#265: Tim Rexius — From Rock Bottom to Building an Empire & Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Release Date: 09/01/2025
#278: Ben Johnson — Building Teams, Products, and the Future of Tech
MIKE'D UP!
This week, Mike is joined by , CEO and Founder of , for a sharp, energizing look at what it really takes to lead in today’s tech world. With more than 20 years of software experience and over $30 million raised across five startups, Ben brings the hard-earned lessons only a seasoned builder can offer. Ben breaks down the traits of effective tech leadership—setting a clear vision, empowering teams, and avoiding micromanagement. He shares candid stories from his early days as a founder, including a memorable misunderstanding of “burn rate.” He explains why learning to speak the...
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#277: Laura G. Patac — Whole, Not Perfect: Reinventing and Reclaiming Yourself
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MIKE'D UP!
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#275: Jay Sapovits — Recovery, Redemption & Reigniting Success with the Founder of Ink'd Stores
MIKE'D UP!
This week, Mike sits down with , the founder and President of , a thriving $5 million e-commerce company that powers over 1,000 online swag stores for brands like DoorDash, Crocs, and Penn Entertainment. Jay opens up about his turbulent journey—from explosive early success and devastating loss to rebuilding his life and business from the ground up. The conversation explores Jay’s struggle with gambling addiction, the painful collapse of his first ventures, and how entering recovery became the foundation for lasting personal and professional transformation. He shares how humility,...
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#274: Jane Hanson— From Emmy-Winning Journalism to Empowering Your Voice in Business
MIKE'D UP!
This week, Mike sits down with , an Emmy-winning journalist who spent nearly three decades at NBC New York. From her humble beginnings in a small Minnesota town to becoming a prominent voice in television journalism, Jane reflects on a career filled with powerful storytelling, resilience, and transformation. Jane opens up about covering pivotal events like 9/11, the emotional weight of live reporting, and the moment she realized it was time to pivot from broadcasting to coaching. Today, she empowers entrepreneurs, executives, and women to master the art of authentic...
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#273: Kurt Avery — How One Mission Has Transformed 30 Million Lives in 80+ Countries
MIKE'D UP!
In this moving and eye-opening conversation, Mike sits down with Kurt Avery, the visionary founder and president of , to explore how one man’s faith, resilience, and entrepreneurial drive sparked a movement that’s transforming global health. After leaving the corporate comfort of Fortune 500 marketing, Kurt took a leap of faith to create a company focused on a single, world-changing mission—to provide safe, clean water to every person who needs it. In this episode, we journey through the challenges and triumphs that shaped Sawyer’s path—from early financial hardships and failed...
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#272: Why NOW is the BEST TIME to START your BUSINESS PODCAST
MIKE'D UP!
This week, Mike fires up entrepreneurs and business leaders who have been saying, “someday I’ll start my podcast.” Mike reveals why Q4 is the golden window to plan and launch your show before everyone else even starts thinking about it. He breaks down the strategic advantage of starting now, how to structure your episodes, line up guests, and create content that truly represents your brand, values, and voice. Mike also dives into the bigger picture: a podcast isn’t only a marketing tool — it’s a relationship engine that builds credibility, expands your network, and creates...
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#271: Graham Kuhn — Founder of Focus Films on Building Brands Through Authentic Storytelling
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This week, Mike steps “behind the scenes” with , the creative force behind , whose life reads like a screenplay of transformation, grit, and passion. From the wrestling mats of small-town Wisconsin to the world’s grand opera stages — and ultimately to the helm of his own film company — Graham’s story proves that the path to success is rarely a straight line. When the pandemic hit days after launching his business, Graham faced what felt like the final curtain. Contracts vanished, plans unraveled — but instead of tapping out, he rewrote the script. Drawing on the resilience...
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#270: Gail Jones — Beyond a Statistic: Real Stories of Teens & Young Adults Redefining Themselves
MIKE'D UP!
In this episode, Mike sits down with renowned author for a heartfelt and eye-opening conversation about self-worth, mental health, and the untapped potential hiding inside every young person. Released during and with right around the corner, this episode isn’t only a discussion — it’s a rallying cry to rediscover our inner greatness. Gail takes you behind the pages of her new book , sharing powerful stories from 15 extraordinary young people who refused to be defined by setbacks, comparison, or social pressures. From the scars of the pandemic to the scroll-induced self-doubt of social...
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#269: Jonna Perlinger — Founder of Babe’s Babes on Championing Women in Sports Media
MIKE'D UP!
This week, we step into the heart and soul of America’s pastime. In this nostalgic episode, Mike sits down with , the driving force behind , to explore how baseball isn’t only a sport — it’s a legacy, a love language, and a way to keep the memories of those we cherish alive. From childhood living rooms turned into stadiums and sacred Yankees memorabilia that defined family bonds, to the modern-day mission of creating space for women’s voices in a traditionally male-dominated field — this conversation hits every note: nostalgia, inspiration, and pure passion for the game. Whether...
info_outlineIn this electrifying episode, Mike dives deep into the raw and unfiltered journey of a man who built businesses in fitness, nutrition, consulting, and even popcorn… all without outside investors.
From sleeping in his car for six months just to keep a dream alive, to opening multiple retail stores, gyms, and launching Rexius Nutrition, Tim’s story is one of resilience, grit, and relentless self-belief. Along the way, you’ll discover the pivotal role of real human connection — the kind that’s built face-to-face, one handshake at a time.
This isn’t only about business hustle. It’s about legacy. Tim credits his wife, Brittany, as the partner who fueled their explosive growth, reveals why giving employees ownership creates unstoppable teams, and reflects on the family lessons that shaped his vision. And in one jaw-dropping reveal, he shares how ignoring his wife and daughters’ advice cost him a fortune…a mistake that forever changed the way he listens, leads, and adapts.
This is the story of a man determined not only to build companies but to leave a mark so powerful that future generations will still be talking about it. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn ambition into impact, this one’s for you.
IN THIS EPISODE:
➡️ The Importance of Passion and Belief in Sales
➡️ Scaling Businesses and the Role of Ownership
➡️ Mentorship and Self-Awareness in Business
➡️ Why Listening and Adapting is Key in Business
📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:
This episode is a powerful reminder that humility, active listening, and valuing diverse viewpoints can save you time, money, and heartache — while strengthening trust in both life and business.
🚀 PERFECT FOR:
Entrepreneurs, leaders, and dreamers who want to build lasting businesses, empower their teams, and create a legacy that outlives them.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Tim:
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SPONSORS:
Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast
AFFILIATES:
Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT
Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside
Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us
Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us