Keep Hustling

Hosted by Aaron Gordon

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137

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Jun 2026

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Keep Hustling with Aaron Gordon (aka @nyriskadvisor) inspires listeners to keep hustling everyday. Guests are pushed to get past their WHY to the HOW. Episodes focus on the personal and professional challenges and successes of guests and the importance of embracing the hustle to overcoming challenges.

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June 11, 2026Episode 13727 min

Remote Roots and Real Hustle with Sacha Awwa

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Sacha Awwa. Sacha is a dynamic entrepreneur with a multicultural background that spans Sweden, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Texas, New York, and now Miami. She shares her unique journey growing up as an expat, her drive to break free from conformity, and what inspired her to leave a successful C-suite role to launch her own marketing agency. Sacha emphasizes the importance of resilience, self-knowledge, and the power of fusing creativity with analytics. That blend has defined her professional path. The conversation also digs into the realities behind shiny success stories, the pitfalls of modern marketing snake oil, and the continuous learning and adaptability required to thrive as a business owner. Sacha introduces her upcoming book, Empower Your Marketing, a practical guide for entrepreneurs navigating the complex, ever-changing landscape of business growth. The episode closes with her favorite quote: Know Thyself by Socrates, which she ties directly to both personal introspection and entrepreneurial success. Get To Know Sacha Awwa Sacha Awwa is an Executive Growth Strategist, author, speaker, and the founder of Uncomplicate It. She helps venture-backed Seed to Series B founders scale with clarity and confidence instead of chaos. Sacha didn't walk away from a high-profile career because it failed. She left because it succeeded. She had the titles, the recognition, the prestigious logos, and the respect that comes with contributing to The New York Times, partnering with the U.S. Army National Guard, and leading growth at venture-backed tech startups. On paper, she had made it. Yet something felt off. Behind the impressive strategies and enterprise budgets, she saw a system that rewarded unnecessary complexity and pushed one-size-fits-all playbooks onto founders who lacked the teams, capital, or margin for error to make them work. As marketing grew louder, especially with AI amplifying the noise, founders were drowning in advice that didn't match their stage or reality. The work looked successful, but it wasn't truly serving the people she cared about. So she made a brave decision: she stepped away from conformity to build something better. Today, through Uncomplicate It, Sacha partners with ambitious tech founders navigating the pressures of investor expectations. She installs disciplined, stage-appropriate growth structures that replace unpredictability with confidence and momentum. Her approach is straightforward. Growth doesn't need more tactics. It needs clarity. Through her advisory work, speaking, podcast, and book Empower Your Marketing, she challenges the broken incentives of modern marketing and gives founders practical, honest strategies that actually fit where they are. Because complexity is expensive. Clarity compounds. And Sacha builds the kind of conviction that lets founders exit on their own terms. Website About LinkedIn Instagram Order Her Book 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Redefine Success on Your Own Terms: Sacha Awwa shows the power of leaving traditional career paths not because of failure, but because of fulfillment and achievement. Her story of reaching the C-suite and then choosing to walk away highlights that real success is about knowing when you've outgrown conformity and daring to create something different. 2. Harness the Power of Hybrid Skills: Throughout her journey, Sacha explains how blending creative instincts with analytical thinking became her superpower. By refusing to be boxed into a single category, she cultivated both sides to build unique strategies, proving that embracing your full, multidimensional skillset can be a game-changer in any field. 3. Demand Clarity and Authenticity in Marketing: Having witnessed countless founders burned by empty marketing promises, Sacha challenges listeners to seek strategies tailored to their true stage of growth. She stresses that complexity is costly, but clarity compounds, reminding entrepreneurs to educate themselves and say no to one-size-fits-all solutions that don't serve their real needs. Show Overview 00:00 Podcast introduction and guest welcome 04:10 Smuggling VHS tapes and magazines 09:28 Planning a corporate career exit 11:58 Launching a book for founders 15:25 Balancing creativity and analytics 16:28 Defining a creative and analytical mindset 21:12 Challenges with deceptive marketing companies 23:13 Book release and marketing cycle 26:52 Podcast closing and contact info

June 4, 2026Episode 13628 min

The Highs and Lows of Hustle with Ken Miller

In this powerful episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon sits down with Ken Miller, who shares his remarkable journey from a challenging upbringing and foster care in Anchorage, Alaska, to Ivy League achievement and a successful corporate career. Ken opens up about his battles with addiction, multiple incarcerations, and periods of homelessness, offering a raw look at the pain and consequences of his past choices. Through reflection and determination, he explains how he transformed his street hustler energy into building a thriving business and mentoring others. Together, Aaron and Ken explore the importance of community, honesty, and practical strategies for personal change. The episode closes with Ken's favorite motivational quotes that continue to guide his path of redemption and growth. Get To Know Ken Miller Ken Miller is President of Denali FSP Consultants, an author, resilience coach, and nationally sought-after speaker. He partners with organizations to strengthen their funding capabilities while building greater human resilience, helping teams and leaders navigate change with clarity and purpose. Ken's remarkable journey embodies the power of resilience, redemption, and personal choice. Born into difficult circumstances, he became a National Merit Scholar and graduated from an Ivy League university. Yet a downward spiral of addiction and poor decisions eventually led him to the streets, homelessness, and prison. Released with nothing but a small box of belongings and $28, Ken made a defining decision to rebuild his life. Through unwavering commitment to positive choices, resilience, and authenticity, he turned his story from one of struggle into one of impact. Today, Ken inspires audiences across the country with his message that it is never too late to rise above your past, embrace your true identity, and create a life of purpose. Whether speaking to corporate leaders, community organizations, or individuals in transition, he delivers a powerful blend of truth and transformation that drives lasting change. Ken proves through both his story and his work that no matter how far you have fallen, it is always possible to rise, rebuild, and thrive. Website About LinkedIn Instagram Podcast 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Transform Hustle Into Positive Action: Ken Miller reveals how the same drive that once led him into trouble became the fuel for building his business and personal growth. By making intentional pivots, he shows how anyone can channel their energy into constructive paths and reshape their future. 2. Embrace Community and Support Systems: From the connections he found in Anchorage to the mentors who guided him later, Ken highlights how vital community is for personal development and resilience, especially during life's hardest seasons. 3. Radical Honesty and Accountability: Through honest storytelling, Ken demonstrates that real growth begins when you face the full impact of your actions, make amends where possible, and hold yourself completely accountable. Show Overview 00:00 Introducing Ken's impactful story 05:53 Importance of finding community 08:25 Reflecting on challenging moments 11:37 The entrepreneurial hustle mindset 14:27 Embracing personal growth moments 17:00 Importance of perseverance 19:36 Identifying productive work vs. busy work 25:38 Reflecting on past challenges

May 28, 2026Episode 13528 min

Never Too Late to Hustle With David Nassief

In this episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon sits down with David Nassief, who openly shares his remarkable journey from being fired at age 63 with nearly nothing in the bank to achieving financial freedom by 69. David discusses the hard lessons from failed businesses, mounting debt, and the challenge of redefining personal success. He explores the emotional toll of sudden career loss, the steady support of his wife, and his determined deep dive into wealth-building strategies. He also introduces his "one-page compass" - a simple, actionable guide to financial independence - while debunking popular financial myths. Throughout the conversation, David highlights the power of resilience, learning from setbacks, and building wealth at any age. Listeners can access his free financial system at onepageworldcompass.com. The episode closes with his motivational quote: "Clear direction beats misdirected speed every time." Get To Know David Nassief David Nassief is a financial educator, author, and speaker celebrated for his inspiring story of resilience and wealth-building. Fired at age 63 with almost nothing in the bank, he reached financial freedom and millionaire status by age 69 through a simple, one-page financial system. He is the author of the #1 Amazon New Release "One-Page Wealth Compass: Fired at 63, Nearly Broke, Safely a Millionaire by 69." David has a gift for making complex financial concepts easy to understand. He debunks common myths and helps people of all ages - especially those starting later in life - build lasting wealth through clarity, simplicity, and disciplined strategies. After years in the corporate world, he now runs a successful B2B business while teaching his practical "set it and forget it" approach to investing and financial independence. David believes clear direction beats misdirected effort, which is why he offers his free financial compass tool to guide others on their own wealth-building journeys. He is a regular guest on the podcast circuit, where he shares insights on late-career reinvention, smart investing, and practical paths to financial freedom. His message resonates deeply with mid-career professionals, pre-retirees, and anyone looking for a simpler way to build wealth. Website LinkedIn Instagram Buy David's Books Key Listener Takeaways 1. Redefine the Hustle at Any Age: David Nassief proves it is never too late to rewrite your story. Fired at 63 with almost nothing in the bank, he rebuilt his career and finances from the ground up. His experience shows that persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to change your approach can create real transformation at any stage of life. 2. Clear Direction Beats Speed: Rather than chasing every shiny object or hot tip, David distilled decades of hard-earned wisdom into a focused, one-page financial compass. His story makes it clear that a well-defined strategy will take you much further than frantic activity without direction. Focus always wins over scattered effort. 3. Resilience Fuels Long-Term Success: After facing financial humiliation, failed businesses, and self-doubt, David leaned into the discomfort and used those setbacks as fuel. His journey reminds us that failures are not the end of the road but the foundation for powerful comebacks. Resilience and honest reflection are essential tools for lasting success. Show Overview 00:00 Facing Unemployment at 63 05:11 Lessons from Past Failures 08:19 Overcoming Financial Struggles 10:04 Rejecting Cold Calling for Business 15:17 Overcoming Financial Struggles 17:27 Encouragement for All Ages 21:25 Emergency Fund Versus Early Investing 22:17 Financial Planning Corrections 28:08 Podcast Outro and Connect with Us

May 21, 2026Episode 13427 min

Brand the Hustle with Mel C

In this episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon sits down with Mel C, the creator of the Six Figure Chicks movement and a big advocate for women owning their stories and successes. They talk about how tough it can be for women to talk openly about money and celebrate their wins, the real power of storytelling, and why documenting your personal journey matters - both for your own growth and for inspiring others. Mel C shares what she's learned from working with over 130 authors on their transformational book projects. She highlights the importance of confidence, community, and fully embracing your own unique story. The episode wraps up with Mel C's favorite quote: "Together we rise. Together we change lives." Whether your journey has been dramatic or steady, this one encourages everyone to ask, share, and keep hustling. Get To Know Mel C Mel C (Mel Carr) is the founder and CEO of Cloversy, a premier 100% women-led, U.S.-based executive virtual assistance and publishing agency. She is also the visionary behind the Six-Figure Chicks international bestselling book series and the founder of the Her Write to Rise nonprofit. A multi #1 international bestselling author and passionate advocate for women's empowerment, Mel helps ambitious women scale their businesses, amplify their voices, and build lasting legacies through strategic support, publishing, and community. After a transformative conversation with her first business coach, Mel took on the challenge of hitting a $100,000 income goal and surpassed it in her very first year. That experience lit a fire in her to help other women break through their own barriers. Today, through Cloversy, she provides high-level executive virtual assistance and full-service publishing support, including content creation, podcast production, project management, personal brand development, and complete book publishing. Her agency acts as a trusted strategic partner, allowing business owners to focus on what they do best while outsourcing the rest. As the creator of the Six-Figure Chicks movement, Mel has guided hundreds of women in sharing their stories as contributing authors in multiple international bestselling books. She hosts in-person launch events and book signings, and she has built a powerful sisterhood of driven entrepreneurs. Her work beautifully blends publishing, personal branding, media exposure, and real community impact. Mel also founded Her Write to Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of women and girls through storytelling, mentorship, and education. Her initiatives show a deep commitment to helping women delegate effectively, step into the spotlight, and create extraordinary success on their own terms. Mel's philosophy is simple yet powerful: "Do What You Do Best, Outsource the Rest." She continues to inspire women worldwide to turn their personal journeys into sources of influence, build six-figure (and beyond) businesses, and leave a meaningful legacy. Six Figure Mel Cloversy LinkedIn Instagram Six Figure Chicks Podcast Buy Her Books 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Own Your Story Mel C talks about how powerful it is to truly recognize and share your own journey. When you sit down and put pen to paper, you start to feel real confidence and pride in what you've been through. You also realize how your story can impact not just you, but people across generations. 2. Ask Without Fear Aaron and Mel both stress how important it is to make the ask - whether it's for business, advice, or a collaboration. Learning to handle rejection with grace and staying open to new perspectives is key. You'll never know what you're capable of until you start putting yourself out there. 3. Community Is Key The episode really shows why it's so valuable to surround yourself with like-minded, driven people. Mel C points out that growth happens faster when you learn from others and support them in return. That kind of space lets everyone feel empowered to own their brand, share their journey, and keep hustling together. Show Overview 00:00 Millennial vs. Gen Z music references 05:40 Importance of Sharing Personal Stories 06:41 Discussing the Royal Family dynamics 11:52 Creating a book as a marketing tool 15:52 Authors gaining confidence and recognition 19:48 Learning from rejection in business 21:50 Learning from feedback and introspection 24:07 Embracing personal brand identity 26:48 Podcast closing remarks

May 14, 2026Episode 13329 min

Resilience, Persistence and Hustle with Bob Campana

In this inspiring episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon sits down with entrepreneur and author Bob Campana to talk about resilience, adaptability, and building businesses that are rooted in real human connection. Bob shares his journey from humble beginnings - vowing never to struggle financially after hearing his parents argue about money - to starting a multimillion-dollar pool and landscaping company with just $500 in his pocket. He opens up about the power of persistence, keeping your emotions in check, and constantly adapting to whatever comes your way. Bob also recounts the key decisions that fueled his success and explains why it's so important to sell the vision and the dream, not just the product. The conversation dives into mentorship, the value of community, and why human connections still matter in a tech-driven world. It wraps up with a powerful reminder: "Never, never, never, never, never give up." Get To Know Bob Campana Bob Campana is a serial entrepreneur, author, mentor, and advisor with over 50 years of hands-on experience building and growing businesses. His journey began at age 20 when he quit a stable surveyor job to travel the world, which completely shifted his perspective on risk, reward, work, and human connection. Back in California, he started a redwood hot-tub company that evolved into one of the state's leading swimming-pool and landscaping builders. Over four decades he launched or grew eight companies across real estate development, hospitality, and international travel. He's known for emphasizing leadership under pressure, adaptability, persistence, and the irreplaceable power of genuine human relationships in business—even in a digital age. Now in his 70s, Bob remains active: he's rebuilding the Redwood Café in Modesto's River Islands development, runs a luxury tour company, shares real-talk entrepreneurship content, and wrote Don't Look Down!: The Improbable Adventures and Battle-Tested Lessons of a Serial Entrepreneur to pass along the hard-won lessons from his "school of hard knocks" (no MBA, just decades of real-world experience) bobcampana.com Buy Bob's Book: Don't Look Down! Instagram: @gbtwbob YouTube: GetBack2Work! LinkedIn Facebook 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Adaptability is Everything Staying the course matters, but knowing when and how to adapt is what separates the winners. Bob explains how making continual small pivots - like adjusting the controls on a helicopter - helped him scale his pool business from $500 to multi-million-dollar revenue and stay ahead of the competition. 2. Lead with Human Connection In a world full of screens and automation, personal connection remains a true business superpower. Bob built premium pricing and fierce customer loyalty by understanding he wasn't just selling pools - he was selling dreams and lifelong memories. 3. Persistence Trumps All Whether in life or business, reaching your dreams takes relentless determination. Bob stresses that even when things feel random or setbacks hit hard, keeping your ambition alive and refusing to quit builds the confidence and fulfillment that real success is made of. Show Overview 00:00 Early motivations from childhood 04:09 Impact of AI on entry-level jobs 06:55 Handling challenges with persistence 10:39 Selling pools as memory creators 12:53 Partnering with developers for projects 17:09 Creating memorable experiences in hospitality 21:13 Building and delivering the dream 23:39 Importance of human connection 25:55 Mentoring and supporting young people 29:09 Closing thoughts and encouragement

May 7, 2026Episode 13225 min

Bouncing Back And Hustle with Craig Semple

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon speaks with former Australian detective Craig Semple about his journey from dreaming of marine biology to a 25-year law enforcement career in New South Wales. Craig shares gripping stories from his time combating organized crime and homicides. He also opens up about the psychological toll of police work, including his struggles with PTSD, burnout, and depression that led to his medical retirement and a suicide attempt. Through vulnerability and resilience, Craig rebuilt his life. He now focuses on advocacy, mental health, and teaching resilience. He offers practical advice on planning for adversity and highlights the importance of seeking help early. The episode closes with a powerful quote on choosing to positively impact others, echoing Craig Semple's mission to turn pain into purpose Get To Know Craig Semple Craig Semple is a former Detective with the New South Wales Police Force, where he served for 25 years. His career focused on high-risk investigations, including drug operations, outlaw motorcycle gangs, and homicides. Leading teams in this demanding environment gave Craig deep insight into the impact of chronic stress, heavy workloads, burnout, depression, anxiety, and PTSD on frontline personnel. He developed a strong understanding of workplace mental health, its connection to safety, productivity, and resilience, and the requirements of occupational health and safety legislation. In 2013, Craig medically retired after his own battle with work-related psychological injury, including PTSD and burnout. Drawing on this lived experience, he gained authentic insight into the causes, effects, treatment, and recovery pathways of mental illness in high-pressure professions. Since 2015, Craig has worked as a mental health educator and presenter with the Black Dog Institute. He has delivered training and keynote presentations to more than 30,000 people across Australia. A fully accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructor, he specialises in building mentally healthy and resilient workplaces. In 2016, he was appointed as an inaugural Mentor for the NSW Police Legacy program "Backup for Life," supporting injured officers and their families. Craig is the founder and director of Mentality Plus Pty Ltd. He is the author of two books - The Cop Who Fell to Earth and Getting Back Up Again - and is a highly regarded speaker and educator on resilience, mental health awareness, and stigma reduction in high-stress professions. Official website (Mentality Plus): https://mentalityplus.com.au/ Full bio: https://mentalityplus.com.au/my-story/ Buy his books: https://mentalityplus.com.au/buy-book/ LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/craig-semple-b216b115a Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/semple_mentality/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mentalityplus/ Contact: https://mentalityplus.com.au/contact-us/ 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Resilience Is Learned by Facing Fear: Craig Semple emphasizes that running toward challenges - not away from them - cultivates real resilience. His journey from avoiding conflict in youth to tackling violent gang investigations highlights how grit is built through exposure to adversity. 2. Early Intervention Matters: A major lesson is the importance of addressing mental health struggles early. Craig Semple's experience reveals that seeking support before issues escalate can prevent burnout and long-term hardship. It shows that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 3. Make a Game Plan for Hard Times: Developing and maintaining a personal "recovery game plan" is vital. Craig Semple advises listeners to prepare strategies and self-care routines in advance, so when adversity hits, you're ready to adapt, stay in control, and keep hustling with purpose. Show Overview 00:00 Deciding to join the police 03:20 Starting out as a police officer 10:08 Solving homicides and supporting families 13:19 Coping with burnout and PTSD 17:11 Reflecting on missed early intervention 20:54 Embracing resilience and positivity 21:43 Creating a personal recovery plan 25:13 Connecting with our listeners

April 30, 2026Episode 13125 min

True Crime Hustle with Chelsea Noel

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Chelsea Noel, a writer with a master's in mental health counseling and a background in crime scene technology. Chelsea Noel shares her remarkable journey from returning to college at 26 to pursuing a thesis on a notorious Buffalo serial killer, Altimio Sanchez, known as the Bike Path Rapist. She details building a pen pal relationship with Sanchez, meeting him in person, and the emotional and psychological experiences of writing and researching through direct communication with a high-profile criminal. The episode explores the misunderstandings of the human mind, the lost art of written correspondence, and how Chelsea Noel's unconventional upbringing shaped her resilience and path. She closes with her favorite quote, "Every path has its puddles," inspiring listeners to persevere through challenges. Get To Know Chelsea Noel Chelsea Noel is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), true crime author, and former crime scene technology professional. With a master's in mental health counseling and deep expertise in forensic psychology, trauma, and PTSD, she supports individuals and families navigating the justice system and incarceration. Her unconventional journey began with college at 26 and led to an unprecedented pen-pal relationship and in-person meetings with Buffalo's notorious Bike Path Rapist, Altimio Sanchez. That experience became the foundation for her acclaimed book *Beyond the Path*. She is also the author of *The Family Wants a Conviction*, drawn from her own family's encounters with the justice system. Known for her raw honesty and sharp psychological insight, Chelsea appears regularly on podcasts discussing criminal minds, resilience, redemption, and the power of written connection. Her guiding mantra: "Every path has its puddles." Connect With Chelsea: Instagram | @noel.novels Amazon Author Page 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Seek Opportunity in Unconventional Paths: Chelsea Noel illustrates how blending distinct interests (like crime scene technology and psychology) can lead to unique opportunities. Her willingness to write her thesis on a high-profile criminal set her apart in her academic and professional pursuits. 2. Communication Builds Deeper Connections: Through hundreds of letters, emails, and prison visits, Chelsea Noel demonstrates that genuine, respectful communication (even by old-school mail) can break barriers and create meaningful insights, even with the most unexpected people. 3. Embrace the Unknown and Let Hustle Fuel Growth: Venturing into the intimidating environment of a maximum security prison, Chelsea Noel shows that confronting discomfort and uncertainty often leads to personal growth. Her journey proves that a willingness to take risks (regardless of one's background) can become the spark for lifelong change Show Overview 00:00 Discussing crime and psychology connection 04:35 Choosing a thesis topic 09:11 Overcoming irrational fears 11:20 Visiting a prison for the first time 15:46 The art of letter writing 17:37 Sending the impactful letter 20:57 Impact of active parenting 24:37 Promoting podcast engagement

April 23, 2026Episode 13024 min

Imperfect Action And Hustle with Craig Sotkovsky

In this powerful episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon sits down with Craig Sotkovsky: human behavioralist, entrepreneur, 9/11 volunteer responder, cancer survivor, and father. Craig shares his harrowing experience volunteering at Ground Zero, the profound impact on his health, and his remarkable journey of personal reinvention. He opens up about how pain can either fragment or forge a person, the process of alchemizing trauma into strength, and why recreating your identity is essential for unlocking new levels of growth. Craig delivers hard-hitting lessons on accountability, healing unconscious patterns, and leveraging adversity for true transformation. He also announces plans for a 25th-anniversary cancer awareness RV tour across the U.S. His closing message lands with simple truth: "Nobody laughs or cries in a different language. It just can be nice." This episode is a testament to resilience, evolution, and the relentless spirit to keep hustling no matter what life throws at you. Get To Know Craig Sotkoysky Craig Sotkovsky is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, mindset coach, business mentor, and real estate investor. He helps entrepreneurs and leaders break free from limiting beliefs, rediscover their true purpose, and transform adversity into lasting success. Specializing in helping people reclaim their identity, purpose, and personal power, especially after life has broken them As a 9/11 volunteer responder and lung cancer survivor, Craig has faced some of life's toughest challenges, including childhood trauma, addiction, and a battle with cancer. He has turned those experiences into a powerful message of resilience and reinvention. For more than thirty years, he has guided thousands of people to align their inner truth with real-world achievement, moving from pain to purpose and from survival to significance. A featured speaker at the Les Brown Power Voice Summit, Craig delivers transformative keynotes and coaching programs on mindset mastery, overcoming adversity, authentic leadership, conscious living, and creating financial freedom through real estate investing. His core philosophy is simple yet profound: Your story is not your sentence. It's your strength. Everything you seek is already seeking you. Craig's mission is to remind you of that truth and guide you back to your most empowered self. Connect with Craig: Website Facebook Youtube Instagram LinkedIn 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Harness Pain for Growth: Craig Sotkovsky illustrates how personal pain and adversity can be transformed into strength. By confronting traumas and obstacles head-on, he developed resilience and used life's challenges as catalysts for reinvention, inspiring listeners to find purpose in their own struggles. 2. Reimagine Your Identity: The episode underscores the power of self-reflection and conscious evolution. Craig Sotkovsky explains that true progress begins when you acknowledge that your current identity may no longer serve you, and that growth requires shedding old patterns and embracing a new sense of self. 3. Lead with Imperfect Action: Both Aaron Gordon and Craig Sotkovsky reinforce that progress doesn't require perfection. By developing routines and acting despite fear or uncertainty, listeners are encouraged to prioritize meaningful action over hesitation, turning subconscious drives into deliberate, forward momentum.

April 16, 2026Episode 12822 min

Freeing Your Hustle With Matt Melvin

In this powerful episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon sits down with Matt Melvin to explore his transformative journey from incarceration to personal growth and spiritual awakening. Matt Melvin opens up about the realities of federal prison, the pain of lifelong bullying, and how facing his deepest struggles, including an adult autism diagnosis, fueled his self-forgiveness and faith. Through adversity, Matt Melvin found purpose, crediting his prison experience for helping him build discipline, develop inner peace, and shape a new outlook on life. The episode highlights the power of perspective, the importance of forgiving others, and the value of working on yourself. Matt Melvin leaves listeners with his favorite quote: "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars." Tune in for real talk on resilience, faith, and relentless hustle Get To Know Matt Melvin Matthew Melvin is an author, public speaker, and passionate prison reform advocate based in Shelburne, Vermont. In his compelling memoir, Bullied Behind Bars: A Gay Christian Trump Supporter Goes to Prison, Matthew shares his deeply personal journey, from a lonely childhood marked by social isolation and a later autism diagnosis, to the challenges of navigating life as a gay Christian, and ultimately his experience in the federal prison system. Incarcerated in 2017 for non-violent offenses stemming from financial desperation and employment barriers after a prior conviction, Matthew endured bullying and sexual assault while behind bars. Rather than letting these experiences define him through bitterness, Matthew emerged with a renewed commitment to personal responsibility, resilience, and systemic change. His story sheds light on the harsh realities and failures of the U.S. justice system, particularly for neurodiverse individuals, LGBTQ+ people, and those trapped in cycles of poverty and recidivism. With over 9 million people jailed annually in the United States, Matthew's mission is to ensure that others do not suffer the same unnecessary hardships he faced. As a survivor, gay Christian, autistic adult, and Trump supporter, Matthew brings a unique and courageous voice to conversations about criminal justice reform, mental health in corrections, bullying in prison, redemption, and accountability. Through his writing and speaking engagements, he inspires audiences to confront difficult truths while championing hope, second chances, and meaningful reform. Matthew's first book, Bullied Behind Bars, is available on Amazon. He is available for speaking engagements, interviews, panel discussions, and collaborative advocacy work. Connect with Matt: Instgram Facebook @BarsBullied Buy Bullied Behind Bars 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Hustle Through Adversity: Matt Melvin transforms personal setbacks, including prison time and a late autism diagnosis, into powerful opportunities for growth. His story shows that facing life's toughest challenges head-on can fuel long-term success and self-improvement. 2. The Freedom of Forgiveness: Letting go of resentment, regardless of whether others apologize, is essential for true personal peace. Matt Melvin emphasizes that internal forgiveness is a critical tool for moving forward and not letting the past live "rent free" in your mind. 3. Discipline as a Catalyst for Faith and Growth: Intense routines, established even in solitary confinement, can become the foundation for spiritual and personal transformation. Matt Melvin's commitment to daily habits like prayer, study, and self-reflection illustrates how discipline paves the way for lasting change. Show Overview 00:00 Reflecting on intentions and missteps 06:02 Reflecting on pain and growth 06:46 Finding faith through hardship 10:59 Life-changing car accident 13:05 Discipline, faith, and structure 18:07 Learning about faith in prison

April 9, 2026Episode 12828 min

The Private Money Hustle with Jay Connor

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes Jay Conner, a private money expert, who shares how the 2009 banking crisis forced him to seek alternative funding for his real estate deals. Jay explains his pivot from traditional bank loans to private money and how educating ordinary people about lending enabled him to raise over $2 million in just 90 days. The conversation covers common misconceptions about bank dependence, the critical role of trust and deal management, and why private money isn't the right fit for everyone. Jay and Aaron discuss the resilience required to keep hustling—embracing failure as learning, finding multiple solutions, and taking 100% responsibility for outcomes. Jay's closing advice: "Successes are scheduled," urging listeners to use their calendars to turn goals into reality. This episode inspires by showing how adversity can spark breakthrough innovation and opportunity. Get To Know Jay Connor Jay Conner, known as The Private Money Authority, is a nationally recognized real estate investor, author, speaker, and coach who funds high-profit deals without relying on banks, hard money, or his own capital or credit. Since 2003, Jay and his wife Carol Joy have rehabbed over 450 single-family homes in Eastern North Carolina. He specializes in creative, win-win transactions—helping motivated sellers facing foreclosures, estates, or life transitions—while delivering strong returns to private lenders. In 2009, when banks abruptly cut off his financing during the financial crisis, Jay raised over $2 million in private capital within his first 90 days. He has since perfected a repeatable system that has funded millions more in deals, allowing him to make fast cash offers and generate consistent seven-figure annual profits with average deal profits of $64,000–$67,000. Jay is the author of *Where to Get the Money Now*. He hosts the popular podcast *Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner* (also known as *Raising Private Money*), where he shares actionable strategies and interviews industry leaders. Through his Private Money Academy membership and live coaching, Jay teaches investors how to ethically attract private capital without direct solicitation. He operates his business in under 10 hours per week while maintaining integrity, solving seller problems, and creating mutually beneficial relationships with lenders. Based in North Carolina, Jay continues to empower thousands through his content, coaching, and community—proving that real estate success is accessible and bank-independent. Connect with Jay: Website Raising Private Money with Jay Connor LinkedIn 3 Key Listener Takeaways 1. Redefining Funding Jay Conner illustrates the power of shifting away from traditional banking and embracing private money for real estate investment. His journey from relying solely on bank loans to building a network of private lenders highlights how unconventional approaches can unlock new opportunities and scalability, even during financial crises. 2. The Power of Mindset The discussion between Aaron Gordon and Jay Conner underscores that how you respond to setbacks is everything. Embracing a victor mentality, taking 100% responsibility for outcomes and seeing failures as lessons, not only builds resilience but fuels long-term success in any field. 3. Preparation Breeds Confidence Jay Conner stresses the importance of lining up resources before chasing deals. By securing financing in advance, investors gain control and flexibility, enabling them to act decisively and confidently when the right opportunities arise, rather than scrambling at the last minute. Show Overview 00:00 – Realizing a new approach to finance 05:26 – Discovering private money options 08:25 – Finding funding during the financial crisis 12:49 – Meeting Jack Canfield 16:16 – Trust and private money lending 19:45 – Defining failure in real estate 22:11 – Resilience and the "keep hustling" mindset 25:06 – Using private lenders for deals 27:30 – Supporting the podcast and connecting