Blaze Your Own Trail

In this episode, Ankur Garg shares his inspiring journey from a diverse background to becoming a marketing expert and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of adaptability, emotional intelligence, and consistent effort in achieving success.

Key Topics

Ankur Garg's background and journey
The importance of adaptability in business
Emotional intelligence and self-awareness
Content creation tips for online success
The role of sports and discipline in personal development
Building aura and civility in interactions
Strategies for gaining attention online
The significance of putting in reps and practice

Action...

In this inspiring interview, Kevin Smith shares his journey from corporate success to founding Smith Wealth Advisory Group and Kindness Worldwide. Discover how acts of kindness can transform lives, influence society, and create a global culture of compassion.

Key Topics

Kevin Smith's personal journey and values
The impact of kindness on society and individuals
Practical ways to foster kindness in daily life

Action Items

Practice small acts of kindness daily, such as smiling and greeting others by name.
Send a meaningful note or check in on someone regularly.<...

In this episode, Jordan Mendoza interviews Gini Trask about her journey from a family of entrepreneurs, overcoming setbacks, and building a successful travel business to five million dollars. They discuss the importance of organic visibility, podcasting, resilience, and community in business growth.

Key Topics

Building a sustainable business that is good for your nervous system
The importance of organic visibility and podcasting in lead generation
The role of community and networking in business success
Overcoming setbacks and maintaining resilience
The value of organic content and evergreen podcasts

Sounds Bites<...

In this inspiring interview, Tom Krol shares his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful real estate coach and entrepreneur. Discover key insights on handling pressure, the importance of fundamentals, and how adversity can be turned into advantage.

 Key Topics

Tom Krol's early life and challenges
The importance of handling pressure in business
Fundamentals and basics for entrepreneurial success
Turning adversity into opportunity
The role of reading and continuous learning

Sound Bites

"Focus on fundamentals and basics"
"Start your day with revenue activities"
"A...

In this episode, Minesh Baxi shares his inspiring journey from India to the US, his insights on education, career skills, and parenting, and details about upcoming events for aspiring speakers and entrepreneurs.

Key Topics

Minesh Baxi's childhood in India and move to the US
The importance of skills over degrees in today's world
The value of growth mindset versus fixed mindset
Parenting strategies for developing life skills
Upcoming speaking and networking events in Florida
The role of assessments in career and personal development
The significance of persuasion and results-oriented...

In this episode, Dr. Jen Thomas shares her inspiring journey from childhood in Buffalo to becoming a leadership speaker and author. She discusses the importance of human connection, embracing life's ups and downs, and redefining pathways into the workforce.

Key topics

Journey from childhood to leadership
The importance of human connection in work and life
Redefining pathways into the workforce and education
Resilience through life's challenges
The role of mentorship and coaching

Takeaways

Embrace life's ups and downs to discover your true self.
Human connection is...

In this episode, Steve Walsh, known as the hands-on angel, shares his journey from a successful corporate career to becoming an entrepreneur and investor. He discusses lessons learned from sports, leadership, building teams, managing multiple business units, and the importance of authenticity and bold outreach in business growth.

Key Topics

Steve Walsh's background and journey from corporate to entrepreneurship
Lessons learned from sports that apply to business
Top leadership qualities for team building
Managing multiple business units and global teams
The importance of authenticity and boldness in outreach
Lessons from...

In this inspiring interview, Kaleb and Kyler Cook share their journey from small-town Illinois to becoming filmmakers with a faith-driven mission. They discuss their creative process, the importance of community, and how their faith shapes their work, culminating in the of their recently released impactful film 'Just One More' which has won several awards in multiple categories
 

Takeaways

-Consistent practice and honing craft over years is essential to success.
-Surround yourself with people better than you to elevate your work.
-Faith and community are foundational to impactful filmmaking.

Sound Bites

Jordan Mendoza sits down with Eddie Konialian, co-founder of Netwrk.VIP, for a conversation about resilience, leadership, and why networking should be measured by generosity, not extraction. Eddie shares how growing up in Beirut during the civil war, immigrating to Los Angeles, and building his career in finance shaped his belief that real success comes from helping other people win. They discuss Eddie’s path from sports and early jobs into banking leadership, the lessons he learned from managing teams, and why he built a platform focused on ownership, trust, and relationship quality. The episode centers on one big id...

In this episode, Chef Andres Hinojosa shares his inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a successful chef and mentor. Discover how adversity shaped his life, his passion for food, and his mission to empower other chefs to succeed.

Key topics

Chef Andres' childhood and early influences
Overcoming adversity and personal challenges
The founding of Dinner with a Chef and Chefpreneur University
The importance of excellence and service in the culinary arts
Strategies for aspiring chefs to succeed and monetize their passion
The role of faith and p...

Jeff and Debb share their inspiring journey from hardship to living full-time on a cruise ship, emphasizing the power of resilience, faith, and community impact. Their story highlights overcoming adversity and building a life of purpose and impact.

Key Topics

Jeff and Debb's background and childhood stories
The decision to live full-time on a cruise ship
The role of faith and community in overcoming adversity
The journey of building a social media presence and brand
The importance of authenticity and impact in content creation
Strategies for overcoming personal struggles and...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza speaks with Marcy Axelrod, who shares her journey of overcoming stuttering and how it shaped her understanding of human connection and compassion. Marcy discusses the importance of showing up authentically in life, the continuum of presence, and how art serves as a powerful medium for expression and community engagement. She emphasizes the role of adversity in personal growth and the necessity of being present and compassionate towards others.

Takeaways

Marcy emphasizes that what we do is not who we are.
Her...

Jordan Mendoza sits down with Marques Ogden for a wide-ranging conversation about reinvention, podcasting, business development, and resilience. Marques shares how he went from NFL player to entrepreneur, then rebuilt his career through speaking, coaching, consulting, and his podcast Get Authentic with Marques Ogden. They also dig into how podcasting can create real business opportunities, why consistency matters before monetization, and how AI is changing content creation and operational systems. The conversation closes with a practical message for anyone in a hard season: focus on the light, keep moving, and never quit.

Key topics

Jordan Mendoza sits down with Lee Walker, founder of Daily Driver Consulting, to unpack how psychology, sports, international experience, and hands-on accounting work shaped his approach to helping small businesses improve profit. Lee shares how he went from Maryland to Maastricht, learned to see business through a people first lens, and built a model centered on finding leaks, improving systems, and turning teams into profit drivers.In this episode, Lee explains why business is really psychology at scale, how his sports background shaped discipline and mindset, and why his time in the Netherlands changed the way he thinks about...

Join Jordan Mendoza as he interviews Dani Lynn Robison, a successful entrepreneur who shares her inspiring journey from music to real estate and business. Discover valuable insights on building wealth, overcoming challenges, and scaling multiple companies.

 Key Topics

Journey from music to real estate

Building multiple businesses

Importance of mentorship and coaching

Scaling through strategic investments

Lessons from failures and setbacks

 Sound Bites

"Mentors help me fast track results"

"Actions speak louder than words"

"Add value before asking for he...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews René Remsik, a content creator and entrepreneur from Slovakia. René shares his journey from an introverted child to a successful content creator with millions of followers. He discusses the importance of competitiveness learned from sports, the value of networking, and how to navigate social media for content creation. René also delves into his experience building SaaS products and offers advice for aspiring creators and business owners.

Takeaways

René is a full-time content creator with a focus on AI.

He has...

Join us as Alan Seales shares his extraordinary journey from childhood in New Orleans to a diverse career spanning theater, technology, and Broadway production. Discover lessons on teamwork, resilience, and the power of creativity in navigating career shifts and building impactful projects.

Key topics

Career transitions from sports to tech to theater

The importance of teamwork and trust

Leveraging creativity and technology in career growth

Sound  bites

"Be the best you you can be."

"Think big, think outside the box."

"Find what you r...

Sharon Oliphant shares her inspiring journey from a large homeschooling family to becoming a faith-based film producer and actress. Discover how she overcame fears, took risks, and stayed true to her calling in the competitive film industry, all while balancing family and faith.

Key  topics

Journey from homeschooling to acting and filmmaking

The importance of faith and risk-taking in career decisions

Balancing family life with a passion for film

The process of producing faith-based movies

Lessons learned from entrepreneurial parents

Sound  bites

"Admit wh...

In this episode, Cherif Medawar shares his inspiring journey from hotel management in Switzerland and the US to becoming a successful real estate investor and educator. Discover his proven strategies for building wealth through commercial real estate, networking, and innovative deal-making techniques.

Topics:

Cherif Medawar's journey from hospitality to real estate

The importance of networking and relationship building

Strategies for increasing property value and financing deals

The DCBA formula for success in real estate

Innovative deal-making techniques and deal structuring

 Sound bites

"He w...

Jordan Mendoza interviews David Packouz, the real-life inspiration behind the movie War Dogs, exploring his journey from religious upbringing to government contracting success. Discover how David leveraged his entrepreneurial spirit, navigated legal challenges, and now teaches others to win government contracts through his War Dogs Academy.

Key topics

David's background and early life

The story behind the War Dogs movie

How David got into government contracting

The process of winning government contracts

Lessons learned from legal challenges and success

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to David Packouz...

Linda Kim shares her inspiring journey from corporate tech to successful Airbnb arbitrage and coaching. Discover actionable strategies, mindset shifts, and tips to accelerate your side hustle into a thriving business.

Key  topics

Airbnb arbitrage strategy

Mindset and overcoming fear

Design as a profit driver

Automation for passive income

Scaling and partnership in real estate

Takeaways

Investing in coaching accelerates success.

Design can increase profits by 30%.

Mindset is crucial for overcoming rejection.

Automation enables working fewer hours.

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Ryan D. Lee, who shares his journey from a troubled youth to a successful entrepreneur and financial coach. Ryan discusses his philosophy on money, the importance of financial freedom, and how he helps others achieve their goals in a constrained timeframe. He emphasizes the significance of being present in family life and the lessons learned through his experiences in real estate investing. The conversation also touches on the concept of the ownership economy versus the dependency economy, and Ryan's approach to building a passive income...

Join us as Lahna Turner shares her inspiring journey from a shy kid with learning disabilities to a successful comedian, filmmaker, and advocate. Discover how her experiences with trauma, addiction, and resilience shaped her path and her latest projects, including a documentary and a comic series that honor her late husband Ralphie May and inspire others.

Topics

Journey from childhood to comedy

Impact of trauma and addiction

Creating a documentary and comic series

Lessons learned from sports and arts

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Lahna Turner

Summary

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza speaks with Greg Bennick, a professional speaker and entertainer, about his journey from a young juggler to a successful entrepreneur. Greg shares his early experiences that shaped his passion for performance and connection, the evolution of his marketing strategies over the decades, and the importance of authenticity in personal branding, especially in the age of social media. The conversation emphasizes the significance of kindness and personal connection in both business and life. In this conversation, Greg Bennick shares his journey of building community...

Join Jordan Mendoza as he interviews actress and producer Sharonne Lanier to explore her journey from curious kid in Miami to a thriving career in faith-based and mainstream film. Discover her insights on breaking into the industry, the importance of training, networking, and staying passionate through ups and downs.

 Key topics

Sharonne Lanier's early life and curiosity-driven childhood

Her journey through theater, commercials, and TV film

The importance of training and mentorship in acting

Industry changes and Atlanta's rise as a film hub

Starting her own production c...

Tamara Thompson shares her inspiring journey from early entrepreneurship and overcoming personal challenges to building a successful content marketing agency. Discover her insights on leveraging YouTube and podcasts for business growth, negotiation skills, and resilience.

Key Topics

Early entrepreneurial spirit and lessons learned

Overcoming personal challenges and addiction recovery

Building a successful content marketing agency

Strategies for YouTube and podcast growth

Negotiation and resilience in business

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tamara Thompson

01:14 Early Entrepreneurial Spirit

04:01 Lessons from Adversity

Main Topics:

In this episode:

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews emotional performance coach Bryan Post. They discuss Bryan’s journey from a childhood in Oklahoma to becoming a successful entrepreneur and coach. Bryan shares insights on the importance of mindset, accountability, and the entrepreneurial spirit. He emphasizes the need for individuals to confront their fears and challenges through his Unshakeable Man Blueprint, which consists of confronting, challenging, and commanding one's life. The conversation highlights the sign

Takeaways

Bryan Post has been an emotional performance coach for nearly 30 years.

He em...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Leigh Angman, an entrepreneur with a rich background in the restaurant industry and consulting. Leigh shares his journey from a young boy with ADHD to a successful business owner, discussing the lessons learned from his early experiences, the challenges faced in the restaurant business, and the importance of mentorship and integrity in entrepreneurship. He also provides valuable insights and tips for business owners looking to improve their profitability and operational efficiency.

Takeaways

Leigh Angman has had a diverse career, including tech...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Scott Boruff, a seasoned entrepreneur and real estate developer. Scott shares his journey from growing up in a real estate family to navigating the ups and downs of his career, including significant failures and successful rebounds. He emphasizes the importance of learning from mistakes, the value of teamwork, and innovative strategies in business. Scott also provides valuable advice for first-time investors and discusses his current ventures, highlighting the significance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

Scott emphasizes that mistakes are...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza speaks with Tom Healy, a lifelong entrepreneur and mentor. Tom shares his journey from a creative child with entrepreneurial spirit to a successful business leader focused on empowering organizations and their people. The conversation delves into the importance of mentorship, the value of college, building a personal brand, and the significance of authenticity in overcoming fear of failure. Tom emphasizes the need for a people-centric business culture and offers practical advice for entrepreneurs looking to grow and succeed in their ventures.

Takeaways

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza speaks with Lori Saitz, who shares her journey of connection, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. Lori discusses her formative years, overcoming shyness, and her transition into broadcasting during college. She reflects on her entrepreneurial venture with Gratitude Cookies and the lessons learned from that experience. The conversation also touches on the impact of loss, the importance of gratitude, and how Lori adapted her coaching and workshops to help others stay calm in chaotic times. The episode concludes with insights from Lori's podcast, 'Fine is a Four-Letter Word...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail Podcast, host Jordan Mendoza shares a personal story about his first trip to the Philippines in the late nineties, highlighting the importance of gratitude. He reflects on the challenges faced during his stay, such as accessing water and managing daily tasks, which led him to appreciate the comforts of life in the United States. Mendoza encourages listeners to recognize and appreciate the often-overlooked aspects of their lives that contribute to their well-being.

Takeaways

Gratitude is an opportunity everyone has.

Traveling can shift your perspective...

In this episode, Jordan Mendoza shares his journey of creatively landing podcast sponsorships despite having a small audience. He emphasizes the importance of thinking outside the box and leveraging one's warm network to secure sponsors. Mendoza discusses how he started with minimal downloads and social media presence but was able to generate revenue through strategic partnerships and by providing value to potential sponsors. He encourages aspiring podcasters to focus on building value rather than solely relying on audience size.

Takeaways

You don't need a large audience to get sponsors.

Think creatively to land...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza welcomes back JM Ryerson, founder of Let's Go Win. They discuss the evolution of JM's coaching business, the impact of AI on business practices, and the importance of having a growth mindset. JM shares insights from his book, 'Let's Go Win', and highlights the transformative experiences of his clients. The conversation also touches on the monetization of podcasts and the importance of sharing authentic stories to inspire others.

Takeaways

JM Ryerson helps clients double their revenue through tailored coaching.

AI...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Elena Rodriguez, an entrepreneur and coach who shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood to building successful businesses. Elena discusses her early life, family dynamics, and the impact of her parents' entrepreneurial spirit. She reflects on her struggles with identity, relationships, and personal loss, emphasizing the importance of resilience and faith. Elena also shares valuable insights on entrepreneurship, coaching, and the power of community, culminating in her current projects, including the Surrender to Rise initiative and Prospera TV Network.

Takeaways

...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Dennis DM Meador, a lifelong entrepreneur with a diverse background in business and pastoral work. Dennis shares his journey from early entrepreneurial ventures, including door-to-door hustles, to building a successful legal podcast network. He discusses the lessons learned throughout his career, the importance of leveraging strengths, and the challenges faced during personal transitions. Dennis also provides valuable advice for aspiring podcasters and entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and adaptability in business.

Takeaways

Dennis started his entrepreneurial journey at a...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Ronald Bolden Jr., founder of Shy Marketing. Ronald shares his journey from a shy child in Oakland to a successful entrepreneur in the marketing industry. He discusses the importance of active listening, the impact of sports on his life, and how his experiences in door-to-door sales shaped his approach to business. Ronald emphasizes the value of partnerships and technology in achieving business success, and he offers practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Ronald Bolden Jr. founded Shy Marketing to create win-win...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Adam Torres, a successful entrepreneur and podcaster. Adam shares his journey from a childhood in Detroit, where he developed an entrepreneurial spirit, to his career in finance and eventual transition into media and podcasting. He discusses the evolution of his podcasting journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the importance of listening to your audience. Adam emphasizes the potential of podcasting as a platform for storytelling and business development, encouraging aspiring podcasters to take the leap and start their own shows. He also shares...

In this episode of the Blaze Your Own Trail podcast, host Jordan Mendoza interviews Vicky Ferrer, a financial educator and personal power coach. Vicki shares her journey from the Philippines to the Middle East, her experiences in scuba diving, and her transition to the United States after the loss of her husband. She emphasizes the importance of cultural intelligence, empowerment, and effective communication in both personal and professional settings. Vicky offers valuable insights on public speaking, language learning, and the significance of sharing one's story.

Takeaways

Vicky is a financial educator and personal power coach.<...