In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Kim Fitzpatrick, founder of Launched Host, to unpack a powerful and unexpected truth. The very thing that made you feel different as a kid might be the foundation of your success today.

Kim’s journey from being the “tall, awkward kid” to building a high-performance business that transforms empty properties into income-generating Airbnb assets in just seven days is more than inspiring. It’s a masterclass in identity, resilience, and turning insecurity into a competitive edge.

If you’ve ever felt like the odd one out, struggled with confidence, or questioned your place in business, this conversation will hit home and shift your perspective immediately.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Your Insecurities Shape Your Success

Why the traits you once tried to hide may actually be your most valuable business assets and how to reframe them to your advantage.

The “Oddball Advantage” in Business

How embracing what makes you different can position you as unique, memorable, and in demand instead of overlooked.

From Shrinking to Standing Out

The shift from playing small to owning your presence and how that transformation directly impacts confidence, communication, and opportunity.

The Athlete Mindset for Entrepreneurs

How Kim applies discipline, speed, and decision making from competitive sports into building and scaling her business.

Why Speed Creates Profit (The 7-Day Model)

How compressing timelines forces focus, eliminates excuses, and creates massive value for clients in the short-term rental market.

Decision Making Like a Pro

Why making fast, imperfect decisions often beats overthinking and how this skill separates high performers from everyone else.

The Hidden Emotional Value of Business

Why Kim’s work goes far beyond Airbnb setups and how creating experiences for others can be the most meaningful ROI.

Pricing, Value, and Confidence

How to transition from charging less while learning to confidently owning premium pricing when your process is dialed in.

The Deeper Message

This episode isn’t really about Airbnb properties or business systems.

It’s about identity.

It’s about recognizing that the thing you thought was holding you back may actually be the very thing that sets you apart.

And once you stop shrinking at the “lunch table” and start owning your difference, everything changes.

Visit https://www.launchedhost.com for more.

In this powerful and deeply human conversation, Michael and Diana Pellegrino, founders of Resilient Minds on the Front Lines, sit with Josh Cary to break down what resilience really looks like in real life. Not theory. Not fluff. Real tools for real moments.

From law enforcement trauma to personal loss, grief, and resistance, this episode pulls back the curtain on how people actually build mental strength when life hits hard.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, reactive, stuck in your own head, or like you “know better” but still can’t shift… this one is for you.

Life isn’t slowing down.

But you can learn how to respond differently.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Resiliency Isn’t Just “Bouncing Back”

Why true resiliency means moving forward, not just surviving what hits you.

Mental CPR: A Framework You’ll Actually Use

Catch. Pause. Reframe.

A simple, repeatable method to stop emotional spirals before they take over your day.

Why Your Mind Is the Hardest Place to Live

How most people stay stuck in their own thoughts and what it takes to break that pattern.

The Power of the Pause

Why one breath can completely change your reaction and prevent unnecessary damage in relationships and decisions.

Gratitude as a Mental Reset Tool

How identifying just three things you’re grateful for can literally shift your brain out of negativity in seconds.

Why “It Is What It Is” Is Killing Your Growth

And how to reframe it into something far more empowering and actionable.

What Triggers Really Mean

Why it’s never about the backpack, the traffic, or the small moment… and what’s actually underneath your reactions.

From Resistance to Transformation

Diana’s raw story of loss, grief, and initially rejecting these tools… until they changed her life.

How to Shorten Emotional Reactions (Not Eliminate Them)

You’re not trying to never get frustrated again. You’re learning how to recover faster and with less damage.

Why Mental Wellness Is a Business Advantage

For leaders, teams, and organizations… investing in mental health directly impacts performance, culture, and results.

The Quote:

“99% of the problem is not the problem. It’s how we react to it.”

That line alone is worth the listen.

Visit https://www.resilientminds.us for more.

In this deeply introspective and eye-opening conversation, Josh Cary sits down with Master Mingtong Gu, a global leader in Qigong and Embodied Awakening, to challenge one of the biggest assumptions we all live by.

That the answers are out there.

They’re not.

This episode pulls you out of your head and drops you back into something most people have completely lost touch with… their own body. If you’ve ever felt disconnected, burnt out, constantly thinking but rarely feeling, this conversation will hit you in a way that’s hard to ignore.

This is not just philosophy. This is a recalibration of how you experience your life, your energy, and your sense of self.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why You Feel Lost Even When Life Looks Good

The real reason so many high performers still feel disconnected, and why chasing external validation never actually fills the gap.

The Dangerous Shift Into Living Only in Your Head

How modern life is pulling us further away from our bodies and what that’s quietly costing you in clarity, energy, and fulfillment.

The Truth About Self-Realization That No One Talks About

Why asking “Who am I?” is incomplete if you ignore the one place the answer actually exists.

The Body as a Source of Intelligence and Healing

A powerful reframing of your body not as a machine to manage, but as a living system with built-in wisdom, energy, and healing capability.

The Hidden Medicine You Already Have

Why true healing doesn’t come from outside sources alone and how your body is designed to restore itself when you create the right conditions.

How to Stop Seeking and Start Feeling

A practical shift from overthinking to experiencing, and why feeling your way back to yourself is the real work.

The Crossroads Humanity Is Facing Right Now

A bold perspective on where we’re heading as a society and the urgent need to reconnect with what makes us human before we lose it.

Visit https://mingtonggu.com and https://chicenter.com for more.

In this episode of The Hidden Entrepreneur Show, host Josh Cary sits down with Janna Scott, founder of DeFi Tax, to unpack one of the most misunderstood areas of modern finance: how cryptocurrency is actually taxed in the United States.

If you have ever bought, sold, traded, or even experimented with crypto or NFTs, this conversation is essential listening. Janna explains why the IRS rules around crypto taxation are actually clearer than most people believe. The real problem lies in the data, the reporting tools, and the platforms investors rely on.

Drawing from years of research, audits, and direct conversations with government agencies, Janna reveals surprising gaps in the current crypto tax ecosystem and why many investors may unknowingly be reporting inaccurate information. She also explains how her work aims to bring transparency and accuracy to a rapidly evolving space.

This episode is a must listen for crypto investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to stay compliant while navigating the fast moving world of digital assets.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How the IRS Actually Treats Cryptocurrency

Why the IRS views crypto the same way it views stocks, real estate, or other assets and why many investors misunderstand the tax implications of their trades.

The Real Problem With Crypto Tax Reporting

Why the biggest issue is not IRS regulations but the way exchanges, blockchains, and reporting platforms collect and interpret transaction data.

Why Crypto Tax Platforms Often Produce Different Results

Janna reveals her research analyzing multiple crypto tax software platforms and why the same data set can produce wildly different tax outcomes.

The Truth About 1099-DA Reporting

What the new reporting forms mean for taxpayers and why many investors could end up over-reporting gains if they rely on inaccurate calculations.

How Investors Can Accidentally Commit Fraud

A surprising look at how some crypto tax platforms allow users to manipulate transaction categories and data, sometimes without realizing the legal implications.

The IRS Audit Reality for Crypto Investors

What happens when the IRS flags discrepancies between reported gains and exchange data and how automated audits may impact crypto users in the coming years.

The Entrepreneurial Journey Behind DeFi Tax

How Janna Scott left government consulting, built a tax firm, and went down a deep research rabbit hole that eventually led her to create a new solution for crypto tax reporting.

In this thought provoking episode, Josh Cary sits down with Venessa Peruda, creator, writer, and performer of the one woman show All the Rage, to explore the emotional, creative, and cultural power of anger, especially female anger. This is a rich conversation about performance, storytelling, comedy, healing, and what happens when people finally stop apologizing for what they feel.

Venessa shares how comedy became her outlet, her coping mechanism, and ultimately her creative weapon. She opens up about the social conditioning that teaches women to silence their anger, why that suppression can be harmful, and how humor can transform pain into something powerful, connective, and even liberating.

If you care about personal growth, emotional expression, live performance, comedy writing, women’s empowerment, or the deeper truth behind creative work, this episode delivers. It is part artistic exploration, part emotional wake up call, and part invitation to stop swallowing what needs to be said.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why female anger is often suppressed

Venessa breaks down the social conditioning that teaches women to view anger as shameful, disruptive, or unacceptable and why that conditioning needs to be challenged.

How comedy becomes a survival tool

You’ll hear how humor can help process difficult experiences, navigate pain, and create connection in the middle of chaos.

The real mission behind All the Rage

This is not just a comedy show. Venessa reveals why she sees it as an educational, liberating, and emotionally charged experience that invites women to rethink their relationship with anger.

How anger can become useful energy

Instead of seeing anger as something dangerous or destructive, Venessa explains how it can become a catalyst for truth, action, creativity, and personal freedom.

Why performance and comedy are such difficult art forms

Josh and Venessa explore the challenge of writing, performing, and landing comedy in real time, where the feedback is instant and every word matters.

How laughter creates power over pain

One of the strongest ideas in this episode is that comedy is a kind of alchemy. It can take rage, hurt, and injustice and turn them into release, perspective, and strength.

Why creative expression can be deeply healing

From stand up to sketch work to one woman shows, this conversation highlights how storytelling and performance can become tools for emotional release and self reclamation.

Jeff Dewey, Founder and CEO of Hope Delivered Health Provided, collapsed in his front yard in 2023. He needed a liver transplant. And in that terrifying moment, he was more worried about the cost than saving his own life.

That fear changed everything.

In this powerful conversation, we explore what is actually broken in the American healthcare system, why high deductible plans are overwhelming more than 150 million Americans, and how Jeff’s company is working to reduce employer costs while eliminating fear for employees.

But this is more than a healthcare episode.

It is a story about ego, awareness, responsibility, and what happens when a 13 year old who wanted to be a Zen monk grows up to challenge billion dollar systems.

If you are a business owner navigating rising healthcare costs, an employee confused by your benefits, or simply someone who has felt frustrated by the system, this conversation offers both clarity and hope.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Healthcare Costs Keep Rising

Jeff breaks down why healthcare continues to climb as a percentage of GDP and why small tweaks to the system are not solving the real problem.

How High Deductible Plans Impact 153 Million Americans

What these plans mean for employees and employers, and why so many people delay care because of cost uncertainty.

The Fear Factor in Healthcare

Why Jeff hesitated to call 911 during a life threatening moment and how eliminating financial confusion can eliminate emotional panic.

How Hope Delivered Health Provided Works

How the company helps employers reduce healthcare expenses by 15 to 40 percent while giving employees better access, better education, and greater financial clarity.

The Entrepreneurial Leap After a Health Crisis

Jeff’s path from international basketball agent to financial professional to healthcare founder and how each chapter shaped his mission.

Zen, Ego, and Leadership

How a teenage desire to become a Zen monk shaped Jeff’s approach to competition, empathy, negotiation, and business leadership.

Accumulation vs Debt in Life

A powerful metaphor comparing emotional reactions and personal responsibility to financial accumulation and debt.

The Hidden Entrepreneur Connection

A raw discussion about regulating emotional reactions, taking responsibility, and how personal transformation fuels professional impact.

In this episode, Josh sits down with Kristan Vermeulen, creator of Makers of the USA, a show and media platform that highlights entrepreneurs and creatives who build with their hands and lead with heart. What started as a simple podcast during COVID quickly evolved into a visually rich, travel-style show that has caught the attention of major media outlets and streaming platforms.

This conversation goes far beyond podcasting. It is about reinvention, vulnerability, storytelling, and what it really takes to be ready for visibility. Whether you are an entrepreneur, executive, creative, or leader trying to tell your story in a crowded world, this episode will challenge how you think about personal brand, PR, and being seen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Makers of the USA Is Not Just a Podcast

Kristan explains how the show became a full storytelling platform designed for television, streaming, and long-form visual media, and why that distinction matters if you want real reach and longevity.

How Losing Everything Can Spark the Right Idea

After COVID shut down her PR business, Kristan used the moment to create something aligned with her values. This episode shows how disruption can become direction if you listen closely.

The Power of Long Form Storytelling

Why podcasts and unscripted conversations reveal what short articles and headlines never can and how depth builds trust with an audience.

What Most Entrepreneurs Get Wrong About PR and Media

Getting featured is not enough. Kristan breaks down why being visible without being prepared can actually hurt your business and what must be in place before big opportunities arrive.

How to Find the Story People Actually Care About

The hidden nuggets, personal moments, and life experiences that make someone memorable, and why your resume alone is never the story.

Personal Brand for Leaders and Executives

Why storytelling is not optional for leadership anymore and how being human makes people care about what you do.

From Miss Maine to National Media

Kristan shares the unexpected story of competing in pageants to showcase American made products and how unconventional choices can create powerful press angles.

Confidence, Vulnerability, and Being Ready to Be Seen

The internal work that must happen before the external opportunities can work in your favor.

What It Really Takes to Be Ready for National Exposure

Inventory, messaging, clarity, and systems. Why media attention should be earned intentionally, not chased impulsively.

In real life, it usually starts with loss, shame, fear, and the quiet realization that the dream you chased for decades is no longer working.

In this episode of The Hidden Entrepreneur Show, Josh Cary sits down with John Bunzel for a raw and deeply human conversation about identity, ambition, and what it actually takes to rebuild your life when the original plan collapses.

John’s story is not a highlight reel.

Juilliard-trained actor.

Successful playwright and screenwriter.

Studio deals. Writers strikes. Hollywood politics.

Then a complete pivot into movie finance, executive leadership, and eventually wealth management.

This is not a story about quitting.

It’s a story about choosing a future over an ego.

If you are at a crossroads in your career, quietly questioning your path, or carrying shame about a dream that did not pan out, this conversation will hit home.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Reinvention Often Requires Something to Die

John explains why true reinvention is not about adding skills. It is about letting go of a former identity and being willing to grieve it.

When the World Is Telling You It’s Time to Pivot

From studio heads getting fired to writers strikes shutting everything down, John shares how repeated external roadblocks can be signals rather than failures.

The Dark Side of Chasing Dreams

Shame. Jealousy. Financial stress. Watching peers succeed while you feel stuck. John speaks honestly about the emotional toll of staying too long in the wrong chapter.

Confidence, Creativity, and Why Pressure Kills Both

Why writers, creators, and leaders lose their edge when fear and survival replace belief, and how that loss shows up in performance.

Identity Shifts Are the Hardest Part

Going from artist to executive. From creative to CFP. John breaks down why changing who you are in the world is far harder than learning a new skill.

Why Letting Go Is Not Failure

“It’s okay to let go of your dreams, as long as you dream new ones.” This episode reframes quitting as courage when done intentionally.

What “Failure Is Not an Option” Actually Means

When responsibility, family, and reality collide, John explains how necessity forged a level of courage he never had before.

Why Wealth Managers Are Not Boring

A Juilliard-trained actor turned financial planner proves that lived experience, storytelling, and humanity matter more than job titles.

Is college still necessary in the age of AI, influencers, and online learning? John brings clarity, passion, and a fresh perspective to the table, challenging outdated assumptions and spotlighting the real value of a college education today.

From redefining what it means to "help people," to teaching kids to build a brand before high school, this episode goes far beyond academics; it's a roadmap for how to raise capable, purpose-driven individuals in a fast-changing world.

What You’ll Learn:

1. Why college isn’t dead but its purpose has evolved
2. The real-world skills higher ed must deliver in today’s workforce
3. How AI and YouTube are pushing universities to teach deeper, not just wider
4. Why Doane’s motto is “We don’t take orders, we make dreams”
5. How parents can prepare their kids (mentally and emotionally) for the future
6. Why what your child posts online now could impact college admissions later
7. The incredible story of a student mom whose life was transformed by being told, “You can do this.”

Dr. Peter breaks down the core philosophy behind chiropractic care, not as a treatment for pain, but as a gateway to optimal life expression. From removing physical and emotional interferences to discussing the future of compassionate healthcare, this episode is a deep, empowering dive into how we can all live healthier, more vibrant lives.

Whether you're new to chiropractic or already a believer, this conversation will challenge the way you think about health, energy, and personal responsibility.

Key Topics Covered:

1. The core chiropractic philosophy: “Life needs no help, just no interference”
2. How our nervous system controls everything from immunity to mental health
3. Why symptoms are signals, not the problem
4. What to do before you get sick and how to live proactively
5. The connection between emotional trauma, stress, and spinal health
6. Why chiropractic care begins at birth (literally)
7. The rise of self-care, energy medicine, and holistic wellness
8. How Dr. Peter is training the next generation of compassionate healers

From patient care delays to lost equipment and even expired implants, Sam reveals eye-opening challenges facing healthcare providers—and the innovative solutions his company is delivering to solve them.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, technologist, or just passionate about better care systems, this conversation is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn:

1. The real reason healthcare is so expensive (hint: it’s not just insurance).
2. How Pycube helps hospitals reduce waste and improve operational efficiency.
3. Why better tech can mean fewer lost samples, better organ transport, and timely patient care.
4. The role of AI in healthcare and why Sam believes it’s essential, not optional.
5. How non-profit hospitals can survive financial losses by embracing innovation.
6. Why even rural hospitals deserve high-efficiency care.

They are wrong.

In this episode of The Hidden Entrepreneur Show, Josh Cary and co-host Suzi Aseltine sit down with Farrel Liger, a Wall Street managing director who is still in the game, still advising clients, and still seeing the same mistakes ruin people financially every single day.

Farrel pulls back the curtain on what actually holds people back financially. Fear. Bad habits learned early. Decisions made without education. And a system that never taught most of us how money really works.

This is not theory. This is front-line experience from someone who has lived through financial crises, broken investments, hard phone calls, and real wins. You will walk away seeing money differently and more importantly, making better decisions with it.

If you want to understand money instead of hoping it works out, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Smart People Still Make Terrible Money Decisions

Farrel explains why doctors, lawyers, and high earners still struggle financially and how lack of education, not intelligence, is the real problem.

The Hidden Fear That Drives Most Financial Mistakes

From fear of missing out to fear of losing everything, you will hear how fear silently shapes financial behavior and how to use it instead of letting it control you.

What Wall Street Advisors Never Say Out Loud

Why honesty beats hype every time, how trust is actually built, and why transparency matters more than performance.

The One Financial Lesson Every Teenager Needs to Know

A simple banking mistake that can quietly ruin your financial future before it even starts and how to avoid it.

Why Failure Is a Requirement for Financial Success

Farrel shares a hard story about losing money for a client, making the call, and why failure is often the price of real growth.

How to Build Wealth Without Chasing Trends

Budgeting, saving, investing, and habit building explained in plain language that actually makes sense.

What’s Really Happening With the Economy Right Now

The dollar, AI, global markets, and economic fear explained from someone watching it unfold in real time.

Why Financial Literacy Changes Everything

The real reason Farrel started a nonprofit focused on financial education and why these conversations matter now more than ever.

In this episode, Josh sits down with eBodyguard founder Melissa Faith Hart to unpack a groundbreaking safety app that works quietly, instantly, and intelligently in real-world situations. From dark parking lots to retail thefts, domestic violence, school bullying, and even elderly financial abuse, this conversation reveals how technology can finally move personal safety from reactive to preventative.

This is not a fear-based conversation. It is an empowerment conversation. If you have ever felt that subtle gut feeling that something is off, this episode will show you how to listen to it and what to do next.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Voice-Activated Safety Actually Works

Why a simple spoken safety phrase can instantly trigger emergency response, record evidence, and protect you without alerting anyone nearby.

The Power of Silent Protection

How eBodyguard records audio, video, time, date, and location automatically, creating verified evidence with a secure chain of custody.

Why This Is Bigger Than a Panic Button

How eBodyguard is being used by individuals, law enforcement, victim advocates, and government partners across all 50 states.

Preventative Safety vs Reactive Response

Why Melissa believes the future of public safety is about reducing the need for 911, not increasing it.

How AI Is Being Used the Right Way

What “tech for good” really means and how eBodyguard protects against manipulated or altered evidence in the age of generative AI.

Protecting the Most Vulnerable

How the app helps address school bullying, domestic violence, online harassment, and the billions lost each year to elderly financial abuse.

Why Privacy Is Non-Negotiable

How data encryption and user control are built into the platform so safety tools never become surveillance tools.

From Broadway to Bodyguards

Melissa’s surprising journey from musical theater composer to safety tech founder and why creativity and technology are more connected than you think.

Becoming Your Own Safety Ambassador

The mindset shift that puts control back in your hands and helps create safer communities for everyone.

Ashley brings a rare mix of corporate strategy and creative execution, plus a deeply personal origin story that explains why she’s so committed to helping women rise. If you’ve ever questioned your worth, your messaging, or your ability to confidently ask for the sale, this episode will hit home. This is a conversation about getting visible, getting paid, and reclaiming the identity you may have sidelined for far too long.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Women Struggle to Convert Their Talent into Revenue

Ashley reveals the real reason so many female founders feel stuck. From lack of corporate experience to years of being told to play small, she breaks down the specific patterns she helps women break so they can finally get tangible ROI from their work.

Mindset Before Mechanics

Ashley may be a strategy powerhouse, but she’s clear on one thing. None of the scripts, funnels, or offers matter if you don’t feel worthy of charging what you should. Hear how she dismantles old stories, perfectionism, and people pleasing so her clients can sell with conviction.

Sales Is Service Not Sleaze

Most people picture sales as slimy or scammy. Ashley flips that belief in real time, reframing sales as the most human, purpose driven act you can master. If you’re avoiding sales because it feels uncomfortable, this is your new playbook.

A Brand That Stands Out in the Sea of Sameness

People don’t buy the product. They buy you. Ashley explains why personal branding is your greatest competitive edge and how to assess your differentiators by studying your market through a strategic lens.

Why Every No Matters More Than Every Yes

Ashley introduces her surprising “no’s list” game and explains why tracking rejection is the secret to accurate conversion rates and unstoppable momentum. This shift alone can change how you show up in your business.

The Origin Story Behind Her Success

From being adopted by her grandparents to becoming a single mom at twenty one earning thirteen dollars an hour, Ashley shares the raw truth of how she turned setbacks into stepping stones. Her story alone is worth the listen.

Finding the Right Rooms and the Right People

Success doesn’t happen in isolation. Ashley breaks down how to choose the rooms that stretch you and why your circle determines the level you rise to.

A Direct Message to Female Founders Everywhere

Ashley closes with a powerful reminder. Every version of you is worthy. Your business can only thrive when you stop abandoning yourself and start seeing your own value.

Today’s conversation flips that entire story.

Katie Cesna, founder of Wild Legacy Collective, joins Josh in the studio to reveal why so many business owners unknowingly operate with an employee mindset. She breaks down the chaos, the lack of replicable systems, and the ego traps that keep entrepreneurs trapped in their own creation.

This episode is a blueprint for stepping into true CEO identity. If you want a business that runs without constant babysitting, a team that thrives, and the freedom to enjoy life while your business continues to grow, Katie shows you exactly what needs to change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Chaos Happens Even in Successful Businesses

How early stage systems break as a business grows and why that creates a cycle of overwhelm, bottlenecks, and “I don’t have time to fix this” thinking.

The Employee Mindset Trap

Why many business owners stay stuck doing tasks they hate, avoiding the hard decisions, and thinking the place will fall apart if they step away.

The Real Reason Entrepreneurs Resist Delegation

How ego attachment to being needed creates internal panic when things go well without you and how to break that cycle.

The CEO Shift That Changes Everything

What it means to take radical responsibility for everything in your business, how communication drives culture, and why clear systems unlock confidence for both you and your team.

The Dream Life Framework

Katie’s first step in every business. How she maps hours, income, lifestyle goals, and offer structure so your business is built around the life you want, not the other way around.

How to Create a Business That Runs Without You

Replicable systems. Team empowerment. Strategic automation. Real examples of clients who went from fearful to five week vacations with their business running smoothly.

Why Personal Patterns Always Show Up in Business

How the internal work changes external results and why fixing communication and boundaries inside the business often transforms life outside of it.

Resetting the Vision When You Outgrow It

What to do when the dream you once wanted is no longer the dream and how to continually evolve your business to match who you are becoming.

This conversation hits you right in the truth. Shawna opens up about the moment her father passed away and how it forced her to confront her own life. She was successful on paper but empty in reality. That loss became her turning point. It made her rebuild everything and commit to freeing herself and others from the roles, expectations, and definitions of success that don’t reflect who we really are.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re meant for more, like you’re holding back your real voice, or like your worth is tied to someone else’s definition of success, this episode gives you the shift you’ve been waiting for.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why So Many of Us Play Small

Shawna explains the hidden trap of living for approval, stability, or someone else’s version of success. You’ll understand why so many people quietly shrink themselves and what finally breaks the cycle.

The Wake-Up Moment That Changes Everything

Hear how her father’s passing forced a painful but powerful realization: if she died the next day, she wouldn’t have been happy with her life. This is the emotional mirror we all need to hold up.

What “Emancipation” Really Means

It’s freedom. Not in theory. In practice. Freedom from expectations, fear, money-driven definitions of success, and years of being told creativity isn’t “practical.” Shawna shows how to reclaim your identity as a creator of your own life.

The Difference Between Making and Creating

A simple but game-changing distinction. Making follows instructions. Creating starts from scratch. This single insight will change the way you approach your work, your ideas, and the life you’re building.

How to Feel Worthy Again

Most people don’t struggle with talent. They struggle with believing they deserve to use it. Shawna walks through why self-doubt is the easy default and how to step into worthiness as a daily practice.

How Environment Shapes Confidence

You’ll hear why most artists and creative thinkers hide their biggest ideas and how the right space, the right conversation, and the right community can pull genius back out of hiding.

The Universal Truth: Everyone Is an Artist

Shawna makes a compelling case that “artist” isn’t a title. It’s a birthright. If you create anything in your life — choices, ideas, opportunities — you’re already an artist. You just haven’t claimed it yet.

How Choosing Your Truth Breaks Generational Patterns

Shawna reflects on how her father’s life could have been different if either of them embraced their creativity earlier. It’s a powerful look at how choosing fulfillment can change your personal legacy.

A Message Directly to You

Shawna closes with a grounding reminder: if you’re not happy in the life you’re living, the only first step is admitting it. You don’t need the full roadmap. Just enough courage to choose something different tomorrow.

If you’ve ever pushed through exhaustion because “rest feels wrong,” or judged yourself for needing a break, this episode hands you a fresh perspective. Naz reveals why embracing ease is not a shortcut but actually the doorway into deeper emotional awareness, better relationships, more grounded leadership, and a healthier nervous system.

This conversation is equal parts surprising and liberating. You’ll walk away rethinking how you work, how you respond, how you parent, how you partner, and how you treat the parts of yourself you’ve been avoiding for years. Real talk: the productivity you’re chasing might be hiding behind the rest you refuse to take.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Reclaiming the Word Lazy

Why laziness is really about tuning into what your body and mind need, not checking out. Naz explains how reclaiming the word frees you from guilt and shame while making you more effective in life and business.

What Shadow Work Actually Is

Shadow work is trending, but most people still don’t know what it means. Naz breaks it down with clarity: it’s the process of bringing unconscious patterns to light so you can lead from your wisest, most grounded self.

The Sneaky Ways Your Shadow Shows Up

People pleasing. Perfectionism. Your inner critic. That 13-year-old version of you that hijacks adult conversations. Naz walks through the common “parts” that run the show and why they show up when you least want them to.

A Three Step Process to Start Today

Naz shares her simple framework for beginning shadow work without making it overwhelming. You’ll learn how to tune into your body, recognize the younger part of you that’s reacting, and choose a healthier response.

How Rest Makes You Better at Everything

From parenting to leadership to building your business, Naz shows why ease creates better outcomes than grinding. Rest becomes a strategy instead of a reward you feel guilty for taking.

Why Everyone Needs Shadow Work

Naz explains why no one outgrows their shadow and why the work is lifelong. The more success you have, the more these patterns show up until you learn to integrate them.

How to Talk to Loved Ones About Their Shadows

You can’t force someone into the work, but you can guide them. Naz shares the healthier way to nudge a spouse, child, or family member without creating resistance.

How to Know When a Younger Version of You Is Running the Show

If you respond like you’re back in middle school, spoiler alert… a part of you is. Naz shows you how to spot it and shift back into your adult self fast.

Stacey is the founder of Lemonade Lounge, a community and support space created for people who are actively grieving and don’t know where to turn. This conversation pulls you in from the first moment because it’s real, raw, and painfully honest. If you’ve ever felt knocked off your feet by life, if you’ve ever wondered how a human being gets back up after the unimaginable, or if you love someone who’s grieving and you don’t know how to help, this episode is essential listening.

This is grief support in a way most people have never experienced. It’s practical, it’s human, and it’s built for people who feel like they’re losing their minds but still want to find a way forward.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What Grief Really Looks Like Behind Closed Doors

Stacey walks us step by step through a period of life no one believes is possible until they hear it. You’ll understand how different kinds of grief hit differently, why losing a child changes every cell in your body, and why the world expects you to be “fine” long before you actually are.

The Missing Piece in Traditional Grief Support

Therapists are booked for months. Specialists in child loss are even harder to find. Stacey exposes the staggering gap in mental health care for grieving families and the emotional free fall that happens while you wait for help that isn’t available.

Why Community Matters More Than Anything

Lemonade Lounge wasn’t created as a “program.” It was created out of necessity. Stacey breaks down why people in deep grief need a safe place to say what they’re really feeling without being judged, medicated immediately, or rushed through the process.

How to Survive Holidays, Birthdays, Anniversaries, and Triggers

The sour moments are everywhere. Stacey gives practical, real-world guidance for navigating first holidays, angelversaries, birthdays, unexpected triggers, and the painful truth that year two is often harder than year one.

How to Support Someone Who Is Grieving

If you’ve ever said, “Let me know if you need anything,” you’ll rethink it after this. Stacey explains what grieving people actually need, why they may not respond to you for months, and why sticking around after the crowd disappears is the real gift.

The Words You Should Never Say to Someone in Grief

Everyone means well. Not everyone helps. Stacey gives a simple, powerful guide to the phrases that hurt more than they heal and what to say instead.

How Grief Forced a Total Life Reset

Stacey’s perspective on life now is completely different. She stopped tolerating the trivial. She changed careers. She travels more. She gives more. She lives with presence and purpose because she knows how quickly everything can change.

Why Preparation Matters Even If You Haven’t Faced Loss Yet

From wills to life insurance to simple conversations, Stacey reveals the emotional and practical preparation that eases the burden when tragedy hits a family.

This is not a tech-for-tech’s-sake conversation. It’s a grounded, human discussion about patient safety, lost samples, missing equipment, overstressed hospitals, and why operational efficiency isn't about profits first, but about better outcomes for doctors, nurses, and patients alike.

If you’ve ever wondered why hospitals feel chaotic, why delays happen, or how AI could genuinely improve healthcare without replacing humans, this episode connects the dots in a way that finally makes sense.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Healthcare Feels Broken From the Inside Out

How hospitals evolved from small community institutions into highly complex systems and why that complexity drives cost, waste, and inefficiency.

What Operational Efficiency Really Means for Patients

From missing equipment to lost pathology samples to expired devices, Sam explains how system failures directly impact patient care and how better workflows save lives.

The Hidden Cost of Chaos in Hospitals

Why hospitals lose billions not because of bad intentions, but because of outdated systems, poor visibility, and disconnected workflows.

Where Insurance Fits Into the Picture

A clear and balanced take on why insurers are often blamed, what role they actually play, and why removing them would likely create bigger problems, not fewer.

Why Profit and Efficiency Matter Even in Nonprofits

How financial stability allows hospitals to hire nurses, retain doctors, invest in technology, and continue serving local communities.

AI in Healthcare Without the Fear Narrative

A practical discussion on where AI belongs, where it doesn’t, and why every major technological leap has faced the same resistance before becoming essential.

What a Job Well Done Looks Like for the Future of Healthcare

Sam’s vision for preparing hospitals to be AI-ready, cutting waste, improving care delivery, and creating a healthier system for everyone involved.

Memorable Moments From the Conversation

• Why hospitals are the most expensive hotels in America and why that matters

• How a missing machine or sample can delay care at critical moments

• Why efficiency is a patient safety issue, not just a business metric

• The surprising parallels between AI, electricity, and early computers

• How small operational improvements can turn losses into sustainable care

About the Guest

Sam Yeruva is the Founder and CEO of Pycube, a healthcare technology company focused on improving operational efficiency across health systems. His work centers on reducing waste, increasing visibility, and ensuring resources are used where they matter most, patient care.

Matt has worked with companies like Google, the U.S. military, and Fortune 500 organizations, but his approach is deeply human. He explains why motivation still matters, why knowledge alone does not change behavior, and how leaders can stop managing symptoms and start fixing root causes. If you are an entrepreneur, leader, parent, or operator trying to get your life and team back in alignment, this episode will hit home.

Check out these special bonuses and offers exclusively for show listeners: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/hidden

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Intentionality Is the Catalyst for Fulfillment

Matt explains why no one accidentally becomes fulfilled and how modern convenience has quietly stripped intentionality from our lives, creating burnout and disengagement.

The Difference Between High Performance and Optimal Performance

Why chasing high performance leads to exhaustion and burnout, and how shifting to optimal performance creates sustainable success at work and in life.

Why Motivation Still Matters

The truth about motivation, desire, and environment. Why leaders cannot force motivation but can absolutely create conditions where it thrives.

The Real Reason People Have “People Problems”

Why people are not the problem. People have problems. Fix the root cause and leadership becomes easier overnight.

Expose, Bridge, Sustain: A Simple Framework That Actually Works

How Matt helps individuals and organizations identify hidden gaps, build bridges forward, and sustain progress without sliding backward.

Why Knowledge Is No Longer Enough

In a world where everyone has access to information and AI, Matt explains how wisdom is the real differentiator and how to apply knowledge at the right time in the right way.

Leadership, Fatherhood, and Personal Responsibility

How Matt’s experience as a father shaped his leadership philosophy and why the energy you bring into a room matters more than you think.

Nice vs Kind Leadership

Why avoiding conflict is not compassion and how honest leadership creates stronger teams and healthier cultures.

From Craigslist to Fortune 500

The accidental origin story of LifePulse and how a simple system built for survival evolved into a framework trusted by some of the biggest organizations in the world.

Check out these special bonuses and offers exclusively for show listeners: https://www.lifepulseinc.com/hidden

You will hear how he thinks about building companies, avoiding distractions, choosing partners, leading with values, and why he believes money is a tool, not the point. This is a real conversation about business strategy, mindset, and staying grounded while you scale.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Brian built a holdings company with 115-plus businesses

Why he needs “more dots to connect” and how internal synergy becomes a competitive advantage.

The real difference between growth and shiny object chaos

His spiritual and practical filter for deciding what is a true opportunity versus a trap that knocks you off your path.

The business model rule he lives and dies by

If you want to be in business, you need revenues. If you want to stay in business, you need to be profitable.

How to evaluate your company when you want the next level

Where he looks first when he walks into a business, and why most advisory boards are dead weight.

The equity lesson every founder needs to hear

He compares equity to oxygen in a scuba tank and explains who deserves a piece of it.

Culture as a growth engine

Why his companies run on honesty, vulnerability, and zero hidden agendas, and how that drives speed and trust.

Gut instinct over paperwork

He trusts instinct first, then compliance, legal, and accounting. He explains why every time he ignored his gut, it burned him.

His comeback story after the 2016 crash

A head on collision in Nashville, a year of collapse, millions in debt, and the mindset shift that rebuilt everything.

How he learned to price himself

The surprising moment that gave him his confidence back: getting paid $100 to prove he could still deliver value.

The deeper definition of success

The question “When is enough enough?” and why chasing money can quietly turn life into constant fight or flight.

Key Moments and Takeaways

1. Building a portfolio works when you create internal leverage instead of relying on outside timelines.
2. Shiny objects often show up when you are finally doing the right things. That is the test.
3. Profitability is not about being cheap. It is about being smart, sustainable, and human.
4. Advisors should be producing value. If they are not, they should not be on the cap table.
5. The wrong partners cost more than they ever contribute, especially when values do not match.
6. A real rebuild often starts when your identity stops being tied to a number.

Quotes Worth Stealing

1. “If you want to be in business, you need revenues. If you want to stay in business, you need to be profitable.”

1. “Every percentage of equity is a percentage of oxygen in the tank.”

1. “Everybody can be an overnight success if you wake up the next day a little smarter, wiser, and stronger than the day before.”

About the Guest

Brian J. Esposito is the CEO and Founder of Esposito Intellectual Enterprises, a private holdings company with 115 plus businesses under its umbrella. He is also the CEO of Diamond Lake, a publicly traded company (DLMI). Brian is known for building across industries, creating internal leverage, and leading with a strong values based culture centered on integrity, empathy, and performance.

Call to Action

What part of Brian’s philosophy hit you the hardest: the shiny object filter, the equity as oxygen rule, or the “when is enough enough” message? Send Josh your thoughts and questions and let’s keep the conversation going.

In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Roland Austrup, Chief Growth Officer at publicly traded Innventure, to unpack a rare business model that combines the private-equity and venture-capital models with public-market liquidity. You’ll hear how Innventure evaluates hundreds of technologies, says yes to only a tiny fraction, and focuses on one thing: execution without guessing on the tech or the market.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How to explain Innventure at the dinner table

Roland gives a simple way to describe what they do: they find transformative technologies and build companies around them from the ground up.

The “commercialization gap” most people miss

Big multinationals can fund world-class R&D, but they are not always built to commercialize as entrepreneurs are. That’s the lane Innventure plays in.

How they choose what to build

Roland walks through the filters: unmet market need, technical validation, immediate value proposition that drives adoption, and a strategic partner that becomes a channel or early customer.

Why they only want one type of risk

Innventure aims to eliminate technology and market risk, so they primarily manage execution and scaling risk.

The data center cooling story that matters right now

Their company, Accelsius, targets next gen cooling where chips run hotter and traditional cooling methods stop working. Roland breaks down why “air and water” are not enough and uses a simple frying pan analogy you’ll never forget.

The hardest part of building something new

Even with deep diligence, Roland says adoption timing is the wildcard. Predicting how fast an industry will change is what keeps him up at night.

Leadership chemistry and why it beats talent alone

Roland shares why synergy matters at the top, why you do not want clones, and how complementary strengths are a form of risk mitigation.

A career built on flow, not a straight line

From almost becoming a doctor to philosophy to trading to building a hedge fund, Roland’s path is a masterclass in curiosity, contrarian timing, and following what life keeps putting in front of you.

The quiet truth about personal brand and business

Roland puts it simply: no matter what you do, you are always marketing yourself. Conviction, trust, and integrity are the whole game.

Stoicism for builders

“Why worry, it doesn’t change anything.” Roland ties business leadership back to controlling what you can control and using adversity as fuel.

Learn More About Roland and Innventure: https://www.innventure.com/team/roland-austrup

In this kickoff episode, Andrea Sullivan and James Orsini share how vYve by Vayner was created to support executives and entrepreneurs who feel lonely, stretched, and stuck at the very moment they are expected to have it all figured out. You will hear how the iHeart day came together, why it became a breakthrough moment for the group, and what it revealed about the power of community, confidence, and storytelling. This episode sets the stage for the individual conversations that follow, each one showcasing a different vYve member and the work they are doing in their world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How vYve by Vayner emerged during the uncertainty and emotional weight of COVID

• Why even the most impressive leaders quietly struggle with loneliness and burnout

• How Andrea and James built vYve around community, accountability, and personal breakthroughs

• What makes vYve’s mix of entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 leaders so unique

• How the iHeart studio day became a podcast playground for seven vYve members

• Why shaping your message is as important as knowing your story

• The concierge style support vYve offers, including curated connections and expert guidance

• How vYve measures progress, momentum, and personal transformation

• Who vYve is for and how to know if the program is the right next step for you

About Today’s Guests

Andrea Sullivan is the CEO of vYve by Vayner and a long time marketing leader who served as chief marketing officer for Gary Vaynerchuk for more than six years. She co founded vYve to help leaders grow their businesses while also becoming healthier, happier humans.

James Orsini is the President of Startup Operations at VaynerX and a trusted operator who has helped launch multiple companies and offerings within the Vayner ecosystem. As co founder of vYve and its lead business and personal coach, James focuses on strategy, accountability, and connecting members with the right resources to move forward with clarity and confidence.

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The vYve Thrive Series

Stories about the unlocking of dreams that lead to business and personal growth… ignite YOUR thrive.

The vYve Thrive podcast series was born from a simple vYve NYC meetup—an intimate gathering centered around charting our dreams and finding our true voice. What began as a small circle of leaders quickly evolved into something much bigger: founders, creators, and executives opening up, shedding old limits, and discovering what becomes possible when you allow yourself to be seen and heard.

At vYve, we are more than a business-growth mastermind. We are a community grounded in honesty, courage, and the belief that our dreams—big or small—are meant to be pursued together and made real.

Through our work at the New York Summit in October with The Podcast Playground, these stories now have an even broader platform to resonate, inspire, and remind others that their next chapter is entirely within reach.

If you’re feeling the pull to explore your next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Reach out to us on social @thrivewithvyve on IG or just @vYve on Linkedin!

This is vYve Thrive—where leaders chase their dreams, claim their voice, and ignite the spark for others to do the same.

If you want clarity, purpose, better health, stronger relationships, and a plan you can actually put into practice, this conversation gives you the roadmap. Retirement is not an ending. It is a shift. And Sylvia shows you exactly how to navigate it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The most common patterns among people who retire and feel unhappy

• Why losing work based friendships leads to loneliness and depression

• How Sylvia’s cardiac wake up call changed her life priorities overnight

• The practical steps she took to design her next chapter with intention

• Why people need more self reflection before they retire

• How to experiment with retirement through small trials, hobbies, and test runs

• Why purpose matters more than the idea of “free time”

• The biggest trap people fall into and how to avoid it

• Why planning for friendships, health, and meaning is more important than finances alone

About Today’s Guest

Sylvia Toense is the author of The Shift Playbook and a mentor for individuals preparing for retirement or major life transitions. After a successful 25 year career in financial services, a health crisis forced her to reassess her priorities and rethink her future. Today, she helps people design a purposeful, energizing, and connected life after leaving full time work, guiding them through mindset shifts, planning exercises, and practical steps for thriving in their next chapter.

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The vYve Thrive Series

Stories about the unlocking of dreams that lead to business and personal growth… ignite YOUR thrive.

The vYve Thrive podcast series was born from a simple vYve NYC meetup—an intimate gathering centered around charting our dreams and finding our true voice. What began as a small circle of leaders quickly evolved into something much bigger: founders, creators, and executives opening up, shedding old limits, and discovering what becomes possible when you allow yourself to be seen and heard.

At vYve, we are more than a business-growth mastermind. We are a community grounded in honesty, courage, and the belief that our dreams—big or small—are meant to be pursued together and made real.

Through our work at the New York Summit in October with The Podcast Playground, these stories now have an even broader platform to resonate, inspire, and remind others that their next chapter is entirely within reach.

If you’re feeling the pull to explore your next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Reach out to us on social @thrivewithvyve on IG or just @vYve on Linkedin!

This is vYve Thrive—where leaders chase their dreams, claim their voice, and ignite the spark for others to do the same.

In this conversation, recorded live at iHeart Studios in New York, Avery shares how that upbringing shaped her confidence, empathy, and calling as a social worker working with foster youth. This episode gives you a deeply human look at what happens when a child is heard, understood, and treated like a whole person.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What it feels like to be raised in a home without yelling and why that matters

• How perspective seeking creates emotional safety for both parent and child

• Why Avery realized as an adult that her childhood was very different from the norm

• The moment Avery recognized the impact of their upbringing while babysitting

• How children sense when adults are truly listening

• The surprising behavior shifts that happen when a child is given choice

• What Avery has learned working with foster children who have experienced trauma

• A simple but powerful message for parents who want to do better

About Today’s Guest

Avery Rubenstein is the co-author of a children’s book series developed with their mother, parenting expert Randi Rubinstein. Avery is pursuing a master’s degree in social work and works in foster care settings, helping children process difficult emotions through play and perspective-based communication. Her work is centered on helping kids feel heard, respected, and understood.

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The vYve Thrive Series

Stories about the unlocking of dreams that lead to business and personal growth… ignite YOUR thrive.

The vYve Thrive podcast series was born from a simple vYve NYC meetup—an intimate gathering centered around charting our dreams and finding our true voice. What began as a small circle of leaders quickly evolved into something much bigger: founders, creators, and executives opening up, shedding old limits, and discovering what becomes possible when you allow yourself to be seen and heard.

At vYve, we are more than a business-growth mastermind. We are a community grounded in honesty, courage, and the belief that our dreams—big or small—are meant to be pursued together and made real.

Through our work at the New York Summit in October with The Podcast Playground, these stories now have an even broader platform to resonate, inspire, and remind others that their next chapter is entirely within reach.

If you’re feeling the pull to explore your next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Reach out to us on social @thrivewithvyve on IG or just @vYve on Linkedin!

This is vYve Thrive—where leaders chase their dreams, claim their voice, and ignite the spark for others to do the same.

Instead of lecturing, reacting, or pushing too hard at the wrong moment, Randi shows parents how to see their child’s perspective, actively listen, and problem solve together. If you want more connection, cooperation, and confidence in your parenting, this conversation delivers the tools you need.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why the timing of tough conversations matters more than parents realize

• What dysregulation looks like in kids and how to help them re enter a calmer state

• How the SAP method works and why it transforms communication

• Why empathy is the hidden key to productive conversations

• How active listening reduces defensiveness and opens your child up

• How prompting kids with the right questions helps them solve their own problems

• Why ego, fear, and old school parenting habits get in the way

• How Randi’s new children’s books help parents practice connection through story

• The core belief Randi hopes every child learns: you are worthy of exquisite care

About Today’s Guest

Randi Rubenstein is the founder of Mastermind Parenting, a coaching and education company focused on helping parents communicate more effectively with strong-willed children. A respected voice in conscious parenting, Randi teaches practical frameworks for connection, accountability, and emotional safety. She is currently developing a series of children’s books designed to spark productive conversations at home.

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The vYve Thrive Series

Stories about the unlocking of dreams that lead to business and personal growth… ignite YOUR thrive.

The vYve Thrive podcast series was born from a simple vYve NYC meetup—an intimate gathering centered around charting our dreams and finding our true voice. What began as a small circle of leaders quickly evolved into something much bigger: founders, creators, and executives opening up, shedding old limits, and discovering what becomes possible when you allow yourself to be seen and heard.

At vYve, we are more than a business-growth mastermind. We are a community grounded in honesty, courage, and the belief that our dreams—big or small—are meant to be pursued together and made real.

Through our work at the New York Summit in October with The Podcast Playground, these stories now have an even broader platform to resonate, inspire, and remind others that their next chapter is entirely within reach.

If you’re feeling the pull to explore your next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Reach out to us on social @thrivewithvyve on IG or just @vYve on Linkedin!

This is vYve Thrive—where leaders chase their dreams, claim their voice, and ignite the spark for others to do the same.

Recorded live inside the iHeart Studios in New York, Mark shares how he navigated the collapse of live events, protected his employees, stayed culturally relevant, and positioned his company for explosive growth through Modelo. This is a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and entrepreneurial instinct. If you want a real look at how leaders turn crisis into opportunity, this is the conversation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• What it was like to run Corona’s experiential marketing during the coronavirus outbreak

• How Mark kept his team employed when events disappeared overnight

• Why long term thinking matters when short term chaos hits

• How Modelo became the brand opportunity hiding inside the crisis

• The strategy behind one of the first large scale digital events of 2020

• Why influencer marketing works and how brands misuse it

• How communities, not campaigns, create lifelong customers

• Why Bleecker Trading was launched during the worst retail moment in NYC

• The entrepreneurial mindset that spots opportunity where others see barriers

About Today’s Guest

Mark Zablow is the founder of Cogent World, an influencer and event marketing agency with a decade-long track record serving some of the biggest brands in the world. He is also the founder of Bleecker Trading, a lifestyle collectibles and trading card brand based in New York City. Mark is known for turning challenges into momentum, building communities around brands, and leading with strategic clarity in uncertain times.

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The vYve Thrive Series

Stories about the unlocking of dreams that lead to business and personal growth… ignite YOUR thrive.

The vYve Thrive podcast series was born from a simple vYve NYC meetup—an intimate gathering centered around charting our dreams and finding our true voice. What began as a small circle of leaders quickly evolved into something much bigger: founders, creators, and executives opening up, shedding old limits, and discovering what becomes possible when you allow yourself to be seen and heard.

At vYve, we are more than a business-growth mastermind. We are a community grounded in honesty, courage, and the belief that our dreams—big or small—are meant to be pursued together and made real.

Through our work at the New York Summit in October with The Podcast Playground, these stories now have an even broader platform to resonate, inspire, and remind others that their next chapter is entirely within reach.

If you’re feeling the pull to explore your next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Reach out to us on social @thrivewithvyve on IG or just @vYve on Linkedin!

This is vYve Thrive—where leaders chase their dreams, claim their voice, and ignite the spark for others to do the same.

But the real story is the Montana Mindset, a people-first leadership model that teaches employees as young as fourteen how to love themselves, support each other, and show up authentically in the workplace. This conversation shows how self-love creates stronger teams, happier employees, and a thriving business culture from the inside out.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why Showdown Montana prioritizes employees above guests and how it changed the business

• How self-love training for teenagers and adults improves performance, retention, and morale

• Why the traditional customer-first model no longer works in modern workplaces

• How the Montana Mindset was born from a desire to keep good people employed year-round

• The four pillars that guide Katie’s leadership approach

• Why the post-COVID workforce came back changed and what leaders must address

• How unlimited counseling and genuine support build loyalty and resilience

• What it looks like to help employees uncover self-sabotaging patterns

• The personal journey Katie took to develop self-love and why it fuels her leadership

About Today’s Guest

Katie Boedecker is the owner and operator of Showdown Montana, one of the oldest ski mountains in the United States and one of the only ski areas in the world run by women. She is also the creator of the Montana Mindset, a leadership method that prioritizes self-love, personal growth, and community. Through her work, Katie is helping reshape how companies support their employees and how individuals show up in their own lives.

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The vYve Thrive Series

Stories about the unlocking of dreams that lead to business and personal growth… ignite YOUR thrive.

The vYve Thrive podcast series was born from a simple vYve NYC meetup—an intimate gathering centered around charting our dreams and finding our true voice. What began as a small circle of leaders quickly evolved into something much bigger: founders, creators, and executives opening up, shedding old limits, and discovering what becomes possible when you allow yourself to be seen and heard.

At vYve, we are more than a business-growth mastermind. We are a community grounded in honesty, courage, and the belief that our dreams—big or small—are meant to be pursued together and made real.

Through our work at the New York Summit in October with The Podcast Playground, these stories now have an even broader platform to resonate, inspire, and remind others that their next chapter is entirely within reach.

If you’re feeling the pull to explore your next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Reach out to us on social @thrivewithvyve on IG or just @vYve on Linkedin!

This is vYve Thrive—where leaders chase their dreams, claim their voice, and ignite the spark for others to do the same.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why traditional social media feeds create overwhelm, comparison, and disconnection

• How DuoFeed separates real friends from interests to restore meaningful interaction

• What inspired Dr. Pell to build the app herself using AI

• Why simplicity, authenticity, and clarity are driving the future of social platforms

• How mindful prompts can retrain your brain and reduce unconscious scrolling

• Why users are craving a return to early era social media, where friends came first

• How DuoFeed helps you create a personalized, self-directed algorithm

• The deeper vision behind the app: scroll less, connect more

About Today’s Guest

Dr. Beverly Pell holds a PhD in educational leadership and policy studies with a focus on technology. After years of studying how people connect online, she created DuoFeed, a mindful social app built to reduce loneliness, eliminate algorithmic noise, and help users stay connected to the people and interests that matter most. DuoFeed is currently available in beta at duofeed.app.

...

The vYve Thrive Series

Stories about the unlocking of dreams that lead to business and personal growth… ignite YOUR thrive.

The vYve Thrive podcast series was born from a simple vYve NYC meetup—an intimate gathering centered around charting our dreams and finding our true voice. What began as a small circle of leaders quickly evolved into something much bigger: founders, creators, and executives opening up, shedding old limits, and discovering what becomes possible when you allow yourself to be seen and heard.

At vYve, we are more than a business-growth mastermind. We are a community grounded in honesty, courage, and the belief that our dreams—big or small—are meant to be pursued together and made real.

Through our work at the New York Summit in October with The Podcast Playground, these stories now have an even broader platform to resonate, inspire, and remind others that their next chapter is entirely within reach.

If you’re feeling the pull to explore your next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Reach out to us on social @thrivewithvyve on IG or just @vYve on Linkedin!

This is vYve Thrive—where leaders chase their dreams, claim their voice, and ignite the spark for others to do the same.

Recorded live inside iHeart Studios in New York, this episode explores how a severe injury led the couple to discover stem cell therapy, float tanks, infrared saunas, and halotherapy, ultimately inspiring them to open Eleventh Element, a relaxation spa devoted to helping people reclaim their mobility, their breath, and their dignity. If you’ve ever felt stuck, defeated, or unsure where to turn for relief, this conversation opens your eyes to solutions hiding in plain sight.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Donna’s husband went from barely able to walk to full recovery after a life-changing injury

• Why stem cell treatment was the turning point and how they maintained healing afterward

• The natural modalities behind Eleventh Element and why they work

• How halotherapy benefits respiratory health, allergies, asthma, and skin conditions

• The surprising power of infrared saunas for pain, inflammation, Lyme disease, and detox

• Why float tanks help with migraines, mobility, MS symptoms, and nervous system regulation

• What Donna sees daily as people walk in defeated and walk out transformed

• How natural wellness restores dignity and hope in communities that feel overlooked

About Today’s Guest

Donna Caruso is the co-owner of Eleventh Element, a natural relaxation spa in Pennsylvania created after her husband’s debilitating injury led them on an unexpected path of healing. Together, they’ve built a place where people can experience relief through halotherapy, infrared saunas, float tanks, and other restorative modalities. Donna is passionate about giving people their life back by making natural wellness accessible, affordable, and deeply human.

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The vYve Thrive Series

Stories about the unlocking of dreams that lead to business and personal growth… ignite YOUR thrive.

The vYve Thrive podcast series was born from a simple vYve NYC meetup—an intimate gathering centered around charting our dreams and finding our true voice. What began as a small circle of leaders quickly evolved into something much bigger: founders, creators, and executives opening up, shedding old limits, and discovering what becomes possible when you allow yourself to be seen and heard.

At vYve, we are more than a business-growth mastermind. We are a community grounded in honesty, courage, and the belief that our dreams—big or small—are meant to be pursued together and made real.

Through our work at the New York Summit in October with The Podcast Playground, these stories now have an even broader platform to resonate, inspire, and remind others that their next chapter is entirely within reach.

If you’re feeling the pull to explore your next chapter, we would love to hear from you.

Reach out to us on social @thrivewithvyve on IG or just @vYve on Linkedin!

This is vYve Thrive—where leaders chase their dreams, claim their voice, and ignite the spark for others to do the same.

Colleen spent more than 22 years inside FINRA, the regulatory engine behind every broker-dealer in the United States. She has navigated billion-dollar acquisitions, wrangled teams of attorneys, pushed back on regulators with confidence, and guided firms through some of the most complex compliance terrain in the financial world. Today, she runs Diles Consulting, where she helps firms establish, grow, and stay compliant, and serves as a sought-after expert witness.

But here’s what makes this conversation special. Colleen pairs sharp analysis and ironclad clarity with an almost surprising calm and compassion. She’s the leader who stands her ground, protects her people, and walks into tense rooms with steady confidence. She’s also the eight-year-old who once fired her babysitter, which tells you everything you need to know about where this started.

If you’re a founder, financial executive, attorney, or someone fascinated by leadership psychology, regulatory strategy, expert witness work, or board-level decision-making, this episode delivers insights you can apply instantly.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What Good Leadership Actually Looks Like in High-Pressure Industries

Colleen breaks down why leadership isn’t loud or aggressive. It’s clarity. It’s calm. It’s knowing when to say no. You’ll hear how she guides billion-dollar deals, manages attorneys, and wins trust from regulators without ever raising her voice.

The Art of Pushing Back on Regulators With Confidence

Most people freeze when dealing with regulatory bodies. Not Colleen. She explains the mindset required to stand firm, say “that’s not required,” and do it in a way that earns respect. This is essential learning for anyone working with FINRA, SEC, or compliance oversight.

How to Deliver the Truth Even When It Costs You the Client

Colleen reveals how she handles consultations where honesty might mean walking away. Her philosophy on truth, ethics, and long-term reputation is a masterclass in integrity for consultants, experts, and service providers.

Staying Calm in Rooms Full of Attorneys

As an expert witness, Colleen gets cross-examined by attorneys whose goal is to shake her confidence. She shares the mental framework that keeps her centered, credible, and unshakeable under pressure. These are life skills you’ll want to borrow.

Why Empathy Is a Power Tool for Leaders

Her secret? She has empathy for the person trying to rattle her. This surprising perspective is part of what makes her extraordinarily effective and deeply trusted.

The “Mama Bear” Style of Leadership

Colleen opens up about the nickname her team gave her and how protecting her people became a defining trait of her leadership. If you manage a team, you’ll love this.

How She Decided to Leave FINRA and Build Her Own Firm

You’ll hear her decision-making process, her internal “what’s the worst that can happen” framework, and what it felt like landing her first clients in the early months of Dials Consulting.

The Path to the Boardroom and Why She Wants That Next

Colleen walks through her growing passion for board service, governance, and audit committees. If you’re exploring board opportunities or corporate leadership, you’ll pick up strategies and clarity for your own path.

Why Firms Turn to Her for High-Stakes Projects

From establishing broker-dealers to completing CMAs and NMAs faster than industry norms, Colleen breaks down the expertise behind her rapid approvals, her efficiency, and what attorneys appreciate most about her work.

A Personal, Unexpected Twist: Turtle Conservation

Stick around for the end. You’ll never see turtles the same way again.

Visit https://dilesconsulting.com/

This episode is not just inspiration. It is a practical playbook for entrepreneurs, executives, and anyone who wants to turn a perceived weakness into a competitive advantage. If you want to perform better on the mic, lead teams with confidence, and make your message land with buyers and stakeholders, you will find proven mindsets and tactics you can use today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How to Break Free from Labels:

A step-by-step look at how Peter refused to internalize a limiting identity, and how you can reframe your own story so it fuels performance in business, sales, and interviews.

Perseverance That Pays:

The simple decision frameworks Peter used to stay in the game when odds looked bad, including the moment he chose not to accept failure in a high-attrition industry.

Parenting, Mentorship, and Identity:

How one champion can change a life. Peter’s father challenged institutions, sought second opinions, and modeled advocacy. Learn how to become that advocate for others and for yourself.

Rethinking Learning Challenges:

Phonics versus see-and-say, why reading is advanced decoding, and how Peter improved literacy as an adult by reading nightly with his son. Useful for leaders, teachers, and parents.

Confidence Under Pressure:

How to perform when tests are timed, stakes are high, and people are watching. Use Peter’s visualization practice and “decide in advance” mindset for public speaking and high-stakes meetings.

From Financial Advisor to Author:

Why Peter wrote the novel “Time,” how economics shaped the story, and what the creative process taught him about discipline, productivity, and finishing complex projects.

Core Message Development:

Practical cues to find and communicate your core message on podcasts and stages. Peter’s story shows how to transform adversity into authority that audiences remember.

The Transferable Skills of Sales and Service:

How years on the front line with clients sharpen clarity, listening, and storytelling. Apply these skills to podcast guesting, demand generation, and closing high-value deals.

TIME A Novel by Peter Grose on Amazon

None of this information should be taken as investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Investment advisory services offered by Bay Colony Advisors, a registered investment advisor, DBA Grose Wealth Management LLC. No Advice may be rendered unless a client service agreement is in place. Bay Colony Advisors does not provide accounting, tax, or legal advice. Principal Office: 86 Baker Avenue Extension, Suite 310, Concord, MA 01742. Phone: 978-369-7200.

She opens up about her journey from burnout in the legal field to discovering entrepreneurship through skincare and self-development. What began as a side venture became a full-blown transformation, one that now informs the way she lives, works, and empowers others.

Whether you’re a professional feeling the pressure to “do it all,” a mom trying to find balance, or an entrepreneur struggling to align your values with your business, Angela’s story will remind you that success begins with self-care and that protecting your brand starts with protecting your body.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Power of Reinvention:

How Angela’s shift from traditional law to wellness entrepreneurship helped her rediscover purpose, confidence, and creativity.

Wellness Beyond Buzzwords:

Why true wellness goes far deeper than diet trends, it’s about how you think, feel, and show up for yourself every day.

Balancing Career and Confidence:

How working moms can let go of guilt, silence outside judgment, and make decisions that truly serve their families and values.

Entrepreneurship Meets Self-Advocacy:

The surprising link between asking for what you want, setting boundaries, and creating a business that aligns with who you are.

“You Are Your Brand”:

Why building a powerful career or company begins with aligning your lifestyle, energy, and values because people feel when you’re authentic.

In this conversation, Josh Cary sits down with author Eric Carver to unpack how a lifetime of curiosity, creativity, and courage culminated in his debut novel. From high school English assignments and mowing the lawn to confronting fear, doubt, and the imposter voice that says “I’m not good enough,” this episode is a testament to what happens when you stop waiting and start creating.

Whether you’re a writer, a creative, or simply someone with a dream collecting dust, Eric’s story will remind you that it’s never too late to follow the spark, and that your weirdness might be your greatest gift.

Personal trainer Laura Smestad, founder of Strong Sisters Slay, joins Josh Cary on The Hidden Entrepreneur Show to share how women over 35 can transform not only their bodies but their confidence, mindset, and entire outlook on life.

This conversation dives deep into the truth behind sustainable fitness, the power of strength training, and why your mental and emotional health are just as critical as your physical health. Whether you’re managing a demanding career, raising a family, or simply ready to prioritize yourself again, this episode will help you understand what real empowerment looks like, inside and out.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Connection Between Strength and Mindset

Why physical training is just the beginning and how lifting weights can rebuild your sense of confidence, purpose, and control.

The Truth About Motivation

What to do when you “don’t feel like it,” and how accountability and momentum turn temporary effort into lifelong transformation.

Navigating Fitness After 35

How hormonal shifts, perimenopause, and changing metabolism affect your results and the updated strategies that actually work.

Why ‘All or Nothing’ Doesn’t Work

Laura breaks down the myth that fitness requires perfection, showing how simple, consistent habits create lasting change.

Customizing Your Journey

How Laura tailors each client’s training and nutrition plan to fit real life, whether you have 15 minutes a day or a full hour.

The Power of Proper Nutrition

The biggest nutrition mistake most women make (hint: it’s protein), and how eating right accelerates your results far more than cardio ever will.

Rediscovering Joy in Movement

Hear how one of Laura’s clients went from dreading workouts to loving every minute and how you can too.

Taking Back Your Confidence

Why reclaiming your body isn’t just about looking better it’s about feeling powerful, capable, and fully alive again.

In this episode, Josh Cary digs into Katie’s evolution from trauma-fueled humor to unfiltered authenticity. Together, they explore why laughter can be the most powerful form of self-therapy, how to navigate online hate, and what it truly takes to show up boldly in a world that often rewards pretending.

If you’ve ever used humor to cope, feared showing the real you, or wondered how to turn your vulnerability into connection and opportunity, this conversation will make you laugh, nod, and maybe even rethink what “authentic” really means.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Real Source of Comedy:

Why the funniest people are often those who’ve faced the hardest pain and how Katie turned her own trauma into connection, healing, and laughter.

From Anonymous to Audacious:

The story behind Katie’s viral Psycho Girlfriend Twitter account, why she created it anonymously, and what it took to finally show her face to the world as Anxious to Audacious.

The Power of Oversharing (Done Right):

How being radically transparent about your struggles builds trust, relatability, and community even when others say you’re “too much.”

When Humor Heals:

How to use laughter not just to escape your emotions but to process them, grow from them, and give others permission to do the same.

Facing Fear and Finding Freedom:

Why showing up as your true self, even when it’s terrifying, is the only way to create meaningful impact, real relationships, and genuine success online.

The Haters, the Humor, and the Healing:

Katie’s viral hotel soap video sparked internet outrage. Her response? More laughter. Learn how she handles criticism while staying true to herself.

Caroline reveals why so many founders, coaches, and entrepreneurs struggle to be seen for what they truly offer. You’ll discover how to connect authentically with your audience, simplify your marketing efforts, and reignite the passion behind your brand.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” in marketing but still not getting traction, this conversation will help you identify what’s missing and how to fix it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Real Meaning of Value

Why your value isn’t something you have to find, it’s something you already have. Caroline explains how to reconnect with the natural value you bring to others and translate it into messaging that resonates.

The Visibility Trap Entrepreneurs Fall Into

Why doing more isn’t the answer and how one client cut her marketing in half yet doubled her engagement by leaning into what aligned with her strengths.

The Audit That Changes Everything

The first step Caroline takes with every client: a “self-awareness audit” that uncovers what’s working, what’s draining you, and where your message has lost connection with your audience.

How Childhood Lessons Shape Modern Marketing

Caroline shares a personal story about moving from school to school as a child and how her need to add value to be accepted became the foundation of how she helps brands connect with their audiences today.

The Fine Line Between Serving and Seeking Validation

How to give genuine value without slipping into “needy marketing” that repels rather than attracts.

Belonging, Connection, and the Human Side of Business

Why effective marketing is less about persuasion and more about belonging and how every brand can create that emotional bridge with the right communication strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The One Metric That Moves the Algorithm:

Why completion rate and watch time are the true engines of virality, and how a 30 percent completion rate can outperform a 10 percent video, regardless of hashtags or posting time.

The 20–30 Second Baseline That Works:

Why ultra-short 3–7 second loops no longer get rewarded, and how to craft 20–30 second videos that keep viewers glued to the end on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

Hook to Close and How to Hold Attention:

Practical ways to win the first three seconds, maintain narrative tension, and structure a clean payoff that maximizes video completion.

Persona > Random Posts:

How platforms “pigeonhole” you using built-in SEO, why picking a focused topic cluster matters, and how diluting your theme kills predictable reach.

Entertainment Without Being a Comedian:

Twenty ways to be entertaining without trying to be funny, and why “spectacle,” novelty, or satisfying processes can outperform jokes for your niche.

The Posting Cadence That Shortens the Learning Phase:

How 2–3 posts per day for a focused six-week to six-month sprint helps platforms learn who to send your content to, and how Braxton reduced his learning phase from months to weeks.

Reverse-Engineering Topic Demand:

A simple research system to find high-demand keywords inside each platform. Search your 10 target topics, log the top four posts, and compare views or likes to choose bigger “pies” of attention.

Short-Form to Long-Form Funnel:

Why short-form video is for exposure and discovery, and long-form is for education, authority, and conversion. How to move viewers from viral clips to deeper episodes, trainings, and offers.

Viral Without Brand Drift:

How to “stay in your lane” so views turn into leads, partnerships, and sales, instead of empty vanity metrics.

The Dark Side of Virality:

Why fame moments do not equal revenue, how to ignore highlight reels, and how Braxton reframed virality as an asset inside a real business.

Episode Highlights

Braxton’s first viral hit arrived after six months of posting three times a day and relentless experimentation. That grind taught him what really works across platforms.

The dirty secret of going viral is simple. Get as many viewers as possible to watch to the end. Everything else is secondary.

Platform SEO is real. Become known for a focused topic so the algorithm knows who to send your content to.

Research before you record. Compare top results for your target keywords on each platform to choose topics with bigger built-in viewership.

Design your content funnel. Use Shorts, Reels, and TikToks for reach, then guide people to long-form content where trust and sales happen.

In this episode, author and journalist Erica Rex joins Josh Cary to discuss her forthcoming book, Seeing What Is There: My Search for Sanity in the Psychedelic Era. Erica’s story is one of profound resilience, courage, and clarity. From enduring childhood abuse in a family of doctors to becoming one of the early clinical trial participants at Johns Hopkins for psilocybin-assisted therapy, Erica has lived on both sides of suffering and hope.

This conversation is a profoundly human exploration of what it takes to see life as it truly is, without illusion, denial, or fear. Whether you’ve experienced trauma yourself, are curious about the therapeutic potential of psychedelics, or simply want to hear an extraordinary personal journey of transformation, this episode will open your eyes to what healing can really look like.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Psychedelic Renaissance Explained

Erica breaks down why we’re living in a new psychedelic era, how research returned after decades of prohibition and what it means for mental health today.

Inside a Landmark Psilocybin Trial

Hear firsthand what it was like to participate in one of the first modern clinical studies at Johns Hopkins exploring psilocybin’s impact on depression and trauma.

Trauma, Memory, and Survival

Erica opens up about her abusive childhood and the lasting psychological effects and how the long road to recovery began only after she left home and found safe spaces to speak her truth.

The Moment Everything Changed

Discover the pivotal realization that helped Erica separate herself from her trauma and finally understand: it was never her fault.

The Limits and Power of Psychedelics

Psychedelics are not a cure-all, Erica emphasizes but when used responsibly and with guidance, they can open the door to new perspectives, self-compassion, and connection to the larger universe.

Finding the Right Help

From skilled trauma therapists to trusted community, Erica shares why not all therapy is created equal and how finding the right support can mean the difference between retraumatization and recovery.

Seeing What Is There

Learn what it truly means to “see what is there” to strip away illusion, face the truth of your past, and reclaim your wholeness in the present.

About the Guest

Erica Rex is an award-winning writer and journalist whose work has appeared in The New York Times and Scientific American. Her upcoming book, Seeing What Is There: My Search for Sanity in the Psychedelic Era, blends memoir and cultural commentary to explore the intersections of trauma, healing, and the modern psychedelic movement.

In this inspiring conversation, Luis shares how he arrived in the U.S. from the Dominican Republic at age 11, lost his father soon after, and still managed to build a life of purpose and freedom. From teaching social studies to building multiple businesses, Luis proves that curiosity and community can change everything.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start investing in real estate, how automation can simplify your business, or how to use AI without losing your human touch, this episode is your roadmap. It’s a blend of heart, hustle, and high-ROI strategy.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Power of Reinvention:

How Luis transitioned from middle school teacher to full-time entrepreneur and real estate investor and the mindset shift that made it possible.

Building Wealth with Purpose:

Why your “why” matters more than your first property and how to choose the right real estate strategy based on your goals, resources, and risk tolerance.

Faith, Mentorship, and Connection:

How losing his father and finding guidance through mentors shaped Luis’s character, leadership, and vision for business and life.

AI and Automation Done Right:

The surprising ways AI can actually humanize your business by removing busywork, improving customer experience, and freeing up time to build real relationships.

From Struggle to Structure:

How growing up without a father taught Luis to fix what’s broken whether it’s a house, a system, or a mindset—and why that same philosophy fuels his success today.

A Real-World Look at Real Estate Investing:

Luis breaks down entry points for beginners from flipping and rentals to private lending—and shares the practical first steps you can take today.

AI Tools That Save You Time (and Money):

How business owners can integrate simple automation tools to manage leads, track clients, and boost revenue without losing authenticity.

Key Takeaway

AI isn’t replacing people, it’s replacing inefficiency. And in the same way a fixer-upper can become a dream home, you can transform your skills, your business, and your life by improving what already exists.

In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Shekar Natarajan, founder of Orchestro.ai, to explore the future of “angelic intelligence”, a new kind of AI built on virtue, empathy, and compassion rather than profit and efficiency alone.

With over 25 years in global logistics, Shekar has seen firsthand how systems built for speed and convenience often lose sight of purpose. Now, he’s on a mission to design AI that restores humanity to technology, starting with a logistics revolution that serves both goods and good.

This isn’t just another talk about AI. It’s a story about what happens when you grow up in the slums of India, build a global career in corporate America, and decide to risk it all to create technology guided by the heart.

If you’ve ever wondered whether AI can be a force for good, or how purpose and profit can truly coexist, this episode will change how you think about both.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why AI Lost Its Way:

How artificial intelligence became “too artificial,” losing the voice of the people it was meant to serve, and what needs to change.

The Concept of Angelic Intelligence:

The 27 human virtues (like compassion, humility, and empathy) Shekar and his team have encoded into their AI model to create a “digital angel.”

Purpose + Efficiency = Progress:

How Orchestro.ai is proving that logistics systems can be both efficient and human-centered—delivering life-saving medicine with the same precision as luxury goods.

Reimagining the Supply Chain:

Why today’s delivery systems are built on outdated frameworks and how virtual, purpose-driven networks could save billions while reducing waste.

From $34 to Founder:

The powerful story of Shekar’s rise from poverty in India to executive leadership in corporate America, and how his father’s legacy of kindness inspired his life’s mission.

Building a Better World for the Next Generation:

Why Shekar believes the truest measure of success isn’t wealth or scale, it’s the number of “invisible angels” we create in others’ lives.

This episode originally aired on iHeart Radio 710 WOR The Voice of New York.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Hidden Cost of Assumptions: Why relying on “someone recommended my accountant” can still lead to sales tax trouble, IRS notices, and avoidable audits. How to set roles and expectations in writing so nothing falls through the cracks.

Entity Choice That Actually Saves You Money: When staying a sole proprietor or single-member LLC becomes a tax trap. How and when electing S Corp status can reduce self-employment taxes once you cross the 60–70k income range.

Bookkeeping for Taxes, Not Just for Data Entry: The difference between generic categorizing and tax-smart books. Why every transaction needs a purpose under IRS rules and how proactive questions turn trips, meals, cars, and phones into properly documented deductions.

Sales Tax Compliance Made Understandable: The rule New York State cares about most. Why “I didn’t charge it” does not mean “I don’t owe it,” and how to set simple quarterly systems so you are never surprised.

Payroll, Depreciation, and Accountable Plans: The S Corp basics owners miss. How to pay yourself correctly, depreciate big purchases the right way, and reimburse mixed-use expenses like your phone with clean documentation.

For Dentists and Practice Owners: The all-in-one approach Rachel’s team uses to bring books current, resolve liabilities, and implement strategies that have saved clients significant amounts in taxes while restoring peace of mind.

Due Diligence You Can Use Today: A short checklist to vet your accountant: licenses (EA, CPA, or attorney), years of relevant experience, proactive planning, monthly reconciliations, tax-driven bookkeeping, and clear written scope.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

From “Plan B” to Category Leader: How Henry stumbled into finance, survived the dot-com downturn, and built three successful companies by serving overlooked customers.

The 401k Pivot That Changed Everything: The scrappy play that landed 120 small-business 401k plans and sparked a career focused on retirement accounts and real-world outcomes.

Why Traditional Diversification Isn’t Enough: What Henry means by “it’s the S&P 7,” why stocks and bonds now move together, and how non-correlated assets can improve risk-adjusted returns.

Self-Directed IRA 101: How Rocket Dollar lets you use an IRA or 401k rollover to invest in private and alternative assets, from single family rentals to private equity and venture funds.

Is This Even Allowed: The ERISA backstory since 1974, why private investments were always permissible inside IRAs, and why big brokerages never made it easy.

A Practical Allocation Mindset: How some investors shift 10 to 30 percent of IRA assets into alternatives while keeping the rest in broad index funds for balance.

Creative Investing Without Being an Expert: Why your local knowledge can be an investing edge, and how to think in terms of zig and zag when the public markets swing together.

The New A or B Retirement Conversation: Why the future of retirement accounts looks like regular IRAs for public markets and companion IRAs for private markets, and how both can work together.

Passive Is Over: Why “set it and forget it” no longer fits the times and what a proactive, aware approach looks like for busy founders and professionals.

Episode Highlights

The origin story that began with saving for law school and turned into a decade at Merrill Lynch guiding everyday savers inside break rooms across Austin.

The “richest man in Babylon” principle for modern retirement: start early, contribute consistently, and let compounding do the heavy lifting.

How Rocket Dollar acts as the “picks and shovels” to unlock retirement capital for private opportunities, without telling you what to buy.

Realistic minimums and examples for private funds that are now accessible to more investors, plus how customers typically use a self-directed IRA alongside a regular brokerage IRA.

A candid look at incentives on Wall Street and why most institutions keep you in their own public products.

Henry’s closing challenge to listeners: stop being purely passive, get informed, and take an active role in your retirement strategy.

Visit Rocket Dollar and Invest in what you want with a self-directed IRA

This episode originally aired on iHeart Radio 710 WOR The Voice of New York

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Innovation that Works in the Real World: What innovation means beyond buzzwords and how to mash ideas together to solve meaningful customer problems that create value fast.

Human + AI for Speed: Why AI is the cause and the customer experience is the effect, and how to aim your team at the effect first so technology choices follow strategy.

From Frameworks to Outcomes: Why “installing a framework” is not enough and how a leader, player, or coach model builds confidence, momentum, and ownership inside cross-functional teams.

Culture as a Performance System: How agency and psychological safety unlock creativity, experimentation, and faster delivery across product, engineering, and leadership.

Avoiding the Yes People Trap: How homogeneous mental models and go-along behavior wall leaders off from reality and how to invite dissent and get to the truth.

The Feedback Flywheel: A simple rule to stress test discovery work. If you only hear praise, keep interviewing until you collect constructive criticism, then build from that signal.

Leadership Presence that Listens: A memorable story from Accenture on how a CEO earned honest answers by sitting with analysts and asking three simple questions.

EQ x Tech x Team: Why personal growth and emotional resilience matter as much as tools, and how life and work feed each other for better or worse.

The Experimenter’s Mindset: Think big and act small through repeatable experiments, measurable wins, and a visible journal that compounds momentum over time.

Core Values that Guide Focus: How AJ uses Play and Passion to choose projects, say no quickly, and bring full energy to the work that matters.

Guest

AJ Bubb is the founder of MXP Studios, where he helps leaders and executives implement innovation at speed. He also hosts Facing Disruption, a podcast exploring the future of industries, rockstar product teams, and the experimenter’s mindset.

Episode Highlights

Innovation is a process of combining ideas to solve a real problem for a specific end user.

Teams accelerate when they share a clear vision, practice in real scenarios, and feel safe to test and learn.

Leaders who assume they know the answer often hire alignment over honesty, which silently slows everything down.

Cross-functional “player-coach” leadership builds team courage, capability, and handoff readiness.

Human plus AI creates leverage when the team starts from customer effect, not technology first.

Personal work and executive EQ remove control patterns that block innovation at the team level.

Small wins tracked in a simple journal compound into meaningful change.

This episode originally aired on iHeart Radio 710 WOR The Voice of New York

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• PEMF Made Simple: What pulsed electromagnetic fields are, how they occur naturally (think Schumann resonance), and why targeted PEMF can support circulation, cellular repair, and inflammation reduction.

• Cellular Energy Explained: How increasing cell membrane voltage and boosting ATP production can help the body do what it is designed to do: heal and rebalance.

• Wearable, On-the-Go Therapy: How Vibe and VegaVibe condense large, expensive mat-based PEMF systems into affordable, portable devices you can use for 30 to 60 minutes and get on with your day.

• Vagus Nerve 101: Why the vagus nerve is the communication highway between brain and organs, how tone affects stress, digestion, sleep, and headaches, and what proper stimulation can change.

• Heart Rate Variability Benefits: Why HRV is a leading indicator of health and recovery, and how a single session impacted HRV in clinical testing.

• PTSD Protocols and Outcomes: How a structured, 30-day usage protocol produced significant score reductions on the VA’s PCL-5 screening in Mark’s largest-to-date PTSD PEMF study.

• Protocols Like Songs: Why the devices run multi-frequency “songs” rather than a single frequency, and how different protocols target specific issues from anxiety to pain.

• Real-World Adoption: Why many traditional clinics lag on PEMF awareness, and how patient-led results are driving more physicians and wholesalers to take a closer look.

• Success Requires Consistency: Why most failures come from underuse or a nocebo mindset, and how to structure 3 to 4 weekly sessions for measurable results.

• How to Validate for Yourself: Practical steps to monitor changes using symptoms, HRV, and bloodwork trends while staying within FDA general wellness guidelines.

Episode Highlights

• Mark’s background as the youngest chief engineer on the Space Shuttle program establishes engineering rigor and credibility for wellness tech.

• Over 50 million user sessions across tens of thousands of devices points to real-world traction.

• The VegaVibe targets vagus nerve tone through a magnetic field worn like a necklace near the heart cluster, not through electrical stimulation to the neck.

• Vibe and VegaVibe use 50 to 60 specialized protocols, written as MP3-based frequency pairs that shift every few minutes to reach different tissues and systems.

• Consistency matters. Most users see best results with 30 to 60 minute sessions, 3 to 4 days per week, over 30 days.

About Mark Fox

Mark Fox is the inventor behind Vibe and VegaVibe PEMF devices and a former Space Shuttle program chief engineer. His work brings aerospace-grade engineering to consumer wellness, focusing on portable PEMF and vagus nerve solutions people can use at home, at work, or on the go.

Disclaimer

This episode shares general wellness information and personal experiences. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional about your specific situation.

Connect with Mark

Website: Resona.health

This episode originally aired on iHeart Radio's 710 WOR The Voice of New York.

In this episode of The Hidden Entrepreneur Show, Josh Cary sits down with Chris Hossfeld, founder and CEO of Barrel Strength Leadership, to uncover the frameworks, lessons, and battlefield-tested wisdom that leaders need but rarely receive in the corporate world.

With 27 years in the U.S. Army, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and leading international teams, Chris has lived leadership where the stakes were life or death. Today, he brings that same clarity and discipline to executives, founders, and organizations hungry for growth.

This isn’t another “death by PowerPoint” leadership seminar. Chris takes leaders into the field, literally. From Gettysburg to Normandy, he shows executives how history’s greatest battles can transform their communication, empower, and inspire their own teams.

If you’ve ever wondered how to lead with confidence, clarity, and purpose, or how to transform your organization into one that thrives at scale, this conversation will give you the unfiltered tools and frameworks to make it happen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Missing Link in Most Companies: Why promoting great performers into leadership roles without proper training sets organizations up for failure.

The Three Pillars of Leadership: Communication, vision, and empowerment, and how to know if you’re succeeding at each.

Military-Grade Lessons for the Boardroom: How leadership training in the U.S. Army translates directly into running high-performing teams in business.

The Power of Empowerment: Why defining thresholds for decision-making makes organizations more agile, responsive, and effective.

Lessons from History: How Chris uses Gettysburg and Normandy to help leaders recognize toxic or absent leadership, understand organizational narratives, and apply these insights directly to their companies.

Frameworks Over Formulas: Why real leadership isn’t about step-by-step instructions, but about developing the mental models that let you adapt in any environment.

Sustained Change That Sticks: How follow-up and accountability 60–90 days after leadership training creates real transformation inside companies.

Chris’s message is clear: leadership isn’t optional, and it isn’t a one-day seminar. It’s an investment that multiplies across your people, culture, and bottom line.

Josh Cary sits down with Dominic Forth, CEO of Thought Leaders America, to unpack the real power of visibility, exposure, and positioning. Dominic has spent over 20 years in media, from newsroom trenches to consulting with top TV stations, and now he helps thought leaders and entrepreneurs break into television to elevate their credibility.

This isn’t just about vanity metrics. It’s about authority, storytelling, and unlocking opportunities that only come when your message reaches a mass audience with trust and impact. If you want to understand what it takes to get booked on TV, and what to do with that exposure once you have it, this conversation will give you the blueprint.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why TV Still Matters: Even in the age of streaming and social media, legacy brands like ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox hold unmatched authority and influence.

The Three Traits TV Producers Look For: How being audience-centric, emotionally engaging, and authentic separates you from the competition.

The Power of Storytelling: Why facts and credentials aren’t enough and how to craft stories that stick in the minds of viewers and producers alike.

How to Build Momentum Beyond One Appearance: Why cramming everything into a single TV spot is a mistake, and how to create a narrative across multiple interviews.

Inside the Newsroom: What journalists and producers actually want from guests and how you can become the resource they need.

The Future of Media: Insights into where TV, streaming, and immersive platforms like Roblox are heading, and how entrepreneurs can leverage these shifts.

AI and Storytelling: Why human stories, combined with AI efficiency, will define the next wave of media strategy.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Danielle shares the remarkable journey behind her memoir Happy Adjacent. She reveals why chasing fame and fortune often leaves us emptier than before and what it really takes to feel fulfilled. Whether you’re navigating personal challenges, redefining success, or simply tired of waiting for “someday” to feel happy, Danielle’s story will shift your perspective and give you tangible ways to embrace joy right now.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Illusion of “Having It All”: How growing up in the epicenter of ’80s rock stardom shaped Danielle’s understanding of wealth, fame, and happiness.

Life Behind the Limos: The hidden struggles that fame and luxury can’t erase and why no one is immune to pain.

Mental Health in the Shadows: Lessons from living with a parent battling severe mental illness, and the impact on self-worth and identity.

Losing It All at 18: How bankruptcy and starting from scratch taught Danielle resilience, drive, and independence.

The Turning Point: The wisdom Eric Clapton shared that completely reframed Danielle’s approach to happiness.

Happiness as an Inside Job: Practical mindset shifts and daily habits like meditation and reframing beliefs that make joy possible now, not “one day.”

The Power of Small Joys: How finding one thing to be grateful for can turn your outlook around, even in life’s lowest moments.

This episode isn’t just Danielle’s story; it’s a wake-up call to stop postponing happiness until conditions are “perfect.” You’ll leave inspired to create it where you stand, no matter your circumstances.

Links and Resources

Book: Happy Adjacent online at happy-adjacent.com

In this episode, you’ll hear how a simple Sunday visit to his daughter sparked the idea for A Better Meal, a smart, AI-powered meal-planning app that brings joy back to the kitchen. Mark shares his transition into entrepreneurship, his unexpected lessons in consumer tech, and why he believes healthy eating should be simple, personalized, and fun.

Whether you’re a seasoned home chef, a “cook only when you must” type, or an entrepreneur looking to pivot into a new industry, Mark’s story delivers both practical tips and a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

From Oil to Apps: How Mark went from petroleum engineer to tech entrepreneur without a background in food or software.

The Problem Worth Solving: The Sunday afternoon meal-prep frustration that inspired A Better Meal.

AI in the Kitchen: How artificial intelligence is transforming meal planning, cooking skills, and grocery shopping efficiency.

Making Healthy Eating Fun: Why gamification and bite-sized cooking videos can turn even reluctant cooks into confident creators.

Overcoming the Crowded Market Challenge: How A Better Meal stands out from other meal-planning and delivery services.

Family Collaboration: How Mark’s son joined the mission, bringing his videography skills to produce high-quality cooking tutorials.

The June App Release: Sneak peek at the new features, including 80+ video classes, curated meal plans for athletes, and AI-powered ingredient cross-usage.

Robert’s story is raw, powerful, and unforgettable. From being a boy in Jamaica who was mocked and shamed in school, to founding his own nursery school at age 17, to becoming a global educator, counselor, and church leader, his journey is a testament to what’s possible when you choose to believe in yourself, even when no one else does.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, underestimated, or stuck in a narrative that wasn’t yours, this conversation will remind you that you can rewrite your story. Right now. Starting today.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Words Can Shape (or Shatter) a Child’s Future:

The moment Robert was publicly humiliated by a teacher, and how his mother’s loving response that same night changed everything.

The Power of a Single Believer:

Why one person who believes in you can be the catalyst for everything that follows and how to be that person for yourself or someone else.

Overcoming Labels and Low Expectations:

Robert’s perspective on self-fulfilling prophecies, and how he rewrote the narrative of failure that others tried to assign him.

From Market Stall to Nursery School Founder:

How Robert started a nursery school at 17, despite never attending high school, and grew it from 6 children to 66.

The Life-Altering Moment He Taught His Mother to Read:

The full-circle moment of becoming a teacher to the very woman who had sacrificed everything to give him a chance.

Redemption and Resilience in Adulthood:

How Robert pursued education relentlessly, became a teacher, counselor, and global leader all while carrying his mother’s legacy with pride.

The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything:

Why Robert believes you must “clean the slate,” break free from mental slavery, and choose a new internal voice.

Who This Episode is For:

Anyone who grew up with limiting beliefs or harsh labels

Parents who want to understand the lifelong power of their words

Educators who need a reminder of their influence

Aspiring leaders, entrepreneurs, and authors who’ve ever felt "behind"

Listeners searching for a way to turn pain into purpose

Robert's Core Message:

You are the architect of your life. No matter how many times you've failed, been denied, or felt invisible, there is always redemption. You can rise.

Jaclyn Isaac, founder of Doni Douglas Designs, went from managing global ad campaigns in Big Pharma to leading one of New Jersey’s most recognizable interior design firms. It all started as a side hustle, fueled by instinct, savagery (her word), and a refusal to stay small.

In this refreshingly honest and practical conversation, Jaclyn opens up about building a business without formal training, how she fought through imposter syndrome, and the exact mindset shift that took her from “downtown decorator” to a designer commanding high-end projects and premium fees.

Whether you're growing your side hustle, wrestling with self-worth as a creative entrepreneur, or finally ready to bet on yourself, Jaclyn’s journey will challenge your excuses and inspire your next move.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Reality of Starting on the Side

How Jaclyn balanced a full-time advertising job with growing a passion project and why “side hustle” is one of the most underrated business strategies available.

How to Know When It’s Time to Rebrand

The surprising moment a client told her, “Your name is holding you back,” and how that led to a full identity and mindset shift in her business.

Overcoming the Fear of Not Being 'Qualified'

Jaclyn didn’t go to design school. She’s never needed to. She shares how she built her reputation through results and referrals not credentials.

Pricing, Worth, and Owning Your Value

From $450 full apartment projects to commanding premium fees, Jaclyn walks through the emotional and tactical work of raising your internal thermostat.

The Truth About Time and Excuses

Why most of us do have time to build something meaningful and what doom-scrolling has to do with it.

Running a Business vs. Being Creative

Jaclyn reveals how her love for business, systems, and project management became the secret weapon that made her design firm scalable and profitable.

Conquering Imposter Syndrome on Job Sites and Beyond

The inner dialogue Jaclyn still uses to walk into high-stakes meetings, own her expertise, and lead confidently, even in male-dominated industries.

A Refreshing Take on Success and Strategy

This is not “quit your job and chase your passion” fluff. Jaclyn keeps it real about mortgages, children, and building something sustainable and soulful simultaneously.

Originally aired on iHeart Radio's 710 WOR with host Josh Cary.

This isn’t just theory. Kevin has lived on all sides of the business equation: academia, startups, pharmaceuticals, and investment groups like Tech Coast Angels and Pasadena Angels. He reveals exactly what investors look for, why honesty and adaptability are non-negotiable, and how to create the ecosystem that takes your business from idea to investor-ready.

Whether you’re a founder preparing for fundraising, an entrepreneur aiming to scale, or a professional looking to position your business for long-term growth, this episode offers clear, actionable insights to help you stand out.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Three Entrepreneurial Lanes: Why knowing if you’re an inventor, entrepreneur, or CEO changes how you lead and grow your business.

How to Attract Investors: The must-have traits, documents, and mindset that make investors say yes.

The Power of Your Team and Network: Why your ability to recruit and collaborate signals more than your product alone.

Elevator Pitches That Work: What investors listen for in the first two minutes, and the red flags that turn them off.

The Real Investor Mindset: Why even brilliant products need patience, proof, and adaptability to secure funding.

Lessons from the Investment Trenches: What Kevin learned from 20 years in the investment community, including how deals get screened, syndicated, and funded.

This conversation is a masterclass in preparing your business for the opportunities and scrutiny that come with growth and investment.

This isn’t a jargon-filled finance lecture. It’s a refreshingly human, emotionally aware conversation that gets to the heart of why we invest, save, and plan in the first place. Nick shares how his early obsession with finance (yes, he read investing textbooks for fun as a teen), his professional hockey background, and his family legacy shape how he advises clients today.

Whether you’re in your 30s building wealth or nearing retirement, trying to protect it, Nick delivers real insight on how to build confidence and clarity even when the market gets shaky.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Most Financial Advice Falls Flat:

Nick unpacks why there’s so much noise out there and how your own overconfidence bias might be tripping you up without realizing it.

The Hidden Emotional Drivers Behind Every Financial Goal:

Investing isn’t just about numbers, it’s about what those numbers mean to you. Nick shares how he digs into the emotional "why" behind each client’s logical goals.

How to Build a Legacy That’s More Than Just Money:

You’ll discover the two sides of legacy: passing down wealth and passing down trust. Nick explains how long-term relationships matter more than hot stock picks.

The Power of a Second Opinion:

Using a personal (and pretty wild) hockey injury story, Nick shows why getting another look at your financial plan might save more than your portfolio.

From Rinks to Returns: How Hockey Shaped His Wealth Philosophy:

Discipline, resilience, and preparation, what Nick learned on the ice translates directly into his approach to helping clients weather market storms.

How to Sleep Better at Night (Even When Markets Crash):

You’ll learn why diversification is only part of the answer, and how true financial peace comes from clarity, coaching, and being emotionally ready for what’s ahead.

What to Ask Yourself (and Your Advisor) Before Making Big Moves:

Nick shares the essential questions to evaluate whether your current financial setup actually aligns with your life goals, not just your spreadsheet.

If you’ve ever felt anxious, overwhelmed, or flat-out stuck about what to do with your money, this episode gives you the clarity and permission to slow down, think deeply, and create a real plan that serves you, your family, and your future.

Featuring:

Nick Grose, Financial Advisor, Grose Wealth Management

Hosted by Josh Cary on 710 WOR, The Voice of New York

Ready to ditch the panic and get a plan?

Check out Grose Wealth Management to learn more.

*Disclosure: Investment Advisory Services offered through Bay Colony Advisors, DBA Grose Wealth Management. None of the information contained in this podcast should be considered financial advice. No financial advice may be rendered without a signed investment advisory contract. 

In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Dr. Aditya Nagrath, PhD mathematician, computer scientist, and founder of Elephant Learning, a revolutionary software system that’s helping kids learn a year and a half of math in just 10 weeks. Whether your child avoids math like the plague or you’re simply trying to get them ahead, this conversation will change how you view math forever.

Dr. Nagrath reveals how understanding math as a language is the key to long-term comprehension and confidence, and how his software taps into this secret by combining adaptive tech with the real-world experience of early education experts.

If you're a parent who’s ever heard “When am I ever going to use this?” this is the episode for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Real Reason Kids Struggle with Math

Why math anxiety is more than just fear of numbers and how it’s rooted in a lack of language comprehension.

What Makes Elephant Learning So Effective

How just 30 minutes per week using this adaptive software can lead to 1.5 years of measurable math growth and the guarantee that backs it up.

How to Start the Conversation at Home

The specific words and approach to use with your child (or student) to reduce math resistance and build trust and confidence from Day One.

Why Math Is the Foundation for Nearly Every Profession

From taxes to coding, from aviation to entrepreneurship, Dr. Nagrath breaks down why algebra is the new literacy in the real world.

Understanding the ‘Elephant Age’ Metric

Learn how Elephant Learning tracks your child’s math progress with a single, easy-to-understand number that helps you see and feel the growth.

The Right Way to Treat Math Anxiety

How Dr. Nagrath's book Treating Mathematics Anxiety gives parents and educators tools to reduce stress, encourage effort, and support long-term success.

Gamification That Works

Why Elephant Learning engages students of all levels without relying on over-the-top graphics and how it builds intuition through puzzle-based learning.

Resources & Free Gift

Visit ElephantLearning.com to explore the program and see if it’s a fit for your child.

Email support@elephantlearning.com to receive 3 FREE chapters of Dr. Nagrath’s book Treating Mathematics Anxiety.

Whether your child is falling behind in math, coasting without confidence, or already excelling and ready for the next challenge, this episode offers real strategies and an empowering path forward. It's time to give our kids the tools and language they need to succeed.

This edition of The Hidden Entrepreneur Show originally aired on 710WOR, The Voice of New York.

Alex doesn’t just bring opinions, he brings receipts. From his early days at Facebook during its pre-mobile transformation to building a startup that made international personal shopping possible, Alex reveals the behind-the-scenes story of how he spotted a massive gap in cross-border commerce and built a company to solve it.

Whether you're a founder, marketer, operator, or investor in DTC, SaaS, or logistics, this conversation is a front-row seat to the untapped opportunity of international scale. It’s part tactical roadmap, part entrepreneurial masterclass and all eye-opening.

In this revealing and passionate conversation, financial strategist and bestselling author Alan Porter pulls back the curtain on the myths surrounding 401(k)s, stock portfolios, and so-called “diversification.” A former U.S. Army Blackhawk instructor pilot turned elite financial educator, Alan shares the deeply personal story that fueled his mission—and the unconventional strategies he uses to help clients legally eliminate taxes, avoid major retirement pitfalls, and set up truly guaranteed income for life.

This isn’t just a financial conversation—it’s a wake-up call. Whether you’re years away from retirement or already facing its realities, Alan’s insights can help you stop leaking money and start building lasting, protected wealth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Hidden Cost of “Safe” Retirement Plans:

Why traditional vehicles like 401(k)s and IRAs are ticking tax time bombs and how to shift your money into tax-free, lawsuit-protected alternatives.

The Power of Becoming Your Own Bank:

How cash value life insurance and indexed universal life policies can eliminate your debt, compound your interest, and provide you with tax-free retirement income.

A Real-Life Financial Tragedy That Sparked a Mission:

The story of Alan’s daughter-in-law’s battle with cancer, and how a little-known rider on a life insurance policy changed everything and inspired Alan to dedicate his life to helping others.

Why Fees Are Killing Your Nest Egg:

How even a 1% fee in your portfolio can reduce your retirement income by over 30% and what to do instead.

The “Sequence of Returns” Trap:

How one bad year early in retirement can wipe out decades of savings and why guaranteed income strategies matter more than stock market bets.

Avoiding Probate, Lawsuits, and Estate Taxes:

Learn how proper planning with life insurance and annuities can preserve your legacy, keep your assets intact, and prevent the government from taking a massive bite out of your estate.

The First Question You Need to Ask Your Financial Advisor:

Alan shares the one question that will instantly tell you whether your current advisor is helping or hurting your long-term financial health.

Mentioned in the Episode:

Strategic Wealth Strategies – https://www.strategicwealthstrategies.com

Book: Tax-Free Retirement Solutions by Alan Porter

Tune in to learn how to reclaim control over your money, your legacy, and your peace of mind.

This episode of The Hidden Entrepreneur Show originally aired on iHeart Radio's 710 WOR – The Voice of New York. Hosted by Josh Cary.

In this powerful conversation, bestselling author and biotech executive-turned-entrepreneur Diana Morales shares how she went from growing up in political upheaval and moving countries as a teenager to becoming a high-performing executive, mother of three, and now the founder of her own consulting firm.

But her real breakthrough didn’t come from climbing the corporate ladder, it came when she finally stopped running and chose to rise above the noise.

This is more than a story of resilience. It’s a roadmap for anyone who feels stuck in a life that doesn’t feel like theirs. If you’re craving more purpose, more peace, and a powerful personal reset, this episode is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Real Meaning of “Rising Above the Noise:" How Diana defines the internal and external “noise” that keeps us stuck and how to silence it so your true self can lead the way.

A Global Story of Resilience: From surviving an earthquake in Albania to culture shock in Montana, hear how Diana’s immigrant journey shaped her strength and leadership mindset.

What Survival Mode Really Looks Like: Diana opens up about the high-functioning hustle that looked successful on the outside but kept her disconnected inside and how she finally broke that cycle.

The Power of Self-Love and Stillness: Why taking a gap year wasn’t lazy, it was radical and how space, intention, and mindfulness helped her reconnect with her purpose.

Daily Practices to Reclaim Your Power: The non-negotiable routines Diana uses to set her mindset, care for her body, and stay present for her family while building her brand.

Redefining Leadership and Success: Why true leadership starts with self-awareness and how Diana built teams who followed her not because of her title, but because of how she showed up.

Signs It’s Time for You to Make a Change: From toxic workplaces to stagnant social circles, Diana explains how to know when you’ve outgrown your environment and what to do next.

But this episode is not just about infertility. It’s about hidden pain, private battles, and the universal human need to express what we can’t say out loud. Whether or not you’ve faced infertility, this conversation will hit home if you’ve ever hidden a part of yourself, felt broken for not meeting society’s expectations, or wrestled with emotions you didn’t know how to share.

Through fiction, Nina created a powerful outlet for her grief—and a lifeline for others. This is a beautiful conversation about healing, hope, and the stories we’re finally ready to tell.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How to Tell a Personal Story Without Telling Your Story: Nina shares how she used fiction to process the pain of infertility while protecting her privacy and why this can be a powerful tool for others navigating sensitive topics.

The Shame of Not Fulfilling Expectations: Why infertility can feel like a personal failure, and how cultural expectations make it even harder for women to open up.

Creating a Character to Heal Yourself: Nina explains why her protagonist, a successful OBGYN facing infertility, became the perfect “mirror” for her own struggles, and how she designed the character to be the version of herself she wishes she could be.

Why We All Need an Outlet: From journaling to private stories tucked away on your hard drive, Nina describes how writing helped her find peace and offers suggestions for anyone dealing with emotional burdens.

You Are Not Alone: Nina’s mission is clear: to remind women (and anyone struggling in silence) that they are not alone. She offers suggestions for finding safe places to speak up, connect, and heal, even if your voice shakes.

Hope Through Humor and Honesty: Discover how her novel strikes the delicate balance between tough emotional truth and uplifting storytelling, because not everything has to be dark to be real.

In this refreshingly honest conversation, Caroline reveals how Cloud Closet blends AI, your actual wardrobe, and real input from friends to help you look your best, without the guesswork. If you’ve ever stood in a store (or your bedroom) feeling stuck about an outfit, this episode will change how you think about fashion, shopping, and self-expression.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Cloud Closet Works: Why it’s more than just another digital wardrobe app and how it combines AI with authentic social input.

The Problem with Shopping Alone: Caroline’s take on why the traditional in-store experience leaves us wanting more and how she’s bridging that gap.

Innovation and Creativity in Fashion Tech: How Caroline’s background fuels her mission to make personal style more accessible and fun.

The Realities of Female Entrepreneurship: Candid lessons from building a fashion tech company as a woman founder in a male-dominated funding landscape.

Why It’s the Perfect Time to Build Your Big Idea: Caroline’s advice for anyone holding back on launching their vision, no matter their resources.

Memorable Quotes

“Fashion is the simplest creative act we all do, so why not make it smarter and social?” — Caroline Lakshmanan

“If you feel it deep in your gut, you owe it to yourself to build it. Now is the time.” — Caroline Lakshmanan

“You don’t have to trust the store clerk. With Cloud Closet, your best friends are in your pocket helping you choose what works.” — Caroline Lakshmanan

Amber’s work helps men navigate the messy, beautiful terrain of intimacy, shadow work, and the divine masculine. Whether you’re in a long-term relationship, newly dating, or curious about becoming a better partner, this conversation is your invitation to understand the complexities of desire and emotional safety, straight from someone who works with men every day to unlock their most powerful, connected selves.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What Women Want, Really

Forget the conflicting advice. Amber breaks down what women desire most in a partner and how men can hold space for the full expression of the feminine.

How to Play Without Performing

Why typical “dating games” backfire and how genuine playfulness deepens attraction and trust.

The Real Meaning of Intimacy

Amber’s take on how true intimacy starts with radical self-awareness and why most intimacy issues trace back to how you relate to yourself first.

Healing the Heart of Man

How men can safely reopen their hearts after past hurt and why your willingness to do so changes everything in love and life.

Shadow Work Unpacked

What shadow work really is, how it unblocks hidden parts of your desire, and why facing your inner darkness can unleash unexpected freedom and erotic potential.

Spiritual Masculinity and the Divine Dance

How embracing your own divinity transforms your relationship with women and why the spiritual piece is non-negotiable for lasting intimacy.

Who Amber Works With and How

A behind-the-scenes look at Amber’s powerful three-day immersions and how they catalyze massive pivots for men ready to own their lives and relationships.

Memorable Quotes

“One of the greatest gifts a woman can have is to be encouraged to bloom in all of her expression while knowing she’s anchored by a grounded, curious man.” – Amber Kelly

“If you win at the dating game but lose your authenticity, you lose everything.” – Amber Kelly

“Intimacy begins when you see every part of yourself, light and shadow, and hold it lightly.” – Amber Kelly

Justin’s journey began with a dream, and not just a metaphorical one. His late mother appeared to him as an angel, igniting a purpose that now drives every decision he makes. Backed by a space career that includes stints at NASA and the International Space University, Justin is no amateur dreamer. His Cross on the Moon Coalition is a bold, technically sound, spiritually driven campaign that challenges what we think is possible in both faith and science.

Whether you're religious or not, this conversation pushes you to consider the bigger picture of why we’re here and how human legacy and culture will extend beyond Earth.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

A Dream That Sparked a Movement – How a visitation from Justin’s late mother led to a mission to land a Christian cross on the lunar surface and what it’s taught him about faith, purpose, and life after loss.

Space Policy Meets Spirituality – Why the Outer Space Treaty, launch regulations, and deep space communications are critical to this mission, and how Justin is navigating the bureaucratic and technical hurdles.

Feasibility and Funding – What it will cost to land a 10-foot cross on the moon, how Justin plans to raise $40–50 million, and why he believes the number is a “rounding error” in the grand scheme of visionary philanthropy.

The Vision Behind the Cross – How Justin sees the moon landing as a cultural and spiritual milestone, and why he believes God should be leading humanity’s expansion into space.

Handling Criticism and Cultural Tension – The honest feedback he’s received from both the faith-based and scientific communities, and how he reframes skepticism into productive dialogue.

Entrepreneurship in Service of Faith – How Justin’s background in startups, blockchain, and space education led to the creation of “intergalactic” apps and how this mission is the ultimate entrepreneurial act of purpose.

A Global Moment in the Making – How the moon landing will be live-streamed, what cameras they’re using, and why Justin wants the entire world watching as the cross unfolds in space with Earth in the background.

Memorable Quotes

“This was a calling, not just an idea. My mom came to me in a dream, and I knew I’m supposed to do this.” – Justin Park

“If you don’t have God in your life, your rocket veers off course. That’s not just a metaphor in our Bible app, it’s the mission.” – Justin Park

“Forty or fifty million dollars to make history? To shift humanity’s view of itself? That’s not expensive. That’s efficient.” – Justin Park

Want to Support the Mission?

Visit mooncross.org to learn more, donate, watch their mission animation, or get your own mini lunar lander.

This is more than a moonshot. It’s a faith-powered movement to inspire generations—and it starts here.

In this emotional and eye-opening episode, author and former EMT Will Holditch joins Josh Cary to reveal the conversation that every Gen Xer and younger Baby Boomer must have with their loved ones. With stories pulled from real-life emergencies, personal loss, and the chaos that comes from being unprepared, Will lays out exactly how to get your family on the same page before it’s too late.

Whether you’re in your 40s or 60s, this episode is a wake-up call. You’ll walk away with practical steps, life-saving context, and the motivation to finally take action.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Conversation You Can’t Afford to Avoid

Discover why it's time to sit your parents down and start documenting their wishes, medical details, and key information before a crisis makes that impossible.

Why Most Families Are Totally Unprepared

Learn from real stories of emergency room chaos, missed benefits, and heartbreaking confusion, all because no one had the right information when it mattered most.

Inside the 168-Page Workbook

Will shares why he created Strategic Planning for the Golden Years, a practical, fill-in-the-blank workbook that breaks the process into manageable steps to help you and your family plan proactively.

The 3 Pillars of End-of-Life Preparedness

Get a clear breakdown of what you need to know: personal information, medical history, and financial details, plus the overlooked category that could create massive complications: digital access.

Handling Resistant Parents with Grace

Worried your parents won’t cooperate? Will explains how he got his own reluctant father to fill out the workbook without pressure or conflict.

What Doctors, Nurses, and Case Managers Need From You

You’ll be shocked to learn how much lifestyle info (like what snacks your parent enjoys) matters when placing someone in the right care facility.

The Role of Siblings and Family Dynamics

This isn’t a solo mission; learn how to divide the responsibility among siblings and extended family so you’re not carrying the burden alone.

What Happens When You Wait Too Long

From misplaced DNRs to lost VA records, Will shares examples of what happens when planning is postponed and how to avoid the emotional and financial fallout.

Memorable Quotes

“You’re 54 now. It’s time to sit your parents down and have the talk. Because one day, you’ll be the one advocating for them.” – Will Holditch

“There’s legal power of attorney and medical power of attorney, but there’s no such thing as digital power of attorney. You need the passwords.” – Will Holditch

“This isn’t about taking over their life. It’s about making sure they get the care they earned and deserve.” – Will Holditch

“If you’re waiting for the crisis to get prepared, you’re already too late.”

This episode is an inspiring, funny, and refreshingly practical conversation about philosophy, discipline, failure, football, and the pub stories that make life worth telling. Whether you’ve hit rock bottom or are simply searching for more joy and self-understanding, David's sharp wisdom and unapologetic Yorkshire charm will make you feel seen and push you to rethink how you show up in the world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why the Meaning of Life Is Found in the Moment

David explains why the pursuit of meaning isn’t about discovering some grand secret, but about becoming fully awake to what’s already happening right now.

How to Stop Believing Every Thought You Have

Learn the difference between your body, your senses, and your mind, and why all three can lie to you. David shares how to begin questioning your inner filters to find a clearer truth.

Failure vs. Success: Why They’re Both Overrated

Drawing from personal stories (including getting fired twice), David shares how treating both failure and success as “the same stranger” can lead to emotional freedom and resilience.

The Power of Stoic, Practical Philosophy

Forget the abstract theory. David offers real, actionable ideas to help you navigate your daily life, whether you're stuck in traffic, struggling at work, or dealing with heartbreak.

How to Take Full Responsibility Without Self-Hate

We explore how taking ownership of your life doesn’t mean blaming yourself; it means dropping blame altogether and embracing each moment as a chance to reset.

The Most Important Person to Be Kind To

The episode closes with one of the most important lessons: start with yourself. You can’t extend real compassion outward until you’ve practiced it inward.

This is not just a fitness story. It’s a wake-up call. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disappointed in yourself, or tempted to believe you’re too old or too far gone to change, this conversation will light a fire. Dean’s “No Options” mantra is a mindset masterclass in discipline, accountability, and self-respect.

Whether you're a high-performing entrepreneur, a parent trying to stay in the game, or someone quietly questioning your next move, this episode gives you a clear, actionable message: Radical ownership is the key to real change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The "No Options" Philosophy – How eliminating Plan B helped Dean rebuild his health, body, and mindset, starting at age 55.

Why Choice Is the Enemy of Progress – Inspired by a David Goggins quote, Dean explains how too many options create weakness and what happens when you simply refuse to give yourself a way out.

The Power of the Mirror Session – Dean breaks down the emotional turning point that forced him to confront the truth, make a decision, and never look back.

What Doctors Don’t Tell You About Aging – After a devastating check-up, Dean used his knowledge from pharmaceutical sales to reverse his diagnosis and avoid a lifetime of meds.

How to Build Mental Fortitude Through Discomfort – From early-morning cardio to strict non-negotiables, Dean reveals the daily disciplines that rebuilt his identity.

Responsibility vs. Excuses – Why personal responsibility isn’t harsh, it’s liberating. And why playing the victim only delays your potential.

What It Really Takes After Age 40 – Dean debunks the myth of “maintenance” and explains why men in their 40s, 50s, and beyond have to work harder to stay strong and why it’s worth it.

Memorable Quotes

“No options means I eliminated Plan B. I took away my ability to fail.”

“Limitations are a figment of our imagination.”

“The most important day of my life? The day I looked in the mirror and finally told the truth.”

“There is no quick fix for mental toughness.”

“If you’re not getting uncomfortable every day, you’re not growing.”

“At our age, there is no ‘maintenance.’ You’re either moving forward or falling behind.”

Meet Gavin Toomey and Grant Bortner, aka the G2 Guys, who turned their shared vision into a thriving real estate company (G2 Rentals), a profitable service business (PanelSwap Electric), and now, a mission-driven nonprofit aimed at building churches, schools, and changing lives.

This episode is not just about scaling businesses, it’s about the courage to walk away from stability, the mindset to win through trial and error, and the belief that giving back is the ultimate entrepreneurial reward.

Whether you’re stuck in a day job with bigger dreams, looking to scale multiple businesses in sync, or feeling the tug toward more purpose-driven work, this conversation is your roadmap.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Real Risk Behind Leaving a “Good Job”: Why Gavin and Grant walked away from engineering careers, and the exact moment they knew it was time to bet on themselves.

How to Run Two Businesses That Actually Help Each Other Grow: The smart synergy between G2 Rentals and PanelSwap Electric and how they structured both for sustainability and scale.

The Power of Partnerships: Why their friendship turned business partnership works, how complementary skills multiply their results, and what they do when disagreements happen.

Building Confidence Through Proximity: How attending real estate meetups and staying after to ask “one more question” created momentum, and why most people skip this step.

The Birth of a Purpose-Driven Nonprofit: The surprising story behind their annual charity auction idea, what inspired their long-term vision, and why their focus is on sustainable impact over performative giving.

Lessons on Networking, Mindset, and Taking Daily Action: The habits that keep them moving forward daily, and why just 15 minutes of focused effort can change your future.

Memorable Quotes

“We had to sneak into the break room just to talk about tenant issues.” – Grant Bortner

“One plus one doesn’t equal two. It equals ten—when you’ve got complementary skills and the same mindset.” – Gavin Toomey

“Talk to strangers. That person next to you might change your life, or you might change theirs.” – Grant Bortner

“We don’t have it all figured out. But every day, we take action. That’s the difference.” – Gavin Toomey

“When I told my former boss I was leaving to build our business, he said it was the biggest mistake of my life. I walked out smiling.” – Gavin Toomey

Want More?

If you're an entrepreneur looking to grow your message, align your businesses, or find your deeper mission, this episode is your green light.

In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Chris Jones, the visionary founder and CEO of SwiftSight, whose mission is nothing short of elevating humanity. Chris is building “Aura,” an AI-powered system that fuses advanced 5D modeling, real-time data, and multidisciplinary science to create what he calls a Theory of Everything AI.

This isn’t sci-fi. It’s a bold, deeply human, and technically fascinating journey into the future of technology, consciousness, and impact. Whether you’re into AI, philosophy, filmmaking, or human evolution, this episode will expand your thinking on what’s possible and why we need to keep the pursuit of knowledge safe, ethical, and purposeful.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Origin Story Behind Aura – How Chris turned backyard experiments and a background in cinematography into a pioneering AI platform with the ability to model reality at 30 frames per second.

What 5D Modeling Really Means – Understand how real-time 3D, 4D, and 5D modeling works, and what it unlocks for industries ranging from entertainment to aerospace to public safety.

Building a Theory of Everything AI – Why Chris is combining physics, philosophy, consciousness, chemistry, and material science to build a modular system that can eventually model everything from subatomic particles to entire galaxies.

The Real-World Impact – From disaster prevention and occupational safety to immersive education and even asteroid mining, Chris explains how this tech could reduce harm, drive efficiency, and improve quality of life.

AI Ethics and Existential Risk – A candid conversation about the dangers of unchecked AI advancement, the need for public benefit corporations, and why SwiftSight refuses to work with defense contractors.

Visual Learning and the Power of Immersion – Discover how volumetric video capture and immersive modeling can revolutionize not just filmmaking, but also how we teach, learn, and understand our world.

Memorable Quotes

“Everyone you meet is suffering. Our mission is to reduce that suffering through knowledge and understanding.” – Chris Jones

“We’re not trying to build the next hot app. We’re trying to model the universe, from atoms to galaxies.” – Chris Jones

“With great power comes great responsibility. Especially when you’re building AI that can redefine reality.” – Chris Jones

A board-certified family medicine physician and avid traveler, Dr. Allen saw a major gap in how travel-related medical needs were addressed and she filled it. Whether you’re planning a vacation to Africa or a weekend trip to Colorado, this conversation will open your eyes to what most travelers overlook… until it’s too late.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Hidden Risk Most Travelers Miss – Why general physicians often don’t prescribe malaria meds or other travel treatments, and how that could leave you unprepared.

Why Prevention Is Power – The exact reason Dr. Allen’s approach is proactive, not reactive, and why it makes all the difference for your travel experience.

The Real Cost of Not Being Prepared – From emergency room visits abroad to language barriers and days wasted on clinic visits, Dr. Allen explains the avoidable pain points travelers often face.

What Travel Meds 2 Go Actually Offers – How a quick online form can get you essential prescriptions like altitude sickness meds, motion sickness prevention, or antibiotics, reviewed and approved by a U.S. physician.

The Concierge-Level Upgrade – Dr. Allen also shares her Travel Meds Elite Concierge service for travelers who want everything done for them, ideal for those with medical conditions or mobility challenges.

Why Your Regular Doctor Won’t Do This – An honest look at why most primary care physicians won’t prescribe travel meds and why a niche expert matters.

Behind the Business – How Dr. Allen built this innovative service from scratch, how she markets it, and the surprising lessons she’s learned stepping into the entrepreneurial world.

Memorable Quotes

“Your primary care doctor has 15 minutes with you. You mention diabetes, and then casually ask for malaria meds? It’s not happening.” – Dr. Tammy Allen

“Prevention is key. You don’t want to come back from your trip with malaria or traveler's diarrhea, especially when it could have been avoided.” – Dr. Tammy Allen

“We need to give patients more credit. Many of them are capable of using meds responsibly, especially when it could save them a hospital visit overseas.” – Dr. Tammy Allen

Learn More and Get Hassle-Free Travel Meds

Visit TravelMeds2Go.com to fill out a short online form and get physician-approved prescriptions sent straight to your pharmacy—before your trip.

Planning a big journey? Ask about the Travel Meds Elite Concierge service for full white-glove care.

Don’t leave your health up to chance. Prepare now, travel smarter.

This isn’t your typical confidence pep talk. It’s a truth-packed episode for ambitious women, and anyone ready to stop waiting for permission and start living boldly. Whether you're stuck in survival mode or on the verge of your next level, Leslie’s story will inspire you to choose better, even when it's messy.

Plus, we explore her upcoming event, Leveled Up Live, a one-of-a-kind experience in Nashville that fuses business, energetics, and embodiment to help you claim the life you're meant to live.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

What Rock Bottom Really Looks Like – And how Leslie climbed her way out twice, with grit, grace, and the willingness to grow.

The Confidence Myth – Why confidence isn’t a starting point, but a result and how small daily steps can lead you back to your strength.

Why Waiting for Permission is Keeping You Stuck – Leslie's powerful reminder that you already have everything you need. No more freebie downloads.

The Power of Spiritual Grounding – How breathwork, gratitude, and self-awareness helped Leslie find clarity and calm amidst the chaos.

Redefining “Business Conference” – Why Leveled Up Live is more than an event, it's a full-body reset for ambitious women.

How to Stop Playing Small – The moment Leslie stepped into her calling (and how someone else saw it before she did).

Fear Isn’t the Enemy – How to move forward in spite of it and why others are waiting for you to shine so they know it’s safe to do the same.

Memorable Quotes

“There are people 10 times worse than you doing the thing you’re too scared to try. You already have everything you need.” – Leslie Jespersen

“You know what you’re here to do, you’re just scared to do it.” – Josh Cary

“I was just waiting for bedtime so I could crawl in the fetal position and cry. But then one day, I didn’t feel that bad.” – Leslie Jespersen

“We need people in our corner who see what we’re afraid to admit we want.” – Leslie Jespersen

About Leveled Up Live

Taking place in Nashville this November 2025, Leveled Up Live is the immersive experience for ambitious women ready to blend business strategy with soul-level transformation. It’s not a conference... it’s a full-body shift. If you're craving clarity, community, and the courage to go bigger, this is where you’ll find it.

Speakers. Breathwork. Chakra-clearing dance parties. Real connections. Real change. Get ready to move differently.

Ben isn’t just another financial advisor; he’s a former tax attorney, CPA, hedge fund manager, and family office executive with decades of experience helping high-net-worth individuals and entrepreneurs grow, preserve, and transfer wealth. This conversation is rich in insight, not only into the mechanics of investing but also into the mindset, discipline, and human connection that distinguish elite professionals from others.

Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or leader looking to level up your relationship with money and team building, this episode delivers a masterclass in clarity, patience, and performance.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

From Tax Law to Wall Street – How Ben’s early experience as a CPA, tax attorney, and hedge fund manager uniquely positions him to serve high-net-worth individuals with clarity and confidence.

How to Lead a Billion-Dollar Team – Why leadership starts with humility, clear communication, and a culture of personal responsibility, and how Ben built a thriving 12-person team grounded in those principles.

The Truth About Money and Investing – The one thing most people misunderstand about wealth creation and why time and patience often beat aggressive trading.

Why Trust and Chemistry Matter – When managing someone’s money, performance is key, but relationships and emotional intelligence are everything. Ben breaks down how he builds trust with clients at the highest level.

How the Wealthy Actually Think – The overlooked qualities that the most successful entrepreneurs share, from handling adversity to spotting opportunity and compounding smart decisions over time.

Ben’s Investment Philosophy – What “pivot velocity” means and how adaptability and goal-setting form the backbone of successful financial planning in an uncertain world.

Why His Podcast Exists – Ben shares why he started Insights by Ben Segal, what he’s learning from interviewing top performers, and how storytelling can drive better business outcomes.

Memorable Quotes

“Money doesn’t grow on trees. But if it did, the smartest investors would water it patiently and let it grow.”

“It’s not when things are going well that you prove your worth, it’s when the market turns and the stakes are high.”

“The little things will kill you. Nail the basics and the bigger things become possible.”

“Responsibility beats entitlement. Every time.”

“If you're not changing in business, you're getting run over. Flexibility is the hidden trait of all high performers.”

Drawing from philosophy, neuroscience, psychology, and evolutionary biology, Khaled shares how your upbringing, emotional state, and even your DNA influence what you believe to be true. Whether you’re seeking a more peaceful mindset, better relationships, or a deeper understanding of the world around you, this episode offers a roadmap to clarity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Reality Isn’t What You Think – How centuries-old philosophical thought (from Kant to Nietzsche) reveal that your senses distort what’s actually happening around you.

The IT-to-Philosophy Pipeline – How Khaled’s background in programming shaped his deep philosophical inquiry and led to writing Fantasy Worlds.

The Hidden Influence of Emotion – How hunger, fatigue, and emotional states alter your perception and why you should never blindly trust how you feel.

Intergenerational Programming – Discover how trauma and belief systems from generations before you are influencing your thoughts and behaviors today.

The Science Behind the Soul Debate – Why Khaled rejects the spiritual premise of a soul separate from body, and instead roots his framework in evolutionary biology.

What This Means for Your Daily Life – How recognizing perception bias can help you improve communication, stop unnecessary conflict, and find more peace in any moment.

Memorable Quotes

“Your emotions impact your perceptions, and your perceptions impact your emotions. It’s a two-way street.” – Khaled Sadeq

“The thing in itself, as Kant puts it, is forever inaccessible to us. We only see what we’re wired to see.”

“Before you blame someone else for how they see the world, ask: what are they perceiving that I’m not?”

“We are not independent agents. We are part of a larger ecosystem; emotionally, culturally, and biologically.”

“Understanding perception is the key to pulling yourself out of emotional spirals and seeing life for what it really is.”

Episode Resources

Get the book: Fantasy Worlds: How Perception Shapes Reality by Khaled Sadeq – available now on Amazon.

Whether you're skeptical about crypto or a true believer, this episode will give you a grounded, eye-opening look at the future of retirement, financial innovation, and what it means to leave a legacy.

If you’ve ever wondered how Bitcoin fits into a long-term financial strategy, or if it's even safe to include in your IRA, this episode is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Birth of Bitcoin IRAs – How Chris Kline helped pioneer the concept of investing in crypto through retirement accounts and why that idea took off faster than expected.

Security and Legitimacy in Crypto – Learn how BitcoinIRA protects over $14 billion in assets using its “Pentagon of Custody” model, why regulation matters, and how they’ve earned trust over time.

Why This Isn’t Just for Tech Bros – Discover the surprising demographics of BitcoinIRA users, from NASA engineers and IBM retirees to everyday boomers and bold spouses going all-in.

How the Platform Works – A simple breakdown of how to open, fund, and manage a crypto-based IRA just like a traditional one, with the added bonus of 24/7 access and alternative asset flexibility.

Volatility, Regulation, and What’s Next – Chris shares insight into the current regulatory climate, the future of crypto acceptance, and why a pro-crypto administration could be a game changer.

Chris’s Personal Journey – From valedictorian and startup struggles to building an industry shifting business from a run down motel, Chris opens up about his background, grit, and the fearless mindset that brought him here.

Legacy and What Really Matters – Why Chris plans to spend his future teaching high school history and coaching baseball, not retiring in the traditional sense, and how that ties back to his core mission.

Memorable Quotes

“Bitcoin moves at a heartbeat rate. Boom, boom, boom, boom. You have to keep up or get left behind.” - Chris Kline

“You don’t mess with retirement money. It’s sacred. That’s why security has to be the foundation of everything we do.” – Chris Kline

“This isn’t some fringe thing anymore. We’re not rogue. We’re regulated, trusted, and managing billions.” – Chris Kline

“Either do things worth writing or write things worth reading.” – Benjamin Franklin (as shared by Chris)

Learn More:

Visit bitcoinira.com to explore the platform and discover how to diversify your retirement with cryptocurrency.

This episode isn’t just a technical dive into next-gen biotech, it’s a mission-driven conversation from a founder whose family and personal story fuels his fight. You’ll leave with a new perspective on innovation, resilience, and the next 25 years of cancer care.

Whether you're in healthcare, investing in biotech, or simply want hope for the future, this episode offers insights, strategy, and heart from someone doing the work where it matters most.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Science of T-Cell Engagers

What they are, how they work, and why they may be the key to treating solid tumors that remain incurable today.

The Entrepreneur’s Journey in Biotech

Martin’s career path from research labs to venture capital to founding Context Therapeutics and why he never originally set out to be an entrepreneur.

Personal Motivation Meets Scientific Innovation

How Martin’s family experience with cancer shaped his mission and why his company is betting big on hope-driven science.

The State of the Biotech Industry in 2025

Why one-third of publicly traded biotech companies might disappear and why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Navigating Uncertainty and Staying Grounded

How Martin manages leadership challenges, regulatory shifts, and the emotional highs and lows of running a cancer-focused biotech startup.

The Vision for the Next 25 Years

Why the last 25 years of cancer treatment are just the beginning and what the future may hold for patients, doctors, and drug developers alike.

Memorable Quotes

“Cancer cells are clever. They go into stealth mode. T-cell engagers are designed to force them out of hiding.”

“We don’t do research in-house. We’re a development company. Our job is to take promising science and turn it into real-world therapies that work.”

“The biggest success? Every time a patient has a positive outcome with few side effects, that’s the win.”

“The high highs and low lows never last. That balance is the hardest part of being a founder.”

“We’ve made extraordinary progress since the Human Genome Project. The next 25 years will be even more transformational.”

This is not just a conversation. It’s a permission slip to rethink everything you’ve been told about scaling. If you’ve ever felt like the bottleneck in your business, this episode will give you the tools, mindset, and inspiration to change that. Whether you're on the brink of burnout or simply ready to work smarter, this is the playbook you've been waiting for.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How to Step Back Without Losing Control – Discover Sadek’s proven method for building a team that can grow the business without you at the center of everything.

The 3 Pillars of a “Fitness Business” – Learn the essential components every founder must master: leadership, operating costs, and client growth.

Why Legacy Thinking Is Killing Your Growth – Understand the invisible systems and habits that keep most businesses stuck, and how to break free.

The Mindset Shift Every Leader Must Make – Learn why technical excellence doesn’t translate to leadership and how to coach your team into true command.

From Burnout to Breakthrough – How Sadek went from 12-hour days to a business that thrives without his constant involvement.

Why You Can’t “Try Harder” Out of a Plateau – Why self-awareness and strategy, not hustle, are your true growth levers.

The Hidden Gift of Frustration – How to use emotional lows as fuel for reinvention and clarity.

Memorable Quotes

“I realized I was the bottleneck. Other people build billion-dollar companies without running themselves into the ground.”

“A great soldier doesn’t always make a great commander. Leadership is its own skill.”

“Most businesses don’t need more effort. They need to change their angle of approach.”

“If your business has plateaued, it’s not the market, it’s your internal system that needs to adapt.”

“3.0 is when what you thought mattered… no longer does. It’s a whole new lens.”

Ready to Stop Being the Bottleneck in Your Own Business?

If you’re tired of being the only thing keeping your company running, this episode will show you a new path forward. Tune in now and start shifting from operator to true owner.

Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, dreamer, or creator who loves bold moves and brilliant strategy, this conversation will have you rethinking what’s possible. It’s more than a wedding. It’s a blueprint for how to turn real life into a business model, and make it profitable, magnetic, and deeply aligned with your values.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Wedding Industry Disrupted – Why Marley and her fiancé Steven J. Larson are flipping the script on traditional weddings and making it a profitable experience.

How to Turn Any Life Event Into Revenue – Discover the three pathways they’re using to monetize their wedding, and how you can apply the same model to your own events.

Marketing That Feels Like a Movement – How Marley’s post about charging for her wedding triggered thousands, built a fanbase, and became the first case study for a brand-new industry.

From Criticism to Confidence – The raw truth about dealing with backlash, insecurity, and pushing past the fear of being judged for doing something that’s never been done before.

How to Price Your Value (Even If It’s a Wedding) – The real talk about ticket pricing, brand integration, and what it means to truly overdeliver, whether you’re hosting a concert or walking down the aisle.

Rare Moves, Rare Life – Marley’s take on creating a “rare” life through rare choices, rare thoughts, and rare courage and why boldness is the only way forward.

The Power of the Right Partner – How Marley and Steven's relationship philosophy fuels their business success, personal evolution, and shared mission to disrupt industries.

What You Can Do Right Now – Whether you’re planning a wedding, building a business, or simply trying to live bigger, Marley’s story will inspire you to take that bold first step.

Memorable Quotes

“A money grab is when there’s no value in exchange. This is not that.”

“If you were to spend $200 on a dinner and a concert, why not spend it on a wedding that actually gives you an experience?”

“We want to live a rare life, and a rare life requires rare moves.”

“The only way to confidence is through experience. You have to be willing to get beat down and keep showing up.”

“Choosing the right partner means choosing someone who triggers your growth, in all the best ways.”

Links

• Crash the Party: crashthepartywithstevenmarley.com – Explore the full wedding experience, ticket options, and the story behind the movement.
• Wedding Funnels: weddingfunnels.com – Learn how to monetize your own wedding through tickets, sponsorships, or brand deals.
• Watch the Doc: I Got Cancelled and I Did It to Myself – Marley Jaxx on YouTube

This episode will make you think differently about weddings, marketing, and what it really means to live boldly. If you're building a business, or a life, don’t miss it.

Want more bold visibility strategies like this? Let’s connect.

This conversation is a blueprint for building an unshakable business, especially when the odds are against you. From mining overlooked minerals in Alaska to going toe-to-toe with China in the critical minerals race, Gary shares battle-tested insights on grit, timing, leadership, and national impact.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or visionary looking to build something that matters, this episode will challenge your limits and refocus your mindset.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Antimony Advantage – Why this obscure semi-metal is now essential to national security, defense, tech, and energy, and how Gary’s company controls the only two smelters in the entire Western Hemisphere.

How to Compete with China (and Win) – Gary explains how he’s positioning a small U.S. firm against the biggest player in the world, and why the Department of Defense is taking notice.

A Billionaire’s Leadership Philosophy – The Super Bowl approach to building a winning company, including why Gary gives his team “enough rope to hang themselves” (and then pulls them back).

Tenacity Over Talent – The raw story of starting with nothing, barely making payroll, foreclosing on oil wells, and sticking with it long enough to catch the wave that built a multibillion-dollar empire.

Building Fast in a Slow World – How Gary is doing in one year what usually takes mining companies 25 years, using scrappy oil-and-gas instincts to shortcut the process and gain strategic control.

Why Retirement Isn’t the Goal – Hear why Gary, now 67, refuses to quit, what really drives him, and the priceless legacy of making 37 of his employees into millionaires.

Memorable Quotes

“If you're not in the game, the opportunity can’t find you.” – Gary Evans

“We’re picking up 100-year-old trash in Alaska that turns out to be gold... well, Antimony. Same thing.” – Gary Evans

“I started with $1,000 and made 37 people millionaires. That’s what I’m proud of.” – Gary Evans

“Most people quit right before the breakthrough. I didn’t. And that’s the only reason I made it.” – Gary Evans

“We’re not just building a company. We’re building resilience for America.” – Gary Evans

Mitch is leading a quiet revolution inside one of the world’s largest financial institutions by fusing decades of Wall Street experience with his first love: broadcasting. From working with Larry King and Howard Stern to pioneering UBS’s in-house podcast and TV division, Mitch shares how personal branding and storytelling are transforming an industry that’s notoriously slow to adapt.

This episode is essential listening for any professional, inside or outside finance, who knows they’re hiding behind credentials and compliance, and is ready to build real trust by being truly seen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Why Most Advisors Stay Hidden

Discover the cultural and psychological reasons financial advisors avoid visibility, and how that limits both their impact and influence.

The Truth About “Time” as an Excuse

Mitch calls out the most common objection professionals use to avoid content creation and how he reframes it into opportunity.

From Radio to ROI: A Media-Driven Career Reinvention

How Mitch transformed his early broadcasting career into a powerhouse visibility platform inside UBS, and how it’s now helping other advisors do the same.

The Power of Storytelling in Finance

Learn why stories beat stats when it comes to building trust and loyalty, and how advisors can use storytelling to become the “first call” in their clients’ lives.

Building Personal Brands in a Regulated World

Mitch breaks down how to navigate compliance while still showing up authentically—and why perfection is overrated.

The Future of Influence in Wealth Management

Why the next generation of clients won’t care about your credentials unless they know who you really are, and what that means for every advisor who wants to stay relevant.

Memorable Quotes

“Advisors don’t have a marketing problem, they have a visibility problem.” – Mitch Slater

“It's not about timing the market. It’s your time in the market, and your time in front of the right people.” – Mitch Slater

“You don’t need a fancy degree to build trust. You need the courage to tell your story.” – Mitch Slater

“If you want to be the first call your clients make, they need to know who you are before they need you.” – Mitch Slater

“Authenticity beats perfection. Every time.” – Mitch Slater

Josh Cary sits down with John Erbey, founder and CEO of Roivios, to explore his revolutionary medical device, JuxtaFlow. Designed to sustain kidney function and potentially prevent dialysis, JuxtaFlow isn’t just a product, it’s a category, defining breakthrough. But this conversation isn’t just for healthcare insiders. It’s for entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries who want to understand what it really takes to bring an industry, disrupting idea to life.

You’ll hear the origin story of the device, the mindset required to leave corporate security for startup chaos, and the leadership philosophy that guides John’s team as they tackle one of the biggest, and most overlooked, health challenges in America.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Power of Asking the Unasked Question

How John realized the kidney care model was broken and the moment he saw what everyone else missed.

From Pharma to Founder

Why John left a successful career at top companies like Bristol Myers and St. Jude to bet everything on an unproven idea and what he discovered about risk tolerance along the way.

Turning Skepticism into Curiosity

The secret to winning over experts, regulators, and skeptics, one conversation at a time.

Why the Best Products Solve Invisible Pain

How Roivios’ JuxtaFlow targets not just physical health issues, but economic strain on hospitals and systemic inefficiencies in care.

Entrepreneurship in a Regulated Industry

What it actually takes to innovate in healthcare, play by the FDA’s rules, and still move fast.

The Vision for a “Kidney Pacemaker”

Why this first device is just the beginning and how John plans to build a 24/7 implantable system for kidney function support.

Leadership That Moves People

How John’s leadership evolved through real-world pressure, and why he believes in rallying a team around six and a half patients per minute.

Memorable Quotes

“This is the biggest problem no one’s talking about, 35 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, and more people die before dialysis than after.” – John Erbey

“I convinced myself this idea worked in 2016. Now, the job is to convince everyone else.” – John Erbey

“It’s not about what you’re capable of, it’s about what you’re willing to do.” – Mike Tomlin, quoted by John

“Juxtaflow started as a crazy idea. Now, it’s a potential movement that could redefine how we treat kidney disease.” – John Erbey

This isn’t just a story about business growth, it’s a crash course in grit, merit-based success, and personal transformation. Vera opens up about her 30-year journey from door-to-door sales to the C-suite, and she shares the principles that helped her not only rise through the ranks, but lead a company redefining how Fortune 500 brands acquire customers today.

If you’re building a team, thinking about entrepreneurship, or just trying to become the leader others follow, this episode will leave you with actionable insights.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Inside Cydcor’s Business Model

Discover how Cydcor helps Fortune 500 brands like AT&T acquire customers face-to-face, and why this model is more relevant than ever in a digital world where consumers are tuning out.

The Secret to Sales That Actually Works

Vera shares her timeless approach to sales: don’t pitch, listen. Learn how uncovering a real need, not forcing a product, is what drives success, especially in door-to-door and in-person environments.

Why Door-to-Door Sales Builds Winners

Having knocked on thousands of doors herself, Vera explains how sales teaches you about people, life, and who you want to be. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about making money.

The Power of Personal Responsibility

From therapy to executive leadership, Vera breaks down how looking inward, not blaming others, is the key to personal and professional growth.

Becoming the Person Who Can Have What You Want

The pivotal moment came when someone asked Vera, “Have you ever thought about running this place?” That question sparked a 15-year journey of self-development, where she learned the skills, finance, negotiation, leadership, required to lead.

Cydcor’s Entrepreneurial Pathway

Learn how Cydcor’s model creates a launchpad for entrepreneurs to build their own businesses through independent corporate licensees, backed by major brand contracts and mentorship.

Where Customer Acquisition is Headed

In a world of spam calls and digital noise, Vera makes the case for why human connection still wins, and how face-to-face sales is poised for massive growth in key sectors like telecom, energy, and small business solutions.

Memorable Quotes

“Sales taught me that I influence everything in my life. I am the thing that makes my life move.”

“Most people are extraordinary. Go find the thing that makes you extraordinary, and don’t give yourself an excuse not to.”

“If I wanted to be CEO, who would I have to become? That question changed my life.”

“People still want to talk to smart people who can explain things clearly. That’s why we’ll always have an edge.”

Josh Cary is joined by Castleigh Johnson, founder and CEO of My Home Pathway, who reveals the hidden truths about credit, financial literacy, and the simple decisions that separate those who build wealth from those who stay stuck in the debt trap.

Whether you’re a consumer, an entrepreneur, or someone who wants to create long-term security and options, this conversation delivers the clarity you need to make smarter money moves right now.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Hidden Game of Credit – Why you have more than 70 credit scores and what they actually measure about you (it’s not what you think).

How to Stop Playing to Lose – The subtle ways you’re already playing a rigged financial game without knowing it, and how to flip the board.

Financial Literacy that Matters – Forget TikTok myths and quick hacks. Learn what real financial independence looks like and the behaviors that support it.

Your Score = Your Reputation – The mindset shift that helps you understand credit as a measure of trust, not just numbers.

How to Avoid the Debt Trap – What predatory lenders don’t want you to know, and how high-risk borrowers can shift to high-opportunity positions.

The Truth About Habits – How simple vices like overspending on Jordans, vacations, or cars quietly sabotage your future, and how to build new, empowering habits instead.

Discipline = Financial Leverage – Why discipline isn't about restriction, it’s your gateway to better options, lower costs, and more freedom.

Set the Goal, Reverse Engineer the Plan – How to anchor your financial strategy around your most important life goals, from homeownership to early retirement.

Memorable Quotes

“Most people don’t realize they’re already playing the credit game, and they’re losing by default.” – Castleigh Johnson

“If you have a 550 credit score, the options you get aren’t just fewer, they’re more dangerous.” – Castleigh Johnson

“We all have that cousin. You give them $100 and it’s a donation. Your credit score tells banks if you’re that cousin.” – Castleigh Johnson

“Discipline in your finances is the same as discipline in your health. The results don’t lie.” – Castleigh Johnson

Learn More and Take Action

If homeownership is one of your goals, visit MyHomePathway.com to get started with tools and education tailored to smart financial decision-making.

Castleigh and his team specialize in helping you break bad financial habits, build new ones, and turn financial literacy into real-life outcomes.

With over 30 years of experience, from the classroom to district-level leadership, Jackie reveals why so many educational leaders are struggling and lays out a powerful new approach to sustainable, collaborative leadership that is already producing record-setting results in her own school. If you care about leadership, culture, and the future of education, this conversation will shift your perspective.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Real Foundation of Leadership

Why leadership isn't about title or authority, but about intentionally listening, aligning with your team's goals, and creating a shared vision of success.

The Time Crisis in Leadership

How most leaders fail, not because of incompetence, but because they don’t know how to manage timing, stakeholder involvement, and the pressure to perform quickly.

Why Most Leadership Training Falls Short

Jackie breaks down how traditional training programs fail to prepare principals for the realities of school leadership, and what must be embedded in future training models.

The Power of “Outside the Boss” Collaboration

Why real solutions happen when school leaders collaborate without the pressure of district directives, and how Jackie is building a national community to make this happen.

The DREAM Model Explained

Jackie’s step-by-step recursive model that helps leaders define, refine, activate, and evaluate progress in a way that fosters sustained transformation across entire school communities.

How Jackie Took Her School to #1

A behind-the-scenes look at how Jackie turned around one of the most underserved schools in her district, 95% low socioeconomic status, 97% Hispanic, 80% English language learners, into a top performer in both academic achievement and school climate.

How to Build a Legacy of Leadership

Why Jackie believes the future of education requires embedding collaborative leadership structures into university programs and cultivating the next generation of assistant principals through mentorship and shared leadership.

Memorable Quotes

“Leadership is not about the title. It’s about co-creating a vision for success, and then getting out of the way.”

“We have to think outside the boss. True collaboration happens when there’s no pressure—just people solving problems together.”

“You have to slow down to go fast. When you rush the process, you miss the opportunity to build real buy-in and sustainable progress.”

“Reaction mode doesn’t work. Responding, evaluating, and acting intentionally is the way forward.”

Resources & Links

• Jackie’s Leadership Community: PrincipalCollaborative.com
• Jackie’s Book: Time to Lead, Lead the Way

This episode is a masterclass for any leader, inside or outside of education, who wants to build trust, foster meaningful collaboration, and lead lasting change.

Whether you're dealing with chronic stress, facing a serious diagnosis, or simply want to understand the untapped power of your body, this episode opens the door to a new paradigm of health. You’ll walk away with tools, ideas, and hope that your body’s blueprint for wellness is still alive, and ready to work for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

The Core Belief Behind All True Healing – Why “all healing is self-healing,” and how understanding this truth changes your relationship with illness and recovery.

How Your Body Already Knows What to Do – A look at the body’s subconscious intelligence, capable of processing over a million bits of information per second to heal, repair, and regenerate—without conscious effort.

Stories of ‘Impossible’ Recoveries – From reversing blindness to healing scars and heart conditions, Dr. Swartwout shares powerful case studies that challenge the limits of modern medicine.

The Hidden Role of Stress and Emotion in Disease – Learn how unprocessed stress contributes to toxicity, degeneration, and dysfunction, and how to reverse it.

The Power of Your Energy Field – Discover why healing substances can affect you even when simply placed in your energy field, and how this ties into ancient practices and emerging tech.

Breakthrough Technology: Healing with Your Voice – Dr. Swartwout introduces a cutting-edge app that analyzes a 10-second voice sample to identify energy imbalances and offer targeted healing solutions... no travel required.

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Tools – From Native American medicine pouches to German electro-acupuncture and quantum biology, this episode reveals the interconnected nature of body, energy, and consciousness.

Memorable Quotes

“Your body knows exactly how to heal, your job is to stop interfering.”

“A diagnosis isn’t a cause. It’s an effect. To heal, we have to remove the root cause.”

“Even a scar from 60 years ago can flatten and disappear if you support the body the right way.”

“Stress shuts down healing. Relaxation invites it back in.”

“You don’t have to ingest the remedy. If it’s in your energy field, your body responds.”

“Blindness is considered irreversible, until it isn’t.”

Resources from This Episode

• Learn more and explore the voice analysis healing app: RegenerateVision.com

This episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to take back control of their health, challenge conventional wisdom, and step into their role as the true healer of their own life.

Josh Cary sits down with Will Fagg, the owner (or, as he puts it, the "shepherd") of Tiny Brick Oven Pizza in Baltimore. Facing financial struggles and set to close on Christmas Day, Will had no idea that his fortunes were about to change, until Dave Portnoy of Barstool Sports walked in unannounced for a legendary One Bite Pizza Review.

This story is about problem-solving, persistence, and the unexpected twists that define entrepreneurship. Whether you're a small business owner, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone who loves a great comeback story, you won’t want to miss this episode.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Will’s business was saved just days before shutting down – and why it was the most improbable moment imaginable.

The crazy way Dave Portnoy showed up at Tiny Brick Oven – after being tagged years ago and never responding.

The mindset shifts that kept Will going – from nearly closing shop to staying open with a newfound purpose.

How Will built a thriving community-driven business – proving that a great product is just one part of the equation.

The surprising way Tiny Brick Oven was financially supported to keep its doors open – and what it means for the future of the brand.

How Will turned his passion for hospitality into an entrepreneurial empire – and how his journey started with an Airbnb backyard pizza party.

What’s next for Tiny Brick Oven – including a Kickstarter for his revolutionary pizza oven for home chefs.

Memorable Quotes

"I had a customer, with complete sincerity, say ‘I tagged Dave, and he's going to come save your restaurant.’ I thought, ‘That’s sweet, but it’ll never happen.’ And then, 12 days later, he walked through my door." – Will Fagg

"Our motto has always been: Love all, serve all. Maybe my purpose wasn't to build a huge business, but to bring hope and connection to my community." – Will Fagg

"Being an entrepreneur is about reinvention and problem-solving. If one door closes, find another way in. And if all else fails—just let the current take you where you're meant to go." – Will Fagg

Connect with Will Fagg & Tiny Brick Oven

Check out the original Barstool Pizza Review that started this story! https://youtu.be/mqcyuuumSH0?si=0UIpbZPaicgDKQvW

🔗 Follow Tiny Brick Oven on Social Media

🔗 Support the Tiny Brick Oven Kickstarter (coming soon!)

🔗 Visit Tiny Brick Oven in Baltimore – Mention This Episode for a Surprise!

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who believes in resilience, community, and the power of an unexpected opportunity. If you love pizza, small business success stories, or just want an uplifting moment in your day, hit play now!

This episode is for you if you want to:

• Learn how to take personal responsibility for your financial future
• Discover how real estate can be your entry point to long-term wealth
• Understand the difference between being an agent and being an investor
• Gain insights into building a thriving real estate business that generates passive income

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✔ From Hustle to Millions – How Steve Seymour turned his teenage side hustles into a multi-million-dollar real estate empire.

✔ Why Real Estate is the Fastest Path to Wealth – The fundamental reasons why nearly every wealthy individual invests in real estate.

✔ Breaking into the Industry – Whether you’re looking to become an agent, an investor, or both, Steve lays out the roadmap for getting started.

✔ The Investor vs. Agent Mindset – Learn the key differences between selling homes for commissions and leveraging real estate to build long-term wealth.

✔ The Power of Community & Networking – Why getting in the right rooms with the right people can accelerate your success faster than any online course or book.

✔ The Self-Banking System – How Steve is revolutionizing wealth creation by helping agents and investors fund their own deals without relying on traditional banks.

✔ The 4 Freedoms of Wealth – Money, time, health, and purpose—why real estate is more than just financial gain and how to create a life of true abundance.

✔ The Collaborative Real Estate Summit – How you can learn directly from the best in the business, connect with top investors, and gain the confidence to take action.

Memorable Quotes

💡 "The difference between those who build wealth and those who don’t? It’s not a lack of information—it’s a lack of action." – Steve Seymour

💡 "Every networking room you step into is a bank. Access to capital isn’t as hard as you think—it’s about who you know and how you connect the dots." – Steve Seymour

💡 "Most people start out thinking they don’t have enough money. Then, as they grow, they realize they don’t have enough time. True wealth is about creating freedom across all aspects of life." – Steve Seymour

How to Connect with Steve Seymour

📌 Website: VRA Realty

📌 Capital Access & Investment Opportunities: VRA Capital

Take Action

🎟️ Attend the Collaborative Real Estate Summit – Want to learn directly from industry leaders and investors? This March, Steve is bringing together top experts to share real, actionable strategies for wealth creation. Don’t miss your chance to be in the right room with the right people.

💰 Start Your Real Estate Journey Today – Whether you want to become an agent, investor, or both, now is the time to take that first step. What’s holding you back?



📢 Share This Episode – If you found value in today’s conversation, send this episode to a friend who needs to hear it!

This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and the exact roadmap to taking control of your financial future. Are you ready to make your move? 🎙️🚀

In this powerful episode, Ariel Ziegler, a Disentanglement Mentor, shares how she helps clients escape chronic stress by addressing the root causes, starting with the gut microbiome, the nervous system, and subconscious programming. Ariel’s approach goes far beyond traditional mental health methods, offering a holistic way to rewire your mind and body for lasting transformation.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The hidden link between gut health and stress and why your microbiome dictates your mood, energy, and resilience
• How your brainwave state keeps you stuck in stress mode and how to shift it for clarity and calm
• Why most personal development techniques fail without addressing the body’s response to trauma
• The power of breathwork in rewiring emotional patterns and breaking free from reactivity
• Why your phone and social media habits could be hijacking your dopamine levels and how to regain control
• The number one mistake people make when trying to change their life and how to fix it

Ariel’s insights are science-backed, unconventional, and incredibly effective, proven by the thousands of lives she has transformed. If you’re ready to stop living in survival mode and take back control of your mind, body, and emotions, this episode is your roadmap.

Visit https://www.weareluminary.com/ to learn more about Luminary.

Quote from Today's Episode

"Social media is our new neighborhood. The more we can let people into the relatable, human aspects of our lives, the stronger the connections we can build. This authenticity not only engages audiences but also fosters a sense of trust that translates into a loyal following and ultimately, business growth." ~Robin Wilson

Quote from Today's Episode

"Ultimately, when you support your health, and you support your body and your mind and your spirit, and you do all the things that you know and have been proven to help, it mitigates disease, no matter what the end thing is, it doesn't matter. ~Katie Ruffino.

Beyond their professional success, Leonardo and Yshana are committed to giving back to the community, notably by supporting a local children's foundation in Los Cabos. By leveraging their digital marketing expertise, they enhance the foundation's online presence, amplifying its impact and fostering long-term relationships. Their journeys are marked by continuous learning and evolving challenges, with Ishana recounting her experience building a business from scratch and Leonardo highlighting the courage required to pursue dreams amidst uncertainties. This episode is a testament to their dedication to personal growth and the responsibility of leading a business.

Have you ever wondered how to craft messages that truly resonate with your target audience? Learn about The Sasha Group's approach to developing effective marketing strategies for clients. By diving deep into a business's core purpose, audience, and motivations, Maribel and her team create targeted content that speaks directly to specific groups. Get insights into how this method navigates social media algorithms and enhances engagement and conversion through precise messaging and strategic planning.

Explore the world of intrapreneurship through Maribel's journey at VaynerMedia, where she helped scale Gary Vaynerchuk's influence and launched The Sasha Group. Her story showcases the power of adaptability and making a swift impact within an organization, paralleling the entrepreneurial spirit. Finally, gather invaluable advice on authenticity in marketing, understanding how staying true to your brand's identity is key to connecting with audiences. This episode is a treasure trove of actionable tips and strategies to help you put your best foot forward in the new year.

Visit https://thesashagroup.com/

Discover the magical blend of old-world charm and modern convenience, from radiant heated sidewalks to a mesmerizing Lalique glass skylight that defines this iconic residence. Marvel at the home's custom features, like hidden wiring and motorized shades, and Ken's commitment to the community through his role in the neighborhood's beautification efforts. This townhouse is a true testament to artful living, where every corner is infused with Ken's passion for music and theater. Journey with us through elevated entertaining spaces and serene private retreats that show why The Symphony Townhouse is a rare jewel in the bustling New York real estate market.

Listeners will discover the profound influence of stoicism and self-improvement, with inspiration drawn from influential thinkers like Ryan Holiday and James Clear. We explore how our reactions to life's challenges, rather than the events themselves, define our success. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, we look into thoughtful communication and the necessity of lifelong learning, encouraging a shift from youthful arrogance to a more measured, wise approach to handling life's obstacles.

We tackle themes of resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Joe shares lessons learned from stepping into unfamiliar roles and solving complex problems without prior experience, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability. The episode concludes with a focus on proactive action and the courage to embrace uncertainty. Joe's motivational energy drives home the message that continuous self-improvement is essential for personal and professional growth.

This episode also uncovers the serendipitous events that led Patricia from a chance encounter with a baby koala in San Diego to crafting T-shirts and eventually penning her novel during the COVID pandemic. Her candid insights into the challenges of publishing today and her dedication to highlighting issues like ocean acidification through her work are nothing short of inspiring. Patricia's story is a testament to the power of creativity and synchronicity in driving change. Listeners will leave this episode motivated to reflect on their own environmental impact and perhaps even inspired to embark on their own creative journeys.

James recounts his roles, from Chief Integration Officer to President of Startup Operations, and his pivotal involvement in the success of The Sasha Group. Discover how vYve fosters growth by merging entrepreneurial agility with marketing prowess, creating a breeding ground for high achievers.

Turning the spotlight on anger and toxic relationships, we discuss the widespread misuse of terms like "gaslighting" and offer practical strategies for navigating damaging dynamics. Dr. Peter provides a deep dive into the complex legalities of child abduction cases under the Hague Convention, reinforcing the need for clarity in emotionally charged situations. We introduce effective anger management techniques, such as "gray rocking," to help maintain composure when faced with provocation. With enriching anecdotes and professional advice, our episode equips you with the tools to handle emotional triggers and find peace amidst chaos.

In a heartfelt conversation, Gail opens up about the profound personal struggles that accompanied her parenting journey, from battling depression and addiction to finding strength in faith and community. She reveals how these trials were compounded by the loss of a loved one and the immense stress on health and relationships. Yet, through faith and determination, Gail forged a path to recovery, transforming her family's dynamic and fostering her child's success despite bullying and adversity.

Gail's remarkable story of resilience will inspire listeners as she shares the incredible progress her child, affectionately known as X-Man, achieved in overcoming developmental hurdles. This journey, which included graduating high school and mastering electronic skills, was not only about X-Man's development but also Gail's personal spiritual growth. Through her unwavering faith in God, Gail demonstrates the possibility of change and the importance of being proactive in creating positive outcomes. Join us for this uplifting episode that encourages self-reflection and a commitment to hope and healing amidst life's challenges.

Sean delves into the fascinating convergence of science, religion, and personal consciousness, revealing how these seemingly disparate fields are rooted in a shared fundamental truth. He challenges us to shift our perceptions by viewing life through a spiritual lens instead of merely with "the eyes of man." The conversation touches on enlightening themes like love, enlightenment, and healing and introduces the concept of past lives as a tool for soul expansion. Sean's insights on the cyclical nature of time and energy invite us to see every interaction as an opportunity for growth and a deeper connection with the divine source.

As we wrap up the episode, we dive into Sean's writing journey and the transformative impact of "The Book of Alignment." Sean shares how the book seemed to flow through him as if guided by a higher power and how its unique structure aims to activate the reader's mind. He emphasizes the importance of overcoming fear to tap into our inherent greatness, encouraging everyone to take actionable steps toward realizing their potential. Sean's wisdom is a beacon, urging listeners to embrace personal transformation and spread positivity in a world hungry for alignment and purpose.

Cory shared some eye-opening stories about common scenarios in probate litigation, such as second spouses manipulating wills to exclude children from previous marriages. He emphasized that while most cases settle out of court, the fight is always about ensuring fairness and justice for the rightful heirs.

We dig into Cory's background, discovering that his drive to fight for the good guy stems from the strong values instilled in him by his parents. Despite not experiencing greed firsthand growing up, he was motivated to help those wronged by it once he became a lawyer. Cory also shared his journey from aspiring to be a sports agent and FBI agent to finding his true legal calling, highlighting the importance of hard work, confidence, and staying positive even in challenging times.

Cory offered practical advice for listeners, stressing the importance of having a will and other essential documents like medical and durable powers of attorney. He also touched on the significance of maintaining close relationships with loved ones to prevent potential issues down the line.

As an entrepreneur himself, Cory discussed how he balances running a law firm with family life, the importance of networking, and maintaining a good reputation in the legal field. He left us a heartfelt reminder to stay connected with family and cherish our time with them.

In another chapter, we focus on empowering experiences within healthcare journeys. Terri's work with individuals with disabilities reveals how small lifestyle changes can significantly boost self-esteem and confidence. Through heartfelt anecdotes, Terri illustrates the profound impact of solution-focused thinking and realistic goal-setting in fostering growth and achievement. We also share stories of overcoming societal expectations, cultivating personal strength, and finding identity amidst life's most challenging moments. Whether recounting a young man's triumph at the Highlands Ranch community center or reflecting on a life-altering moment near the World Trade Center, this episode explores perseverance, empowerment, and the indomitable spirit of human resilience.

Listeners are guided through the complex dance of faith and science as Dedo weaves his chemical engineering expertise into spiritual themes, offering a fresh perspective on chaos, order, and the refining nature of suffering. We discuss the purpose of money in a Christian's life, challenging the notion that wealth and spirituality are at odds. Dedo passionately connects business principles with spiritual growth, promising insights into achieving spiritual and financial fulfillment. His conversation is a call to those searching for a meaningful existence, balancing life's demands with the quest for spiritual enlightenment.

Colonel Floyd's captivating stories give us insight into his dynamic career as an intelligence officer, highlighting the unsung heroes behind strategic military operations. His experiences within the Strategic Air Command and across global postings illustrate the critical roles of ground personnel in maintaining national security. As we conclude, there's an inspiring message woven throughout this episode: the importance of taking proactive steps to make a positive impact. We express our gratitude for Colonel Floyd's invaluable perspectives and look forward to deepening this conversation in future episodes.

As we explore Cat's bi-coastal upbringing amid a turbulent custody battle, we learn how her early exposure to legal proceedings and her parents' emotional struggles influenced her journey. Cat discusses the East and West Coast cultural contrasts and how these experiences made her more curious and confident. Writing "Girl in Flight" allowed her to confront her childhood's emotional challenges, emphasizing the importance of compassion, patience, and the symbolic significance of "flight" in her life.

Throughout our conversation, Cat shares the motivations behind writing her memoir and the significance of resilience in overcoming adversity. She highlights the importance of self-care and the evolving ambitions throughout life's decades, from the 20s to beyond the 50s. Cat's story is a testament to thriving despite difficult circumstances, and her book's upcoming launch at the Frankfurt Book Fair adds to the excitement. We encourage listeners to embrace their inspirations and take meaningful actions that positively impact the world. Don't miss this inspiring episode filled with insights, reflections, and a heartfelt dialogue with Cat Buchanan.

From the business side of law to the personal touch needed for client relations, we discuss the transformation of running a law firm with David. Learn how to leverage a fractional CFO for revenue forecasting and consulting experts like Gary Falkowitz, who have honed client intake processes and aligned them more with corporate efficiency. We also explore the critical balance between rigorous legal work and personal well-being, stressing the importance of family time, self-care, and continuous education. This episode offers a rich tapestry of insights into the challenges, rewards, and heartfelt human connections that define the legal profession.

Visit David's website for more: https://www.leverecker.com/

We also explore Martin's incredible advocacy and education journey within a correctional facility's walls. Discover the Black History and Culture Group's transformative power that he helped establish, promoting constructive engagement and personal growth among inmates. From preventing riots to fostering an environment of mutual respect and learning, Martin's efforts have had long-lasting positive outcomes. We wrap up Martin’s reflections on the importance of visibility and taking action against hidden struggles, offering listeners valuable insights and inspiration for their lives. Join us for this compelling episode and witness the resilience of the human spirit against adversity.

We also glimpse the vibrant life of Fred's extended family, where resilience and gratitude are cornerstones. Hear about Nicholas, the oldest great-grandchild born completely blind, and how he continues to inspire everyone around him. Learn about a family's journey from home health care to running a senior care facility, influenced by memories of the Great Depression and World War II. This episode is not just about personal transformations; it's a celebration of making meaningful choices and recognizing the guiding hand of faith in our lives. Join us for an episode filled with inspiration, gratitude, and encouragement to make a positive impact.

In this episode, we also journey through Joy's eclectic creative inspirations, from mycology to coral reefs, and hear about her transition from art teacher and Peace Corps volunteer to renowned fashion designer. Joy opens up about the emotional depth of her work, especially when crafting custom bridal gowns, and the intimate connections she forms with her clients. Listen as we explore how Joy’s distinctive style and steadfast independence from trends have propelled her success over the past two decades, making every piece she creates a true work of art.

Raye and I unpack the highs and lows of an acting career, sharing personal anecdotes and strategies for handling the inevitable rejections and disappointments. We reflect on the joy of making an audience laugh, the importance of resilience, and passion's transformative power. We also discuss how reframing auditions as opportunities for enjoyment rather than fear can make all the difference. Raye's journey is a testament to the value of perseverance and the fulfillment that comes from pursuing one's dreams, no matter the obstacles.

As we focus on "Merry Good Enough," Raye opens up about the unique experience of filming this holiday movie chronologically, bringing a sense of authenticity and spontaneity to the performances. This segment delves into profound family dynamics and personal growth themes, offering listeners a glimpse into the emotional depths that acting can plumb. With the film's success on Apple TV and Amazon Prime and an exciting array of future projects in the works, this episode celebrates creativity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of artistic passion. Stay inspired and keep following your dreams, just as Raye Spielberg does.

Brady's journey into filmmaking started with a childhood fascination for movies, sparked by a memorable night watching "Taxi Driver" with his parents. This episode delves into those early days of stop-motion films with Legos and action figures and a life-changing encounter with Rob Reiner that steered him toward understanding acting before diving headfirst into filmmaking. You'll hear about the unwavering determination and mentorship that shaped his path, culminating in a family trip to Los Angeles that solidified his commitment to the craft.

We also explore Brady's creative evolution, particularly a short film concept that expanded into a feature-length script influenced by a personal crisis and the 20th anniversary of September 11th. Through candid reflections on personal and national trauma, Brady shares his long-term vision and excitement for the future of filmmaking. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the resilience and creativity required to succeed in the film industry.

We then tackle the subtler aspects of leadership, with Jawad explaining how ego can be a destructive force, stifling creativity and growth. He advocates for a more inclusive approach that encourages team members to find their solutions and generate new ideas. From his own educational experience in North America and his observations on the global talent pool, particularly in tech industries like Pakistan's, Jawad provides an engaging narrative on how the career landscape is shifting from traditional paths to more dynamic fields.

Finally, we dive into the complexities of leadership in today's ever-changing world. Jawad and I discuss the challenges of motivating and engaging a multi-generational workforce, especially amidst evolving workplace dynamics and technological advancements. Through inspiring anecdotes and invaluable advice, we reflect on the importance of maintaining an open mindset, respecting young employees as future leaders, and adapting leadership styles to the diverse capabilities of team members. This episode is packed with practical takeaways designed to help you enhance your leadership journey, no matter where you are.

In a captivating discussion, Donna dives into the heart of "Leaving Innocence," introducing us to a brilliant young narrator and his extraordinary grandmother as they tackle mysteries in the fictitious town of Innocence, Arkansas. Drawing inspiration from her time at Pomona College, Donna explores the complexities of character development and the unexpected reactions they can provoke. The narrative weaves themes of resilience, justice, and moral choices, promising a rich tapestry of storytelling that leaves listeners both inspired and eager for more. Wrapping up with a heartfelt conversation on the importance of visibility and action, Donna encourages our listeners to stay motivated and continue pursuing their passions.

Buy Donna's Book on Amazon: "Leaving Innocence"