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Explore every episode of the podcast The MaxLife Podcast with Ben Laws

Dive into the complete episode list for The MaxLife Podcast with Ben Laws. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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1–16 of 16

TitlePub. DateDuration
#15: This Cab Driver Built a Global Tech Company—Here’s How He Did It02 Jun 202501:08:36

If you think resilience is just about “hustling harder,” think again.

Sunny Kaila went from a remote Indian village—no English, no connections—to building a global tech company that now powers 400+ businesses.

In this episode, we unpack the pivotal moments that shaped Sunny’s mindset, the exact risks he took, and how he used rejection, poverty, and cultural barriers as fuel to go way beyond survival.

You’ll learn:

    • How to turn self-doubt into strategic clarity
    • The choice that changed Sunny’s life at age 17
    • His daily mental frameworks for grit under pressure
    • Why most people fail to access their full potential—and how to avoid it
  • Guest BioSunny Kaila is the Founder, CEO, and real-life American Dream behind IT By Design, a leading talent solutions provider for MSPs worldwide.

    Sunny’s approach to life and business is unique—he sees opportunities where others see obstacles and isn’t afraid to take thoughtful risks when needed. His journey as an immigrant from India and his remarkable rise to success in the tech industry are truly inspiring. He openly shares his experiences through speaking engagements, writings, and his podcast, Sunny’s Silver Linings. One of his most powerful keynotes, “Talentpreneurship: How to Build and Grow a Healthy Business, Transform the People Around You, and Live the Life of Your Dreams,” continues to leave a profound impact on audiences around the world. 

    Through his authentic storytelling and empowering message, Sunny motivates others to follow their dreams and make a positive difference in their lives and the lives of those around them.

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

    https://itbd.net/


    Key Topics

    • Sunny’s journey from rural India to building a successful global IT company 

    • The role of faith, gratitude, and mindset in overcoming obstacles

    • His transition from taxi driver to tech entrepreneur through education and perseverance

    • How choosing growth over comfort shaped his personal and professional path

    • Creating a 24/7 IT service model that turned competitors into collaborators

    • The importance of legacy, resilience, and fatherhood—highlighted by his upcoming Everest Base Camp trek with his son

     

    Resources & Mentions



    #14: He Survived a Triple Bypass Mid-Ironman Training — And Everything Changed with Craig Hersch29 May 202501:21:04

    Craig Hersch was a peak-performing attorney and Ironman athlete… until a sudden triple bypass cracked everything open. In this powerful conversation, Ben Laws unpacks the real transformation—how mortality rewired Craig’s priorities, relationships, and business legacy. If you’re addicted to doing, this episode might just save your life—or your purpose. This is the MaxLife podcast.

    Guest Bio

    Craig R. Hersch is a nationally recognized estate planning attorney, author, and practice development expert. He is the Senior Partner at the Sheppard Law Firm in Fort Myers, Florida. A Florida Bar Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estates attorney and CPA, he has pioneered several trademarked processes within his estate planning and administration practice, including The Family Estate & Legacy Program™ and The Estate Settlement Program™.

    As the creator of The Freedom Practice™, Hersch coaches estate planning attorneys from around the country, helping them enhance client service and distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive legal marketplace. His expertise is regularly featured in Trusts & Estates Magazine, the nation’s leading trade journal for estate attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners, where he serves on the editorial advisory board.

    Hersch is a prolific author with numerous books designed to educate clients and legal professionals.

    He’s published professional articles in The Practical Tax Lawyer, The Florida Bar Journal, and Trusts & Estates Magazine. He also writes numerous whitepapers providing valuable estate planning insights for clients and attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, Hersch has an entrepreneurial background as a founding shareholder and director of a Florida private state-chartered trust company that, after 18 years, was sold to a regional bank.

    Speaking Engagements & Industry Leadership

    Hersch is a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering high-energy, insightful presentations to attorneys, CPAs, and financial professionals. His ability to break down complex estate planning, tax, and business succession strategies into practical, real-world solutions makes him a standout presenter at continuing education programs sponsored by The Florida Bar, The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, WealthCounsel, Strategic Coach, and other programs.

    His dynamic speaking style blends deep technical expertise with real-world business insights, engaging audiences with actionable strategies they can apply in their practices. Whether speaking to attorneys looking to modernize their firms, CPAs, or financial professionals navigating the evolving estate planning landscape, Hersch delivers high-impact sessions that inspire professionals to elevate their approach.

    Personal Life

    Craig enjoys cycling, swimming, boating, and hiking, dividing his time between Fort Myers and Asheville. He is married to Patti, and together they have three daughters—Gabrielle, Courtney, and Madison—as well as two sons-in-law, Benji and Philip.

     

    Twitter: https://x.com/fltrustlaw

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sheppardlawfirm/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-hersch-58b29511

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@craighersch

    Connect with Craig: https://craighersch.com/

     Key Topics

    • The mindset shift from “driven achiever” to a more present, intentional version of success
    • How crisis and vulnerability reshaped Craig’s view on family, time, and legacy

    • The role of discipline, coaching, and commitment in overcoming physical and emotional challenges

    • Balancing entrepreneurship, personal goals, and deep family connection

    • Craig’s reflections on mortality, legacy, and what truly matters at the end of the day

    • How pushing physical limits helped him reconnect with his values and purpose

    Resources & Mentions

    Rabbi Sacks

    Strategic Coach

    Sheppard Law Firm

    4freedompractice.com

    https://craighersch.com/

    Perpetual Wealth



    #5: From Struggle to Strength: A Conversation with Kelly Knight28 Apr 202501:13:27

    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the Max Life Podcast, Ben Laws sits down with Kelly Knight, President & Integrator of EOS Worldwide, to explore the power of personal stories, resilience, and the pursuit of purpose. Kelly shares her journey from growing up as the daughter of a visionary entrepreneur to becoming a transformational leader herself. She opens up about the life-shaping lessons she learned from her parents, the struggles she faced—including a childhood diagnosis that challenged her physically and emotionally—and how those experiences shaped her leadership philosophy.

    In a deeply moving segment, Ben reflects on the profound impact of losing his son Benny, and how that experience forever changed the lens through which he views life, purpose, and love. The conversation becomes a touching exchange on grief, legacy, transformation, and choosing to live fully rather than simply exist.

    Together, Kelly and Ben offer a raw and powerful conversation about trust, confidence, ndness, and the unexpected beauty found in life’s hardest moments.

    Guest Bio

    Kelly Knight is best known as the President and Integrator of EOS Worldwide, an organization that provides entrepreneurs with simple, practical tools and process to achieve their goals and get everything they want from their business. Since joining EOS Worldwide in 2016, she has been instrumental in driving accountability and harmoniously uniting the major functions of the business. Her leadership focuses on organizational clarity and fostering a culture of growth and Transformation.

    Prior to EOS, Kelly spent two decades as an entrepreneur in the financial services industry, honing her skills as an expert team-builder and leader. Her passion lies in uniting teams to achieve extraordinary outcomes and helping leaders realize their full potential.

    Kelly is also a co-author of the book “People: Dare to Build an Intentional Culture,” which shares insights and tools to create a thriving workplace culture with heart-centered leadership and intentionality at the core.

    www.eosworldwide.com

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

    https://x.com/kellyknighteos


    Key Topics

    • How Kelly’s upbringing shaped her leadership style—blending visionary thinking and heart-centered empathy

    • The role of trust, confidence, and optimism in entrepreneurship and human connection

    • Kelly’s early health challenges and how they sparked resilience, grit, and defiance of limiting beliefs

    • The importance of living the EOS Life and the barriers that keep entrepreneurs from fulfillment

    • Ben’s story of losing his son Benny and how grief transformed his perspective on life, love, and legacy

    • Why embracing struggle and holding space for others leads to deeper impact and personal transformation


    Resources & Mentions

    #4: The Power of Understanding Why: Asking Questions with Tom Wheelwright25 Apr 202501:23:40

    In this episode of MaxLife, Tom Wheelwright, renowned tax strategist and CPA, shares his expertise on how entrepreneurs can legally minimize taxes, build wealth, and optimize their financial future. He discusses his journey from starting his own firm to working with Robert Kiyosaki, highlighting how strategic tax planning can be a game-changer for business owners. Tom emphasizes the power of asking the right questions, the importance of working for assets instead of money, and why understanding the "why" behind financial strategies is key to success. He also breaks down the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make when it comes to taxes and financial growth—and how to avoid them.


    Guest Bio

    Tom Wheelwright®, CPA, is a tax and wealth expert and a serial entrepreneur dedicated to the belief that everyone deserves to be financially independent of employers, Wall Street and the government. His businesses — WealthAbility®, TFW Advisors®, PLA Software and Wheelwright Manahan Family Office — provide the education, tax preparation, tools and teams that enable people to experience that freedom. Wheelwright is a Rich Dad Advisor, the CPA for Robert Kiyosaki, an international speaker, and the author of the bestselling books The Win-Win Wealth Strategy and Tax-Free Wealth. He has spoken on stage on six continents to over 100,000 entrepreneurs, small business owners, and investors. He also hosts the popular podcast The WealthAbility® Show with Tom Wheelwright® CPA.

    https://wealthability.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/Tom.Wheelwright.CPA 

    https://www.facebook.com/4wealthability/ 


    Key Topics 

    • Taxes are a tool for wealth building.

    • Ask the right questions about tax strategy.

    • Work for assets, not money.

    • Entrepreneurs often overpay in taxes.

    • Surround yourself with the right experts.


    Resources & Mentions

    The WealthAbility Show

    Rich Dad, Poor Dad

    Tax Free Wealth

    Why The Rich Are Getting Richer

    The WealthAbility Show

    www.tfwadvisors.us

    www.wealthability.com


    #3: You Can’t Stay in the Shire: Pain, Purpose, and the Power of Decision with Kary Oberbrunner21 Apr 202501:13:43

    In this episode of MaxLife, Ben Laws and Kary Oberbrunner dive into the journey of answering the call to something greater, overcoming fear, and embracing transformation through adversity. Kary shares personal struggles, including childhood trauma and self-doubt, and how bold decisions and short-term discomfort led him to a life of deeper significance. Together, they explore the power of stepping out of comfort zones, making intentional choices, and finding true fulfillment by serving others.


    Guest Bio

    Kary Oberbrunner is a Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of 14 books. As CEO of Igniting Souls® and Instant IP™ he helps abundant-minded & coachable-competent entrepreneurs PUBLISH, PROTECT, and PROMOTE their intellectual property and turn it into 18 streams of income so they can change the world.

    An award-winning novelist, screenwriter, and inventor, he’s been featured in Entrepreneur, Forbes, CBS, Fox News, Yahoo, and many other major media outlets. His TEDx has been viewed over 1 million times.

    As a young man, he suffered from severe stuttering, depression, and self-injury. Today a transformed man, Kary ignites souls: speaking internationally on a variety of topics and consulting the world's top entrepreneurs and brands regarding publishing, protecting, and promoting intellectual property.

    He has several earned degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts, Masters in Divinity, and Doctorate in Transformational Leadership. He also serves as the Berry Chair of Entrepreneurship at Cedarville University, where he teaches on the topics of Entrepreneurship and Digital Marketing. Kary enjoys cycling, especially in the French Alps. He lives in Ohio with his wife Kelly and three children: Keegan, Isabel, and Addison.

    https://ignitingsouls.com/

    https://www.instantip.today/

    https://karyoberbrunner.com/


    Key Topics 

    • Answering the Call to More

    • Overcoming Fear & Self-Doubt

    • The Power of Decision

    • Pain as a Growth Catalyst

    Resources & Mentions


    #2: The Gratitude Effect: Mindset, Success, and Fulfillment with Chris Johnson18 Apr 202501:21:19

    In this episode of MaxLife, Chris Johnson shares his entrepreneurial journey and the mindset shifts that have fueled his success. He dives deep into the power of gratitude, overcoming adversity, and the importance of energy management for entrepreneurs. Chris opens up about pivotal moments in his career, including his early ventures, the challenges of building a business, and how faith, discipline, and mindset have shaped his path. He also discusses how entrepreneurs can avoid burnout, unlock their full potential, and build both generational wealth and a life of fulfillment.

    Guest Bio

    Chris Johnson is the CEO of Rapid Brands and a prominent entrepreneur known for his appearance on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank. He built Rapid Brands into the United States' fastest-growing microwave cookware company, featuring innovations like the Rapid Ramen Cooker, the Rapid Mac Cooker, and 18 additional inventions. Products are sold in major retailers including Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Amazon, with Rapid Brands exceeding $50M in retail sales nationwide. In December 2023, Johnson sold the Rapid Mac Cooker to one of the largest suppliers of Mac & Cheese in the U.S. and Rapid Brands to a major Amazon Brand Merchant.

    The innovation hasn’t stopped there. Johnson is also the Founder of Passive Candidate Pro AI, a technology company that simplifies the hiring process by allowing employers to click, interview, and hire top talent twice as fast and at half the cost. The platform automatically schedules interviews with hard-to-find passive candidates, supercharging the hiring process.

    In addition, Johnson founded The Johnson Group in May 2006, a corporate recruiting firm that revolutionizes talent acquisition for the architecture, engineering, construction, and environmental fields. The Johnson Group has developed the Corporate Recruiter Solution (CRS), providing firms with top-tier talent without costly recruiting fees, functioning as an internal corporate recruiter rather than a transactional headhunter. The firm has experienced over 3,100% growth and employs hundreds nationwide.

    Johnson graduated from the University of California, Davis, and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School, OPM 52. He is also a member of YPO (Young President’s Organization), and Strategic Coach, Free Zone.

    Johnson is married to his high school sweetheart, Shawna, and they have been together since he was 14 years old. They have four children aged 26, 21, 16, and 11.

    Instagram: @chrisjohnsonbiz

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-johnson-2800019/


    Key Topics 

    •  How shifting focus from lack to gratitude changed Chris’s mindset and success

    • The importance of morning routines focused on gratitude and faith

    • Chris’s early entrepreneurial ventures, from throwing parties to starting a modeling agency

    • Why entrepreneurs often suffer twice—once in worry, then in reality

    • The mindset shift from comparison to appreciation


    Resources & Mentions

    Rich Dad, Poor Dad

    Dan Sullivan

    Who Not How



    #1: The Energy Game: Fueling Entrepreneurial Success with Regan Archibald14 Apr 202501:09:07

    In this episode, Regan Archibald shares his insights on The Energy Game—how entrepreneurs can optimize their health, mindset, and habits to fuel long-term success. He discusses his journey from a ranch upbringing to becoming a leader in longevity and functional medicine, highlighting key lessons on avoiding burnout, leveraging energy for peak performance, and building sustainable wealth. Regan also introduces his Ageless Operating System, a framework for maximizing healthspan and vitality while navigating the demands of entrepreneurship.


    Guest Bio

    Regan Archibald, Lac, FMP, is one of the leading Peptide, Functional Medicine and Longevity Specialists in the nation. His award-winning center, EastWest Health (acueastwest.com) has performed 10,000+ labs and counting. These comprehensive blood labs include 100 important markers that allow Regan and his team to understand the root cause of health issues. Regan is an international speaker and is the author of 9 books including The Peptide Blueprint and Ageless Future. His podcast, Unreasonable Health has featured thought leaders from many industries. When not traveling, Regan can often be found deep in the Utah mountains with his wife Jessica or his kids, Zoe, Dominic and Jonah.

    https://acueastwest.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/EastWestSaltLake

    https://www.instagram.com/eastwesthealthclinic/


    Key Topics

    • Regan’s journey from a ranch upbringing to an entrepreneurial lifestyle
    • Regan’s Ageless Operating System and how it helps entrepreneurs optimize their health
    • The role of energy and frequency in personal and professional success
    • How to avoid burnout and build sustainable wealth
    • Regan’s top 3 health habits for high-performance entrepreneurs


    Resources & Mentions

    https://acueastwest.com

    https://fourhourworkweek.com/

    https://fourhourbody.com/

    The eMyth

    www.strategiccoach.com

    Power vs Force by David Hawkins 

    Molecules of Emotion

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

    https://jackcanfield.com

    https://www.hivehousestudio.com

    Tao Te Ching


    The MaxLife Podcast: Get Ready!07 Apr 202500:01:03

    Get ready for MaxLife – the podcast that takes you behind the scenes with entrepreneurs and high performers who have lived through the highs and lows of success. Hosted by Ben Laws, this isn’t your typical business talk. We’re diving deep into unfiltered conversations about mindset shifts, the real struggles, and the secrets to creating meaningful growth in business, relationships, health, and beyond.

    This MaxLife trailer gives you a sneak peek into the powerful stories and insights that will inspire action and fuel your own journey. You won’t want to miss the first episodes dropping soon!


    #13: Leadership ROI: Why Hardship Builds Better Teams with Joe Schafbuch26 May 202500:46:47

    In this episode of the Max Life Podcast, Ben Laws interviews Joe Schafbuch—entrepreneur, father of seven, and leader of one of the most successful Century 21 franchises in the U.S. Joe unpacks how early adversity became his ultimate leadership advantage—and why the best business builders invest in people, not just strategy.

    You’ll learn:

    • Why hardship produces better leaders than success ever could.
    • How to turn mentorship into your highest-return investment.
    • A mindset shift for building with your people—not on them.

    For entrepreneurs and high performers, this is a crash course in turning challenge into fuel—and building teams that scale because they believe.

    Guest Bio

    Joe Schafbuch is Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Signature Real Estate in Ames, Iowa, and a partner in property‑management and closing‑services ventures including RPM Iowa and Real Clear Settlement & Exchange.LinkedIn

    At 45—and with seven children at home—Joe bought a 16‑agent brokerage with no real‑estate license and grew it into a top‑10 CENTURY 21 franchise nationwide. The firm has since been named a Top Workplace in Iowa four consecutive years and ranked #2 medium‑sized workplace in the U.S. in 2024.

    Joe’s entrepreneurial streak began early (re‑selling golf balls and locker‑room candy), followed by stints in automotive sales and restaurant management before finding his true calling in real estate. Today he champions a “build with people, not on people” culture, invests asymmetrically in talent, and mentors founders on vision‑led growth and unique‑ability teamwork.

    Away from business, Joe relishes adventure, lifelong learning, and time with his expanding family—13 grandchildren and counting.

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-schafbuch-59812311/

    Key Topics

    •  Why college wasn’t the right fit—and what he learned hitchhiking instead

    • Building businesses without industry experience—and succeeding

    • The philosophy behind “build with, not on” in leadership

    • How Strategic Coach and books like The E-Myth changed his mindset

    • The power of humility and the dangers of internal self-limiting narratives

    • What it means to fall in love with your past and reframe regret

    • Why success can be a terrible teacher

    • The transition to mentorship and coaching in the next stage of life

    Resources & Mentions

    How to Win Friends and Influence People

    Maker.ai

    Julia Waller 

    The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What To Do About It

    Strategic Coach

    Dan Sullivan

    Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t

    Monk Manual




    #12: Automate Everything But Love — Lior Weinstein on Hyper-Growth with Heart22 May 202501:50:28

    In this deeply rich conversation, entrepreneur and technologist Lior Weinstein breaks down how to build at scale—without burning out or going numb.

    From surviving war as a child in Israel to launching ventures across the globe, Lior shares how he’s learned to lead with clarity, process emotion in real time, and design a life that prioritizes joy without sacrificing drive.

    He and Ben Laws explore the quiet power of emotional triggers, why regret—when reflected on without shame—can guide us, and how ambition feels different when it's rooted in love, not fear.

    If you're building fast and thinking deeper, this episode will meet you where you are—and take you further.


    Guest Bio

    Lior Weinstein is a serial entrepreneur specializing in digital transformation across mobile, web, and desktop platforms. He founded his first company at just 14 years old and went on to build and exit multiple technology companies before the end of his 20s. Over the years, Lior has worked on a wide range of projects—from quirky campaigns promoting DIY chicken coops to large-scale marketing automation systems.

    His true gift lies in simplifying complex ideas and turning them into actionable, high-impact solutions. Lior has contributed to the development of over 30 mobile apps used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, along with hundreds of B2C and B2B websites. His work has been recognized by Microsoft for outstanding UI design and featured on the Apple US App Store.

    Today, Lior focuses his energy on building new technology-driven joint ventures, and serving as a fractional CTO and CRO for founder-led companies generating $20M–$100M in annual revenue. He also lends his expertise to nonprofit organizations, helping them scale with the same care and innovation he brings to for-profit ventures.


    Key Topics

    • How growing up in a militarized, high-stress environment shaped Lior’s perspective on risk and resilience

    • His family's history of surviving the Holocaust—and the emotional wisdom passed down by osmosis 

    • The difference between anticipation and anxiety, and why framing matters 

    • How Lior balances his role as a technologist with deep emotional and relational work 

    • The power of travel, intentional living, and minimizing to maximize joy 

    • Triggers and the practice of observing before reacting 


    Resources & Mentions

    Soft White Underbelly

    Getting the Love Your Want: A Guide for Couples

    Inside Out 2 

    Interstellar

    The Wealth of Nations

    The Theory of Moral Sentiments

    Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals

    Die With Zero: Getting All You Can from Your Money and Your Life

    How to Live



    #11: The Last Human Advantage: Storytelling in an Age of AI with Tim Dyer19 May 202501:58:48

    What if your brand story could no longer compete with machines?

    In this high-impact episode of The Max Life Podcast, Ben Laws sits down with Tim Dyer—co-founder of Manifesto and the creative mind behind purpose-driven campaigns for some of the world’s most iconic brands. Together, they unpack the evolving power of storytelling in an AI-driven world—and why today’s entrepreneurs must lead with a deeper, more human message.

    You’ll uncover the hidden “B-plot” behind founder identity, the threats facing authentic narrative, and how to craft a brand story that resonates beyond algorithms. If your work depends on connection, clarity, or culture—this is essential listening.


    Guest Bio

    In 2011, Tim co-founded Manifesto with his twin brother—with a focus on rallying humans around the heart and soul of the world's most ambitious brands. Over his career, Tim has worked across dozens of Fortune 500 companies, helping them pioneer new programs to leverage sponsorships, create culturally disruptive concepts and launch new brand initiatives. His brand experience ranges from HBO to Old Spice, Arby's, Intel, Nike, GE Healthcare, Mars, Bacardi, Starbucks, Amazon, Caterpillar and beyond. Co-leading the agency, Manifesto became the 7th fastest growing agency in the US in 2016, charting #124 on the Inc. 500. In 2019 Tim wrote an industry-respected white paper called Rally Cry—5 Reasons You Need A Manifesto—which has been leveraged by numerous Fortune 100 brands as a brand launch playbook. Tim frequently guest speaks on the topics of brand storytelling and branding from the inside out, with a special focus on engaging employees in the branding process.

    www.manifestoagency.com

    @_timdyer on Instagram

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


    Key Topics

    • The universal role of story and archetypes across time and culture

    • How external influences like social media and AI create confusion about personal identity

    • The importance of the "B-plot"—the deeper, often hidden emotional journey underneath life’s visible achievements

    • Nostalgia, regret, and how lived experience shapes meaning and connection

    • Why imperfection, struggle, and suffering are essential parts of authentic human stories

    • Concerns about AI’s ability to replicate—but not experience—human emotion and memory

    • The sacred, ineffable aspects of humanity—soul, connection, gratitude—that machines cannot replace

    • How gratitude for the present moment anchors real transformation 


    Resources & Mentions

    Save the Cat

    Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life 

    Natural Born Heroes: Mastering the Lost Secrets of Strength and Endurance

    Lucy

    Manifesto Agency

    Simon Sinek 

    www.60dayrunway.com

    Rally Cry





    #10: The Battle for Truth: Markets, AI, and the Inner Game with Luke Gromen15 May 202501:36:58

    In this timely episode, Luke Gromen—known for forecasting global macro shifts—pulls back the curtain to explore how entrepreneurs can navigate truth in a world shaped by AI, liquidity, and narrative-driven markets.

    Host Ben Laws and Luke trace massive inflection points—9/11, 2008, and today’s tech revolution—and uncover the deeper emotional patterns behind courage, intuition, and self-trust.

    More than finance, this is about clarity in complexity. How do we make sense of the noise? And how do we bet on ourselves when the rules keep changing?

    For high performers, these insights go far beyond the market.


    Guest Bio

    Luke Gromen has become one of the most respected names in the global research sector. Having been in the industry for 20+ years and earning a reputation as a client-focused analyst with an unparalleled ability to make broad connections between increasingly siloed industry news and drawing conclusions that help investors understand the bigger picture. Luke offers unique and insightful research derived from a wide variety of sources that provide a clearer picture of global macroeconomic, thematic, and sector trends.

    Luke founded FFTT, LLC in early 2014 to address and leverage the opportunity he saw created by applying what clients and former colleagues consistently described as a “unique ability to connect the dots” during a time when he saw an increasing “silo-ing” of perspectives occurring on Wall Street and in corporate America. FFTT caters to institutions and sophisticated individuals by aggregating a wide variety of macroeconomic, thematic and sector trends in an unconventional manner to identify investable developing economic bottlenecks for his clients.

    Prior to founding FFTT, Luke was a founding partner of Cleveland Research Company, where he worked from 2006-14. At CRC, Luke worked in sales and edited CRC’s flagship weekly thematic research summary piece (“Straight from the Source”) for the firm’s clients. Prior to that, Luke was a partner at Midwest Research, where he worked in equity research and sales from 1996-2006. While in sales, Luke was a founding editor of Midwest’s widely-read weekly thematic summary (“Heard in the Midwest”) for the firm’s clients, in which he aggregated and combined proprietary research from Midwest with inputs from other sources.

    Luke Gromen holds a BBA in Finance and Accounting from the University of Cincinnati and received his MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He earned the CFA designation in 2003.

    Instagram: @lukegromen

    X: @lukegromen 

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-gromen-1a454a2/


    Key Topics

    • Luke’s journey from investment analyst to launching his own macro research firm, FFTT

    • How human emotion—fear and greed—drives both markets and history

    • The death of traditional capitalism and rise of liquidity-obsessed markets

    • 2008 as a paradigm shift that changed everything Luke believed about investing

    • The evolving role of AI and social media in shaping narratives and distorting truth

    • The challenge of telling the truth in a world of tribes, stories, and algorithms

    • Luke’s reflections on betting on yourself—and the uncomfortable clarity that comes with it

    Resources & Mentions

    The Storm Before the Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic

    Forest for the Trees, LLC

    What The Bleep Do We Know?

    Dan Sullivan

    Mr. X Interviews, Volume 1 : World Views from a Fictional US Sovereign Creditor

    Mr. X Interviews, Volume 2: World Views from a Fictional US Sovereign Creditor



    #9: Why Top Performers Struggle (and How They Grow): The Cheat Code to Life with Alex Gertsburg12 May 202501:14:14

    In this revealing conversation, attorney and entrepreneur Alex Gertsburg shares how deep insecurity—and one pivotal therapy session—shaped his path to success.

    Host Ben Laws uncovers the emotional habits of high achievers: how fear fuels ambition, how presence builds power, and how telling yourself the truth is the real breakthrough.

    If you've ever wondered why success doesn't quiet the inner critic, this episode offers rare validation—and a new blueprint for aligning ambition with inner peace.

    Guest Bio

    Alex Gertsburg is an accomplished attorney, entrepreneur, and community leader with a passion for innovation in the legal and business sectors. As the Managing Partner of Gertsburg Licata, he leads a full service business law firm that offers proactive legal solutions, helping entrepreneurs and executives navigate risk and growth with confidence. His brainchild, CoverMySix, is a pioneering legal service designed to identify and mitigate legal vulnerabilities before they become costly disputes.

    Before founding his firm, Alex served as General Counsel for Broadvox, a national telecom company, where he managed legal affairs in a fast-paced, high-stakes industry. Earlier in his career, he practiced complex commercial litigation at leading law firms, developing a deep expertise in business law. 

    Beyond his professional achievements, Alex is deeply engaged in his community, serving on various boards and supporting initiatives that foster business development and leadership. He is a military veteran, having served in the Iraq with the Army Transportation Corp, an experience that shaped his disciplined and strategic approach to problem-solving.

    On a personal level, Alex is a devoted father, partner, and adventurer who thrives on collecting “billions of tiny moments” of joy, gratitude, and discovery. Whether through his work, mentorship, or personal connections, he brings energy, wisdom, and an innovative mindset to everything he does.

    Gertsburg Licata Co., LPA: https://www.gertsburglicata.com/

    CoverMySix: https://covermysix.com/

    Blog: https://substack.com/@alexgertsburg

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


    Key Topics

    • Alex’s immigration story and early experiences of fear, insecurity, and not belonging

    • How childhood wounds can become the hidden fuel for success—and the cost of not addressing them

    • The transformational impact of therapy and inner child work

    • Alex’s four core values: walk in love, be here now, be you, and the way knows the way

    • How journaling, reflection, and authenticity became tools for healing and leadership

    • Emotional intelligence as a life unlock—and why it’s often learned too late

    • The gap between aspiration and integrity, and how to close it with intention

    • Self-love, shame, and the quiet voices that shape our decisions and direction

    Resources & Mentions

    Shine: How Looking Inward Is the Key to Unlocking True Entrepreneurial Freedom 

    Dan Sullivan

    Cover My Six

    Gertsburg Licata Law Firm

    Dispatch From the Bright Side

    A Checklist for Every Day Magic

    Atomic Habits

    The Lawsuit-Free Company


    #8: The Curiosity Quest: Creating Teams that Thrive with Shannon Waller08 May 202501:42:44

    In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode of the Max Life Podcast, Ben Laws sits down with team strategist, author, and Strategic Coach® veteran Shannon Waller to explore the deep connection between leadership, curiosity, and what it truly means to work in relationship. With humor and insight, Shannon shares how her passion for teamwork started early in life and has evolved into a lifelong quest to help entrepreneurial teams flourish.

    From personal stories of her hippie upbringing and early career moves to sharp wisdom on 21st-century leadership, Shannon dives into the difference between transactional management and transformative relationship-building. She unpacks why curiosity, trust, and love are the unexpected “umami” of extraordinary team cultures, and how recognizing who you are makes you better at appreciating others.

    The episode also highlights her upcoming projects, including a mindset scorecard on entrepreneurial leadership, and practical tips for building connected, high-trust teams that can grow and thrive together.

    Guest Bio

    Shannon Waller, a seasoned expert on entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial teams, has been with Strategic Coach® since 1991. She is renowned for creating The Entrepreneurial Team® Program, designed to cultivate a winning Entrepreneurial Attitude among team members. As a key executive, speaker, and author, Shannon's work emphasizes conative excellence and provides actionable strategies for team success, as evidenced in her books The Team Success Handbook and Multiplication By Subtraction. She is also co-author of Superpowered and the bestselling book Unique Ability® 2.0: Discovery.

    Key Topics

    • How Shannon’s early exposure to personal growth shaped her passion for people and teamwork

    • The difference between management and coaching—and why leadership today is about relationship

    • Why entrepreneurial companies are the fastest track for both personal and professional growth

    • The power of curiosity in culture—and what causes people to lose it

    • Non-obvious ingredients of great teamwork: love and trust

    • What it means to build “unique ability” teams where people know they’re truly seen, valued, and supported 

    Resources & Mentions

    Strategic Coach

    Dan Sullivan

    Babs Smith

    Multiplication by Subtraction  

    Abundance 360

    The Speed of Trust   

    Kathy Kolbe

    Kolbe.com

    Clifton Strengths Assessment

    The Working Genius Assessment

    PRINT Assessment

    The Gap & The Gain by Dan Sullivan

    yourteamsuccess.com

    The Team Success Handbook 

    Delivering Happiness 

    The Five Dysfunctions of a Team 

    Tribal Leadership

    No Ego: How Leaders Can Cut the Cost of Workplace Drama, End Entitlement, and Drive Big Results

    Shannon Waller’s Team Success Podcast

    Inside Strategic Coach with Dan Sullivan 

    Superpowered

    Kary Oberbrunner & Igniting Souls


    #7: Creating Safe Spaces: A Journey of Inner Work with Dennis McIntee05 May 202501:17:49

    In this raw and revealing episode of the Max Life Podcast, Ben Laws sits down with speaker, author, and leadership coach Dennis McIntee for a deeply human conversation about grief, growth, and emotional self-awareness. Dennis opens up about a recent personal realization—how unprocessed grief was quietly influencing his risk tolerance, inner dialogue, and overall presence as a leader, husband, and father.

    Through storytelling and vulnerability, Dennis shares how leaders can embrace emotional honesty, make peace with imperfection, and create safe spaces for others and themselves. He discusses his personal journey toward healing childhood wounds, quieting the inner critic, and shifting from performance-driven ambition to joy-driven purpose.

    This is a must-listen for anyone seeking deeper self-awareness and more meaningful leadership.


    Guest Bio

    Dennis McIntee, a business consultant, gifted keynote speaker, executive coach and author, travels across the world speaking at leadership summits, management training events and healthcare conferences, to name a few. His three-decade career included stints in Africa, Poland, Germany, and throughout greater Europe where he coached and consulted with growing leaders. Through his experience, Dennis developed a systematic approach to helping his clients reach their goals through coaching, speaking, courses, and teaching techniques that enact transformational change. Ultimately, Dennis is passionate about helping leaders create high-trust, high-performance cultures while becoming the best version of themselves they can be.

    Dennis is also the author of The 8 Qualities of Drama Free Teams, The Power of Pursuit, and Drama Free Teams in Healthcare. He has been married to his wife, Lisa, for over 30 years and together they have four children. Dennis is an avid runner and enjoys training for races.

    Instagram: @leadershipdevgroup https://www.instagram.com/leadershipdevgroup/

    https://www.facebook.com/LeadershipDevGrp


    Key Topics

    • Dennis’s recent journey of emotional honesty and learning to process unspoken grief

    • The connection between unprocessed emotions, risk aversion, and internal dialogue

    • Learning to “name it to tame it” and how language shapes emotional experience

    • How grief and loss from childhood impacted Dennis’s drive and identity as a leader

    • The creation of the Disappointment Navigator as a tool for personal growth

    • How vulnerability, safe spaces, and internal kindness transform leadership and relationships


    Resources & Mentions

    Strategic Coach

    Tony & Lisa DiLorenzo

    The Feelings Wheel

    Julia Waller - Unique Ability Specialist & Coach

    Leadershipdevgroup.com

    Drama Free Teams in Healthcare

    The 8 Qualities of Drama Free Teams

    https://learning.leadershipdevgroup.com/disappointment-navigator

    #6: Trusting the Quest: Steven Neuner on Purpose, Risk, and Faith01 May 202501:22:16

    In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of the Max Life Podcast, host Ben Laws sits down with serial entrepreneur and purpose-driven leader Steven Neuner. Known for building and scaling multi-million-dollar companies without sacrificing his family or faith, Steven shares the raw, honest story behind his lifelong quest for meaning, clarity, and connection.

    From childhood trauma and tragic loss to a transformative moment involving a mysterious Bible and a carjacking, Steven recounts how his life shifted from performance-driven success to a purpose-fueled adventure. He introduces his upcoming book, which helps others avoid common mindset traps like the “Eeyore Complex,” the “Onion Mindset,” and the “Burning Bush Delusion.” Steven’s story weaves together entrepreneurship, faith, relationships, and radical obedience to create a daily rhythm of intention and impact.

    If you’ve ever asked, What am I here for?, this episode will meet you in that question and offer practical, powerful ways to start living your own quest.

    Guest Bio

    A lifetime entrepreneur and learner, Steven Neuner has built, scaled, and exited multi-million-dollar companies without sacrificing his life priorities by building championship teams. As a coach and mentor to successful entrepreneurs, Steven’s passion is helping them reach new levels of freedom and growth. On Free Days, you might find Steven on a date with his best friend, wife, and business partner, Corey, at BarnHill Vineyards, their boutique vineyard and live music venue. They also enjoy embarking on family adventures with their three children, huge extended family, and closest friends.

    stevenjneuner.com

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-neuner/

    https://www.facebook.com/steven.neuner.3/

    Key Topics 

    •  Steven’s childhood marked by loss, loneliness, and the early question: Why am I here?

    • A radical turning point in his 20s, sparked by trauma and a mysterious Bible in an empty house

    • Moving from success without meaning to a life of purpose, discernment, and daily intention

    • The mindset traps that hold people back from purpose—including perfectionism, performance, and waiting for a “burning bush” moment

    • The development of his daily tool to cultivate purpose in everyday interactions

    • How he and his wife followed a “gut check of obedience” to purchase a vineyard and music venue that now serves as a space for community and transformation

    Resources & Mentions

    bmxlocal.org

    Dan Sullivan - Strategic Coach

    Kary Oberbrunner - Igniting Souls

    Todd Pinkston - WayForward Adventures

    WayForward Adventures

    Barn Hill Vineyards

    Superpowers - Executive Assistants

    Superpowered: The Secret That Helps Every Entrepreneur Eliminate the Suck, 10X Their Impact, and Have More Fun in Work and LifeThe Secret That 

    Dogs on Heaven Street By Steven Neuner

    Are You A Tree? By Steven Neuner

    stevenjneuner.com


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