Idiot to Genius

Hosted by Todd Porter and Pod Savvy Guide

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Ever feel like everyone else has it all figured out except you? Idiot to Genius shares stories from entrepreneurs who’ve lived both sides of the journey the “idiot” moments where nothing works, and the “genius” moments that only come because they kept going. It’s the very human process of building something where the right to fail is what unlocks the ability to succeed. These conversations pull back the curtain on the pivots, the grit, and the lessons learned along the way. Because the truth is, most people feel lost long before they feel capable and these stories remind you you’re not alone.

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60 recent

August 13, 202634 min

Dr. Bill Sodeman | Are We Using AI Wrong?

What if AI isn’t here to replace your team but could actually make your team more valuable? In this episode of Idiot to Genius , Steph and Todd sit down with executive coach, professor, and speaker Dr. Bill Sodeman to talk about leadership, AI, and navigating change in the workplace. Dr. Bill shares why leaders can get stuck putting out fires instead of thinking strategically, how chasing the next “shiny pebble” can distract teams, and why companies should consider using AI to upskill their people instead of simply replacing them . They also dive into getting teams on board with change, staying flexible as technology evolves, and why continuous improvement and lifelong learning may be some of the most important skills for the future of work.Connect with Dr. Bill Sodeman Website / Executive Coaching: Bill Sodeman Business & Executive Coaching LinkedIn: Dr. Bill Sodeman on LinkedIn

August 6, 202625 min

Pods & Properties | Put Down Your Phone

What happens when you finally take a break and realize just how much you needed it? In this August edition of Pods & Properties , we’re talking about burnout, stepping away from podcasting and social media, and what happens to your attention and creativity when you put down your phone. Then we shift into the Utah housing market, why buyers may have more room to negotiate right now, and why sellers need to be realistic about pricing if they want their home to move. From knowing when it’s time to take a break to knowing when it’s time to make a move in real estate, this episode is about paying attention to what’s actually happening instead of simply pushing through. Website: https://www.podsavvyguide.com/i2g Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IdiottoGeniusPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdiottoGeniusPodcast https://www.instagram.com/utahtodds4s/ Pod Savvy Guide: https://www.instagram.com/stephshoell/

March 19, 20261 min

On Break… Back May 30th

After a stretch of incredibly inspiring episodes—from learning to chase rejection to powerful stories of resilience like going from homelessness at nine to leading 30+ businesses we’re taking a short break to reset and refocus. In the meantime, Steph has plenty of episodes across her other shows like Notable Peeps and 52 Weeks to keep you inspired, and Todd shares a weekly real estate Q&A on his channel. We’ll be back with brand new episodes on May 30th.

March 12, 202650 min

DR Rawson | From Homeless at 9 to Building 30+ Companies

At nine years old, DR Rawson was homeless searching for food behind restaurants and working to support his family. Decades later, he became a lawyer, built more than 30 companies, and now teaches leaders and children alike that character is the foundation of everything. In this episode, DR Rawson shares the moments that shaped his life from survival to success and the principle that changed everything: “How can I be helpful?” He explains why respect is the most missing trait in leadership and how character, integrity, and credibility are what truly create lasting success. Connect with DR Rawson: Website: https://www.drrawson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drrawson

March 5, 202634 min

Karl Davidson | Why Mindset Is Everything

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t strategy, the market, or your circumstances… but your own mindset? In this episode of Idiot to Genius , we dive into the real root of why people stay stuck year after year a\nd it’s not what most people think. It comes down to the subconscious programming we’ve picked up from parents, school, society, and past experiences that quietly shapes how we think about money, success, and what’s possible. Karl Davidson shares that success is 80% mindset and only 20% strategy and if you don’t address what’s going on internally, no amount of tactics will move the needle. From limiting beliefs around money like “money is the root of all evil” to the habit of procrastination and self-sabotage, this episode unpacks how your internal dialogue is either moving you forward or keeping you exactly where you are. Connect with Karl LinkedIn: Karl Davidson LinkedIn Profile YouTube: Karl Davidson YouTube Channel

February 27, 202631 min

Bailey Brimhall | Building a Business Through Innovation

Bailey Brimhall shares how a simple idea turned into a fast-growing company from shipping pre-orders at his kitchen table to achieving consistent 50% growth quarter after quarter. But it wasn’t instant success. From slow first sales and zero traction to finding momentum through in-person events, innovation, and persistence, this episode dives into the real journey behind building a business. Bailey also shares the turning point leaving his job with almost nothing in the bank and going all in. Because sometimes, the only way forward… is when there’s no way back. Guest Information: Website: https://grabbaggear.com/collections/grab-bags Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grabbaggear

February 12, 202629 min

Philly Rodriguez | The Identity Shift From Nurse to Entrepreneur

Have you ever felt like you were meant for more but stayed where you were because it felt safer? Philly Rodriguez built her career in the emergency room, where chaos was familiar and decisions were clear, but stepping into real estate forced her to confront fear, identity, and the discomfort of no guaranteed paycheck. This conversation explores what happens when you stop hiding parts of who you are, trust the skills you already carry, and choose growth over comfort. It’s a reminder that calm leadership, decisive action, and faith in yourself can turn uncertainty into momentum when you finally commit all the way. Connect with Philly: https://phillyrodriguez.com

February 5, 202628 min

Pods & Property | Affordability, Interest Rates & the Truth About Growing a Podcast

What’s really being done to make housing more affordable and why does it still feel so out of reach? In this episode of Pods & Properties , we dive into the real conversations happening around affordability, from credit card interest caps and institutional investors to the bigger picture of supply, demand, and inflation. Then, the conversation takes a turn into podcasting, where Steph shares a refreshingly honest take on what it actually looks like to grow a show right now. From trial reels and LinkedIn strategies to the reality that there is no “secret sauce,” this episode pulls back the curtain on both real estate and content creation in today’s world. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the market or discouraged by podcast growth you’re not alone, and this episode will leave you with a new perspective on both.

January 29, 202619 min

Jonathon Rogers | Lessons from the Marines That Carried into Real Estate

Jonathan Rogers is a Realtor and former Marine Corps reservist bringing military discipline, leadership, and a commitment to service into his real estate career. After serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, Jonathan transitioned into real estate, where he applies the same mindset of accountability and resilience to help clients navigate one of life’s biggest decisions. In this episode, he shares how his military experience shaped his work ethic. Profile Link: Jonathon Rogers -Real Estate Agent https://www.realtor.com/realestateagents/670e7a2aa5a77194757a0b76

January 15, 202631 min

Brandon & Michelle Barber | Building a Business You Love

What if the real risk in business isn’t failure but staying comfortable for too long? In this episode, we sit down with power couple Brandon and Michelle Barber to unpack what happens when certainty disappears, systems collapse, and entrepreneurs are forced to pivot or be left behind. For more than 25 years, they’ve coached over one million people, created 100+ courses, generated $10M+ in revenue, and led hundreds of live events. But when COVID erased their entire in-person business model overnight, they had to confront a hard truth no system lasts forever. In this conversation, Brandon and Michelle share the behind-the-scenes reality of rebuilding from scratch. They talk about surviving business plateaus, pivoting from live events to virtual programs, shrinking overhead without shrinking impact, and why adaptability is now a non-negotiable skill for entrepreneurs. They also dive into what it’s like building a business as a married couple, the importance of masculine and feminine balance in leadership, and why creating courses isn’t just about income it’s about legacy. From automating evergreen programs to teaching others how to package their knowledge, they explain why they believe there’s a course inside everyone. This episode is for entrepreneurs who feel stretched, stuck, or quietly wondering if there’s another way. It’s a reminder that discomfort often precedes clarity and that freedom is built through contribution, not comfort. Links & Resources Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonbarbercoaching/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brandonbarbercoaching