The Hidden Entrepreneur Show with Josh Cary

Hosted by Josh Cary

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300

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Josh Cary spent 40 years in hiding. That's right! He was hiding every part of himself in every situation, showing up in personal, social, and business trying to be the person he believed others expected of him. After feeling utterly exhausted from wearing that mask, and knowing deep down he is cut out for much more in this life, Josh ripped off the mask and is now on a mission to help other business-savvy professionals 'unmask' themselves too. Hear honest stories from successful entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners who were also once in the darkest of hiding places so you may rediscover your world, connect beautifully with others, and excel in all you set out to do. Hiding Sucks. Are you ready for the new score? Fear: Zero. You: Won.

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June 16, 202625 min

The Dangerous Search for Approval That (Nearly) Destroyed Everything with Thomas Wagner

What does it take to completely rewrite your life story?In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Thomas Wagner shares a journey that sounds more like a movie script than a business success story. Before becoming a successful entrepreneur who sold multiple companies and built a thriving business, Thomas was living a very different life. Drugs, arrests, violence, self-sabotage, and a victim mindset defined his early years.Then everything changed.Thomas opens up about the painful childhood experiences that shaped him, the search for approval that drove his destructive behavior, the acid fueled rock bottom moment that forced him to confront himself, and the mindset shifts that ultimately led him to build a life of purpose, leadership, faith, and success.This episode is not about business tactics. It's about transformation. It's about personal responsibility. And it's about understanding that your past does not have to determine your future.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Pain Can Become a Catalyst for ChangeThomas explains why most people do not change until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the fear of changing.The Hidden Need for ApprovalDiscover how his search for validation and acceptance fueled years of destructive decisions and how that same need impacts many people today.The Victim Mindset That Keeps People StuckLearn how blaming circumstances, luck, family, or other people can quietly rob you of your power and prevent growth.The Rock Bottom Moment That Changed EverythingHear the dramatic story of the arrest, acid trip, and wake up call that became the turning point in Thomas's life.Why Personal Responsibility Creates FreedomThomas shares why taking ownership of your life is not about blame. It is about reclaiming control and creating new possibilities.Building Businesses After Starting With NothingFrom working multiple jobs and struggling financially to building and selling successful companies, Thomas reveals the mindset that helped him move forward.Leadership, Faith, and LegacyDiscover how faith became a guiding force in Thomas's life and why his long term vision is focused on helping others transform their own futures.About Thomas WagnerThomas Wagner is the founder of Zenith Risk Strategies. A successful entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple businesses, Thomas combines business leadership, faith, and personal development principles to help organizations and individuals grow. His journey from addiction and self-destruction to purpose-driven leadership has made him a powerful voice on resilience, responsibility, and personal transformation.

June 15, 202625 min

From Idea to Store Shelves: The Product Launch Playbook Every Entrepreneur Needs with Michelle Hsiao

What does it actually take to turn an idea into a product that lands on the shelves of Target, Macy's, Whole Foods, or Petco?In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Michelle Hsiao, founder and CEO of Revenue Growth Advisors, who has spent decades helping brands launch, scale, and succeed in retail. After 25 years inside major retailers, Michelle now helps entrepreneurs navigate the entire journey from product concept to profitability.Whether you're dreaming of launching a physical product, building a consumer brand, or simply want to understand what separates successful businesses from expensive mistakes, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how products really get made, marketed, and sold.You'll also discover why networking may be the most valuable business skill you can develop and why profitability should always come before popularity.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Most Product Ideas Never Make ItMichelle explains why having an idea isn't enough and how successful products find a unique position in crowded markets.The Reality of Bringing a Product to MarketLearn what entrepreneurs often underestimate about manufacturing, packaging, pricing, marketing, and retail distribution.How Much Money Product Launches Really RequireDiscover the surprising financial realities behind launching a product at scale and why many founders run out of money before they ever make a sale.The Difference Between a Hobby Product and a Scalable BusinessMichelle breaks down how to determine whether your idea is a side business, a lifestyle brand, or something capable of generating a major exit.The Power of Staying in Your Zone of GeniusWhy successful founders stop trying to do everything themselves and start building teams around their strengths.Lessons From 25 Years Inside Major RetailersMichelle shares insights from her career at major retail brands and what she learned about product development, profitability, manufacturing, and consumer behavior.The Networking Lesson That Changed EverythingA hard earned career lesson that transformed the way Michelle approaches relationships, referrals, and long term business success.Building a Brand Story That Customers Connect WithWhy your founder story matters and how sharing the journey behind your business can become one of your strongest marketing assets.How AI Fits Into Modern Product BusinessesWhere AI can help founders move faster and where relying on technology alone can lead to costly mistakes.Why Profitability Matters More Than Being "Pretty"The critical mindset shift every entrepreneur needs if they want to build a sustainable and successful company.

June 10, 202626 min

The Surprising Battle Between Dog Owners, Parents, and New York City Parks

What happens when two groups of people who both love their communities find themselves competing for the same limited space?In this thought provoking episode, filmmaker and two time Emmy Award winner Collin Kornfeind joins Josh Cary to discuss his latest documentary, For the Dogs: A Portrait of Pets, Parents and the Politics of City Parks. What begins as a story about dogs in New York City quickly becomes a fascinating exploration of civic responsibility, community conflict, public policy, and the hidden tensions that exist in everyday life.Collin shares how a seemingly small neighborhood issue revealed a much bigger conversation about scarcity, urban living, and the challenges of balancing the needs of different communities. Along the way, you'll discover how great documentaries are born, why curiosity is a filmmaker's greatest tool, and what happens when someone dares to ask, "Why is it this way?"What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe Hidden Conflict Happening in New York City ParksHow limited space in New York City has created an unexpected clash between dog owners and families, and why neither side is entirely wrong.Why Good People End Up Breaking the RulesThe surprising realities facing dog owners in major cities and how scarcity often drives behavior that creates tension within communities.The Real Problem Behind the Dog Park DebateWhy the issue isn't really about dogs versus parents at all, but about public policy, city planning, and who takes responsibility for shared spaces.How Great Documentary Stories Are FoundCollin reveals how he identifies compelling documentary subjects and why the best stories often hide in plain sight.The Power of Asking "Why?"How questioning everyday assumptions has shaped Collin's filmmaking career and led to award winning projects that challenge conventional thinking.What Winning an Emmy Really MeansCollin shares his perspective on success, recognition, and why awards are meaningful but never the destination.The Filmmaker's ResponsibilityWhy storytelling matters, what documentaries can contribute to society, and how thoughtful films can encourage meaningful conversations and action.

June 4, 202625 min

The Power of Human Connection: What Wealth, Fulfillment, and Success Really Have in Common with Patrick Welde

What if the real key to success has less to do with money and more to do with human connection?In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Patrick Welde, Senior Vice President of the Welde Group at Merrill Lynch, for a conversation that starts with wealth management and quickly evolves into something much deeper. Patrick shares lessons from working in an orphanage in Mexico, building a billion-dollar financial practice through consistency, overcoming rejection, and discovering what fulfillment actually means.Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, business owner, or simply someone trying to build a meaningful life, this episode offers practical wisdom on resilience, gratitude, purpose, and the power of showing up every day.This is not a conversation about stock picks.It's a conversation about becoming the kind of person who can build something extraordinary.What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Human Connection Will Always MatterAs technology and AI continue to reshape industries, Patrick explains why authentic human relationships remain irreplaceable and how connection creates trust in both business and life.The Unexpected Lessons Learned Inside an OrphanagePatrick shares how a year of service in an orphanage near Tijuana transformed his perspective on gratitude, fulfillment, and what people truly need to thrive.The Real Meaning of FulfillmentWhy money alone is never enough and how fulfillment comes from a combination of growth, service, relationships, purpose, and personal development.How Consistency Creates Extraordinary ResultsFrom boxing and marathon running to building a billion-dollar wealth management practice, Patrick reveals why "stacking days" may be one of the most powerful success principles anyone can adopt.The Truth About RejectionHow years of cold calling taught Patrick to separate rejection from personal identity and why fear is often more damaging than failure itself.Controlling the ControllablesOne simple mindset taught by his father that has guided Patrick through business challenges, life decisions, and long-term success.What AI Means for the Future of RelationshipsPatrick shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence will impact professional services and why genuine human connection may become even more valuable in the years ahead.

May 28, 202626 min

When Losing Your Title Forces You to Find Yourself Again with Ana Sepulveda

What happens when the title you worked so hard for suddenly disappears?In this deeply personal and surprisingly emotional conversation, Ana Sepulveda, founder of Apex Forge Capital, opens up to Josh Caryt about the identity crisis that followed losing a prestigious leadership role in finance and how that painful moment ultimately pushed her toward building something far bigger than a job title.This episode goes far beyond business, investing, or entrepreneurship. It’s about self worth, self sabotage, reinvention, and the uncomfortable reality that many high achievers quietly tie their value to the roles they hold.If you’ve ever questioned yourself after a setback, felt trapped by your identity, or wondered whether you’re capable of more than the life you’re currently living, this conversation will hit hard in the best possible way.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe Dangerous Trap of Title-Based Identity Why Ana realized her self worth had become deeply connected to her executive position and how losing that title shook her confidence.What Self Sabotage Actually Looks Like How Ana unknowingly sabotaged multiple job opportunities after being laid off and the subtle behaviors that reveal when fear is in control.The Real Meaning Behind “Feeling Worthless” A powerful discussion on identity, confidence, and why external validation can quietly become emotional dependency.How Therapy and Meditation Helped Rebuild Her Confidence The exact mindset work and emotional breakthroughs that helped Ana stop retreating and start building again.The Power of the Right People Around You Why support systems matter more than most people realize and how a few key conversations completely changed Ana’s direction.The Moment That Changed Everything The emotional conversation with a former boss that helped Ana realize she had outgrown the career path she was desperately trying to reclaim.Building Apex Forge Capital from the Ground Up How Ana turned uncertainty into opportunity by launching a private equity real estate fund focused on collaborative investing and long term wealth creation.Why Growth Always Feels Uncomfortable Ana shares why even after building a successful company, fear and doubt still show up and how she works through them in real time.

May 27, 202627 min

Why Hiring Needs More Than Resumes in the AI Era with Michael Campbell

What if the resume is the least reliable part of hiring today?In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Michael Campbell, founder of Signal Verified, who is challenging the entire hiring system as we know it. This is not a tweak. It is a complete rethinking of how talent is discovered, evaluated, and trusted.If you are a leader making hiring decisions, or a high performer tired of being overlooked, this conversation flips the script. Michael breaks down why resumes fail, how companies are making costly hiring mistakes, and what a proof based system looks like in practice.This is a conversation about opportunity, fairness, and building a future where skill wins. And underneath it all, it is a story about stepping forward when life forces your hand.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Resumes Are Quietly Failing EveryoneThe hidden flaws in traditional hiring systems and why relying on credentials and gut instinct leads to missed talent and expensive mistakes.The Rise of Proof Based HiringHow Signal Verified is creating a new category where candidates demonstrate real ability before they are hired and why this levels the playing field instantly.The True Cost of a Bad HireBeyond salary percentages, Michael reveals the deeper impact on team morale, performance, and long term business outcomes.What “Hire Slow, Fire Fast” Actually MeansWhy speed in hiring is often the wrong goal and how shifting to thoughtful, evidence based decisions changes everything.From Layoff to FounderMichael’s transition from being behind the scenes to building something of his own and the mindset shift required to embrace uncertainty and ownership.The Human Side of Business in an AI WorldWhy authenticity, connection, and real presence are becoming more valuable than ever in both hiring and leadership.Creating Access to Opportunity at ScaleThe bigger mission behind Signal Verified and how connecting human potential to economic opportunity could reshape entire industries.

May 26, 202626 min

Why You’re Burned Out… And What to Do About It with Cynthia Conigliaro

What does “being healthy” actually mean?Most people default to diet or exercise.But real health runs deeper… into your mindset, your environment, and how you live every day.In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with wellness expert Cynthia Conigliaro, founder of Work Well Webinars, who’s spent 25+ years helping individuals and organizations perform at their best.They break down burnout, stress, and the hidden factors quietly draining your energy… and more importantly, how to take control of it.What You’ll LearnWhy burnout is exploding across every level of businessThe real symptoms of burnout (most people miss these)How workplace culture directly impacts your healthThe hidden role of technology and constant connectionSimple daily habits that can completely shift your energyWhy mindset is the foundation of everythingWhat “Blue Zones” teach us about living longer and betterKey TakeawaysBurnout isn’t just mental… it shows up physically tooProductivity drops, absenteeism rises, and turnover spikes when wellness is ignoredCommunication and flexibility inside organizations can dramatically reduce burnoutYour environment matters more than you think… it shapes your habitsSmall daily decisions compound into long-term health outcomesYou are more in control of your mindset than you realize

May 8, 202614 min

The Weight of Regret and the Power of the Golden Rule with Ed Cologna

What happens when one painful moment changes the way you live forever?In this deeply human and emotional conversation, Josh Cary sits down with filmmaker and storyteller Ed Cologna to explore regret, fatherhood, forgiveness, personal growth, and the values that shape a meaningful life. What begins as a discussion about success and storytelling quickly turns into something far more personal.Ed opens up about the painful final conversation he had with his father before his passing and how that moment became the foundation for the way he treats people today. It’s raw. Honest. Reflective. And surprisingly hopeful.If you’ve ever replayed a moment in your head wishing you could take it back, this episode will hit home.This is not just a conversation about regret. It’s about becoming the kind of person who learns from it instead of being destroyed by it.Based in part on Ed’s experiences running Cologna Productions and working with presidents, celebrities, nonprofits, and global organizations, this episode also explores why human connection matters more than status, fame, or achievement.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow Regret Can Become a Turning PointEd shares the heartbreaking story of the final conversation he had with his father and how that moment permanently changed the way he approaches life, relationships, and parenting.Why the Golden Rule Still MattersIn a world filled with division and negativity, Ed explains why “do unto others” remains the guiding philosophy behind both his personal life and professional success.The Hidden Responsibility of ParenthoodOne of the most memorable moments of the interview comes when Ed says: “Kids are born knowing how to be kids. We have to learn every day how to be parents.” A powerful reminder that growth never stops.Why Authenticity Attracts the Right PeopleEd discusses growing up feeling “different,” being made fun of for it, and eventually realizing that authenticity is exactly what draws meaningful people into your life.The Most Powerful Story Ed Ever FilmedAfter recording presidents, politicians, and celebrities, Ed reveals the one moment behind the camera that affected him more than any famous person ever could. It’s emotional, unforgettable, and a reminder of what truly matters.Lessons from Growing Up Around the WorldFrom Argentina to Italy, Ed explains how living abroad shaped his worldview and taught him the importance of family, connection, and community over individualism.

April 21, 202626 min

The Truth About Resilience (Most People Won’t Tell You This) with Jennifer Johnson

What if your greatest pain became the foundation for your greatest success?In this powerful episode, Josh Cary sits down with Jennifer “JJ” Johnson, founder of Project Velocity, to explore how resilience, competition, and personal tragedy can fuel extraordinary business growth.From a uniquely intense childhood to becoming a leader in pharma and biotech consulting, JJ shares how she built an unstoppable mindset. But her story goes deeper, through unimaginable loss, including the passing of her son, she found a way to move forward, rebuild, and create impact at the highest level.This is more than a business story. It’s a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and leadership.In this episode, you’ll learn:How to build mental toughness through adversityThe mindset shift that creates massive business growthWhy competition can be your greatest advantageHow to turn grief into purposeThe power of strategic partnerships and abundance thinkingWhat it really takes to succeed in high-pressure industriesKey Takeaway:There’s no way around hardship, only through it. And on the other side is growth you never imagined possible.Connect & Learn More:Subscribe for more powerful conversations on entrepreneurship, mindset, and success.Recorded live inside iHeart Radio and broadcast on 710 WOR, The Voice of New York.

April 1, 202627 min

What It Really Takes to Build a Sellable Brand | Hudson Davis-Ross, co-founder of Wonder Gummies

What actually makes a product take off in a crowded market? Spoiler: it’s not just a good idea.In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Hudson Davis-Ross, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Plant People, the company behind Wonder Gummies. What unfolds is a sharp, real-world breakdown of what separates brands that fade out from those that scale, sell, and stick.This is not theory. This is someone who has built multiple consumer brands, understands the game at a deep level, and tells you exactly what matters. From storytelling to product quality to packaging that actually converts on shelves, this conversation hits every lever that drives success.If you’re building a business, thinking about launching a product, or trying to stand out in a saturated market, this episode will recalibrate how you think about growth, branding, and what really moves the needle.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Your Story Is Your Competitive AdvantageHudson breaks down why customers remember stories, not specs, and how your personal experience can become your most powerful sales tool.The 80/20 Rule of Product SuccessWhy 80 percent of your success comes from a product that sells itself and the remaining 20 percent is how you communicate it to the world.The Biggest Mistake Founders Make Early OnOverthinking, overplanning, and overinvesting before getting to market. Why speed and iteration beat perfection every time.What Actually Gets You Into Retail and Scales a BrandA behind-the-scenes look at what buyers, distributors, and major companies are really looking for before they take a brand seriously.Packaging That Converts vs Packaging That Looks CoolThe difference between branding for online versus retail and why most brands hit a ceiling because they don’t understand this shift.The Power of Identity in Consumer BehaviorWhy people don’t just buy products. They buy who they believe they become by using them.The Real Endgame of Building a BrandHow smart founders build with acquisition in mind and why creating an omni-channel brand platform is the key to long-term value.Hudson’s Core Belief About Life and BusinessA surprisingly raw and philosophical take on why he builds businesses in the first place and how that belief fuels everything he does.The Moment That Changes EverythingHudson shares how his own physical pain led to the creation of Wonder Gummies, reinforcing a powerful truth. The best businesses are often born from real problems, not abstract ideas.Final TakeawayMost people think success comes from having a great idea. This episode makes it clear that execution, clarity, and connection are what actually win.Build something people love. Tell a story people remember. And make sure your product can stand on its own before you try to scale it.That’s the game.