Ever feel like you’re drowning in admin or mundane tasks, knowing you could be focusing on your bigger future? 

Dan Sullivan and I have been there.

In this episode of Capability Amplifier, we dive headfirst into the idea of adding Ai to your team – a powerful new “employee” that can handle everything from research to video storytelling.

But the twist? 

As Dan and I unpack the nuts and bolts of using Ai tools, we realize something bigger...

Ai can serve as a mirror, helping you reclaim (and reinvent) your PAST so you can power up your FUTURE. 

If you’ve been worried that technology will erase who you really are, think again. 

This might just be your ultimate “Future-Self Amplifier.”

KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

1. Instant “MBA-Level” Research on Demand
   • Using tools like OpenAI’s Operator, Mike can instruct a “digital assistant” to log into Amazon, gather Dan’s entire book catalog, reviews, and more—in minutes. This replaces days of grunt work and eliminates procrastination.
2. Better, Faster First Drafts
   • By feeding AI your raw ideas, or even transcripts of past content, you can get a cohesive outline or polished script in seconds. Your human team will love you for showing up with clarity and focus.
3. Turning Reflection into a Superpower
   • Dan views AI as a feedback machine that reminds you of your best stories and greatest strengths. Think of it as a living, dynamic mirror that knows your achievements—empowering you to leverage them now.
4. How AI Frees Your Mind (Not Replaces It)
   • Rather than being “less busy,” Mike uses AI to become more effective. No more friction or mental blocks—just hyper-fast iteration. That kind of momentum can transform your entrepreneurial life.
5. Building Your Future Self from Your Past
   • Dan’s big revelation: “The more you reuse the best parts of your past, the more you know about your future.” AI accelerates that discovery by surfacing hidden strengths and forgotten wins so you can deploy them now.
6. Synthetic Storytelling
   • Tools like Invideo can create fully AI-generated videos—characters, voiceovers, animations. This is ideal for first-draft narratives, brand stories, and even personal “mini-documentaries.” You’ll never look at content creation the same way again.
7. Therapy…or a Fast-Track to Knowing Yourself?
   • “Knowing how to be who you actually are” can eclipse years of therapy. By reconstructing your journey—failures, comebacks, and big wins—you craft a narrative that not only sells your offer but also reaffirms who you truly are.

TIME STAMPS

[00:00:00] AI as a New Team Member
Mike explains how AI tools crush procrastination and free him to focus on creative (and profitable) work.

[00:01:35] Seeing Your Future Through Your Past
Dan observes how AI helps entrepreneurs “mine” their personal histories for gold, ultimately boosting confidence.

[00:03:46] Game-Changing Tools
A live demonstration of OpenAI’s Operator, pulling reviews and descriptions of Dan’s books automatically into a Google Doc.

[00:08:00] Reinventing Marketing & Research
Mike shares how AI is like having an on-demand MBA researcher—immediate, iterative, and personalized.

[00:18:06] Why Tech Can’t Match Human Complexity
Dan reveals his new book idea: “Technology Is Trying Hard to Keep Up”—an argument about the unmatched power of human consciousness.

[00:30:10] Synthetic Videos & Brand Story
Mike showcases Invideo, an AI tool that generates entire mini-documentaries—voiceovers, characters, and all—from just a script.

[00:40:38] Your Past as Your Biggest Asset
Dan dives into how collecting your “best-of” stories—and weaving them into marketing—can be more powerful than therapy.

[00:50:04] The Future-Self Amplifier
A final note on how combining your own internal breakthroughs with AI’s external capabilities is the real formula for 10x progress.

If you’re ready to harness cutting-edge Ai (without losing your humanity or your personal story), this episode is your roadmap.

Listen now for tangible demos, practical tips, and a major mindset shift that’ll help you 10x your productivity – and reconnect with the future you’ve always wanted.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Your Next Act!”
• Book your $1k Cup of Coffee with me (Mike) here. 
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

Have you ever thought about tariffs as a "game-changer" rather than just a “political hot button”?

Did you know Japan is quietly investing $1 trillion in U.S. manufacturing—especially in southern and southwestern states? 

That’s right. 

In this new episode, Dan Sullivan and I dive deep into how tariffs, strategic factory moves, and AI-driven audits may soon reduce our taxes (yes, you read that right) while fueling unprecedented economic growth in America.

If that sounds like a Michael Bay movie script, you’re not far off—except this is playing out in real life, right now. We talk about Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs,” Elon Musk’s big-government audit with AI, and why countries like Japan are betting big on producing goods inside the U.S., instead of overseas. 

If you love big-picture, high-stakes drama with real entrepreneurial takeaways, you’ll want to tune in.

KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

1. Tariffs Are Making a Comeback
   • After WWII, the U.S. temporarily abandoned tariffs to rebuild other nations and contain the Soviet threat. Now that era is over, and “reciprocal tariffs” are in play—if you tax American goods, we’ll tax yours. Or you can just move your factories to the U.S.
2. Japan’s $1 Trillion Bet on American Manufacturing
   • Facing a shrinking workforce, Japan decided 30 years ago to build factories where they sell goods. Enter the U.S. south and southwest—lower labor costs, fewer unions, and easier access to American consumers.
3. Moving the U.S. Government to “Warp Speed”
   • Dan and I discuss Trump’s possible plan to use tariffs to fund government operations (hello, “External Revenue Service!”) while simultaneously lowering domestic taxes. If that works, it could trigger an economic boom.
4. AI Audits: Elon Musk’s Government Overhaul
   • Imagine real-time accounting for every federal check ever cut. That’s what happens when you unleash advanced AI to track spending—stopping fraud and inefficiency in its tracks. Lower costs, better governance, fewer excuses.
5. It’s Not Just About Politics
   • The reason these moves are so urgent? The U.S. economy is its greatest weapon and negotiation tool. If the numbers line up, say goodbye to bloated budgets and hello to rapid innovation.
6. The Western Hemisphere Is the New Growth Engine
   • Peter Zeihan’s research suggests that power is shifting west. Europe’s star may be fading, and the big action will be in North and South America—partly because the U.S. can pressure countries with economic, rather than military, force.
7. What It Means for Entrepreneurs (and You)
   • If America becomes the hottest manufacturing hub again, it spells massive opportunity: new factories, high-value jobs, and more disposable income at home. Plus, if government spending shrinks, taxes may drop—fueling startups, scale-ups, and everything in-between.

TIME STAMPS

[00:00:00] Tariffs 101
Dan explains how tariffs helped the U.S. become #1 by 1900, and why after WWII we artificially dropped them to contain the Soviet Union.

[00:03:10] Japan Moves In
The backstory behind Japan’s multi-decade strategy: build factories in America to sidestep both tariffs and a shrinking domestic workforce.

[00:10:44] Economic vs. Military Power
Mike and Dan explore how the real “weapon” now is the U.S. economy—not battleships. This is reshaping alliances, trade, and even the future of space exploration.

[00:14:26] Union vs. Non-Union States
Why overseas giants choose red states over blue to minimize union costs—and how that might transform American politics.

[00:24:19] Elon Musk & Government AI
Trump taps Musk to audit the entire U.S. government using advanced AI. The potential outcome? $3 trillion “lost” dollars suddenly reappear, possibly replacing the income tax with tariffs.

[00:32:57] Europe’s Diminishing Relevance
Dan argues that Europe has become more of a “historic Disney World” than an innovative force, lacking the cultural spark of earlier centuries.

[00:41:00] The Future Is Made in the USA
Why more nations, including the UK, India, and South Korea, may follow Japan’s lead—bringing factories stateside to dodge tariffs and be closer to American consumers.

If you love big ideas and epic plot twists, this episode is basically Netflix’s next political thriller—except it’s happening in real life.

Join Dan and me for a mind-bending conversation on how the world economy could flip in the next few years, and what you can do to position yourself and your business for massive opportunity.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Your Next Act!”
• Book your $1k Cup of Coffee with me (Mike) here. 
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

Ever wonder how simply eating steak (yes, just steak) could boost your energy, reduce inflammation, and strip off stubborn weight you’ve carried for years? 

That’s exactly what Dan Sullivan and I are discussing in this special mini-episode on the Carnivore Diet.

We’re talking “all meat, all the time,” how we navigate restaurants and travel, the surprising drop in food cravings, and the best ways to monitor your health so you know exactly what’s happening in your body. 

Plus, I’ll share why I originally decided to go carnivore after battling colorectal cancer—and how it helped clear my IBS issues for good.

If you’re curious about a diet that strips away the nonsense and might radically improve your blood markers, this is a must-listen. 

Remember, we’re not doctors—just two guys seeing remarkable results.

KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

1. Cravings Disappear
   • Dan noticed that while his meal choices weren’t necessarily the problem, the real weight culprit was all the snacks between meals. Carnivore crushed those cravings almost instantly.
2. Rapid Weight Loss & Inflammation Reduction
   • Dan went from 203 to 183 in about six months, and I dropped from 185–190 down to 167 in ten months. Bonus: visible abs, less puffy face, more muscle definition.
3. Energy & Clarity Skyrocket
   • Surprise: no “meal crashes,” no nap cravings. My mental acuity soared. Dan’s focus remains sharp and consistent, all day.
4. An “Elimination Diet” for Gut Health
   • I used carnivore to address ongoing IBS issues post-cancer. By cutting out everything but meat, I zeroed in on triggers, which turned out to be a game-changer for my digestion.
5. A Simple Routine: Steak & Water
   • My daily go-to is a New York strip in the morning, possibly another at lunchtime, and sometimes a final cut later in the day—salt, pepper, maybe a little butter. Dan just logs his weight daily and keeps it simple.
6. Travel Hacks & Blood Monitoring
   • It’s surprisingly easy on the road (hello, Brazilian steakhouses!). We both get regular lab work and check with our docs. Surprisingly, many markers (including cholesterol) improve.
7. Question the Old Food Pyramid
   • Conventional food guidelines? Often the result of corporate interests. Always do your own research, test with labs, and trust how you feel above all else.

TIME STAMPS

[00:00:00] The Carnivore Backstory: Dan’s 6-month journey, losing 20+ pounds, and the role Dean Jackson & JJ Virgin played in getting him started.

[00:02:57] Cutting Out Cravings: Realizing the biggest weight culprit was snacking between meals, and how pure protein intake solved it.

[00:05:10] Mike’s 10-Month Experiment:  My IBS, post-cancer rationale for going carnivore and how my steady “steak & water” routine obliterated my gut issues.

[00:06:40] Practical Travel Tips: How to manage flights, hotels, and social dinners without falling off the carnivore wagon (butter, grills, and friendly hosts).

[00:09:37] Bloodwork & Energy Levels: Dan’s regular labs look great, I’ve seen improved cholesterol and mental stamina. Turns out no naps required.

[00:10:38] That Food Pyramid Myth: Why government-backed dietary guidelines can be questionable—and why we rely on data from continuous glucose monitors and quarterly blood panels.

If you’ve ever struggled with stubborn weight, nagging gut issues, or endless sugar cravings, the Carnivore Diet might be worth a closer look. Do your homework, talk to a professional, then see how you feel when you sizzle up that next steak.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Your Next Act!”
• Book your $1k Cup of Coffee with me (Mike) here. 
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

You’ve probably heard me talk about the “hub-and-spoke” model.

Where the leader sits in the middle, doing all the heavy lifting and worrying that if they let go of any task, the whole machine breaks.

I’ve lived it. It’s exhausting.

But my friend Keith Ferrazzi—legendary connector, best-selling author (Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority), and CEO whisperer—has a game-changing approach to fix this once and for all.

In our latest Capability Amplifier conversation, Keith reveals the simple but powerful shifts that can transform any team from conflict-avoidant and siloed into a culture of true candor, co-elevation, and monthly “sprints” that deliver real results.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling a thousand balls, terrified that even one fumble means disaster, this episode is for you. Trust me: learning to “expect more from your team” isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s the key to freedom, growth, and a whole new level of performance.

KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

1. From Conflict Avoidance to Radical Candor
   • Most teams tiptoe around tough feedback, creating tension and stifling creativity. Keith’s framework calls for mandated “stress testing” sessions where teammates challenge and support each other—because refusing to let each other fail is the highest form of respect.
2. The End of Hub-and-Spoke Leadership
   • Leaders often feel trapped in the center, being the sole accountability hammer. Keith’s model shifts the burden from “the boss” to “the team,” freeing leaders to innovate, strategize, or even launch a new venture.
3. Monthly Sprints & Transparency
   • Keith’s secret sauce: each team member outlines (1) what they achieved, (2) where they’re struggling, and (3) what the next sprint looks like. Then everyone else digs in to offer fresh ideas, challenges, and collaboration. The result? Friction dissolves, and real breakthroughs happen on schedule.
4. Embrace the Challenge Culture
   • Feedback is no longer top-down. It’s peer-to-peer and is given out of genuine commitment to each other’s success. When you institutionalize candid advice—and do it with heart—you’ll see your organization leap from “meh” to unstoppable.
5. The “Co-Elevation” Mindset
   • Keith coined the term “co-elevation” to describe teams that won’t let anyone sink. This goes beyond teamwork. It’s about building an environment where people actively lift each other up. Think radical accountability meets radical empathy.
6. Super-Users for Change (Especially with AI)
   • Instead of forcing top-down training, identify (or create) “black belts” or champions who love new tech, like AI or project management tools. Let them spread the fire from within, and watch adoption skyrocket.
7. Beyond Connections – Keith’s Community
   • If you loved Never Eat Alone, Keith’s got a new community that teaches entrepreneurs, salespeople, and anyone seeking deeper relationships how to integrate authentic connection into all areas of business and life.

TIME STAMPS

• [00:00:00] High-Performing Shifts: Keith introduces the 10 critical shifts for building a high-performing team, starting with moving from conflict avoidance to candor.
• [00:01:16] “Never Lead Alone”: Why Keith’s new book is all about real team success (not just individual heroics) and how it transforms the workplace.
• [00:02:21] From Blue-Collar Beginnings: Keith shares his origin story—how one relationship at a golf course (showing up 30 minutes early!) changed his life trajectory.
• [00:05:36] Candor and Vulnerability: Why the bravest thing a leader can do is create an environment where people speak the truth—even when it hurts.
• [00:07:59] Teams Owning Each Other’s Success: How to shift from hierarchical “hub-and-spoke” management to true teamship, and the monthly “stress test” method that sets a new culture.
• [00:14:03] Agile Sprints & Accountability: The exact practice Keith recommends: 30-day cycles, open sharing of wins, struggles, and next moves, plus peer challenge.
• [00:20:18] The AI Integration Example: Turning friction points into opportunities by creating “super-users” who evangelize adoption from the inside, not via top-down mandates.
• [00:26:55] Open 360° & Coaching Culture: Turning performance reviews into empowering group sessions, where every individual gets supportive critique from the entire team.
• [00:34:41] Beyond Connections Program: Keith’s return to his relationship-building roots—why “Never Eat Alone” fans will find a new home in this eight-week immersion.
• [00:38:29] Expect More, Achieve More: Keith’s biggest revelation: leaders who ask for more from their teams create not just better results, but a culture of freedom and genuine growth for everyone.

If you’re ready to let go of the “hub-and-spoke” hamster wheel, build an unstoppable culture of accountability and authenticity, and still have a life…

Then DO NOT MISS Keith’s new book, Never Lead Alone – you can get it here on Amazon right now. 

If you want to master the art (and science) of deep relationship-building to fuel your business, check out his community at ConnectedSuccess.com.

Additional Resources:

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Ai Accelerator”
• Download your FREE copy of "Your Next Act" here
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

There are three major “currents” shaping our world in 2025 and beyond:

1. The MAGA movement as an American cultural reset
2. The End of Globalization and why “Made in the USA” (plus Mexico, Colombia, and the rest of the Western Hemisphere) is the new frontier
3. AI Everywhere—how it’s transforming the workforce, but maybe not in the ways you’ve been sold

This episode is a total eye-opener if you’re an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, or just someone who wants to stay ahead of the curve. We talk about how the real opportunities might not be coming out of Ivy League universities, but from trade schools, welding shops, and brand-new AI-augmented careers. If you want to see the forces that will reshape your business and life, this is the conversation you do not want to miss.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

MAGA as a Cultural (Not Just Political) Shift

• MAGA isn’t about party lines; it’s an entire value system favoring hard work, “blue-collar billionaires,” and a distrust of elite arrogance.
• Local manufacturing, working with your hands, and skilled trades are becoming the new American status symbols.

The End of Globalization and the Rise of the Western Hemisphere

• The old global trade routes and supply chains are breaking apart—COVID disruptions and new tariffs blew them up for good.
• The U.S., Mexico, and South America are stepping up to manufacture and trade, keeping the skill sets (and money) closer to home.
• Universities will see competition from specialized trade programs and community colleges as we seek practical, high-paying skills.

The Quiet AI Revolution—But Not the Way You Think

• Despite the trillion-dollar investments, AI breakthroughs aren’t quite matching the hype on corporate balance sheets.
• The real power of AI is happening in everyday life—think personal tutoring, massive content digestion, accelerating product creation, and localizing tasks that used to require big teams.
• AI is an enhancer, not a human replacement. The winners are those who master AI to add value—faster, better, and more affordably than ever.

Broadcast Media vs. Podcast Dominance

• Traditional, scripted media is losing credibility and reach. Meanwhile, long-form podcasts let people dive deep and truly connect.
• Trust is built by spending time, not pushing sound bites. Listeners want 7+ hours of authentic conversation before they buy in.

Why “Blue-Collar Billionaires” Might Shape The Future

• Entrepreneurs like Donald Trump changed the game: he’s arguably the first truly entrepreneurial president since George Washington.
• Love him or hate him, he tapped into a cultural wave that values practical work, personal freedom, and entrepreneurial grit.

TIME STAMPS

• [00:00] MAGA as the New Dominant Culture
  Dan kicks off with why MAGA represents far more than a political slogan—he predicts it’s the wave for the next 50 years.
• [02:00] Winds, Waves & Currents
  We discuss Dan’s analogy of focusing on deeper “currents” (mega-trends) vs. surface-level “news.”
• [03:14] The Three Big Currents: MAGA, AI & End of Globalization
  Dan maps out how these trends intersect and why you need to pay attention.
• [06:52] Shift to Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships
  From welding to HVAC—why college may not be the guaranteed golden ticket anymore.
• [10:35] The Collapse of Old Media
  Podcasts and long-form content are in; top-down “scripted” broadcasts are out. Trust is earned by time, not by titles.
• [19:40] Why the U.S. is Coming Home
  The breakdown of global trade and how manufacturing back in America changes everything.
• [24:55] AI Reality Check
  Trillion-dollar investments, yes—but where’s the killer app? We talk about what’s actually working and where the real opportunities lie.
• [32:18] New Paths to Education & Prosperity
  Personal AI tutors, community college partnerships, trade certs—welcome to the new learning ecosystem.
• [45:52] Solving the Energy Conundrum
  AI demands tons of power. Is portable nuclear the next big push? We explore the possibilities.
• [55:00] A Peek Into 2025…And Beyond
  Why a more entrepreneurial, Western Hemisphere-focused future could bring back trust, pride, and plenty of opportunity.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Ai Accelerator”
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

Your audience is an incredibly powerful creative team compounding wisdom, platform, and unique ideas.

In this episode, Dan Sullivan and I break down how entrepreneurs can use their audience as an integral part of the creative and innovation process—not just passive consumers.

There is a mental universe that drives entrepreneurs toward long-term, sustainable success. Regardless of your business type or industry, it’s imperative you own your IP, leverage Ai and plan to scale your creativity.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Your Audience is a Creative Partner

• Entrepreneurs often think they create in isolation, but the audience plays a vital role in refining and evolving ideas.
• By engaging them in the process, you increase confidence, iterate faster, and create more value.
• Think of your customers as 50% of the creative process—they validate, enhance, and inspire new products.

The Power of Compounding

• Just like Warren Buffett’s investing strategy, the most successful entrepreneurs compound their intellectual property over time.
• Instead of constantly starting over, layer on existing knowledge, refine it, and repackage it for greater value.
• This approach has fueled Dan’s 50-year career in coaching and my own journey in AI, automation, and publishing.

Theater vs. Corporation Mindset

• Treat your business like a theater company, not a bureaucracy.
• Keep a core team together as long as possible and focus on performance, improvisation, and collaboration.
• Improvisation leads to creative breakthroughs—many of the greatest hits in music, film, and business came from spontaneous innovation.

Ai as an Exponential Amplifier

• Ai is the ultimate creativity multiplier. It removes friction and reduces the energy required to execute ideas.
• With the right Ai-driven processes, entrepreneurs can automate, capture, and distribute intellectual property faster than ever.
• Ai doesn’t replace humans—it enhances strategic thinking and removes bottlenecks.

Owning Your Intellectual Property

• Who owns what you create? This is THE question every entrepreneur must ask.
• The U.S. Constitution is the greatest platform for intellectual property protection, enabling the biggest explosion of creativity in history.
• In today’s digital world, publishing and distribution are still valuable, but owning your IP gives you long-term leverage.

Timestamps

[00:00] - Introduction: The power of an audience-driven creative process.
[01:56] - The Strategic Coach method: No homework, real-time collaboration with experts and creative problem solvers make for the best, innovative, and profit generating solutions.
[04:05] - The compounding power of strengths: Why you must always strengthen your strengths.
[06:50] - The Triple Play Framework: The ultimate value multiplier for entrepreneurs.
[10:40] - Innovation through Ai: How automation eliminates friction and speeds up execution.
[18:47] - Owning vs. Licensing: Why publishing, distribution, and IP ownership are critical.
[29:13] - The Power of Property: How the U.S. Constitution created the greatest intellectual capital explosion.
[40:44] - What makes creativity valuable? The importance of improvisation, unpredictability, and iteration.
[50:17] - Your Lifetime Performance: How to create a career that compounds over decades.
[55:52] - “You are a timeless technology”—how entrepreneurs evolve like innovations.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Ai Accelerator”
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

Something alarming is happening.

1 in 6 young men today is suffering from depression. Many feel lost, disconnected, and without a compelling future. And if we look closer, there’s a pattern:

• Fewer male role models.
• A lack of purpose, mentorship, and belonging.
• The disappearance of traditional rites of passage into adulthood.

When young men don’t find healthy teams and communities around them, they form destructive gangs—online and in real life.

Our young men are in crisis. And as a dad with a son, this is scary.

After an eye-opening conversation with Dan Sullivan, I had a massive aha moment—a few game-changing insights that can help you break free, level up, and create a future that excites you and hopefully a young man you know.

KEY INSIGHTS

• The Societal Impact of Male Congregation: Dan Sullivan argues that the way young men come together is fundamental to a society's prosperity and creativity. Encouraging the formation of teams that benefit the public is essential, while failure to do so can lead to the rise of gangs.
• Addressing Status Frustration: Mike Koenigs references Albert Cohen's study of delinquent subcultures, noting that gangs often emerge from status frustration among working-class youth. The solution lies in channeling collective action and shared ideals into positive team-building activities.
• The Significance of a Compelling Future: A major theme is the lack of a compelling future for many young men, which contributes to feelings of being lost and can even lead to homelessness. 
• Combating Dopamine Addiction and Human Avoidance: There is a growing problem of dopamine addiction to technology, easy sex, and pornography, which leads to social isolation and the rise of "incel" culture. Real-world interactions and teamwork can combat these negative trends.
• The Importance of Teamwork and Unique Abilities: Teamwork and individual capabilities are paramount in today's entrepreneurial landscape. Recognize and appreciate the unique abilities of each team member. 
• Appreciating Gender Differences in Teams: Dan Sullivan notes that men and women have different biological and social dynamics, but the most successful entrepreneurs are those who can effectively collaborate with the opposite gender. 
• Experiential Education: Dan Sullivan advocates for a different kind of educational system where you study your own experience and turn it into lessons.
• The American Advantage: The American system is flexible, which allows individuals to thrive and create their own opportunities. 
• Leadership and Mentorship: Strong leadership and mentorship is imperative. Dan notes that his company is run by a woman and his wife, Babs, who oversees the operations, while he focuses on the creative aspects.

TIME STAMPS

• [00:01:48] The nature of a society is greatly affected by how young men congregate; a prosperous society ensures young men congregate in teams beneficial to the public, otherwise they may form gangs.
• [00:03:42] Some believe Caitlin Clark's success in women's basketball is attributed to her early experience playing on boys' teams, learning a different, more competitive style of play.[
• [00:07:50] Delinquent subcultures and gangs form as a response to status frustration, but collective action can be channeled into positive team building.
• [00:08:53] A lack of a compelling future frustrates young men, contributing to homelessness.
• [00:15:14] The U.S. Army today is a better, all-volunteer army with a demographic of people slightly above average in education and background. Social structures, institutions, economic opportunities, social mobility, positive outlets, mentorship, collective action, and group identity help propel men forward. 
• [00:19:26] Dopamine addiction to phones, easy sex, and porn, coupled with human avoidance, is creating an epidemic-level incel culture among young men.
• [00:20:34] Children today lack the sense of usefulness and role in something bigger that farm kids had.
• [00:25:11] Role models and knowing what adulthood looks like are important, and gaming has picked up some of the slack in this area.
• [00:28:19] Women in Strategic Coach workshops are "lucky exceptions" because they've learned how men operate.
• [00:32:11] Entrepreneurs have early personal confidence and are willing to stick with their path even if it costs them socially.Some entrepreneurs always had a singularity of purpose and were more interested in their own pursuits than what others were doing.
• [00:39:10] A different kind of educational system is needed where one studies their own experience and turns it into lessons.
• [00:41:12] Men naturally form teams, while women have cliques and are told to be pleasing to men. Male entrepreneurs who work well with women and vice versa are way ahead.
• [00:49:13] It is possible to create great teamwork regardless of team members due to entrepreneurism and technology. Appreciate differences, but congregate around unique abilities; life is bigger than just you, and you can contribute to big things as part of a team.

  
  Additional Resources

  • Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Your Next Act!”
  • SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

I've been doing podcasts since the early 2000s - before it was mainstream and way before it was easy. I remember when you needed a "hack" just to get these audio files onto your iPod. (Remember those things?) 

It's wild to think about how far it's come. Back then, people thought it was a giant waste of time. 
Now, podcasting is arguably the most powerful, dominant form of media of our time.

Here’s why: 

• Podcasts are a dominant media platform because they are intimate and are not regulated. Think about how FDR used the radio to connect with people, and how JFK mastered television. Now, it's all about podcasts, which are like audiobooks, allowing real, long-form connection. This intimate and direct access, with no gatekeepers, makes podcasts incredibly powerful.

• The Bill of Rights is the foundation of our entrepreneurial economy. The Bill of Rights is not just some old document, it's what enables us to innovate and own our creations, protecting individuals from government overreach. The first 10 amendments are the basis for a purely entrepreneurial country.

• Adaptability to new communication methods is key to success. From radio to TV to social media and now podcasts, we've seen how figures like Roosevelt, JFK, Obama, and Trump have used new media to their advantage, and how those who fail to adapt are left behind.

QUICK KEY TAKEAWAYS

• [0:00:17]: Over the past 20 years, podcasting has risen to become a dominant and accessible form of media, with no barriers to entry, creating a level playing field for content creators.
• [0:00:39]: The Bill of Rights is foundational for entrepreneurial opportunities in the United States and the basis for freedom of speech, which is directly tied to podcasting.
• [0:01:44]: Various media, including radio, television, cable, and social media, have amplified the influence of powerful figures throughout history, success often hinged on how well they were managed. 
• [0:26:31]: Roosevelt used radio for his Fireside Chats, Kennedy mastered his presence on television, Obama utilized social media, specifically Facebook, and Trump used  Twitter and podcasts to sway and affect public opinion. Conversely, presidents like Nixon failed to adapt. It’s possible Donald Trump's first election was significantly influenced by his podcast placements. He used "outrage" and "fake news" tactics to undermine mainstream media.
• [0:45:16]: The lack of centralized control in podcasting is a key advantage, allowing for more freedom of expression and content creation. Podcasts are personal and intimate, and as a result, they can make a huge impact.

  Additional Resources

• Watch My Video on How To Use Ai to Launch your podcast.
• Download my bestselling book: Punch the Elephant. 
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

Let’s cut to the chase - managing teams and projects can be a huge time suck for results-driven quick-starts like you and me. It just isn’t efficient.

I was talking to Dan Sullivan about this and he shared The 4x4 Method that has the power to move your team beyond traditional management and empower them to take ownership of their roles. With this tool, you can move away from top-down management and create a culture where everyone is a leader and contributor.

The 4x4 Method has four performance metrics with four participation metrics:

• Performance: How are you showing up? Are you alert, curious, responsive, and resourceful? It’s about being proactive, not just going through the motions
• Results: How are you making things faster, easier, cheaper, and bigger? This is all about innovation and efficiency. 
• Being a Hero: How are you going above and beyond to create real value for the company? Think about how you can make a significant impact
• What Drives Me Crazy: This is the "what not to do" list. It's about avoiding things like falling behind, being isolated, and just following orders without any initiative
• 4x4 participation is voluntary, but non-participation will be noticed
• Complete an updated 4x4 every quarter
• 4x4s are posted online for full transparency
• $250 incentive each quarter ($1000/year) for those who complete the 4x4 each quarter

  
  KEY TAKEAWAYS
  
  

  • [00:00:18] I used AI to create an updated incentive program that's based on the 4x4 framework Dan has been using for over 10 years in Strategic Coach
  • [00:01:32] The 4x4 Framework is designed to get your team thinking about their roles in a whole new way.
  • [00:04:39] Invite people to participate in the 4x4 process voluntarily, but non-participation is going to be noticed. This is all about creating ownership. The whole company should do this every quarter. It's not a one-off thing. It's about how they will perform, show up, and the results they'll achieve. We're talking about being alert, curious, responsive, resourceful. And the results are faster, easier, cheaper, and bigger.
  • [00:07:55] Dan shares how he used the 4x4 with Gord Vickman when he first came on board. He got a page outlining how he could be a "hero", and what would drive Dan crazy. He says that one of the things that would drive him crazy is when someone is isolated and disconnected. You have to be specific with your expectations.
  • [00:08:54] Gord comes on to talk about his experience with the 4x4, and he says it felt like getting the answers to the exam. The 4x4 gave him a clear idea of what was expected, which is more than a typical job description.
  • [00:11:43] The 4x4 is broken into four sections:
    • Performance: How you show up – alert, curious, responsive, resourceful.
    • Results: Faster, easier, cheaper, bigger.
    • Being a hero: This is open for interpretation, but it's about creating value.
    • What drives me crazy: Specific things to avoid.
  • [00:12:57] I used Ai to generate 4x4s for my team and then create an updated incentive program for them. I had a dialogue with it on exactly what kind of new incentive program we could have. Ai can save you days of work, but you need a framework like the 4x4 to make the psychology accurate.
  • [00:16:46] Dan’s incentive strategy for 2025 offers team members $250/quarter for filling out their 4x4s and posting them online. It's about creating a company-wide focus, transparency, accountability, and focus. It helps team members see what works.
  • [00:19:22] SNEAK PEAK: I demonstrate how to use Ai with forms – I take a quick picture, drop it into ChatGPT, and have ChatGPT fill it out. (This saves HOURS.) 
  • [00:21:40] Dan explains that by making the 4x4s public, people will naturally see who is being specific and measurable in their goals. It’s a way of learning without having a class, that will help team members become more specific and practical.
  • [00:23:14] The 4x4 process will help you build a self-managing company because self-managing companies are built from self-managing individuals.
  • [00:23:55] The fourth quadrant (what drives you crazy) is not something to be feared. It’s like a tiger cage - you have to try hard to get yourself in there.
  • [00:34:42] The 4x4 process helps us move towards the mindset of "How can I be a hero to the customer and the company?” The "hero" objectives are fun, they allow you to make guesses and bets about what could work.
  • [00:41:18] The goal is for this to be a process where the players will show up to play and give people who've never been heard from a chance to develop themselves. Surprising benefits include a shift in the culture and mindsets. 

This 4x4 system is a game-changer for building self-managing teams that are accountable and produce real results.

Want to join me for a Cup of Coffee at my Digital Cafe?  Meet 1:1 for a virtual session, where we’ll spend 30 minutes brainstorming your “Next Act”, next big opportunity, or biggest challenge you want solved. Want to join me? This is where we can meet.

In 1987, Dan set a goal to live until he was 156. 

That was ambitious then, but it might not be that ambitious now. Today, we have access to over 750,000 biomarkers that give us real information about what is happening inside our bodies. But the sad truth is, our current medical system is 30 years behind what is actually available - like these biomarker tests.

It’s up to you to go get it and take control over your health. 

Dan and I recently shared a 10 minute podcast on how the carnivore diet has helped us both make a 180 in our personal health. We have dropped unnecessary weight, sure, but more importantly, we feel better, have more energy, and our blood tests PROVE WE ARE HEALTHIER. 

The tools are available, and taking action could save your life, improve your quality of life, and help you live longer. 

Here are THREE key insights Dan shares about what he has done to improve his health and live longer. You can do this, too. 

• Take Personal Responsibility For Your Health:  Your “An ambitious mindset" fueled by your personal sense of purpose and your clear reason to live longer and live better is essential.  Take advantage of the most advanced health solutions and recognize that the system is inside of you, not the other way around. 

• Use Advanced Testing & Ai for Personalized Health Strategies: Comprehensive, regular testing, enhanced by artificial intelligence, will help you get deep insights into your unique health profile. BE PROACTIVE! Move beyond the limitations of traditional, reactive medicine—which is often 30 years behind—and get the personalized strategies for diet, supplementation and other health protocols YOU NEED.

• Find Regenerative Medical Solutions & Recognize the "1% Problem" for Women: Innovative solutions in regenerative medicine, like plasma exchange that can cleanse 98% of your blood, are game changers for your overall health. But even with cutting edge technology like this, the medical and medical research industry overlook women’s health. They only receive about 1% of research dollars. Don’t let this hold you back. Be assertive. Do your research and get the care you need and deserve. 

TIME STAMPS

•  [0:05:58] Test with Ai: The biggest breakthrough in the last 35 years has been in testing, especially with the advancements in artificial intelligence. This isn't just about routine check-ups; it's about leveraging cutting-edge tech to deeply understand your health metrics and proactively manage your well-being. 

• [0:11:37] Women's Health is Overlooked: 1% of research funding goes to women's health. Women face unique health challenges often ignored by the medical industry, but women still have greater longevity because they have stronger social support systems. 

  
  

• [0:22:53] 'Why' Do You Want To Live Longer?: What’s your reason? Existing isn't enough (for most of us); having a clear purpose will fuel your ambition and drive you to make healthier choices.

  
  

• [0:27:24] The "More Ambitious" Mindset: Dan’s personal philosophy is that his "only ambition is to be more ambitious." He explains that he is more ambitious at 80 than he was at 50, and that mindset drives his health, relationships, and business. Redefine your limits. 

  
  

• [0:31:13] The Carnivore Diet: The carnivore diet changed how we felt and our blood results prove it was a good choice. We did a podcast on this. Check it out. 

  
  

• [0:36:59] Regenerative Medicine: Regenerative medicine is at the center of the US economy, and the payoff is that "everybody wants" to experience the health and longevity benefits. This means - OPPORTUNITY. 

  
  

• [0:45:00] Big Problems with “Traditional Systems”: Traditional systems, especially education and health, often fail to keep up with technological advances due to a lack of individual focus, which can be a barrier to advancement.

  
  

• [0:51:35] The BEST System for YOUR LONGEVITY & HEALTH is Inside You: We don’t always want to own it, but we choose our own healthcare system as individuals. Think about it. The system doesn’t choose what you eat, or what “treatments” you take.  Rethink your approach to your health and healthcare. You’re worth it. 

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Your Next Act!”
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS