Your Competitive Advantage in a World of AI with Ryan Levesque
How a 7‑Time Inc. 5000 CEO Built AI‑Resistant Human Connection When most of us talk branding, we talk about being seen. But what if the real breakthrough right now is being truly known? In this deeply candid episode, Ryan Levesque—7‑time Inc. 5000 CEO, two‑time national bestseller, and creator of the Ask Method—pulls back the curtain on his pivot from algorithm‑chasing software launches to embracing things only humans can give: authenticity, trust, and real presence. He walks us through his career—from scrabble‑tile jewelry and survey‑based marketing to building hyper‑responsive communities and hand‑writing his newsletter, The Digital Contrarian. Now, with his forthcoming book Return to Real, Ryan flips the script: in a world of deepfakes and dopamine traps, real can be the last true competitive edge. Expect to walk away with: A fresh lens for building brands that don’t just scale—but resonate The “Fewer, Deeper, Less” formula for personal presence in a noisy world Why oxytocin beats dopamine—and how to build content that connects, not just grabs attention The hard‑won lesson of putting humanity first in the AI era If you’re ready to reclaim your voice, slow the scroll, and become a category of one—this episode was made for you
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The Double Win: How to Win at Work And In Life with Megan Hyatt Miller
What does it take to lead a thriving, values-driven company—while still winning at home? In this powerful episode, AJ Vaden sits down with Megan Hyatt Miller, CEO of Full Focus, for a transparent conversation about scaling a family business, redefining leadership, and prioritizing what matters most. From stepping into the CEO seat during a global crisis to navigating complex family dynamics at work, Megan shares candid insights on how she's built a flourishing business without sacrificing her personal life. Discover: The #1 mistake leaders make when delegating—and how to avoid it How to protect your culture during rapid growth Megan’s “six practices of human flourishing” that every ambitious leader needs Why success without peace isn’t really success at all If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a business and a family without burning out, this conversation will give you the framework—and the freedom—you’ve been craving.
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The 5 Pieces of Content You MUST Create to Earn Endless Customers with Marcus Sheridan
What if you could generate endless customers—before a single sales call ever happens? In this game-changing episode, Rory sits down with marketing legend Marcus Sheridan to unpack the exact content strategies that convert browsers into buyers. You’ll discover Marcus’s “Big 5” topics that every customer researches before making a purchase—and why ignoring them is costing you serious money. Marcus shares how he built the world’s most trafficked swimming pool website (yes, really) using content that answered his customers’ toughest questions—and how you can do the same. From pricing transparency to trust-based selling to publishing "best of" lists that AI loves, this is a masterclass in turning your content into a lead-generating machine. If you’ve ever struggled with content that gets views but not conversions, this episode will transform how you think, write, and sell. What You’ll Learn: Why 80% of the sale happens before a buyer talks to you The 5 content types that build the most trust and drive the most revenue How to use “they ask, you answer” to dominate your niche The shocking truth about publishing your prices online How AI is choosing who gets seen—and how to make it pick you
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“Building Your Brand (And Your Business) With Your WHO In Mind” with Jess Connolly
In this episode, we’re joined by Jess Connolly—author of over a dozen books, including Breaking Free from Body Shame and Tired of Being Tired, founder of Go + Tell Gals, and lead coach for women building God-centered influence—for an inspiring conversation about calling, clarity, and living out your mission in multiple arenas. Jess and her husband, Nick, planted Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. She is also the host of The Jess Connolly Podcast, where she inspires women to live missionally, love God deeply, and run their race with endurance. With a calling that spans speaking, writing, and coaching, Jess is living proof that you can pursue multiple streams of work while staying anchored to a single heartbeat for your audience and a deep passion for God’s Word. If you’ve ever felt the tension of having more than one lane to run in—or wondered how to keep it all connected—this conversation is your roadmap. Jess shares how identifying and staying passionate about her “who” has given her the focus, freedom, and stamina to build a body of work that leaves her generation more in awe of God than she found it.
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The Unexpected Path from Miss USA to Emmy-Winning Journalist with Lu Parker
Get ready for a masterclass in confidence, storytelling, and presence. Lou Parker—six‑time Emmy‑winning journalist, former Miss USA, and relentless advocate—joins us to reveal how she lifted the crown before she ever held it, pivoted into an unexpected journalism career, and learned the art of thriving under pressure—especially when the mic is live and all eyes are on you. In this episode, Lou takes us behind the scenes of live television, sharing: What “walking into a room with a crown already on your head” really means—and how it built her audacious confidence Why forgetting your lines is a gift in disguise—and the subtle power of knowing your story over memorizing every word Her funniest on‑air “stretch” moment—and how even catastrophes can become your greatest teaching tools Secrets to hitting your point fast in a world glued to short attention spans, from hooks to heartbeats The healing power of embracing your imperfect self—beginning with a heartfelt word of “I love you” in the mirror This conversation isn’t just for media professionals—it’s for anyone chasing their voice and their purpose. Whether you crave better on-camera presence, frictionless self-expression, or the courage to walk into the spotlight, Lou’s journey will embolden your next chapter. So, grab your mic—whether it’s for Zoom or personal podcast—and step confidently into your light.🌟
Build and monetize your personal brand. This show is full of some of the best marketing tips for (aspiring) influencers, entrepreneurs, speakers, authors, coaches, executives, and anyone who wants to get their message out to more people. You’ll learn the strategies and tactics that any service-minded messenger can use to find their uniqueness and separate from all the noise to create more impact, influence, and income. Each episode is hosted by New York Times bestselling author and Hall of Fame Speaker Rory Vaden, and his wife, business partner and CEO of Brand Builders Group, AJ Vaden. Brand Builders Group is trusted by people like Lewis Howes (School of Greatness Podcast), Julie Solomon (The Influencer Podcast), and Chalene Johnson (Build Your Tribe Podcast) to provide personal branding expertise for themselves and/or their audiences.
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