In this episode, Connor Kenny, a 23-year-old real estate investor with a $7 million portfolio, shares his journey of dropping out of college, using creative financing strategies, and building a thriving business. His insights challenge conventional wisdom and inspire young entrepreneurs to pursue their passions with confidence.

Main Topics:

Connor's unconventional journey: dropping out of college at 19 to pursue real estate

-Creative financing: seller financing explained

-The importance of relationships and in-person networking in real estate

-Balancing social media use: content creation vs. doom scrolling

-Lessons from managing challenging properties and early setbacks

-Building confidence through mentorship and peer influence

-The power of discipline and discernment in choosing friends and opportunities

-The significance of physical activity and mental resilience in high performance

Timestamps:

00:00 - Intro: Storytelling meets unsolicited advice with Connor Kenny

00:25 - Connor's background: young real estate investor with a $7M portfolio

01:03 - Family background: entrepreneurial parents and siblings

01:44 - Dropping out of college: key motivations and turning points

02:41 - The moment Connor decided to leave college for real estate

03:14 - The value of internships and early experience over college degree

04:06 - Challenges and benefits of taking unconventional routes

05:15 - Views on internships, paid vs. unpaid, and student motivation

06:28 - Perspective on social media: realism and fostering connections

07:21 - Breaking misconceptions about career success and income expectations

08:22 - The importance of active outreach: cold calls, networking, and cold emails

09:35 - Overcoming fear of rejection and external voices

10:17 - Sitting in the front row to stand out at conferences and events

11:05 - The impact of social media on mindset and expectations

12:11 - Strategies for controlling social media usage and impostor syndrome

13:16 - Authenticity and content creation: let social media work for you

14:01 - Tools and habits for time management on social media

16:11 - Connor’s first property: a duplex bought at age 19 with seller financing

17:01 - Understanding seller financing: how it works and benefits

19:00 - The process of negotiating and funding the property purchase

20:26 - Legal documentation: promissory notes and deed of trust

21:06 - The flexibility of seller financing and interest rate negotiations

22:10 - How Connor built trust and credibility with sellers

23:14 - The importance of prospecting: cold calling and rejection resilience

24:00 - Building relationships: in-person meetings vs. digital outreach

25:01 - The power of face-to-face interaction in deal-making

26:15 - Maintaining long-term relationships in real estate

27:01 - The craziest houses Connor has seen and lessons learned

28:00 - A challenging experience with a neglected property

31:55 - The value of tackling difficult properties early

32:16 - Reality check: flipping shows vs. actual renovation work

33:42 - Unrealistic expectations from media and young investors

34:38 - Building your authentic peer circle and mentorship

36:41 - Shedding unwanted friendships and focusing on growth

38:11 - Balancing fun, health, and high-performance routines

41:28 - Training for marathons and Ironmans: discipline beyond business

44:40 - Lessons on being misunderstood and persistent in pursuit of success

47:44 - Final advice: embrace risk, follow your passion, and have no fear

50:08 - Connor’s social media and contact details

Resources & Links:

Connor Kenny Website: https://connorkenny.com/

Connor Kenny on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/connorkenny

Connor Kenny on Instagram: https://instagram.com/connorkenny

Additional Notes:

This episode showcases a remarkable example of youthful entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of networking, resilience, and creative financing strategies. Connor’s honesty and transparency provide actionable insights for anyone looking to start or accelerate their real estate journey or build confidence in non-traditional paths.

🔥 Buckle up for a story packed with resilience, leadership, and lessons that can transform your mindset. Kennedy Muff shares her powerful journey from college volleyball star battling injuries to a thriving sales professional and inspirational leader.In this episode:

• Kennedy’s athletic journey—from Wisconsin roots to playing in the NCAA's biggest stadiums
• Overcoming injuries that threatened her career and how she turned setbacks into comebacks
• The role of culture, trust, and sacrifice in sports and life
• How networking and serendipity paved her path to success
• The importance of knowing your worth and surrounding yourself with supportive people

Timestamps:

00:00 - Unlocking resilience: Kennedy’s volleyball narrative from knee injuries to record-breaking games

02:00 - Midwest beginnings and the decisive move south for college recruitment

05:00 - Life lessons learned from tearing her ACL and how that shaped her leadership

08:00 - The power of serendipity: Connecting the dots in unexpected ways

11:30 - Why story-telling unlocks growth and inspires others

14:00 - Leading from the bench: Infusing culture through sacrifice and service

17:00 - The physical and mental journey post-injury—mindset, purpose, and perseverance

20:00 - Transitioning into sales: How athletic skills transfer to business success

23:00 - Building trust and leadership outside the game—small acts that make a big difference

27:00 - Embracing hard things: Pilates, yoga, and the mindset of doing what’s hard for health and happiness

30:00 - Navigating difficult conversations: Trust, honesty, and growth

33:00 - Building genuine relationships—storming, norming, and performing as a team

36:00 - Starting fresh in the professional world—drowning, learning, and rising again

39:00 - The power of passion and purpose in sales and connection

44:00 - The magic of NIL deals and leveraging stories for opportunities

50:00 - The importance of discernment—protecting your energy and your worth

55:00 - The journey of self-worth—believing in yourself beyond what others think

58:00 - Practical advice for young athletes and women of all ages—knowing your worth and creating a supportive circleResources & Links:

• Kennedy Muff on LinkedIn
• Kennedy Muff on Instagram
• Title IX and Women in Sports
• Serendipity Movie

Connect with Kennedy:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram

This episode is a call to action—embrace adversity, trust your journey, and always keep your worth front and center. Whether you’re a student, athlete, or a seasoned professional, Kennedy’s story reminds us that within us all lies the power to turn setbacks into setups for greatness. Your best is yet to come—step boldly into it!

Most young creatives are intimidated by the idea of asking for what they’re worth — Riley’s bold move to state her rate openly changed everything. She reveals how saying "this is my rate" might just be the game-changer for your confidence, your work, and your income.Imagine the courage it takes to speak up in a room full of doubt and insecurity—then realizing your voice actually empowers others. Riley shares her journey from nervousness to unapologetic professionalism, proving that even when you feel unready, taking that leap can skyrocket your self-respect and client respect alike.You’ll discover:

• Why saying your rate out loud is a boundary and a gateway to better clients
• How to beat the fear that keeps freelancers silent about their worth
• The underestimated power of doing hard things—even when it’s cringe-worthy
• Why freelance success isn’t about knowing everything — it’s about showing up, saying "yes," and trusting your talent

The stakes? Without this confidence, you might stay invisible or undervalued—missing out on opportunities that could define your future. But when you learn to stand firm and communicate your worth, you unlock more projects, more pay, and a stronger identity as a creator.This episode is a must-listen if you're ready to break free from imposter syndrome, elevate your freelancing game, and own your space in the creative world. Don't let fear hold you back—bold moves make bold artists. Hit play now and start rewriting your story.Guest Credibility: Riley is a passionate freelance graphic designer and artist, known for her authentic approach and inspiring honesty about taking risks and valuing her work.Why this works: This description opens with a powerful, relatable story of courage, instantly grabbing attention. It clearly outlines specific insights Riley shares, emphasizing transformation and immediate value for freelancers or those hesitant to claim their worth — all wrapped in an energetic and authentic tone to inspire action.

Most teams overlook the tiny, seemingly insignificant habits that make or break their championship dreams. Elise reveals how small, consistent efforts—like showing up on time, stretching after practice, and a culture rooted in selflessness—culminate in historic wins and unbreakable team bonds.This episode is a wake-up call for athletes, coaches, and leaders who are tired of the "big fixes" and want to understand the real secret to sustained success. You’ll discover how a culture of small intentional actions builds resilience, trust, and ultimately, victory—whether in sports or life. Elise shares her journey from heartbreak to victory, illustrating how leadership isn’t about grand gestures but about relentless commitment to the tiny details that set winners apart.

We break down:

• The power of a growth-oriented mindset and patience
• How small daily habits shape championship teams
• The role of humility and authenticity in leadership
• Why culture is the ultimate game-changer
• The importance of trusting the process, especially when no one is watching

If you’re tired of surface-level advice and crave proven strategies rooted in emotion, dedication, and humble leadership, this episode is your blueprint. Perfect for athletes, students, and anyone ready to turn the little things into big wins.Elise is a college track star turned leader, whose story of victory, vulnerability, and grit will inspire you to focus not only on the big moments but also on the tiny, powerful habits that make all the difference.This is more than a sports episode — it’s a life lesson on how to lead with integrity and build a legacy that lasts long after the final whistle. Hit play and start transforming your approach today!

Most college students and young professionals are terrified of cold outreach, but Dylan Pinkins — a finance whiz and startup founder — reveals how curiosity and persistence can demolish rejection.

His story of starting from Chick-fil-A to building relationships with investors shows that the key to success isn’t waiting for opportunity; it’s creating it through fearless connection and relentless effort.You'll discover how to reframe rejection as a stepping stone, why understanding life's unpredictability is your secret weapon, and how building genuine relationships accelerates even in a down market.

Dylan shares unfiltered truths about overcoming fear, not just in networking but in navigating the tumultuous job market post-graduation, especially as layoffs sweep across industries. His insights on leveraging technology like AI, the importance of intentionality, and how to cultivate resilience make this episode a must-listen for anyone feeling overwhelmed or stuck.

This isn’t just about career advice—it's a call to action. If you’re tired of feeling powerless in your journey, Dylan’s bold strategies will inspire you to own your story, embrace vulnerability, and take decisive action. Perfect for recent grads, young entrepreneurs, and anyone hungry to break through barriers with authenticity and grit.And Dylan? He’s a visionary building a personal network assistant called Timing—designed to help you manage relationships and unlock opportunities before they slip away.

His mission? To help you see that success is a relationship game, and the best players are those unafraid to reach out first.Are you ready to ditch the fear, challenge the status quo, and unlock your full potential? Hit play—your breakthrough starts here.

A Conversation with a Gen Z Trailblazer: Dive into the raw, real, and inspiring story of a young woman redefining success, connection, and self-discovery in a rapidly changing world. This episode is a call to young dreamers everywhere — to be bold, authentic, and unapologetically you. In this episode:

• How a triple major is reshaping the narrative around what it means to stand out
• The power of switching off social media and focusing on real-world connections
• Why authenticity is your most valuable currency in networking
• The importance of embracing awkward moments and rejection as growth
• Practical tips for making friends, exploring passions, and living fearlessly
• The impact of stepping outside of the 'American bubble' and learning from creative, cultural experiences
• Real talk on mental health, loneliness, and the importance of maintaining your own identity
• Navigating social pressures around appearance, branding, and external validation
• Why having multiple streams of interest and income is more than a trend — it’s a safeguard for your sanity
• A powerful reminder: “Do it scared, do it happy, do it for you”

Timestamps: 00:00 - The power of authenticity: Why being yourself is your greatest strength

02:04 - Switching off Instagram and TikTok to focus on building meaningful connections

03:32 - How to network on LinkedIn without feeling awkward

04:38 - Finding common ground in conversations — a secret to lasting connections

06:01 - The art of saying no to people and situations misaligned with your goals

08:04 - Celebrating the uniqueness of being a triple major — intersectionality and pride

11:12 - Rediscovering fun and identity beyond the grind of college

12:58 - Managing time, burnout, and the importance of mental health

14:39 - The beauty of letting go: Why not all relationships are meant to last

16:04 - Preparing for life after college: Embracing change and leaving the bubble

18:37 - The reality of adult life and how to navigate it with confidence

20:54 - Exploring passions: What would you do if money was no object?

23:38 - The importance of cybersecurity and the evolving tech landscape

25:56 - Balancing appearance, style, and authenticity in a world obsessed with perfection

27:21 - The entrepreneurial spirit: Family influence and future plans

28:27 - How to build your social capital on campus with confidence

34:16 - Recognizing and overcoming limiting beliefs passed down from elders

35:48 - Overconnection, social media dependency, and the loneliness epidemic

40:25 - Practical advice for making friends in college and beyond

43:46 - The reality of awkward moments and why they’re part of growth

44:50 - The influences shaping Gen Z perceptions of success and identity

50:29 - The importance of chasing your passions over societal expectations

52:20 - Wisdom for adults: Keep your curiosity alive and help the next gen thrive

What does it really take to balance Division I softball, college life, leadership, friendships, and your own mental health?

In this episode, Britt sits down with Shelby Dyer, a junior at Rider University and D1 softball player, to talk about the real side of being a young athlete today.

Shelby opens up about:

• The pressure to always be involved and “doing something”

• Managing stress without being told it’s okay to take a break

• The mental toughness required in a sport that’s literally a game of failure

• Adapting to new coaching styles and evolving expectations

• The impact of social media on young athletes

• Why perspective changes everything

• Seizing opportunities while you’re young

They dive into the balancing act of staying active, staying curious, and staying grounded — especially in a culture that rewards constant motion.

Shelby reflects on how her upbringing shaped her drive, how team dynamics impact performance, and why leadership at a young age looks different than people think.

This conversation is about sports — but it’s also about growth, identity, resilience, and learning how to zoom out when things feel overwhelming.

If you’re a student-athlete, coach, parent, or young adult trying to figure it out, this episode will resonate.

Because at the end of the day?

It’s a game of failure.

Seize every moment.

And it’s all about perspective.

—

CHAPTERS

00:00 A New Perspective

02:12 Shelby’s Multifaceted College Life

05:53 The Drive to Stay Active

09:46 Overstimulation & Finding Balance

11:53 Why Diverse Interests Matter

15:53 Curiosity as a Leadership Skill

18:01 The Power of Relationships

20:50 Softball & Life Lessons

22:33 Age & Maturity in College Sports

25:10 The Reality of College Softball

28:55 Growth Through Adaptation

31:14 The Mental Game

33:50 Leadership & Team Dynamics

41:17 Navigating Athletic Struggles

42:57 Building Mental Resilience

45:02 Social Media & Athlete Pressure

46:53 Embracing Uncertainty

49:05 Skills That Transfer Beyond Sports

53:45 Life After Athletics

56:09 Advice for Young Adults

57:55 The Power of Perspective

What does it actually feel like to leave your home country, move to the U.S., play college basketball… and then enter the transfer portal?

Yeah. We went there.

In this episode, Filippa Gula opens up about life as an international student-athlete — the pressure, the emotional weight of transferring schools, and the hard conversations that come with chasing growth.

We talk about:

• Moving across the world for basketball

• The emotional toll of the transfer portal

• Having uncomfortable conversations with coaches

• Team dynamics and how they impact performance

• Gen Z, social media, and outside expectations

• Balancing academics and athletics

• Perfectionism, pressure, and confidence

• Learning that sometimes… nobody cares as much as you think

This conversation is real, reflective, and honest about what it takes to grow when everything feels uncertain.

If you’re a student-athlete, a coach, a parent, or someone navigating high expectations — this one will resonate.

Growth isn’t glamorous.

It’s uncomfortable.

And sometimes, you have to do it again.

The conversation covers the topics of unsolicited advice, college life, personal identity, loneliness, hobbies, friendship, and understanding success and setbacks. Maurice Walker II shares insights on these topics and the impact of adult guidance on the younger generation. The conversation delves into the redefinition of success, the challenges of setbacks, career aspirations, overcoming challenges, and finding strength in adversity. It explores the pressure of accolades, the mental toll of consistent injury, the path to becoming a GM, coping strategies for tough times, and the role of prayer and family support in navigating adversity. The conversation delves into Maurice Walker II's early life struggles and the resilience he developed as a result. It then explores the power of journaling and self-reflection, followed by a discussion on finding internal happiness and peace. The subsequent chapters cover mentoring and sharing wisdom with younger teammates, receiving praise and maturity, balancing individual and team success, the role of selfishness in sports and life, traveling for perspective and growth, unsolicited advice for adults and older individuals, and a lighthearted discussion on the name confusion and family tree.

Takeaways

• Understanding the concept of success and setbacks
• The impact of adult guidance on the younger generation Success is not just about accolades
• Leadership is not one-size-fits-all Journaling for self-reflection
• Balancing internal and external sources of happiness

Chapters

• 00:00 Unsolicited Advice and College Life
• 08:00 Hobbies and Friendship
• 13:58 Understanding Success and Setbacks
• 19:52 Redefining Success
• 32:24 Career Aspirations
• 38:10 Overcoming Challenges
• 43:59 Early Life Struggles and Resilience
• 49:21 Receiving Praise and Maturity
• 57:12 Traveling for Perspective and Growth
• 01:03:05 The Name Confusion and Family Tree Discussion

In this episode of the Thanks But No One Asked You podcast, host Britt Hunter engages in a lively conversation with Dr. Ronald Reeves, exploring a range of topics from fraternity rankings to the impact of scandals in sports organizations. Dr. Reeves shares his personal experiences and insights on the importance of mentorship, the value of a PhD, and the realities of working in sports. The discussion also touches on the challenges faced by coaches and their families, as well as the need for young people to speak up about wrongdoings. With a mix of humor and candor, this episode provides valuable advice for aspiring student athletes and professionals in the sports industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Ronald Reeves

02:59 Fraternity Rankings and Personal Experiences

05:49 Reflections on Michigan Scandal

08:26 Dr. Reeves' Background and Career Path

11:28 Navigating Conversations on Religion

14:27 Realizations of Aging and Physical Limitations

17:25 The Value of a PhD

20:27 The Importance of School Reputation

23:19 Insights on Working in Sports

29:23 Advice for Student Athletes

34:18 The Impact of Scandals on Organizations

39:19 Empowering the Younger Generation

43:05 Challenges for Coaches and Their Families

50:03 This or That: Unsolicited Advice Segment