REAL Conversations w/ REAL business leaders making a REAL difference in our world!!!!
Yes, we’re a marketing podcast.
We dive into social selling, content marketing, networking, and LinkedIn, but we’re so much more.
We’re about the habits, mindsets, and strategies that create true growth, connection, and fulfillment.
Host Ben Albert chats with everyone from world-famous marketers, entrepreneurs, and sales geniuses to behavior scientists, wellness experts, and even near-death experience survivors. Each guest brings raw stories and insights, bridging real business success with personal growth.
His role? To pull out the best nibbles of wisdom, packing decades of experience into minutes for you, the listener.
Yes, we get actionable. However, we also look at the story behind the story. This podcast is a deep dive into struggle, failure, frustration, and how to develop true resilience that actually leads to success.
We tackle important topics such as:
• Why networking matters in business
• Proven ways to increase revenue
• Building real connections in business
• Content marketing for maximum visibility
• Using LinkedIn for social selling success
• Self-development goals for entrepreneurs
• How human behavior shapes success
• Mastering the art of persuasion
• Tips to crush your business goals
• Confidence in public speaking
• How to ask the right questions
• Creating an unforgettable brand
• Storytelling that builds belonging
• Habits for resilience in business
• What is real success?
Real Business Connections: on a mission to actually move the needle on 1 million lives, one conversation at a time!
Show Key:
LST= LEARN SPEAK TEACH
ROC: ROCHESTER(NY) BUSINESS CONNECTIONS
FMF: FIFTEEN MINUTE FRIDAY
HIT: REAL HITS
Bite: BEN'S BITES
GG: Real Talk w/ GrowGetters
AB²C Lunch Break Live - LinkedIn Panel Live Stream
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Black Sheep Sales: Win Clients Without Acting Like a Douche w/ Aleasha Bahr (LST #162)
Monday, July 20, 2026 • Duration 37:28
Learn Speak Teach Episode #162 with Aleasha Bahr on the Real Business Connections Podcast.
Sales does not have to feel pushy, fake, scripted, or aggressive.
In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Aleasha Bahr, founder of Black Sheep Sales, to talk about alternative ways to win clients without acting like a douche. Aleasha helps entrepreneurs, business owners, and sales professionals grow by selling in a way that actually fits their personality, values, and strengths.
Aleasha breaks down why every personality can be great at sales, why introverts often make incredible salespeople, and why sales is really about curiosity, empathy, passion, and fit. Instead of forcing people through a script or “overcoming objections” like a battle, Aleasha shows how better questions, honest conversations, and clear expectations can create more trust and better clients.
Ben and Aleasha also talk about rejection, bad-fit clients, deliverables vs. results, customer retention, sales positioning, and why being willing to repel the wrong people can actually help you attract the right ones.
If you want to grow your business, win more clients, and sell with confidence without becoming someone you’re not, this Black Sheep Sales conversation is for you.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Trailer + Intro
[01:10] Ben’s Bad Sales Scripts
[03:10] Why Pushy Sales Fails
[05:08] The Perfect Way to Sell
[06:37] Why Introverts Sell Well
[08:33] Stop Fighting Objections
[10:34] If It’s a Fit, It’s a Fact
[11:37] Finding the Right Fit
[14:53] Rejection Goes Both Ways
[18:25] Sales Is More Than the Sale
[24:07] Positioning and Expectations
[28:05] Turn Deliverables Into Results
[31:34] Repelling the Wrong Clients
[32:52] Trust What Feels Aligned
[35:33] Connect with Aleasha
Key Takeaways:
• “Sales is listening, not talking.” ~Aleasha Bahr
• Every personality can be great at sales when they understand their strengths and weaknesses. ~Aleasha Bahr
• The perfect way to sell is the way that feels aligned with you while still clearly communicating the heart of the message. ~Aleasha Bahr
• Curiosity turns objections into conversations instead of battles. ~Aleasha Bahr
• “If it’s a fit, it’s a fact and there’s no selling involved.” ~Aleasha Bahr
• Rejection goes both ways. You also have the power to decide if a prospect is the right fit for you. ~Aleasha Bahr
• Deliverables do not sell as well as outcomes. People want the result behind the meeting, kickoff, or process. ~Aleasha Bahr
• What is in alignment for you is usually what will work best in sales. ~Aleasha Bahr
How Nick Hutchison of BookThinkers Reads With Intention (REPLAY)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 50:05
BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away!
Learn Speak Teach Episode #85 with Nick Hutchison.
Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8Y8-iX0tVXs
[06:43] What prompted Nick to start reading books?
[09:26] Why implementing the knowledge gained from books is important
[11:43] The power of intention when choosing the right book to read
[12:05] How to start implementing the knowledge gained from books using the SMART goal framework
[17:17] Nick’s advice for new book readers aspiring to become successful readers
[19:55] How to choose the next right book to read
[21:36] Uncovering the journey from idea to publication of his book, ‘Rise of the Reader.’
[29:00] Why he decided to include a section on actionable and implementable habits to improve your health, wealth, and happiness in his book
The Secret Behind Every Successful Book w/ John David Mann (REPLAY)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 50:00
BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away!
Learn Speak Teach Episode #118 with John David Mann.
Many authors have difficulty finding the key factor that will make their work stand out. As a result, they often end up with books that fail to make the desired impact on readers. So, what’s the secret behind every successful book?
Today, John David Mann sheds light on the key factors that contribute to a book’s success. John is an award-winning author and writing coach, best known for co-authoring the New York Times bestseller The Go-Giver. With over 40 books to his name, he has established himself as a powerful voice in the writing community.
In the episode, John discusses the elements that made The Go-Giver irresistible to readers. Additionally, he introduces his online course Book Concepts That Sell, designed to provide writers with practical advice and insightful strategies to improve their writing.
John also dives into the limitations of AI in writing, emphasizing its inability to capture true creativity and originality. Moreover, he shares insights on the power of partnerships in writing, highlighting the key red flags and green lights to watch for when collaborating with other authors.
Finally, John reveals his “secret sauce” for writing success and the motivation that drives his passion for writing. Let’s tap into some of his wisdom.
Amberly Lago || You Don’t Have To Be Fortunate to Achieve Fortune (REPLAY)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 52:21
BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away!
Learn Speak Teach #17 w/ Amberly Lago
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Fear, disappointment, pain, and suffering are all part of life. They're also the things that can hold you back from achieving your goals. When you feel like giving up on a difficult task or when you're faced with fear, consider the WHY you're putting so much time and effort into it. If your goal is something important to you, it will be worth enduring the downsides of life to reach it.
Join the conversation with Amberly Lago as she shares the story of a life forever altered by a horrific motorcycle accident that shattered her right leg. Despite the initial recommendation to amputate, she endured 34 surgeries to save it. As a sexual abuse and divorce survivor, she was determined to save not only her leg but her career, her dreams, and her dignity.
Amberly Lago is a TEDx Speaker, Peak Performance Coach, Podcast Host, and leading expert in the field of resilience and transformation. She is the best-selling author of “True Grit and Grace” and empowers people worldwide by sharing her truth.
Through her book, coaching methods, and workshops, she has curated unique tools to teach others how to tap into their superpower of resilience, build grit, and elevate their lives and businesses, with grace! Amberly has been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, The Doctors, Hallmark, Good Morning Lalaland, contributed to magazines such as Forbes, USA Today, LA Style, Shape, Fit Pregnancy, Health, and Disability Magazine.
Amberly is also the founder of the "UNSTOPPABLE LIFE MASTERMIND," designed to build your influence, impact, and income
Tune in!
How to Build Confidence and Wealth: From Skinny and Broke to Ripped and Rich w/ Markus Kaulius (REPLAY)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 56:28
BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away!
Learn Speak Teach Episode #155 with Markus Kaulius.
What does it take to build confidence, wealth, and a bigger life without losing yourself? In this episode, Markus Kaulius shares how he went from a broken home, low self-worth, and getting bullied for being skinny to becoming a confident entrepreneur, investor, and leader. He also breaks down how discipline, consistency, and the right environment can change everything.
Today, we are thrilled to have Markus Kaulius on the show, a serial entrepreneur, impact-driven investor, bestselling author, and founder of Five Talent Capital. Markus has built multiple 8 and 9 figure companies, helped scale one business to $170M in global sales, and now helps others think differently about growth, money, and fulfillment.
In this episode, Markus shares practical lessons on confidence, health, investing, compounding, diversification, and why you should only invest in things you fully understand. He also opens up about faith, impact, and why success without fulfillment is never enough.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Trailer + Intro
[01:40] From Broken Home to Confidence
[04:09] What If Your Past Was a Gift?
[06:28] The Turning Point
[09:29] Stop Getting Comfortable
[11:12] Grow 1% Every Day
[13:14] Excuses or Results
[13:59] 31,000 Steps and Finding Time
The Presence-Centered Path for Business Leaders w/ Christian F Johnson (REPLAY)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 49:19
BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away!
Learn Speak Teach Episode #151 with Christian F Johnson.
In a world full of distractions and pressure, staying aligned with purpose can feel impossible. However, embracing the Presence-Centered Path helps you regain clarity, sharpen your focus, and perform at your best every day.
In this episode, Ben Albert speaks with Christian F Johnson, a Presence-Centered Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Author who helps high-achieving leaders lead from divine alignment rather than performance. Through his signature framework, The Presence-Centered Path™, he guides leaders to destroy distractions, align with God, and fortify their focus to lead with peace, purpose, and power.
Christian shares the secrets behind his powerful MC performances and offers practical tips on mastering public speaking. He explains how leaders and speakers can show up authentically and connect deeply with their audience.
Christian also introduces the R.I.N.S.E. Method, a 5-step spiritual recalibration system that helps high-achieving leaders realign when stress and distractions take over. Additionally, he discusses how to live authentically and cultivate a net positive life that balances success with purpose.
Lastly, Christian shares his personal journey to finding God and offers practical guidance on choosing the right mentor or coach.
During this episode, you will learn about:
[00:00] Trailer
What REALLY Happened to Scribe Media? w/ Eric Jorgenson (REPLAY)
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 • Duration 54:22
BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away!
Learn Speak Teach Episode #137 with Eric Jorgenson.
Scribe Media, once a top name in the publishing world, fell from industry leader in 2021 to bankruptcy by May 2023. Its collapse left hundreds of employees and freelancers jobless, authors who had paid in full with nothing in return, and investors defrauded of millions.
In this episode, Eric Jorgenson shares how he stepped in as CEO of Scribe Media during its most turbulent chapter and the ongoing journey to rebuild the company’s reputation, trust, and future.
Eric breaks down Scribe’s carefully designed process that helps authors turn their ideas into published books. He also reveals the secret to selling a million copies and discusses the drawbacks of relying on AI for writing.
Beyond Scribe, Eric talks about his book The Almanack of Naval Ravikant, the evolution of audiobooks, and his venture fund, Rolling Fun. Tune in for amazing insights!
Learn Speak Teach Episode #161 with The Mercy Queen Shabana Serang on the Real Business Connections Podcast.
Mercy is not weakness. It is not naivety. And it does not mean losing yourself to save everyone else.
In this powerful conversation, Ben Albert sits down with Shabana Serang, also known as The Mercy Queen, to talk about mercy, self-worth, faith, forgiveness, mental health, human connection, and the deeper work of healing yourself while still serving others.
Shabana shares why mercy belongs to all of us, but also why mercy has to start with the self. She opens up about bullying, depression, self-love, spirituality, food, family, and the mission behind Mercy Mindset, Miracles 4 Mercy, Mercy Mediterranean, Luna’s Halal Taqueria, and her upcoming book, Love Me First, Love Me Last.
Ben and Shabana also explore how food can become a vehicle for service, how small daily acts of kindness can create real human connection, and why being seen, heard, respected, and valued can change someone’s life.
This episode is about mercy without self-abandonment, compassion without losing your dignity, and growth that starts with remembering your own value.
Content note: This conversation includes discussion of depression and suicide.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Trailer + Intro
[01:21] What Mercy Really Means
[05:13] Mercy Beyond Kindness
[07:43] Mercy Is Not Naivety
[12:05] Learning Self-Mercy
Stop Eating Soup With a Fork w/ Lady Jen Du Plessis (FMF #72)
Friday, July 10, 2026 • Duration 21:46
Fifteen Minute Friday Episode #72 with Lady Jen Du Plessis.
Business owners love to stay busy, but busy does not always mean productive. Sometimes we are doing activities because someone told us we “should,” while the real needle-moving work keeps getting pushed aside.
In this Fifteen Minute Friday, Lady Jen Du Plessis, Dame Commander, joins Ben Albert to talk about moving from hustle to harmony. Lady Jen is an award-winning international speaker, The Business Scaling Architect, and The Sovereign Leadership Mentor. She has helped transform over 8,000 businesses and brings 40 years of finance experience with over $400 million in revenue generated.
Lady Jen breaks down why so many entrepreneurs stay stuck in hustle mode, what it means to stop skimming the surface, and how to identify whether your day is spent finding, minding, or grinding.
If you feel like you are working hard but not moving forward, this episode will help you rethink your priorities, protect your lead generation time, and start leading your business from a higher level.
Quote Of The Day:
“If you’re casual about your business, your business will become a casualty.” ~Les Brown
Timestamp:
[00:00] Trailer
[00:59] Quote Of The Day
[01:16] Eating Soup With a Fork
[03:24] From Hustle to Harmony
[04:17] Becoming the Expert
[06:53] No Key to Success
[09:02] Cookie-Cutter Coaching Fails
Psychologist Says Treat Business Like A Sport And Play To Win w/ Michael Ceely (LST #160)
Monday, July 6, 2026 • Duration 52:50
Learn Speak Teach Episode #160 with Michael Ceely.
Business is a sport, and if you want to perform at a higher level, you have to train like a business athlete.
In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Michael Ceely, licensed psychotherapist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and executive coach, to talk about pressure, performance, leadership, and what it really takes to thrive without burning yourself out.
Michael shares what racing against Lance Armstrong taught him about extra gears, why your morning routine matters more than you think, and how leaders can stop making fight-or-flight decisions in business. He also breaks down the difference between coaching and therapy, the power of authoritative leadership, and how belief systems quietly shape the way we lead, work, and grow.
Ben and Michael also dive into Michael’s upcoming book, The Only Way Is Up, inspired by the rock climber who helped save his life, and how that moment became a powerful metaphor for business, courage, and playing to win.
If you want to thrive in your career without being stressed out all the time, this episode will help you rethink pressure, performance, and what it means to lead from a stronger place.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Trailer
[00:59] Racing Against Lance Armstrong
[03:51] Business as a Sport
[05:11] Ten Minutes for Yourself
[06:34] Your Next Day Starts the Night Before
[09:37] From Therapy to Coaching
[13:01] The Problem with Hustle Culture
[31:16] An example of a happy habit from Nick’s book and how to implement it
• Books offer solutions to nearly any problem we may encounter and also facilitate the development of a wide range of skills we may want to acquire. [07:56]
• ”Action is the real measure of intelligence.” ~Napoleon Hill [09:25]
• “What’s not being measured can’t be managed.” ~Peter Drucker [13:02]
• If you give yourself a deadline, you will get it done. A task will expand to fill the allotted time that you give it. ~Parkinson’s Law [25:47]
• “Impact is felt through feedback.” ~Nick Hutchison [27:00]
• “There are two types of forgiveness: internal and external. Internal forgiveness happens when you stop feeling angry or resentful toward yourself, whereas external forgiveness happens when you stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone else.” ~Nick Hutchison [31:41]
• “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die.” ~Marianne Williamson [34:14]
[02:30] Meet our today’s guest, the truly inspiring Amberly Lago
[05:52] Who’s Amberly Lago? Her Story
[13:38] The secret to success is focusing on your vision and being a part of it
[21:49] How Amberly got the clarity of her purpose in life, and how you can find yours
[26:38] The tragic motorcycle accident that shattered her right leg
[31:50] The mind shift she had on getting out of the wheelchair
[35:20] How her first TEDx talk was
[37:04] Amberly’s P.A.C.E.R method in coaching and how it works
[43:53] How you can connect with Amberly
[47:31] Rapid Fire Round
Notable Quotes
~ “Every rejection can be an opportunity to build resilience. It all depends on the angle that you look at it.”
~ “Do not be tethered in society’s scripted life. Follow your dreams and achieve your vision even if every person disowns you.”
~ “You have to fall in love with what you do. If you don’t, you will never be successful in it.”
~ “You were not born to just pay bills, make a living, and then die. We were all made with a reason and for a purpose. The greatest fulfillment comes when you know your purpose and serve it to the world.”
~”Never get stressed in a current situation that is not aligned with your vision.”
Amberly’s Book
True Grit and Grace: Turning Tragedy into Triumph: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R91R3ZT/
• In public speaking, we must embody what we are speaking from. ~Christian F. Johnson [12:57]
• “You have to be you; everybody else is taken.” ~Christian F Johnson [15:07]
• You already have everything you need to succeed; we just sometimes need external things to remind us of what we already have. ~Christian F Johnson [16:29]
• “Spend time loving over hating.” ~Christian F Johnson [35:08]
• Healing is just applying love to the places that are hurting. ~Ben Albert [35:27]
• “You don’t need a new voice; you just need to return to your authentic voice.” ~Christian F Johnson [48:29]
• “What you feed will live, and what you starve will die.” ~Christian F Johnson [48:58]
• “Being particular with your customers is a massive advantage.” ~Eric Jorgenson [15:45]
• “Almost every writer has experienced writer’s block, but no human being has ever experienced talker’s block.” ~Eric Jorgenson [17:46]
• If you want to sell a million copies of a book, don’t try to sell a million copies in a category that has never sold a million. Instead, go to a category where a million copies are sold once every few years when there is a hit. ~Eric Jorgenson [27:46]
• “You aren't advertising to a standing army; you are advertising to a moving parade." ~David Ogilvy [28:02]
• AI writing tools deny writers the full experience of writing. ~Eric Jorgenson [30:34]
• There is wisdom in the things you hear over and over again. ~Eric Jorgenson [34:20]
• Most people are now audiobook consumers. ~Eric Jorgenson [36:22]
• The best thing a human being can do is help another human being know more. ~Eric Jorgenson [43:18]
• The acquisition of wisdom is a moral duty. ~Eric Jorgenson [43:22]
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