Libsyn Directory

#262: AJ Vaden — The Secrets to Becoming Wealthy and Well-Known

Release Date: 08/11/2025

#291: Paul Hutchinson — Inside the Fight Against Child Trafficking

MIKE'D UP!

This week on Mike’D Up! Mike catches up with , investor, humanitarian, executive producer of the powerful blockbuster film Sound of Freedom, and author of the book . Paul has participated in more than 70 undercover rescue missions across 15 countries, helping liberate thousands of children from trafficking networks. As the founder of the , his work now focuses heavily on prevention, awareness, and equipping parents with the tools to protect their children in a rapidly changing digital world. In this powerful conversation, Paul explains why the greatest threat to children...

Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio Trailer

MIKE'D UP!

Welcome to Mike’D Up!, I’m your host, Mike DiCioccio, and I created this podcast back in 2019 with a mission to inspire other early-stage entrepreneurs to follow their dreams, level up in every way possible, personally and professionally, and to give them real, applicable advice and wisdom from experts who have actually done it before. No empty rah rah from people who haven’t walked the walk. And since launching, I have interviewed over 275 experts, award-winning authors, business leaders, high-performance athletes, talented performers, and people who have never given up on themselves...

#290: Russ Hedge — Life Happens…And Then You Choose!

MIKE'D UP!

This week on Mike’D Up!, Russ Hedge returns with a story of resilience, faith, and redemption. After facing stage four melanoma and the brutal realities of treatment, Russ shares how his strong faith helped him navigate through uncertainty and battle fear. He recently received the incredible news that he is cancer-free. But this is not only a story about surviving cancer. It’s about choosing perspective when everything feels out of control. Rooted in the message of his book Russ reveals how adversity can become fuel, how mindset shapes meaning, and why hope is a decision we make daily....

#289: Bill Blankschaen — Your Story Isn’t About You. It’s About THEM.

MIKE'D UP!

Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools in leadership and business. It is also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Mike’D Up!, Mike sits down with Bill Blankschaen, founder and Chief Story Architect of Story Builders, for a practical and eye-opening conversation about how to tell stories that actually connect, influence, and move people to action. Drawing on principles popularized by John Maxwell and refined through years of coaching leaders, Bill explains why effective communication requires flipping the focus from me to THEM. Great storytelling is not about showcasing...

#288: The Real ROI of Podcasting: How Relationships Rebuilt My Business | Mike DiCioccio

MIKE'D UP!

In this solo episode, I reveal the truth most people completely miss about podcasting. The real ROI isn’t downloads. It isn’t sponsorships. It isn’t vanity metrics. It’s access. It’s trust. It’s relationships. It’s the ability to sit down with people you admire, build genuine connections, and create opportunities that would have been impossible otherwise. And over time, those relationships compound into something far greater than any single episode. During one of the most challenging financial periods of my life, I felt a tug from God to launch this podcast. It became a way to...

#287: Kevin Anderson — The #1 New York Times Editor Behind 50+ National Bestsellers

MIKE'D UP!

In this episode, Mike welcomes , New York Times bestselling editor and founder of , the world's largest and most prestigious book-writing firm, for a candid conversation about growth, delegation, and the hidden power of publishing. Kevin brings decades of experience working behind the scenes with top entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders to help them scale their impact through books. Kevin breaks down the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make, including trying to do everything themselves and waiting too long to bring in professional support. He explains why delegation isn’t...

#286: Fred Joyal — Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days

MIKE'D UP!

What if confidence isn’t something you’re born with, but something you build? This week, Mike welcomes , bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and co-founder of 1-800-DENTIST, the nation’s leading dentist referral service, which generated more than $1 billion in revenue under his leadership. Once deeply introverted, Fred transformed his life through one powerful realization: bold action creates confidence, not the other way around. Now the author of , Fred reveals how boldness is not a personality trait; it’s a learnable life skill. Through personal stories and practical...

#285: Yun Rhee — Awakening Your Potential: Energy Alignment & Nervous System Regulation

MIKE'D UP!

What if everything you’ve been taught about success is wrong? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Mike sits down with —a visionary leader, community builder, human potential catalyst, and founder of —for a conversation that bridges ancient spiritual wisdom with cutting-edge science. Yun brings a rare perspective on personal transformation, blending deep intuition with modern research to challenge conventional definitions of achievement and fulfillment. From her early journey as a Korean immigrant shaped by discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance, Yun reveals how the traditional...

#284: Derek Strokon — Escaping Hero Culture: Embracing Authenticity and Generosity

MIKE'D UP!

When the wins keep coming, but fulfillment fades, what’s really missing? In this unforgettable episode, Mike welcomes , CEO of , three-time international , , and philanthropic force, for a raw, inspiring conversation about redefining success and living with intention. Derek opens up about his journey from the high-pressure world of corporate finance and material excess to a life grounded in gratitude, service, and authentic connection. After downsizing from a 5,100-square-foot home, he discovered that less can truly become more…more impact, more meaning, and more fulfillment. At the heart...

#283: Eli Igra Serfaty — Turn LinkedIn Into Your Most Powerful Growth Engine

MIKE'D UP!

What if the platform you’ve been using casually is actually your most powerful growth engine? In this episode, Mike sits down with , co-founder and CEO of , one of the world’s leading LinkedIn growth agencies. MAIA helps B2B founders and executives turn visibility into real trust, relationships, and revenue. With a background in venture capital and deep roots in Israel’s startup ecosystem, Eli brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how influence is actually built in today’s professional world. Eli walks through his journey from venture capital at to founding MAIA...

More Episodes

What do Amazon, The Rock, and personal branding have in common? More than you might think. This week, Mike welcomes AJ Vaden—CEO of Brand Builders Group, co-author of Wealthy and Well-Known, and a trailblazing entrepreneur—to explore the secrets behind building a powerful personal brand. This dynamic conversation is packed with actionable insights to elevate your influence and success.

From art major to advertising executive, AJ takes us on her unconventional journey into the world of business, sharing how she launched her first company at 22 and why reputation is your most valuable asset. Learn how a single relationship with Lewis Howes helped ignite a national brand, and why strong offline connections still matter in a digital-first world.

Packed with stories, strategy, and soul, AJ reveals her secret weapon for content creation, the trick to getting your family involved in your business (without losing your mind), and the one question you must ask if you want to grow: “Can you help me?”

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by trying to offer too much, this episode is your permission slip to narrow your focus and amplify your impact.

IN THIS EPISODE:

➡️ The Power of Reputation and Personal Branding

➡️ The Art of Business and Creativity

➡️ Avoiding the Pitfalls of Over-Diversification

➡️ The Importance of Offline Relationships

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:
AJ shares how building a sustainable digital content system, rooted in repurposing and intention, can save time, reduce overwhelm, and help you show up with clarity and confidence, without burning out.

🚀 PERFECT FOR:
Entrepreneurs, personal brand builders, content creators, and anyone feeling pulled in a million directions while trying to grow their business or career. Whether you’re starting out or ready to level up your visibility and revenue, AJ’s story and strategies will resonate with those craving clarity, authenticity, and a more focused path to success. If you're juggling business, family, and the pressure to be everywhere online — this one’s for you.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

Wealthy and Well-Known: Build Your Personal Brand and Turn Your Reputation into Revenue

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