In this engaging conversation, John Mendez interviews Larry Dix II, a seasoned entrepreneur and keynote speaker, who shares his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful business owner. Larry discusses his definition of wealth, emphasizing the importance of health and happiness over material possessions. He reflects on his early work experiences, the challenges of starting his company Apex, and his current endeavors, including writing books and public speaking. The conversation also touches on the aspirations of owning a private jet and the practical steps to achieving financial success. Throughout the discussion, Larry highlights the significance of mentorship, hard work, and the mindset required to thrive in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

• Wealth is defined by health and happiness, not just money.
• Work is hard, and embracing that reality is crucial.
• Being comfortable with being alone is essential for personal growth.
• Mentorship can come from both good and bad experiences.
• You should always ask for advice from those with more experience.
• Fear can hold you back; overcoming it is key to success.
• Defining your own success is important; don't let others dictate it.
• The journey of entrepreneurship is filled with ups and downs.
• Investing in health is as important as investing in business.
• Setting clear goals and aspirations can drive motivation. 
  
  

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In this episode, John Mendez interviews Joel Miller, a financial planner and founder of Flames Financial Planning. They discuss the true meaning of wealth, emphasizing that it goes beyond monetary value to encompass lifestyle, freedom from stress, and personal fulfillment. Joel shares insights on the importance of financial literacy, the role of faith in financial decision-making, and the need for comprehensive financial planning as an employee benefit. The conversation also touches on the significance of goal setting, the differences between financial advisors and planners, and practical steps to build wealth, particularly for the mass affluent class.

Takeaways

• Wealth is defined by lifestyle and freedom from financial stress.
• Money is a significant source of stress for many Americans.
• Tithing and generosity are important biblical principles.
• Building an emergency fund is essential for financial security.
• Cutting up credit cards can prevent debt accumulation.
• Generational wealth is a biblical concept that should be prioritized.
• Understanding the difference between financial advisors and planners is crucial.
• Goal setting is vital for achieving financial success.
• Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals can enhance your journey.
• Financial literacy should be taught early to empower future generations.

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In this episode of the Walk 2 Wealth Podcast, host John Mendez interviews Darius Lester, the owner of Mammoth Money Mindset. Darius shares his journey from a humble upbringing with limited financial education to becoming a financial manager in the Air Force and eventually an entrepreneur focused on teaching financial literacy to teens and their parents. The conversation explores Darius's evolving definition of wealth, the importance of financial literacy, and the gaps in knowledge among young people today. Darius emphasizes the significance of teaching financial principles early to ensure a better future for the next generation.

Takeaways

• Wealth is defined by the ability to pass on assets to future generations.
• Financial literacy is crucial for young people to navigate money management.
• Experiences in the military shaped Darius's understanding of finance.
• Darius transitioned from music to finance unexpectedly.
• Helping teens before they incur debt is a priority for Darius.
• Parents play a significant role in their children's financial education.
• Darius aims to create a community for financial learning.
• Understanding banking and financial systems is essential for youth.
• Darius emphasizes the importance of generational wealth education.
• The journey of entrepreneurship requires continuous learning and adaptation.

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Licensed social worker and certified financial social worker Bas Moreno joins John to unpack the real-life money pressures of the sandwich generation—caring for kids and aging parents—while building toward financial freedom. Bas shares how loss, single income stretches, and debt shaped his mindset, why he now teaches life insurance, estate planning, and Social Security survivor benefits as non-negotiables, and how to “play the game without losing your integrity.” We also hit on credit rebuilding, first-gen homeownership, starting a business, and the power of networking to create opportunities. Stick around for Bas’s rapid-fire on legacy, integrity, and the #1 first step to your walk to wealth: start.

Guest: Bas Moreno, LMSW, CFSW — Certified Financial Social Worker; host of The Social Work Rants Podcast; author of Trying Through Pain. His work centers people of color navigating caregiving, mental health, and money.

Highlights: defining wealth as time with family and residual income, not hustle for hustle’s sake; discovering survivor benefits for his kids after tragedy and using life insurance to cover costs; rebuilding credit post-divorce and diving into financial literacy circa 2020; pivoting into financial social work and normalizing conversations about wills, trusts, and avoiding GoFundMe funerals.

Connect with Bas: IG/Threads @BasMorenoConsulting; Social Work Rants Podcast on YouTube & all platforms; book Trying Through Pain on Amazon/Spotify/Libro.fm; site: BasMorenoConsulting.net (in progress).

Disclaimer: Educational only; not financial advice.

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In this episode of the Walk 2 Wealth podcast, host John Mendez welcomes Jenny Berger, a heart-centered marketer and wellness advocate. They discuss the true meaning of wealth, which Jenny defines as health, especially after her personal health transformation during the pandemic. Jenny shares her journey of losing 110 pounds and emphasizes the importance of holistic wellness, mobility, and the cultural influences on food. They also explore the concept of Ikigai, the significance of personal branding in real estate, and the evolving landscape of marketing in the age of AI. The conversation wraps up with Jenny's insights on creating impactful content and the importance of alignment in life and work.

Takeaways

• Wealth is defined as health and well-being.
• Personal health transformations can lead to greater clarity and purpose.
• Holistic wellness encompasses physical, spiritual, and emotional health.
• Mobility is crucial as we age and face physical challenges.
• Cultural backgrounds influence our relationship with food and health.
• The concept of Ikigai helps in finding one's purpose.
• Attention spans may not be shorter, but competition for attention has increased.
• Personal branding is essential in today's marketing landscape.
• AI is changing the marketing game, but authenticity remains key.
• Alignment in mind, body, and spirit is necessary for true abundance.

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In this episode of the Walk 2 Wealth Podcast, host John Mendez engages in a deep conversation with Jon King, a veteran and entrepreneur. They explore the evolving definition of wealth, emphasizing experiences over material possessions. Jon shares his upbringing, the importance of work ethic, and how his military background shaped his entrepreneurial journey. The discussion also highlights the significance of creative outlets, the impact of reality TV on business growth, and the joy of helping others achieve their dreams. Throughout the conversation, they touch on personal development, community support, and the unique paths to success.

Takeaways

• Wealth is defined by experiences, not just money.
• Work ethic is crucial and can be learned from a young age.
• Transitioning from military to entrepreneurship requires strategic thinking.
• Creative outlets are essential for personal fulfillment.
• Reality TV can provide unique opportunities for business growth.
• Helping others achieve their dreams brings personal joy.
• Success is subjective and varies for each individual.
• Community support is vital for small businesses.
• Patience is a key lesson in life and business.
• Integrity is an admirable trait that fosters trust.

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In this Wisdom Wednesday, I talk about one of the biggest mistakes first-time entrepreneurs make: trying to do everything by themselves. I break down why the “self-made” badge slows your growth, keeps you stuck in the same problem loop, and makes an already lonely journey even lonelier.

Here’s what I cover:

• The hidden costs of DIY: slower results, repeated mistakes, and burnout.
• Why community and mentors help you spot root causes—and fix them faster.
• The pride/victim trap (“no one helped me”) and how to escape it by asking better questions.
• My own mentor timeline: from cold-emailing my first mentor to hosting a 200+ person class four months into real estate, to the coach who helped me hit a $20K day—and coached me through a rough 2024.
• Opportunity cost vs. price tags (and the “ignorance tax” Alex Hormozi talks about).

If you want to go far, go together. Find people who’ve done what you want to do, plug into a solid community, and let their playbooks shorten your path.

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In this Wisdom Wednesday, I share how “being creative” quietly kept me stuck.

I was juggling real estate, teaching social media classes, working a restaurant job, and running this podcast—four lanes, zero traction.

Everyone said, “You’re doing great for your age,” but my bank account told a different story.

In this episode, I break down why too many ideas = no progress, how comparing yourself to average creates a false sense of accomplishment, and why dabbling makes it take longer to learn if something actually works.

Then I give you the fix that changed everything for me: FOCUS = Follow One Course Until Success.

You’ll learn:

• How I picked one lane and set a 12-month commitment.
• My “Yes… and not right now” rule to kill distractions.
• Why focus gives you more energy, clearer feedback, and a stronger personal brand.
• A simple accountability plan you can start today.

If you’re serious about building wealth and momentum in your 20s, pick one path and go all in.

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In this Road to Wealth update, I share a big move I just made in my business—I switched brokerages. I break down why I left Keller Williams for eXp, how it aligns with my AI teaching brand, and the opportunities it opens up (more stages, more rooms, more impact).

I also get into my money game plan and the exact steps I’m taking to dig out of debt and rebuild my credit.

Here’s what I cover:

• The real reasons I moved to eXp (access, speed, and distribution for my classes).
• My debt update and why I’m moving forward with a debt management program to slash interest and free up cash flow.
• How I’m funding the first payment, plus the monthly plan I’ll use to attack balances faster.
• Why my credit score dipped—and how I’m fixing the payment date vs. closing date mistake.
• The cash-flow plays I’m running next: paid keynote, a two-day public speaking workshop, a birthday event to fill September seats, BNI subbing, and a monthly AI masterclass to funnel into my mastermind.
• How I’m ramping Q4: getting “Train the Presenter” certified, booking more office talks, and launching live with new partners.

If you’re in the trenches—juggling business pivots, debt payoff, and a comeback plan—this episode gives you the real numbers, the mindset, and the moves I’m making next. Follow along as I document the climb, one decision at a time.

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In this Wisdom Wednesday, I speak directly to the fellas. I’m breaking down why so many “alpha male” gurus online are the wrong role models—and what to look for instead as you build your life, faith, and business.

I share how chasing status, cars, and clout leads to shallow wins, why parroting other people’s opinions stunts your growth, and how asking God for discernment helps you spot red flags, choose better rooms, and protect your future.

Here’s what I cover:

• The difference between being weird (quirky) and a weirdo (red flag).
• Why money + muscles ≠ maturity (and how to gauge real character).
• How materialism empties you out—and what to pursue instead.
• Practical ways to ask God for discernment and apply it at events, in DMs, and in deals.
• Building on values so you attract the right friends, partners, and opportunities.

If you’re a young man focused on purpose, faith, and real success—not internet posturing—this one will help you move smarter.

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