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In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nickolas Natali sits down with endurance athlete and triathlete Austin Schneider to dive deep into the mental and physical demands of long-distance racing. From his first spontaneous ultra-style adventure running the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim-to-rim, to competing in marathons, 100Ks, and 70.3 Ironman races, Austin shares the mindset shifts, training strategies, and lifestyle adjustments that have fueled his growth. The conversation explores the cultural differences between ultrarunning and triathlon, the brutal honesty of endurance sports, and how consistent, incremental gains mirror the realities of building a successful business. Austin opens up about injuries, race-day mistakes, nutrition hacks, the role of coaching, and balancing his athletic pursuits with personal relationships and professional responsibilities. Whether you’re an aspiring endurance athlete, a business owner looking for mental toughness tips, or simply curious about the world of high-performance training, this episode delivers hard-earned lessons and candid insights you won’t want to miss.
Takeaways
Building endurance is as much mental as it is physical, mindset drives performance.
Big goals often start with small, consistent habits (e.g., running 5K daily).
Exposure to high-achieving peers can make “impossible” challenges feel attainable.
Ultra and triathlon cultures differ — ultras lean collaborative, triathlons are more competitive.
Marginal gains over time are the key to improving in both sports and business.
Race-day execution depends heavily on experience and preparation, not just fitness.
Nutrition strategy matters — efficiency often trumps indulgence during events.
Injuries can be reframed as opportunities to explore new disciplines (e.g., cycling during plantar fasciitis recovery).
Pacing and strategy can prevent burnout and improve race results.
Transition practice in triathlon can save significant time.
Endurance training teaches honesty — there are no shortcuts to meaningful performance.
Fulfillment comes from balancing your key “buckets” in life: relationships, business, hobbies, and health.
Chapters
00:00 How Austin Got Hooked on Endurance Challenges
02:30 From Daily 5Ks to the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim
04:30 Training for Ultras vs. Marathons
06:00 The Emotional Highs (and Lows) of Big Races
08:00 Injury, Recovery, and Discovering Triathlon
10:00 Ultra Running Culture vs. Triathlon Competitiveness
12:00 Lessons Learned from His First 70.3 Ironman
15:00 Race-Day Nutrition & Transition Time Secrets
18:00 Pacing, Strategy, and Avoiding Burnout
21:00 Mental Walls, Type 2 Fun, and Pain Tolerance
26:00 How Endurance Sports Mirror Business Success
31:00 Goals, Fulfillment, and Balancing Life’s Buckets
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
Austin Schneider’s Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/austinrschneider/
https://www.instagram.com/theaustinschneider/
https://www.youtube.com/@AustinrSchneider
Austin Schneider’s Website:
https://workshop.agencyu.co/agency-systems-workshop-v2
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nickolas Natali sits down with Austin Schneider, a former real estate agent turned agency founder who built a multi-seven-figure creative business from the ground up. Austin shares his deeply personal journey, from growing up in a financially unstable home with a brother battling addiction and a mother burdened with debt, to dropping out of college, mopping lead floors under a bridge, and walking away from a $160K sales job to pursue entrepreneurship.
Austin pulls back the curtain on the early chaos of his agency, the burnout that nearly broke him, and the systems he had to build to evolve from operator to orchestrator. He also shares the pivotal role mentorship, faith, and personal relationships played in shaping his journey. Whether you're feeling stuck in your business or trying to scale without losing your sanity, Austin’s insights into productizing skills, structuring teams, and removing ego from the equation are invaluable.
This is a raw, insightful, and motivational conversation that proves you can turn pain into power, and that systems, not hustle, are what scale.
Takeaways
Austin grew up in a financially unstable household and experienced credit fraud, addiction, and eviction at a young age.
His early adult years were marked by addiction to weed, partying, and directionless living.
Austin left a $160K+ job at NBC to pursue entrepreneurship, starting with freelance creative work in real estate.
Burnout from over-identifying with his business caused a breakup and forced a reassessment of his priorities.
The early agency days were messy, but relationships (e.g., Mark, his CEO) and mentorship provided the structure he lacked.
He emphasizes productizing your skillset to build a scalable and delegatable business.
His first hire recommendation for early-stage agencies is a video editor to reduce time on low-leverage tasks.
Money, to him now, is simply a tool — something to deploy strategically, not obsess over.
His biggest motivator is making sure no future generation of his family has to endure the instability he experienced growing up.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and chaotic teenage years
01:30 Eviction, family instability, and addiction
05:45 Austin’s low point: partying, addiction, and no direction
11:30 Meeting mentor Gary Rubens and his influence
13:45 Transitioning to NBC and sales success
15:30 Quitting six-figure job to pursue entrepreneurship
19:00 Burnout and building an agency through COVID
24:30 Systems vs hustle: moving from operator to orchestrator
26:00 Ego and the trap of being the face of the business
28:30 Advice for stuck entrepreneurs: productize your offer
30:45 Changing perspective on money and investing in growth
33:30 Long-term goals: acquisition and building software
34:30 Pain as fuel: protecting future generations
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
Austin Schneider’s Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/austinrschneider/
https://www.instagram.com/theaustinschneider/
https://www.youtube.com/@AustinrSchneider
Austin Schneider’s Website:
https://workshop.agencyu.co/agency-systems-workshop-v2
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nickolas Natali shares the lessons he's learned from years of building and scaling his content agency. Drawing from his experiences working with entrepreneurs who've sold multi-million-dollar companies, Nickolas outlines a framework for service-based business owners to break free from burnout and unlock consistent growth.
He emphasizes the importance of selling to wealthy clients, structuring offers that solve valuable problems, simplifying business models, and hiring the right people early on. Through real-life examples and personal insights, Nickolas dives deep into how to grow a service business without overextending resources, stressing that clarity, strategic hires, and a laser-focused business model are key. He also touches on how branding, a lean team, and leveraging proven systems can lead to sustained success.
This episode is a must-listen for any entrepreneur looking to streamline their business, attract premium clients, and scale with less stress.
Takeaways
Most service business owners aren’t lazy—they’re distracted and trying to do too much without clarity.
Selling to people who can afford your offer is key; high-ticket clients expect results, not handholding.
You’re not selling time—you’re selling outcomes. Focus on the transformation your service provides.
Avoid trying to scale too early. Serve a few ideal clients very well before going wide.
Prioritize simplification: one great offer is more powerful than juggling multiple ventures.
Hire top-tier talent early, even if it costs more—they bring leverage and elevate team performance.
Know your business constraint (leads, fulfillment, marketing, etc.) and focus resources accordingly.
Branding is a long game—protect your reputation like Warren Buffett.
Bigger isn’t always better. A lean, skilled team can outperform a bloated one.
Reverse-engineer your sales goals by understanding the inputs (messages, calls) that lead to conversions.
Don’t let every notification control your day. Block time for deep strategic work.
You don’t need more tactics—you need clarity, a premium offer, and systems that scale.
Chapters
00:00 Intro & The Real Problem
01:12 Lesson 1: Sell to People Who Can Pay
02:25 Lesson 2: Sell Outcomes, Not Time
03:30 Lesson 3: Focus on One Offer
04:30 Lesson 4: Hire Up, Not Down
05:45 Lesson 5: Don’t Build for the Masses Too Early
06:50 Lesson 6: Let Some Fires Burn
07:55 Lesson 7: Branding is Everything
08:40 Lesson 8: Better - Bigger
09:30 Lesson 9: Know Your Numbers
10:35 Lesson 10: Hire A-Players
11:30 Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nickolas Natali dives deep into the mental battles we all face when the urge to quit creeps in. With raw honesty and powerful storytelling, he unpacks why the desire to give up is completely normal—and why pushing through is where the real growth happens. Drawing from personal experiences like grueling squat challenges and marathon training, Nickolas shares a framework to build what he calls your “never quit muscle.” He explores how to create a personal Quit Manifesto, redefines what winning truly looks like, and gives listeners the tools to trust themselves in the valley when no one else is watching. This isn’t motivation fluff—it’s a blueprint for grit, endurance, and long-term identity transformation. If you’re feeling like throwing in the towel or just want to sharpen your mental edge, this episode will leave you ready to take one more step.
Takeaways
Wanting to quit is part of the process—it doesn’t make you weak, it makes you human.
Growth begins where most people give up; the reward lies beyond resistance.
Write a Quit Manifesto—a personal game plan for what you’ll do when you want to give up.
Redefine winning: showing up tired, doubting yourself but still trying, and not quitting = wins.
Keep a “Didn’t Quit Log” to track every moment you pushed through—build your evidence bank.
Not all quitting is bad: if it’s harmful to your health, ethics, or soul, stepping away is wise.
There’s a major difference between quitting because it’s hard and quitting because it’s wrong for you.
Grit is forged in private—true character is built when no one is watching.
“I always want to quit, but I never will” is a mantra for perseverance and long-term success.
Over time, not quitting builds self-trust, consistency, reliability, and resilience.
The absence of struggle doesn’t define success—continuing despite it does.
The people who finish are the ones who decided to finish—commitment over motivation.
Chapters
00:00 The Urge to Quit is Normal
00:45 Growth Lives at the Edge of Quitting
01:30 Introducing the Quit Manifesto
02:25 Iron Marathons & Mental Fortitude
03:40 How Your Quit Manifesto Evolves
04:15 Redefining What Winning Looks Like
04:55 Creating a “Didn’t Quit Log”
05:20 When Quitting is Actually Wisdom
05:45 Long-Term Gains of Not Quitting
06:10 Final Mantras and Mental Frameworks
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nickolas Natali breaks down the exact blueprint for building a powerful personal brand in 2025—even if you're starting from scratch. With a clear, actionable roadmap, Nickolas walks you through the six foundational components of a magnetic brand: positioning, consistency, authority content, platform strategy, proof, and conversion.
This episode isn’t just theory—it’s filled with real-life examples, tactical steps, and hard-earned insights from Nickolas’ own journey. You’ll learn why clarity always beats cleverness, how to build trust at scale through content, and why your personal brand is the most valuable asset you’ll ever own. He’ll also share what to avoid—like chasing virality or faking a lifestyle—and what actually creates lasting impact.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or just getting started online, this is a must-listen if you want to stand out, grow your audience, and turn attention into opportunity. By the end of the episode, you’ll know how to build a brand that not only attracts clients but earns trust and builds authority long before you ever speak.
Takeaways
Your personal brand is already forming—take control and shape it with intention.
Clarity beats cleverness: define your positioning before worrying about design.
Use the “I help [audience] get [result] without [obstacle]” template to clarify your offer.
Build visual and verbal consistency across all platforms to become memorable.
A unique style—editing, outfits, tone—makes you instantly recognizable.
Content builds trust at scale; focus on educational, proof-based, and identity-driven posts.
Choose one platform to dominate before expanding—start where your audience already is.
Social proof and behind-the-scenes content build credibility and relatability.
Documenting your journey is more powerful than polished, performative content.
Leverage trust by guiding attention toward your offers through lead magnets and CTAs.
Don’t fake success—authenticity outperforms performance long-term.
The most valuable brand you’ll ever own is your name.
Chapters
00:00 Why personal branding matters in 2025
00:46 The mindset shift: You’re already a brand
01:30 What is a personal brand, really?
01:57 Step 1: Clarify your positioning
02:50 Step 2: Visual and verbal consistency
04:02 Step 3: Create authority content
04:36 Step 4: Dominate one platform first
05:24 Step 5: Social proof and real-life access
06:14 Step 6: Convert attention into opportunities
06:50 Bonus: What not to do when building a brand
07:33 Recap of all six steps
08:10 Closing thoughts: Be known by the right people
08:55 Free guide + next steps
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, we dive into the intricacies of brand partnerships and negotiations within the creator economy. We discuss the importance of custom proposals tailored to brand goals, the significance of professionalism, and the value of personal connections. The conversation also covers pricing strategies, the ARC framework for campaigns, and effective follow-up methods for maintaining relationships with brands. We emphasize the need for creators to be human in their interactions and to handle feedback—both positive and negative—constructively. The episode concludes with insights on leveraging these principles for successful sponsorships and promoting Justin's book, Sponsor Magnet.
Takeaways
Different brands might pay different amounts for the same work.
Every proposal should be bespoke, not a fixed menu.
The creator economy allows for lower barriers to entry.
Understanding the brand's goals is crucial for negotiation.
Resulting can skew perception of negotiation success.
Brands often have internal dynamics that affect decisions.
Professionalism can set you apart in brand partnerships.
Building personal connections can enhance relationships.
The ARC framework helps in understanding campaign types.
Merit-based pricing can maximize earnings for creators.
Chapters
00:00 The Art of Custom Proposals
02:43 From Thrifting to Negotiation Skills
05:42 The Creator Economy and Business Plans
08:52 Understanding Resulting in Negotiations
11:46 Behind the Scenes of Brand Decisions
14:40 Professionalism in Creator Partnerships
18:00 The Importance of Personal Connections
20:52 The ARC Framework for Campaigns
23:58 Pricing Sensitivity in Campaign Types
26:44 Merit-Based Pricing Models
29:53 Creating Value with Tiered Packages
32:42 Understanding Usage Rights and Exclusivity
35:34 Navigating Paid Usage Types
38:51 Custom Proposals for Brands
41:42 The Pino Method for Follow-Ups
44:48 Being a Human in Business
47:51 Handling Negative Feedback
50:34 Post-Campaign Reports and Next Steps
53:39 Final Thoughts and Book Promotion
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
Justin Moore’s Social Media Link:
https://www.instagram.com/creatorwizard/
Justin Moore’s Websites:
https://pages.creatorwizard.com/join
https://www.sponsormagnet.com/
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, we dive deep into the real playbook of sales mastery. Whether you're brand new to sales or looking to refine your approach, this episode breaks down the mindsets, frameworks, and sales strategies that actually work—without being pushy, sleazy, or fake.
Takeaways
The 3 P’s that will transform your close rate
A high-converting sales call structure
How to handle objections with confidence
Why listening is your #1 sales weapon
The fortune behind follow-up strategies
The power of selling outcomes, not features
Chapters
00:00 Sales is About Helping, Not Convincing
00:45 The Three P’s: Problem, Promise, Proof
01:38 Listening Over Talking in Sales
02:26 Sales Call Framework: 6 Key Steps
03:50 Handling Objections Like a Pro
04:50 Objections Are Buying Signals
05:36 The Power of the Follow-Up
06:42 Sell Outcomes, Not Features
07:16 Sales Recap and Closing Thoughts
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nick shares a simple yet effective system for maintaining consistency and following through on goals. He emphasizes the importance of defining a clear identity, setting SMART goals, starting small, using positive self-talk, and turning actions into habits. By focusing on who you want to become rather than just the goals you want to achieve, you can create lasting change and transformation in your life.
Takeaways
Define a clear identity, not just a goal.
Set SMART goals that are specific and measurable.
Start small to build momentum and consistency.
Use positive self-talk to encourage yourself.
Accountability is key to personal power and change.
Turn actions into habits for automatic behavior.
The journey of becoming is more important than the goal.
Small wins compound over time for greater success.
Speak to yourself like a mentor would.
Consistency is built through repetition and routine.
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nick and Matt discuss the journey of transitioning from a traditional job to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of understanding marketing metrics, testing offers, and the role of AI in advertising. They share personal experiences of finding success with clients, the significance of quick offer launches, and the necessity of adapting to changes in advertising platforms like Meta. The discussion highlights the balance between product development and market testing, as well as the belief that a compelling offer can attract an audience, regardless of prior social media presence. In this conversation, Nick and Matt dive into the transformative role of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. They discuss the balance between work and family life, highlighting the significance of a supportive team and flexible work arrangements. Innovative client engagement strategies, such as the Loom Google P90X model, are explored, showcasing how personalized communication can enhance client relationships. Nick and Matt also address the challenges of navigating difficult client interactions and the importance of setting boundaries. Finally, they discuss a partnership model that aligns incentives for both the agency and clients, leading to mutual success, and conclude with reflections on finding fulfillment beyond business achievements.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Spark of Interest in Marketing
02:50 The Journey to Entrepreneurship
05:47 Finding Success with First Clients
09:03 The Importance of Testing Offers
12:06 Launching Offers Quickly
14:48 Navigating Failures and Learning
18:07 The Balance of Product Development and Market Testing
21:13 Ad Spend and Data-Driven Decisions
24:08 Building an Audience from Scratch
27:03 The Role of AI in Advertising
29:57 The Future of Advertising on Meta
39:20 The Evolution of AI in Business
45:32 Balancing Work and Family Life
49:40 Innovative Client Engagement Strategies
56:09 Navigating Client Relationships and Boundaries
01:11:15 A Partnership Model for Success
01:17:40 Finding Fulfillment Beyond Business
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
https://tinyurl.com/42h624wt
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
Matt Pshock’s Social Media Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Matthewpshock/
https://www.instagram.com/mattpshock/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpshock/
In this episode of The Nickolas Natali Show, Nickolas Natali shares his unique journey of living in a 1986 Suburban for three years while paying off $60,000 in student debt. He discusses the challenges and experiences of living in a car, the evolution of his podcasting journey, and the importance of faith and relationships during this time. The conversation also touches on humorous anecdotes related to food and living expenses, as well as the motivations behind his career changes and entrepreneurial pursuits. In this conversation, the conversation explores the evolving landscape of podcasting, discussing its purpose, challenges, and strategies for growth and monetization. They explore the importance of outreach, guest acquisition, and managing expectations in business. The discussion also touches on personal growth through fitness and the significance of investing in coaching for success.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Living in a Suburban: A Unique Journey
02:56 The Evolution of Podcasting and Content Creation
06:03 Challenges and Experiences of Living in a Car
08:54 Food Strategies and Humorous Mishaps
11:55 Paying Off Debt and Financial Strategies
14:59 The Role of Faith and Relationships
18:12 Career Changes and Pursuing Passion
20:56 The Purpose Behind Podcasting and Entrepreneurship
22:14 The Purpose of Podcasting
23:41 The Podcasting Landscape and Challenges
25:18 Growing an Audience and Monetization Strategies
27:40 Outreach and Guest Acquisition Techniques
30:25 The Journey to Podcasting Success
33:24 Fitness and Personal Growth
36:42 Managing Expectations in Business
39:18 Investing in Coaching and Self-Discipline
Want to work with Nick?:
https://allthingsmediallc.com/
Free Resources Made by Nick:
https://nickolasnatali.gumroad.com/
Nick’s Podcast Equipment, Training Equipment and More (Affiliate):
https://www.amazon.com/shop/nickolasnatali
Support The Nickolas Natali Show on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nickolasnatali
What We Use For Virtual Interviews (Affiliate):
Riverside.FM
DM Nick on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali
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