The Truth About Speaking Events - EP 429
365 Driven
Are you being inspired at business events… or unknowingly being sold to? In this eye-opening episode of the 365 Driven Podcast, Tony Whatley pulls back the curtain on the real business model behind speaking events—and what every entrepreneur needs to know before buying a ticket. Drawing from years of experience as both a speaker and event host, Tony shares unfiltered insights into how these events are structured, monetized, and marketed. From high-ticket mastermind retreats to low-cost conferences packed with back-of-the-room sales pitches, Tony breaks down the different types of events...
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AI Content Creation That Converts - with Rene Remsik - EP 428
365 Driven
What if AI content creation is the competitive edge your business needs—but most entrepreneurs are still using it the wrong way? In this episode of the 365 Driven Podcast, host Tony Whatley sits down with AI content strategist Rene Remsik for a practical conversation on how entrepreneurs can use artificial intelligence to build their brand, create more content, and grow their business without needing to become technical experts. Rene shares how he went from experimenting with AI while still employed to building a massive online following and launching multiple businesses around content,...
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The Trade Show Business - with Jennifer Hoff - EP 427
365 Driven
What if one of the most overlooked business strategies could unlock high-value partnerships, accelerate growth, and put your brand directly in front of decision-makers—all in just a few days? In this episode of the 365 Driven Podcast, host Tony Whatley sits down with trade show expert Jennifer Hoff to pull back the curtain on the powerful—and often misunderstood—business of trade shows and conventions. Together, they explore how these large-scale events quietly drive billions in economic impact while creating unmatched opportunities for networking, deal-making,...
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How to Win in 2026 - EP 426
365 Driven
In this powerful annual kickoff episode of 365 Driven, host Tony Whatley lays out a timeless blueprint for winning in 2026 - without hype, trends, or predictions. This isn’t about chasing what’s new. It’s about mastering what works. After decades of entrepreneurship, investing, podcasting, and building multiple businesses, Tony shares the repeatable behaviors he’s seen create success year after year—regardless of the economy, technology shifts, or industry changes. Built around 8 foundational principles, this episode challenges listeners to simplify their focus and raise their...
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My Take on Acquisitions and Exits - EP 425
365 Driven
In this solo episode of 365 Driven, host Tony Whatley pulls back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood topics in entrepreneurship: private equity, mergers & acquisitions, and what “exits” really look like in the real world. Tony starts with hard data that every founder needs to hear—how many businesses actually survive 5 and 10 years, how few ever sell, and why the “big exit” stories on social media distort expectations. He then breaks down how businesses are valued (including multiples and transaction realities), why the median business sale is far lower than most...
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Going From AI Back to Humanity - with Julia McCoy - EP 424
365 Driven
AI is rewriting the rules of entrepreneurship—and Julia McCoy’s story proves why the winners won’t be the ones working harder, but the ones working smarter. Tony Whatley welcomes Julia —business, marketing, and AI expert—to a conversation that pulls no punches about what’s next for entrepreneurs…and what’s at stake if you ignore it. After a meteoric run in AI (including building a YouTube audience of 200,000+), Julia shares how a sudden health crisis forced her to rebuild her business from the ground up—often working in 10-minute increments from her phone. That...
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The Future of Marketing - with Erik Huberman - EP 423
365 Driven
Marketing maestro Eric Huberman joins the 365 Driven Podcast to share his captivating entrepreneurial journey, from his childhood ventures selling lemonade and flowers to building Hawke Media, a powerhouse in digital marketing. Eric's path is a testament to the tenacity and creativity required to thrive in the ever-evolving business landscape. His insights on the importance of maintaining financial health and enjoying the entrepreneurial ride to prevent burnout offer aspiring entrepreneurs a blueprint for sustainable success. The conversation unfolds with Eric's passion for marketing, delving...
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Build Influence on YouTube - with Nate Woodbury - EP 422
365 Driven
Renowned YouTube strategist Nate Woodbury joins The 365 Driven Podcast to uncover the magic of using YouTube for smarter lead generation. While viral fame might seem tempting, Nate reveals how answering specific, long-tail questions on YouTube can attract a dedicated audience looking for your expertise. He unravels the journey from web design to mastering YouTube, emphasizing the art of nurturing prospects over traditional marketing to position yourself as a trusted authority in your field. Explore the dynamic between nurturing and marketing as Nate and Tony discuss the real power of...
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Turn Your Expertise Into a Book - with Melanie Herschorn - EP 421
365 Driven
Melanie Herschorn, a trailblazer in book marketing and writing, reveals the winding path of her career that took her from celebrity PR to entrepreneurship and beyond. She shares the emotional rollercoaster of launching a successful breastfeeding clothing line on Nordstrom and Amazon, only to face a setback from a hiring misstep. Melanie's story exemplifies the unpredictable nature of career transitions and underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability when navigating professional challenges. Melanie now helps leaders turn their expertise into well-written, strategic, and...
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Long Trip Back To Nostalgia - Tony Whatley - EP 419
365 Driven
I bought another car. Although it's not an expensive car, it's valuable to me. This is the story behind it, and what memories it brings back. 2000 Pontiac Firebird Formula WS6 LS1 5.7L V8, 6-Speed Manual Navy Blue Metallic, Hardtop 20K miles, original owner!
info_outlineAre you being inspired at business events… or unknowingly being sold to?
In this eye-opening episode of the 365 Driven Podcast, Tony Whatley pulls back the curtain on the real business model behind speaking events—and what every entrepreneur needs to know before buying a ticket. Drawing from years of experience as both a speaker and event host, Tony shares unfiltered insights into how these events are structured, monetized, and marketed.
From high-ticket mastermind retreats to low-cost conferences packed with back-of-the-room sales pitches, Tony breaks down the different types of events you’ll encounter in the entrepreneurship and personal development space. He explains why cheaper tickets often come with heavier selling, how emotional marketing tactics influence purchasing decisions, and why not all stages—or speakers—are created equal.
This episode also dives into the hidden dynamics most attendees never see: speakers paying for stage time, affiliate commissions behind the scenes, and the stark difference between community-driven events and profit-driven productions. Tony challenges listeners to rethink what value really looks like when investing in events—and how to spot red flags before swiping a credit card.
Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or just stepping into the world of entrepreneurship, this episode will equip you with the awareness and strategy to choose the right rooms, avoid costly mistakes, and invest in experiences that truly move the needle.
If you plan to attend events in 2026, this is a must-listen first.
Key highlights:
- Why speaking events are designed as business models, not just learning experiences
- The truth about low-cost tickets leading to high-pressure sales pitches
- How emotional marketing and scarcity tactics influence buying decisions
- The difference between mastermind-style events vs. pitch-heavy conferences
- What really happens behind the scenes with speakers and commissions
- Why some speakers pay for stage time—and what that means for attendees
- Red flags to watch for when choosing which events are worth your investment
- How to identify events focused on community and value vs. profit and upsells
- The importance of setting expectations before attending any event
- How to choose the right room, right people, and right experience for your growth
Connect with Tony Whatley:
- Website: 365driven.com
- Instagram: @365driven
- Facebook: 365 Driven