The Real Jason Duncan Podcast

From sardines and rice to running a multimillion-dollar empire — this is the story of Ali Hemyari, founder of Nashville K9 and the Hemyari Family of Companies.

In this episode, Jason Duncan sits down in person with Ali at his state-of-the-art dog training facility in Franklin, Tennessee, to unpack how discipline, resilience, and grit built his success.

Ali shares how he went from being a broke college kid with a side hustle training dogs to running 10 companies — all while serving as a SWAT team operator, sniper, and pilot. He reveals why discipline matters more than talent, how to build a business that’s recession-proof, and what it truly takes to balance wealth, family, and purpose.

🗒️ Note: Around 9:22 in the episode, Ali mentions the year “1995” — the correct year should be 2005.

🎯 Takeaways:

🎧 Listen now and discover how discipline, mindset, and purpose can change your business and your life.

Who is Ali Hemyari?

Ali Hemyari is a serial entrepreneur who started various businesses, from advertising to becoming a pet industry expert. He’s a multi-event triathlete, a helicopter and airplane pilot, a real estate guru, a certified SWAT Operator, a Sniper/Firearms Instructor, and a general try-hard, servant-hearted, overachiever who wants to make a difference in today’s world. 

He’s a husband and father, a God seeker, and an overall inspiring leader who hopes that his story can affect a significant change in someone who wants to be better, do more, accomplish, and help. Ali is also a philanthropist who loves humans. He hopes that his path can inspire others to do more, break their personal barriers and goals, and live a Godly life.

Ali Hemyari ’s Website Link:  NashvilleK9.com

Ali Hemyari ’s  Social Media Link: 

Instagram: @NashvilleK9

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if AI read your entire book and explained your life’s work better than you could?

That’s exactly what happens in this one-of-a-kind episode of The Root of All Success.

Jason Duncan fed his bestselling book, Exit Without Exiting, into Google’s AI tool, Notebook LM, and let it create an entire podcast conversation — no script, no notes, just pure AI synthesis.

The result? A surprisingly deep discussion between two AI hosts about Jason’s signature frameworks for achieving freedom without selling your business.

From delegation and systems to time, money, and purpose — this episode captures the heart of what it means to build a business that serves your life instead of controlling it.

Jason returns at the end to unpack what AI got right, what it missed, and how this experiment proves that the Exit Without Exiting lifestyle is more relevant than ever in today’s AI-driven world.

🎧 Tune in now for an episode that blurs the line between technology and human purpose — and learn how to design a business that gives you both freedom and fulfillment.

📘 Want a free copy of Jason’s book?

💡 Key Takeaways

The AI-generated summary of Exit Without Exiting

4 principles for achieving freedom: delegate, de-stress, systemize, and invest in people

The “Today & Future” exercise for designing your ideal business lifestyle

How AI interprets purpose, time, and margin

Jason’s real thoughts on what AI got right (and wrong)

🌟 Stay Connected with The Real Jason Duncan

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if AI could solve one of fashion’s biggest problems—waste—while helping men look sharp without ever setting foot in a mall?

In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Anya Cheng, a Silicon Valley tech executive turned founder of TAELŌR, an AI-powered clothing rental and styling platform for men that’s transforming how fashion meets technology and sustainability.

Before launching TAELŌR, Anya helped build Facebook and Instagram Shopping at Meta, led innovation at eBay and Target, and scaled McDonald’s global food delivery. Today, she’s using AI to make fashion smarter, more sustainable, and accessible to busy professionals.

We dive into how Anya turned a personal frustration into a groundbreaking business model—and what her journey reveals about innovation, leadership, and courage in a male-dominated industry.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

Anya’s story is proof that true success starts when you stop chasing trends—and start creating them.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now to discover how innovation, purpose, and sustainability can reshape entire industries.

Who is Anya Cheng?

Anya Cheng is the Founder & CEO of Taelor, an AI-powered men's clothing subscription service promoting sustainable fashion. A Silicon Valley entrepreneur, she has been recognized among "Girls in Tech 40 Under 40" for her expertise in tech product management and marketing.

Anya played a pivotal role in launching Facebook and Instagram Shopping at Meta, led new business expansion at eBay, and helped grow McDonald’s global food delivery. She also shaped Target’s mobile commerce and has led teams in AI, product management, UX, and marketing across Fortune 500 companies.

Her work has earned 20+ prestigious awards, including the Webby Award for Best Shopping App, Best Mobile App Award, and The Communicator Award. A best-selling author, adjunct professor, and two-time TED speaker, she lectures at Northwestern University and 500 Global and is a sought-after keynote speaker.

Anya’s award-winning venture, Taelor, won first place at Draper University’s Startup Competition and was named a Startup to Watch by Bay Area Inno. She holds a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Anya Cheng’s Website Link:  ⁠https://taelor.style/⁠

Anya Cheng’s  Social Media Link: 

Taelor: ⁠https://taelor.style/pages/membership⁠

Anya LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/anyacheng⁠

Taelor LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taelor/⁠

Taelor Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/taelor.style/⁠

Anya Photo: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/anyaphoto⁠

Anya Detailed Bio: ⁠https://tinyurl.com/anyasbio⁠

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if chasing success was the very thing holding you back from real leadership?

In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Scott Ramey — a former Fortune 500 executive turned authentic leadership coach who’s redefining what it means to lead with empathy, vulnerability, and purpose.

Scott went from leading billion-dollar teams and climbing the corporate ladder to realizing that “success” wasn’t the title or the paycheck—it was the freedom to show up as himself. Now, he helps high-performing leaders break free from perfectionism, connect more deeply with their teams, and build sustainable success through authentic leadership.

💡 In this episode, you’ll discover:

This conversation isn’t about corporate buzzwords—it’s about rediscovering the human side of leadership and unlocking influence that lasts.

If you’ve ever wondered what real leadership looks like beyond titles and metrics… this episode is your blueprint.

🎧 Watch or listen now to learn how to lead with authenticity, empathy, and confidence.

Who is Scott Ramey?

Scott Ramey is an Authentic Sales Expert, Former Fortune 500 C-Suite Executive, and Founder of The Ramey Group, with over 30 years of leadership experience and more than $100 billion in successful sales.

A former Executive Vice President at Transamerica, Nationwide, and Corebridge Financial, Scott led teams of up to 1,200 people and managed $235 billion in assets. His proprietary Authentic Sales methodology—built on authenticity, empathy, presence, and clarity—helps clients deepen relationships, boost trust, and drive higher revenue.

Growing up in a small Indiana town, Scott became the first Division 1 athlete in his high school’s history before earning his BA in History from John Carroll University. His career is a testament to resilience, leadership, and reinvention. A proud husband and father of two D1 athletes, Scott finds inspiration outdoors, often hiking with his two Labradors.

Scott Ramey’s Website Link:  https://thescottramey.com/

Scott Ramey’s  Social Media Link: 

https://www.facebook.com/scott.ramey.52

https://www.instagram.com/the.scottramey/?hl=en

https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-ramey-53977b14a/

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if giving up alcohol didn’t mean giving up fun, friends, or success—but instead made you wealthier, healthier, and more productive?

That’s exactly what happened to James Swanwick, today’s guest on The Root of All Success. James is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor who went from interviewing stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Kobe Bryant… to helping high achievers transform their lives through his Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Project 90 programs.

He’s also the founder of Swanwick Sleep, known for their famous blue-light-blocking Swannies glasses that improve sleep quality.

In this episode, James and I discuss how ditching alcohol unlocked his energy, confidence, and clarity—ultimately fueling his success as an entrepreneur and coach to thousands of executives worldwide.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

Why alcohol-free living is about freedom, not deprivation

How quitting drinking helped James land the ESPN SportsCenter gig with no TV experience

The unexpected cost of “just a few drinks” on your wealth, relationships, and energy

Why high achievers struggle with alcohol more than most

The power of building like-minded communities for real change

James’s definition of success (inspired by LL Cool J)

If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol is holding you back in business—or what’s possible without it—this episode will challenge your beliefs and inspire you to step into a healthier, wealthier future.

Who is James Swanwick?

James Swanwick is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, speaker, and former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN. He is the creator of Alcohol Free Lifestyle, a program that helps successful high achievers change their relationship with alcohol. He also hosts the Alcohol Free Lifestyle podcast and founded Project 90, which empowers high achievers to gain lasting control over alcohol. Additionally, he created Swannies—blue-light blocking glasses by Swanwick Sleep designed to improve sleep quality.

Swanwick has interviewed numerous celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Kobe Bryant, David Beckham, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

James Swanwick’s Website Link:  alcoholfreelifestyle.com

James Swanwick’s  Social Media Link: 

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jamesswanwick

WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Swanwick

ALCOHOL FREE LIFESTYLE: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com

SWANWICK SLEEP: www.swanwicksleep.com

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This special episode of The Root of All Success is different—because this time, I’m the guest. I had the honor of joining Christian Maurer on the Successful Spiritualpreneur Podcast for a deep conversation about what it really means to live with faith, purpose, and freedom as an entrepreneur.

For those who don’t know my backstory, I didn’t start as an entrepreneur. I was a schoolteacher who got pushed out of the profession I thought I’d spend my whole life in. That painful exit opened the door to my entrepreneurial journey—and eventually to building a company that did $2.3 million in revenue within its first year.

In this episode, we cover:

✨ Faith and Entrepreneurship – why spiritual alignment matters in business more than strategy alone

🚪 My Unexpected Journey – from being forced out of teaching to building multiple companies

📘 Exit Without Exiting – how I built freedom into my business without having to sell it

🏗️ Culture and Leadership – why the foundation of your company determines if it can run without you

🙏 Spiritual Principles in Business – lessons on stewardship, generosity, and finding purpose beyond profit

Whether you identify as a spiritualpreneur, Christian entrepreneur, or simply someone searching for deeper meaning in your work, this episode will inspire you to build a business that not only generates wealth but also serves a higher calling.

👉 Tune in to discover how to align faith, purpose, and profit to create success that lasts—without sacrificing your values.

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the greatest thing holding you back in business… is you?

That’s exactly what today’s guest, Israel Duran, discovered after a life-changing car accident in 2018. Known as the Visionaries’ Mentor, Israel is a global speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has helped purpose-driven leaders and corporate teams align identity with business success.

In this powerful conversation with Jason Duncan, Israel shares how blind spots keep visionaries stuck, why identity always precedes purpose, and how you can build a business that generates profit and impact without compromising your values.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

The #1 misconception visionaries have about building a business

Why identity is more important than purpose

How Israel’s near-death experiences reshaped his mission

The danger of perfectionism and the power of releasing your value

Why AI is the biggest pivot entrepreneurs need to embrace now

How to monetize your gifts without losing authenticity

The timeless principle of “Be → Do → Have” in creating success

If you’ve ever struggled to balance profit and purpose, or felt stuck by your own blind spots, this episode will inspire you to get out of your own way and finally build the business the world needs from you.

👉 Grab Israel’s free Online Business Blueprint at israelduran.com

 (DM “blueprint” on IG to get access).

Who is Israel Duran?

Israel Duran is a sought-after business growth partner, speaker, and trainer who empowers purpose-driven leaders and corporate organizations to build profitable, impactful ventures grounded in servant leadership. With expertise in business, finance, and the art of meaningful communication, Israel has inspired thousands of entrepreneurs and corporate teams worldwide. His mission is to help leaders leverage their skills and knowledge to create sustainable businesses that drive positive change while staying true to their core values.

Israel Duran’s Website Link:  https://idagrowth.com/our-company/

Israel Duran’s  Social Media Link: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/israelduran/

https://www.instagram.com/israelduranassociates/

https://www.facebook.com/people/Israel-Duran/100070106933555/

https://www.youtube.com/c/IsraelDuran

https://www.tiktok.com/@israelduranassociates

https://x.com/Israel_DavidD

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could step completely out of your business—and it would keep running like clockwork without you?

That’s exactly what David Jenyns, bestselling author of Systemology and Systems Champion, has dedicated his life to teaching entrepreneurs. From “selling” the Melbourne Cricket Ground in his twenties to stepping out of his digital agency for a full year after his son was born, David has proven that systems create freedom, not limitation.

In this episode of The Root of All Success, David and Jason discuss:

Whether you’re a visionary stuck in the weeds or a founder ready to finally escape the grind, David’s story will show you how to build a systems-driven business that gives you true freedom of choice.

📖 Get David’s books Systemology and Systems Champion on Amazon

Who is David Jenyns?

David Jenyns is an experienced entrepreneur who sold the Melbourne Cricket Ground in his early twenties and founded Melbourne SEO Services. He systemized himself out of that business in 2016 and founded SYSTEMology to help business owners implement systems to scale their business. Today, he supports a growing community of certified SYSTEMologists, delivers workshops, keynote addresses, hosts a podcast, and is on a mission to free business owners worldwide from daily operations.

David Jenyns’s Website Link:  https://www.systemology.com/

David Jenyns’s  Social Media Link: 

https://www.youtube.com/@systemHUB

https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-jenyns/

https://www.facebook.com/thesystemhub/

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From the streets of Manchester to global recognition, Dr. Rob Kelly—known as the Addiction Doctor—shares his extraordinary story of hitting rock bottom and rising to become one of the world’s leading voices in recovery and neuroscience.

In this episode of The Root of All Success, Dr. Rob reveals:

Whether you’re battling addiction, overcoming personal trauma, or striving for entrepreneurial success, Dr. Rob’s story and strategies will shift your perspective and give you tools to unlock your potential.

Who is Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD?

Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD is a sought-after recovery expert who believes in treating the causes of addiction and not the symptoms. Dr. Kelly has appeared on such shows as The Doctors, Eye Opener, Good Morning Texas, and Kens5 morning news.  A frequent contributor to radio and print interviews including The Jim Bohannon show, Miracles in Recovery, USA Today, and participated in McLean Hospital’s (Harvard Medical School) study on the stigma associated with mental illness. Dr. Kelly hosted Sober Celebs show on KLIF radio in Dallas, and currently hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast featuring special guest discussing a variety of mental health issues.  

Dr. Kelly created Let’s Get Back to 98% Recovery DVDs used in prisons and recovery treatment centers throughout the US. He has lectured on addiction and trauma at high-profile universities, national conferences, treatment facilities, public schools, churches, business organizations and hospitals. Dr Kelly is currently the CEO of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group, an addiction and mental illness recovery coaching company he created based on extensive research and behaviour studies that he conducted over the past 20 years. Dr. Kelly shares his personal highs and lows as he struggled and overcame crippling alcoholism in the November 2019 release of the book “Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking”.  

Dr. Robb Kelly’s Website Link:  www.robbkelly.com

Dr. Robb Kelly’s  Social Media Link: 

https://www.instagram.com/addiction_doctor/

https://www.facebook.com/drrobb.kelly.1

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine going bankrupt at 21 with over a quarter-million dollars in debt—only to rebuild and create brands that now reach millions worldwide. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Nick Edmundson, did.

Nick is the Founder & CEO of Wandering Weddings, the global hub for adventurous couples who want rule-free, epic celebrations. From washing cars for $6.50 an hour to running multiple successful brands—including a die-cast racing venture called Tiny Track Cars—Nick’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and never letting other people’s limits define his own.

In this episode, we dive into:

Nick also shares how joining the Exiter Club mastermind shifted his mindset, taught him the power of delegation, and helped him move from being the brand to running the brand.

👉 Whether you’re chasing freedom, rebuilding after failure, or looking for a model of persistence, Nick’s journey will inspire you.

Who is Nick Edmundson?

Nick Edmundson is the Founder & CEO of Wandering Weddings, an elopement and intimate wedding planning platform dedicated to adventurous couples who value unique, rule-free celebrations in epic landscapes. Based in Poulsbo, Washington, he launched the venture to help couples craft elopements that reflect their passions rather than conforming to tradition.

Wandering Weddings operates as both an inspiration hub and a vendor directory—featuring hundreds of couples and specialized service providers like photographers, planners, and florists across the globe. Nick has highlighted how interest in adventure elopements has surged post-pandemic, with daily site traffic climbing from around 30–40 organic clicks to as many as 1,400–1,500 users

Nick Edmundson’s Website Link:  wanderingweddings.com

Nick Edmundson’s  Social Media Link: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderingweddings

Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices