At just 23 years old, Jake Sisk has already co-founded a commercial real estate company, scaled it to nearly $10 million in assets, built a faith-driven investor community, and developed a mindset that many entrepreneurs don’t reach until decades into their career.

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Jake sits down with Joey Ruffalo at Liberty University’s CEO Summit to share how he launched his business at 20, why he left the traditional career path behind, and how faith, discipline, and relentless follow-through have guided his journey.

Jake’s story is packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, investors, students, and anyone seeking purpose-driven prosperity.

How God placed entrepreneurship on his heart at a young age

Why he invited his father to join him in launching a real estate company

How they’ve scaled their portfolio across Texas and North Carolina

The importance of building a faith-rooted business in a money-driven industry

Why being “the least experienced in the room” accelerates growth

The power of persistence (including the story of following up 8+ times to land a major podcast appearance)

What success and prosperity really mean beyond money

His biggest failures — and the painful $15,000 lesson that reshaped how he does deals

Why purpose, discipline, and daily learning compound into long-term impact

“The ability to wake up every morning and live with the purpose we’re on this earth for.”

🔗 LinkedIn (he responds personally): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jake-sisk-7486a099/

This conversation will challenge you, encourage you, and remind you that purpose—not profit—is where prosperity truly begins.

Subscribe to The Prosperity Lounge for weekly conversations on purpose, prosperity, money, mindset, and business growth.

Until next time—stay faithful, stay fearless, and remember:

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey sits down with Coach Mike Wilson — founder of The Forge in East Tennessee — to talk about staying fit, focused, and grounded through the holidays.

Coach Mike shares the simple, science-backed strategies he uses with athletes, adults, and even seniors (including his 76-year-old athletes!) to help them build strength, mobility, and confidence without overcomplicating fitness.

Inside this episode:

• Why holiday fitness goes off the rails

Plus — Coach Mike is giving listeners free access to his online training course that covers habits, technique, mobility, and mindset. Just visit TheForgetN.com and drop your email.

Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or an adult trying to stay healthy during a busy season, this episode will help you simplify your approach, stay consistent, and build real momentum.

New Prosperity Lounge episodes every Wednesday and Friday at 6 PM on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/@theprosperitylounge

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In this powerful conversation from the Liberty University CEO Summit, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Lizette Arches — international speaker, certified leadership coach, and bestselling author of The Passionate Leader — to talk about how faith, self-awareness, and purpose can reignite leadership in a world that’s running on empty.

Lizette shares the three powerful secrets that help leaders stay grounded, inspired, and connected:

Together, Joey and Lizette unpack the real cost of burnout, the spiritual fuel leaders need to stay effective, and how “passion fuels purpose.”

“It’s not perfection — it’s perpetual growth.” – Lizette Arches

🎧 Watch new episodes every Wednesday and Friday at 6 PM ET on YouTube (@TheProsperityLounge) or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — and The Prosperity Lounge is going full holiday mode! 🎄

In this heartwarming holiday episode, host Joey Ruffalo welcomes back Jessica Strunk and Gracie, the inspiring young entrepreneur behind Baked by Grace, for a special conversation about community, generosity, and the power of giving back.

Together, they introduce the brand-new Holly Jolly Home Contest, a fun and free event lighting up neighborhoods across East Tennessee — sponsored by local businesses and The Prosperity Lounge. From fundraising and baking to mentorship and faith-driven entrepreneurship, this episode is full of inspiration, laughter, and Christmas cheer.

You’ll hear about:

Whether you’re a small business owner, a parent, or just love stories that make you believe in the magic of community again — this episode will warm your heart and remind you that prosperity shines brightest when we give back. ❤️

Listen now and visit:

What does it take to think big, act bigger, and lead with purpose?

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, Joey Ruffalo sits down with Jeffrey Hayzlett — Chairman & CEO of the C-Suite Network, bestselling author, and host of All Business with Jeffrey Hayzlett — for a high-impact conversation on grit, growth, and the mindset behind billion-dollar leadership.

Jeffrey shares how his journey from a small-town entrepreneur to a Fortune 100 executive shaped his philosophy on hard work, purpose, and creating communities of trusted leaders.

💡 Topics Covered:

🌐 Join the community at TheProsperityLounge.com

When’s the last time your dog taught you something about life — or even about money? 🐾

In this heartfelt episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Samantha Spoto — Licensed Veterinary Nurse, Accredited Claims Adjuster, and host of Tell Me About Your Dog — for a powerful conversation about planning, purpose, and prosperity from a pet lover’s perspective.

From the real costs of pet ownership to the lessons of loyalty, preparation, and love, this episode dives deep into what our four-legged friends can teach us about emotional health, financial planning, and even leadership.

💬 Topics include:

Why budgeting for your pet is part of true financial wellness

The surprising link between emotional support animals and prosperity

Pet insurance 101 — when to get it, how it works, and what to avoid

The mental and emotional rewards of caring for animals

How compassion connects leadership, caregiving, and community

Whether you’re a pet parent, a business owner, or someone simply looking to live more intentionally, this conversation reminds us that prosperity isn’t just about profit — it’s about purpose.

🎧 Listen on: Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | YouTube

#ProsperityLounge #FaithAndFinance #FinancialWellness #PetCare #Leadership #Mindset #MoneyTips #DogLovers #BusinessGrowth #Podcast

What if prosperity wasn’t just about money — but about peace, partnership, and purpose between nations?

In this episode, former U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica S. Fitzgerald Haney joins Joey Ruffalo in The Prosperity Lounge to discuss faith-driven leadership, the creation of the Isaac Accords, and how the Genesis Prize Foundation is building bridges between Israel and Latin America.

From growing up in Tennessee to serving in Israel, Ambassador Haney shares how faith, humility, and empathy guide his mission to bring nations together.

💬 Topics include:

🎧 Listen on all platforms or watch full video on YouTube.

👉 Join the community: www.TheProsperityLounge.com

Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/prosperitylounge

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Jeff Talman, longtime Knoxville banker, community advocate, and Rotarian, to explore how everyday leadership can transform entire neighborhoods.

From revitalizing communities through homeownership to leading with faith and purpose, Jeff shares powerful lessons on responsibility, resilience, and the kind of leadership that starts right where you live.

Joey also reflects on key insights from his recent Liberty University CEO Summit and introduces the Prosperity Partners initiative — a movement designed to connect purpose-driven businesses and leaders across East Tennessee and beyond.

If you’re ready to discover what real leadership looks like and how faith and action can create lasting impact, this conversation will inspire you to start leading right where you are.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

How local leadership builds stronger communities

Why homeownership and small business matter for prosperity

The role of faith and service in modern leadership

How Prosperity Partners is helping leaders make a difference

🔗 Visit TheProsperityLounge.com to join the community, download free resources, and learn how to become a Prosperity Partner.

#ProsperityLounge #Leadership #Community #FaithInAction #Knoxville #ProsperityPartners #Podcast #PersonalGrowth

In this episode of The Prosperity Lounge, host Joey Ruffalo sits down with Brent Gibson, former University of Tennessee football player, veteran law enforcement officer, and candidate for Knox County Sheriff, for a powerful conversation on leadership, integrity, and community service.

Brent shares his journey from the gridiron to the badge, the lessons he learned from mentors like Coach Phillip Fulmer, and how those lessons shaped his philosophy of “service over status.” He opens up about transparency in law enforcement, the importance of rebuilding trust between officers and the public, and the future of policing in Knox County — including the impact of On Patrol: Live, body cameras, and the Broken Windows approach to community safety.

They also explore the evolving relationship between the Knox County Sheriff’s Office and the Knoxville Police Department, and what it takes to lead with faith, accountability, and heart in today’s world.

🎙️ Topics Covered:

Leadership lessons from UT football and law enforcement

How “service, not status” defines real leadership

The role of transparency and trust in policing

On Patrol: Live, body cams, and modern accountability

The “Broken Windows” philosophy and crime prevention

Collaboration between KCSO and KPD

Building prosperity through community engagement

👉 Subscribe to The Prosperity Lounge on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more conversations on leadership, business, and community impact.

🌐 Learn more at TheProsperityLounge.com

What does real success look like when the game ends?

In this Inside the Lounge episode, Joey Ruffalo takes you behind the mic to unpack lessons from his recent conversation with Caitlin Ryan, former Lady Vol softball player and Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development at the University of Tennessee.

Caitlin helps lead the groundbreaking VOLeaders Academy — a program shaping student-athletes into global leaders who use their platform for positive change.

In this post-show reflection, Joey breaks down:

🎧 Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking purpose-driven growth, this conversation will challenge how you define success — and inspire you to lead beyond titles, trophies, and job titles.

👉 Watch the full interview with Caitlin Ryan on YouTube: https://youtube.com/live/mG-CwtkhJEI?feature=share

#ProsperityLounge #InsideTheLounge #VOLeaders #UTVols #LadyVols #LeadershipDevelopment #StudentAthletes #LeadershipPodcast #TennesseeVols #FaithAndAction #PersonalGrowth #AthleteLeadership