Live Life By Design with Jeff Mendez

Hosted by Jeff Mendez

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Nov 2025

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About the show

🎙️ Welcome to "Live Life by Design with Jeff Mendez," a podcast for personal and professional growth! 👤 Jeff is a seasoned leader with a strong background in sales, operations, and investment, known for transforming a company's revenue from $30M to over $1B. He’s also provided affordable housing to 41,000+ families, co-owns Green Light Restaurant Group, and is a fervent supporter of early-stage investments. 🎧 Join us as Jeff interviews experts, sharing insights and strategies to propel you forward. Whether you're an entrepreneur or simply seeking growth, this is your resource for inspiration and practical advice. 🔗 Subscribe, connect in the comments, and follow us on social media for more! 🎯 Live your life by design, not by default. Join Jeff Mendez on this journey, and let’s build a life and career that truly reflects your aspirations and potential! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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60 recent

November 27, 202520 min

Brotherhood, Championships & Legacy with Michael Cooper | LLBD #74

In this heartfelt episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with NBA Champion and Lakers legend Michael Cooper to talk legacy, leadership, and living life on purpose.Michael opens up about his humble beginnings in Pasadena, how his five personal “D” principles helped him reach the NBA, and what made the Lakers dynasty of the 80s so powerful — both on and off the court. From brotherhood and family to culture, faith, and business, Coop shares the untold lessons that made Showtime so much more than basketball.He also speaks vulnerably about love, loss, and the personal relationship that grounded his life after sports. If you're looking for wisdom, inspiration, and a deeper look into the mind of a champion, this episode delivers.⏱️ Key Timestamps0:00 Welcome to Casa de Mendez1:00 Early Life in Pasadena & The Five D’s2:30 Overcoming Doubt & Earning a Spot in the NBA3:15 Favorite Championship Moments with the Lakers5:00 Beating the Celtics in 19856:00 Building Brotherhood Within the Lakers8:15 The Legendary Lakers Reunion in Maui10:00 Spencer Haywood’s Return to the Family11:30 Culture, Conflict, and Accountability13:00 Lessons from Dr. Jerry Buss14:30 What Made Magic Johnson’s Business Mindset Stand Out15:50 Respecting Roles & Building a Lasting Organization17:00 Final Advice: Living Life by Design18:15 The Power of Partnership & Choosing the Right Person19:30 Closing Reflections & Gratitude Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 25, 202552 min

Resilience, Grit & Legacy with Damon Price: Leading Through Chaos | LLBD #73

In this powerful episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with Damon Price, Chief Sales Officer at Pure Light, for a deep and raw conversation about leadership through adversity in both business and life.From rebuilding a company after a seismic industry shift to navigating the heartbreak of personal loss, Damon shares the real journey behind the titles. He opens up about how he handled a nine-figure acquisition, the toll of burnout, and the mental frameworks that keep him aligned through chaos. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs, sales leaders, and anyone chasing purpose beyond profit.Damon also reveals something deeply personal he’s been holding back, and why now might be the time to share it with the world.This episode will challenge your mindset, recharge your drive, and remind you what really matters.⏱️ Key Timestamps0:00 Welcome to Casa de Mendez1:00 Major Industry Shifts & The "Big Beautiful Bill"3:00 Leadership in Crisis Mode5:45 Turning Turmoil Into Strength8:15 Lessons from a Nine-Figure Acquisition10:40 Burnout, Loss & Work-Life Alignment14:00 What Sales Leaders Actually Need to Teach19:30 Damon’s Must-Read Book Recs22:20 Founders Don’t Run Out of Money, They Run Out of Will25:00 Do Hard Things on Purpose28:00 A Perspective Shift on Time, Loss & Legacy33:45 “Backstory” and The Rocking Chair Test36:00 Keep It Simple, Keep It Soulful40:00 The Real Sales Strategy: Consistency Over Charisma44:00 Vivint Memories and Industry Mentors48:00 “I’ve Been Holding This Back…”50:00 Jeff’s Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 20, 202557 min

Turning Sales into a Superpower with Ashton Buswell | LLBD #72

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with solar sales legend Ashton Buswell, whose 20-year journey through direct sales, leadership, and personal growth reveals what it really takes to live intentionally.From his early door-to-door days to selling over 1,000 solar systems and creating the “28+ Challenge,” Ashton shares his mindset for consistency, leadership, and building a life fueled by purpose and love.Whether you’re in sales or simply chasing personal growth, this episode delivers lessons on discipline, perspective, and the daily non‑negotiables that lead to success.🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of Live Life by Design — and share this with someone who needs the inspiration.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Ashton opens the show00:45 Meeting Jeff in Kansas City03:10 Career path through sales05:25 Back into solar with Luke07:25 1,000+ installs at Legacy08:44 The 28+ Challenge explained10:33 Least favorite part of sales12:30 Sales as a sport mindset15:19 Everyone should do door-to-door17:26 Building leaders through mentorship22:20 Selling by asking, not telling23:35 Book rec: Chop Wood, Carry Water25:00 Momentum Mondays & health habits31:10 Selling 16 in a day to win a Tesla36:00 Why love is the real superpower45:21 Ski story: practicing patience51:23 Ashton’s gift: spreading love56:00 Final thoughts & farewell Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 13, 202553 min

Freedom Over Fortune: How to Design a Life You Actually Love with Jeremy Lieber | LLBD #71

On this episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with Jeremy Lieber, founder of Uncommon Education and a successful day trader who’s redefined what it means to live on your own terms. They explore what true wealth really looks like, why discomfort can be the key to happiness, and how to avoid the dangerous trap of success without fulfillment. From jungle fly fishing to life lessons in the stock market, Jeremy shares his unfiltered journey of designing a life filled with intention, freedom, and joy.Timestamps00:00 Welcome & Guest Intro01:08 The Jungle Reset: Discomfort is the Point03:22 Why Simplicity Trumps Luxury05:14 From Porsche to Peace07:41 Wealth Redefined10:03 A Perfect Day in the Life13:19 Confidence is the Cure15:51 Vulnerability is the Superpower18:55 Building Uncommon Education21:19 The Biggest Mistake Traders Make24:17 Trading Should Be Boring25:12 Should You Quit Your Job to Trade?28:48 Top Success Story: $10K to $270K35:03 Biggest Failure: The $400K Blow-Up43:16 Thoughts on Real Estate Investing45:03 Book Recommendations48:29 What Gift Are You Hiding?52:49 Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

November 6, 202545 min

Retire in 10 Years or Less with Ryan Lee | LLBD #70

In this high-impact episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez is joined by Ryan Lee — real estate investor, educator, and co-author of Retire in 10 Years or Less. Together, they challenge traditional financial advice, unpack how to escape the “retirement trap,” and explore what it really means to live life by design. From smart tax strategy to redefining freedom, this conversation is packed with real talk, actionable insights, and powerful perspective shifts for anyone ready to take control of their time, money, and purpose.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome & Life Update01:06 Retire in 10 Years or Less02:14 Real Estate Beginnings03:54 Rich Dad, Poor Dad Takeaways05:15 Savers Are Losers06:00 Debt is Money08:10 The Tax Code & Patriotism11:06 Inflation as a Hidden Tax13:12 Playing the Tax Game Smart17:06 Favorite Chapter of the Book19:06 The 3 Investing No-Nos23:27 Financial Freedom is a Lifestyle26:59 The Day Ryan Quit His Job30:25 Advice for People Feeling Stuck32:00 Life Insurance & Legacy34:00 The 3 Questions That Change Everything38:00 The Ownership Economy40:01 Last Words of Wisdom42:15 Where to Get the Book43:34 What’s Next for Ryan Lee44:33 Closing Remarks Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 30, 202539 min

Staying Ready, Staying Great: Wisdom from Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith | LLBD #69

In this episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez is joined by Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith for a powerful conversation on discipline, staying prepared, and mastering your craft.From humble beginnings to becoming a baseball legend, Ozzie drops wisdom for athletes, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing greatness.💬 "You only get out of life what you put in." – Ozzie Smith⏱️ Timestamps00:00 Welcome Ozzie Smith00:54 Early life & baseball roots03:46 Seizing opportunities06:10 Mental toughness07:04 Longevity in the game10:55 Talent vs work ethic14:16 Life after baseball20:45 Giving back25:40 Hall of Fame mindset30:23 Fundamentals & success36:57 Living by design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 23, 20251 hr 7 min

From Wrestler to Leader: Adam Hall’s Blueprint for High Performance | LLBD #68

In this powerful episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with Adam Hall, head wrestling coach at Utah Valley University, former All-American, and leadership powerhouse. From his roots in Idaho to coaching on the national stage, Adam shares raw, tactical insights on what it takes to lead under pressure, delegate with trust, and build a winning culture from the ground up.Whether you're building a business, leading a team, or striving for personal greatness—this episode breaks down how structure creates freedom, how to lead with clarity, and why accountability is love. It’s not just about wrestling. It’s about life, purpose, and living by design—not default.⏱️ Key Moments0:00:07 Intro & Guest Welcome0:00:49 Adam’s Journey to Coaching0:03:29 Leadership & Delegation0:05:21 Culture & Communication0:11:38 Team Structure & Roles0:16:06 Budgeting & Fundraising0:21:56 Raising Academic Standards0:24:00 Life After Graduation0:38:58 Recruiting & Transfer Portal0:49:06 Structure Creates Freedom0:53:50 Wrestling Mindset & Ownership0:56:35 Leading Through Tragedy1:05:00 Living by Design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 16, 202525 min

Oscar Robertson on Freedom, Faith & the Game That Changed Everything | LLBD #67

NBA icon Oscar Robertson joins host Jeff Mendez on Live Life by Design to discuss the legendary Oscar Robertson Rule, how it reshaped basketball, and his perspective on success, faith, and purpose. From averaging a triple-double before it was tracked to navigating racism and redefining player freedom, this episode is a masterclass in perseverance and design—on and off the court.💡 Comment your biggest takeaway and share this episode with someone who needs the inspiration.⏱️ Key Moments00:00 Welcome and intro with Oscar Robertson01:22 The Oscar Robertson Rule explained03:15 Building winning teams and key trades05:31 Modern NBA money and evolution07:58 Early years, the draft, and hard lessons10:27 Averaging a triple-double before it mattered13:26 Growing up through racism and sports17:06 Eternal happiness and faith19:02 The person he’d look for first: God23:58 Final life advice and closing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 9, 202536 min

From 5 HS Games to 12 Years in the NBA w/ Cedric Ceballos | LLBD #67

On this episode of Live Life by Design, host Jeff Mendez sits down with Cedric Ceballos—1992 NBA Slam Dunk champion and former All-Star—to unpack an unlikely journey: from playing only five games in high school to a 12-year NBA career with the Suns, Lakers, Mavericks, and Heat. Cedric shares lessons on resilience, choosing the right system over the shiny opportunity, the realities of pro life, transitioning to the front office, and why falling in love with the process beats chasing the result. Inspirational, candid, and packed with practical takeaways for designing a life on your terms.Timestamps:0:00 Intro & name1:51 Drafted & teams3:34 Lakers homecoming6:47 Late-bloomer spark10:18 Pre-draft breakout11:20 Fit over draft hype12:00 Draft night emotions14:48 Rookie “point-a-minute”17:58 All-Star & Dunk Champ19:38 Overseas stints22:01 Pro life realities34:17 Process over results Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

October 2, 202534 min

From Strikeouts to Second Chances: Doc Gooden’s Raw Redemption Story | LLBD #66

In this inspiring episode of Live Life by Design, Jeff Mendez sits down with MLB legend Dwight “Doc” Gooden for an unforgettable conversation on greatness, mistakes, and redemption.From growing up in Tampa with his nephew Gary Sheffield to facing Pete Rose in the majors, and ultimately battling addiction—Doc opens up about it all. His honesty, grit, and comeback story will move anyone who’s ever struggled with failure, purpose, or identity.Whether you're chasing dreams or fighting demons, this episode reminds you: it's never too late to rewrite your story.Key Moments:00:00 Welcome + Intro to Doc00:31 Childhood & falling in love with baseball02:48 Realizing he could go pro08:13 Baseball idols: Pete Rose & Nolan Ryan13:34 Battling addiction & breaking cycles19:27 Turning pain into purpose21:56 Why they call him "Doc"29:35 The one thing he'd get back30:23 His mom & the person he'd hug again31:42 Final advice: Live life by design Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.