Libsyn Directory

#268: Mark Silverman — The Rising Leader: How to Break Free From FEAR

Release Date: 09/22/2025

#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...

#277: Laura G. Patac — Whole, Not Perfect: Reinventing and Reclaiming Yourself

MIKE'D UP!

In this powerful episode, Mike welcomes back —author, storyteller, and transformation strategist—to explore the ideas behind her latest book, Through honest conversation and deep insights, Laura reveals why reinvention isn’t a destination but a lived journey shaped by every experience, every pivot, and every scar earned along the way. Together, Mike and Laura unpack the beauty of our personal origin stories and the quiet, unseen moments that shape who we become. Laura invites listeners to look beyond the myth of perfection and instead embrace the raw, unfiltered truth of their...

#276: Connor Steinbrook — 4X World Series of Poker Champion Builds a Real Estate Empire

MIKE'D UP!

Note: Connor was a 3X World Series of Poker champion when this episode was recorded, and hours before his birthday earlier this month, he won his 4th World Series of Poker circuit championship! When life dealt him a losing hand, didn’t fold. He went all-in and stormed back. In this episode, Mike welcomes back four-time World Series of Poker champion turned real estate powerhouse to uncover how one man went from the chaos of online poker shutdowns to leading one of eXp Realty’s most dominant teams— Connor’s story plays out like a classic comeback movie: a sudden crash, a crisis of...

#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,...

#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...

#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...

#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...

#271: Graham Kuhn — Founder of Focus Films on Building Brands Through Authentic Storytelling

MIKE'D UP!

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...

#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...

#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...

More Episodes

What happens when a man living out of his truck at the age of 27 finds the courage to face his demons, embrace his fears, and rise to the top of the business world?

Join Mike as he sits down with Mark Silverman—a bestselling author, podcaster, thought leader, and sought-after coach—for a raw, gripping, and inspiring conversation you won’t forget.

Mark’s story unfolds like a true comeback drama: surviving childhood trauma, addiction, and homelessness, only to climb the ladder of success, generating over $90 million in revenue and earning nearly $860,000 per year in sales. But when betrayal and panic attacks threatened to unravel everything, he took a new path—one that led him to healing, reinvention, and a life of purpose.

Now, Mark coaches top executives to step into their power, uncover their true selves, and lead with courage. His message? Face your fears, do the inner work, and surround yourself with a community that lifts you higher.

This episode is a story fueled by resilience, redemption, and reinvention. Buckle up—it’s not only a story, it’s a transformation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

➡️ Overcoming Fear and Imposter Syndrome

➡️ Transforming Adversity into Success

➡️ The Evolution from High Achiever to Effective Leader

➡️ The Importance of Community and Support

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:
Even the most successful people are still “figuring it out” as they go — there’s no perfect moment or complete readiness. Growth comes from taking imperfect action, being honest about your struggles, and staying open to learning at every stage of life.

🚀 PERFECT FOR:

Anyone who wants to level up in life or leadership is ready to face their fears and value authentic, practical wisdom from someone who has been through real challenges and emerged stronger.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Rising Leader Handbook: Turning High Achievers Into Effective Leaders

The Rising Leader Podcast

The Writings and Wisdom of Allen Cohen

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