Burning The Ships

In this week’s ramble, I dive deep into a book that hit me harder than I expected: The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins. This isn’t just another mindset book, it’s a framework for how to reclaim your peace, your focus, and your freedom by letting go of the things you can’t control… especially what other people think.

From family drama to business gossip to childhood wounds, I unpack how this book reshaped my thinking and why I believe this mindset shift belongs in the top 3 most impactful reads of my life. I also share personal stories—some raw, some emotional—about how “letting them” has helped me step into a stronger version of myself.

If you’re feeling weighed down by criticism, expectations, or needing to be understood—this episode is for you. It’s time to burn the ships of validation and get back to owning your life.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:48 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:23 The 3 books that shaped my mindset 05:05 Why you should listen to the audiobook version 06:37 What the “Let Them” theory is all about

08:59 “My reaction to their reaction won’t change their reaction”

10:39 Why this matters for overthinkers, people-pleasers & high achievers 12:23 Let them judge you and stop explaining yourself into exhaustion 13:53 How judgment kept me up at night about leaving corporate

16:10 Their opinion of you is none of your business 17:10 Let them leave: family, friends, employees, clients

20:21 Why I chose distance to protect my kids

23:23 Let them talk: gossip, criticism, doubt 26:25 The power of silence against people talking about you

27:39 Let them not support you: not everyone will clap when you win

29:02 Burn the emotional ships: stop needing validation

Quotables

“My reaction to their reaction won’t change their reaction.”

“Clarity doesn’t require consensus—just commitment.”

“You never hear someone ahead of you talking down to people behind them.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

The Let Them Theory

https://www.amazon.com/Let-Them-Theory-Life-Changing-Millions/dp/1401971369

In this special episode of Burning the Ships, I sit down with Matt Brooks, guitarist and founding member of the hard rock band Like a Storm—one of the most successful musical acts to come out of New Zealand.

Matt pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to turn a dream into a worldwide touring machine. We talk about the band’s DIY beginnings, how they used grit, belief, and bold thinking to go from opening gigs to chart-topping international tours without a major label deal, and how Matt is overcoming the rockstar life he has grown to know for years.

From creative freedom to business strategy, this conversation isn’t just for musicians, it’s for anyone willing to bet on themselves when no one else will.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:39 JJ’s Joke of the Week

01:29 Who is Matt Brooks?

09:27 Matt’s introduction to his passion for music

14:26 The challenges of being a musician in New Zealand

16:37 Where Matt’s love for music comes from

18:23 How playing in a band is like a business partnership

20:29 The pros of working with family in music

23:43 Making the decision to move to Vancouver

27:53 Why Matt and his brothers moved to Vancouver

32:39 The beginning of Like a Storm’s success

39:12 Joining Creed on tour for the first time

41:38 How resilience and determination helped Like a Storm succeed

43:24 The vicious cycle of the music industry

46:00 Finding challenges to foster continuous growth

48:24 The cliches of the music industry

51:41 Developing unhealthy coping mechanisms as a musician

53:57 How COVID impacted the music industry

57:11 Becoming dependent on substances to sustain a career

59:22 Overcoming the rockstar cliche

01:04:43 Life as a musician and life in the military

01:08:32 Matt’s wake up call during COVID

01:13:46 How addiction can affect children’s perspective in life

01:15:51 Matt’s mission to help musicians with their mental health

01:24:38 Learning how to be your authentic self

01:29:04 Get in touch with Matt Brooks

Quotables

“Our hope was always to end up touring the US but we knew this was gonna be a gradual process, so for us, Vancouver was a great place to start.”

“A lot of the cliches about the music business are true – which is that it’s this incredibly exciting, amazing adventure, and you have the chance to do a lot of things that people don’t but there’s a cost to that.”

“The only thing that I could commit to was that I was gonna keep trying.”

Links

Matt Brooks

https://www.facebook.com/likeastormmatt

https://www.instagram.com/likeastormmatt

Like a Storm

https://www.instagram.com/likeastorm

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this Weekly Ramble, we’re going deep into a topic that everyone needs more of: gratitude. Not the kind you post about on Thanksgiving, but the kind that grounds you in chaos, sharpens your leadership, and brings more meaning to your life and relationships.

I share personal stories, including a powerful leadership lesson I picked up from PGA pro Jordan Spieth, and how practicing gratitude through adversity has helped me grow as a father, business owner, and human.

Whether you’re navigating a hard season or just need a mindset reset, this one will challenge and inspire you to look at life differently.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:48 JJ’s Joke of the Week

03:44 Why gratitude is a universal skill, not a personality trait 05:33 The Jordan Spieth interview that changed how I lead

09:36 Leadership = “We win, I lose” mindset 11:26 What gratitude is really about

13:25 Train your mind to see the positive in every situation 15:43 Reflections on resilience

16:41 “Ready, Fire, Aim”: how I operate in life and business 18:08 The difference between casual thanks and meaningful gratitude

19:17 Why handwritten letters matter more than watches 22:41 Easy gratitude practice: 5 texts to 5 people each week 25:24 You can’t send gratitude without feeling it yourself 26:40 Teaching kids to be grateful through habits and modeling 30:21 If you’re breathing, you’re winning at life

31:35 Be here. Be thankful. Keep burning the ships.

Quotables

“Gratitude isn’t just for when things are going right. It’s for when everything’s going wrong and you choose to be thankful anyway.”

“We win together. I lose alone. That’s leadership. That’s gratitude.”

“Every breath you take is a reminder - you’re still here, still kicking, still in the fight.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this episode, I sit down with my good buddy Tyrone Taylor, someone I’ve admired for a long time because of how he carries himself – with humility, resilience, and an unshakable commitment to growth.

Tyrone shares his incredible story: growing up in Philadelphia, watching his blue-collar father and entrepreneurial mother model grit and vision, bouncing back from career setbacks, and building a real estate portfolio one tough lesson at a time. We talk about the highs, the lows, the pivotal mindset shifts, and how his focus on family, fitness, and financial freedom drives everything he does.

This is an honest, powerful conversation about what it really takes to burn the ships, push through adversity, and stay grounded in your mission.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:22 JJ’s Joke of the Week

03:56 Who is Tyrone Taylor?

06:14 Lessons learned from his parents: independence, generosity, and grit 08:09 Falling in love with computers during the dot-com boom

11:32 First corporate job in IT and the layoff that changed everything

14:14 Stepping into renewable energy and green infrastructure 16:33 Building a waste-to-energy facility and learning hard business lessons

19:51 What Tyrone learned from his parents

24:09 Launching into real estate in 2015: first flips, first lessons

26:58 Investing $27K into a real estate course and why it mattered

30:12 Scaling into property management: 350+ units managed

35:41 Exiting the management company to focus 100% on ownership 37:02 Building a personal portfolio: 32 units in the first year 41:41 The cash flow drought of 2023 and how Tyrone muscled through

44:04 Lessons learned from failure, staying positive in adversity 50:20 The irreplaceable role of his wife in their journey 54:57 Why fitness, health, and family drive every decision he makes

Quotables

“If it doesn’t kill me, I’m going to figure it out.”

“You’re batting a thousand in life if you’re still breathing. You’ve survived 100% of what’s tried to stop you.”

“Adversity isn’t a reason to quit. It’s the training ground for the life you’re building.”

Links

Tyrone Taylor

https://www.facebook.com/thisistyronetaylor

608B Capital

https://www.608bcapital.com

In this Weekly Ramble, I’m pulling back the curtain on one of the most important things I’m trying to build and it’s not a business. It’s raising independent, resilient, kind, and grateful kids.

Parenting isn’t about getting it perfect, it’s about staying intentional. In this episode, I break down the strategies my wife Katie and I are using every day to raise children who can figure things out, who treat people well, and who aren’t afraid to fail and try again.

If you’re a parent, coach, mentor, or just someone who cares about the next generation—this episode will hit home. It’s not about preaching. It’s about leading by example, letting them struggle a little, and showing them how to smile through it all.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

02:08 JJ’s Joke of the Week

03:16 The #1 way to teach kids independence: model it

05:07 Lessons from Mrs. Souter: Why laughter matters in every situation 07:48 Teaching kids real independence vs. false independence 09:38 How we intentionally let our kids fail at small things

13:40 Modeling resilience: kids watch how you handle adversity

14:54 Teaching kindness: reacting to compliments, standing up for others

16:38 Why standing up for people matters (and why we encourage it) 18:00 Healthy habits start early: why we model physical and mental health

Quotables

“I can’t make my kids be anything, but I can influence everything right now.”

“We let them struggle on purpose. It’s not being mean, it’s building resilience.”

“If you want your kids to smile through life, you better show them how to do it.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

Today I sit down with my good friend Josh Dixon, a powerhouse in real estate development and an even greater human being. Josh is a general contractor, real estate investor, visionary entrepreneur, and father to eight kids. This episode is a deep dive into what it means to go all-in on your purpose without sacrificing your priorities.

Josh walks us through his early years on job sites, building a business from roofing and remodels into full-blown multifamily townhome developments across multiple states. He shares how he balances an empire-in-the-making with homeschooling, intentional fatherhood, and a mission to build something that will outlive him.

We get into the business model behind I Build Townhomes, his unique partnership structure, and his long-term vision to build a $1B portfolio with integrity, humility, and legacy at the core.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:37 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:02 Who is Josh Dixon?

06:51 Josh’s background: early jobs, quitting college, and becoming a licensed plumber 10:07 The 100-hour weeks that built Dixon Homes 13:25 Discovering the investor mindset through the first few projects

16:25 Scaling flips and specs to 6-figure profits

18:55 Shifting the vision beyond the job sites

23:09 Living below their means to jump on the right deals 25:10 “I Build Townhomes”: the niche, the brand, the business model

29:51 Creative partnerships and contractor carry-back options 33:04 Building passive income while others operate

37:05 Managing builds remotely from Nashville 39:21 Leveraging family and team to scale efficiently

41:24 Raising 8 kids with intentionality and generational vision 47:35 The unsung power of a strong, supportive wife

52:58 The billion-dollar vision (and why it’s not about the money) 59:17 Mastermind groups, mindset expansion, and tribe over trends

01:02:29 Get in touch with Josh online!

Quotables

“I don’t build cheap. I build efficient. That’s a big difference.”

“I’m not chasing $1 billion for the money. I’m chasing it because I want to see what I’m capable of—and what I can leave behind.”

“If the billion meant I’d lose my family, I’d pull the plug today. It’s them first. Every time.”

Links

Dixon Homes

https://www.instagram.com/dixon_homes/

https://www.facebook.com/dixon.homes.2025

608B Capital

https://www.608bcapital.com

In this Weekly Ramble, I’m breaking down one of the most powerful books I’ve revisited in years, Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday, and unpacking the lessons it taught me about leadership, humility, failure, and purpose.

I’ve lived this book. From corporate highs to entrepreneurial struggles, I’ve learned that ego isn’t confidence – it’s the voice that tells you you’ve arrived when you still need to grow. In this solo episode, I share real stories from my sales career, business building, and even parenting that helped me internalize this book’s message.

Whether you’re riding the wave of success or picking yourself up from failure, this episode is a reminder that ego will block your growth, isolate your relationships, and limit your potential, unless you learn to check it.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:10 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:09 A wild emcee story from a Farm Bureau trip 06:21 Why I’m bringing back book recaps & the return to reading

08:26 Book of the month: Ego Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday 10:00 The three phases of life & where ego shows up in each 11:20 Ego vs. Confidence

12:23 How ego destroys your ability to become a student

13:23 The Belichick approach to silencing ego 15:30 Failure is your greatest teacher if ego doesn’t block it 17:31 Learning to detach your identity from outcomes

20:55 Be humble in your goals, gracious in your success, resilient in failure

23:54 What being “hard to kill” really means

25:06 Ego makes you talk a lot

27:35 Purpose over passion and why titles don’t mean anything 29:45 Favorite quote: “Ego is the enemy of what you want and what you have”

Quotables

“Ego makes us talk more than we act. Confidence makes us move in silence.”

“Your ego is not your identity. You are not your wins and you are not your losses.”

“Success feels good, but it’s where ego does the most damage if you’re not careful.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

Ego is the Enemy

https://www.amazon.com/Ego-Enemy-Ryan-Holiday/dp/1591847818

In this episode, I sit down with real estate developer Justin Goodin, who went from flipping homes during college to building luxury multifamily developments across Indiana. This is a masterclass in burning the ships and going all-in on your vision.

Justin shares how his background in finance and time as a commercial underwriter gave him a strategic edge as a real estate investor. From his first 29-unit syndication to his current ground-up developments, Justin breaks down how he scaled, when he pivoted, and why laser focus, vertical integration, and discipline are at the core of his success.

Whether you’re just getting started or thinking about the leap from W-2 life to full-time investor, this is an episode you’ll want to replay twice.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

00:40 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:10 Who is Justin Goodin?

04:23 Goodin Development: how it started, what they’re focused on today

07:45 College flips, full-time work, and building work ethic

08:58 Why Justin chose real estate over an “average” path 10:43 Inside the underwriting role: what he learned and why he left 13:12 Getting fired and going full-time into real estate

19:50 Scaling to 500+ units with syndications, JVs, and seller financing

23:03 Why laser focus is the difference-maker in real estate 25:54 Reverse engineering goals and partnerships to build momentum 29:27 Transitioning from value-add to ground-up development

31:36 Learning new construction by partnering with an experienced mentor 34:20 Project updates for 2025

35:48 Personal habits that fuel business focus and success

40:49 Motivation from the journey > chasing the destination 44:30 Creating a legacy through business, not retirement

46:45 Why you need to build multiple platforms

49:07 Book recommendations for mindset development

50:15 Connect with Justin online!

Quotables

“You don’t build an empire by doing 15 different things. You pick one, go deep, and dominate it.”

“If this were easy, everyone would be doing it. It’s not supposed to be easy.”

“Your legacy starts with how you use your time today.”

Links

Goodin Development

https://goodindevelopment.com/

Justin Goodin

https://www.facebook.com/justin.goodin.16

Stay Sane in an Insane World

https://www.amazon.com/Stay-Sane-Insane-World-Controllables/dp/1665092416

Best Ever Apartment Syndication Book

https://www.amazon.com/Best-Ever-Apartment-Syndication-Book/dp/0997454326

Tools of Titans

https://www.amazon.com/Tools-Titans-Billionaires-World-Class-Performers/dp/1328683788

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

In this week’s Weekly Ramble, I’m getting raw and real about one of the most important battles I’ve fought—and still fight every day: health and wellness. This isn’t a “fitness influencer” episode. I’m not an expert. I’m a regular guy who used to eat like crap, live on autopilot, and ignore the compounding damage I was doing to my body… until one picture at the beach woke me up.

In this solo deep dive, I walk you through the mindset shift that helped me lose 35+ pounds, build real habits, and stay consistent for nearly a decade—not for six-pack abs, but for my wife, my kids, and my future grandkids. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve fallen off the wagon for the 10th time, this one’s for you.

I’ll show you the exact steps I took (no gimmicks), the small changes that made a huge difference, and why discipline and accountability—not motivation—will change your life.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

01:11 JJ’s Joke of the Week

02:10 Who this episode is (and isn’t) for

04:00 The key pillars of health: fitness and nutrition

05:35 The compounding effect of bad habits

08:11 The beach photo that changed everything 10:30 From always active to sitting 75% of the day

13:32 The first changes: cutting soda, cookies, milk, and more

16:05 Eliminating 1,500–2,000 calories/day without the gym

19:13 Losing weight but remaining unfit

22:38 How COVID made discipline replace motivation

25:35 Building habits that last through vacation, stress, and life 28:30 Why I care: to be around and active for decades

31:23 Track your food with MyFitnessPal 34:29 Add steps: 8,000–10,000/day can change your life 36:14 Gradually building out your fitness routine

38:10 Accountability: the final piece that locks it all in

41:16 Want accountability? Message me—I’d love to help

Quotables

“That beach photo wrecked me. But it woke me up—and probably saved my life.”

“Motivation fades. Discipline, habits, and accountability are what actually keep you going.”

“The old me is still in there. That guy could crush a large pizza and a 12-pack. I just don’t let him win anymore.”

Links

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com

Today’s guest is someone I’ve admired for a while now not just for what he’s building, but for how he’s building it. Tim Olson is the managing partner of Aspire Finance, and in this episode, we walk through his journey from a commission-only equipment finance rep to launching a nationwide lending firm, acquiring companies, and raising capital for real estate syndications all while staying grounded, humble, and hungry.

We talk about fast money, medium money, slow money, how to align your business with your values, and why consistency and curiosity are two of the greatest traits any entrepreneur can develop.

This one’s for the connectors, the visionaries, and the people who want to own their life instead of just making a living.

Key Talking Points of the Episode

00:00 Introduction

02:51 Who is Tim Olson? 04:27 Tim’s start in banking, sales, and relationship-building

09:25 When the entrepreneurial bug started to bite

11:01 The power of curiosity and genuine connection

15:19 Learning to speak less, listen more, and win trust

18:32 Fast, medium, and slow money

21:38 Building Aspire Finance with Kelly Garrett & team

28:10 The value of partnerships and staying in your lane

31:22 Acquiring legacy businesses from retiring owners

33:22 Focusing on culture when acquiring businesses

36:15 Structuring acquisitions: SBA loans, seller financing, rollovers

39:36 Raising capital for multifamily real estate

43:14 Vetting real estate operators and avoiding bad deals

47:20 Fitness, cold plunges, and daily mental reps

55:21 How to enforce accountability in your life

01:02:33 Get in touch with Tim!

Quotables

“Fast money puts food on the table. Medium money builds wealth. Slow money creates legacy.”

“You’re not a better entrepreneur because you grind harder. You’re better because you get clearer.”

“I don’t want to just raise money—I want to build trust that lasts decades.”

Links

Tim Olson

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/timothylee87

https://www.instagram.com/tim.olson.1/

608B Capital

https://608bcapital.com