BigDeal

Most people know Ciara as a Grammy winning superstar with 23 million albums sold and hits like “Goodies” and “Level Up.” What they don’t know is how a military kid with no connections built one of the most durable careers in entertainment and is now quietly building a business empire across rum and kids fashion. In this conversation, Ciara walks through the three goals she wrote down at 13 that led to a record deal at 16, millions of albums sold by 19, and a 21 year career that’s still evolving. She talks about why it’s necessary to stay “a little delulu”, how manifestation actually works, and how a good whiteboard session can turn an idea into a real-world business. We get into why being the only woman in rum is fuel not fear, how her apparel company 3Brand crossed $100M, and why culture and quality beat hype every time. This episode isn’t about overnight wins. It’s about confidence built slowly, emotions kept out of decisions, and learning to run your race without burning out trying to win someone else’s. ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:25 The Power of Pre-Performance Rituals 00:04:03 Embracing Failure and the Amnesia Method 00:06:21 Being Delulu: Walking Into Rooms Fearlessly 00:09:18 Speaking Life Into Your Kids 00:10:27 The Army Kid Who Wrote Her Game Plan at 13 00:16:34 Manifestation: Writing It Down and Speaking It Out Loud 00:22:03 Faith as Your Shield in Dark Moments 00:25:56 Running Your Own Race: Don't Glorify Man 00:28:29 The Greater the Great, The More They Hate 00:30:19 Whiteboard Sessions with Your Partner 00:45:07 Building a 100 Million Dollar Brand: 3Brand Story 00:37:34 Ten To One Rum: Reimagining a Spirit Category 00:47:42 Quality Over Everything: The Business Superpower 00:50:48 Trust Your Gut: Knowing Who Not to Trust on Day One 00:58:34 Following Your Curiosity Down the Rabbit Hole 01:11:14 Beauty Marks and Attainment: Scars Are Your Story ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think success comes from talent, timing, or luck. The brutal truth? It comes from suffering. After building multiple seven and eight-figure businesses and investing in hundreds of companies, I've learned the one thing nobody wants to tell you: to win, you must be willing to endure more pain than everyone else. This isn't about motivation or manifestation — it's about the cold, hard reality of what it actually takes to build the life you want in 2025 and beyond. In this raw, unfiltered episode, I break down the four brutal truths that will either make or break your success: why four-hour work weeks are a myth (the data shows 85-90% of businesses require daily founder involvement), why everyone is trying harder than you think they are (and hiding it), why there's more competition than you want to admit (305 million startups launched globally last year alone), and why most people will never communicate honestly. I reveal the six types of people you'll face as a leader — from the reactive responder to the strategic warrior — and why only one of them actually wins. You'll learn about effort concealment, survivorship bias, and why 80% of people think they're above average (spoiler: they're not). But this isn't just about what's broken — it's about what actually works. I expose why the passive income dream applies to less than 1% of the population, why 95% of Shopify stores never make a single sale, and why comparing your reality to someone else's highlight reel is killing your progress. If you've ever felt like you're behind, or wondered why success seems easier for everyone else, or if you're ready to stop believing the lies and start doing the hard work that actually matters, this episode will change how you think about winning forever. ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:54 To Win You Must Suffer 00:01:36 The Six Types of People You'll Face as a Leader 00:04:25 Becoming the Strategic Leader 00:06:32 Everybody Is Trying Harder Than You Think 00:08:12 The Highlight Reel Deception 00:10:30 More Competition Than You Want to Admit 00:13:09 The Startup Gold Rush: The Math Behind Competition 00:14:18 Four Hour Work Weeks Do Not Work 00:16:21 The Contrarian Boardroom Solution 00:17:28 Stop Comparing Your Worst to Others' Best ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think sales is about talking. Ryan Serhant knows better — it's about translating. After closing over $20 billion in real estate deals and building one of the fastest-growing brokerages in America, the star of Netflix's Owning Manhattan has cracked the code on how to get anyone to say yes. From selling homes to billionaires to building a media empire on the back of reality TV, Ryan reveals the brutal truth about what it actually takes to win at the highest level. In this raw conversation, Ryan breaks down the orchid trick (he's sent 2,000 of them), why silence is violence in negotiations, and how a fake Rolex changed his entire life. We dive into why wealthy people don't pay for information or access, but instead pay for confidence; how to get a stranger to trust you with real money; and why the best negotiators throw the first punch. But this isn't just about closing deals — it's about building an empire. Ryan reveals how he's stacking businesses under one holding company (brokerage, media, education, and AI), why his LTV to CAC ratio is 6x while the industry averages 1x, and how he's building real estate brokerage 3.0 with no physical offices. If you've ever wondered how to sell to the ultra-wealthy without sucking up, how to build unshakeable confidence when you're broke, or why setbacks are just speed bumps and not brick walls, this episode will change how you think about sales, negotiation, and what it takes to become the best in the world at what you do. Protect what you own. Next makes it fast, simple, and painless. Check it out: https://nextinsurance.com/codie ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:22 The Fake Rolex That Changed Everything 00:04:35 From Soap Opera Star to Real Estate Mogul 00:06:36 Speed Bumps vs Brick Walls: Handling Setbacks 00:09:26 Building in Public: The Netflix Experiment 00:16:29 Gray Hair Don't Care: Dealing with Haters 00:18:24 The Orchid Trick: Turning Rejection into Power 00:21:06 Selling to Billionaires: The Two C's and the Pull Strategy 00:25:27 Confidence is Currency: What Rich People Really Pay For 00:34:11 The Thousand Minute Rule: Time as Money 00:31:38 Hiring A-Players: Intelligence Over Experience 00:39:32 Leader vs Manager: Standing at the Front Lines 00:41:11 Building Identity and Future Memoir Exercise 00:42:54 The Four Business Flywheel Strategy 00:52:07 Negotiation Mastery: Translate Don't Talk 00:54:36 Owning Manhattan Season 2 and the Evolution of Reality TV ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think confidence is about believing you'll succeed. Mark Manson knows better — it's about being comfortable with failure. After writing one of the best-selling nonfiction books of all time and spending nearly two decades studying human psychology, the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck has cracked the code on why Gen Z is struggling with relationships, why therapy culture might be making us worse, and why your emotions are a system that needs managing just like your business. In this raw conversation, Mark breaks down the alarming statistics behind today's confidence crisis, why dating apps are optimizing for all the wrong things, and how adopting labels as identity actually amplifies your problems. We dive deep into the hidden costs of success, why the happiest country in the world has low expectations, and the brutal truth about why 20-25% of Gen Z has cut off at least one parent. He reveals why AI therapy is both promising and dangerous, the single question that exposes red flags on first dates, and why marrying well is the highest leverage decision of your entire life. But this isn't just about what's broken — it's about what actually works. Mark explains why failure is the only currency that matters, how to stop being a people pleaser without being a dick, and why your bank account reflects the difficult conversations you're willing to have. If you've ever felt like you're chasing happiness instead of meaning, or if you want to build real confidence that comes from action instead of affirmation, this episode will change how you think about success, relationships, and the problems you're willing to have in your life. Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to ⁠https://godaddy.com/codiesanchez⁠ to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:16 The Paradox of Being Likable 00:05:19 The Dating App Crisis and Modern Relationships 00:07:45 What Real Success Actually Means 00:09:16 The Happiest Country: Low Expectations in Finland 00:11:28 Social Skills: The 80/20 of Happiness 00:13:21 Confidence is Comfort with Failure 00:15:14 Building Failure Muscle: From Small to Big 00:24:07 The Post-Exit Existential Crisis 00:27:33 Stop Labeling Yourself: Identity and Mental Health 00:45:07 Emotions as a System to Manage 00:48:37 The Why Game: Peeling Back the Onion 00:49:45 Therapy Culture and Cutting Off Family 00:53:48 ChatGPT as Therapist: The Malignant Narcissist Problem 00:56:27 Building Purpose: AI That Challenges You 01:02:40 AI Limitations: Brilliant Idiots 01:06:21 Choosing a Life Partner: More Than Romance 01:09:37 The Best First Date Question 01:11:18 Everything Comes with Bullshit 01:12:17 What Pain Do You Want? ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think marriage is about love. James Sexton knows better — it's about survival. After handling 2,000+ divorces over 25 years, this legendary divorce attorney has seen it all: the affairs that start with attention instead of sex, the gestures that can end marriages, and the brutal truth that 53% of marriages end in divorce. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, James breaks down why half of all marriages fail and what the other half is doing right. From the real reason people cheat (hint: it's not what you think) to why Instagram is an infidelity-generating machine, James reveals the patterns that predict divorce with scary accuracy. We dive into the economics of relationships, why prenups are actually love letters, and how a dog can teach you more about marriage than any therapist. He shares the craziest prenup he's ever seen (10 pounds = $10,000 less in alimony), why "happy wife, happy life" is terrible advice, and the one question that softens even the most bitter couples. But this isn't just about what goes wrong — it's about what goes right. James explains why second marriages have better odds, how to fight fairly without weaponizing intimacy, and why the male equivalent of flowers might be exactly what you think it is. If you've ever wondered why some couples make it while others crash and burn, or if you want to save your relationship before it ends up in a lawyer's office, this episode will change how you think about love, commitment, and the bravest thing any human can do. Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to https://godaddy.com/codiesanchez to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today. ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:51 Is Marriage Still Worth It? The Lottery Analogy 00:04:48 The 86% Remarriage Rate and Second Marriage Energy 00:05:53 Red Flags: How to Spot a Marriage Heading for Divorce 00:07:55 The Throw Pillow Test: Small Gestures That Say I Love You 00:12:50 The Weaponization of Intimacy: Why You Can't Take It Back 00:15:31 Dogs, Love, and the Bravery of Accepting Loss 00:18:48 Why James Isn't Jaded: Staying Romantic After 2,000 Divorces 00:23:42 People Stop Doing the Things That Kept Love Alive 00:24:41 The Two Biggest Problems: Not Knowing What You Want and Can't Express It 00:30:50 The Shaving Story: Positive Reinforcement vs. Criticism 00:33:28 Flowers and Nudes: Understanding What Your Partner Actually Wants 00:39:20 How Affairs Really Start: It's Never About the Sex 00:41:10 Instagram: The Infidelity Generating Machine 00:52:20 Prenups: Everyone Has One, Either Yours or the Government's 00:58:28 The Craziest Prenup: Ten Pounds Equals Ten Thousand Dollars 00:57:21 Democratizing Prenups: Making Marriage Contracts Accessible 01:03:54 Premarital Education: The Barrier to Entry Marriage Needs 01:23:35 Everyone's Sleeping With the Nanny: The Real Reason Why 01:10:34 The Weapon Analogy: Being a Divorce Lawyer and Believing in Justice 01:17:01 Poetry, Beauty, and Crying at Your Son's Wedding 01:19:36 Final Thoughts: Who Should Read This Book and Why ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people know Mel Robbins for her viral “5 Second Rule” or her bestselling book The Let Them Theory. But what they don’t know is the raw, messy story behind how she went from $800,000 in debt and hiding from bill collectors… to building one of the biggest self-improvement empires in the world. In this episode, Mel opens up about the moment she almost lost everything — her home, her marriage, her hope — and what finally snapped her out of it. She reveals the brutally honest conversation that changed her life, how she clawed her way back one tiny habit at a time, and why she says every entrepreneur has to “fight for the first 15 minutes of the day.” If you’ve ever wondered how to actually rebuild when life falls apart — or how to finally defeat failure, jealousy, and burnout — this conversation is for you. Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to ⁠godaddy.com/codiesanchez⁠ to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today. Check out Mel Robbins' bestselling book "The Let Them Theory" here: https://www.melrobbins.com/book/the-let-them-theory/ 00:00 Introduction 01:29 Mel's Journey of Starting Over 06:21 Entrepreneurial Challenges and Family Background 08:11 Transitioning Careers and Finding Purpose 12:11 The Reality of Entrepreneurship 16:48 Coaching and Building a New Career 22:28 Facing Hardships and Personal Growth 26:41 The Power of Vulnerability and Honesty 38:49 Oprah's Enormous Gift 39:14 Embracing Excitement and Celebration 39:43 The Power of Savoring Success 40:01 Innovative Education with Joe Lamont 43:25 The Importance of Spirituality 46:44 Finding Joy in Small Moments 50:27 The Hot 15: Morning Routine for Success 01:05:56 Closing the Day with a Clear Mind 01:09:32 Struggles with Jealousy 01:11:51 Financial Hardships and Career Beginnings 01:12:34 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Embracing Podcasting 01:13:48 Understanding and Harnessing Jealousy 01:16:15 Personal Growth and Family Dynamics 01:18:32 Building a Successful Business 01:25:37 The Challenges and Rewards of Touring 01:37:11 Impact and Legacy MORE FROM BIGDEAL: 🎥 Youtube: / @podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: / bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: / big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ: 🎥 Youtube: / @codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: / codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: / realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO: Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most billionaires disappear after they make their money. Joe Liemandt did exactly that — vanishing for 20 years after building Trilogy into a software empire. Now he's back with a radical mission: transform education for a billion kids using AI. In this episode, the reclusive tech mogul breaks his silence to reveal why he's betting another billion dollars that everything we know about school is wrong. Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to ⁠godaddy.com/codiesanchez⁠ to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today. From fifth graders negotiating food truck gross margins to middle schoolers getting paid $1,000 to hit the top 1% academically, Joe's Alpha School is flipping education on its head. Kids learn twice as much in just two hours a day, then spend afternoons launching Broadway musicals, building apps, or training for D1 sports. The results? 96% of students love school more than vacation, and every single class tests in the top 1% nationally. We dive deep into why Joe believes the 100-year-old classroom model is dead, how AI tutors can teach kids 10x faster, and why paying students to learn might be the most controversial — and effective — motivator yet. If you've ever wondered what happens when a data-driven billionaire decides to rebuild education from scratch, or if you're tired of watching kids hate school while the world leaves them behind, this conversation will change how you think about learning forever. ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:24 The Forbes List and Raising Kids Without the Billionaire Label 00:02:39 Why Money Matters: Teaching Financial Literacy from Kindergarten 00:06:45 The MBA Myth: Why Business School Won't Make You an Entrepreneur 00:08:01 Alpha School Revolution: Where Kids Learn 2X in 2 Hours 00:08:43 Breaking the 100-Year-Old Education System 00:18:33 The Three Girls Who Proved Math Isn't Gender-Specific 00:20:05 Paying Kids $1,000 to Reach Top 1% 00:26:59 From Broke to Billionaire: The Trilogy Story 00:28:08 The Entrepreneur's Blind Belief That Changes Reality 00:30:58 From Consumer to Creator: Breaking Kids' TikTok Addiction 00:34:01 High Standards Are the Key to Happiness 00:40:02 The Food Truck That Teaches Gross Margins 00:47:05 Motivation Engineering: Time Back as Currency 00:52:49 From Tech Bro to Principal: Joe's Personal Transformation 00:58:58 The Billion Dollar Mission to Transform Global Education 01:08:51 Making Millionaires in High School 01:10:32 AI in Education: The Good, Bad, and Terrifying ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most people think failure is the end. I thought that too — until I got rejected from every Ivy League school, barely scraped into Arizona State, and watched my career implode over and over again. In this raw episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on every spectacular failure that built my empire: the boss who said I'd leave dead bodies behind to get ahead, the million-dollar payout to a bad partner, and the moment I almost lost everything with weeks of cash left. From getting pushed out of companies to navigating a brutal divorce in front of my entire firm, these aren't just war stories — they're the blueprint for turning your biggest losses into your greatest wins. I share why the chip on your shoulder is worth more than a pat on the back, how to know when you're made of paper versus walls, and why your bank account is a direct reflection of the difficult conversations you're willing to have. If you've ever felt like you're drowning while trying to look calm on the surface, or if you're tired of playing it safe while watching others win big, this episode will show you exactly why failure isn't just the entry price to success — it's the only currency that matters. ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:36 Welcome to the "Lowlight Reel" 00:00:59 College Rejection and the Arizona State Advantage 00:01:58 No Job Offers and the Vanguard Breakthrough 00:03:48 The Brutal Feedback at Vanguard 00:06:12 Breaking Into Goldman Sachs 00:07:50 Learning From Goldman's Elite 00:09:57 The State Street Hustle 00:11:52 First Time Firing Someone 00:15:52 Building a Billion Dollar Business 00:16:29 Divorce and Professional Attacks 00:18:18 Side Hustles During Corporate Drama 00:19:34 The CEO's Walking Warning 00:20:50 The Partnership Power Play 00:22:30 The Dinner Confrontation 00:25:27 Going Solo and Million Dollar Mistakes 00:28:06 Near Financial Collapse 00:30:49 Lessons on Failure and Growth ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meet Jenny Just — billionaire investor, poker player, and pure force of nature. She went from the trading floor to 28 years of straight wins by mastering one thing: calculated risk. In this episode, she breaks down how poker shapes decision-making, why methodical reinvention beats blind ambition, and how her radical hiring experiments at Peak6 flipped finance on its head. If you want to win bigger, play smarter, and think differently about risk — this one’s your playbook. Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to ⁠godaddy.com/codiesanchez⁠ to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today. ___________ 00:00:00 ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with Kendra Scott — yes, *that* Kendra Scott — to unpack how she turned $500 and a side hustle into her billion-dollar brand Kendra Scott. We talk about how she bootstrapped from her spare bedroom, sold jewelry door-to-door with a baby on her hip, and built an empire by staying authentic when everyone else chased trends. You’ll hear the raw, unpolished truth about scaling a business, why passion and persistence matter more than perfect timing, and how she’s now flipping the script as an investor and founder of Yellow Rose. If you’re building something from scratch or just need a reminder that grit beats glam, this one’s for you. Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to https://godaddy.com/codiesanchez to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today. 00:00 Intro 01:17 Bootstrapping and Scrappy Mindset 02:55 Lessons from Failure and Persistence 13:01 The Power of Connection in Retail 21:56 Disruptive Marketing Strategies 31:09 Balancing Success and Personal Life 38:55 Balancing Motherhood and Business 40:18 Creating a Business Utopia 42:16 Facing Business Challenges 44:47 The Birth of Kendra Scott Retail 47:33 Embracing Authenticity in Business 50:22 The Inspiration Behind Yellow Rose 55:32 Working with Dolly Parton 01:07:13 Shark Tank and Entrepreneurial Insights 01:11:14 Final Thoughts MORE FROM BIGDEAL: 🎥 Youtube: / @podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: / bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: / big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ: 🎥 Youtube: / @codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: / codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: / realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO: Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wonder what happens when a room full of seven, eight, and nine-figure entrepreneurs start talking shop? I pulled back the curtain so you can listen in. In this video, I sit down with some of the smartest operators I know to dissect how they scale, sell to the wealthy, and build empires that print cash. You’ll learn how to find your ideal customer, price like a pro, and hire people who make you money instead of cost you stress. Oh, and there’s a little surprise about the biggest event we’ve ever hosted in Austin… but I’ll let you find that out inside. 00:00 Behind the Scenes with Top Entrepreneurs 01:14 The Importance of Knowing Your Customer 02:32 Pricing Strategies for Maximum Profit 03:12 Hiring the Right Talent 04:03 Insights from Eight-Figure Entrepreneurs 04:52 The Value of Ownership and Teaching Others 05:43 Join Our Biggest Event in Austin 06:57 Balancing Revenue and Followers 09:17 The Pitfalls of Fame and Notoriety MORE FROM BIGDEAL: 🎥 Youtube: / @podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: / bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: / big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ: 🎥 Youtube: / @codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: / codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: / realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO: Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to unpack something most entrepreneurs ignore until it’s too late — their health. We talk about how your muscle isn’t just for looks; it’s the organ of longevity and focus. You’ll learn how strength training rewires your brain for better decisions, how to eat for sustained energy (not quick crashes), and how to build habits that actually stick even when you’re slammed. We also tear down some of the worst health myths entrepreneurs still believe. If you’ve ever said “I’ll focus on my health when I have more time,” this episode will change that. Thanks to SoFi for sponsoring this episode! Need funding? Shop and compare providers in minutes + get up to $2M—with no credit hit for exploring your options. Start here →  https://sofi.com/codie ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:01:42 The Right Way to Train for Cognitive Benefits 00:02:56 Physical Activity Guidelines for Entrepreneurs 00:04:13 Integrating Workouts into Daily Life 00:06:44 Prioritizing Exercise Despite a Busy Schedule 00:09:22 High-Performance Daily Routines 00:17:29 Sleep and Its Impact on Health 00:20:14 Rapid Fire Questions: Health Hacks and Myths 00:25:49 The Importance of Continuous Learning for Physicians 00:26:36 Challenges in Nutrition Communication 00:27:24 The Controversy Around Seed Oils 00:28:23 The Role of Whole Foods in Nutrition 00:30:15 AI and Human Relationships 00:34:05 The Importance of Muscle Training 00:37:33 Diet Trends and Misconceptions 00:39:21 Practical Nutrition Advice for Busy Women 00:41:43 Entrepreneurs and Health Challenges 00:46:56 Cancer Risks and Prevention 00:48:44 The Impact of Alcohol on Health 00:50:21 Final Thoughts ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most entrepreneurs run their business backwards — revenue first, expenses second, profit last. In this episode, I sit down with Mike Michalowicz, the guy who literally wrote the book on profit ("Profit First"), to flip that formula on its head. Mike shares how to take control of your cash, build a business that runs without you, and turn financial chaos into consistent profit. We dig into why chasing revenue kills margins, how to instantly boost cash flow by focusing on your best clients, and why underpricing keeps you stuck. If you’re tired of feeling broke in a business that’s “doing well,” this one’s for you. Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to https://⁠godaddy.com/codiesanchez⁠ to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today. ___________ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:00:51 Reclamation Services: Turning Struggles into Success 00:02:00 Maximizing Revenue and Cutting Costs 00:03:50 Client Prioritization and Revenue Quality 00:05:13 Understanding Client Value and Business Strategies 00:06:56 The Importance of Client Avatars and Market Targeting 00:08:25 The Real Essence of Business Success 00:08:48 Personal Stories of Financial Ups and Downs 00:13:50 Lessons from Financial Failures 00:21:20 Pumpkin Plan: Growing a Successful Business 00:26:44 Client Expectations and Rapid Response 00:27:15 Industry Insights and Fixed Billing 00:28:35 The Power of Asking the Right Questions 00:29:14 Selling Strategies for Entrepreneurs 00:33:18 Understanding Customer Quality and Pricing 00:37:37 Focusing on Business Efficiency 00:44:22 The Profit First Framework 00:48:40 Investing in Yourself as an Entrepreneur 00:51:26 Building a Business That Runs Without You 00:53:09 Conclusion ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode of The BigDeal Podcast, I’m breaking down how to communicate like a CEO so people actually listen when you talk. You’ll learn how to speak with authority, use body language that signals confidence, master the pause so you control the room, and frame conversations so your ideas land. These are the exact strategies I use—and they’ll help you stand out, get taken seriously, and make sure your voice carries weight in any room. 00:00 Introduction 00:19 Speaking in Headlines: Get to the Point 00:51 Decisive Speech: Own Your Ideas 02:04 Warmth and Competence: Building Trust 05:52 Mastering Gestures and Tone 07:52 The Power of Pauses 09:35 Storytelling Over Statistics 11:32 The Rule of Three 13:12 Commanding the Frame 15:23 Projecting Calm Certainty 16:39 Naming the Elephant in the Room 21:09 Final Thoughts ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast⁠ 📽️ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod⁠ MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez⁠ 📽️ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez⁠ OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: ⁠https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID⁠ 📰 Free newsletter: ⁠https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp⁠ 📚 Biz buying course: ⁠https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN⁠ 🏠 Resibrands: ⁠https://resibrands.com/⁠ 💰 CT Capital: ⁠https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk⁠ 🏦 Main St Hold Co: ⁠https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I sit down with Allison Ellsworth, the co-founder of Poppi, who built a billion-dollar soda company from scratch. Allison shares her incredible journey from working in oil and gas to landing a life-changing deal on Shark Tank. Discover her secrets to successful branding, attracting celebrity partnerships, and navigating a multi-billion dollar acquisition by Pepsi. We dive deep into the challenges she faced, the pivotal moments, and her invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs. Don't miss her insights on how to pitch investors and build a thriving community around your brand. If you’ve ever wanted to launch a brand, today’s episode is for you. Thanks to SoFi for sponsoring this episode! Need funding? Shop and compare providers in minutes + get up to $2M—with no credit hit for exploring your options. Start here →  ⁠https://sofi.com/codie⁠ 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:37 From Oil and Gas to Beverage Industry 00:06:19 Health Issues and the Birth of Poppy 00:08:44 Navigating Early Challenges and Going Digital 00:14:28 Building a Billion Dollar Brand 00:15:54 The Importance of Team and Culture 00:23:40 Personal Life and Business Balance 00:30:27 Celebrity Endorsements and Marketing Strategies 00:35:10 The Road to Acquisition by Pepsi 00:36:53 The Right Time for Acquisition 00:37:28 Building Relationships for Success 00:38:06 Challenges as a Female CEO 00:39:51 Handling Disrespect and Conflict 00:40:44 The Importance of a Business Coach 00:47:17 Balancing Passion and Profit 00:50:06 Letting Go of Control 00:51:26 Hiring and Culture Fit 00:56:22 Brand Building and Community 01:08:38 Inspiring the Next Generation ___________ MORE FROM BIGDEAL 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with Dandapani, a Hindu priest and former monk turned entrepreneur, for a conversation that blended the spiritual with the practical. We explored his deep expertise on why focus is a superpower, why a healthy ego mattered, and how karma shaped our lives. He shared actionable strategies to build willpower, manage energy, and stay focused at work and at home. We also dove into his years in a monastery, the role of awareness, and how to structure spiritual practices so they actually stuck. If you’d ever wondered how to bring spirituality into daily life without the fluff, that episode was for you. Thanks to GoDaddy for sponsoring this video! Head to http://godaddy.com/codiesanchez to get started with GoDaddy Airo® today ----------- Get three free gifts from Dandapani at https://dandapani.org/codie and begin your path to clarity and a more rewarding life. Follow @DandapaniLLC on Instagram & YouTube. ----------- 00:00 Introduction 00:10 Understanding Ego and Karma 01:33 Living as a Modern Hindu Priest 04:50 The Power of Awareness and Focus 07:57 Developing Willpower Through Daily Rituals 11:32 Integrating Spiritual Practices into Daily Life 28:49 Resolving Problems and Clearing the Mind 35:15 The Uncomfortable Truth of Meditation 35:24 The Subconscious Mind Revealed 36:28 Meditation vs. Alcohol: A Surprising Comparison 37:49 Energy Management: Treat It Like Money 38:33 Evaluating Relationships: An Energy Audit 40:10 Time vs. Energy Management 41:59 Cutting Off Energy Vampires 42:58 Plugging Energy Leaks 45:38 The Importance of Clarity and Focus 01:04:13 The Power of Commitment in Spirituality 01:06:40 Final Thoughts ---------- MORE FROM BIGDEAL: 🎥 ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ: 🎥 ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ 📸 ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 📽️ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ OTHER THINGS WE DO: 🌐 ⁠⁠⁠Our community⁠⁠⁠ 📰 ⁠⁠⁠Free newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 📚 ⁠⁠⁠Biz buying course⁠⁠⁠ 🏠 ⁠⁠⁠Resibrands⁠⁠⁠ 💰 ⁠⁠⁠CT Capital⁠⁠⁠ 🏦 ⁠⁠⁠Main St Hold Co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I sat down with my friend Jon Youshaei ( @youshaei ) to get real about what it takes to build content that actually drives business. We dug into how I face down public speaking fears, deal with critics, and why showing both the grit and the glam is essential. I also shared exactly how I make money—through my holding company of “boring” businesses, my media brand, and investments—plus the systems I use to scale it all. We talked deal-making, financial literacy as a moat, and the responsibility creators have to tell the truth. If you’re serious about building wealth and not just followers, this episode is for you. 00:00 Introduction 00:02 Navigating the World of Business Content 00:23 Overcoming Fear and Criticism 01:27 The Concept of 'Show Don't Tell' 02:41 The Moment of Realization 03:01 Curiosity and Financial Literacy 03:31 Changing the Investment Landscape 06:48 The Importance of Processes and Systems 12:38 Creating High-Quality Content 14:47 Repurposing Content and Finding Viral Moments 20:08 Building a Community with Cult Sayings 22:36 Consistency in Personal and Professional Identity 23:00 Building a 21st Century Media Company 24:31 Breaking Down Income Streams 29:05 The Challenges of Brand Deals 32:55 The Value of Education and Info Products 38:59 The Importance of Deal Making 44:44 Facing Business Challenges MORE FROM BIGDEAL: 🎥 Youtube: / @podcastbigdeal 📸 Instagram: / bigdeal.podcast 📽️ TikTok: / big.deal.pod MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ: 🎥 Youtube: / @codiesanchezct 📸 Instagram: / codiesanchez 📽️ TikTok: / realcodiesanchez OTHER THINGS WE DO: 🌐 Our community: https://contrarianthinking.typeform.com/to/WBztXXID 📰 Free newsletter: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3XWLlZp 📚 Biz buying course: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3NhjGgN 🏠 Resibrands: https://resibrands.com/ 💰 CT Capital: https://contrarianthinking.biz/4eRyGOk 🏦 Main St Hold Co: https://contrarianthinking.biz/3YfGa8u Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I wasn’t sure about filming this, but the moment felt wrong not to. I hope it makes you think, and also reminds you to hold your loved ones close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I reveal the seven essential finance terms you need to know to succeed in business. From "free cashflow" to "leveraged buyouts," I break down the most vital concepts that will level up your financial life. Plus, stick around for an inspiring story of how Cody (not this Codie, a different Cody) transformed from an employee to a business owner in just 90 days, leveraging the financial strategies I share. Reserve your spot and join the owner revolution → ⁠http://contrarianthinking.biz/3Hon5uW⁠ 00:00 Introduction 00:02 The Importance of Financial Literacy 00:28 Seven Key Acquisition Terms 00:36 Understanding Free Cash Flow (FCF) 01:29 Working Capital Explained 02:14 EBITDA and Business Valuation 03:19 Leveraged Buyouts (LBO) 03:43 Seller Financing 05:16 Cody's Success Story 08:41 Conclusion MORE FROM BIGDEAL: 🎥 ⁠Youtube⁠ 📸 ⁠Instagram⁠ 📽️ ⁠TikTok⁠ MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ: 🎥 ⁠Youtube⁠ 📸 ⁠Instagram⁠ 📽️ ⁠TikTok⁠ OTHER THINGS WE DO: 🌐 ⁠Our community⁠ 📰 ⁠Free newsletter⁠ 📚 ⁠Biz buying course⁠ 🏠 ⁠Resibrands⁠ 💰 ⁠CT Capital⁠ 🏦 ⁠Main St Hold Co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join me as I sit down with today's guest, Chris Koerner, a serial entrepreneur who has founded 75+ businesses and built a career discovering under-the-radar "sleeper" businesses that print cash. Chris shares jaw-dropping stories, from his unique venture into pet cremation to partnering with the infamous John McAfee. We dive deep into three underrated, yet highly profitable side hustles you can start today. Plus, Chris reveals shocking personal anecdotes about his journey, the challenges he's faced, and how he's managed to stay resilient. Don't miss out on his invaluable advice and real-world examples that could help you kickstart your entrepreneurship journey! MORE FROM BIGDEAL: 🎥 Youtube 📸 Instagram 📽️ TikTok MORE FROM CODIE SANCHEZ: 🎥 Youtube 📸 Instagram 📽️ TikTok OTHER THINGS WE DO: 🌐 Our community 📰 Free newsletter 📚 Biz buying course 🏠 Resibrands 💰 CT Capital 🏦 Main St Hold Co Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices