The Art of Winning

What if the very excuses you cling to are the chains holding you back from the life you say you want? In this episode of The Art of Winning, Ashton returns from a brief break to deliver a direct and challenging solo talk on accountability. He dives into the mental traps many fall into—blaming others, society, or circumstances—for their lack of success, health, or love. Ashton argues that real change only comes when we stop externalizing blame and start owning our outcomes. He calls on listeners, particularly men, to confront their stories, drop their excuses, and take daily action toward their potential. It’s a no-nonsense reminder that personal responsibility is the gateway to freedom.

[00:01 - 02:15] Identity vs. Accountability

• How taking ownership threatens your ego’s comfort
• Why shifting your “origin story” feels like identity loss
• The significance of seeing change as a death to the old self, not the true self

[02:16 - 04:45] The Stories We Inherit

• The importance of questioning narratives passed down from others
• How media and upbringing shape a mindset of limitation
• What it means to rewrite your story and take control

[04:46 - 06:30] The Power of Ownership

• How excuses give away your ability to act
• The significance of aligning actions with your true desires
• Why ownership brings power, progress, and peace of mind

[06:31 - 08:34] Write It Down, Make It Real

• The need to define your goals in concrete terms
• How writing down your goals keeps them top of mind
• Why daily alignment in thought, word, and action makes success inevitable

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

“Imagine calling yourself a man, but not holding yourself accountable to your true potential.” - Ashton Levarek

“When we blame others for where we are in life, we’re giving our power away.” - Ashton Levarek

Could the excuses you cling to be the very chains holding you back from the life you deserve?

In this powerful episode, Ashton Levarek challenges listeners to confront their excuses and embrace discomfort as the key to transformation. Through actionable insights and real-life examples, Ashton explains why taking imperfect action beats endless preparation. He emphasizes how fear and excuses often define our limits, but breaking through them opens doors to success in every area of life—wealth, health, relationships, and personal growth.

[00:01 - 04:00] The Decision Divide

• Explore the key difference between wealthy and poor mindsets
• Learn why taking action is more effective than endless research
• Understand how excuses build barriers to success

[04:01 - 08:33] Action Breeds Momentum

• Ashton highlights the ripple effect of taking action in one area of life
• The importance of starting, even if you don’t have all the answers
• Hear real-life examples of wealth-building tactics

[08:34 - 12:45] Breaking Through the Walls

• Identify the discomforts that signal areas for growth
• Recognize unhealthy coping mechanisms that suppress action
• Embrace challenges as opportunities for transformation

[12:46 - 16:26] The Power of Accountability

• Ashton discusses the lack of accountability in today’s society
• Learn why journaling and goal-setting are crucial for self-growth
• Discover how visualizing goals can inspire daily action

[16:27 - 20:21] 10 Questions to Unlock 2025

• Ashton presents 10 thought-provoking questions to guide your year
• Reflect on decisions, relationships, and untapped potential
• Challenge yourself to make changes that your future self will thank you for

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

"We don’t learn from other people telling us; we learn from taking action." – Ashton Levarek

"If your future self met you today, would they thank you or resent you?" – Ashton Levarek

What if the limitations you feel in life are simply old programming running in your subconscious, and you could rewrite it?

In this episode, Ashton sits down with Gavin Ashley, CEO of The Life Reboot, to explore the science of self-transformation. Gavin shares his journey from working in IT to becoming a brain reprogramming specialist, delving into how belief systems, trauma, and subconscious programming shape our lives. They discuss practical ways to identify and overcome mental barriers, techniques to create a winning mindset, and the role of parenting in fostering resilience and positivity in children.

[00:01 - 10:30] From Tech to Transformation

• Gavin's transition from computer tech to mindset coaching
• How the brain and computers share similar programming principles
• The importance of addressing subconscious influences

[10:31 - 20:58] Belief Systems and Self-Image

• Why outdated beliefs limit personal and professional growth
• The role of self-image in defining success and relationships.
• Strategies to reframe negative perspectives.

[20:59 - 30:30] Rewriting the Narrative

• How past trauma and experiences create recurring patterns
• Gavin’s process of neutralizing subconscious triggers
• Using awareness to break free from limiting identities

[30:31 - 40:48] Parenting for a Winning Mindset

• Building resilience and self-belief in children
• Techniques for fostering healthy emotional expression.
• Avoiding the pitfalls of disempowering language.

[40:49 - 50:57] The Art of Overcoming Overload

• How modern information overwhelm impacts cognitive function
• Practical steps to clear mental clutter and improve focus
• Gavin’s advice for achieving clarity and taking effective action.

Connect with Gavin!

Website: The Life Reboot

Instagram: Gavin Ashley

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

"How you do one thing is usually how you do everything." – Gavin Ashley

"If you're not updating your perspective, you're living through old programming." – Gavin Ashley

What if the only thing holding you back from achieving your dreams is your self-image—and changing it is as simple as changing your clothes?

In this transformative episode of The Art of Winning, Ashton dives deep into the concept of self-image and its impact on personal and professional success. He challenges traditional notions of bravery, reframing it as a matter of prioritization rather than an innate trait. Through compelling stories, actionable insights, and thought-provoking analogies, Ashton demonstrates how self-image dictates our actions and limits—and how altering it can unlock untapped potential. Whether it’s building a multi-million-dollar empire, becoming a better parent, or achieving peak health, this episode will inspire you to align your thoughts, words, and actions to become truly unstoppable.

[00:01 - 04:00] The Illusion of Bravery

• Bravery is actually about prioritization, not an inherent trait
• Extreme situations reveal our true priorities
• Our goals often remain unfulfilled due to misaligned priorities

[04:01 - 08:24] The Power of Priority Alignment

• Money as a tool for creating the life we desire
• Self-image as the foundation of all significant achievements
• Comfort zones are defined by our current self-image

[08:25 - 12:36] Military Mindset Mastery

• Military training as a model for identity transformation
• The role of repetition and mantras in changing self-image
• Actions become natural when aligned with self-image

[12:37 - 16:45] The Gratitude Approach

• Writing goals from a place of gratitude rather than want
• Daily practice of identity reinforcement
• The importance of pushing through physical and mental barriers

[16:46 - 19:51] Becoming Unstoppable

• The process of identity transformation is like changing clothes
• Consistency in thoughts, words, and actions creates lasting change
• Success comes from aligning priorities with desired self-image

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

“Bravery isn’t a trait; it’s a matter of prioritizing what matters most.” – Ashton Levarek

“You will never operate outside the limits of your self-image. Change your identity, and you’ll change your life.” – Ashton Levarek

How do you balance scaling a successful business while preserving time freedom and personal fulfillment?

In this episode, Doug Kechijian, former Air Force Pararescue Jumper and co-founder of a multi-location physical therapy practice, shares his journey from military service to entrepreneurship. Doug dives into the realities of growing a business, maintaining quality care, and balancing professional ambition and personal well-being. He discusses overcoming challenges in scaling operations, the importance of relationships in business, and the mindset required to pursue time freedom without guilt. Doug’s unique perspective offers valuable insights for both entrepreneurs and medical professionals.

[00:01 - 12:00] From Military to Medicine: Doug's Path to Entrepreneurship

• Doug shares how 9/11 changed his career path and led him to become a PJ
• Transitioning from military service to founding a physical therapy practice
• Importance of aligning skills and passions to find purpose

[12:01 - 24:25] Scaling Without Sacrificing Quality

• Growing from one location to six by leveraging trust-based relationships
• Subleasing as a strategy for growth while managing risk
• Balancing operational consistency across multiple locations

[24:26 - 36:56] Balancing In and On the Business

• Doug reflects on the challenge of balancing hands-on patient care with promoting the business
• Calculating ROI when shifting focus to growth strategies
• The art of taking calculated risks for long-term returns

[36:57 - 49:34] Achieving Time Freedom: Beyond Metrics and Busyness

• Doug explains his ultimate goal of time freedom and avoiding “busy for busy’s sake.”
• The dangers of over-quantified living and unnecessary busyness
• Striving for a life that aligns with values and instincts

[49:35 - 01:03:38] Building Relationships for Lasting Success

• Word-of-mouth marketing as the foundation of Doug's business
• Fostering trust and meaningful connections with clients and partners
• Relationships as the core of entrepreneurial success

Connect with Doug!

Website: Resilient Performance

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

"True freedom is the ability to be bored without feeling guilty about it.” - Doug Kechijian

“Passion combined with skill creates meaningful work.” - Doug Kechijian

What if you could eliminate your tax bill while building financial freedom and generational wealth?

Today, Ashton dives into actionable strategies for achieving financial independence through real estate investment and tax optimization. Drawing from personal experiences and lessons learned over six years, Ashton shares how to capitalize on tax incentives, structure assets strategically, and unlock the potential of short-term rentals. From hiring family members as part of the business to using cost segregation studies, Ashton outlines a clear path to creating wealth while reducing your tax obligations. Whether you’re a W2 employee, a high-income professional, or someone aiming to retire early, these insights could revolutionize your financial approach.

[00:01 - 06:50] Tax Secrets for the New Year

• Introduction to tax-saving strategies and upcoming tax season
• Highlighting key tax deductions available through real estate
• Overview of the "Millionaire Method" to minimize taxes

[06:51 - 12:57] Journey to Financial Freedom

• Ashton's transition from military service to real estate investment
• Early struggles and successes in real estate
• Lessons from managing $90 million in rental properties

[12:58 - 18:15] The Airbnb Advantage

• Why Airbnbs are more profitable than traditional rentals
• Insights into tax deductions from short-term rentals
• Generating passive income with lifestyle investments

[18:16 - 24:24] Hiring Family for Tax Benefits

• Leveraging tax laws to hire family members legally
• Structuring businesses to optimize expenses and deductions
• Benefits of converting personal expenses into business deductions

[24:25 - 31:32] Secrets to Tax-Free Wealth

• The mechanics of cost segregation studies
• Strategies to maximize depreciation benefits
• Using short-term rentals to bypass real estate professional requirements

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

"Taxes are optional—the government rewards those who invest in the economy." – Ashton Levarek

"With the right strategy, anyone can create tax-free, generational wealth using short-term rentals." – Ashton Levarek

What does it truly take to be the leader your family needs while becoming the best version of yourself?

In this compelling conversation, Ashton sits down with Jeff Wickersham, founder of the Warrior Dad. Jeff shares his transformative journey from corporate life to leading a movement that empowers fathers to embrace leadership within their families. Drawing from personal tragedy, his entrepreneurial leap, and a relentless commitment to self-improvement, Jeff reveals how small, consistent actions can transform not only individual lives but also generations. Together, they discuss the challenges of breaking societal conditioning, the power of leading by example, and the profound impact of building a legacy rooted in love and leadership.

[00:01 - 10:05] The Wake-Up Call

• Life-altering events often spark personal transformation
• Recognizing life's fragility can ignite the desire to create lasting impact
• Clarity on values drives decisive action, even in challenging moments

[10:06 - 20:49] Defining the Warrior Dad Ethos

• Leadership begins with rejecting mediocrity and embracing focus
• Daily intentionality strengthens family bonds and sets examples
• Walking an uncommon path requires courage and determination

[20:50 - 30:12] Breaking Free from Programming

• Cultural norms can reinforce vices and hinder growth
• Choosing to lead by example can inspire others despite criticism
• Building a supportive community amplifies the courage to change

[30:12 - 40:39] The Power of Daily Wins

• Simple, laughable routines create powerful momentum
• Consistency in small actions builds long-term habits
• Mastering fundamentals leads to confidence and courage

[40:40 - 53:57] Legacy and the Role of Fathers

• A father’s actions can transform the trajectory of generations
• Understanding life’s brevity clarifies priorities and purpose
• Teaching and modeling intentionality prepares children to thrive

Connect with Jeff!

Wesite: The Warrior Dad Experience

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

"When you invest in yourself, it benefits all those around you. It’s the most unselfish thing you can do." – Jeff Wickersham

"You don’t find fulfillment in just providing; you find it by being by your family’s side." – Jeff Wickersham

What if the things you desire most are within reach—but only if you're willing to change your state of being?

In this thought-provoking episode, Ashton explores the power of shifting one’s state of mind to attain life’s deepest desires. He dives into the concept of becoming the person who is worthy of love, success, and fulfillment by embodying the values and mindset required to achieve them. Through insightful “what if” scenarios, Ashton examines how the world challenges us to grow by withholding what we want until we are ready to handle it. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, the impact of self-belief, and the practical steps to transition from a state of wanting to one of having.

[00:01 - 03:32] What Are You Being Right Now?

• True change starts with how you perceive yourself and your identity
• Being in a “state of wanting” keeps you from achieving your desires
• Shift from wanting to getting by embodying the mindset of who you wish to become

[03:33 - 06:16] Strength Through Weakness

• Life presents us with weakness to build resilience and inner strength
• Requests for patience or love often lead us through challenging circumstances to find it within
• Personal growth often requires discomfort, pushing us toward self-fulfillment

[06:17 - 09:10] Building Self-Worth and Achieving Success

• Elevate your self-worth to match the goals you want to achieve
• Overcoming limiting beliefs is essential for personal and professional growth
• Life often mirrors our self-image; improving it attracts greater opportunities

[09:11 - 13:49] The Power of Authenticity

• Authenticity generates the strongest energy and attracts meaningful relationships
• Faking it until you make it is about visualizing and stepping into your ideal self
• Authentic actions grounded in intention lead to lasting transformation

[13:50 - 16:18] Visualize, Plan, and Act for Change

• Clarity about goals makes taking action easier and more purposeful
• Backward planning from a clear goal turns aspirations into achievable steps
• Embracing challenges as opportunities prepares us to handle success sustainably

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

"Anytime you want something, shift from the wanting to the having." - Ashton Levarek

“If you want to become an elite athlete, you act as one; you embody the role before it’s real.” - Ashton Levarek

How much of your day is spent on true progress, and how much is simply noise?

In this powerful episode, Ashton explores the critical difference between those who succeed and those who don’t: the ability to take ownership of their time, attention, and energy. He dives into why successful people filter out distractions and focus relentlessly on their goals, sharing stories of prominent figures who mastered the art of tuning out the "noise." Listeners are encouraged to consider what truly drives their ambitions, cut out limiting beliefs, and hold themselves accountable.

[00:01 - 03:38]The Self-Made Divide

• Successful and unsuccessful people are both self-made, but only the successful own it
• Circumstances don’t define success; mindset and actions do
• Realizing personal accountability is the first step toward meaningful growth

[03:39 - 06:44]Time, Attention, and Energy – The True Currency

• We all share the same 24 hours; how we spend it shapes our lives
• Attention is often wasted on things that don’t align with personal goals
• Energy is limited; wise usage accelerates growth and fulfillment

[06:45 - 10:35]Filtering the Noise

• Elon Musk exemplifies the power of cutting out unproductive conversations
• Avoiding “noise” helps keep focus on big goals
• Building strong boundaries around attention and energy aids in achieving remarkable success

[10:36 - 14:24]Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs

• Societal and familial “noise” often plants limiting beliefs
• Success requires challenging these beliefs and refocusing on personal goals
• Identifying and cutting out negative influences frees mental space for growth

[14:25 - 17:32]Creating Generational Impact Through Success

• Personal success builds a foundation for future generations to thrive
• Teaching focus and resilience transfers positive beliefs and habits to others
• Achieving personal success is a duty to inspire and equip the next generation

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

“Cut out the noise, focus on the stream and let it take you to your goal.” - Ashton Levarek

“We all have the same 24 hours in a day. The difference lies in how we choose to spend it.” — Ashton Levarek

What if your mind could function on a completely different level?

In this thought-provoking episode, Jeremy Lasman, CEO and co-founder of The Passion Company, delves into "Imagination Technology"—an operating system designed to break free from traditional survival-driven thinking. Jeremy discusses his journey from SpaceX to founding The Passion Company, exploring how timelessness and a subtractive approach can enhance human performance. They explore concepts of flow, timelessness, and conscious evolution, aiming to help listeners unleash creativity, joy, and self-fulfillment.

[00:01 - 09:33] A Different Way of Operating

• The survival mindset limits personal growth and creativity
• Shifting to timeless thinking can enhance self-awareness
• Imagination is a powerful tool for reinventing personal frameworks

[09:34 - 18:29] Finding Passion and Purpose

• Personal and professional challenges can ignite purpose
• Working in various roles fosters adaptability and discovery
• Pursuing one's passion can lead to fulfillment beyond financial success

[18:30 - 28:28] Breaking Free from Time Constraints

• Many anxieties stem from projecting worries into the future
• Present-focused awareness helps reduce stress
• Timelessness can shift performance and focus levels

[28:29 - 38:25] Accessing Flow and the Power of the Present

• Flow states enhance cognitive and physical abilities
• Timelessness can unlock new levels of human potential
• Elite athletes use flow to excel beyond conventional limits

[38:26 - 47:59] Reprogramming the Mind for Human Performance

• Consciousness training enables personal growth
• Reprogramming beliefs helps unlock potential
• Working on self-discovery leads to a stronger sense of purpose

Connect with Jeremy:

Website: The Passion Company

LinkedIn: Jeremy Lasman

Instagram: @lasmanfactory

Connect with Ashton!

Website: Valkere Investment Group

LinkedIn: Valkere Investment Group

Want to learn more about creating multiple streams of income, wealth protection, financial freedom, or real estate investing? Join our investor club, check out our blog, get our free ebook on investing, or join us for our monthly Real Estate Investing Made Simple virtual meetup. Take the first to your wins in life and head on to http://www.valkeregroup.com.

Key Quotes:

“Being present and playing with the tools of your mind is a lot different than being fear-driven and entangling that with the future.” - Jeremy Lasman

“Our work is about subtracting information so that you can get to your philosophy and live a more aligned life.” - Jeremy Lasman