The Come Back Kings Podcast

 Episode Summary
 In this deeply personal episode, AJ sits down with longtime friend Markus Harris for a conversation AJ admits makes him nervous—because it touches a kind of pain that changes everything. Markus shares his life as a coach, school administrator, mentor, and filmmaker, then opens up about the unimaginable loss of his daughter Deia Wynn, who was killed in her sleep on October 19, 2023.
 Markus walks through the events of that night, the shock, the grief, and the moment his family had to face the reality that she was gone. He also shares how his sons responded in powerful ways—showing strength in the middle of devastation—and how Markus made a promise: to honor Deia’s life by how he lives.
 Out of that grief came a mission. Markus returned to the school system to pour into students who need structure, love, and guidance, and he also revived a story he wrote years earlier—The Walk—transforming it into a tribute film built with and for parents who have suffered the loss of a child.
 This is a conversation about grief, purpose, fatherhood, faith, and a truth Markus learned the hard way: you can still live in joy, even when your heart is broken.

About the Guest: Markus Harris
 Markus Harris is a high school basketball coach, football coach, school administrator, and student mentor who is passionate about helping young people find direction and stability. Outside of education, Markus is a screenwriter, producer, and actor, and the founder of Inspire Life Productions.
 His film work includes The Walk, a project born from personal loss and created as a love letter to his daughter. Markus also shares upcoming projects in development, including a comedy film currently titled The Shop, multiple short films aimed at film festivals, and larger story-based projects tied to community impact.

About the Host: AJ (Aaron James)
 AJ (Aaron James) is the host of the Comeback Kings Podcast, where real conversations help men face setbacks, rebuild stronger, and live with purpose. In this episode, AJ brings vulnerability and care—giving Markus the space to share his story fully, while guiding the conversation toward healing, meaning, and hope for listeners walking through grief themselves.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode
 • Markus’s life today: coaching, school leadership, mentoring, and filmmaking
 • How Markus got into screenwriting without film school
 • The night everything changed: losing Deia Wynn
 • How grief impacted memory, focus, and daily functioning
 • How Markus’s sons carried strength in the middle of tragedy
 • The promise Markus made: to honor her life by how he lives
 • How The Walk became a tribute film rooted in faith and healing
 • Why Markus returned to education to pour into students
 • A message to anyone grieving: don’t live in the darkest place
 • Choosing joy without guilt—even when someone you love is gone

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Comeback Kings Podcast, host Aaron James sits down with real estate operator and entrepreneur Joseph Valenzuela for a high-signal conversation on building wealth, rebuilding identity, and scaling the right way.

Joseph shares how his real estate journey evolved from a single Airbnb purchase in 2015 into house flipping, apartment projects, and major capital raises that unlocked bigger opportunities. He breaks down the moment his business shifted from bootstrapped hustle to true scale: raising $2M in his first capital raise, then completing a $7M raise to help fund a $28M project. Along the way, Joseph opens up about a tough season many high performers face: going from making $60K–$100K per month to making $0, losing direction, and having to start over while his wife carried the household financially.

This episode blends practical real estate strategy with personal comeback lessons, including money management, humility, routines at home, and how to keep building even when results are not immediate. Joseph also introduces a new product connected to solar that aims to help buyers get into homeownership with little to no out-of-pocket cash in many states.

If you’re a King trying to grow financially, lead your home well, and build a long-term plan without burning out, this one hits.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

How Joseph went from Airbnb investing to flipping and development across multiple states

Why certain markets are better for flipping versus buy-and-hold cash flow

The first capital raise that changed his business, and what it unlocked

What it feels like to go from $60K–$100K months to $0 and rebuild confidence

The difference between making money and managing money

How routines and systems become a survival tool when family and business scale

A simplified breakdown of a solar-based path to homeownership with reduced cash out of pocket

How to prepare for hard seasons, and how to keep moving while you are in one

About Today’s Guest: Joseph Valenzuela

Joseph Valenzuela is a real estate investor and entrepreneur based near Austin, Texas. Since entering real estate in 2015, he has built experience across Airbnb investing, house flipping, and development. He previously served as Director of Sales for a major California flipping operation that completed hundreds of deals, then launched his own company and scaled through capital raising and larger development projects across multiple markets.

Joseph is also stepping into a leadership role in a solar-based real estate solution designed to help buyers reduce the cash barrier to homeownership in many U.S. states.

Email: [email protected]
Instagram: Joseph J. Valenzuela
Facebook: Joseph Valenzuela

The CBK Network – More Than a Podcast

The Comeback Kings Podcast is part of the CBK Network, a community and app built for men who are ready to rise, rebuild, and reign.

Inside the free CBK app, you’ll find:
Exclusive after-show clips and guest access
Community conversations and chat rooms
Tools and training across health, wealth, relationships, and personal growth
Member deals built for real-life needs

Join the community at cbknetwork.com

Subscribe & Connect

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform
Leave a review to help more Kings find the show
Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Episode Summary
 In this episode of the Comeback Kings Podcast, host Aaron James sits down with Jonathan Nilsen, a Norway-born publisher now living in Phoenix, Arizona. Jonathan breaks down how he built a high-performing publishing business without writing the books himself, turning demand-driven self-help topics into real income through Amazon KDP and TikTok visibility.

But the real tension in this conversation is what happened behind the scenes. While Jonathan’s books were climbing and his numbers were growing, his personal life was under heavy pressure at the exact same time: a renewed custody battle, rising legal costs, a collapsing job situation, and the stress of delayed payouts while bills were due right now.

Jonathan shares what it felt like to carry “cortisol brain,” trying to stay present as a dad while solving money problems, court problems, and business problems all at once. He also explains the emotional shift that happened with his daughter—how he went from being seen as the “bad guy” to being understood as the protector. This is a grounded conversation about fatherhood, resilience, and building a way forward when you cannot afford to stop.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode
 How Jonathan built a publishing company without being the author.

How TikTok momentum drove Amazon growth and turned into serious monthly royalties.

Why Amazon payout timing can become a major risk when life hits hard.

What it looks like to scale a business while legal bills are draining cash.

How custody stress impacts a parent’s mental bandwidth and decision-making.

Why staying steady as a father matters when your child cannot see the full picture yet.

The difference between reasons and excuses when your life feels stacked against you.

How Jonathan thinks about resilience when you are backed into a corner.

About Today’s Guest: Jonathan Nilsen
 Jonathan Nilsen is a publisher and business owner based in Phoenix, Arizona. Originally from Norway, he runs a publishing company focused on self-help topics including emotional intelligence and inner-child healing. His approach centers on identifying market demand, creating solutions through books, and scaling visibility through platforms like TikTok and Amazon.

Where to Find Jonathan
 Amazon: Search “Mindful Minds Co”
 TikTok: Search “Mindful Minds Publishing”
 Instagram: Search “Mindful Minds Publishing”

About the Host: Aaron James
 Aaron James is the host of the Comeback Kings Podcast, where authentic conversations help men rise through setbacks, rebuild with purpose, and move forward with strength.

Learn more: cbknetwork.com

The CBK Network – More Than a Podcast
 The Comeback Kings Podcast is more than a podcast. The CBK Network is a global resource built for men ready to rise, rebuild, and reign. Inside the app, you’ll find tools, training, and real connections to help you level up mentally, financially, and physically. From exclusive content and community chat rooms to expert resources and member perks, CBK is the hub for men committed to real growth.

Download at cbknetwork.com

Subscribe & Connect
 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.

Leave a review to help more kings discover the show.

Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

EPISODE SUMMARY 

People don’t check out of life because they hate life — they hate the life they’re living. In this episode of Comeback Kings, Aaron James sits down with Jermaine T. Johnson for a raw conversation about pain, power, setbacks, and why healing work matters for men who carry a lot… and talk about none of it.

Jermaine breaks down what real growth actually takes: confronting trauma, doing the work, filtering the voices in your head, and building a life that isn’t run by fear, cynicism, or old stories you inherited.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, heavy, or like you’re fighting battles in silence — this one will meet you where you are.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• Why real strength starts with facing real pain
  
• How therapy and “process work” can expose triggers you didn’t know you carried
  
• The difference between being cheered for and being cared for — and why men need correction and protection
  
• Why many athletes (and high performers) aren’t prepared for money, pressure, and “no”
  
• How to rebuild after legal, financial, and personal attacks
  
• How to quiet the loudest voices in your mind and reconnect to purpose
  

About Jermaine T. Johnson

Jermaine T. Johnson is a coach, speaker, and entrepreneur with decades of experience in direct sales and leadership development. He shares his story with clarity and honesty, focusing on identity, healing, discipline, and the mindset required to rebuild after setbacks.

Connect with Jermaine

Instagram: @jermainetjohnson72

Join the CBK Network

Continue the conversation inside the Comeback Kings app and connect with the CBK community:
 cbknetwork.com

Chapters 

00:00 Intro: pain, purpose, and power

03:00 Welcome + Jermaine’s journey

08:00 Life, leadership, and current work

13:00 Athletic education and why it’s missing

19:00 “Cheer vs cherish” and protecting athletes

25:00 Therapy, trauma, and inner work

31:00 Identity, purpose, and the five questions

37:00 Major setbacks and legal battles

44:00 Dark seasons, survival, and resilience

50:00 Final lessons, connection, and closing message

Tags

Comeback Kings, Jermaine T Johnson, men’s mental health, trauma healing, therapy for men, personal growth, purpose, identity, overcoming adversity, resilience, mindset, leadership, success habits, life coaching, self discipline, rebuilding after setbacks, faith and mindset, emotional healing, motivation, inspirational podcast, athlete development, financial literacy, NIL athletes, conflict resolution, confidence, self worth, masculinity

Hashtags 

#ComebackKings #MensMentalHealth #Resilience #Purpose #Mindset

In this episode of the Comeback Kings Podcast, host Aaron James sits down with one of his closest friends and mentors, Dr. Obom Bowen, for a powerful conversation about pain, perseverance, and purpose.

From dying on the battlefield to building a life of total freedom by the beach, Dr. Bowen’s journey shows what real resilience looks like. A former U.S. Marine who flatlined in Iraq, survived homelessness, and rebuilt his life from a wheelchair, Dr. Obom has now built and sold over 100 businesses, written five bestselling books, and created a lifestyle centered on family, impact, and ease.

This conversation explores how he overcame trauma, betrayal, depression, and identity loss using emotional intelligence, discipline, and faith. Dr. Bowen shares lessons on marriage, mindset, money, and designing a life you truly want—even when the path begins at rock bottom.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Dr. Obom Bowen survived three explosions in Iraq and rebuilt his life
  
• The emotional toll of PTSD, divorce, and starting over with nothing
  
• How a single book in a storage unit shifted his entire direction
  
• The blueprint that took him from homeless veteran to multimillion-dollar entrepreneur
  
• Why emotional intelligence and purpose are more important than money
  
• How he and his wife created a location-free lifestyle
  
• Practical insights on marriage, family, consistency, and personal standards
  

About Today’s Guest: Dr. Obom Bowen

Dr. Obom Bowen is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, international speaker, and serial entrepreneur. After surviving multiple combat injuries and a series of personal and financial setbacks, he transformed his pain into purpose—launching businesses across real estate, commodities trading, and personal development.

He has authored five international bestselling books, built and sold more than 100 companies, and mentors leaders around the world in mindset, leadership, and emotional intelligence.

His journey, featured in The Comeback Code by Aaron James, demonstrates that no matter how far you fall, discipline and purpose can help you rise again.

Books: Think Big, Live Larger | The Formula | The Comeback Code (featured)
 Follow Dr. Obom Bowen: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

About the Host: Aaron James

Aaron James is the host of the Comeback Kings Podcast, a show created to help men rise from setbacks, rebuild with purpose, and reign with strength. He is the author of The Comeback Code: Unlock Emotional Intelligence for Men and the founder of the CBK Network, a growing community designed to help men grow mentally, emotionally, and financially.

Learn more and join the community: cbknetwork.com

The CBK Network – More Than a Podcast

The Comeback Kings Podcast is part of the CBK Network, a global community for men committed to growth, accountability, and personal reinvention.

Inside the free CBK app, you’ll find:

• Exclusive after-show discussions and guest sessions
  
• Tools for financial, mental, and physical growth
  
• Community chat rooms for honest conversations
  
• Resources on emotional intelligence, relationships, and leadership
  

Join the community and connect with men ready to rise and rebuild.
 Download the free app at cbknetwork.com

Subscribe & Connect

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform
 Leave a review to help more Kings discover the show
 Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this special solo episode of the Comeback Kings Podcast, host Aaron James opens up about his own comeback — the story behind the movement that’s helping men everywhere rise, rebuild, and reign.

After a painful divorce and the loss of the life he had built for eight years, Aaron found himself asking the hardest question a man can face: “Who am I now?” What followed was a journey through identity loss, emotional exhaustion, and rebuilding from the ground up.

Aaron shares how 2024 became his turning point — forcing him to slow down, reflect, and rediscover his faith, purpose, and mission. Out of that process came The Comeback Kings Network, a global community built to help men rise from adversity, grow emotionally, and lead stronger lives.

This episode is a transparent look into the personal story that started it all — and a reminder that healing, growth, and strength begin when we stop pretending to be fine.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

 The personal story that inspired the Comeback Kings movement
How Aaron handled identity loss after divorce and starting over at 45
The mindset shift that turned pain into purpose
Why emotional intelligence is key to every man’s comeback
How “The Comeback Code” became the foundation for CBK
  The vision for the Comeback Kings network

About Today’s Guest: Aaron James

Aaron James is a speaker, author, and founder of The Comeback Kings Network, a movement built to help men rise from setbacks and rebuild stronger lives. His book The Comeback Code: Unlock Emotional Intelligence for Men explores how self-awareness and EQ can transform every area of life — from business and relationships to purpose and leadership.

Through his work, Aaron is redefining what strength looks like for men — proving that emotional honesty and resilience can coexist.

📘 Book: The Comeback Code: Unlock Emotional Intelligence for Men (Available on Amazon)
📲 Connect with Aaron: Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

The CBK Network – More Than a Podcast

The Comeback Kings Podcast is part of a larger movement — The CBK Network — a network built for men ready to rise, rebuild, and reign with purpose.

Inside the free CBK app, you’ll find:

• Exclusive after-show discussions and guest access
• Tools for mental, financial, and physical growth
• Community chat rooms for real conversations
• Resources and mentorship from industry experts

💪 Join the global movement and be part of something bigger.
👉 Download the free app today at cbknetwork.com

Subscribe & Connect

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform
⭐ Leave a review to help more kings discover the show
📲 Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction: Who Are You Without Titles?

00:56 Unlocking Savings with Renegade TV

01:54 Welcome to the Comeback Kings Podcast

02:12 The Birth of the Comeback Kings Movement

03:29 Personal Struggles and Rebuilding

11:25 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

13:02 Building a Supportive Community for Men

14:25 Join the Comeback Kings Network

15:40 Conclusion: Rise, Rebuild, Reign

Episode Tags

Comeback Kings Podcast, Aaron James story, men’s mental health, emotional intelligence, personal comeback, divorce recovery, finding purpose after loss, The Comeback Code, building resilience, starting over at 45, leadership for men, identity after divorce, motivational podcast for men, men’s community, CBK Network

In this episode of the Comeback Kings Podcast, host Aaron James sits down with entrepreneur and founder DeAndre Etherly — the man behind Deezy Decks and Fundraise Me Please. From battling depression at the height of success to building one of the fastest-growing Black-owned fundraising companies in America, DeAndre’s story is one of resilience, leadership, and the mindset it takes to rebuild when everything feels lost.

DeAndre opens up about the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, the exhaustion of doing it all alone, and the breaking point that nearly cost him his peace. What followed was a deep personal transformation — a renewed focus on mental health, therapy, and self-discipline that helped him scale his business into the millions while becoming a more grounded father and leader.

This is a raw, honest, and powerful conversation about mental health, faith, and perseverance — a reminder that even in your lowest moments, your story isn’t over.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Deandre turned a small card idea into a multimillion-dollar company
• The emotional toll of entrepreneurship and how to overcome it
• The role of therapy and self-awareness in rebuilding your life
• Lessons on fatherhood, focus, and personal growth
• How to pivot through challenges and find your purpose again

About Today’s Guest: Deandre Etherly

DeAndre Etherly  is the founder and CEO of Deezy Decks and Fundraise Me Please, the largest Black-owned product-based fundraising company in the United States. Partnering with HBCUs and Greek organizations nationwide, his company helps communities raise funds through innovative and culturally relevant products.

DeAndre’s journey — from burnout to building a multimillion-dollar business — reflects his passion for purpose, growth, and mental wellness. His next venture, the Infinity Black Card, aims to create the largest national network of Black-owned businesses by 2026.

📲 Follow DeAndre Etherly:
 Instagram: @DeezyDecks
 Instagram: @FundraiseMePlease

About the Host: Aaron James

Aaron James is the host of the Comeback Kings Podcast, where authentic conversations inspire men to rise from setbacks, rebuild with purpose, and lead with strength.

🌐 Learn more and join the movement: cbknetwork.com

The CBK Network – More Than a Podcast

The Comeback Kings Podcast is more than a podcast — it’s a global brotherhood for men ready to rise, rebuild, and reign. Inside the free CBK app, you’ll find tools, training, and community spaces designed to help you grow mentally, financially, and spiritually.

From after-show discussions and exclusive interviews to real accountability and connection, CBK is where men turn setbacks into strength.

👉 Download the free app today at cbknetwork.com

Subscribe & Connect

🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform
 ⭐ Leave a review to help more kings discover the show
 📲 Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

In this episode of the Comeback Kings podcast, host Aaron James interviews former MLB All-Star Josh Harrison. They discuss Harrison's journey from being an undersized high school player to a successful 13-year career in Major League Baseball. Harrison shares insights about life after baseball, the challenges he faced, including injuries and the realities of minor league life. He emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, the complexities of MLB contracts, and the significance of family. Harrison concludes with powerful advice for aspiring athletes, encouraging them to trust themselves and not let others' expectations define their paths.

Takeaways

Josh Harrison reflects on his journey from high school to MLB.

He emphasizes the importance of family time after retirement.

Injuries played a significant role in his career challenges.

Understanding MLB contracts is crucial for players.

Minor league life is often tough and underappreciated.

Mental resilience is key to overcoming setbacks.

Harrison encourages aspiring athletes to trust themselves.

He highlights the importance of not letting others' expectations limit you.

His journey showcases the importance of hard work and dedication.

Harrison's story is a testament to perseverance and faith.

In this episode, Tyler Jorgenson shares his journey through setbacks, including losing everything during the recession, navigating a difficult divorce, and the importance of mental health and support networks. He emphasizes the significance of gratitude and personal growth, encouraging listeners to focus on what they can control and to seek professional help when needed. Tyler's story is one of resilience, highlighting that while setbacks are part of life, comebacks are possible with the right mindset and support.

Takeaways

Everyone is battling something, even those who seem successful.

Setbacks can lead to significant personal growth.

It's important to let go of the past to move forward.

Building a support network is crucial during tough times.

Therapy is a valuable resource for mental health.

Practicing gratitude can elevate your mindset.

Communication is key in relationships, especially during transitions.

You don't have to face challenges alone; seek help when needed.

Personal growth often comes from difficult experiences.

Focus on what you can control to foster resilience.

In this episode of the Comeback Kings Podcast, host Aaron James welcomes Jason Stewart, better known online as QB Stew. From being ranked the #1 JUCO quarterback in the nation to becoming a millionaire day trader and investor, Jason’s story is one of persistence, faith, and an unshakable drive to win.

Jason opens up about the setbacks that shaped him—working minimum-wage jobs, losing relationships, and nearly giving up on trading after two years of struggle. But his breakthrough came with the mindset he carried from football: study the game, stay patient, and trust the process. That obsession led to six-figure trading days, sports betting highs and lows, and building a lifestyle that earns respect from friends, family, and critics alike.

This is a raw, real conversation about discipline, emotional intelligence, and faith—delivered by a man who has lived both the highs of sports glory and the grind of starting over.

• How Jason went from JUCO QB #1 to day trading success.
  
• The struggles of blowing accounts for two years before his first breakthrough.
  
• The $103K day that changed everything—and why patience is key.
  
• Lessons from both trading and sports betting, including wins and losses.
  
• The role of emotional intelligence in managing money, risk, and setbacks.
  
• How faith and mindset carried him through the loss of his mother and life’s toughest challenges.
  

Jason Stewart, known as QB Stew, is a former JUCO football star turned millionaire day trader, investor, and mentor. His journey from football fields to financial markets has made him a respected voice in trading circles. Today, he shares his knowledge through a free course at qbStu.com, while inspiring others to pursue financial independence with discipline, patience, and vision.

🌐 Website & Free Course: qbStew.com
📲 Follow QB Stew: Instagram | YouTube | Twitter

Aaron James is the host of the Comeback Kings Podcast, where authentic conversations inspire men to rise from setbacks and reclaim their strength.

🌐 Learn more & join the movement: cbknetwork.com

The Comeback Kings Podcast is more than a podcast. The CBK Network is a global resource built for men ready to rise, rebuild, and reign. Inside the app, you’ll find tools, training, and real connections to help you level up mentally, financially, and physically. From exclusive content and chat rooms to expert resources and community challenges, CBK is the hub for men determined to turn setbacks into fuel for growth.

👉 Download today at cbknetwork.com

• 🎧 Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.
  
• ⭐ Leave us a review to help more kings discover the show.
  
• 📲 Follow us on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube