Real Business Connections

Hosted by Ben Albert

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542

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Real Business Connections is a business self-discovery podcast for entrepreneurs, marketers, salespeople, and business owners who want to grow without becoming fake, loud, pushy, or disconnected from who they are. Hosted by Ben Albert, the show explores business, marketing, relationships, leadership, content, sales, personal growth, and the human side of success through real conversations with people who think, build, sell, create, and live differently. Yes, we talk social selling, content marketing, LinkedIn, networking, storytelling, visibility, branding, and what actually moves the needle. But we also get into the deeper stuff: human behavior, trust, persuasion, neuroplasticity, crime, cults, resilience, identity, and what makes people believe, buy, connect, change, and grow. This is not about networking louder. It is about connecting deeper. Some episodes get tactical. Some get personal. Most do both. The goal is simple: pull out the human lesson underneath the business lesson without making it heavy, stiff, or full of guru fluff. No fake visibility. No shallow networking. No hustle-culture chaos. Just real conversations, useful perspective, hard-earned wisdom, and plenty of “wow, I needed to hear that” moments. Come for the conversation. Leave with wisdom, perspective, and a better way to grow your business and yourself. Real Business Connections: Wisdom through connection. Website: https://realbusinessconnections.com/ Inner Circle: https://weallgrowtogether.com/ Show Key: LST= LEARN SPEAK TEACH ROC: ROCHESTER(NY) BUSINESS CONNECTIONS FMF: FIFTEEN MINUTE FRIDAY HIT: REAL HITS Bite: BEN'S BITES GG: Real Talk w/ GrowGetters AB²C Lunch Break Live - LinkedIn Panel Live Stream

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60 recent

August 17, 202645 min

Sports Psychologist Says You WANT Anxiety w/ Dr. Wayne Chappelle (LST #165)

Learn Speak Teach Episode #165 with Dr. Wayne Chappelle, aka Dr. C, on the Real Business Connections Podcast. Sports psychologist Dr. Wayne Chappelle says anxiety is not always the enemy. If you want to perform at a high level, you may actually need it. In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Dr. C to talk about peak performance, sports psychology, business pressure, emotional control, visualization, character, and what separates the top 1% from everyone else. Dr. Chappelle shares lessons from working with elite performers across professional sports, military special operations, business, and leadership, including why high performers do not eliminate anxiety. They learn how to manage it. Ben and Dr. C also talk about Alex Caruso guarding Victor Wembanyama, the power of having a real wingman, why great people are not yes-people, and why your character matters more than the scoreboard. Dr. Wayne Chappelle is also connected to PsyOPTIMAL and co-wrote “Heal Your Hurting Mind: Biblical Hope for Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, and the Emotions No One Talks About” with Craig Groeschel. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:05] Alex Caruso vs. Victor Wembanyama [03:01] What Defines the Top 1% [05:35] Compartmentalizing Emotions [09:27] Why You Want Anxiety [14:31] Butterflies in Formation [15:00] Train for the Worst Case [20:47] Visualization and the Brain [25:48] Business Pressure and Perspective [28:39] Why You Need a Wingman [32:23] The Eight Downfall Areas [35:20] Control Character, Not Outcomes [38:11] Living by Your Values [40:28] Connect with Dr. C [41:42] Dr. C’s Wingman [43:32] Heal Your Hurting Mind Key Takeaways: • Anxiety is not always the enemy. When managed well, it can sharpen focus and improve performance. ~Dr. Wayne Chappelle • To perform under pressure, you have to compartmentalize your emotions instead of letting them control the moment. ~Dr. Wayne Chappelle • “You always rise to the level of your training. You never rise to the moment.” ~Dr. Wayne Chappelle • A real wingman is not a yes-person. A real wingman tells you the truth and protects you from your own blind spots. ~Dr. Wayne Chappelle • You cannot control the scoreboard, the outcome, or the results. You can control your character. ~Dr. Wayne Chappelle • “People will remember the asshole more than they remember the ring.” ~Dr. Wayne Chappelle Keep In Touch with Dr. Wayne Chappelle: PsyOPTIMAL: https://psyoptimal.com/our-team/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-chappelle-3990b6185/ Heal Your Hurting Mind: Biblical Hope for Anxiety, Depression, Burnout, and the Emotions No One Talks About: https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Your-Hurting-Mind-Depression/dp/B0FK7256Z1/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HrZsfs1QBhl6rIUXgBdmfag7Iipf1j0w2W3qLr3b6quVAELipw16at-JLJYWqkiV.FBdYxYvUefNwM8nXqu1XciUDl5tMsMD8374BtA05QPI&dib_tag=se&qid=1784205724&refinements=p_27%3AWayne+Chappelle&s=books&sr=1-3 — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

August 10, 20261 hr 22 min

Nippy Ames of A Little Bit Culty: Cults, Control & Coercion Unfiltered (LST #164)

Learn Speak Teach Episode #164 with Nippy Ames of "A Little Bit Culty" on the Real Business Connections Podcast. Cults, control, and coercion are not always as obvious as we think. In this unfiltered conversation, Ben Albert sits down with Nippy Ames, co-host of "A Little Bit Culty" and co-author of "A Little Bit Culty: Navigating Cults, Control and Coercion," to explore how high-control groups, online gurus, word salad, love bombing, extreme belief systems, and unchecked authority can pull people in. Nippy breaks down why people do not join cults because they are stupid. They often join because they are looking for purpose, community, structure, meaning, healing, or belonging. Ben and Nippy also talk about Scientology, Twin Flames, sovereign citizens, gaslighting, social media grifts, and the subtle ways culty patterns can show up in business, politics, wellness, relationships, and personal development. This episode is about pattern recognition, human susceptibility, and the wisdom that comes from asking better questions. You will learn what makes something culty, why people stay, how to help someone without pushing them further away, and what reclaiming your life can look like after leaving a high-control environment. Content note: This conversation includes discussion of cults, coercive control, abuse, manipulation, politics, and strong language. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [00:58] Reacting to Online Gurus [01:47] Word Salad and Abstract Authority [06:28] Sovereign Citizens and Culty Logic [15:24] What Makes Something Culty? [20:14] Why People Join Cults [27:50] Helping Someone in a Culty Group [31:05] Scientology and Normalized Abuse [35:52] Looksmaxing and Susceptibility [41:23] Twin Flames and Love as a Hook [44:43] When Beliefs Lose Reality [58:36] How to Leave a High-Control Group [01:03:21] A Little Bit Culty Resources [01:03:55] Life After Leaving [01:07:00] Gaslighting and Word Salad Key Takeaways: • “Word salad is you are auditioning your intelligence, I think, and trying to sound intelligent to an audience, but have no substance in what you're saying.” ~Nippy Ames • Culty behavior often starts when an authority figure cannot be questioned. ~Nippy Ames • Extreme belief systems become dangerous when people replace their own principles with the values and doctrine of the group. ~Nippy Ames • People often join cults because they are looking for purpose, community, structure, meaning, or belonging. ~Nippy Ames • If someone you love is in a culty situation, do not attack them head-on. Ask questions, stay curious, and remain in their life. ~Nippy Ames • Cults do not hook people because they are stupid. They hook people through pain, purpose, trust, identity, and blind spots. ~Nippy Ames • Culty patterns are not limited to cults. They can show up anywhere authority, power, identity, and belonging go unchecked. ~Nippy Ames • The first step to leaving a high-control group is getting to physical safety, then rebuilding slowly with trusted support. ~Nippy Ames People Mentioned An Other Resources: A Little Bit Culty: https://alittlebitculty.com/ A Little Bit Culty Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/a-little-bit-culty/id1553334816 A Little Bit Culty Book: https://alittlebitculty.com/book Cult Recovery Resources: https://alittlebitculty.com/resources A Little Bit Culty Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alittlebitculty/ A Little Bit Culty Linktree: https://linktr.ee/alittlebitculty Sarah Edmondson: https://www.instagram.com/sarahedmondson/ The Vow: https://www.hbo.com/the-vow Keep In Touch with Nippy Ames: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonyames11/ — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

August 3, 202658 min

Aligned Success Ask Me Anything w/ Rudi Riekstins at GrowGetters ONLY (GG #36)

Real Talk with GrowGetters Episode #36 featuring Rudi Riekstins. Most people chase success by adding more pressure, more hustle, and more force. Rudi Riekstins teaches a different path: get centered first, then create from alignment. In this exclusive “Ask Me Anything” session from the GrowGetters ONLY Inner Circle, we’re joined by Rudi Riekstins, transformational speaker, executive coach, and business mentor for high performers, conscious entrepreneurs, and everyday leaders who want to create more impact without losing themselves in the process. Rudi shares how to find your “still point,” make decisions from calm instead of chaos, and reconnect with the deeper purpose behind your work. He also breaks down how energy, emotion, intention, and identity shape the results we create in business and life. The conversation explores presence, intuition, spiritual alignment, emotional regulation, parenting by example, and what it means to leave every room better than you found it. If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or high achiever who wants success to feel more expansive and less exhausting, this AMA will hit home. People Mentioned and Other Resources: The Expansion Formula: https://community.rudiriekstins.com/the-expansion-formula-program Keep In Touch with Rudi Riekstins: Website: https://rudiriekstins.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rudiriekstins/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudi-riekstins/ Podcast: https://community.rudiriekstins.com/podcasts/the-inpowered-life The Expansion Formula: https://community.rudiriekstins.com/the-expansion-formula-program — Join GrowGetters ONLY: Inner-Circle: https://growgettersonly.com/ Community: https://weallgrowtogether.com/ Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – GrowGetters ONLY is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

July 27, 202645 min

AI Can Edit Your Videos, But It Can’t Create Connection w/ Descript CEO Laura Burkhauser (LST #163)

Learn Speak Teach Episode #163 with Descript CEO Laura Burkhauser on the Real Business Connections Podcast. AI can make video editing faster, easier, and more accessible than ever, but real growth still comes from creating content people actually connect with. In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Laura Burkhauser, CEO of Descript, to talk about content creation, AI video editing, storytelling, leadership, and why connection still matters in a world full of automation. Laura shares how Descript helps creators, podcasters, business owners, and marketing teams turn messy ideas, livestreams, podcasts, and long-form videos into polished, shareable content. She also breaks down why editing is still an art, why taste matters, and how AI can support creators without replacing the human eye, ear, and voice behind the work. Ben and Laura also dive into her path from product manager to CEO, the responsibility of leadership, the importance of becoming your own customer, and why showing up on video can help you grow your business, build confidence, and create stronger connection with your audience. If you have a lot of ideas but struggle to turn them into content, this conversation will help you stop overthinking, start creating, and use tools like Descript to share your message with more clarity, consistency, and connection. — Descript Promo Code: Promo Code: Learnspeakteach Get a creator account free for 3 months. Sign up for monthly billing, enter promo code Learnspeakteach , and you’ll get 3 months free. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:25] Too Many Content Ideas [02:17] Why Creators Get Stuck [04:42] Script Readers vs. Ramblers [05:58] Editing Video Like a Doc [10:09] Editing Is an Art [13:07] AI Still Needs Taste [14:08] Laura’s Path to Descript [22:29] From Product Manager to CEO [30:07] Climbing Cringe Mountain [34:38] Descript’s Next Mountain [40:41] The 90-Second Video Challenge [43:26] Connect with Laura Key Takeaways: • Creators usually do not struggle because they lack ideas. They struggle because turning those ideas into shareable content has too many obstacles. ~Laura Burkhauser • Descript was built around a simple idea: make video editing feel as easy as editing a document. ~Laura Burkhauser • “Editing is not an algorithm. Editing is an art.” ~Laura Burkhauser • AI can help creators move faster, but strong content still needs taste, judgment, and a human eye or ear guiding the final result. ~Laura Burkhauser • Natural pauses can make content feel more human, emotional, and conversational when they are used with intention. ~Ben Albert • The first mountain is easier with peers, and mentors can help you bridge the discouragement dip before the next mountain. ~Ben Albert • The best way to understand your customer is to become the customer and feel the same friction they feel. ~Laura Burkhauser • The easiest first step is to make one 90-second video teaching a skill related to your business and see what happens. ~Laura Burkhauser People Mentioned An Other Resources: Descript: https://www.descript.com/ Descript YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/descript Descript Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/descript_app/ Descript Linktree: https://linktr.ee/descript Laura’s New YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraDescript Social Media Week Lima: https://sociallima.com/ Keep In Touch with Laura Burkhauser: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/burkhauser/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LauraDescript — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ Real Business Connections is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

July 20, 202637 min

Black Sheep Sales: Win Clients Without Acting Like a Douche w/ Aleasha Bahr (LST #162)

Learn Speak Teach Episode #162 with Aleasha Bahr on the Real Business Connections Podcast. Sales does not have to feel pushy, fake, scripted, or aggressive. In this episode, Ben Albert sits down with Aleasha Bahr, founder of Black Sheep Sales, to talk about alternative ways to win clients without acting like a douche. Aleasha helps entrepreneurs, business owners, and sales professionals grow by selling in a way that actually fits their personality, values, and strengths. Aleasha breaks down why every personality can be great at sales, why introverts often make incredible salespeople, and why sales is really about curiosity, empathy, passion, and fit. Instead of forcing people through a script or “overcoming objections” like a battle, Aleasha shows how better questions, honest conversations, and clear expectations can create more trust and better clients. Ben and Aleasha also talk about rejection, bad-fit clients, deliverables vs. results, customer retention, sales positioning, and why being willing to repel the wrong people can actually help you attract the right ones. If you want to grow your business, win more clients, and sell with confidence without becoming someone you’re not, this Black Sheep Sales conversation is for you. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:10] Ben’s Bad Sales Scripts [03:10] Why Pushy Sales Fails [05:08] The Perfect Way to Sell [06:37] Why Introverts Sell Well [08:33] Stop Fighting Objections [10:34] If It’s a Fit, It’s a Fact [11:37] Finding the Right Fit [14:53] Rejection Goes Both Ways [18:25] Sales Is More Than the Sale [24:07] Positioning and Expectations [28:05] Turn Deliverables Into Results [31:34] Repelling the Wrong Clients [32:52] Trust What Feels Aligned [35:33] Connect with Aleasha Key Takeaways: • “Sales is listening, not talking.” ~Aleasha Bahr • Every personality can be great at sales when they understand their strengths and weaknesses. ~Aleasha Bahr • The perfect way to sell is the way that feels aligned with you while still clearly communicating the heart of the message. ~Aleasha Bahr • Curiosity turns objections into conversations instead of battles. ~Aleasha Bahr • “If it’s a fit, it’s a fact and there’s no selling involved.” ~Aleasha Bahr • Rejection goes both ways. You also have the power to decide if a prospect is the right fit for you. ~Aleasha Bahr • Deliverables do not sell as well as outcomes. People want the result behind the meeting, kickoff, or process. ~Aleasha Bahr • What is in alignment for you is usually what will work best in sales. ~Aleasha Bahr Keep In Touch with Aleasha Bahr: Website: https://aleashabahr.com/ Black Sheep Sales Book: https://blacksheepsalesbook.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aleashabahr/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleashabahr/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sales-is-not-a-dirty-word/id1440616027 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bahraleasha/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aleashabahr — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

July 14, 202650 min

How Nick Hutchison of BookThinkers Reads With Intention (REPLAY)

BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away! Learn Speak Teach Episode #85 with Nick Hutchison. Watch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/8Y8-iX0tVXs During this episode, you will learn about: [02:51] Nick’s book, Rise of the Reader: https://bit.ly/46NKXyI [03:37] Favorite book Nick has read in 2023: Be Useful: https://bit.ly/3TehCL0 [05:08] Nick Hutchison’s bio [06:43] What prompted Nick to start reading books? [09:26] Why implementing the knowledge gained from books is important [11:43] The power of intention when choosing the right book to read [12:05] How to start implementing the knowledge gained from books using the SMART goal framework [17:17] Nick’s advice for new book readers aspiring to become successful readers [19:55] How to choose the next right book to read [21:36] Uncovering the journey from idea to publication of his book, ‘Rise of the Reader.’ [29:00] Why he decided to include a section on actionable and implementable habits to improve your health, wealth, and happiness in his book [31:16] An example of a happy habit from Nick’s book and how to implement it [39:18] Book marketing tips [41:14] Grab a copy of ‘Rise of the Reader’ from Amazon: https://bit.ly/46NKXyI [42:00] Rapid Fire Round [42:19] Nick’s go-to books; Die With Zero: https://bit.ly/3GvEoGj I Will Teach You to Be Rich: https://bit.ly/3RdFBqH [47:53] Best way to connect with Nick Hutchison: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/ Key Takeaways: • Books offer solutions to nearly any problem we may encounter and also facilitate the development of a wide range of skills we may want to acquire. [07:56] • ”Action is the real measure of intelligence.” ~Napoleon Hill [09:25] • “What’s not being measured can’t be managed.” ~Peter Drucker [13:02] • If you give yourself a deadline, you will get it done. A task will expand to fill the allotted time that you give it. ~Parkinson’s Law [25:47] • “Impact is felt through feedback.” ~Nick Hutchison [27:00] • “There are two types of forgiveness: internal and external. Internal forgiveness happens when you stop feeling angry or resentful toward yourself, whereas external forgiveness happens when you stop feeling angry or resentful towards someone else.” ~Nick Hutchison [31:41] • “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die.” ~Marianne Williamson [34:14] People Mentioned and Other Resources: 1. MJ DeMarco 2. Arnold Schwarzenegger 3. Marcus Aurelius 4. Lucius Annaeus Seneca 5. Epictetus 6. Limitless Expanded Edition: https://bit.ly/3uNS0u4 7. Rise of the Reader: https://bit.ly/46NKXyI 8. Be Useful: https://bit.ly/3TehCL0 9. Think and Grow Rich: https://bit.ly/41amTF6 10. $100M Leads: https://bit.ly/3uNWzoc 11. Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://bit.ly/3QPiSCz 12. The Total Money Makeover: https://amzn.to/4852Qu5 13. The Richest Man in Babylon: https://bit.ly/41b2sb3 14. The Millionaire Fastlane: https://bit.ly/47RkmCw 15. The 4-Hour Workweek: https://bit.ly/3Rf1aY2 16. The Code of the Extraordinary Mind: https://bit.ly/472QSjT 17. The Four Agreements: https://bit.ly/3T8TIAp 18. A Return to Love: https://bit.ly/41dlnlx 19. Die With Zero: https://bit.ly/3GvEoGj 20. I Will Teach You to Be Rich: https://bit.ly/3RdFBqH 21. Less Annoying CRM tool: https://www.lessannoyingcrm.com/ Keep In Touch with Nick Hutchison: Website: https://bookthinkers.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bookthinkers YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bookthinkers Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BookThinkers/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bookthinkers/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bookthinkersofficial

July 14, 202650 min

The Secret Behind Every Successful Book w/ John David Mann (REPLAY)

BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away! Learn Speak Teach Episode #118 with John David Mann. Many authors have difficulty finding the key factor that will make their work stand out. As a result, they often end up with books that fail to make the desired impact on readers. So, what’s the secret behind every successful book? Today, John David Mann sheds light on the key factors that contribute to a book’s success. John is an award-winning author and writing coach, best known for co-authoring the New York Times bestseller The Go-Give r . With over 40 books to his name, he has established himself as a powerful voice in the writing community. In the episode, John discusses the elements that made The Go-Giver irresistible to readers. Additionally, he introduces his online course Book Concepts That Sell , designed to provide writers with practical advice and insightful strategies to improve their writing. John also dives into the limitations of AI in writing, emphasizing its inability to capture true creativity and originality. Moreover, he shares insights on the power of partnerships in writing, highlighting the key red flags and green lights to watch for when collaborating with other authors. Finally, John reveals his “secret sauce” for writing success and the motivation that drives his passion for writing. Let’s tap into some of his wisdom. During this episode, you will learn about: [01:49] Common trait of successful books [07:21] The Go-Giver: https://johndavidmann.com/books/the-go-giver/ [15:00] Current focus [16:10] AI limitations [20:03] Online course: https://bookconceptmagic.com/ [24:06] Partnership with other authors [28:31] Red flags & green lights [33:00] John’s secret sauce [43:06] Newsletter: https://johndavidmann.com/newsletter/ [46:48] Writing Motivation [47:52] Connect with John David Mann • Website: https://johndavidmann.com/ Key Takeaways: • Every successful book has a magnetically compelling and irresistible core concept. ~John David Mann [01:49] • “The greatest truths are found in paradox.” ~John David Mann [10:10] • An author should never do their cover. ~John David Mann [18:58] • A successful partnership requires mutual respect for each person’s area of expertise. ~John David Mann [30:46] • “Empathy is the number one skill set for an effective writer.” ~John David Mann [35:15] • “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in the reader.” ~Robert Frost [39:58] • “Every writer is the first reader of their book.” ~John David Mann [40:54] • “Everyone is necessarily the hero of his own life story.” ~John Barth [43:52] People Mentioned and Other Resources: 1. The Go-Giver 2. The Latte Factor 3. Cold Fear 4. The Automatic Millionaire 5. Smart Women Finish Rich 6. The Alchemist 7. Man’s Search for Meaning 8. How to Write Good: https://johndavidmann.com/2021/03/02/how-to-write-good/ Keep In Touch with John David Mann: Website: https://johndavidmann.com/ X: https://twitter.com/JohnDavidMann LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johndavidmann/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johndavidmann Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johndavidmann/ Writing workshop: https://bookconceptmagic.com/ Newsletter: https://johndavidmann.com/newsletter/ David Mann’s books: https://johndavidmann.com/books/ How to Write Good: https://johndavidmann.com/2021/03/02/how-to-write-good/ — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

July 14, 202652 min

Amberly Lago || You Don’t Have To Be Fortunate to Achieve Fortune (REPLAY)

BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away! Learn Speak Teach #17 w/ Amberly Lago - Fear, disappointment, pain, and suffering are all part of life. They're also the things that can hold you back from achieving your goals. When you feel like giving up on a difficult task or when you're faced with fear, consider the WHY you're putting so much time and effort into it. If your goal is something important to you, it will be worth enduring the downsides of life to reach it. Join the conversation with Amberly Lago as she shares the story of a life forever altered by a horrific motorcycle accident that shattered her right leg. Despite the initial recommendation to amputate, she endured 34 surgeries to save it. As a sexual abuse and divorce survivor, she was determined to save not only her leg but her career, her dreams, and her dignity. Amberly Lago is a TEDx Speaker, Peak Performance Coach, Podcast Host, and leading expert in the field of resilience and transformation. She is the best-selling author of “True Grit and Grace” and empowers people worldwide by sharing her truth. Through her book, coaching methods, and workshops, she has curated unique tools to teach others how to tap into their superpower of resilience, build grit, and elevate their lives and businesses, with grace! Amberly has been featured on NBC’s The Today Show, The Doctors, Hallmark, Good Morning Lalaland, contributed to magazines such as Forbes, USA Today, LA Style, Shape, Fit Pregnancy, Health, and Disability Magazine. Amberly is also the founder of the "UNSTOPPABLE LIFE MASTERMIND," designed to build your influence, impact, and income Tune in! During this episode, you will learn about; [00:01] Pre-show [02:30] Meet our today’s guest, the truly inspiring Amberly Lago [05:52] Who’s Amberly Lago? Her Story [13:38] The secret to success is focusing on your vision and being a part of it [21:49] How Amberly got the clarity of her purpose in life, and how you can find yours [26:38] The tragic motorcycle accident that shattered her right leg [31:50] The mind shift she had on getting out of the wheelchair [35:20] How her first TEDx talk was [37:04] Amberly’s P.A.C.E.R method in coaching and how it works [43:53] How you can connect with Amberly [47:31] Rapid Fire Round Notable Quotes ~ “Every rejection can be an opportunity to build resilience. It all depends on the angle that you look at it.” ~ “Do not be tethered in society’s scripted life. Follow your dreams and achieve your vision even if every person disowns you.” ~ “You have to fall in love with what you do. If you don’t, you will never be successful in it.” ~ “You were not born to just pay bills, make a living, and then die. We were all made with a reason and for a purpose. The greatest fulfillment comes when you know your purpose and serve it to the world.” ~”Never get stressed in a current situation that is not aligned with your vision.” Amberly’s Book True Grit and Grace: Turning Tragedy into Triumph: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R91R3ZT/ Keep In Touch with Amberly Lago: Website: https://amberlylago.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberlylago/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amberlylagomotivation/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/AmberlyLagoSpeaker/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/amberlylago YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1PfuUb5fgT90e29aDKB6nQ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amberlylago/amberly-lago/ — Follow Balbert… Facebook www.facebook.com/balbertmarketing Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Our Website: www.realbusinessconnections.com – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

July 14, 202656 min

How to Build Confidence and Wealth: From Skinny and Broke to Ripped and Rich w/ Markus Kaulius (REPLAY)

BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away! Learn Speak Teach Episode #155 with Markus Kaulius. What does it take to build confidence, wealth, and a bigger life without losing yourself? In this episode, Markus Kaulius shares how he went from a broken home, low self-worth, and getting bullied for being skinny to becoming a confident entrepreneur, investor, and leader. He also breaks down how discipline, consistency, and the right environment can change everything. Today, we are thrilled to have Markus Kaulius on the show, a serial entrepreneur, impact-driven investor, bestselling author, and founder of Five Talent Capital. Markus has built multiple 8 and 9 figure companies, helped scale one business to $170M in global sales, and now helps others think differently about growth, money, and fulfillment. In this episode, Markus shares practical lessons on confidence, health, investing, compounding, diversification, and why you should only invest in things you fully understand. He also opens up about faith, impact, and why success without fulfillment is never enough. Timestamps: [00:00] Trailer + Intro [01:40] From Broken Home to Confidence [04:09] What If Your Past Was a Gift? [06:28] The Turning Point [09:29] Stop Getting Comfortable [11:12] Grow 1% Every Day [13:14] Excuses or Results [13:59] 31,000 Steps and Finding Time [17:15] You Already Know Who You Are [18:43] Try More Things [20:33] Become a Magnet for the Right People [22:55] Don’t Copy Someone Else’s Path [24:28] Five Talent Capital [25:25] Why Diversification Matters [27:43] A Kindergartener’s Education on Money [29:50] Only Invest in What You Understand [32:00] Understanding Fees and Risk [35:22] Find Someone You Trust [37:38] How to Start Building Wealth [38:50] The Compounding Effect [39:30] The Looksmaxing Trap [41:43] The Cost of Shortcuts [45:10] Focus on Just Two Things [47:16] Why Health Impacts Everything [48:44] Stop Chasing Motivation [49:07] Invest in Help and Accountability [50:47] Your Health Is Cheaper Today [51:59] How to Support Markus [52:38] Tell Someone Your Decision [54:21] Where to Connect with Markus Key Takeaways: • What if all the garbage in your past was actually a gift? ~Markus Kaulius • You already know who you’re supposed to be. ~Markus Kaulius • If you feel called to play a bigger game, lean into that calling. Do not get complacent. ~Markus Kaulius • You can have excuses or you can have results, but you cannot have both. ~Markus Kaulius • Spend time with people who look like they’re further on the path than you. ~Markus Kaulius • Become the person you’re supposed to be and you will attract the people you’re supposed to attract. ~Markus Kaulius • Only invest in things that you fully understand. ~Markus Kaulius • If you have 15 to 20 uncorrelated investments, you reduce your risk dramatically. ~Markus Kaulius • Have money come out of your account every month. Just have it pulled. ~Markus Kaulius • Pick something you can do consistently. ~Markus Kaulius • How much motivation do you need to brush your teeth? ~Markus Kaulius • You can’t improve all seven things at once. Pick two and go all in. ~Markus Kaulius • Health is cheapest today. ~Ben Albert • You can still relax without losing the whole night. ~Ben Albert Keep In Touch with Markus Kaulius : Website: https://www.fivetalentcapital.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markuskaulius/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markuskaulius/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/markus.kaulius/ — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www://balbertmarketing.com/

July 14, 202649 min

The Presence-Centered Path for Business Leaders w/ Christian F Johnson (REPLAY)

BookThinkers Live 2026 was BEYOND one of my favorite events of all time... In tribute, we're replaying some of our FAVORITE episodes highlighting some of this year's amazing speakers. Binge Away! Learn Speak Teach Episode #151 with Christian F Johnson. In a world full of distractions and pressure, staying aligned with purpose can feel impossible. However, embracing the Presence-Centered Path helps you regain clarity, sharpen your focus, and perform at your best every day. In this episode, Ben Albert speaks with Christian F Johnson, a Presence-Centered Leadership Coach, Speaker, and Author who helps high-achieving leaders lead from divine alignment rather than performance. Through his signature framework, The Presence-Centered Path™ , he guides leaders to destroy distractions, align with God, and fortify their focus to lead with peace, purpose, and power. Christian shares the secrets behind his powerful MC performances and offers practical tips on mastering public speaking. He explains how leaders and speakers can show up authentically and connect deeply with their audience. Christian also introduces the R.I.N.S.E. Method, a 5-step spiritual recalibration system that helps high-achieving leaders realign when stress and distractions take over. Additionally, he discusses how to live authentically and cultivate a net positive life that balances success with purpose. Lastly, Christian shares his personal journey to finding God and offers practical guidance on choosing the right mentor or coach. During this episode, you will learn about: [00:00] Trailer [01:58] Secrets of MCing [07:19] Public Speaking [09:16] R.I.N.S.E [13:55] Being Your Authentic Self [17:18] Connect with Christian • Website: https://iamchristianfjohnson.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamchristianfjohnson/ [18:30] Net Positive Life [28:00] Finding God [37:37] Choosing a Coach [44:14] Support Christian • Website: https://iamchristianfjohnson.com/ • Book: https://www.amazon.com/When-Youre-Speaking-Still-Silent/dp/B0F6YQ8NSW Key Takeaways: • In public speaking, we must embody what we are speaking from. ~Christian F. Johnson [12:57] • “You have to be you; everybody else is taken.” ~Christian F Johnson [15:07] • You already have everything you need to succeed; we just sometimes need external things to remind us of what we already have. ~Christian F Johnson [16:29] • “Spend time loving over hating.” ~Christian F Johnson [35:08] • Healing is just applying love to the places that are hurting. ~Ben Albert [35:27] • “You don’t need a new voice; you just need to return to your authentic voice.” ~Christian F Johnson [48:29] • “What you feed will live, and what you starve will die.” ~Christian F Johnson [48:58] People Mentioned and Other Resources: 1. When You’re Speaking, But Still Silent: https://amzn.to/4rfJ7kI 2. Kingdom Legacy House Church: https://klh.life Keep In Touch with Christian F Johnson: Website: https://iamchristianfjohnson.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamchristianfjohnson/ Email: info@iamchristianfjohnson.com — Follow Balbert… Facebook: www.facebook.com/realbusinessconnections Instagram: www.instagram.com/realbenalbert/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realbenalbert/ Website: https://www.realbusinessconnections.com/ – LST is made possible by www:// balbertmarketing.com/