From Trauma to Triumph: How Spiritual Awakening Transformed Business and Life

The Rags-to-Riches Round Trip Nobody Talks About

When Success Keeps Vanishing

You've built the business.

Raised the capital. Made the millions.

So why does it keep slipping away?

And more importantlywhy does nothing feel like "enough"?

Here's a truth most entrepreneurs never want to face:

It's not your strategy.

It's not your market.

It's what's buried inside you.

In this raw and transformative episode of Richer Soul, we sit down with Smoke Wallin, entrepreneur, M&A advisor, and spiritual guide who made—and lost—$50-100 million multiple times. But this isn't a story about making money. It's about discovering why all the wealth in the world couldn't turn off the "loud fan" of anxiety constantly running in the back of his head.

Until one day in Nepal, at Buddha's birthplace, everything changed.

5 Soul-Level Insights from Smoke Wallin:

(This isn't about making more money. It's about freeing yourself from what's driving you.)

1. Unhealed trauma doesn't just hurt—it sabotages. Smoke kept attracting business partners who would betray him. Why? Because betrayal was his unhealed childhood wound. His subconscious kept recreating the pattern until he faced it head-on.
2. You can achieve massive success while suffering invisibly. Smoke became CFO of a billion-dollar company at 29, raised $110 million—all while living in constant anxiety he didn't even recognize. High achievers are masters at compartmentalizing pain.
3. Forgiveness is freedom—for you, not them. Smoke's healing breakthrough came when he made a deal with his higher self: "If I can remember what happened, I'll forgive." That commitment unlocked everything. "Forgiveness is for the forgiver, not the forgiven."
4. Spiritual awakening is 1% breakthrough, 99% daily integration. Plant medicine opened the door. But Smoke read 400+ books, practiced daily meditation, eliminated negative inputs, and consciously reprogrammed his subconscious. That's where real transformation lives.
5. Money is neutral—your attachment is the prison. Once you're non-attached, you can fully experience wealth without being controlled by it. Smoke now channels resources to Dignity Moves (helping homeless families) and SACRED (supporting child abuse survivors)—because significance matters more than accumulation.

Why This Conversation Matters:

Most entrepreneurs chase the next milestone thinking that will finally deliver peace.

The next exit. The next $10 million. The next validation.

But Smoke's journey reveals a deeper truth:

External success means nothing if you're fundamentally unfree internally.

This episode is an invitation to stop running—and start healing.

Money Learning:

What if your wealth-building is driven by wounds, not wisdom?

Smoke's pattern of building and losing fortunes wasn't about bad luck or bad partners.

It was about unresolved childhood trauma manifesting in business relationships.

For many driven entrepreneurs, the relentless pursuit of "more" is actually an attempt to fill a void, prove worth, or escape pain they've never faced.

This episode invites you to ask: How much is enough? And what am I really running from?

By healing the wounds beneath your drive, you don't lose your ambition—you gain clarity, peace, and the ability to build wealth that actually serves your life instead of consuming it.

Key Takeaway:

Smoke Wallin made—and lost—$50-100 million multiple times because unhealed childhood trauma kept sabotaging his business relationships. Despite becoming CFO of a billion-dollar company at 29, he lived in constant anxiety until a spiritual awakening in Nepal and plant medicine ceremonies unlocked decades of buried memories. His breakthrough insight: "Forgiveness is for the forgiver, not the forgiven"—once he forgave, the anxiety vanished and he quit drinking without trying. Now living in "peace and joy at all times," Smoke helps entrepreneurs answer the question most can't: "How much is enough?"—proving that real wealth isn't in your bank account, it's in your soul.

Guest Bio:

Smoke Wallin is an entrepreneur, M&A advisor, and spiritual guide based in Sedona, Arizona. He became CFO of a billion-dollar business at age 29, raised $110 million in the bond market, and has built and exited multiple companies across various industries. After a profound spiritual awakening triggered by a Kundalini experience at Buddha's birthplace in Nepal, Smoke has dedicated himself to helping entrepreneurs navigate both the business and existential dimensions of major exits. He co-founded Dignity Moves, a homeless initiative building villages across California, and serves on the board of SACRED, supporting families affected by child sexual abuse. A 23-year member of YPO (Young Presidents' Organization), Smoke is working on a forthcoming book offering an entrepreneur's guide to spiritual awakening.

Links:

Podcast Home & All Platforms https://thesmoketrail.transistor.fm

YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@SmokeWallinOfficial

Substack Full episodes + Pre-Show Q&As + Community & Poetry & Essays https://smokewallin.substack.com/

LinkedIn – Primary promotion & newsletter- https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7055158311603601408

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

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

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

X (Twitter) https://x.com/TheSmokeTrail1

X: https://x.com/SmokeWallin

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@smokewallin

Facebook Podcast Home https://www.facebook.com/DrinkTechnology

Stop chasing the next milestone, hoping it will finally deliver peace.

Listen to Episode 477 to discover why your unhealed wounds might be sabotaging your success—and how to break the pattern before you make another rags-to-riches round trip.

Ask yourself: How much is enough? If you can't answer, this episode is for you.

#RicherSoul #SmokeWallin #EntrepreneurialJourney #TraumaHealing #SpiritualAwakening #ConsciousBusiness #HowMuchIsEnough #PlantMedicine #TraumaToTriumph #InnerPeace #NonAttachment #SuccessToSignificance #Forgiveness #EntrepreneurMindset #PurposeOverProfit

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Happy Soul, Hungry Mind: Why Success Still Feels Empty

"I made the money. And where is the happiness? Where is happiness? Can somebody answer that? Society, parents, friends, everybody said, make money, make money. Don't think about anything else. Work like a dog, make money. I made the money. And where is the happiness?"

You've hit the number. The bank balance looks good. You've done everything "right." So why does something still feel... empty? In this profound Richer Soul episode, author and executive coach Ravi Kathuria reveals why even a million dollars a month can't buy peace and shares an ancient parable that exposes the invisible prison keeping you from true fulfillment.

Key Insights:

1. Your "rotten fish" owns you, because whether it's a business, career, or bank account, the very thing you chase for happiness often becomes the bubble trapping you from experiencing real peace and freedom.
2. Money with "nuisance value" destroys wealth, as earning income that brings tension, pressure, or robs your peace isn't true prosperity—it's a prison with a good view.
3. Self-worth tied to net worth creates endless suffering, because even billionaires like Elon Musk chase trillion-dollar valuations not for money, but for external validation they'll never fully receive.
4. Spirituality is non-religious and available to everyone, as it's simply "the experience of your own soul"—no gurus, pilgrimages, scriptures, or beliefs required, just the ability to quiet your mind.
5. Your mind is both tool and obstacle, because while it's essential for navigating the material world, it acts as a "bouncer" preventing you from accessing the infinite spiritual energy already within you.
6. Quieting the mind isn't meditation—it IS the gateway, and when your thoughts become still, your soul automatically shines through like the sun emerging from behind clouds, requiring no special techniques or effort.

Money Learning from Ravi:

Ravi grew up in a middle-class family in India, where his father worked for the government. They had enough to live comfortably—food, vacations, a modest car—but never splurged on luxury. What stayed with Ravi wasn't the amount of money they had, but his father's philosophy: never earn money that creates "nuisance value." His father never made financial decisions that brought tension, pressure, or potential unhappiness to the family. That principle shaped Ravi's entire relationship with money: he wants to earn money that has positive energy, that uplifts life rather than creates more worries. Today, coaching CEOs and wealthy individuals, he sees the irony: people with all the money in the world still worried about money because they've lost sight of what money is actually for.

Key Discussion Points:

• Why successful people ask "Where is the happiness that money promised?"
• The danger of money that creates "nuisance value" in your life
• The client making $1 million per month who drives 3.5 hours to save $50
• Why Elon Musk, worth $400+ billion, is fighting for another $400 billion
• The Ancient Parable: The poor fish seller who couldn't sleep in the king's palace
• How she missed her "rotten fish" and rejected luxury for familiar discomfort
• The king's profound realization: "My kingdom is MY rotten fish"
• What is YOUR rotten fish? What bubble are you trapped in?
• Why self-worth should never be tied to net worth
• The critical difference between being "frugal" and being "cheap"
• Redefining Spirituality: "Spirituality is the experience of your own soul"
• Why spirituality is NON-RELIGIOUS and has nothing to do with God
• Spirituality is in your DNA—it's not a choice, it's your birthright
• The Mind Paradox: Your mind helps you navigate the material world but acts as a "bouncer" blocking spiritual access
• How to quiet the mind: It's simpler than you think
• Meditation is NOT concentration, music, mantras, or focusing on thoughts
• Meditation is something that HAPPENS to you when your mind becomes still
• The automatic phenomenon: When clouds dissipate, the sun shines through
• Why you don't need gurus, pilgrimages, scriptures, or anyone's blessing
• Who owns who: Do you own your business or does your business own you?
• The power of learning to "let go of your rotten fish"
• Starting simple: Put down your phone, lie in bed quietly, walk in nature
• How to create "nothing time" and mind purge exercises
• Making peace a daily practice, like brushing your teeth
• Why financial success without inner peace is still poverty
• The question that changes everything: "What would you do if you had all the money?"

Key Takeaway:

The palace won't make you happy if you're still clutching your basket of fish. True wealth isn't about the size of your bank account—it's about freeing yourself from the mental prison of constant chasing, validation-seeking, and identifying your worth with your net worth. When you learn to quiet your mind and experience your own soul, you discover the ultimate gift: inner peace that no amount of money can buy and no external circumstance can take away.

Bio:

Ravi Kathuria is the author of Happy Soul Hungry Mind, a groundbreaking book that bridges the gap between material success and spiritual fulfillment. Born and raised in India for the first 25 years of his life, Ravi now lives in Houston, Texas, where he works as an executive coach and mentor to CEOs and highly successful business leaders. His unique approach combines Eastern spiritual wisdom with Western business pragmatism, helping clients break free from the "now what?" trap that follows financial success.

Ravi's philosophy is refreshingly simple: spirituality is the experience of your own soul—nothing more, nothing less. It requires no religion, no guru, no special rituals. Through his coaching, speaking, and writing, Ravi helps people understand that the peace, happiness, and fulfillment they've been chasing externally has been within them all along, waiting to be discovered through the simple practice of quieting the mind.

Links:

Website: SpiritualityWithin.com

SOCIAL MEDIA:

https://www.facebook.com/SpiritualityWithin/

https://forms.gle/HBqbGrZKfXeMSTyeA

https://x.com/SpiritualityWit

https://www.youtube.com/@SpiritualityWithin

#RicherSoul #InnerW

ealth #MoneyMindset #Spirituality #Meditation #LifeBeyondMoney #HappySoulHungryMind #ExecutiveCoaching #PersonalFreedom #MindfulLiving #SoulSearching #FinancialFreedom #LifePurpose #Consciousness #InnerPeace

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Why the System Feels Rigged And How to Live Free Anyway

Many successful people carry a quiet, unsettling thought they rarely say out loud:

"I've done everything right… so why does this still feel so hard?"

In this Richer Soul conversation, Rocky sits down with veteran investor and author Paul Musson to explore why so many people feel financially and emotionally squeezed — even when they're disciplined, intelligent, and responsible.

Key Takeaways from the Conversation:

1. Money isn't wealth. Real wealth comes from creating value, not inflated prices or easy debt.
2. Rising assets don't equal progress. Asset inflation often creates stress and division, not security.
3. You don't need certainty to live well. Clarity and values matter more than predicting outcomes.
4. Success without alignment feels empty. When money leads, peace falls behind.
5. A rich life starts within. Inner clarity and integrity matter more than external systems.

Money Learning from Paul Musson:

Money doesn't create wealth — capital does. When wealth comes from rising asset prices or easy debt instead of real contribution and productivity, people feel richer on paper but poorer in peace. Paul reminds us that true financial wellbeing comes from creating value, saving and investing thoughtfully, and resisting the pressure to chase inflated outcomes. When you focus on capital creation over consumption, money becomes a tool for stability and freedom — not a source of stress or fear.

Key Takeaway:

You don't need to beat the system to live a rich life.

You need to understand it —

release what was never yours to control —

and choose who you want to be inside it.

True wealth begins with clarity, integrity, and peace.

Bio:

Paul Musson is an investment veteran with over 30 years of experience, including leading the $10 billion Mackenzie Ivy Funds. Now, through his blog and podcast, Paulitical Economy, he cuts through the jargon to explain the forces shaping our money and future. He gives people a voice by helping them understand the monetary system, what policymakers are doing, and what we need to demand from them to create real change.

Links:

Website: https://paddingtoncapitalmgmt.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paddingtoncap

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

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

This episode isn't about blaming the system.

It's about seeing it clearly, so you can stop internalizing stress that was never yours to carry.

#RicherSoul #MoneyMindset #InnerWealth #WealthWithPurpose #FinancialClarity #CapitalCreation #EthicalWealth #TrueWealth #IntentionalLiving #GenerationalWealth

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

How to Stay Strong to 100: Longevity, Regenerative Medicine, and Mobility

Most people say they want to live a long life. Very few ask the better question: what kind of body and energy will I have at 80, 90, or 100? In this episode of Richer Soul, Dr. Tommy Rhee shares what he has learned from decades working with elite athletes, professional sports teams, and now patients using regenerative medicine and topical stem cell therapies. We talk about the realities of aging, why exercise is still the number one longevity tool, the hidden damage of chronic inflammation, and how emerging technologies might help us stay active and mobile much longer than previous generations.

Core Insights from the Conversation:

1. Exercise Is the Foundation of Longevity. Consistent movement protects joints, improves circulation, and activates the body's natural repair systems. No supplement or therapy replaces exercise as a driver of long-term health.
2. Chronic Inflammation Accelerates Aging. Acute inflammation heals. Chronic inflammation slowly breaks the body down, damaging joints, energy levels, and long-term mobility.
3. Circulation Determines Recovery. Healing depends on flow. Healthy arterial, venous, and lymphatic circulation deliver nutrients and remove waste, allowing tissues to repair more efficiently.
4. Regenerative Medicine Is Becoming Non-Invasive. Cell-free regenerative topical therapies aim to support healing without injections, downtime, or invasive procedures, making recovery more accessible earlier in the aging process.
5. Longevity Requires a "Never Quit" Mindset. Health isn't built through perfection. It's built by continuing to move, eat well, and recover even when progress feels slow or uneven.

Money Learning from Dr. Tommy Rhee:

Your health is one of the highest-ROI investments you can make. Dr. Tommy Rhee reinforces that prevention—consistent exercise, reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting your body's natural repair systems—costs far less than the medical bills, downtime, and lost earning potential that come from neglect. Strong mobility and longevity aren't just physical assets; they protect your financial future by reducing long-term healthcare expenses and preserving your ability to work, create, and enjoy life.

Key Takeaway:

You do not have to choose between living long and living well. With consistent movement, smarter food choices, better circulation, and an open mind toward regenerative therapies, you can build a body that still feels capable at 80, 90, or even 100. The most important piece is not perfection, it is refusing to quit on your health.

Bio:

Dr. Tommy Rhee is a licensed sports chiropractor and pioneer in regenerative medicine with nearly two decades of experience working with elite and professional athletes. He has served as the official team chiropractor for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and began his career at UCLA Athletics, treating Division I football, soccer, and track athletes.

He is the Founder and CEO of RheeGen®, the world's first cell-free regenerative topical therapy, designed as a non-invasive alternative to injection-based stem cell procedures. Dr. Rhee is also the author of The Future of Regenerative Medicine, where he explores how topical stem cell technologies may reshape healing, recovery, and longevity.

Known for blending sports medicine, biomechanics, and regenerative science, Dr. Rhee continues to practice in Tampa, Florida, helping patients and athletes stay active, recover faster, and move well as they age.

Links:

Website: www.RheeGen.com

Facebook: RheeGen: https://www.facebook.com/p/RheeGen-61552362351212/

Instagram: Rhee.gen: https://www.instagram.com/rhee.gen/

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

Book: The Future of Regenerative Medicine: Unlocking the Potential of Topical Stem Cell Therapy: https://a.co/d/2eUa3Zx

If this conversation sparked you to think differently about aging, here's your next step: choose one upgrade in movement, one upgrade in food, and one upgrade in recovery, and commit to them for the next 90 days. If you want help designing a richer life that includes long-term health, longevity, and purpose, connect with Rocky and explore what your own 100-year plan could look like.

#Longevity #HealthyAging #RegenerativeMedicine #StemCellTherapy #InflammationHealth #MobilityMatters #NitricOxide #CirculationHealth #HolisticWellness #AgingWell #PainFreeLiving #HealthOptimization #LiveTo100 #FunctionalHealth #WellnessJourney

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Super Performance

From Firefighting to Super Performance: How Systems Free You From…

Most owners secretly know the truth: their business only runs well when they're watching. The minute they step away, problems surface, customers get frustrated, and the "superhero" has to swoop back in. In this Richer Soul episode, operations coach and author George Pesansky shares how to escape that trap by building systems that work without you — so your business performs at a high level and your life gets a lot richer in the process.

Key Insights:

1. Vision, Strategy, and Execution must align because most businesses fail not from lack of effort, but from excelling at only two of the three while true profit and scale happen when all three work together.
2. The "golden hour" reveals your best systems, and instead of constantly fixing what's broken, real growth comes from identifying when work flows smoothly and replicating those conditions across the day.
3. The Dunning–Kruger Effect explains why leaders get blindsided, as overconfidence on "Mount Stupid" often hides gaps in operations, people, or finance until painful failure forces real learning.
4. Superhero employees are a warning sign, not a strength, because when a business depends on one person to fix everything, it signals fragile systems, hidden waste, and serious key-person risk.
5. Money is stored time, not success, and many leaders stay trapped in the prison of expectations by chasing revenue instead of using profit to reclaim freedom, focus, and a life outside the business.
6. Failing faster accelerates growth, because waiting for certainty keeps owners stuck in broken processes and bad decisions that intentional learning and rapid experimentation would quickly replace.

Money Learning from George:

George reframes money as nothing more than "an equivalent for time," a tool meant to buy back space for rest, creativity, and meaningful living—not fuel an endless treadmill of effort. He warns that many owners chase revenue that actually costs them time and increases friction, while true profit comes from building systems that give you your life back. His core message is simple: use money to create freedom, not pressure, and focus on investments that return time, clarity, and peace rather than more stress.

Key Takeaway:

High performance isn't about working harder; it's about building systems that turn your best moments into your normal day. When you understand the real root causes of success, stop relying on superheroes, and use money to buy back time, your business stops owning you — and starts serving the life you actually want.

Bio:

George Pesansky is a seasoned expert in operational excellence, with a career spanning over three decades in leadership, executive coaching, and performance optimization. His passion lies in empowering individuals and organizations to reach their full potential through clarity, focus, and actionable strategies. George's commitment to improving outcomes and his strategic, action-oriented mindset have made him a sought-after consultant and thought leader in the field. His work continues to inspire and guide those seeking to elevate their performance and achieve superperformance in their personal and professional lives. George is also the founder of Capacity2Care, a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging superperformers to donate their talent, not just their time, to create better outcomes in their communities by driving deliberate improvement in charities.

Links:

www.myblendedlearning.com

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

If you're ready to move from firefighting to true super performance in your business — with clear numbers, better systems, and more time for the rest of your life — let's talk. Book a call using the link in the show notes and we'll look at where your systems are silently costing you profit and peace.

#RicherSoul #BusinessSystems #TimeFreedom #LeadershipDevelopment #OperationalExcellence #MindsetShift #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessGrowth #PersonalGrowthJourney #LifeByDesign #HighPerformanceHabits #BusinessOwnerTips #PurposeDrivenSuccess #WorkLifeHarmony #SelfLeadership

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

The Real AI: Authenticity + Intention in Life and Business

In a world where AI can write emails, produce video, and even mimic your voice, the greatest competitive advantage left is being human. Brian McRae reminds us that emotional loyalty, being known, valued, remembered, is what creates opportunity, referrals, purpose, and a life of meaningful success. Social media may get you attention, but it will never create devotion. Relationships do.

If you've been feeling alone, stuck, or unsure how to expand your circle of opportunity, this conversation is your roadmap back to connection.

Key Points with Reflection Questions:

1. Emotional Loyalty Is More Powerful Than Marketing. Most loyalty is transactional or habitual. But emotional loyalty, the kind your favorite small restaurant gives you when they remember your name and your kids, is what transforms your business and life. Brian built an entire mortgage business through emotional loyalty created at his monthly event. Reflection Question: Who in your life deserves more intentional appreciation from you this week?
2. Authenticity + Intentionality = The New AI. Brian says the most important "AI" in business isn't artificial intelligence. It's Authentic and Intentional actions. A handwritten note, a thoughtful question, or genuine curiosity carries more power than any automated funnel. Reflection Question: Where can you replace automation with authentic intention?
3. The World Rewards Generosity, Not Neediness. Most networking fails because people lead with "What's in it for me?" Brian teaches the opposite: Lead with gratitude, curiosity, and generosity, and doors open that marketing can't touch. Reflection Question: What's one simple generosity action you can take in the next 24 hours?
4. Referrals Come From Partners, Not Clients. Most people confuse their client with their referral partner. Referral partners don't want to be sold to. They want partnership, support, and value. Brian's business grew by helping other professionals grow theirs. Reflection Question: Who are your true referral partners, and how are you helping them win?
5. Relationships Require Rhythm and Systems. You don't need the perfect CRM. You need the one you actually use. Brian says: Identify your top relationships, Create a connection plan, Put follow-up time on your calendar, Track what matters, and Your calendar reveals your priorities. Your CRM reveals your influence. Reflection Question: What relationship rhythm do you need to protect weekly?
6. Success Requires Facing Challenges, Not Avoiding Them. Brian has worked with and coached thousands of successful people. Their secret? They don't avoid challenges — they grow through them. They look for opportunity in the obstacle. Reflection Question: What challenge are you resisting that might actually be your path to growth
7. Faith, Wisdom, and Mentors Shape Everything. Brian openly shares that faith transformed his life, and that mentors changed his direction. Success isn't achieved alone. It's shaped by the wisdom of people who've walked the road before us. Reflection Question: Which wise voice should you be listening to more closely right now?

Money Learning from Brian McRae:

Brian uses Profit First not because it's trendy, but because he never wants financial surprises again.

· Profit First gave him:

• Peace of mind
• Predictable cash flow
• Confidence his taxes and expenses were covered
• The freedom to build a coaching business in alignment with his strengths

He described Profit First as a system that eliminates stress and supports life-aligned decisions.

In Richer Soul terms: It's a structure that creates space for purpose.

Key Takeaway:

Success is not built on followers, funnels, or tactics.

Success is built on intentional generosity, consistent relational rhythms, and becoming someone others want to advocate for.

Emotional loyalty is the last unfair advantage in a world of automation.

Bio:

Brian McRae built an award-winning, referral-based mortgage practice that placed him among the top 1% of originators nationwide. But along the way, he discovered a surprising truth: success isn't about being the best salesperson in the room—it's about becoming the most trusted advisor in someone's life.

Today, Brian coaches loan officers, financial advisors, and attorneys on how to build rich relationships that generate referrals and grow their businesses—without sacrificing their faith, family, or fitness. His clients learn how to attract business instead of chase it, freeing up time and energy for what matters most.

Through his frameworks, the Trusted Advisor Playbook and the Momentum System, Brian gives leaders a step-by-step plan to win more clients by first winning more trust.

If you want to grow your practice through trust instead of tactics, Brian is the coach who can show you how.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankmcrae/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563450897284

https://briankmcrae.com/

Which insight from Brian resonated with you the most?

Share it with someone who needs to hear it — and consider sending a handwritten note this week. One small act of intention may open a door you never expected.

#RicherSoul #BrianMcRae #RelationshipMarketing #EmotionalLoyalty #PersonalGrowth #InnerWisdom #PurposeDrivenSuccess #AuthenticRelationships #GenerosityMindset #NetworkingTips #MindsetShift #LifeDesign #MeaningfulSuccess #ProfitFirst #EntrepreneurLife #SpiritualGrowth #SuccessMindset #LeadershipDevelopment #HumanConnection #IntentionalLiving

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Spiritual Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired

Most leaders try to think their way to clarity — only to get stuck in anxiety, over analysis, and pressure. In this episode, Dr. Yosi Amram reveals a different approach: using the wisdom in your body, not the noise in your mind. His story moves from trauma, military service, and a meteoric rise as a tech CEO… to a spiritual awakening that shattered his identity and led him into a lifetime of inner work.

Key Points with reflection prompts:

1. Your Body Doesn't Lie. Your Ego Does. Your body gives you truth signals long before your mind is ready to accept them. Reflection: Where in your life do you feel tension when you say something you "should" believe
2. Slowing Down Isn't Weak — It's Leadership. "Slow is smooth. Smooth is fast." Reflection: Where is rushing keeping you from clarity
3. Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) Complements Emotional Intelligence. Qualities like humility, presence, purpose, gratitude, and compassion directly correlate to better leadership outcomes. Reflection: Which SQ quality is calling for your attention right now?
4. Awakening Isn't Pretty — It's Disorienting. Yosi's awakening experience triggered a manic episode, cost him his company, and yet became the doorway to his purpose. Reflection: What painful event in your life later revealed itself as guidance?
5. The Future Will Reward Heart, Not Hustle. AI can mimic empathy — but it can't feel. Human connection, presence, creativity, and compassion will define the next era of meaningful work. Reflection: What human quality do you want to cultivate intentionally?

Money Learning from Yosi Amram:

Yosi's early money story began with parents who fled Iraq with nothing, rebuilding their lives from tents and scarcity. From that foundation he learned that money creates opportunity — it's what allowed him to attend MIT and Harvard through the support of a relative. But he also learned that money is psychologically loaded: it carries the weight of our upbringing, our fears, our beliefs about success, and our ego. As he shared, our bodies tell the truth while our egos distort it — and that shows up in financial decisions too. When leaders chase money for validation, status, or urgency, they climb ladders against the wrong wall. But when they slow down, get grounded, and lead from inner alignment, money becomes a tool for purpose rather than identity.

Key Takeaway:

The deeper truth you're seeking isn't outside of you — it's in your breath, your body, and your willingness to slow down long enough to hear it.

Bio:

Yosi Amram, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist, a CEO leadership coach, a best-selling and award-winning author, and a pioneeing researcher in the field of spiritual intelligence. Previously the founder and CEO of two companies that he has led through successful IPOs, Yosi has coached over 100 CEOs many of whom have built companies with thousands of employees and revenues in the billions. With engineering degrees from MIT, an MBA from Harvard, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Sofia University, his pioneering research in the field of spiritual intelligence, has received over 1000 citations. As a C-Suite, Amazon, and B&N best-selling author of the Nautilus Book Award Gold Medal-winning Spiritually Intelligent Leadership: How to Inspire by Being Inspired, Yosi is committed awakening greater spiritual intelligence (SI) in himself and the world. Yosi is also the founder of several non-profits, including trueMASCULINITY.org, Engendering-Love.org, and AwakeningSI.org.

Links:

Website: https://yosiamram.net

Non-profit: https://awakeningsi.org/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yosiamram/

Free SI Assessment: https://intelligensi.com/

Psychology Today Blog: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/spiritual-intelligence

IG: https://www.instagram.com/awakeningspiritualintelligence/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Spiritually-Intelligent-Leadership-Inspire-Inspired/dp/1960583697

SILeadership: http://spirituallyintelligentleadership.com

Youtube.com: https://www.youtube.com/@awakeningspiritualintelligence

Where in your life is your body telling you a truth your mind keeps trying to ignore — and what would change if you trusted that inner wisdom?

If this episode opened something for you, share it with someone who's growing and subscribe to Richer Soul for more conversations on purpose, clarity, and inner transformation.

#SpiritualIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #InnerWisdom #EgoWork #Mindfulness #YosiAmram #PurposeDrivenLife #SelfAwareness #ConsciousLeadership #RicherSoul

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Ep 470 Building Wealth

Keeping Your Money is Rare Skill!

How to Actually Keep Your Money: Why Financial Literacy Matters More Than Income

Most people think their money problems would disappear if they just made more. But as financial coach Alanna Abramsky shared in this episode of Richer Soul, that belief keeps countless high earners feeling stressed, behind, and ashamed. Alanna has worked with realtors, lawyers, doctors, professional athletes—and even with impressive income, many still live paycheck to paycheck. The issue isn't intelligence or effort. It's that no one ever taught them the systems, habits, and emotional tools needed to keep money once they earn it.

This conversation is an invitation to step out of shame, build simple and sustainable systems, and take back control of your financial life—in a way that supports a richer, calmer, more intentional life.

Key Points from the Conversation:

1. High Income Doesn't Equal Financial Confidence. Many people with strong incomes still feel financially anxious because no one taught them the fundamentals—intentional spending, tracking, and planning. Income is not the problem. Leakage is.
2. Systems Beat Willpower Every Time. Alanna helps clients set up automations for savings, debt payments, and long-term goals. Once systems run in the background, money stops being an emotional decision.
3. "Surprise" Expenses Aren't Surprises. Car repairs, holidays, insurance renewals, home maintenance—these predictable events often blow up a client's budget. Alanna uses "irregular expense funds" so these moments stop becoming emergencies.
4. The Emotional Side of Money Needs Healing Too. Shame, avoidance, scarcity, or early trauma often drive money behavior. The numbers can't shift until the underlying story does. For many clients, therapy and financial coaching work hand-in-hand.
5. Women Need Accessible, Judgment-Free Financial Education. A massive wealth transfer is coming—and much of it is going to women. Yet many women still feel intimidated or excluded from financial conversations. Alanna's mission is to change that by creating safe, empowering spaces to learn and lead.

Money Learning from Alanna:

Alanna's core lesson is simple: Your money grows when your systems do.

Most people try to "save whatever's left," then wonder why nothing is left. She flips the model:

• Pay yourself first
• Automate the habits you can't trust willpower to maintain.
• Track your net worth so you can see progress.
• Treat "irregular expenses" as predictable.
• Focus on behavior change more than spreadsheets.
• Money confidence isn't born from earning more—it's built from clarity and consistency.

Key Takeaway:

Financial clarity isn't about perfection—it's about the right systems, the right support, and the courage to face your money with honesty. When you simplify your approach and automate your success, money becomes a tool for freedom rather than stress.

Bio:

Alanna has been financial coaching for over 10 years and has helped more than 1,000 Canadians achieve their goals faster than they ever imagined. She started Broad Money with the mission of empowering women+ to take control of their financial futures, offering support and guidance every step of the way. Alanna helps people make money while they sleep by using personalized and actionable strategies that deliver results. Her goal is to help clients kick ass and conquer their finances with a clear, results-driven roadmap.

Alanna currently lives in Toronto with her wife, Jacqueline, and their fur-baby, George. In her spare time, she can be found RV'ing across North America, mushroom foraging, visiting local breweries and wineries, and hiking.

Links:

Website: www.broadmoney.ca

Instagram: @broad.money

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

#RicherSoul #FinancialLiteracy #WomenAndMoney #MoneyMindset #WealthBuilding #FinancialFreedom #PersonalFinance #LifeDesign #MoneyCoaching #IntentionalLiving

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

The Money Habit on How to Finally Take Control of Your Finances

What if your biggest money problem isn't how much you earn—but how you manage what you already have?

In this week's episode of Richer Soul, bestselling author Mike Michalowicz (Profit First, Clockwork, All In) returns to share insights from his new book, The Money Habit. It's a simple, behavior-based approach to mastering personal finances—no spreadsheets, guilt, or complicated budgets required.

Key Insights from the Conversation:

1. Making Money Is One Skill—Keeping It Is Another. Most people learn how to earn but never master how to keep money. Mike reminds us that wealth isn't built by income alone—it's built by intentional systems that preserve and direct your money before it slips away.
2. Financial Independence vs. Financial Freedom. Financial freedom is doing what you want, when you want, without worrying about money. Financial independence means having authority over your money—so it no longer controls you. That authority starts with awareness.
3. How Credit Cards and "Points" Hack Our Brains. Credit cards are engineered to make you spend more. Points and perks are psychological triggers that override rational decision-making. Mike shows how to flip the script by setting up commitment devices—systems that protect you from yourself.
4. Build Your Money "Envelopes" at the Bank. Instead of one big account, divide your money into clear purposes—needs, wants, dreams, and slush funds. Label debit cards for each category. When you spend, you'll instantly see whether you're honoring your priorities or drifting off course.
5. Teach by Example. Your kids don't learn about money from what you say—they learn from what you do. Modeling calm, structure, and intentional spending plants lifelong financial wisdom in the next generation.

Money Learning from Mike:

We often think more money will solve our problems. It won't. The real transformation happens when we gain authority over what we already have. Whether you earn $50,000 or $500,000 a year, financial independence starts by giving every dollar a job before it leaves your account.

Key Takeaway:

Financial peace isn't found in making more—it's found in mastering what you already have. Start small: create one new account for your biggest money worry today, label it clearly, and fund it consistently. Small actions, done repeatedly, become lifelong habits.

Bio:

Mike Michalowicz (my-CAL-o-wits) is the entrepreneur behind four multi-million-dollar companies and the author of bestselling business books including Profit First, Clockwork, The Pumpkin Plan, and All In. His newest book, The Money Habit, is a groundbreaking approach to personal finance. The television host of The 4 Minute Money Maker and a former columnist for The Wall Street Journal, Mike now travels the world helping individuals grow thriving businesses and live richer lives.

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeMichalowiczFanPage/

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/mikemichalowiczofficial

TikTok: Mike Michalowicz

https://dontwritethatbookpodcast.com/

https://mikemichalowicz.com/mikespodcast/

https://substack.com/@mikemichalowicz?utm_source=user-menu

Hear the full conversation with Mike Michalowicz on the Richer Soul podcast — where we explore the systems and mindsets that help you live richer in every area of life.

#TheMoneyHabit #MikeMichalowicz #ProfitFirst #FinancialIndependence #WealthBuilding #MoneyMindset #RicherSoulPodcast #RockyLalvani

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.

Ethical Persuasion

Ethical Persuasion: The Fastest Path from "Maybe" to "Yes" (Without Being Pushy)

Most decisions aren't made by logic—they're made by fast, intuitive shortcuts.

That's why great offers often stall: we speak to System 2 logic while the listener's System 1 is steering the wheel.

In this episode, Patrick Van Der Burght—ethical persuasion expert and business partner of Dr. Robert Cialdini—shows how to align with how people actually decide using Cialdini's seven principles of influence. The result? Communication that feels natural, honest, and effective whether you're leading, selling, or simply asking for change.

7 Key Insights You Can Apply Today:

1. Reciprocity ≠ "freebie-for-email." A true gift has no strings attached. If you require an email, it's a reward—not a gift—so it won't trigger reciprocity. Action: Offer one no-opt-in resource purely to serve.
2. Liking > "be likable." It's more persuasive that you genuinely like them than that they like you. Action: Express authentic appreciation before making an ask.
3. Unity creates momentum. When people feel part of a shared identity, they move faster and farther together. Action: Involve your audience, team, or clients in co-creating outcomes.
4. Social Proof must match the buyer. People follow others like them. Action: Use case studies or testimonials that mirror your ideal client's stage or values.
5. Authority: let others announce your credibility. Self-promotion weakens authority and liking; third-party validation strengthens both. Action: Add a professional intro or testimonial that speaks your credibility for you.
6. Credibility lives in precision. Rounded numbers signal estimates; decimals signal truth. Action: Use exact figures—"75.4%" sounds real, "75%" sounds guessed.
7. Loss beats gain. People act faster to avoid loss than to gain reward. Action: Reframe offers by showing what's lost through inaction.

Money Learning from Patrick's Upbringing:

Patrick grew up in a home where money was tight and every decision had to stretch the family's limited resources. That environment taught him that real wealth isn't about how much you have—it's about how much value you create.

Instead of chasing easy wins or cutting corners, he learned to lead with integrity and influence through trust. Persuasion, used ethically, opens doors that money alone never could. It's not manipulation—it's a tool for mutual success.

Key Takeaway:

Ethical persuasion is the art of aligning truth with trust. When your words honor both, "yes" becomes the natural next step.

Bio:

Before 2000, he was a sales rep, looking after a large part of Australia, selling Scuba Diving equipment to retailers. He was frustrated with the level of time and effort he was putting in, wanted to be better at selling, but he didn't want to lie or cheat either.

It was then that he discovered the work of Dr Robert Cialdini, and he has had a passion for educating others about this because he knows how much time, resources, and success they are wasting without it.

Circumstances enabled him to start teaching this science to professionals with Dr Cialdini's permission since 2000. In 2023, he was invited to become a Founding Member of the Cialdini Institute and was the first Cialdini Certified Professional and Coach to be accepted in the Cialdini Institute Licensed Trainer program.

Sales is other when Ethical Persuasion is first introduced, but it is not exclusively for sales. It is about creating behaviour in others and so that applies to any situation where a goal gets reached through the agreement or compliance of others.

Ethical Persuasion is NOT manipulation

A common mistake is to think that persuasion is making people do things they don't want to. Research shows that unethical use of persuasion science leads to long-term disaster, and ethical use leads to both short- and long-term success. This is why teams (and your audience) really embrace this way of communicating and use it.

Research-based

Nothing you get from him is based on Patrick's gut feelings or unfounded personal experience. What we as Cialdini Certified Trainers teach is grounded in research and scientifically sound.

Also for young adults

He loves sharing this with professionals, but he also has a passion to teach this to young adults before they attempt to 'convince' an employer with a predictably inefficient job application and go to an interview 'unarmed' when it comes to persuasion skills.

Persuasion is a much in-demand soft skill that should be mastered early in life, rather than late in life.

When the penny drops

It is engraved in his mind that eye-opening feeling he got when it sank in how easy, ethical, and powerful this science is to learn and practice. To this day, he loves seeing that in the eyes of my audience. He hopes to give your audience this same experience.

Links:

Website: https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/ Podcast 'Ethical Persuasion Unlocked' : https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/podcast/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ethicalpersuasion

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-van-der-burght/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ethicalpersuasion/

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

Twitter: https://x.com/yesmoreoften

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ethicalpersuasion

Book: https://yesmoreoften.com/

FREE Give-Away: Downloadable e-book (no email required, just download), and/or 7-day Influence Challenge: https://ethicalpersuasion.com.au/free-influence-persuasion/

Which of the seven principles do you naturally embody—and which one could transform your results if practiced intentionally?

#RicherSoul #EthicalPersuasion #Cialdini #Leadership #Influence #Integrity #DecisionMaking #Trust

Watch the full episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richersoul

Richer Soul Life Beyond Money. You got rich, now what? Let's talk about your journey to more a purposeful, intentional, amazing life. Where are you going to go and how are you going to get there? Let's figure that out together. At the core is the financial well-being to be able to do what you want, when you want, how you want. It's about personal freedom!

Thanks for listening! Show Sponsor: http://profitcomesfirst.com/ Schedule your free no obligation call: https://bookme.name/rockyl/lite/intro-appointment-15-minutes If you like the show please leave a review on iTunes: http://bit.do/richersoul https://www.facebook.com/richersoul http://richersoul.com/ [email protected] Some music provided by Junan from Junan Podcast Any financial advice is for educational purposes only and you should consult with an expert for your specific needs.