The Average Sucks Show

Hosted by Michael Bernoff

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May 2026

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About the show

Anyone and everyone that wants more out of life has essentially the same question; How do I get what I want? If you really want to know why you don’t get what you want, and what to do about it, The Average Sucks show is for you. Each episode, brought to you by Author/Top Results Coach Michael Bernoff, features conversations with people of influence that have learned how to create an above average life. Modeling the behaviors of successful people is one of the quickest ways to reach your goals; and every other week you’ll gain actionable life strategies from Michael and his guests that you can begin using immediately to Raise Your Average and live the life you want.

Listen to episodes

40 recent

May 22, 20261 hr 2 min

Fighter Pilot to Business Execution: The Art of Clear Thinking

Most people don’t fail because of bad luck — they fail because they can’t think clearly or execute under pressure.In this powerful episode of the Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Justin “Hasard” Lee — combat-proven F-16 fighter pilot with 82 missions, former F-35 Chief of Training Systems, and author of the bestselling book The Art of Clear Thinking.From dreaming of becoming a fighter pilot at age 5, getting rejected by the Air Force Academy, fighting his way through prep school, surviving the brutal 9G centrifuge, to flying high-stakes combat missions — Hasard shares the raw lessons of performing at the absolute edge of human capability.He reveals how fighter pilot principles — clear decision-making under pressure, building a culture of ownership, ruthless debriefs, and decentralized execution — can transform any business or team.This episode dives deep into:Why most leaders and entrepreneurs lose 20 IQ points in high-stakes momentsHow to build a “nameless, rankless” debrief culture where admitting mistakes is rewardedTurning operational drag into execution speedThe power of mission-based leadershipWhy preparation and brutal after-action reviews are the real secrets to winningWhether you’re a founder, executive, or leader who wants to operate at a higher level, this conversation will sharpen your thinking and elevate your standards.Average teams hide mistakes. Above-average teams weaponize them.If you want to make better decisions, build unstoppable teams, and execute faster under pressure, this episode is for you.

May 1, 20261 hr 8 min

The Real Reason You’re Not Scaling: It’s Not Your Ads, It’s Your Beliefs

Most people don’t lack skill or opportunity—they lack the right beliefs, speed of action, and willingness to break through money blocks and self-doubt. In this episode of the Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Jason Wojo, founder of Wojo Media, a self-made entrepreneur who went from flipping Pokémon cards as a broke culinary school dropout in a New York mobile home to scaling businesses with over $100–150 million in tracked online revenue through paid ads, funnels, and high-converting webinars. This is a raw, no-fluff conversation about the real entrepreneurial journey: starting with nothing, facing painful money lessons (including a heartbreaking vet bill that shifted his entire mindset), dropping out of school, building from local social media gigs and Shopify stores, landing massive corporate clients, and eventually mastering the “big boy” version of Meta ads and one-to-many selling. Jason breaks down: Why belief matters more than raw ability for entrepreneurship How early money trauma (and chargebacks) can block you—and how to flip it into fuel Practical, battle-tested tactics for ads (first 5-second hooks, letting the copy do the targeting, placements that actually work, energy and pattern interrupts) The power of high-converting opt-in pages and why congruence between your ad, landing page, and delivery builds instant trust Why webinars (and selling one-to-many) outperform constant one-on-one sales calls for many offers, plus how to structure decks, offers, and closes that convert The importance of jumping on proven mechanisms as bolt-ons rather than blowing up what’s already working Lessons on ownership, learning from “failures,” peace over constant hustle, and why some people simply aren’t ready for scale Whether you’re running a service business, coaching/consulting/info offer, or scaling an e-commerce brand, Jason delivers actionable insights on generating demand, building funnels that sell while you sleep, and operating at a higher level without losing your edge. Average thinking stays stuck in comfort, hesitation, and one-on-one grind. Above-average thinking rewires beliefs, moves fast on proven systems, masters one-to-many, and turns every setback into a lesson that compounds. If you want more leads, better conversions, automated sales, or to install proven webinar funnels in your business, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and tactical edges to make it happen.

February 6, 2026Episode 381 hr 18 min

Average People Don't Ask. Winners Do.

Most people are not limited by ability. They are limited by the way they think. In this episode of the Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and a lifelong entrepreneur, to explore what actually separates average thinking from above average results. This is not a conversation about motivation or inspiration. It is a conversation about decisions, asking, action, and ownership. Mark shares how learning to ask changed the trajectory of his life, why “ask first and figure it out later” is not reckless but strategic, and how average thinking quietly keeps people stuck in comfort, hesitation, and self-doubt. If you are an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone who knows you did not come here to live an average life, this episode will push you to rethink what is possible. Average thinking waits. Above-average thinking asks and acts. If you want to learn more about our guest and the power of asking, visit askthebookclub.com

January 21, 2026Episode 371 hr 34 min

How Great Leaders BUILD TEAMS That Actually Perform

On this episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Max Hansen, founder of YScouts and a leader who has helped companies scale by fixing the one thing most entrepreneurs avoid: hiring. With resumes being gamed, AI rewriting job histories, and job boards flooded with noise, hiring has never been more confusing or more critical. Max breaks down why most hiring systems are broken, why the best people are not applying, and how great leaders actually build teams on purpose. This conversation is not about HR tactics. It is about leadership, culture, and why who you hire ultimately decides how far you go. If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader who wants freedom, growth, and a team that actually performs, this episode will change how you think about hiring forever.

December 10, 2025Episode 361 hr 9 min

The Money Lies You've Been Told... and What to Do Now

In this episode of the Average Sucks Podcast, Michael sits down with financial expert, entrepreneur, and creator of Wealth Factory, Garrett Gunderson, for a conversation that will shift the way you think about money, value, and freedom.

August 22, 2025Episode 351 hr 13 min

The TRUTH About MARKETING Most Entrepreneurs Miss | The Average Sucks Show w/ guest Travis Brady

What if your brand matters more than your bank account? In this episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael Bernoff sits down with entrepreneur, identity coach, and branding expert Travis Brady for a conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about marketing and business growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business... if the strategies aren’t working... or if you're tired of playing small—this is the wake-up call. Travis breaks down why your identity is the foundation of your brand—and how most entrepreneurs are sabotaging their results by ignoring it. This episode dives deep into branding, influence, mindset, and the psychology of standing out in a crowded market. You’ll learn: - How to create a brand that actually attracts clients - The real reason your marketing isn’t converting - Why framing your identity is the key to breakthrough results - How to stop hiding and start leading with confidence Whether you're a business owner, coach, or creator... this episode will push you to think differently, show up bigger, and finally build a brand that reflects who you really are. This one might just be the most important shift you make this year.

July 17, 2025Episode 341 hr 41 min

He Built a 7-Figure Brand WITHOUT ADS | The Average Sucks Show w/ Michael Bernoff ft. Adam Bensman

What if your business isn’t stuck because you’re not working hard enough… but because you’re focusing on the wrong things? In this raw and eye-opening episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael Bernoff sits down with Adam Bensman—founder of The Roof Strategist—who went from scraping by on $4.20/day to building a multimillion-dollar brand without a single paid ad. No funnels. No hacks. Just timeless strategy, real metrics, and a mindset built for growth.

June 6, 2025Episode 331 hr 15 min

Why 'Being Enough' Is Killing Your Growth ft. Mike Arce

In this episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael Bernoff sits down with Mike Arce, founder of Loud Rumor, to discuss his transformation from a fitness studio owner to the head of a seven-figure marketing agency. Mike shares powerful insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of mindset, and the strategies that helped him break through barriers to reach success. Mike also introduces his new book, “The Standard is You,” a playbook for team members who want to lead, grow, and raise the standard. This step-by-step guide will help you live above average, set higher personal and professional standards, and unleash your full potential. Learn more and get your copy at

February 27, 2025Episode 3254 min

The Drive of a Young Champion: A Special Episode of Average Sucks

Have you ever watched a young athlete perform at a high level and thought, Where does that kind of drive come from?In this electrifying episode of Average Sucks, we uncover the answer. Some kids discover a passion so strong that it fuels them to excel—transforming their love for an activity into a relentless competitive fire. And in the pursuit of excellence, they develop an extraordinary set of life skills that set them apart.Our guest? My daughter, Maya Bernoff. From the moment she stepped onto the ice as a little girl, she felt something powerful—like she had found her place. Skating isn’t just a sport to her; it’s where she feels most alive. And that passion? It’s what keeps her pushing, competing, and winning.Her results speak for themselves. Maya competes in over 50 events annually, traveling across the U.S., and more often than not, she leaves with a medal around her neck. At just 12 years old, she’s already earned five national gold medals at the 2023 and 2024 National Showcase competitions hosted by U.S. Figure Skating.In this episode, we dive into the mindset, habits, and strategies that fuel her success, including:Belief in Yourself: Maya’s philosophy? Love yourself first—because you’re the one person you spend your entire life with.Entrepreneurial Spirit: At just 10, she created a fundraiser for a local dog rescue with only $40 in startup money, turning that into a great win for the rescue. Passion for Figure Skating: The ice isn’t just where she competes—it’s where she thrives, setting goals and pushing herself to new levels.Mental Toughness: The mindset work that helps her power through challenges, setbacks, and the dreaded brain rot.The Power of Visualization: A mental exercise Maya swears by to break through negative thoughts.And that’s just the beginning!This conversation is inspiring, insightful, and packed with wisdom—straight from a 12-year-old powerhouse. You won’t want to miss it. Tune in now!

January 22, 2025Episode 3156 min

Faith, Family, and Freedom ReImagining Success to Build a Life That Truly Matters

How differently do you define success today compared to two, five, or even ten years ago?For most of us, life’s ups and downs have a tendency to reshape what truly matters.That’s why our latest guest on the Average Sucks Podcast brings a unique and powerful perspective. Vince DelMonte, founder of the 7 Figure Mastermind for Fit Pros, hit his biggest goals and then faced the question: Now what?In this candid conversation, Vince dives deep into redefining success for your life today and in the future.He doesn’t sugarcoat the journey, yet instead asks the hard questions and shares the reflections that shaped his “lifestyle first” approach. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of success and striving to align their life with what matters most.In this episode, you’ll discover:How Vince built his fitness empire with thousands of videos and 80+ hour workweeks—crushing his financial goals.The “true cost” of that success on himself and his loved ones.Why work-life balance is easier said than done—and how Vince tackled it head-on.The pivotal self-reflection that shifted his approach and transformed his business and life.His “lifestyle first” philosophy, which helps him balance success while knowing when to hit the gas.This thought-provoking conversation is packed with insights to help you redefine and elevate your own success.It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Vince. Don’t miss this compelling episode of the Average Sucks Podcast!