerful assistant—but not a replacement—for expert advice.

• How to use financial planning as a foundation for joy, generosity, and freedom.

• Why true happiness comes from building toward goals, not just achieving them.

•

About the Guest:

Dr. Nicholas E. Michels is Amazon’s bestselling author, public speaker, and elite wealth strategist with almost two decades of experience guiding thousands toward financial happiness. As founder of Michels Family Financial and creator of the “Rich by Choice” movement, Dr. Michels combines his doctorate in business, advanced psychology training, and financial expertise (CFP® - CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER, CPWA® - CERTIFIED PRIVATE WEALTH ADVISOR Designation, NSSA® - NATIONAL SOCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR) to help people align their money with what matters most—purpose, joy, and legacy. Having walked the path from hardship to success, he now dedicates his life to equipping others to build the life they dream of—on their terms, by choice.

Links:

https://richbychoicebook.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “My wife and I have a nonprofit where we teach high school kids about money and life. I tell them I can be a millionaire in any industry. I’d start by reading the top 10 books in that space, then interview people already successful in it. Learn from them—success leaves clues.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Grinding too hard early on instead of acting like I was already running a $50 million company. I wish I had been more strategic earlier.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Bible—especially Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. They transform how you see business, life, and success.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI. Used responsibly, it’s a game-changer for efficiency and creativity.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Doing more of what you love with the people you love—when you want, where you want.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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They chase “hot markets,” listen to bad advice, and ignore the systems that actually build wealth. The result? Burnout, negative cash flow, and the mistaken belief that real estate “doesn’t work.” Most people never realize that the key to sustainable real estate freedom lies in performance-driven turnkey investing—not just location or luck.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Axel Meierhoefer, founder of Ideal Wealth Grower and a passionate real estate mentor. A former German Air Force pilot turned U.S. entrepreneur, Dr. Axel shares how he built his freedom empire through turnkey investing, mentoring high-earning professionals (HENRYs), and preparing for a world where AI and automation change everything. You’ll learn the three pillars of successful turnkey investing, the mindset of a “king of your empire,” and why performance—not geography—should drive your portfolio decisions.

Key Takeaways:

• Why “high-earning, not rich yet” professionals need a real estate plan.

• The three pillars of turnkey investing: construction, sales network, and property management.

• How to identify trustworthy turnkey providers and avoid overpriced properties.

• Why performance matters more than location in building true wealth.

• How Axel’s mentoring program helps investors build clusters—not chaos.

• The mindset shift from employee to “king of your empire.”

• Why property management is an investment, not an expense.

• How U.S. mortgage and depreciation systems offer unique advantages over other countries.

• Axel’s predictions on AI, $1-an-hour labor, and the new global economy.

• Why freedom means control—over your time, income, and values.

About the Guest:

As a retired Air Force officer, Axel started his first company in 2005, focusing on consulting, employee skill development, and program management. These areas remain in place these days and have grown internationally. He has always had a love for education and helping people help themselves become successful.

As a business owner, he began thinking about applying profits towards retirement, and research indicated that owning tangible assets would be the best way. It’s also the path that the government supports the most, which led him to develop a residential real estate portfolio worth about $1.5 Million. It’s still growing, and many lessons learned are now available for him to teach, coach, and mentor people.

On his journey, he has made many relationships, learned about the pitfalls of purchases, and made good and bad decisions that ultimately reached economic independence.

Links:

https://idealinvestorshow.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “If I know what I know today, I would probably start investing. There are some AI companies growing 100 % a year—if you double that every year, it doesn’t take long before you can build from it.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting to invest too late.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Wealthy Gardener by John Zoforic—he wrote it for his son to instill financial wisdom. And another one for today’s world: Stellar by Tony Siba.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Google Calendar. My wife, assistant, and I all share it—everything from dinner to interviews. It keeps life and business running efficiently.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to do with my time what I’m passionate about.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Thousands of veterans struggle with underutilized benefits, financial stress, and uncertainty about how to translate their service into financial success. Even worse, they often fall prey to bad habits—overspending, underinvesting, or simply not planning for the future.

In this inspiring episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Joshua Brooks, U.S. Army veteran, chaplain, and founder of Exponential Advisors. Joshua shares his incredible 20-year journey from infantry to chaplaincy to entrepreneur and how his mission today is helping veterans achieve ethical, sustainable, and explosive financial growth. You’ll hear how his firm provides elite wealth management for accomplished Army veterans, why faith and finance go hand-in-hand, and how he’s using social media and creativity (yes, even freestyle rap!) to reach his audience.

Key Takeaways:

• How Joshua went from 20 years in the Army to launching his own financial advisory firm.

• Why veterans need personalized financial planning that honors their benefits and sacrifices.

• The secret to transitioning from service to entrepreneurship with purpose.

• How Joshua is partnering with top marketers like Nick Meyer and Nate Hoskin to grow through social media.

• Why ethical, faith-driven business models can create sustainable wealth.

• How he’s integrating tools like Notion 3.0 and ScoreApp for efficiency and client readiness quizzes.

• The lessons from military life—discipline, faith, and consistency—that apply to wealth building.

• Why “alignment of faith, family, and service” defines true freedom.

• How content, community, and creativity (yes—rap bars included!) are transforming his outreach.

About the Guest:

Joshua Brooks founded Exponential Advisors, a financial planning firm dedicated to helping families and organizations secure their financial futures through innovative strategies. With over 20 years of Army service, including deployments as an infantry Soldier during Operation Iraqi Freedom and as a chaplain in Operation Inherent Resolve, Joshua combines military discipline and faith-based values with advanced financial tools like Bitcoin and AI to create tailored solutions for his clients.

A seasoned global traveler, he has visited countries across five continents, enriching his perspective and approach to problem-solving. Joshua is a devoted husband to Stephanie and a proud father to four sons, including Hudson, named after missionary Hudson Taylor. Beyond his professional and family life, Joshua’s creative flair shines through his freestyle rap, inspired by legends like Wu-Tang Clan and Jay-Z, reflecting his energy and passion to every aspect of his life.

Links:

https://www.exponentialadvisors.net/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “What I’m going to do is build a community. You want to build an audience, create quality content—not just AI-generated work slop—and run free workshops for vets to add value, build trust, and then monetize with planning packages for accomplished Army veterans.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Overcomplicating it. Too many tools, too many projects. Sometimes you just have to keep it simple. KISS—keep it simple.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The One Page Marketing Plan. You can have the best product or service, but if you’re not getting your message and value proposition out there, your clients won’t know you exist.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Notion 3.0. It’s my life operating system—integrates business, home, and projects all in one place. It keeps me organized and improving.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is alignment of faith, family, and service. It’s peace plus purpose—not just money or work optional—but all things coming together in balance.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Parents are told to wait it out, spend thousands on testing, or accept special education programs that rarely work. Meanwhile, teachers are overwhelmed, students lose confidence, and future opportunities slip away. Add in the rise of AI and a changing job market, and the gap between prepared and unprepared students is widening every day.

In this inspiring episode, Jeff Kikel speaks with Russell, founder of Dyslexia Classes, who has spent decades refining a proven method that helps kids master reading and writing faster than most schools ever achieve. Russell explains how his process—built on the Craft of Research—is changing lives, how AI can actually support education when used right, and why even non-professional educators (like parents) can succeed where institutions fail.

Key Takeaways:

• Why literacy rates are collapsing despite record-high school spending.

• How Russell’s “flip articulation by word analysis” breakthrough makes dyslexia solvable.

• Why non-professional educators (like moms) can succeed more than specialized schools.

• How AI can help kids (and professionals) accelerate learning—not replace it.

• Why teachers can still assign essays if kids are taught to “show their work.”

• The massive opportunity for students who become “AI seniors” quickly.

• How states like New York are failing to implement affordable solutions.

• The importance of sequencing learning differently—not inventing from scratch.

• Why personal responsibility and creativity are key for future success.

About the Guest:

Russell Van Brocklen, widely known as The Dyslexia Professor, is dedicated to transforming daily reading frustrations into confident academic wins for students with dyslexia. His mission is to equip parents, tutors, and teachers with the tools to help struggling learners significantly improve comprehension, writing, and organizational skills.

As someone who is dyslexic himself, Russell deeply understands the pain, shame, and challenges that often accompany the condition. He also recognizes the financial and emotional strain it can place on families searching for answers and support. While working at the Research Foundation of the State University of New York, he contributed to extensive research, which, combined with his own experiences and years of working with students and families across the country, led him to develop a unique system for teaching writing skills.

Links:

https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “First thing I do is, ’cause I’m dyslectic, I buy the professional version of ChatGPT. Otherwise, I’m literally useless. Then I’d take what I know, immediately find some clients I could work with, and just keep reinvesting it.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I decided to take eight years off to figure out how to take this from super motivated kids to typical kids. That took me eight years. The result was flipping articulation filed by word analysis to word analysis filed by articulation. So simple, but it cost me years.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “By far, the most popular one: Walt Disney: The Triumph of the American Imagination. Walt Disney was dyslexic, and this book shows the universal themes behind Disney magic that kids can apply to anything.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT Pro. As a dyslectic, it’s like having a superpower. I’ve been more productive in the last month with GPT-5 Pro than in the last 10 years.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Freedom is being able to get up and do what you want that fulfills you and helps others. But it also means being realistic—healthcare costs, inflation, and living choices matter. You need consistent income streams, not just savings.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

It’s a frustrating cycle—owners pour themselves into operations, avoid narrowing their niche, and get stuck doing work that doesn’t align with their strengths. The result? A profitable business that still leaves its owner feeling drained, directionless, and disconnected from their true purpose.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Christian Brim—CPA, podcaster, and now self-styled “Profit Prophet”—about how he rebuilt his firm by embracing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), niching down to creatives, and shifting his mindset from features and benefits to solving emotional needs. Christian shares his journey of stepping away, burning out, and ultimately coming back stronger by redefining success and focusing on what really matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Why Christian left his accounting firm, started a software company, and eventually returned with a new vision.

• How implementing EOS transformed his leadership and business growth.

• The power of narrowing your niche—and why creatives became his firm’s focus.

• Why clients don’t buy “bookkeeping and taxes,” but instead a feeling of control around money.

• How to avoid the trap of being the bottleneck in your own company.

• Why screening clients for mindset and willingness to change is essential.

• Christian’s new brand as “The Profit Prophet” and why clarity beats complexity.

• His creative side project: writing a historical fiction love story about the Choctaw Nation.

About the Guest:

Christian Brim, CPA, brings a wealth of experience and a deeply personal mission to his work in helping business owners with their finances. With over 25 years of experience, his background in both personal and professional finance, as well as his own family's experience with bankruptcy, gives him a unique perspective and empathy for his clients.

Links:

https://christianbrim.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I think it would be doing what I’m starting to re-doing, which is go and help business owners get stuck. My niche is entrepreneurs that have success, but then they’re stuck at that level. That’s what I would do.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Functionally, it is getting in my own way. Practically, it was hanging on too long to the sales and marketing seat. I wasn’t the right person, but I didn’t let go until it cut down to the bone.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Besides the Bible: The E-Myth, Scaling Up by Vern Harnish, Traction by Gino Wickman. Also Confessions of a Pricing Man, Alchemy by Rory Sutherland, and Greatness Cannot Be Planned.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I’ve tried a lot of AI tools, but what I’ve leaned into is relearning coding—not to code myself, but to understand software development better and work with people who do.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “My initial answer is in Christ. But secularly, freedom is knowing why you’re doing what you’re doing. Not just following expectations. It’s having both money and time to do what you’re called to do, under the umbrella of your purpose.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

This fear keeps people stuck—working long hours for someone else’s dream, instead of building their own. Too often, people dive into the wrong franchise, like restaurants, without understanding the razor-thin margins and lifestyle demands. The result? Burnout, financial strain, and disappointment.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with James Hilovsky, franchise consultant and founder of The Fran Dream. With over 20 years inside the franchise world—supporting openings, operations, and franchisees—James reveals how franchising can be the ultimate “business in a box” when done right. He explains what makes a good franchise fit, common mistakes people make, and how to choose a path that builds wealth, freedom, and legacy.

Key Takeaways:

• How James went from Del Taco corporate to scaling Pyology from 1 to 100 locations.

• Why not all franchises are created equal—and why restaurants are often the riskiest.

• The benefits of working with a franchise consultant vs. going it alone.

• How to choose franchises that fit your lifestyle, goals, and risk tolerance.

• Why mindset and willingness to “bet on yourself” are the key traits of successful franchisees.

• The step-by-step process of evaluating, funding, and validating a franchise.

• Why support from franchisors and fellow franchisees makes all the difference.

• The truth about margins, training, and why some businesses are better avoided.

About the Guest:

James is a former minor league baseball player who knows firsthand what it’s like to face the question, “What’s next?” After his time in professional sports, he transitioned into the restaurant industry, steadily working his way up through the ranks. Yet, even after years of climbing the corporate ladder, he held onto a bigger vision owning something of his own.

That pursuit led James into the world of franchising, where he discovered his passion: helping others make the leap into business ownership. Today, he guides aspiring entrepreneurs, former athletes, and career professionals through the process of finding the right franchise to match their goals, lifestyle, and investment level. He represents more than 400 brands across industries such as kids’ education, fitness, senior care, home services, and beyond.

In addition to supporting new franchise owners, James also partners with independent business owners who want to scale their companies by turning them into franchise models.

Whether someone is transitioning from sports, seeking a way out of the corporate grind, or simply exploring entrepreneurship, James brings a unique perspective and real-world insight into what it takes to succeed in franchising and how to build a business that truly works for one’s life.

Links:

https://www.thefrandream.co

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would use my knowledge on my laptop to start conversations right away—reaching out to my network, creating quick content, connecting with franchisors. Conversations become candidates. Networking and relying on my network would get me back up.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “In corporate, it was playing office politics instead of standing by what I knew was best for my team. As an entrepreneur, it was losing focus on customers—the main thing is always the main thing.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Big Money Energy by Ryan Serhant. “It’s all about how to dominate at life, how to use your network, and build both your business and others’ at the same time.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT—I use it to rewrite every email and text I send. It makes sure every message is right before it goes out.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Gratitude and generosity are the gateway to freedom. Freedom is being in a career where you have time to enjoy life—watch your kids grow, catch a game, make memories. Nobody says on their deathbed, ‘I wish I worked another day.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

If you’ve ever ended the day with tired, burning eyes, struggled with blurred vision after long Zoom sessions, or watched your kids glued to their iPads, you know this isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a health crisis. Traditional solutions like vitamins, glasses, or eye drops often get ignored, leaving millions vulnerable.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Roger Wu, an eye doctor and serial entrepreneur who created iDrink—a science-backed beverage designed to fight digital eye strain. Dr. Wu shares how he went from frustration in his practice to launching a “Gatorade for your eyes,” why blue light is more dangerous than you think, and how he’s scaling a wellness product in an entirely new industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Why digital screens are causing dry eye and macular damage in younger patients.

• The science behind iDrink, and why hydration and omega-3s are key for eye health.

• How Dr. Wu pivoted from medicine to entrepreneurship—despite having no beverage background.

• Why “premium ingredients” matter when building a wellness product.

• The cultural shock of moving from healthcare into the slow-paced beverage industry.

• How iDrink is rolling out—from optometry practices to trade shows, and eventually into Whole Foods and beyond.

• Why investors in healthcare see massive opportunity in eye wellness products.

• The long-term vision: scaling globally while protecting proprietary manufacturing methods.

About the Guest:

Dr. Roger Wu is a board-certified optometrist who has spent more than two decades helping people see the world more clearly. When smartphones and constant screen time became the norm, Dr. Wu noticed a new wave of complaints in his clinic—burning, gritty “computer eyes,” blurry vision after endless Zoom calls, and early signs of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

Recognizing that screens were here to stay, he set out to do more than prescribe eye drops and tell patients to blink. Partnering with nutrition scientists, he created The Eye Drink—a ready-to-drink, fruit-flavored beverage that delivers AREDS2 nutrients plus highly absorbable, plant-based (triglyceride-form) Omega-3s. In a 90-day pilot study with real patients, every participant’s macular pigment optical density—a key marker of retinal health—improved, while dry-eye symptoms fell.

Links:

https://theeyedrink.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I probably look for an optometrist’s job opening locally first. Start working for someone, and then either during lunchtime or after hours try to explore other opportunities. That’s what I would do, start saving up enough money."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "Not raising enough money for my previous startup. People told me not to start until I had $7–7.5 million raised, but we started with less than $200,000. We had a unique algorithm, but when the pandemic hit, we didn’t have enough funding to survive."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Blue Ocean Strategy—definitely one of my favorites. Also Patrick Bet-David’s book, Your Next Five Moves."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "That’s tough—I’m a workaholic. I get up at five, answer emails. Honestly, if there was an AI that could respond to emails for me, that would be fantastic."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Freedom means I can do whatever I want—legally, of course. If I wake up with an idea, I want the financial resources and time to pursue it. For me, freedom is the ability to create, build, and do what I want without limits."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Too many entrepreneurs are experts in their fields but invisible to the world. They know they have wisdom to share, yet they struggle to stand out, attract clients, or build authority in a crowded market.

The reality is: without visibility, your business growth is capped. Traditional publishing feels intimidating and slow, while social media can feel like a never-ending treadmill. How can you build credibility, attract clients, and create leverage—without burning out or waiting years?

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Aurora Winter—TV producer turned author and publishing strategist—who shares how she helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and experts turn their words into wealth. Aurora reveals the proven system she uses to help thought leaders write bestselling books, repurpose their message into hundreds of pieces of content, and ultimately position themselves as authorities in their industries.

Key Takeaways:

• Aurora’s journey from yacht sales and TV production to bestselling author and publishing mentor.

• Why self-publishing now beats traditional publishing for most entrepreneurs.

• How authors like David Goggins made millions more by retaining control of their books.

• Why audiobooks and YouTube are exploding opportunities for thought leaders.

• How to repurpose interviews into hundreds of pieces of social media content.

• The 3 publishing eras (1.0 gatekeepers → 2.0 Amazon/eBooks → 3.0 thought leadership).

• How book titles and positioning can make or break your success.

• Why your personal story matters more than ever in the age of AI.

• The trifecta of visibility: Amazon (books), YouTube (videos), and AI (search engines).

About the Guest:

Aurora Winter, MBA is the CEO of Same Page Publishing, which specializes in publishing award-winning books. She is also an award-winning, bestselling author of fiction and nonfiction.

Her latest fantasy series is Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse, which won the Readers' Choice Award, Best Book for Teens, 2023.

Turn Words Into Wealth reveals seven blueprints to build your business using your book. This book was honored with the Outstanding Non-Fiction Book of the Year Award (Writing/Publishing) in 2022.

Links:

https://www.aurorawinter.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I'm going to pick a niche that's local to me… something like concrete, plumbing—high value, emergency services… I’ll set up a GMB listing, push it for leads, and do paper lead deals—$50–$100 per lead. That solves rent and starts scaling.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "I fell in love with my businesses and waited until I was fed up to sell them. That’s the worst time to sell. Now I always think about the exit strategy, even when I love the business."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Alex Hormozi’s $100M Offers and $100M Leads are fantastic. I also recommend Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff and The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "Fireflies—it joins my Zoom calls automatically, records, summarizes, and sends me the notes. I also use Google Docs daily, plus AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Freedom is being creatively self-expressed. Helping others create things that make a difference—whether that’s joy, insight, or information."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Parents know something feels broken. They see their kids losing curiosity, struggling with structure, or even dreading school. Yet, the idea of homeschooling or unschooling feels overwhelming—especially for busy professionals and entrepreneurs who think they don’t have the time.

In this powerful episode, Jeff Kikel speaks with Moira Mills, who was raised completely unschooled and now helps families transition from traditional education into homeschooling and self-directed learning. Moira shares her personal journey from Alaska homestead life to raising her own son while traveling the country. She breaks down how unschooling really works, why curiosity-driven learning beats rigid standards, and how parents can rethink education to prepare kids for a world shaped by freedom, creativity, and responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

• What “unschooling” really means—and how it differs from homeschooling.

• How Moira’s upbringing outside of traditional school shaped her worldview.

• Why kids learn best when driven by curiosity and real-world experiences.

• The myth of standardized education and why it’s holding kids back.

• How literacy rates were higher before compulsory schooling.

• Why boredom is essential for creativity and imagination.

• The role of technology and AI in the future of learning—and why young kids need less screen time, not more.

• How universities are increasingly recruiting homeschool students.

• Why raising kids to be entrepreneurs, not just employees, is critical for the future.

About the Guest:

Moira Mills is a lifelong unschooler, roadschooling mama, and certified Rolfer® with a background in health coaching, regenerative community building, and brand alignment. She works at the intersection of healing, parenting, and entrepreneurship, helping people come home to themselves so they can build lives that actually work.

Links:

https://moiramills.com/

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

This was Debbie Deknight’s reality—until a personal crisis forced her to quit her job and take control of her finances, her freedom, and her future. Like many entrepreneurs, she wanted time for family, financial stability, and a business that worked for her—not the other way around. But that path was anything but easy.

In this inspiring episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Profit First professional and fractional CFO Debbie Deknight, who shares how she turned chaos into clarity and created a business that gives her (and her clients) true financial freedom. Debbie reveals her journey from burnout to building a virtual bookkeeping firm that helps small business owners implement the Profit First system, master their numbers, and actually keep more of their money.

Whether you’re barely scraping by or scaling your business, this episode shows you how to take back control—and why Profit First might be the missing piece in your Freedom Day journey.

Key Takeaways:

• How a health crisis pushed Debbie to quit her job and finally start her own business.

• Why Profit First changed everything—and how you can implement it yourself.

• The hidden dangers of “lump sum” bookkeeping (and why detail matters).

• What most bookkeepers and accountants get wrong about helping small businesses.

• The power of time freedom—and how Debbie uses it to care for her parents.

• Why most entrepreneurs don’t realize they’re leaking profit in dozens of tiny ways.

• How Profit First ensures your taxes, payroll, and profit are always covered.

• What fractional CFO services can do for contractors and trades businesses.

• The importance of emotional resilience and community for solo entrepreneurs.

About the Guest:

Debbie Deknight, founder of Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping, brings over 30 years of accounting experience and expertise as a Profit First Master certified coach and Strategic Business Advisor. Debbie is passionate about educating, implementing, supporting, profit-driven strategies that lead to sustainable success.

Links:

https://www.rightwayprofits.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "Cry. Honestly, that’s what would happen... Then pick myself up, grab my journal, and start to strategize. I'd quadruple my social media, get on podcasts, attend networking events... it's all a numbers game."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "If something was uncomfortable or scared me, I avoided it and I held myself and my business back. A few years ago, I made my theme 'Screw it, just do it' and everything changed."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Profit First. Every small business owner should read it. There’s enough in there to start implementing right away."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "Trello. I’m a list-making control freak, and Trello helps me stay organized, track ideas, manage tasks—and it integrates with Google Calendar."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Trello. I’m a list-making control freak, and Trello helps me stay organized, track ideas, manage tasks—and it integrates with Google Calendar."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

That’s not just a missed payday—it’s a financial nightmare that could derail your Freedom Day plans. Add in shady brokers, outdated marketplaces, and unqualified buyers, and it’s no wonder small business owners are feeling stuck with no clear exit strategy.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Evan Poling, founder of BizRetire.com, to talk about how he's shaking up the broken world of buying and selling businesses. Evan shares how his background in anti-money laundering and finance led him to create a commission-free, seller-first marketplace—and how his model helps both buyers and sellers avoid the pitfalls of traditional exit strategies.

Whether you're planning your exit, looking to acquire a business, or just want to understand how to build something worth selling, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and straight talk.

Key Takeaways:

• Why 80% of businesses listed for sale don’t sell—and what you can do to avoid that fate.

• How Evan’s background in anti-money laundering (AML) shaped his approach to evaluating businesses.

• The dark truth behind traditional business brokers and the hidden “failure tax” sellers pay.

• Why BizRetire is designed to be the “baby” of a good business broker and a quality marketplace.

• Why low-revenue “boring” businesses are a massive opportunity for future entrepreneurs.

• The emotional cost of poor planning: widows, lost homes, and buyer exploitation.

• The buyer bottleneck myth—it’s not buyers that are hard to find, it’s sellers who are unaware.

• How seller-financing and advisory partnerships can make or break a deal.

• Why your business isn’t a “baby”—and why the market doesn’t care unless it’s prepared to sell.

About the Guest:

Evan Poling is a lifelong learner and optimizer, driven by curiosity and a passion for doing things better. From earning a black belt in Hapkido to managing a full house remodel, building a business, owning rental property, and serving in the military, Evan's diverse experiences bring a unique lens of clarity, depth, and innovation to every challenge.

Now, as the founder of BizRetire.com, Evan is on a mission to disrupt the 300-year-old business brokerage industry. While traditional brokers operate like Blockbuster, Evan is building the Netflix of business sales—modernizing how entrepreneurs transition out of their businesses with smarter, more streamlined solutions.

With a background rooted in adaptability and insight, Evan brings a fresh perspective to an industry in need of reinvention.

Links:

https://www.bizretire.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I'm going to log on to Facebook Marketplace and find some stuff that I can buy and resell... I'm going to make some money."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "There's a thing called Iron Triangle: speed, quality, and price. You can only have two. I chose price and quality—and it took me six to seven months to launch my website. I should have just paid the extra $3,000 or $4,000."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "The Bible. If you're not right spiritually, physically, emotionally, you're going to chase after the wrong things. My business is not about profit. It's about impact."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "I've been using video editing software a lot—Premiere Pro—for shorts and videos and stuff."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Freedom? This is one I struggle with. I thought it was being a business owner... but that's a different type of slavery. My definition of freedom is heaven, man. Eternal bliss."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

The traditional path school, job, save for retirement often ends in burnout, not freedom. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, you’re not alone.

Luke Van Der Veer broke the mold—and built his own digital empire.

After years of trying side hustles, Luke discovered the power of renting out websites like digital real estate. Today, he earns passive income by generating leads for local businesses—without being tied to any one client or job.

In this episode, Luke unpacks how he turned SEO into a 6-figure lifestyle business, and why this model could work for you—even if you’re starting from scratch.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the “hope and pray” method of saving for retirement doesn’t work

• How Luke escaped corporate life by renting lead-gen websites

• The SEO strategy behind choosing profitable, low-competition niches

• How he builds passive monthly income with flat-fee or pay-per-lead deals

• Why business acquisition is his next level of digital leverage

• The tools and mindset he uses to stay ahead of Google's algorithms and AI disruption

About the Guest:

Luke Van Der Veer has helped hundreds of people build passive income and take control of their lives. His students have built 6 and 7-figure incomes, quit their jobs, escaped the trap of trading time for money, grown their businesses, and completely transformed their lifestyles.

Links:

https://lukevanderveer.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I'm going to pick a niche that's local to me… something like concrete, plumbing—high value, emergency services… I’ll set up a GMB listing, push it for leads, and do paper lead deals—$50–$100 per lead. That solves rent and starts scaling.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Focusing only on the money. I chased side hustles based on how much they could make, not whether they fit me. That wasted 3.5 years. I should’ve asked: ‘What model can help me create the life I want?"

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “DotCom Secrets by Russell Brunson. Honestly, get all three of his books. Sales, personal growth, marketing—he puts it all together. Massive impact.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “WhatsApp. My freelancers are all over the world. It’s the easiest way to message, group chat, and coordinate in one place.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Doing whatever you want, whenever you feel like it, with whoever you want—without asking for permission. For me, that’s family and friends. And I have that now.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Most professionals dream about freedom—working for themselves, building a business, and living life on their terms—but fear and finances keep them locked into the 9-to-5.

Justin Dixon made the jump.

After 18 years in corporate recruiting (including roles at Comcast and startups), he and his wife slashed their expenses, built passive income, and took the leap into entrepreneurship—launching Hire Tomorrow, a recruiting firm serving startups and private equity-backed companies.

In this episode, Justin shares how he built a lean, profitable recruiting business, leveraged community during the pandemic, and uses AI to streamline hiring—while designing a life that moves him closer to Freedom Day.

Key Takeaways:

• How reading Rich Dad Poor Dad sparked Justin’s shift from employee to entrepreneur

• Why cutting expenses and building passive income was key to taking the leap

• The power of collaboration with competitors during tough times

• How AI is changing recruitment—and why Justin stays cautious

• The three levels of financial freedom Justin uses to plan his life

• How small businesses can win top talent without massive budgets

About the Guest:

Justin Dixon is a visionary talent strategist and the founder of Hire Tomorrow, a cutting-edge recruiting firm that helps high-growth startups and Private Equity-backed companies build world-class teams.

From scrappy startups to Fortune 500 powerhouses, Justin has led recruitment efforts across diverse sectors such as Finance, Technology, Sales, Marketing, and Executive Leadership. His breadth of experience allows him to quickly understand a client’s unique hiring landscape and deliver talent solutions that drive growth, culture, and competitive advantage.

Launching a business on the eve of a global pandemic might seem risky to most—but for Justin, it was a catalyst. Fueled by grit and guided by vision, he turned uncertainty into opportunity, building Hire Tomorrow into a go-to partner for companies that need to scale fast without compromising on quality or culture.

Links:

https://www.hiretomorrow.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d go for a run and start thinking creatively. I’d tap my network to see what I could build—no rush back to W-2 life.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting Hire Tomorrow in January 2020… right before COVID. Also, jumping into multifamily investing during the 2021 frenzy—rookie mistake chasing trends.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Who Not How by Dan Sullivan – “Don’t ask how you can do more, ask who can do it with or for you.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “A customized tracker inspired by EOS. It keeps me and my team accountable, focused, and executing—no wasted meetings.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “There are three levels. Level 1: your basic bills are covered. Level 2: your lifestyle is covered. Level 3: full F-you money—you wake up and do what you want, with who you want, where you want.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Too many entrepreneurs rush into business with passion but no plan—burning money, wasting time, and sometimes walking away defeated. But what if you could learn from someone who’s done it four times—building, selling, and scaling real companies?

Meet Tanner Haas.

At just 18, Tanner launched his first venture—only to discover firsthand why passion alone can’t beat bad economics. Fast forward: he’s built and sold multiple businesses, from nutraceuticals to SEO agencies, and now he’s the founder of Freedom Chat—a privacy-first messaging and social app disrupting a multi-billion-dollar industry.

In this episode, Tanner shares his raw lessons from the trenches—what worked, what failed, and why his startup journey has been defined by bold moves, resilience, and a relentless drive to fix problems others ignore.

Key Takeaways:

• Why businesses fail before they start—and how to avoid the biggest rookie mistake

• The power of moving fast but not too fast when launching products

• How Uber rides and random encounters led to a thriving SEO agency with 10 clients before a website

• Why Freedom Chat could become a billion-dollar disruptor in privacy and messaging

• How to identify problems that “make your blood boil” to find your next big idea

• Tanner’s philosophy on freedom, work, and building meaningful companies

About the Guest:

Tanner Haas is a serial entrepreneur who started his first company at just 18 years old—and sold it two years later. Along the way, he’s experienced the gritty realities of startup life, from eating raw eggs and living off his own protein powder when the power was shut off, to driving for Uber to keep his ventures alive.

Unapologetically committed to the grind, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to build and sustain his companies. Today, he shares the lessons, resilience, and unfiltered truths of entrepreneurship, offering a real-world perspective on what it takes to succeed when building from the ground up.

Links:

https://freedomchat.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d first call a friend or connection for a $10–20K loan so I can think and formulate a plan… then build a deck, a website, and raise money for a new company.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting my nutrition company without due diligence. Business doesn’t care about your feelings—it needs to make money. Also, rushing Freedom Chat’s MVP. We launched too quickly and had to relaunch multiple times.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Read the biography of the person you most admire. Don’t pick your mom or grandma—pick a public figure. It’ll show you they’re human, flawed, and yet achieved great things.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Freedom Chat for team communication, ProtonMail for privacy, Canva for design, QuickBooks for finances. Four to five tools total—keep it lean.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Working on what you want, with people you want, saying what you want without repercussions. It’s not about doing nothing—it’s about working on problems you want to solve.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Giancarlo Carangelo dropped out of high school at 16 and started working in restaurants—but he knew he wanted more. Tired of long hours and low pay, he took a chance on a real estate course, and that single decision changed everything.

Today, he’s a successful real estate investor, property manager, and coach.

Giancarlo didn’t grow up with a roadmap to wealth. He built it brick by brick—learning to manage properties, mentor new investors, and build a community that grows wealth together.

In this episode, you’ll discover the mindset and strategies he used to create lasting freedom—plus how you can start even if you have zero experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Why your investor personality (hands-on vs. hands-off) shapes your strategy

• How Giancarlo turned $500 into a thriving real estate portfolio

• The biggest myth about doing it all yourself—and why collaboration wins

• What it really takes to go full-time in real estate (3–5 year roadmap)

• How to shift from a worker’s mindset to an investor’s mindset

• The power of mentorship and community in long-term real estate success

About the Guest:

Giancarlo Carangelo — a seasoned real estate investor, entrepreneur, and coach who has built a powerhouse business from the ground up. With nearly $50 million in assets under management and over 300 real estate transactions completed, Giancarlo is a leading voice in the world of real estate investment and property management. He’s the founder of Carangelo Management, A Real Estate company, and ProVenture, Full service Estate firm that helps new and experienced investors launch and grow profitable portfolios across Canada, the U.S., and even internationally in markets like the Dominican Republic.

What makes Giancarlo’s journey even more inspiring is that he’s achieved all of this after dropping out of high school. Through grit, consistency, and smart strategy, he’s built a reputation as a results-driven leader who knows how to navigate complex markets, build strong systems, and scale efficiently.

Whether it’s coaching clients, speaking to an audience, or running his own podcast, Giancarlo is passionate about sharing what he’s learned and empowering others to take control of their financial future through real estate. If you're looking to get tactical insight, real-world experience, and a dose of entrepreneurial fire.

Links:

https://www.realproventure.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’m going to take all that knowledge I’ve absorbed in the last 10 years and implement a new strategy… something short-term to build capital, then transition back to long-term scalable investments.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Having the lone wolf mindset… thinking I could do it by myself without coaching or mentoring.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Money People Deal by Stefan Aarnio

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My cell phone. It connects me to every CRM and platform I use to run my business—anywhere in the world.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to do what I want, when I want, with whom I want—without asking permission. Time with my family, being there for breakfast or a soccer game… that’s real freedom.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

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Many coaches, consultants, and service providers waste years on the wrong marketing strategies, burned out and broke—trading time for exposure instead of results.

That was Jeanne Omlor’s story… until she turned it all around.

After eight years of grinding offline with little traction, Jeanne finally got online, took massive action, and hit $1M in revenue in just 17 months—with 92% profit. No ads. No fluff. Just strategy and service.

In this powerful episode, Jeanne breaks down exactly how she helps her clients land high-ticket deals, master organic social media, and grow profitable coaching businesses—without selling their souls or sacrificing their values.

Key Takeaways:

• Why organic marketing on LinkedIn beats paid ads for coaches and consultants

• The fastest path to client cashflow: irresistible offers + clear positioning

• How to build a coaching business that actually pays you—not just validates you

• Jeanne’s process for helping clients land $10K–$35K+ contracts

• The mindset + money formula every coach needs to thrive

• Her system for getting YouTube subscribers and planning a new influencer course

Bonus Insight: Jeanne shares how she used YouTube ads and podcast content to grow a 95K+ subscriber base—and why she believes “mindset and strategy must go neck and neck.”

About the Guest:

Jeanne Omlor is a Certified Business Strategist and Coach with a passion for helping entrepreneurs reach their maximum potential. As a trusted partner to coaches, consultants, experts, and service providers, Jeanne brings a powerful mix of motivation, strategic insight, and leadership training to every client engagement.

With an ICF accreditation in Intelligent Leadership, Jeanne helps business owners build high-performing teams, increase profits, and step fully into their visionary roles—all while maintaining balance and integrity. She sees herself as a catalyst, empowering smart, driven clients to scale their businesses, serve at a higher level, and thrive both personally and professionally.

Jeanne works with go-getters who are ready to unlock unimagined prosperity, boost productivity, and lead with confidence. Through personalized coaching and practical strategies, she helps clients become not just successful entrepreneurs, but impactful leaders in business and life.

Links:

https://jeanneomlor.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I just do organic social media marketing because you don't need any money for that, and I create a new offer and I start talking to people.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not getting online way earlier. Eight years earlier.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Psycho-Cybernetics.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “LinkedIn Sales Navigator.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want, with whomever I want.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

For many families, vacations feel like a luxury—something you squeeze in when the bills are paid and life slows down. But what if you could turn your everyday spending into free flights, five-star resorts, and international adventures?

That’s exactly what Tim Walker did.

Living in one of the poorest communities in Pennsylvania, Tim hit his breaking point—struggling with compassion fatigue, raising a family, and unable to afford rest or memories. Then he discovered travel hacking, and everything changed.

In this episode, Tim shares how he went from scraping by to flying business class to Europe, staying at $1,500-a-night resorts for free, and helping others do the same.

You'll learn how his system turns gas, groceries, and bills into luxurious travel—without going into debt or living beyond your means.

Key Takeaways:

• How Tim earned 1.2 million travel points in 9 months (and now over 4 million!)

• The Double Multiplier method to maximize point earnings and redemptions

• Why cash back is the worst strategy for travel lovers

• What a $25,000 Europe trip looks like when done entirely with points

• Common myths about travel hacking—and how to avoid them

• Why Tim teaches others to travel more, spend less, and live free

About the Guest:

Tim Walker is the founder of Travel Multiplier, where he helps people unlock the life-changing power of Travel Hacking to explore the world for free. His passion for free travel was born out of personal struggle—years of living and working in Wilkes-Barre, PA, one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods, where he invested deeply in urban transformation and walked alongside people overcoming homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and more.

While those years were rich in purpose, they were financially and emotionally draining. Unable to afford travel, his family often lacked the restoration they needed—until he discovered Travel Hacking. Since then, he’s earned over 3 million travel points, taken his family around the world for free, and helped countless others do the same.

Now, through Travel Multiplier, he’s on a mission to help others—especially those who’ve felt travel was out of reach—learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable adventures. Because when you know how to hack the system, travel isn’t a luxury—it’s accessible to everyone.

Links:

https://www.travelmultiplier.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I think I would probably start a new business. I would love to leverage that money, make that money work for me.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Overconfidence in how much people would trust me. I underestimated how skeptical people would be—and did a poor job communicating to them.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller and How to Get Paid for What You Know by Graham Cochran”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Kajabi for my coaching platform… and ChatGPT—especially custom GPTs I’ve trained as ‘employees’ in my business.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being in a place where nothing is holding you back. Freedom of time, money, opportunity, exploration—living without limits.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

You’re not alone and today's guest proves there's another way.

Meet Bart Merrell, the Side Hustle Samurai.

He never had a "real job" and built a thriving lifestyle by stacking creative side hustles from DJing high school dances to launching a dog training business and even monetizing his own amputation story (yes, really).

In this episode, Bart reveals exactly how he finds profitable ideas in everyday life and teaches you how to do the same. Whether you're itching to leave your job or just want more freedom and security, Bart's mindset and method will help you discover income streams hiding in plain sight.

Key Takeaways:

• Why picking the wrong side hustle is the #1 mistake most people make

• The 6-list process Bart uses to identify your ideal income stream

• How he turned dog training into a $100K+ business with no prior experience

• What losing his leg taught him about monetizing even the hardest moments

• How to spot your “acres of diamonds” (aka opportunities right under your nose)

• Why multiple streams of income = real freedom and peace of mind

About the Guest:

He has never had a real job – and believes you don’t need one either.

In the small dusty podunk farming community of Animas, New Mexico (two hundred plus people), his high school friends needed entertainment. So, at age fifteen, Bart created his own mobile DJ company. He started with a four-year-old Sanyo all-in-one stereo system – complete with eight track player – and began organizing weekend dances. He rented the community center, hired an off duty sheriff’s deputy, his mom and dad took money at the door and Bart spun records.

He continued to add to his system until it sported a light tree, Peavey SP1 subwoofers, SP3 mids and tweeters tri-amped with five thousand watts of power. You are probably laughing at this, but it was a rockin’ system in its day.

And it was a rockin’ dance business, which he grew (adding consistently to his professional sound and lighting system) into a viable enterprise which ultimately helped him through college. He then sold the business and moved forward to his next business adventure.

Links:

https://bartmerrell.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would be aware of the opportunities around me... I speak fluent Japanese. We could start a Japanese conversation class just like that.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I discovered a Topgolf-style driving range in Japan in 1994... I didn’t take action because the number of zeros scared me. I could’ve been first to bring it to the U.S.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Monetize Your Mindset — my book on how to think differently, not what to do also anything by Gary Vee. His approach to the thank-you economy and content creation has inspired me.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Go High Level. It runs the backend of my business—it’s powerful and scalable.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Doing what I want, when I want to. Or in my mentor’s words—living life on your own terms.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Many couples dream of working together and building a business—but the reality often leads to stress, miscommunication, and burnout.

Larry and Sue Pruett have been there.

After 20+ years of working jobs and building businesses side-by-side, they sold their e-commerce company and transitioned into purpose-driven coaching. Along the way, they faced debt, burnout, shifting roles, and raising five kids—all while staying united in marriage and business.

In this episode, they share how they built freedom through intentional planning, multiple income streams, and aligning their marriage with their mission. Whether you're a solopreneur, a married business owner, or just dreaming of your Freedom Day, this episode will show you what's possible.

Key Takeaways:

• How to build a business with your spouse without ruining your marriage

• The strategy they used to leave their jobs and go all-in on e-commerce

• Why they saved 6 months of expenses (and toilet paper!) before quitting

• The biggest mistake they made in business—and how they recovered

• How their family mission statement became their most powerful business tool

• Why helping couples in business is their ultimate calling

About the Guest:

Larry and Sue have been married for over 35 years and are parents of five adult children. They have been entrepreneurs for over 20 years, with the last 12+ years being full-time. They are business and marriage coaches who help married entrepreneurs build the business of their dreams ... side by side!

Links:

https://www.sidebysidebusiness.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I would just go right back into building this up. I'd be trying to build up the email list. I would be doing everything I could to get on podcasts... And I think we'd start reaching out to people and start selling things on consignment."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "Going into debt for our business... it was just this big burden that we carried until we could climb out from that."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Profit First by Mike Michalowicz and Simple Money Rich Life by Bob Lotich.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Our Family Mission Statement. It helps us make decisions, say no more often, and filter new opportunities—even with ChatGPT prompts.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to pick your schedule… You get to decide how and when you do things.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

He was a successful business owner with 85 employees, pulling seven figures. But he was miserable.

Overworked, overwhelmed, and never home, Charley realized he was climbing the wrong mountain. So he did what few entrepreneurs have the courage to do: he burned it all down. He sold his company, built a simpler life, and began redefining what success and freedom really mean.

In this episode, Charley shares the raw truth about burnout, the guilt of selling a business built on hustle, and how he rebuilt a life around time, peace, and purpose. If you’ve ever questioned the price of “success,” this episode will resonate deeply.

Key Takeaways:

• Success ≠ Scale: Why Charley walked away from a thriving business with 85 employees

• Burnout Warning Signs: How being constantly “on” crushed his peace—and nearly his health

• The Myth of Always Needing More: What he learned by cutting his income in half but doubling his happiness

• From CEO to Solo: How Charley built a lean, 4-person business that pays him more and demands less

• Redefining Freedom: Why “just enough” is a powerful number—and how you can find yours

About the Guest:

Charley Johnson is a trailblazing business leader with over 20 years of corporate experience, 7 years as President of the Pay It Forward Foundation, and a decade of study with an enlightened teacher—a path that most often leads to leaving the material world behind. Instead, [Your Name] chose to bridge the worlds of business and consciousness, offering a rare blend of executive insight and elevated clarity.

As one of the world’s first Chief Consciousness Officers (CCO), Charley partners with visionary companies ready to lead in a rapidly evolving world—where technology, division, and distraction challenge human connection more than ever. The CCO role is designed to help organizations maintain their human core while embracing emerging technologies like AI.

Serving as a neutral, conscious presence inside the organization, a CCO helps CEOs, executives, and teams see past conditioning and blind spots, enabling more creative, open-minded solutions. In an age of unprecedented polarization, this role fosters connection, alignment, and purpose-driven leadership from the inside out.

[Your Name]'s revolutionary “Consciousness Training” is a versatile and transformative approach used by executives, athletes, couples, and spiritual seekers alike. Whether the goal is better business understanding, personal clarity, or deeper relationships, this work unlocks a higher level of performance by returning to the source of all knowledge—consciousness itself.

Now, Charley is on a mission to help forward-thinking leaders and organizations shape a future where clarity, connection, and consciousness are the competitive edge.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjconsciousness/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "The same thing. The same thing. Yep, yep. Figure out something with consciousness within humanity, how to expand it."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "Being too loose with money, too nice. Thinking that I was supposed to take away everyone’s problems and help them when that was probably a lesson they needed to learn. I’d be a lot better off if I was just a little bit more conservative and understood money and investing more."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Truth Has No Sides. Just for the simple fact of understanding both sides are creating the same division of conflict the world wants to rid itself of.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "Consciousness. And for those who understand the water analogy, maybe consciousness is the first time you're hearing about it. Just Google it. It’s like the four-minute mile. It was impossible until someone ran it. Until somebody did it. Consciousness makes no sense until you search it up and realize you are it. Once you realize you are it, you can tap into it all."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Consciousness. Everything's consciousness. It is pure. It's unadulterated. It's neutral. Everything that you and I came from before—our bias, before our condition, before the way we were taught, before the coexist stickers, before the religions, the Democrat, everything—came from consciousness. Consciousness is freedom. It's going to expand your awareness and allow you to be less rigid and more open to everyone around you. Which is the less division and conflict."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

What started as a favor for a friend turned into a calling. A single interview turned into a thriving business, Heritage Films, with over 800 documentaries created across 40 states. From World War II veterans to multi-generational ranchers, Chance is preserving legacies one story at a time—and redefining what it means to pass down more than just possessions.

In this episode, Chance shares how losing his father gave birth to a company, the power of storytelling in families, and how even a CPA’s story can move generations to tears.

Key Takeaways:

• The Accidental Business: How a one-time favor became a legacy company serving families across the U.S.

• Stories That Sell (Without Selling): Why personal narratives are more powerful than any pitch—and how Chance "sells" wisdom, values, and connection to future generations.

• Systematizing Legacy: The behind-the-scenes process that allows Chance to scale highly emotional, 3-hour films while keeping each one deeply personal.

• AI + Storytelling: How Chance uses ChatGPT and Notebook LM to prep interviews, build SOPs, and keep creative energy flowing.

• Launching Farm and Ranch Films: A new brand for multigenerational agricultural families—where the land itself becomes a character.

• Why Freedom = Play: Chance’s long-term vision of choosing only the stories he wants to tell while his systems handle the rest.

About the Guest:

Chance McClain is a creative powerhouse, blending a rich background in filmmaking, radio, and theater with a passion for storytelling. As the founder of Heritage Films, Chance has created more than 800 feature- length documentaries, celebrating family stories and life legacies. His work has connected generations, preserving the essence of individuals and families through visually stunning films.

A proud Army veteran and a pioneer in narrative innovation, Chance’s career spans sports radio, Broadway musicals, and entrepreneurial filmmaking. From directing a Streamy-nominated film to writing and producing an off-Broadway musical while running a sports station, his versatility and dedication shine through.

Today, Chance leads his team at Heritage Films with a heartfelt commitment to authenticity, merging technical expertise with an artistic touch. Whether inspiring others to embrace their past or discussing the art of storytelling, he captivates audiences and helps them see the value in preserving their own legacies

Links:

https://yourheritagefilm.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chancemcclain/

https://www.youtube.com/@YourHeritageFilm

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I’d shoot a heritage film on my iPhone. Then I'd use that money to upgrade equipment, do another, and grow from there. I’d be back in under a year."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "I had early success, built an Excel sheet with fantasy projections—$1M/month by Year 3. The real success felt like failure because of that unrealistic spreadsheet."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Rocket Fuel” by Gino Wickman and “Invisible Ink” by Brian McDonald”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "ChatGPT + NotebookLM. I uploaded an entire company playbook—every process, review, and conversation—so now I have an AI that knows my business better than some employees."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Making decisions that are best for my family and having the resources to make them happen. I found I love what I do—and I want to help others, too."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Too many creatives stay stuck, unsure how to scale their side hustle without burning out or going broke.

Stoane, founder of Wood and Stone, went from cleaning job sites to building a 7-figure woodworking business—all while staying true to his craft. In this episode, Jeff and Stoane dive deep into how you can start small, scale smart, and turn your passion into a profitable Freedom Day engine.

In this episode, he shares how he went from scraping together $5,000 and 20 hours a week... to leading a thriving business with million-dollar contracts, eight employees, and full benefits. If you've ever dreamed of turning your passion into a profitable business, Stoane's story will challenge, equip, and inspire you.

Key Takeaways:

• Start Before You're Ready: Why starting messy beats waiting for perfect

• Accounts, Not Jobs: How long-term relationships—not one-off gigs—built his 7-figure business

• Burnout Warning Signs: Stoane’s personal experience with overwork and the hidden cost of ignoring health

• Follow the Market: The difference between building what you want vs. what people are willing to pay for

• Scale Smart: Why hiring too fast can hurt you—and how to avoid expensive missteps

• Networking That Works: From lunch-and-learns to Woodcraft, Stoane shares where to find real leads (not just likes)

About the Guest:

Throughout his 20+ year career in construction, Stoane has had the opportunity to work on some magnificent projects. The majority of these projects focused on cabinetry, custom furniture and architectural features. From exotic wood desks for C-level Executives to Trade show booths featured at the Paris Air Show to many Homes, Offices, Hotels and Restaurants throughout the USA.

General Contracting: He has worked his way up from the production line in a cabinet shop, into custom furniture and fixtures, estimating, project management, shop management and now ownership. Through the years there have been a lot of wins and a lot of lessons!

Helping the Next Generation: Stoane has made it his Mission to help others skip avoidable hurdles. He consults with contractors on their business and teaches classes, across multiple states, around woodworking, carpentry and making money in the trades.narratives and real-world examples, readers are encouraged to embrace innovation and creative problem-solving as essential tools for overcoming obstacles.

Links:

https://woodandstoane.com/

https://www.facebook.com/woodandstoane/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "Get a job building for someone else. Then a second gig at Woodcraft or Rockler. Monetize every minute until I can get a bankroll to go back out."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "Hiring for resume over character. And real burnout—I hit a wall that affected my health."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "A bookkeeper—get one sooner than you think. And a Festool track saw. Game changer."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Making decisions that are best for my family and having the resources to make them happen. I found I love what I do—and I want to help others, too."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

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Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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In this episode, William walks us through the common business traps he sees over and over—from skipping follow-up to missing automations—and how he helps entrepreneurs fix them fast. He shares the “Uh-Oh Factor” framework, explains how to evaluate where your business is leaking money, and offers tactical advice for protecting your time, profits, and peace of mind.

Key Takeaways:

• Turning Mistakes into Momentum: William shares how early product failures with PitchBurst taught him to embrace mistakes as catalysts for redesign and reinvention.

• The “Uh-Oh” Method: His book introduces a proactive system to help entrepreneurs identify potential disasters before they happen, using tools like the “pre-mortem.”

• Mental Health & Entrepreneurship: After undergoing open-heart surgery, William emphasizes the critical importance of slowing down, setting boundaries, and protecting mental well-being.

• The Power of Oology: William explains how “Oology”—his humorous take on self-awareness—helps business owners get honest about their blind spots and biases.

• Don’t Go It Alone: He stresses the value of community, collaboration, and asking for help—especially when a simple conversation could prevent an expensive mistake.

About the Guest:

In the world of entrepreneurship, unexpected blunders can strike at any moment, leaving even the most seasoned business leaders uttering "Uh-Oh!" In his insightful new book, William Holsten draws from his own rollercoaster journey with WhirlWhims LLC to offer a candid look at the pitfalls and triumphs of launching and sustaining a business.

Holsten expertly navigates the landscape of common missteps we all encounter in personal and professional settings with a blend of humor and hard-earned wisdom. Through engaging anecdotes and relatable examples, he illustrates a variety of blunders that can lead to unintended consequences. But Holsten doesn’t stop at just identifying the pitfalls; he empowers readers with ten practical tools designed to help avoid these missteps.

"UH-OH!" is more than just a recounting of mistakes and missteps; it's a practical toolkit for resilience and strategic planning. Holsten emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes-both his own and those of others-and provides actionable strategies to anticipate and mitigate risks. Through engaging narratives and real-world examples, readers are encouraged to embrace innovation and creative problem-solving as essential tools for overcoming obstacles.

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking to sidestep common pitfalls or a business professional aiming to sharpen your strategic acumen, "UH-OH!" offers valuable insights into the relentless pursuit of success amidst the unpredictable nature of business.

Links:

https://williamholsten.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-holsten/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I'd take my wife on a trip. At this stage of life, joy matters more.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not partnering with an engineer and not licensing the invention earlier.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Think Like a Rocket Scientist” by Ozan Varol.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI and specifically POE.com for deep, creative thinking.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to be myself and serve others—on my terms.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

In this episode, Fadi breaks down his responsible investing framework using stocks and options, his risk-first approach to building wealth, and the exact system he uses to help students become confident, independent investors. If you're tired of working hard without seeing real progress toward freedom, this conversation will change how you think about investing.

Key Takeaways:

• From Engineer to Educator: Fadi shares how he transitioned from a high-paying but unfulfilling tech career to building freedom through real estate and options investing.

• Options Without the Casino Vibe: Learn how Fadi uses a conservative, income-focused approach to options that emphasizes risk mitigation over gambling.

• Why 90% of People Lose Money in Stocks: Fadi breaks down how most people skip due diligence and treat stocks like lottery tickets—and what to do instead.

• The Power of Paper Trading: Discover how his students test strategies in a risk-free environment before going live with real money.

• Legacy Wealth Builder Academy: Fadi’s 12-week mentorship helps busy professionals build financial confidence and skills—no day trading required.About the Guest:

About the Guest:

Fadi built a successful career as an engineer and project manager, holding six-figure roles in tech and manufacturing — but still felt stuck, overworked, and unfulfilled.

After being laid off multiple times and surviving a heart attack at 37, he knew he needed a new path. That turning point led him to create the GROWTH System — a simple, powerful options strategy designed to help everyday people build income and long-term freedom.

Today, Fadi is financially free and spends his time coaching others to achieve the same. When he’s not teaching, he’s scuba diving, traveling, or enjoying life on his own terms.

Links:

https://legacywealthbuilderacademy.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/fadihabib/

https://www.youtube.com/@LegacyWealthBuilderAcademy

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Assess opportunities, eliminate self-pity, and use the funds to re-skill or restart a business from scratch—no victim mindset allowed.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Investing in cheap real estate in bad neighborhoods—only to realize poor tenant quality and low collectability undermined the cash flow.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki and Get Rich With Options by Lee Lowell”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT, Go High Level CRM, GuruFocus, Equity Clock amdYahoo Finance”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Time freedom, location freedom, decision freedom—and the ability to design a life where you never have to ask permission to rest, work, or travel.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.