Surviving the Side Hustle

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Transforming your health isn't about knowing what to do—it's about consistently doing what you know. This powerful truth forms the foundation of my conversation with Esther Avant, a behavior change specialist who's been working in the wellness industry since 2006.

As Esther explains, most of us have sufficient knowledge about exercise and nutrition. The real challenge lies in our consistency, commitment, and confidence—what she calls "the three C's of success." Drawing from her extensive experience coaching hundreds of women, Esther shares strategies that help high-performing professionals reclaim their health despite demanding schedules and competing priorities.

We dive deep into the psychology of behavior change, exploring why weekend choices often derail weekly progress and how anticipating challenges transforms outcomes. Rather than hoping to make better choices in the moment, Esther teaches clients to implement what she calls "life admin"—a simple planning practice that prevents many common pitfalls. This proactive approach eliminates the frustration of being caught unprepared and sets the foundation for sustainable results.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when we discuss resilience—how to bounce back from inevitable slips without falling into self-criticism. Esther advocates reframing setbacks as "learning-sized opportunities" that strengthen our approach moving forward. This perspective shift alone can transform someone's health journey from a series of perceived failures to a progressive path of growth and improvement.

Esther also shares her personal evolution from fitness professional to author and speaker, including how she overcame imposter syndrome to write her book "To Your Health" and pursue public speaking opportunities. Her closing advice resonates with anyone juggling multiple goals: believe you can accomplish anything, but focus on one priority at a time rather than making minimal progress across several fronts.

Whether you're struggling with weight management, seeking sustainable health habits, or simply trying to balance wellness with a demanding lifestyle, this episode offers practical wisdom and actionable strategies to help you move forward with greater confidence and success.

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Bill Korman transforms how we navigate life's most precious resource in this eye-opening exploration of time mastery. A Navy veteran of 20 years who simultaneously built multiple successful businesses, Korman reveals his revolutionary system—"The 168 Game"—that's helping entrepreneurs, athletes, and everyday people reclaim control of their 168 weekly hours.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Korman shares his journey through bankruptcy during the 2008 financial crisis. "I spent three hours bawling my eyes out having a conversation with God," he recalls of his lowest moment. This rock-bottom experience catalyzed his transformation and quest to understand what wealthy people know about money that most Americans haven't been taught—knowledge he now shares through his financial services company.

At the heart of Korman's philosophy lies the distinction between time management and time ownership. "Owners see things completely through a different lens than the best manager in the world," he explains. While traditional time management starts with tools and strategies, Korman's approach begins with identifying your personal morals, values, and principles—the compass that guides all your decisions. He introduces practical strategies like scheduling in 15-minute increments to uncover hidden pockets of time and his "Yes For Later" system to capture opportunities without overcommitting.

The episode delivers profound insights for listeners at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey. From practical calendar management techniques to the mindset shifts that enabled Korman to run four companies while maintaining balance across his "four pillars" of faith, family, fitness, and finance, you'll walk away with actionable strategies to reclaim ownership of your time and align it with your deepest values.

Ready to transform how you approach your 168 hours? Visit the168game.com to learn more about Korman's system and take the first step toward becoming a time owner rather than just a time manager.

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What happens when life throws your career plans completely off track? For Kevin Coleman, COVID-19's disruption of his broadcasting career became the unexpected catalyst for an entirely new professional journey—one that would leverage his communication skills in ways he never anticipated.

Kevin's story begins with childhood broadcasting dreams, mimicking Yankees announcers while watching games with his father. This passion led him to Curry College where he immediately gained hands-on broadcasting experience that larger institutions couldn't offer until junior or senior year. His tenacity and networking prowess quickly opened doors to coveted internships with the Boston Red Sox and New England Sports Network—where he kept his Yankees fandom secret until his final day!

After graduation, Kevin's broadcasting career flourished, first covering high school sports in Connecticut before landing at prestigious WBZ Boston as a news reporter. His first major assignment—covering a rare Cape Cod tornado—became national news, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. Yet when the pandemic hit, everything changed. Facing furloughs and uncertainty, Kevin made the bold decision to pivot to commercial real estate rather than waiting for the broadcasting industry to recover.

Today, Kevin leverages the communication skills, resilience, and networking abilities from his broadcasting days to thrive at Coldwell Banker Commercial, where he helps revitalize communities across Connecticut and New York. His approach to authentic networking stands out—focusing on genuine connections rather than transactions. "I'm always my genuine self," he explains. "I'm not going to sell you, I just want to get to know you."

Kevin's powerful advice resonates with anyone facing career challenges: "Have that determination and confidence and don't take no for an answer." His journey proves that adaptability, resilience, and authentic networking can transform unexpected setbacks into remarkable new opportunities. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn to continue the conversation about career pivots and the power of perseverance.

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Dr. Tamir Aldad takes us behind the scenes of his revolutionary approach to mental healthcare through Mindful Care, a network of mental health urgent care centers now operating in six states. As an addiction psychiatrist who saw patients waiting 6-8 weeks for critical care, Tamir identified a dangerous gap in treatment access and created a solution that's rapidly scaling across America.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of mental health treatment today. Tamir explains how his centers provide same-day assessment and treatment pathways for patients in crisis—accepting Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance when most competitors won't touch government insurance. This commitment to serving all populations comes with significant economic challenges, as reimbursement rates often don't cover costs, creating a constant balancing act between mission and sustainability.

We explore fascinating insights about addiction, including how substance use disorders often begin as attempts to self-medicate underlying conditions, and how behavioral addictions—from workaholism to exercise dependency—follow similar neurological patterns. Tamir candidly shares when these behaviors cross the line from healthy to problematic, offering practical frameworks for self-assessment.

Perhaps most compelling is Tamir's raw honesty about entrepreneurial life. Behind his impressive success—expanding from one location to ten in just five years—lies constant pressure, missed family events, and persistent self-doubt. "If anyone looks at me and thinks this guy has it together, it's completely an act," he admits. His advice for ambitious entrepreneurs? Set boundaries, practice saying no, and be comfortable disappointing people temporarily while building something meaningful. The world needs more leaders willing to make sacrifices to solve critical problems—Tamir shows us what that journey really looks like.

Ready to learn more about mental health services or get support? Visit www.mindfulcare.com or connect with Dr. Tamir Aldad on LinkedIn.

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Ronek Patel transforms personal adversity into powerful life lessons in this captivating conversation about authenticity, emotional fulfillment, and his new book "I Am Not Your Boy." After receiving an HIV diagnosis at 19, Patel embarked on a journey of self-discovery through years of therapy, ultimately identifying four essential components everyone needs for emotional wholeness: love, support, belonging, and trust.

What makes this discussion particularly compelling is Patel's willingness to be vulnerable while maintaining professional expertise. As a pharmaceutical sales representative by day and author by night, he brings a unique perspective on balancing career success with meaningful personal passion projects. His book serves as both a memoir of vulnerability and a practical guide to strengthening relationships with yourself and others.

The conversation explores eye-opening statistics about modern relationships - from the 97% failure rate of open relationships to the prevalence of undefined "situationships" among young adults. Patel doesn't shy away from uncomfortable topics like pornography addiction and hookup culture, approaching them with sensitivity and insight rather than judgment.

Listeners will appreciate the three-part journey Patel takes readers through: identifying problems rooted in past experiences, applying targeted solutions to present challenges, and building confidence to live authentically moving forward. His message resonates beyond relationship advice, touching on universal themes of identity, belonging, and personal growth.

Whether you're navigating cultural identity challenges, relationship difficulties, or simply seeking more authentic connections, Patel's advice to "chase after what's uncomfortable" offers a compelling framework for personal transformation. As he explains, "Some of the biggest rewards we get in life come from living through uncomfortability." Ready to fill your emotional buckets and live more authentically? This episode provides both inspiration and practical guidance for the journey.

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Craig from Dacy Financial Coaching reveals his remarkable journey from burned-out fourth-grade teacher to thriving financial coach helping small business owners master cash flow management. What started as a side hustle born from personal passion became his full-time pursuit in 2017 - despite having a newborn at home and giving his wife a PowerPoint presentation to ease her concerns.

The conversation dives deep into the Profit First methodology that transformed both Craig's business and those of his clients. Rather than treating profit as an afterthought at the bottom of financial statements, this approach prioritizes setting profit aside first through a practical system of dedicated bank accounts. "If you look at your P&L, you might see $20,000 in profit, but then look at your bank account and there's nothing there," Craig explains. This disconnect between financial reports and actual cash availability is what his coaching resolves.

We explore the emotional realities of entrepreneurship that aren't discussed enough - the impostor syndrome, the fear when first going full-time, and the cycles of financial ups and downs that even financial coaches experience. Craig's vulnerability about recent profit struggles and how he initially hid them reveals the human side of business ownership. His advice on creating a "cash runway" before leaving your job, knowing when to hire team members, and giving yourself grace during difficult periods offers practical wisdom for entrepreneurs at any stage.

Throughout the episode, Craig's emphasis on continuous learning shines through. Despite being a coach himself, he works with three different coaches and believes that if he's not investing in his own growth, he's undermining the very service he provides. For listeners contemplating the leap from side hustle to full-time business, this conversation provides both the inspiration and practical financial guidance to make that transition successfully.

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Ready to transform your professional life and love Mondays again? Tammy Alvarez, founder of the Career Winner Circle, takes us through her remarkable journey from commanding a 2,000-person team across 36 countries as a Wall Street executive to starting her thriving coaching business from a tropical island off Belize.

Tammy reveals the exact moment her corporate career became terminal — when she developed what she calls "I don't give a shit-itis" during yet another blame game in the boardroom. This candid revelation leads to powerful insights on finding your career sweet spot by focusing on what genuinely energizes you rather than just leveraging your marketable skills.

At the heart of Tammy's methodology are "the five lies" holding most professionals back from meaningful career changes. These deceptive beliefs — that industries don't hire outsiders, that career changes require sacrifice, that skills aren't transferable, that different means disadvantaged, and that companies will take care of you — keep talented people trapped in uninspiring roles. Her breakthrough realization that being different is actually a competitive advantage will resonate with anyone who's ever felt like an outsider.

For entrepreneurs and business owners, Tammy shares the game-changing strategy that increased her business's customer lifetime value by 40% — transforming from project-based to subscription-based service models. This isn't just theoretical advice; it's a proven approach that works across both B2B and B2C environments when properly implemented.

Looking ahead to 2025, she emphasizes the crucial need to embrace AI literacy ("you won't lose your job to AI, you'll lose it to people who know AI") and diversify income streams amid economic uncertainty. This forward-thinking guidance helps both employees and entrepreneurs prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn or visit careerwinnercircle.com for a complimentary assessment that could change the trajectory of your career or business. Whether you're contemplating a major professional shift or simply want to fall in love with your work again, this episode delivers actionable strategies to make it happen.

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A brutally honest conversation about what's wrong with modern charity work and how one Marine veteran is fixing it. Anthony, founder of Slice of Charity, Veterans Ally for Commerce, and co-owner of Frantoni's Pizzeria, reveals his radically different approach to charitable giving—one where organizations collaborate instead of compete.

"Most organizations are just like 'oh, it's about me, it's about me,'" Anthony explains, contrasting this with his vision where nonprofits work together toward maximum impact. His unique model uses a for-profit company that channels all profits directly to charitable work, creating what he calls "a direct bloodline to the charity" without constant fundraising pressure.

What began thirteen years ago with small Toys for Tots events has evolved into massive fundraisers attended by over 1,300 people at prestigious venues like Oheka Castle. Anthony's most recent event collected 5,000 toys while raising thousands in additional funds. His charity maintains an intentionally broad mission—helping everyone from children needing toys to cancer patients requiring financial support.

The conversation shifts from operational strategies to philosophical insights as Anthony shares his refreshingly straightforward approach to making things happen: "It's not about talking. It's about doing." He challenges listeners to stop overthinking and start taking action, noting that "every failure is a learning experience." For those claiming they lack time or resources to contribute, Anthony offers simple solutions: "Just even go on Instagram, like our page, share it—that costs you nothing."

Follow Slice of Charity on Instagram or visit sliceofcharity.org to learn about upcoming initiatives including a fundraiser supporting a veteran caring for a son with autism and brain cancer, and an ambitious project to provide 6,000 meals for Ronald McDonald House families.

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We all carry energy that either drains us or fuels us forward - but how aware are you of which energy you're bringing to your leadership and life? Coach Mo joins us for a powerful exploration of energy leadership that will transform how you view your daily challenges.

A former college football captain turned core energy leadership coach, Mo shares his journey from team leadership on the field to helping executives and managers break through their internal barriers. He reveals the fundamental distinction between catabolic energy (that feeling of being weighed down, frustrated, or stuck) and anabolic energy (the excited, motivated state where possibilities open up).

What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Mo's insight that draining energy isn't always negative. He candidly shares how he channeled the catabolic energy from his absent father into motivation that drove his success. The key lies in awareness - recognizing what energy you're bringing to any situation and understanding you have the power of choice to shift it.

The most compelling moment comes when Mo reveals his own transformation after being laid off following his first wedding anniversary. This pivotal experience introduced him to coaching and taught him that self-awareness creates choice, and choice creates freedom. Now he helps leaders develop this same awareness through a comprehensive assessment that identifies precisely what's holding them back.

Ready to get out of your own way? Connect with Coach Mo on LinkedIn or Instagram to learn more about his energy leadership assessment and discover what might be blocking your path to greater success and fulfillment.

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Discover the remarkable journey of JM, an accomplished entrepreneur who transitioned from the rigid confines of the corporate world to the liberating realms of entrepreneurship. Find out how his strengths in sales, leadership, and team-building powered him to build and sell three successful businesses. JM opens up about his personal transformation and how a book written for his sons, "Let's Go Win," unexpectedly unlocked a new passion for coaching and consulting, where he now thrives helping businesses and teams reach their full potential.

Gain insights into the art of self-development and group coaching, particularly tailored for those in the financial services sector. JM shares his experiences coaching individuals and businesses, emphasizing the pursuit of happiness, health, and wealth that extends beyond just financial gains. Learn the subtle yet powerful impact of upgrading habits, illustrated by a personal story of helping a friend manage diabetes, as JM prepares to launch a new group coaching program and a self-development project called Self, focused on strength, energy, love, and freedom.

Join us for a conversation about purposeful business growth and the significance of understanding one's motivations and "why" behind business ventures. Listen to JM's reflections on the pitfalls of chasing mere financial success, which can lead to burnout, and the importance of aligning business efforts with personal values. As JM shares his entrepreneurial journey, he offers valuable lessons on embracing failure and using it as a stepping stone towards success, all while expressing gratitude for learning from these experiences.