Exit Rich...Retire Free Podcast

Turn Words Into Wealth: Aurora Winter on Books, Authority & Freedom

Too many entrepreneurs are experts in their fields but invisible to the world. They know they have wisdom to share, yet they struggle to stand out, attract clients, or build authority in a crowded market.

The reality is: without visibility, your business growth is capped. Traditional publishing feels intimidating and slow, while social media can feel like a never-ending treadmill. How can you build credibility, attract clients, and create leverage—without burning out or waiting years?

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Aurora Winter—TV producer turned author and publishing strategist—who shares how she helps entrepreneurs, coaches, and experts turn their words into wealth. Aurora reveals the proven system she uses to help thought leaders write bestselling books, repurpose their message into hundreds of pieces of content, and ultimately position themselves as authorities in their industries.

Key Takeaways:

• Aurora’s journey from yacht sales and TV production to bestselling author and publishing mentor.

• Why self-publishing now beats traditional publishing for most entrepreneurs.

• How authors like David Goggins made millions more by retaining control of their books.

• Why audiobooks and YouTube are exploding opportunities for thought leaders.

• How to repurpose interviews into hundreds of pieces of social media content.

• The 3 publishing eras (1.0 gatekeepers → 2.0 Amazon/eBooks → 3.0 thought leadership).

• How book titles and positioning can make or break your success.

• Why your personal story matters more than ever in the age of AI.

• The trifecta of visibility: Amazon (books), YouTube (videos), and AI (search engines).

About the Guest:

Aurora Winter, MBA is the CEO of Same Page Publishing, which specializes in publishing award-winning books. She is also an award-winning, bestselling author of fiction and nonfiction.

Her latest fantasy series is Magic, Mystery and the Multiverse, which won the Readers' Choice Award, Best Book for Teens, 2023.

Turn Words Into Wealth reveals seven blueprints to build your business using your book. This book was honored with the Outstanding Non-Fiction Book of the Year Award (Writing/Publishing) in 2022.

Links:

https://www.aurorawinter.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I'm going to pick a niche that's local to me… something like concrete, plumbing—high value, emergency services… I’ll set up a GMB listing, push it for leads, and do paper lead deals—$50–$100 per lead. That solves rent and starts scaling.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "I fell in love with my businesses and waited until I was fed up to sell them. That’s the worst time to sell. Now I always think about the exit strategy, even when I love the business."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Alex Hormozi’s $100M Offers and $100M Leads are fantastic. I also recommend Pitch Anything by Oren Klaff and The Talent Code by Daniel Coyle."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "Fireflies—it joins my Zoom calls automatically, records, summarizes, and sends me the notes. I also use Google Docs daily, plus AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Freedom is being creatively self-expressed. Helping others create things that make a difference—whether that’s joy, insight, or information."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Most parents assume traditional school is the only path to prepare their kids for success. But with declining literacy rates, rising stress, and rigid systems, many children are left unprepared for real life.

Parents know something feels broken. They see their kids losing curiosity, struggling with structure, or even dreading school. Yet, the idea of homeschooling or unschooling feels overwhelming—especially for busy professionals and entrepreneurs who think they don’t have the time.

In this powerful episode, Jeff Kikel speaks with Moira Mills, who was raised completely unschooled and now helps families transition from traditional education into homeschooling and self-directed learning. Moira shares her personal journey from Alaska homestead life to raising her own son while traveling the country. She breaks down how unschooling really works, why curiosity-driven learning beats rigid standards, and how parents can rethink education to prepare kids for a world shaped by freedom, creativity, and responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

• What “unschooling” really means—and how it differs from homeschooling.

• How Moira’s upbringing outside of traditional school shaped her worldview.

• Why kids learn best when driven by curiosity and real-world experiences.

• The myth of standardized education and why it’s holding kids back.

• How literacy rates were higher before compulsory schooling.

• Why boredom is essential for creativity and imagination.

• The role of technology and AI in the future of learning—and why young kids need less screen time, not more.

• How universities are increasingly recruiting homeschool students.

• Why raising kids to be entrepreneurs, not just employees, is critical for the future.

About the Guest:

Moira Mills is a lifelong unschooler, roadschooling mama, and certified Rolfer® with a background in health coaching, regenerative community building, and brand alignment. She works at the intersection of healing, parenting, and entrepreneurship, helping people come home to themselves so they can build lives that actually work.

Links:

https://moiramills.com/

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Most small business owners are working themselves to the bone… yet still feel broke. Revenue is coming in, but there’s never enough left over. Retirement feels like a pipe dream, and worst of all, there’s no safety net when life hits hard.

This was Debbie Deknight’s reality—until a personal crisis forced her to quit her job and take control of her finances, her freedom, and her future. Like many entrepreneurs, she wanted time for family, financial stability, and a business that worked for her—not the other way around. But that path was anything but easy.

In this inspiring episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Profit First professional and fractional CFO Debbie Deknight, who shares how she turned chaos into clarity and created a business that gives her (and her clients) true financial freedom. Debbie reveals her journey from burnout to building a virtual bookkeeping firm that helps small business owners implement the Profit First system, master their numbers, and actually keep more of their money.

Whether you’re barely scraping by or scaling your business, this episode shows you how to take back control—and why Profit First might be the missing piece in your Freedom Day journey.

Key Takeaways:

• How a health crisis pushed Debbie to quit her job and finally start her own business.

• Why Profit First changed everything—and how you can implement it yourself.

• The hidden dangers of “lump sum” bookkeeping (and why detail matters).

• What most bookkeepers and accountants get wrong about helping small businesses.

• The power of time freedom—and how Debbie uses it to care for her parents.

• Why most entrepreneurs don’t realize they’re leaking profit in dozens of tiny ways.

• How Profit First ensures your taxes, payroll, and profit are always covered.

• What fractional CFO services can do for contractors and trades businesses.

• The importance of emotional resilience and community for solo entrepreneurs.

About the Guest:

Debbie Deknight, founder of Right Way Profits and Bookkeeping, brings over 30 years of accounting experience and expertise as a Profit First Master certified coach and Strategic Business Advisor. Debbie is passionate about educating, implementing, supporting, profit-driven strategies that lead to sustainable success.

Links:

https://www.rightwayprofits.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "Cry. Honestly, that’s what would happen... Then pick myself up, grab my journal, and start to strategize. I'd quadruple my social media, get on podcasts, attend networking events... it's all a numbers game."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "If something was uncomfortable or scared me, I avoided it and I held myself and my business back. A few years ago, I made my theme 'Screw it, just do it' and everything changed."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Profit First. Every small business owner should read it. There’s enough in there to start implementing right away."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "Trello. I’m a list-making control freak, and Trello helps me stay organized, track ideas, manage tasks—and it integrates with Google Calendar."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Trello. I’m a list-making control freak, and Trello helps me stay organized, track ideas, manage tasks—and it integrates with Google Calendar."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Most business owners spend decades building their company—only to discover that when it’s time to sell, no one wants to buy it. In fact, 80% of businesses listed for sale never sell, leaving owners with nothing to show for years of hard work.

That’s not just a missed payday—it’s a financial nightmare that could derail your Freedom Day plans. Add in shady brokers, outdated marketplaces, and unqualified buyers, and it’s no wonder small business owners are feeling stuck with no clear exit strategy.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Evan Poling, founder of BizRetire.com, to talk about how he's shaking up the broken world of buying and selling businesses. Evan shares how his background in anti-money laundering and finance led him to create a commission-free, seller-first marketplace—and how his model helps both buyers and sellers avoid the pitfalls of traditional exit strategies.

Whether you're planning your exit, looking to acquire a business, or just want to understand how to build something worth selling, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and straight talk.

Key Takeaways:

• Why 80% of businesses listed for sale don’t sell—and what you can do to avoid that fate.

• How Evan’s background in anti-money laundering (AML) shaped his approach to evaluating businesses.

• The dark truth behind traditional business brokers and the hidden “failure tax” sellers pay.

• Why BizRetire is designed to be the “baby” of a good business broker and a quality marketplace.

• Why low-revenue “boring” businesses are a massive opportunity for future entrepreneurs.

• The emotional cost of poor planning: widows, lost homes, and buyer exploitation.

• The buyer bottleneck myth—it’s not buyers that are hard to find, it’s sellers who are unaware.

• How seller-financing and advisory partnerships can make or break a deal.

• Why your business isn’t a “baby”—and why the market doesn’t care unless it’s prepared to sell.

About the Guest:

Evan Poling is a lifelong learner and optimizer, driven by curiosity and a passion for doing things better. From earning a black belt in Hapkido to managing a full house remodel, building a business, owning rental property, and serving in the military, Evan's diverse experiences bring a unique lens of clarity, depth, and innovation to every challenge.

Now, as the founder of BizRetire.com, Evan is on a mission to disrupt the 300-year-old business brokerage industry. While traditional brokers operate like Blockbuster, Evan is building the Netflix of business sales—modernizing how entrepreneurs transition out of their businesses with smarter, more streamlined solutions.

With a background rooted in adaptability and insight, Evan brings a fresh perspective to an industry in need of reinvention.

Links:

https://www.bizretire.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? "I'm going to log on to Facebook Marketplace and find some stuff that I can buy and resell... I'm going to make some money."

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? "There's a thing called Iron Triangle: speed, quality, and price. You can only have two. I chose price and quality—and it took me six to seven months to launch my website. I should have just paid the extra $3,000 or $4,000."

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "The Bible. If you're not right spiritually, physically, emotionally, you're going to chase after the wrong things. My business is not about profit. It's about impact."

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? "I've been using video editing software a lot—Premiere Pro—for shorts and videos and stuff."

5. What is your definition of freedom? "Freedom? This is one I struggle with. I thought it was being a business owner... but that's a different type of slavery. My definition of freedom is heaven, man. Eternal bliss."

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Tired of building someone else's dream in a 9-to-5?

The traditional path school, job, save for retirement often ends in burnout, not freedom. If you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, you’re not alone.

Luke Van Der Veer broke the mold—and built his own digital empire.

After years of trying side hustles, Luke discovered the power of renting out websites like digital real estate. Today, he earns passive income by generating leads for local businesses—without being tied to any one client or job.

In this episode, Luke unpacks how he turned SEO into a 6-figure lifestyle business, and why this model could work for you—even if you’re starting from scratch.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the “hope and pray” method of saving for retirement doesn’t work

• How Luke escaped corporate life by renting lead-gen websites

• The SEO strategy behind choosing profitable, low-competition niches

• How he builds passive monthly income with flat-fee or pay-per-lead deals

• Why business acquisition is his next level of digital leverage

• The tools and mindset he uses to stay ahead of Google's algorithms and AI disruption

About the Guest:

Luke Van Der Veer has helped hundreds of people build passive income and take control of their lives. His students have built 6 and 7-figure incomes, quit their jobs, escaped the trap of trading time for money, grown their businesses, and completely transformed their lifestyles.

Links:

https://lukevanderveer.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I'm going to pick a niche that's local to me… something like concrete, plumbing—high value, emergency services… I’ll set up a GMB listing, push it for leads, and do paper lead deals—$50–$100 per lead. That solves rent and starts scaling.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Focusing only on the money. I chased side hustles based on how much they could make, not whether they fit me. That wasted 3.5 years. I should’ve asked: ‘What model can help me create the life I want?"

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “DotCom Secrets by Russell Brunson. Honestly, get all three of his books. Sales, personal growth, marketing—he puts it all together. Massive impact.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “WhatsApp. My freelancers are all over the world. It’s the easiest way to message, group chat, and coordinate in one place.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Doing whatever you want, whenever you feel like it, with whoever you want—without asking for permission. For me, that’s family and friends. And I have that now.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Stuck in a corporate job and wondering if you can make the leap to entrepreneurship?

Most professionals dream about freedom—working for themselves, building a business, and living life on their terms—but fear and finances keep them locked into the 9-to-5.

Justin Dixon made the jump.

After 18 years in corporate recruiting (including roles at Comcast and startups), he and his wife slashed their expenses, built passive income, and took the leap into entrepreneurship—launching Hire Tomorrow, a recruiting firm serving startups and private equity-backed companies.

In this episode, Justin shares how he built a lean, profitable recruiting business, leveraged community during the pandemic, and uses AI to streamline hiring—while designing a life that moves him closer to Freedom Day.

Key Takeaways:

• How reading Rich Dad Poor Dad sparked Justin’s shift from employee to entrepreneur

• Why cutting expenses and building passive income was key to taking the leap

• The power of collaboration with competitors during tough times

• How AI is changing recruitment—and why Justin stays cautious

• The three levels of financial freedom Justin uses to plan his life

• How small businesses can win top talent without massive budgets

About the Guest:

Justin Dixon is a visionary talent strategist and the founder of Hire Tomorrow, a cutting-edge recruiting firm that helps high-growth startups and Private Equity-backed companies build world-class teams.

From scrappy startups to Fortune 500 powerhouses, Justin has led recruitment efforts across diverse sectors such as Finance, Technology, Sales, Marketing, and Executive Leadership. His breadth of experience allows him to quickly understand a client’s unique hiring landscape and deliver talent solutions that drive growth, culture, and competitive advantage.

Launching a business on the eve of a global pandemic might seem risky to most—but for Justin, it was a catalyst. Fueled by grit and guided by vision, he turned uncertainty into opportunity, building Hire Tomorrow into a go-to partner for companies that need to scale fast without compromising on quality or culture.

Links:

https://www.hiretomorrow.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d go for a run and start thinking creatively. I’d tap my network to see what I could build—no rush back to W-2 life.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting Hire Tomorrow in January 2020… right before COVID. Also, jumping into multifamily investing during the 2021 frenzy—rookie mistake chasing trends.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? "Who Not How by Dan Sullivan – “Don’t ask how you can do more, ask who can do it with or for you.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “A customized tracker inspired by EOS. It keeps me and my team accountable, focused, and executing—no wasted meetings.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “There are three levels. Level 1: your basic bills are covered. Level 2: your lifestyle is covered. Level 3: full F-you money—you wake up and do what you want, with who you want, where you want.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Ever wonder what it really takes to build and scale a startup?

Too many entrepreneurs rush into business with passion but no plan—burning money, wasting time, and sometimes walking away defeated. But what if you could learn from someone who’s done it four times—building, selling, and scaling real companies?

Meet Tanner Haas.

At just 18, Tanner launched his first venture—only to discover firsthand why passion alone can’t beat bad economics. Fast forward: he’s built and sold multiple businesses, from nutraceuticals to SEO agencies, and now he’s the founder of Freedom Chat—a privacy-first messaging and social app disrupting a multi-billion-dollar industry.

In this episode, Tanner shares his raw lessons from the trenches—what worked, what failed, and why his startup journey has been defined by bold moves, resilience, and a relentless drive to fix problems others ignore.

Key Takeaways:

• Why businesses fail before they start—and how to avoid the biggest rookie mistake

• The power of moving fast but not too fast when launching products

• How Uber rides and random encounters led to a thriving SEO agency with 10 clients before a website

• Why Freedom Chat could become a billion-dollar disruptor in privacy and messaging

• How to identify problems that “make your blood boil” to find your next big idea

• Tanner’s philosophy on freedom, work, and building meaningful companies

About the Guest:

Tanner Haas is a serial entrepreneur who started his first company at just 18 years old—and sold it two years later. Along the way, he’s experienced the gritty realities of startup life, from eating raw eggs and living off his own protein powder when the power was shut off, to driving for Uber to keep his ventures alive.

Unapologetically committed to the grind, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to build and sustain his companies. Today, he shares the lessons, resilience, and unfiltered truths of entrepreneurship, offering a real-world perspective on what it takes to succeed when building from the ground up.

Links:

https://freedomchat.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d first call a friend or connection for a $10–20K loan so I can think and formulate a plan… then build a deck, a website, and raise money for a new company.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting my nutrition company without due diligence. Business doesn’t care about your feelings—it needs to make money. Also, rushing Freedom Chat’s MVP. We launched too quickly and had to relaunch multiple times.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Read the biography of the person you most admire. Don’t pick your mom or grandma—pick a public figure. It’ll show you they’re human, flawed, and yet achieved great things.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Freedom Chat for team communication, ProtonMail for privacy, Canva for design, QuickBooks for finances. Four to five tools total—keep it lean.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Working on what you want, with people you want, saying what you want without repercussions. It’s not about doing nothing—it’s about working on problems you want to solve.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Think you need a degree to succeed in real estate? Think again.

Giancarlo Carangelo dropped out of high school at 16 and started working in restaurants—but he knew he wanted more. Tired of long hours and low pay, he took a chance on a real estate course, and that single decision changed everything.

Today, he’s a successful real estate investor, property manager, and coach.

Giancarlo didn’t grow up with a roadmap to wealth. He built it brick by brick—learning to manage properties, mentor new investors, and build a community that grows wealth together.

In this episode, you’ll discover the mindset and strategies he used to create lasting freedom—plus how you can start even if you have zero experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Why your investor personality (hands-on vs. hands-off) shapes your strategy

• How Giancarlo turned $500 into a thriving real estate portfolio

• The biggest myth about doing it all yourself—and why collaboration wins

• What it really takes to go full-time in real estate (3–5 year roadmap)

• How to shift from a worker’s mindset to an investor’s mindset

• The power of mentorship and community in long-term real estate success

About the Guest:

Giancarlo Carangelo — a seasoned real estate investor, entrepreneur, and coach who has built a powerhouse business from the ground up. With nearly $50 million in assets under management and over 300 real estate transactions completed, Giancarlo is a leading voice in the world of real estate investment and property management. He’s the founder of Carangelo Management, A Real Estate company, and ProVenture, Full service Estate firm that helps new and experienced investors launch and grow profitable portfolios across Canada, the U.S., and even internationally in markets like the Dominican Republic.

What makes Giancarlo’s journey even more inspiring is that he’s achieved all of this after dropping out of high school. Through grit, consistency, and smart strategy, he’s built a reputation as a results-driven leader who knows how to navigate complex markets, build strong systems, and scale efficiently.

Whether it’s coaching clients, speaking to an audience, or running his own podcast, Giancarlo is passionate about sharing what he’s learned and empowering others to take control of their financial future through real estate. If you're looking to get tactical insight, real-world experience, and a dose of entrepreneurial fire.

Links:

https://www.realproventure.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’m going to take all that knowledge I’ve absorbed in the last 10 years and implement a new strategy… something short-term to build capital, then transition back to long-term scalable investments.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Having the lone wolf mindset… thinking I could do it by myself without coaching or mentoring.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Money People Deal by Stefan Aarnio

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My cell phone. It connects me to every CRM and platform I use to run my business—anywhere in the world.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to do what I want, when I want, with whom I want—without asking permission. Time with my family, being there for breakfast or a soccer game… that’s real freedom.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

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Tired of “invisible hustle” with no clients or income to show for it?

Many coaches, consultants, and service providers waste years on the wrong marketing strategies, burned out and broke—trading time for exposure instead of results.

That was Jeanne Omlor’s story… until she turned it all around.

After eight years of grinding offline with little traction, Jeanne finally got online, took massive action, and hit $1M in revenue in just 17 months—with 92% profit. No ads. No fluff. Just strategy and service.

In this powerful episode, Jeanne breaks down exactly how she helps her clients land high-ticket deals, master organic social media, and grow profitable coaching businesses—without selling their souls or sacrificing their values.

Key Takeaways:

• Why organic marketing on LinkedIn beats paid ads for coaches and consultants

• The fastest path to client cashflow: irresistible offers + clear positioning

• How to build a coaching business that actually pays you—not just validates you

• Jeanne’s process for helping clients land $10K–$35K+ contracts

• The mindset + money formula every coach needs to thrive

• Her system for getting YouTube subscribers and planning a new influencer course

Bonus Insight: Jeanne shares how she used YouTube ads and podcast content to grow a 95K+ subscriber base—and why she believes “mindset and strategy must go neck and neck.”

About the Guest:

Jeanne Omlor is a Certified Business Strategist and Coach with a passion for helping entrepreneurs reach their maximum potential. As a trusted partner to coaches, consultants, experts, and service providers, Jeanne brings a powerful mix of motivation, strategic insight, and leadership training to every client engagement.

With an ICF accreditation in Intelligent Leadership, Jeanne helps business owners build high-performing teams, increase profits, and step fully into their visionary roles—all while maintaining balance and integrity. She sees herself as a catalyst, empowering smart, driven clients to scale their businesses, serve at a higher level, and thrive both personally and professionally.

Jeanne works with go-getters who are ready to unlock unimagined prosperity, boost productivity, and lead with confidence. Through personalized coaching and practical strategies, she helps clients become not just successful entrepreneurs, but impactful leaders in business and life.

Links:

https://jeanneomlor.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I just do organic social media marketing because you don't need any money for that, and I create a new offer and I start talking to people.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not getting online way earlier. Eight years earlier.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Psycho-Cybernetics.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “LinkedIn Sales Navigator.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to do whatever I want, whenever I want, with whomever I want.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Dreaming of travel but think you can’t afford it?

For many families, vacations feel like a luxury—something you squeeze in when the bills are paid and life slows down. But what if you could turn your everyday spending into free flights, five-star resorts, and international adventures?

That’s exactly what Tim Walker did.

Living in one of the poorest communities in Pennsylvania, Tim hit his breaking point—struggling with compassion fatigue, raising a family, and unable to afford rest or memories. Then he discovered travel hacking, and everything changed.

In this episode, Tim shares how he went from scraping by to flying business class to Europe, staying at $1,500-a-night resorts for free, and helping others do the same.

You'll learn how his system turns gas, groceries, and bills into luxurious travel—without going into debt or living beyond your means.

Key Takeaways:

• How Tim earned 1.2 million travel points in 9 months (and now over 4 million!)

• The Double Multiplier method to maximize point earnings and redemptions

• Why cash back is the worst strategy for travel lovers

• What a $25,000 Europe trip looks like when done entirely with points

• Common myths about travel hacking—and how to avoid them

• Why Tim teaches others to travel more, spend less, and live free

About the Guest:

Tim Walker is the founder of Travel Multiplier, where he helps people unlock the life-changing power of Travel Hacking to explore the world for free. His passion for free travel was born out of personal struggle—years of living and working in Wilkes-Barre, PA, one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods, where he invested deeply in urban transformation and walked alongside people overcoming homelessness, addiction, incarceration, and more.

While those years were rich in purpose, they were financially and emotionally draining. Unable to afford travel, his family often lacked the restoration they needed—until he discovered Travel Hacking. Since then, he’s earned over 3 million travel points, taken his family around the world for free, and helped countless others do the same.

Now, through Travel Multiplier, he’s on a mission to help others—especially those who’ve felt travel was out of reach—learn how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable adventures. Because when you know how to hack the system, travel isn’t a luxury—it’s accessible to everyone.

Links:

https://www.travelmultiplier.com/

Fast Five Questions

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I think I would probably start a new business. I would love to leverage that money, make that money work for me.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Overconfidence in how much people would trust me. I underestimated how skeptical people would be—and did a poor job communicating to them.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller and How to Get Paid for What You Know by Graham Cochran”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Kajabi for my coaching platform… and ChatGPT—especially custom GPTs I’ve trained as ‘employees’ in my business.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being in a place where nothing is holding you back. Freedom of time, money, opportunity, exploration—living without limits.”

About Jeff:

Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation

Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/

Connect with Jeff:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel

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

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page.

Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!

Subscribe to the podcast

If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.

Leave us an Apple Podcasts review

Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.