The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex
Welcome to The Level Up Podcast with Paul Alex, where real stories fuel real success.I’m Paul Alex, ex-Detective turned 8-figure entrepreneur. After leaving law enforcement, I built multiple businesses helping everyday people create residual income and freedom on their own terms.This podcast isn’t just talk, it’s your weekly dose of mindset, money, and mission-driven motivation. Whether you’re still working your 9-5 or building your first business, every episode is designed to help you start, scale, and sustain your own journey.💥 Listen in to hear:How I went from 100-hour weeks to financial freedomInterviews with underdogs w...
Why Some Brands Are Addictive—and How to Build One
Why do some brands feel impossible to walk away from? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down the science and strategy behind building a brand that keeps customers hooked. It’s not luck—it’s intentional design rooted in psychology and experience.
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 The Habit Loop Formula – How to become part of your customer’s daily routine.
🔹 Reward-Based Loyalty – Why smart incentives drive repeat business.
🔹 Emotional Triggers That Stick – How to leave a lasting impact that makes customers keep coming back.
🔥 Addictive brands aren’t buil...
Turn Your Name Into Income: The Power of Personal Branding
Your name holds value—and in today’s digital world, it can become your most powerful income-generating asset. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down how to turn your personal brand into a business that works for you.
What You’ll Learn:
🔑 Lead With Impact – Focus on solving real problems for your audience. When you lead with value, income becomes the byproduct.
🌱 Build Real Trust – Share your journey authentically and consistently. People don’t just buy products—they buy into people they trust.
💸 Create Multiple Streams – From digital products to...
Why a Pro Bodybuilder Chose Business Over Sponsorships ft. Carter Montgomery
In this powerful episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with entrepreneur and former pro bodybuilder Carter Montgomery (@thecartermontgomery) to uncover the real blueprint for mastering discipline, purpose, and personal transformation.
From overcoming childhood pain to building a thriving fitness empire alongside his wife, Carter shares how he turned inner turmoil into fuel for success. 💥
We dive into:
How pain can drive your purposeEscaping the "Miami vortex" and staying focused in a world of distractions 🌴The importance of traditional values, faith, and loyalty in modern relationshipsFitness tips for men over 3...From Hustler to Strategist: The Investor Mindset
Welcome back to The Level Up Podcast! In this episode, Paul Alex breaks down the critical shift every entrepreneur must make—moving from hustle mode to strategic thinking. If you're stuck grinding every day without long-term direction, it’s time to start thinking like an investor.
🔍 Focus on Return, Not Just Effort – Learn how to prioritize high-leverage moves that generate long-term value, not just short-term wins.
💼 Diversify Like an Investor – Discover why relying on one income stream is risky, and how smart entrepreneurs spread their bets for stability and growth.
📊 Think in Decades, Not Days – Succes...
Stop Reacting, Start Leading
Welcome back to The Level Up Podcast! In this episode, Paul Alex challenges you to make the ultimate shift—from constantly reacting to confidently leading. If you're always putting out fires, you're not running your business—it's running you.
What You’ll Learn:
🔥 Ditch the Reactive Mindset: Learn how to move from problem-chasing to purpose-driven leadership.
📊 Use Data as a Compass: Discover how tracking the right metrics empowers you to lead with clarity and foresight.
🧠 Build a Forward-Thinking Culture: Create a team that thinks ahead, takes initiative, and drives results—before issues even surfa...
Crisis Mode: How to Spot the Win When Others Panic
When the pressure’s on and the world feels like it’s falling apart, most people freeze—but winners find a way to rise. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down how to keep your cool, shift your perspective, and uncover major opportunities during moments of chaos.
What You’ll Learn:
💭 Shift from Panic to Power – Learn how to reframe fear into strategic thinking so you can move decisively when others stall. 👂 Spot the Gaps – Crises expose broken systems and unmet needs—discover how to position yourself as the solution. ⚡ Move Fast, Win First –...
The Silent Skill That Closes Big Deals
💼 The most powerful tool in business isn’t loud—it’s quiet, calculated, and often overlooked. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down the silent skill that separates good entrepreneurs from great ones: negotiation.
What You’ll Learn:
🔹 Know Your Value – Walk into every conversation with confidence, clarity, and leverage.
🔹 Listen More, Talk Less – Learn how top closers use silence and understanding to craft win-win deals.
🔹 Be Willing to Walk – Discover why having the power to walk away often puts you in the strongest position.
🎯 Whether you’re closing...
Sell Without Sleaze: The Art of Authentic Persuasion
Nobody wants to feel like a sleazy salesperson—and the truth is, you don’t have to be one to close big deals. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals how to sell with integrity, connect authentically, and persuade with purpose.
🎯 Lead with Value – Forget aggressive pitches. Focus on solving real problems, and let your offer speak for itself.
🤝 Build Genuine Trust – Sales isn’t about scripts—it’s about real conversations, honesty, and showing up as your true self.
🔥 Ask, Listen, Align – Great persuasion starts with listening. Ask smart questions, understa...
Scale Smarter: Grow Fast Without Falling Apart
Here’s the revised description to match the title "Scale Smarter: Grow Fast Without Falling Apart":
📈 Scaling fast can feel like a win—until it starts to break everything you’ve built. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down how to grow your business rapidly without losing control, quality, or your sanity.
🔹 Build Systems That Hold – Speed without structure leads to chaos. Learn how to set up processes that scale with you.
🔹 Train for Consistency – Your team must be prepared to deliver excellence at every level of growth.
🔹 Say No to Gr...
Teacher Turns $1K Into a $50K/Month Cleaning Empire ft. Yianni Avgerinos
What if your side hustle could replace your 9-5—and scale into a $50K/month empire?
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex sits down with Yianni Avgerinos (@yianniavs), a former teacher who turned a $1,000 investment into Opa Cleaning, a booming commercial and residential cleaning business now operating nationwide.
🚀 From mopping floors himself to leading a team of 25+ cleaners… 💡 From part-time hustle to full-time freedom… Yianni breaks down how he:
Launched with less than $1KScaled using platforms like Nextdoor & Care.comBuilt lasting client relationshipsUses mindset, faith, and strategy to grow sustainablyPlans to hit 7-9 f...How to Outperform a Saturated Market in 2025
🔥 In today’s crowded marketplace, standing out isn’t optional—it’s survival. In this episode, Paul Alex breaks down exactly how to outperform your competition and thrive in even the most saturated industries in 2025.
🔹 Be Different, Not Just Better – In a sea of sameness, uniqueness wins. Learn how to create an offer or brand that’s impossible to ignore. 🔹 Consistency Crushes Flash – Short-term hype fades. Discover why relentless effort and long-term focus lead to lasting success. 🔹 Know the Market Better Than Anyone – Anticipate needs, solve problems faster, and build deeper customer loyalty by mastering your niche.
💡 Key Takeaway: In 2025...
Spark the Comeback: Escaping the Trap of Stagnation
Feeling stuck in business or life? It’s time to spark the comeback. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex unpacks how to escape the trap of stagnation and reignite your momentum. Whether you're plateauing in your career, losing passion in your business, or just feeling off-track—this episode is your roadmap to bounce back stronger.
What You’ll Learn:
Spot the Signs Early: Learn how to recognize when you’re stuck before it becomes your new normal.Break Old Patterns: Why growth requires challenging routines, perspectives, and comfort zones.Make Bold Moves: Understa...The Hidden Trait That Makes or Breaks Leaders
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex uncovers the one trait that silently separates good leaders from great ones—emotional intelligence. It’s not talked about enough, but it’s the game-changer behind every high-impact leader.
What You’ll Learn:
Why Emotional Awareness Builds Trust – Real leadership isn’t about control—it’s about connection. Being in tune with your team helps you earn loyalty and create a culture that believes in your vision. Staying Calm in Chaos – Great leaders don’t just react—they respond. Learn how mastering your emotions helps you navigate pressure...
This One Shift Can Make You Rich In 2025
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals the one mindset shift that separates those who struggle from those who build lasting wealth: adaptability. In a world where change is constant, your ability to pivot with purpose is the real secret to long-term success in 2025 and beyond.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ The Wealth-Building Power of Adaptability – Why flexible entrepreneurs dominate while rigid ones fall behind.
✅ Predict, Don’t React – How to spot trends early, pivot fast, and stay ahead of the curve.
✅ Turning Change Into Opportunity – Learn how embracing uncert...
Hustle Less, Win More: The Power of Smart Strategy
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals why smart strategy beats nonstop hustle every time. If you're grinding 24/7 but not seeing results, it’s time to rethink your approach. Real success doesn’t come from doing more—it comes from doing what matters most.
What You’ll Learn:
Work Smarter, Not Harder: Discover how strategic thinking and targeted actions can fast-track your success.Cut the Busywork: Learn how to identify high-leverage activities and eliminate distractions that keep you stuck.Knowledge is Power: Paul breaks down why continuous learning and mentorship give you the edge...The Secret to Owning Every Decision You Make
In this powerful episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals the secret to making decisions with conviction and never looking back. Whether you’re facing a major business move or a personal turning point, this framework will help you take full ownership—without doubt or regret.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ How to align decisions with your core values – So you never question if you made the right call.
✅ The power of long-term vision – Make moves today that you’ll be proud of years from now. ✅ Why taking full ownership is a game-changer – Con...
How a Football Injury Turned Into a 6-Figure Film Hustle ft. Grizzly Films
In this powerful episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex sits down with Osiris Pollock—better known as Grizzly Films (@grizzly_films)—a Miami-based filmmaker and photographer who's worked with major artists like Rick Ross, Wale, and more. 🎥
But his journey didn’t start on a movie set. It began with a football dream that came to a sudden halt and a leap of faith after walking out of a hospital job. This episode is all about how Osiris went from uncertainty to building a thriving business doing what he loves—capturing powerful visuals and storytelling through his...
How the Top 1% Use Data to Dominate
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex pulls back the curtain on how the top 1% of entrepreneurs use data to dominate their industries. Success isn’t built on guesswork—it’s built on clear insights, rapid adjustments, and data-backed decisions that fuel serious growth.
What You’ll Learn:
Elite-Level Metrics: Uncover the KPIs the top performers obsess over—like CAC, LTV, and conversion rates—and how they use them to scale fast.Trend Mastery: Learn how high-level entrepreneurs spot patterns early and use them to stay ahead of market shifts.Fast, Smart Execution: Discover why...Evolve or Die: Why Growth Demands Change
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down the hard truth every entrepreneur faces: if you want to grow, you must evolve. What got you here won’t get you to the next level—and clinging to outdated strategies is a recipe for stagnation.
What You’ll Learn:
Recognize When It's Time to Pivot: Learn how to spot when your business model is holding you back—and what to do next.Build Systems That Scale: Discover how to create systems and delegate effectively so your growth doesn’t come at the cost of your fr...This is How the Top 1% Build Wealth That Sticks
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down the real reason the top 1% build lasting wealth—consistency and discipline. It’s not about luck, overnight wins, or flashy investments. It’s about mastering the fundamentals and sticking to them over time.
What You’ll Learn:
The Compounding Power of Consistency: Why small, daily efforts create massive long-term results.Long-Term Investing Over Hype: How the top 1% avoid get-rich-quick traps and build sustainable portfolios.The Discipline Advantage: Learn how habits like budgeting, reinvesting, and staying focused separate the wealthy from the rest.💡 Key Takeaway: T...
Why Smart Entrepreneurs Always Have a Contingency
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals why the most successful entrepreneurs always think ahead—and that includes having a contingency plan. Far from being a sign of doubt, planning for the unexpected is a smart, strategic move that keeps your vision alive when setbacks strike.
What You’ll Learn:
Confidence Through Preparation – Discover how having a contingency plan gives you the courage to take bold action without fearing failure.Stay in the Game When Plans Shift – Learn why even the best strategies hit obstacles—and how a backup plan keeps you moving for...Big Revenue, Empty Bank Account—Here’s Why
Your business might be bringing in big revenue, but if your bank account doesn’t reflect it, something’s off. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex exposes the common mistake entrepreneurs make—focusing on revenue while ignoring the lifeline of their business: cash flow.
What You’ll Learn:
Why Revenue Can Be Misleading: Making a million dollars means nothing if you’re spending $1.2 million to get there.The Real Power of Cash Flow: Discover how consistent cash flow gives you freedom, fuels reinvestment, and keeps your business moving.Avoiding the Burnout Trap: Learn how...From Burnout to Breakthrough: Developing Entrepreneurial Grit
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex tackles one of the most important qualities in entrepreneurship—grit. If you’ve ever felt burned out, overwhelmed, or ready to quit, this episode is your blueprint for turning breakdowns into breakthroughs.
🔥 What You’ll Learn:
Recognize the Signs of Burnout: Learn how to spot burnout before it takes you out—and why it’s often a sign you’re on the edge of growth.Reignite Your "Why": Paul shares how reconnecting with your purpose can restore clarity and fuel your comeback.Develop Grit in the Face of Adversi...How Regular People Are Becoming Their Own Bank in 2025 ft. Sergio Loaiza
In this powerful episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with Sergio Loaiza (@sergpro11), founder of Protect Your Legacy, to uncover how he turned financial adversity into a blueprint for generational wealth. 💰
Sergio breaks down the concept of infinite banking—a wealth strategy that allows you to borrow from yourself, eliminate debt, and build a private family banking system using life insurance. From praying for answers to building a legacy-driven financial strategy, Sergio shares how this game-changing approach helped him take full control of his money and future.
🔑 What You’ll Learn:<...
Normal Doesn’t Win: Why Challengers Create Change
Tired of playing it safe and getting average results? In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex explores why those who challenge the norm are the ones who change the game—and win big because of it.
What You’ll Learn:
🚀 Why Normal Doesn’t Scale – Following the crowd leads to average outcomes. Learn why true impact comes from breaking away from convention.
🔍 Challenge = Change – Discover how questioning the rules sparks innovation, opportunity, and lasting influence.
🏁 Lead, Don’t Follow – Understand how carving your own path positions you as a standout leader in yo...
Resilience 101: Turning Obstacles Into Opportunity
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down the fundamentals of resilience and how the most successful entrepreneurs use obstacles as launchpads. Tough moments aren’t there to stop you—they’re there to shape you.
What You’ll Learn:
Build Mental Toughness: Discover why resilience is the trait that separates those who quit from those who rise.Flip the Script on Failure: Learn how to reframe every obstacle as an opportunity for growth and strategic redirection.Bounce Back Smarter: Explore actionable steps to recover quickly, regain focus, and come back stronger after an...Level Up Your Circle, Level Up Your Life
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down why your circle of influence can either propel you forward or hold you back. The people you surround yourself with directly impact your mindset, decisions, and opportunities. If you want to grow, you need to level up your circle.
What You’ll Learn:
✅ The Power of Proximity: Why being around ambitious, high-level thinkers accelerates your own growth.
✅ How to Add Value First: Building authentic relationships starts with serving others—not asking for handouts.
✅ Trust Over Transactions: Learn how long-term success is...
Patience Pays: The Hidden Power of Waiting for the Right Idea
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex explores a powerful yet overlooked advantage in business: patience. In a fast-paced world that glorifies speed and instant results, Paul reveals why some of the most impactful ideas and opportunities only come to those who are willing to wait, think, and refine.
🔑 What You’ll Learn:
Why Quick Wins Can Lead to Long-Term Losses: Discover how rushing into decisions can stunt innovation and lead to average results.The Compound Effect of Patience: Learn how giving your ideas time to evolve can unlock game-changing breakthroughs.How to Wait...Win the Day: Structuring Your Schedule Like a High Performer in 2025
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex reveals how top performers in 2025 are structuring their schedules for maximum focus, freedom, and results. Success isn’t about grinding nonstop—it’s about using your time with precision and purpose.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
🧠 Morning Clarity: Start each day by locking in your top three priorities to eliminate distractions and stay laser-focused.
📅 2025 Time-Blocking Tactics: Discover how the best in business design their calendars to protect deep work, boost productivity, and still make time for real life.
📈 Daily Review Rituals: L...
Why Getting Comfortable Is the Enemy of Growth
In this episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex breaks down how comfort can quietly kill your momentum. After a win, it’s tempting to relax—but staying in that comfort zone is the fastest way to stall your growth. If you want to keep leveling up, you need to stay hungry, uncomfortable, and driven.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why Comfort Breeds Complacency: How lingering too long in celebration mode can derail long-term success.Leveling Up Through Environment: The importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and stretch your potential.The Role o...How to Build your Own Digital Call Center in 2025 ft. Jonci Hopson
🎙️ What if you could build a 1500+ person remote team without renting an office or having any experience in telecom? In this game-changing episode of The Level Up Podcast, Paul Alex sits down with Jonci Hopson (@im.jonci), a powerhouse entrepreneur who scaled a digital call center empire during the pandemic—and never looked back.
💼 From starting with just 121 agents to onboarding over 693 reps in just 30 days, Jonci breaks down the real blueprint behind building a scalable, recession-proof business in 2025. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned hustler, this episode reveals how to leverage middleman platforms, automation, and remote cul...
The Truth About Self-Sabotage (And How to Beat It)
Welcome to The Level Up Podcast! In this eye-opening episode, Paul Alex exposes the hidden ways we sabotage our own success—and how to break free. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like you're constantly starting over, this episode is the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed.
🔥 What You’ll Learn:
The Hidden Triggers of Self-Sabotage: Uncover how fear, doubt, and negative self-talk quietly derail your goals.Why Perfectionism Is Killing Your Progress: Learn why waiting for the “right time” is a trap and why imperfect action always wins.Your Environment Matters: Discover how to...The CEO Blueprint for Time Freedom
🎙️ Welcome to The Level Up Podcast with your host, Paul Alex!
In this episode, Paul reveals the CEO blueprint for time freedom—because building a business shouldn’t mean being a slave to your schedule. If you want to scale and succeed without burning out, it’s time to manage your time like a high-performing CEO.
Paul shares the exact strategies he uses to stay focused, delegate effectively, and protect his most valuable asset: time.
What You’ll Learn:
🧠 Eliminate Low-Value Tasks: Learn how to delegate and automate so you can focus on what ac...
Loyalty Over Likes: What Really Builds a Community
🎙️ Welcome to The Level Up Podcast with Paul Alex!
In this episode, Paul breaks down a truth that most entrepreneurs and content creators overlook: it’s not about chasing likes—it’s about building loyalty. The real value lies in creating a community that sticks with you through every chapter, not just the highlight reel.
Paul shares the strategies and mindset shifts that helped him turn casual followers into a loyal audience that supports, engages, and grows with him—without relying on gimmicks or viral trends.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
❤️ Authent...
Go All In—Or Stay Stuck
🎙️ Welcome to The Level Up Podcast with your host, Paul Alex!
In this high-impact episode, Paul delivers a powerful message every entrepreneur needs to hear: you either go all in—or you stay stuck. Doing “just enough” might keep you afloat, but it won’t take you to the next level. If you want to build something that lasts, coasting is not an option.
Paul shares the mindset shift and strategy required to break out of survival mode and start operating at your full potential.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
⚠️ The Trap o...
Marketing Isn’t an Expense—It’s a Growth Engine
🎙️ Welcome back to The Level Up Podcast with your host, Paul Alex!
In today’s episode, Paul breaks down a mindset shift that every entrepreneur needs to embrace: marketing isn’t an expense—it’s your growth engine. If you’ve been playing it safe with your marketing budget, it’s time to think bigger.
Paul shares why scaling your business requires bold, strategic marketing investments—and how the right marketing approach can transform your visibility, credibility, and revenue.
Key Takeaways:
📢 Visibility Drives Revenue: If your audience doesn’t know you exist, they can’t buy fr...
Breaking the Fear of Going Bigger
🎙️ Welcome back to The Level Up Podcast with your host, Paul Alex!
In today’s episode, we’re breaking down a fear that silently holds back countless entrepreneurs: the fear of going bigger. Whether it’s scaling your business, hiring a team, or stepping into the next level of leadership, growth always comes with fear—but it doesn’t have to stop you.
Paul shares how to identify and conquer that fear so you can expand with confidence and clarity.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
⚠️ Why "Feeling Ready" is a Lie: Waiting until...
From Immigrant to Immigration Lawyer In Trump's America
🎙️ Escaping the American Trap: A Latina Lawyer’s Journey to Freedom In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, we sit down with Catalina Restrepo (@catarestrepo.official), an inspiring immigration attorney who broke free from the “American trap” — working nonstop with no time to truly live.
From her humble beginnings as an immigrant from Colombia to launching her own law firm, Catalina shares how she went from burnout and fear to building a purpose-driven business on her own terms.
💥 We cover:
The moment she realized her boss’s “success” wasn’t real freedomWhy building...From Struggle to Strength: Owning Your Edge
🎙️ Welcome back to The Level Up Podcast with Paul Alex!
In today’s episode, we explore a mindset shift that can redefine your entire path: how to turn your struggles into strengths and own your edge. Every challenge you’ve faced, every flaw you’ve tried to hide—those might just be your greatest competitive advantages.
Paul shares how embracing your imperfections, instead of avoiding them, can unlock massive growth, build real connections, and give you the edge others are too afraid to claim.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
💥 Own Your Story: Wh...
How to Stack Small Wins for Big Success
🎙️ Welcome to The Level Up Podcast with your host, Paul Alex!
In this episode, Paul shares the power behind a simple yet life-changing concept: stacking small wins to create big success. From his journey in law enforcement to building a thriving business, Paul reveals the daily habits that helped him build unstoppable momentum—and how you can do the same.
Success isn’t built overnight. It’s the result of showing up, taking action, and consistently doing the small things that add up over time.
Key Takeaways:
🎯 Set Clear, Daily Goals: Small, actiona...
