Libsyn Directory

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

Release Date: 11/17/2025

#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

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, Connor Steinbrook 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—The Wolf Pack.

Connor’s story plays out like a classic comeback movie: a sudden crash, a crisis of identity, and a rediscovery of faith, discipline, and purpose that sparked an empire. He reveals how the skills that made him elite at the poker table—emotional control, precision under pressure, and relentless focus—became the foundation for scaling one of the largest and fastest-growing real estate groups in North America.

But this episode isn’t only about business, it’s about the inner game. Connor breaks down his signature 10-45-45 Rule of Communication, showing why energy and emotion speak louder than words. He opens up about building mental clarity through visualization, solitude, and faith, and why mastering your mindset is the ultimate key to success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

💥 All In on Faith: How Connor Turned Collapse Into a Multi-Million Dollar Comeback

🧠 The Inner Game of Success: The Poker Mindset That Built One of eXp’s Fastest-Growing Teams

🛠️ From Rock Bottom to Wolf Pack: Rebuilding Life and Business Through Discipline and Belief

🚀 The 10-45-45 Rule: How Energy, Emotion, and Focus Drive Elite-Level Communication and Leadership

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:

Connor’s greatest win isn’t measured in chips or commissions—it’s in mastering himself. His story is a powerful reminder that the real game is played within. When you learn to control your thoughts, guard your faith, and stay disciplined through the losses, you create a foundation that no setback can shake. Success, as Connor proves, begins long before the results show—it starts the moment you decide to go all in on yourself.

🚀 PERFECT FOR:

Entrepreneurs, real estate pros, poker fans, and anyone who’s ever wondered how to turn failure into fuel. If you’ve ever been knocked down and dreamed of a comeback—this episode is your playbook.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Earl Nightingale

Bob Proctor

Les Brown

Zig Ziglar

Rich Dad Poor Dad

Think and Grow Rich

Napoleon Hill’s 17 Principles of Personal Achievement

Bryson Gray

Josh White’s The Followers

Connect with Connor:

Website

Instagram