Buttoned Up

In this episode, Daniel Seong sits down with Kevin Seo, a serial entrepreneur, restauranteur, and host of the Good Service Podcast. They delve into the unique and groundbreaking story of Kevin's restaurant, Bored and Hungry, which created a brand around the hype of accepting crypto payments. They also discuss the intentional simplicity of the dining experience and the strategic community building that led to their widespread success. Kevin also shares details about the Sonic Speed Cafe, their expansion to Asia, and their collaborations with well-known figures. The conversation touches on the profound impact of faith and the inspiration behind the Good Service Podcast. Join Daniel and Kevin as they dive into the world of entrepreneurship, community building, and the power of faith in business.

3 Key Episode takeaways

- Building Community: Kevin discusses the importance of gathering communities in a viral way and the power of communal marketing in business, especially in quick-service restaurants.

- Business Expansion: Kevin shares the exciting news about the expansion of his restaurant brands, including the recent launch of Sonic Speed Cafe and the franchising opportunities in Asia as part of our company's growth strategy.

- Good Service Podcast: Kevin co-founded the Good Service Podcast with Ben Chung. The podcast aims to have authentic and raw conversations with leaders from different industries about faith, entertainment, and community-building.

Show Overview

06:08   Created first restaurant brand around cryptocurrency acceptance. 08:18   Reflection on past challenges and future aspirations. 10:18   Business model shift: community-building drives marketing. 13:41   Struggling with faith in public, but persevering. 18:00.  Love to podcast in east LA with live guests.

In this episode, Daniel Seong speaks with Kody Houk and discusses his experience in the sales industry and how he transformed himself. He emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships and using live communication instead of automated methods. Kody also stresses the need for discipline and mastering mundane tasks, such as daily phone calls and meetings. Daniel Seong adds to this by highlighting the benefits of consistent prospecting and time management for success in sales. Kody also shares his personal story of recovery from addiction and how maintaining a structured routine has helped him in his growth. The two also discuss the idea that everyone is a salesperson to some extent and the influence of parents on their children's behavior. They touch on the balance of personal development and business success. Kody ends the episode by providing his contact information and social media presence, while Daniel encourages listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

- Relationship Over Automation: Kody drives home the point that in the realm of sales, automated methods fall short against the might of building strong relationships and the tangible impact of live calls. Personal connections are king!

- Laser Focus for Success: Both our host, Daniel, and guest, Kody, underscore the idea that about five years of laser-like focus can catalyze true success in business. Pouring energy into fostering relationships today means reaping exponential benefits tomorrow.

- Discipline & Routine = Growth: Learn how Kody utilized a structured routine that not only uplifted his personal life but also skyrocketed his business success. The mundane tasks that many avoid are often the stepping stones to achievement.

Show Overview

01:15 Meet Kody Houk 05:39 Unexpected episode explores real-life struggles, relatable experiences. 09:08 Overcoming struggles, leading recovery ministry, sharing story. 10:25 Transitioned from dairy to insurance, increased company revenue. 15:33 Success comes from mastering the mundane tasks. 19:54 Focusing on prospecting is key for success. 22:42 Social media changing game, long-term relationship focus. 25:55 Gym changed life, surrounded by motivated people. 28:05 Woman works hard, sets example for family. 31:51 Thanking Cody for impactful and inspiring words.

In this Buttoned Up episode, Daniel Seong interviews David de Jesus, the CEO and chief adventurer at Tredder, a company revolutionizing insurance by providing specialty outdoor and adventure travel coverage. David shares his journey, which started with a tech career at Microsoft and led to him founding Tredder to address the need for insurance coverage for outdoor enthusiasts. Tredder offers supplemental policies that cover vehicle modifications, such as overlanding equipment and aims to support various outdoor activities beyond overlanding, like van life, kayaking, hiking, and biking. The company has garnered interest from over 6,000 potential customers before the official launch. David emphasizes the importance of perseverance, creativity, and remaining undeterred in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Daniel and David's conversation highlights Tredder's unique offerings and potential impact on the insurance industry, providing valuable insights for independent agents and consumers.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Don't be deterred easily: David's delusion and persistence through 40 company attempts led to the success of Tredder. Not letting the challenges deter you too quickly is essential for entrepreneurial success.

2. Grit and resilience: David's journey exemplifies the importance of grit, consistency, discipline, and hard work in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.

3. Identifying opportunities: David's ability to creatively work through challenges and find solutions led to the creation of Tredder, addressing a crucial need in the industry.

Show Overview

02:12 David de Jesus diversifies, advocates nature, boosts camping popularity. 03:47 Outdoor industry contributes $1 trillion to economy. 08:42 Required supplemental ENS program for comprehensive coverage. 11:45 Struggle to find reinsurance partner, Tokyo Marine. 14:32 Program designed for adventurers at competitive rates. 19:24 Expanding overlanding into other outdoor activities supports hobbyists. 19:58 Seek inspiration, take the leap, embrace change.

In this episode, Daniel Seong dives into the world of social media influence with guest Marc Antonio, who has successfully integrated his passions for barbecue, whiskey, and cannabis into a thriving online business. Marc shares his journey from starting a food-based business, which cleverly allowed him to write off food expenses, to rebranding his YouTube content with a focus on high-quality and consistent posting. He reveals how a tip from a friend named Danos led to a viral TikTok video, catapulting him to full-time content creation.

Embracing the importance of connecting with social media audiences, Marc Antonio highlights the need to adapt content across different platforms. We learn about his involvement with Embers TV, aiming to be the Hulu or Netflix of barbecue content, which features a diverse range of shows and now includes his upcoming cannabis barbecue series and travel endeavors.

Both Daniel and Marc discuss the reality of receiving negative comments online, with advice to focus on positive feedback. Marc highlights his impressive background that spans from the military to cinematography. Finally, the importance of authenticity, commitment to one's dreams, and the growing legitimacy of influencer-driven businesses are underscored. Marc can be found on TikTok as Woodfire and Whiskey and on Instagram and YouTube as the can of barbecue.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1 - Monetize Your Passion: Marc discusses his strategic journey from TikTok fame to his culinary business venture, highlighting the clever ways he turned his food expenses into business investments.

2 - Consistency is King: Whether it's social media or smoked brisket, consistency in quality and quantity is key. Marc's success story reiterates the importance of steadfast commitment and adaptability in content creation.

3 - Innovate Authentically: From integrating cannabis in barbecuing to exploring new digital platforms like Embers TV, Marc teaches us the art of fearless innovation while staying true to one's passion and interests.

Show Overview

03:56 Marc's net worth grew exponentially due to TikTok.09:46 Focus on the positive, ignore the negative.15:36 Cannabis-infused with terpenes enhances flavor and effects.16:13 Cannabis has medical benefits and government is changing regulations.19:57 Transition from YouTube to TikTok; unsuccessful attempt.24:31 Governor Newsom shut down state, impacting work.29:22 Focus on creating consistent, quality content for success.

In this episode, Daniel Seong dives into the life and career of UFC fighter Michelle Waterson. Michelle candidly reveals the intricacies of a fighter's lifestyle, emphasizing the finite nature of a fighter's career with a focus on a strategic 10-year plan. Despite a tough recent fight at the Apex, she shares her rigorous 8-10 week personalized training regimens and the critical weight-cutting practices during fight week.

Michelle opens up about the mental and emotional highs of entering the octagon, the unpredictability that leads some fighters to step away from the sport, and how amateur promotions differ from professional fights. She recounts a humorous anecdote about an unfortunate pre-fight meal and how she managed in-fight adversity to triumph using her karate background.

The podcast touches on her insightful views on martial arts for children as a tool against bullying and briefly discusses gun laws. Sharing her journey to the UFC, she underlines the importance of understanding the business aspect of fighting. Michelle opened up about dropping out of college to pursue fighting, reflecting on her early struggles and her cultural heritage. The insightful conversation also explores her passion for martial arts as a path to finding her voice and confidence.

Lastly, Michelle talks about her future aspirations, including transitioning to roles in commentary, potential gym ownership, and goals of achieving her jujitsu black belt. We wrap up with her sharing her social media for listeners to follow her continued UFC journey.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Career Longevity and Planning: A fighter's career has a limited timeline. Michelle underscores the necessity of having a strategy for the future, demonstrating insightful perspectives on career and personal growth.

2. The Science Behind the Fight: From an 8-10 week tailored training regime to mastering weight cuts, athletes like Michelle embody discipline and dedication. The physical and psychological prep that goes into stepping into the octagon is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

3. Life Beyond the Fight: Michelle's passion extends beyond her fists and feet. Her vision for a transition into roles such as commentary, broadcasting, or gym ownership exemplifies a fighter's spirit adapted to entrepreneurship and mentorship.

Show Overview

02:15 Michelle found her calling in martial arts. 06:12 Grew up doing martial arts with brother. 07:27 Martial arts gave me confidence and voice. 11:45 Kids training hard, impressive dedication, demanding same. 17:06 Fighting bigger opponents to build record. 22:12 Parent wants kids to have opportunities he missed. 29:14 Moving up to 115lb division, determined to win. 33:01 Training, fight week preparation, and actual fight. 38:29 Anticipation before the roller coaster drop. 40:51 Fought on McGregor undercard, exciting. 43:10 Hospital visit after fight, daughter's concern. 47:02 Inspiring impact: hardworking role model in sports.

In this episode, Daniel engages in a deep and insightful conversation with guest LTC Oak McCulloch, a Retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, author, and internationally recognized keynote speaker. The central theme revolves around leadership principles and their application in different contexts, emphasizing the significance of effective communication, personal connections, and building a strong sense of community within organizations.

Daniel and Oak emphasize the importance of genuine care, personal connections, and being available for team members beyond working hours. They stress the value of leadership by, for example, adapting leadership style to the team's needs and investing in relationships with current and former team members. Oak shares his military experiences and transition into civilian life, highlighting the importance of dedicating time to family and personal endeavors.

The podcast also delves into personal anecdotes, leadership principles, and the impact of simple acts of kindness. The hosts discuss their experiences in Mobile, Alabama, and the importance of building a sense of camaraderie within organizations. The episode provides significant insights into effective leadership, its timeless principles, and its impact on organizational success and individual growth.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Principles of leadership may remain constant, but their application and communication vary based on individual and organizational differences.

2. Building efficient teams hinges on connecting with people, establishing trust, and demonstrating genuine care.

3. Effective leadership involves making an effort to understand team members' strengths, offering support, and creating a sense of community within the organization.

Show Overview

01:24 Daniel Song discusses the importance of leadership. 03:44 High school mentors shaped leadership philosophy positively. 09:11 Lead by example to earn trust and respect. 12:41 Adapt principles, connect with people, build trust. 13:19 Build trust by getting to know people. 18:24 Build trust, have knowledgeable friends in the community. 21:53 Good leaders remember, move on, and empower. 23:04 Retired from day job, focus on writing. 26:44 Contact me through website or social media.

In this episode, Daniel interviews Andy Jiang, an emerging social media storyteller with a large following on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Andy discusses his journey, highlighting how he started creating content on a whim during the COVID-19 pandemic and has since developed a significant digital presence. The conversation delves into Andy's process of creating content, his approach to storytelling, and the personal and professional challenges he has navigated. 

Listeners gain insights into Andy's deliberate shift from editing his own videos to working closely with an editor and how he balances his college schedule with content creation. The episode explores Andy's positive experiences with TikTok and how his content has evolved, ultimately leading to significant growth and recognition. Throughout the discussion, Andy emphasizes the value of viewing failure as a stepping stone to success and the crucial role that feedback and personal growth play in his life.

The episode concludes with a focus on the impact of Andy's social media success, his strategies for time management, and his positive mindset towards failure. Listeners will find inspiration from Andy's determination, ability to overcome self-doubt, and his thoughtful insights about navigating the world of social media.

3 Episode Takeaways

1. Soft skills over monetary gains. Invest in non-monetary skills like public speaking and storytelling for personal and professional growth. 

2. Embracing failure and feedback. Failure is an opportunity to learn and feedback helps in self-improvement. 

3. Building a content creation brand. Personal branding and networking are crucial for standing out and creating high-quality content. 

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Show Overview

01:23 Meet Andy Jiang. 05:07 COVID boredom led to TikTok follower challenge. 07:14 Pursuing views and followers became an obsession. 10:47 Transitioned from simple TikTok videos to YouTube. 12:57 Overcame insecurity online, gained confidence in person. 19:07 Started solo, switched to teamwork for efficiency. 19:47 Editor enhances storytelling through visual effects collaboration. 26:49 Struggling with procrastination but making progress. 30:05 Biggest lesson: follow your own path. 34:02 Decided to pursue full-time career after college. 38:04 Builds genuine connections, relatability with followers. 41:18 Verification on TikTok was a huge deal. 45:21 Soft skills development empowers resilience and confidence. 46:49 Ignore negative comments, be proud of yourself.

In this episode, Daniel Seong is joined by guest Phil Wright, a renowned choreographer, executive producer, and dance educator. Phil shares his journey from a moment of self-realization after seeing Kevin Hart perform, which reignited his passion for dance and led to his success. He emphasizes the importance of commitment and patience in building a following, recounting his own challenges and rejections in the dance industry.

Phil discusses his approach to creating 15-second dance videos, the impact of authenticity in commercialized material, and the rewarding experience of teaching kids. He also reflects on his career, the challenges he faced while filming "Under Wraps," and his realization of the importance of being unselfish and considering what the world needs.

Throughout the episode, Phil's dedication to his craft and his work with kids shines through, inspiring listeners to stay true to their art and consider the impact of their work on others. The episode wraps up with Daniel expressing appreciation for Phil's insights and suggesting a future gathering. Overall, Phil Wright's journey and perspective on success and authenticity make for a motivating and insightful episode.

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1.  Embrace Self-Reflection: Phil's realization of complacency after seeing Kevin Hart perform is a powerful reminder to constantly reassess our art and strive for improvement.

2. Commitment Yields Results: Phil's dedicated content creation over many years led to over a million YouTube subscribers, emphasizing the importance of patience and perseverance in building a following.

3. Unselfishness in Success: Phil's emphasis on considering what the world needs versus personal desires, and the importance of being unselfish, offers a refreshing perspective on achieving success.

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Show Overview

01:25 Meet Phil Wright. 04:33 Struggles led to inspiring success in Miami/LA. 08:33 Regaining focus on authentic, impactful material, dancing. 12:03 Multiple auditions sparked self-motivated pivot. 16:16 Networking and talent opened doors for opportunities. 17:39 Intentional, sharp, fast movements; passion for dance 20:10 Teaching kids and seeing them grow is rewarding. 26:35 Captivating music, great dancer, industry always shifting. 28:55 One piece of advice to inspire dancers.

On this episode, Daniel speaks with a rising star in the world of competitive eating and content creation, Raina Huang. From her humble beginnings as a chef taking on food challenges during breaks to becoming a full-time YouTube sensation, Raina's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Raina shares her experiences, including the highs and lows of her career, her unexpected boost in success, and her plans for the future. She also discusses her content creation and collaboration approach, providing insights into her fearless and fun-loving attitude toward pursuing her passion.

Raina spreads positivity through her social media presence and encourages others to follow their dreams with determination and joy. Don't miss out on this episode as we dive into the world of competitive eating, travel, and social media with Raina Huang. 

3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. Authenticity and Passion: Raina emphasized the importance of being genuine and passionate in pursuing your dreams. She encouraged individuals to go all in, showcase their authentic selves, and not fabricate energy when pursuing their passions.

2. Consistency and Collaboration: Host Daniel Seong highlighted the significance of consistency and reaching out and collaborating with others in the industry. Raina's success serves as a testament to the power of staying consistent in content creation and forming valuable collaborations.

3. Multi-Platform Strategy: Raina strategically utilizes different social media platforms, tailoring her content to suit the preferences of each. Her multi-platform approach showcases the importance of understanding and adapting to different platform dynamics for successful content distribution.

In this episode, Daniel Seong interviews Jason Verlinde, who shares his experiences adopting five Asian children from Korea and China. Verlinde discusses his family’s decision to pursue international adoption due to infertility and a miscarriage, as well as their close-knit dynamic and response to inquiries about their children’s sibling relationship and ethnicity. He also recounts instances of discrimination faced by his children, as well as positive learning and growth through sports coaches’ intervention.Verlinde opens up about his daughters’ love for Korean and Asian foods, their ability to handle spicy food, and the limited access to ethnic foods in their area. He discusses the complexities of parenting, including his family’s experience and their challenges. The episode also discusses family photos, cleanses, and love for Korean and Chinese food.Overall, the episode provides insight into the joys and struggles of international adoption and the unique family dynamics and cultural experiences that arise from raising adopted children. Enjoy the show! 3 Key Episode Takeaways

1. International Adoption: Verlinde and his wife chose international adoption over domestic options due to the stability and care provided in Korea's children's foster care. They also detailed their decision to later adopt from China, emphasizing the importance of considering the needs of children in different adoption programs.

2. Family Dynamics: The Verlinde family has a beautiful, close-knit dynamic, and they've navigated challenges, including sibling rivalry, with grace. Verlinde stresses the importance of maintaining an open mind about adoption and constantly adapting to changing circumstances.

3. Diversity and Challenges: Jason Verlinde shared experiences of his children facing discrimination based on ethnicity in sports but also moments of positive learning and growth through coaches' intervention. The family also navigates assumptions about their children's sibling relationships and ethnicity, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and understanding.

Show Overview 03:49 Guest struggled with infertility, turned to adoption. 09:49 Pursued Chinese adoption due to lengthy Korean wait. 12:01 We didn't have twin boys, got fixed. 14:00 Moved by family, sketched future family pyramid. 19:28 Korean adoptees lose ties to their ethnicity. 22:11 Family photos are important for annual tradition. 25:36 Older siblings excited to welcome new siblings. 29:51 Family unity and support during struggles. 30:52 Open-mindedness crucial in overcoming adoption stigma.