Episode 96 – Call ‘Til You Close – The Grit-First Sales Mindset with Johnny Buck
Release Date: 09/04/2025
Episode 118 – Ivan Mana: Turning Marketing Mistakes into Sustainable Online Success
Call The Damn Leads
What happens when one small automation error wipes out 20,000 leads overnight? Most people would quit. But this week’s guest, Ivan Mana, turned that nightmare scenario into fuel for building a smarter, more sustainable online marketing business. Ivan shares how he went from working at a bank to becoming a ClickBank Platinum Award-winning affiliate marketer, and how his journey taught him that the real key to success isn’t just running ads—it’s about building strong systems, leveraging free channels, and creating funnels that actually maximize every opportunity. If you’ve ever...
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Episode 117 – Sales Lessons from Spies, Negotiators & Radical Empathy with Jeremy Hurewitz
Call The Damn Leads
Sales isn’t just about scripts and closing techniques—it’s about influence, trust, and understanding motivation on the deepest level. Who better to learn that from than spies and hostage negotiators? In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Hurewitz, journalist-turned-corporate intelligence professional, speaker, and author of Sell Like a Spy. Jeremy has spent years learning from ex-CIA officers, FBI negotiators, and intelligence experts—then translating those lessons into the sales world. We dig into how spies use rapport, empathy, and vulnerability to turn the coldest conversations...
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Episode 116 – Appreciated Branding & Earning Word-of-Mouth in Crowded Markets with Reid Holmes
Call The Damn Leads
Sales and marketing are changing fast, and if you’re still out there just shouting features and discounts, you’re getting drowned out in the noise. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Reid Holmes, veteran creative director, author of Appreciated Branding, and brand strategist who’s spent 30+ years helping companies earn loyalty by delivering real value and unexpected delight. We dig into why word-of-mouth still beats advertising, how to build brands people are proud to share, and why the best sales conversations are about helping people transform—not just closing...
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Episode 115 – From Pedicures to Profits – Scaling Beyond One-to-One with Angela Thomas
Call The Damn Leads
From selling cakes in her family bakery as a kid to building a multimillion-dollar beauty business and now running a family office that helps entrepreneurs across multiple industries, Angela Thomas knows what it takes to scale. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, Angela shares her wildest sales story ever (spoiler: it involves “French pedicures” and one very unusual request), the mindset shift that took her from one-to-one client work to one-to-many programs, and how she now helps entrepreneurs avoid the trap of scaling expenses instead of scaling profits. This conversation is...
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Episode 114 – SEO, AI, and Building Trust in a Noisy World with Wes Towers
Call The Damn Leads
The way people search, shop, and buy online has changed forever. Google AI overviews, ChatGPT, and new platforms are taking center stage, and if you’re still relying on traditional SEO alone, you’re already falling behind. In this episode of Call The Damn Leads, I sit down with Wes Towers, founder of Uplift 360, to talk about how business owners can adapt to the new digital landscape. Wes shares a client story where a $3K investment in SEO led to a $140K contract after ChatGPT named his client the best in Australia for their service. We dive into website mistakes that cost businesses...
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Episode 113 – The Human Edge in an AI-Powered Sales World with Jonathan Kvarfordt
Call The Damn Leads
AI is here — but it’s not replacing salespeople anytime soon. In fact, if you’re smart about how you use it, AI can give you back the most valuable resource in sales: time. In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan “Coach” Kvarfordt, a sales leader and AI strategist at Momentum, to dig into the hype versus the reality of AI in sales. From CRM automation that doubles your selling time to the legal landmines of AI cold-calling, Coach drops serious truth bombs about how to use AI responsibly — without sacrificing the customer experience. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is about...
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Episode 112 – Marketing that Builds Trust with Sarah Stahl
Call The Damn Leads
Sales pros love to hate on marketing… and marketers love to remind salespeople they don’t know everything either. But what happens when someone like Sarah Stahl bridges that gap? You get the kind of results that turn a zero-visibility treehouse resort into a seven-figure revenue machine with 93% occupancy in just one year. Sarah brings 15+ years of marketing experience and breaks down how sales professionals can harness influencer marketing, AI, and social platforms to stand out in crowded markets, build trust faster, and create a consistent pipeline of leads that are already warmed up...
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Episode 111 – Finding Your Voice & Beating Imposter Syndrome with Marc Schmidt
Call The Damn Leads
Most people would never guess that today’s guest, Marc Schmidt, grew up with a cleft lip and palate. That challenge could’ve held him back, but instead, he turned it into fuel—building a successful podcast, stepping into public speaking, and proving to himself and others that your story is your superpower. In this episode, Marc and I dig deep into the realities of imposter syndrome, what it really means when you feel like a “fraud,” and how to keep creating content even when the results are small at first. Marc’s journey is living proof that you don’t need millions of listeners...
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Episode 110 – Building Trust, Authority & Authentic Sales Conversations with Bryan McDonald
Call The Damn Leads
Sales doesn’t have to feel fake, forced, or manipulative. In fact, the most powerful sales strategy might just be showing up as yourself, being consistent, and having the courage to challenge prospects when it matters most. In this episode, I sit down with Bryan McDonald, sales coach and founder of On Purpose Growth, to dig into the psychology of selling, building authority, and why respect will take you further than being liked. From his early career “trial by fire” that help sales pros succeed without losing themselves, Bryan shares straight-talk strategies you can put into play...
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Episode 109 – Shifting Subconscious Blocks with Dr. Joey Drolshagen
Call The Damn Leads
In this follow-up conversation, I sit down again with Dr. Joey Drolshagen to dive deeper into the power of the subconscious mind and how it impacts success in sales, business, and life. Joey doesn’t just “teach” this stuff—he’s lived it. From burning out on the road to now helping entrepreneurs and sales professionals reprogram their subconscious and unlock rapid results, Joey shares actionable tools and mindset shifts that anyone can use to break free from limitations. This episode isn’t about theory—it’s about results. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite reading the books,...
info_outlineThere’s just something about real ones that makes you lean in—and that’s exactly what you’re getting in today’s episode with my man Johnny Buck. He’s a fighter, a hustler, and a guy who’s made it his mission to win in business the same way he won on the mat: with relentless effort, unapologetic truth, and no patience for excuses.
From running an MMA gym during COVID lockdowns to building a multi-six-figure construction company with zero automation and $168 in ads, Johnny is proof that grit and consistency always beat fancy tactics. You’ll hear how he built a business based on three simple values: call people back, show up, and do what you say you’re going to do.
Whether you’re in sales, service, or just trying to figure out your next move—this one’s got the fire and tactical value you need to level up.
💥 Episode Highlights
🚨 "We Will Call You Back"
That was literally his first ad. Just a photo and a promise most of the industry can’t keep. The result? $500K+ in revenue in six months.
📞 Power Hour Philosophy
20 calls an hour. Every hour. Every day. It’s not sexy, but it’s what separates closers from complainers.
💡 26 Messages, No Reply? Still Following Up.
Persistence is the name of the game. If Johnny hasn’t heard from you, he’s still texting. Including dog memes. (Because memes win.)
🛠️ From Jiu-Jitsu to Job Sites
How lessons from professional fighting and coaching sales in the gym world helped him crush it in construction.
💯 The 110/10 Rule
100 outbound efforts daily, minimum. 10 conversations. 5 hours of actual work. If you’re not doing this, what are you doing?
🔥 How to Have Hard Conversations with Your Team
It’s not always about yelling. Johnny breaks down how he coaches his people through challenges by helping them identify their own roadblocks and pain points.
🤖 Why AI Can’t Replace Authenticity
The man hates AI—and he’s not afraid to say it. Because at the end of the day, people still buy from people, not chatbots.
🧠 Key Takeaways
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Sales is simple, not easy – Make the calls, follow up, repeat.
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Track effort, not just results – Appointments will vary, effort is controllable.
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Stop romanticizing automation – Be the human that your customers want to talk to.
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Build systems around your hustle – Even if it’s Google Maps and sticky notes.
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Losing sucks more than winning feels good – Use that pain to fuel your next move.
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Follow-up is everything – Your clients gave you their number, use it.
🔗 How to Connect with Johnny Buck
Whether you’re running a gym, swinging hammers, or just trying to win the game of life, Johnny is someone you want in your corner. Tap in with him here:
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Instagram: @johnnybuck2.0
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Website: johnnybuck.me
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Podcast: Money, Mindset & Mechanics
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Email: You gotta DM him—Johnny ain’t fancy like that.
📣 Call to Action
Call The Damn Leads
“By sales professionals, for sales professionals.” Each week, Drewbie Wilson, a sales vet with 20+ years in the game, brings you humor, real-world stories, and powerful strategies to help you excel in your sales career.
Expect a wild mix of:
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Real Sales Stories: Tales that entertain and inspire
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Proven Tactics: Practical tips for boosting your sales game
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Humor and Energy: Fun takes on the ups and downs of sales life
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Expert Advice: Learn from seasoned pros across different fields
Whether you’re in sales, an entrepreneur, or just looking to grow your business skills, don’t miss out on these invaluable lessons and entertaining stories. Want to be a guest? Pitch your story at
👉 https://callthedamnleads.com/pages/podcast
Follow Drewbie
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Facebook: facebook.com/drewbierides
- Instagram: @callthedamnleads