The Smart Passive Income Online Business and Blogging Podcast

#893 I used to doubt the value of short-form content for serious brand building, but I was way off. Diving in and giving it a real chance has completely changed my mind! In this episode, I'll share an awesome update on Short Pocket Monster. This is the experimental Shorts channel I started in the Pokémon space to see if this format was worth it for entrepreneurs. Millions of subscribers and hundreds of thousands of dollars...

#892 Our virtual fatigue has brought live events back in a big way. Whether it's a dozen people in a coffee shop or thousands in a convention center, you too can bring your followers together and foster real connections! In this episode, I break down everything I’ve learned from hosting events of all sizes. From mastermind meetups to Card Party, my massive Pokémon event, I share the numbers behind what worked and what didn...

#891 I went from a terrified first-time speaker in 2011 to standing on over 350 stages. I've also earned more than half a million dollars in speaking fees and had priceless networking opportunities at these events. With live talks being more lucrative than ever in 2025, how do you build a career around your presentations? In today’s episode, I share what’s working right now if you want to get paid to speak. I'll cover land...

#890 Sponsorships and brand deals can change the game for you as a creator. Here's the key, though. You have to know your worth. If, like many, you say yes to bad offers, it can cost you big time! In this episode, I break down what’s actually working in sponsorships right now. From determining what you should charge and spotting red flags to landing deals with companies you respect, this session is a sponsorship blueprint ...

#889 In business and in life, we need connection to thrive. So what is the number one superpower for building deep relationships? The answer is communication! That said, it's not enough to become a great on-stage speaker. While leveling up your skills around prepared talks is great, what happens when something like a networking dinner requires you to be spontaneous? That’s where the true growth opportunities live. I'm divi...

#888 You don't need a following to win big online. With algorithms pushing content to targeted audiences, you can serve and earn right away. All it takes is connecting people in search of solutions with the tools and resources to solve their problems. This is the key to affiliate marketing! But how much can you make recommending products? Here's something that blows my mind. Since starting my business journey in 2008, near...

#887 Hustle culture was wrong. Entrepreneurship is not about growth at all costs, and it's not about sacrificing your health for the sake of success. In fact, you'll never build a sustainable business if you're always running on fumes! In this episode, my good friend Chris Ducker returns to the show to share a powerful reminder on the dangers of burnout. Depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, and adrenal failure, Chris has ...

#886 What if I told you that someone sharing vocabulary tips gets millions of email opens per month and makes seven figures? How about if I said someone's keto recipes for bodybuilders newsletter just earned them a new house in Malibu? Listen in on this session because a quiet email revolution is happening under the radar. Let's pull back the curtain on what’s working in 2025! First, forget the tactics from five years ago....

#885 Social media isn't social anymore, it's just media. This fundamental shift is already having a massive impact on our results as creators and entrepreneurs. So what are the strategies that can help us master these online platforms? While we might be tempted to chase the latest trends and copy what everyone else is doing, that's not the key to success. In fact, it might be holding us back. Listen in on today's episode b...

#884 How do you build an audience online in a world flooded with AI content? The key to standing out is finding your uniqueness and applying it in the service of others. Information won't set you apart—your story will! In this episode, I’m joined by New York Times bestselling author and personal branding expert, Rory Vaden. He and I explain why your voice, experiences, and struggles are more important than ever in 2025. So...

#883 Podcasting is changing fast. From video to new discovery tools, finding and growing an audience can happen quicker than ever. But how do you take advantage of this opportunity and stand out among millions of shows? That's what I'm sharing in today's episode. I'll break down the best strategies for podcasters in 2025 to help you put yourself out there and succeed! I’ll walk you through my top short-form content tips th...

#882 If you're not paying attention to how YouTube is changing, you should be! Today, I'll share the three algorithm triggers that can make all the difference for your brand in 2025. Many creators aren't taking advantage of these recent updates, so this is your chance to stand out! I’ve built three successful YouTube channels, so these strategies are tried and true. I'll walk you through attracting more return viewers, bal...

#881 What's stopping you from building your dream life? Often, it's something more subtle than obstacles you can't overcome. The thing that's holding you back is likely a clear path to a lesser goal! So, how do you set your sights on "impossible" achievements for next-level business growth? I'm joined by Dr. Benjamin Hardy, co-author of the incredible 10x Is Easier Than 2x, for today's episode. In this chat, we dive deep i...

#880 In a world of infinite choice, standing out from the crowd is key. While others are chasing algorithms, you can and should build something worth talking about. So, forget the marketing hacks and focus on the one strategy that always works: word of mouth! I just had over five thousand people attend my Card Party Pokémon event in Florida. I spent zero dollars on ads to attract this massive crowd, so listen in to find ou...

#879 It's over. In 2025, courses aren't selling like they used to. So what’s next for online educators? Are we better off giving our knowledge away for free? I’m joined by my friend and business partner Matt Gartland today. Together, we’ve seen tens of thousands of students enroll in our courses over the years. But things are different now. People aren't buying information. Instead, they need help taking action. That's whe...

#878 Writing a book is hard, but getting people to buy it is even harder. For those of us who dream big, is it possible to make the best seller lists without gaming the system? What does it take to move copies nowadays? More importantly, is it worth it? In this episode, I'm joined by SPI CEO Caleb Wojcik to talk through the entire process of launching my new book, Lean Learning. We discuss the highs, lows, and everything t...

#877 This AI tool is bananas! Whenever people ask me what I use to supercharge my content creation, this is my top recommendation. It all started with two founders following their curiosity and refusing to give up when others didn’t buy into their vision. Then, one viral moment changed everything! Poppy AI is now fueling a quiet revolution, while everyone is still focused on the big-name players like ChatGPT and Claude. [a...

#876 Publishing a book is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It's also one of the hardest. In this episode, I reflect on the first week after launching Lean Learning. From podcast guesting to TikTok strategies, I share all the lessons I’ve picked up along the way! Listen in because this is a behind-the-scenes look at what happens after you put something big out into the world! Today, I open up about working with ...

#875 Your first sale isn’t just about making money—it's about unlocking a whole new level of confidence. With proof that someone is willing to buy from you, everything changes! In this episode, I share something brand new at SPI. The First Dollar Formula is our streamlined method to help you start making sales fast. We’ve stripped away the noise, cut the fluff, and built a step-by-step experience to help you take real acti...