Proven Podcast

Charles Schwartz
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Sep 17, 2025 • 51min

The Art of Billionaire Parenting the Counter Intuitive Method - Naveen Jain

In this mind-expanding episode, Charles sits down with Naveen Jain—visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Viome—to explore how audacious thinking, curiosity, and counterintuitive parenting can transform not just businesses, but entire lives. Naveen shares his journey from building multibillion-dollar companies to tackling humanity’s biggest challenges, from space exploration to revolutionizing healthcare. He reveals how success isn’t measured by wealth, but by the lives you improve—and why making money is only a byproduct of solving meaningful problems. From raising children who think differently and pursue moonshot ideas, to reimagining healthcare through personalized nutrition and RNA analysis, Naveen unpacks the frameworks that fuel innovation on a massive scale. Together, they dive into the mindset behind asking “why” until you uncover the root cause, the power of turning curiosity into breakthroughs, and the principles that help people build not just companies—but legacies. This isn’t just a conversation about entrepreneurship or health. It’s a blueprint for thinking bigger, challenging assumptions, and daring to create a future where billions live better lives. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why success isn’t measured by wealth but by the number of lives you improve -How Naveen Jain raised high-achieving children through counterintuitive parenting and curiosity-driven learning -The principle of asking “why” until you uncover root causes that unlock breakthrough solutions -Why work-life “balance” is a myth—and how to create a seamless continuum between family and business Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:22 – Redefining success beyond money: Naveen shares why true success is measured by how many lives you improve, not the wealth you accumulate—while Charles reflects on why this mindset redefines entrepreneurship. 03:49 – Counterintuitive parenting that works: Naveen explains how co-creating stories, fueling curiosity, and showing audacity helped him raise ambitious children—while Charles highlights the lessons parents can apply at home. 05:12 – From dot-com billions to mining the moon: Naveen recalls how he built a $40B company and then chased space exploration—while Charles points out how modeling boldness inspires the next generation. 10:50 – The myth of work-life balance: Naveen reveals why balance is impossible and why life and work must exist as a continuum—while Charles underscores the freedom that comes from integration over separation. 17:33 – Why teaching kids “the value of money” backfires: Naveen argues that making children work menial jobs for money limits them—while Charles unpacks the importance of giving kids platforms to reach higher. 31:24 – The power of asking ‘why’: Naveen shows how relentless curiosity leads to root causes and world-changing solutions—while Charles reflects on how childlike questioning unlocks breakthroughs. 36:33 – Reinventing healthcare with Viome: Naveen details how RNA, AI, and personalized nutrition can prevent disease—while Charles emphasizes the radical shift from generic health advice to truly individualized care. Exclusively for Proven Podcast Listeners: PROVEN10 gets your listeners 10% off of the full price of our Full Body Intelligence Test Viome's Full Body Intelligence™️Test our most comprehensive, at-home, 3-in-1 health test that includes: our gut and oral microbiome tests plus our cellular health test deep analysis of your oral + gut microbiomes your biological age score precision insights into your cellular, cognitive health, immunity, and more recommendations (Superfoods, Enjoy, Minimize, Avoid) for 370+ foods over 60 precision health scores recommendations for custom-formulated supplements, personalized gut biotics and oral hygiene formulas (available through subscription)  *This discount is not combinable with any other offer
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Sep 10, 2025 • 59min

G.R.O.W. from Homeless to 9 Figures - Stephen Scoggins

In this inspiring episode, Charles sits down with Stephen Scoggins—serial 9-figure entrepreneur, author, and speaker—to explore how resilience, faith, and vision can transform a life from homelessness to extraordinary success. Stephen unpacks his remarkable journey from sleeping in his car to building multiple businesses across construction, real estate, and personal development. He shares the pivotal lessons learned along the way—how to turn pain into purpose, setbacks into stepping stones, and vision into a vehicle for lasting impact. Together, they dive into the mindset shifts that separate those who stay stuck from those who rise: the power of faith-driven leadership, the discipline of consistent action, and the courage to pursue a calling bigger than yourself. This isn’t just a story about building businesses—it’s a blueprint for anyone ready to break through limitations, reclaim their future, and build a life of both impact and abundance. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Stephen Scoggins went from homelessness to becoming a 9-figure serial entrepreneur -Why faith, vision, and resilience are the foundations of long-term success -The mindset shift required to turn pain and setbacks into fuel for growth -How to build businesses that create both profit and purpose Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:15 – From rock bottom to rebuilding: Stephen opens up about his journey from homelessness to finding the courage to start over—while Charles reflects on how hitting bottom often sparks reinvention. 05:02 – The role of faith in entrepreneurship: Stephen explains how leaning on faith gave him clarity and strength through uncertainty—while Charles highlights the timeless link between belief and resilience. 08:40 – Turning pain into purpose: Stephen shares how his struggles became fuel for his mission—while Charles points out that setbacks often hide the seeds of transformation. 12:18 – Building 9-figure businesses with values: Stephen unpacks the principles behind scaling multiple companies—while Charles emphasizes the importance of aligning success with service. 16:55 – Identity drives destiny: Stephen reveals why lasting change begins with who you believe you are—while Charles ties this to the idea of becoming the person your goals demand. 21:30 – Consistency beats talent: Stephen explains why showing up daily outperforms waiting for the “perfect moment”—while Charles stresses that discipline compounds into destiny. 26:12 – Leaving a legacy of impact: Stephen closes by challenging listeners to pursue success that outlives them—while Charles reflects on how true wealth is measured in lives changed, not just money earned.
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Sep 3, 2025 • 53min

How Peak Performance Drives Business Growth - Oliver Anwar

In this energetic episode, Charles sits down with Oliver Anwar—performance coach and founder of Elite Performance—to explore how high-achieving entrepreneurs can optimize their health, fitness, and mindset to perform at their best in business and life. Oliver reveals the hidden toll of entrepreneurship on the body, from poor sleep and stress to neglected nutrition and fitness. He shares how simple, science-backed systems can transform energy, focus, and resilience—giving founders the stamina to lead and scale without burning out. From personalized training strategies and nutritional frameworks to the psychology of discipline and consistency, Oliver unpacks what it really takes to build a body and mind that match the demands of running a successful business. Together, they dive into the powerful connection between health and wealth—why peak performance isn’t a luxury, but the ultimate competitive advantage for any entrepreneur. This isn’t just a conversation about fitness—it’s a blueprint for sustaining success, building longevity, and creating a lifestyle where health fuels achievement at every level. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -Why many entrepreneurs unknowingly sabotage their success by neglecting health, fitness, and recovery -The link between peak physical performance and sharper decision-making, energy, and focus in business -How sleep optimization, nutrition, and strength training become non-negotiable foundations for scaling a company -Oliver’s frameworks for creating sustainable routines that fit even the busiest founder’s schedule Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:12 – The hidden cost of hustle culture: Oliver explains how poor sleep, skipped meals, and nonstop stress silently sabotage entrepreneurs—while Charles reflects on the myth that sacrifice always equals success. 04:38 – Building energy as an asset: Oliver shares why entrepreneurs must see health as fuel for business performance, not a distraction—while Charles highlights how peak energy compounds into sharper leadership. 08:05 – Sleep, stress, and sustainability: Oliver breaks down the role of sleep optimization and stress mastery in avoiding burnout—while Charles connects it to long-term decision-making power. 12:20 – Fitness frameworks for founders: Oliver reveals his training strategies designed for busy schedules—while Charles emphasizes how structure beats randomness when life gets chaotic. 16:45 – Nutrition for performance: Oliver shows how small, consistent nutritional upgrades drive lasting results—while Charles points out the parallels between compounding habits in health and wealth. 20:30 – The psychology of discipline: Oliver explains why consistency outperforms motivation every time—while Charles explores how this mindset applies across both fitness and entrepreneurship. 25:55 – Health as the ultimate unfair advantage: Oliver closes by showing why health isn’t optional but essential for long-term success—while Charles reflects on why the strongest businesses are built on strong bodies and minds.
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Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 9min

Why The Ultra-Successful Self-Destruct - Tim Shurr

In this fascinating episode, Charles sits down with Tim Shurr—renowned hypnotist, author, and subconscious reprogramming expert—to explore how the mind can be rewired for breakthrough success. Tim unpacks the science and art of hypnosis, revealing how subconscious patterns quietly shape our beliefs, habits, and results. From overcoming fear and self-sabotage to unlocking hidden confidence and potential, he shares real-world strategies that prove mindset isn’t just psychology—it’s the foundation of achievement. Together, they dive into how hypnotic principles can transform leadership, business, and everyday life. Tim shows why most people stay stuck in mental loops, and how rewiring those patterns leads to more freedom, resilience, and joy. This isn’t just a conversation about hypnosis—it’s a blueprint for mastering your inner world so you can create outer success that lasts. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How hypnosis works by rewiring subconscious patterns that shape beliefs, behaviors, and results -Why most people sabotage their own success through hidden mental loops—and how to break free from them -The difference between surface-level motivation and deep subconscious reprogramming -How leaders and entrepreneurs can use hypnotic principles to build confidence, reduce stress, and sharpen focus Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:20 – The truth about hypnosis: Tim Shurr explains what hypnosis really is—and why it’s less about “mind control” and more about rewiring subconscious patterns—while Charles highlights the myths that keep people skeptical. 04:55 – Breaking free from mental loops: Tim shares how hidden beliefs keep people stuck in cycles of fear, procrastination, and self-sabotage—while Charles connects this to the struggles entrepreneurs face daily. 08:18 – Motivation vs. subconscious reprogramming: Tim unpacks why surface-level motivation fades, but subconscious rewiring creates lasting change—while Charles points out how this shift unlocks real performance. 12:40 – Hypnosis in leadership and business: Tim reveals how hypnotic principles can reduce stress, sharpen focus, and build confidence in leaders—while Charles explores how mindset drives company culture. 16:05 – Real stories of transformation: Tim tells powerful examples of clients overcoming lifelong fears and limitations—while Charles reflects on the ripple effects of inner change on outer success. 20:22 – The power of subconscious mastery: Tim explains why self-awareness and subconscious control matter more than willpower—while Charles emphasizes how this perspective reframes personal growth. 24:50 – Practical tools for everyday rewiring: Tim closes by sharing simple, actionable techniques anyone can use to shift their mindset and create lasting momentum—while Charles reminds listeners that the inner game always comes first.
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Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 6min

The Most Expensive Mistake Money Can't Fix - Kevin Trudeau

Kevin Trudeau, a controversial author and television personality, shares his rollercoaster journey from late-night infomercial fame to legal battles with the FTC. He reveals how charisma and storytelling drove his explosive success but also led to dangerous consequences. The conversation dives deep into the psychology of persuasion, the ethics of influence in business, and the personal costs of relentless ambition. Trudeau’s insights challenge listeners to reflect on the balance between free enterprise and regulation while exploring the importance of authenticity and personal responsibility in entrepreneurship.
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Aug 13, 2025 • 49min

Lawsuit-Proof Your Fortune - Blake Harris

In this enlightening discussion, Blake Harris, an asset protection attorney and founder of Blake Harris Law, shares his expertise on safeguarding wealth. He unveils crucial strategies like domestic and offshore trusts, while addressing common pitfalls entrepreneurs face. Blake emphasizes the importance of proactive planning before a lawsuit strikes, illustrating how legal resilience can secure hard-earned assets. Expect practical tips tailored for investors and high-net-worth individuals, making this conversation a masterclass in legal protection.
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Aug 6, 2025 • 50min

How to Steal $500 Million From Barkbox's Playbook - Henrik Werdelin

In this energetic episode, Charles sits down with Henrik Werdelin—creative entrepreneur and co-founder of BARK, the brand behind BarkBox—to explore how play, empathy, and identity fuel the growth of beloved consumer brands. Henrik unpacks the origin of BARK, revealing how a deep emotional connection with customers (and their dogs) became the foundation of a company that redefined the pet industry. From building a brand with humor and heart to navigating product expansion and retail partnerships, he shares what it takes to scale without losing soul. Together, they dive into the mindset of modern brand-building—why it’s less about product features and more about emotional experience, storytelling, and creating rituals people love. This isn’t just a story about dog toys. It’s a blueprint for building joyful, mission-driven companies that customers don’t just buy from—but belong to. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Henrik Werdelin helped turn a love for dogs into BARK, a brand that connects emotionally with millions of pet owners -Why building a brand identity with humor, honesty, and humanity creates lasting customer loyalty -How BARK uses playfulness and purpose—not just product—to deepen customer relationships -The strategy behind expanding from subscription boxes to food, wellness, and retail without losing brand soul Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:05 – From agency life to BarkBox: Henrik shares his early career journey—from working in creative agencies to launching BARK—and how a deep love for dogs (and branding) led to a subscription box that grew into a global DTC powerhouse. 04:18 – The emotional core of brand-building: Henrik explains why the most beloved consumer brands lead with emotion, not just function—while Charles connects this to how BARK turned dog toys into a lifestyle and cultural connection. 07:45 – Using play as strategy: Henrik reveals how BARK uses humor, storytelling, and personality in everything—from marketing to product design—while Charles highlights how this playful tone differentiates them in a serious, commoditized space. 11:10 – The risks and rewards of retail expansion: Henrik reflects on BARK’s leap from DTC to retail with partners like Target, and how they kept their brand voice intact—while Charles digs into the tension between mass scale and brand intimacy. 15:02 – Bark Eats and personalized wellness: Henrik discusses the company’s move into personalized food and health products for dogs, and how listening to customer behavior led to deeper product innovation. 19:30 – Building a brand with a soul: Henrik emphasizes that a brand should feel like a friend, not a product—and how BARK’s success came from being obsessively human in a category most treat as transactional. 24:20 – Advice for future founders: Henrik delivers closing thoughts on what today’s entrepreneurs get wrong: over-focusing on short-term tactics instead of building emotional equity—and why staying curious and connected always wins in the long run.
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Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 5min

Reebok’s Founder Goes All In on AI - Joe Foster

In this dynamic episode, Charles sits down with Joe Foster—the legendary co-founder of Reebok—and Ben Weiss, CEO of Syntilay, to unpack what it really takes to build legacy brands that stand the test of time. Joe shares the untold story of growing Reebok from a small UK-based athletic shoe company into a global powerhouse, despite early rejection, fierce competition, and family friction. Ben brings a modern lens to the conversation—revealing how today’s founders can blend legacy thinking with cutting-edge strategy to lead in both business and branding. Together, they explore how purpose, persistence, and long-term thinking create lasting impact—whether you're building shoes that revolutionize fitness or companies that transform industries. This isn’t just a business episode—it’s a masterclass on vision, resilience, and what it takes to win across decades. KEY TAKEAWAYS: -How Joe Foster turned Reebok from a small UK family business into a global footwear brand by targeting overlooked niches like aerobics -The story behind Joe’s departure from the family company—and how conflict pushed him to build a legacy of his own -Why rejection from U.S. distributors became a turning point that forced Reebok to focus on a specific entry point into the American market -The difference between building a business and building a long-term brand—with insights from both Joe and Ben Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 01:10 – The birth of Reebok: Joe Foster recounts how a misunderstanding over the family shoe business led him to break away and start Reebok with just a name, a vision, and relentless grit—while Charles is struck by the boldness of reinventing from scratch. 04:42 – Lessons from rejection: Joe shares how 20+ rejection letters from U.S. distributors didn’t stop him—and how he eventually cracked the code by targeting a niche aerobics market—while Ben reflects on how modern founders overlook the power of niche entry points. 08:30 – Building a brand vs. building a business: Ben Weiss explains why building a long-term brand is different from just running a business, emphasizing alignment with purpose and message—while Joe nods in agreement, relating it back to Reebok’s early culture. 11:55 – Scaling without selling your soul: Joe opens up about the moment Reebok scaled globally and the tension between rapid growth and staying true to original values—while Charles notes the timeless struggle of founders facing explosive success. 17:25 – The Syntilay philosophy: Ben shares how Syntilay focuses on building brand equity through meaningful human experiences, not just marketing hacks—while Charles sees the parallel between Ben’s approach and Joe’s legacy thinking. 21:40 – The Reebok-Nike showdown: Joe details the brand rivalry, what it taught him about strategic differentiation, and why Reebok leaned into fashion and fitness while Nike owned performance—while Ben connects this to modern brand positioning. 28:30 – Advice to future legacy founders: Joe and Ben deliver closing thoughts for future entrepreneurs: be patient, protect your vision, and play the long game—while Charles reflects on how real success is measured in decades, not quarters.
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Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 2min

Generated $2 Billion Leveraging AI - Susan Sly

In this powerful episode, Charles sits down with Susan Sly—tech entrepreneur, AI innovator, and health warrior—to unpack how she rebuilt her life from rock bottom to billion-dollar impact. Susan shares her gripping story of being diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis, losing her marriage, her business, and becoming homeless—all in 16 weeks. But instead of surrendering, she turned to biohacking, belief, and relentless self-reinvention. Together, they explore the healing protocols Susan used to defy her terminal diagnosis, her rise to co-founding an AI company that led the largest deployment of computer vision at scale in U.S. history, and her newest mission: revolutionizing menopause care with AI. The conversation covers everything from stem cell therapy and triathlon training to scaling tech companies and leveraging AI for real-world transformation. It's a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and using adversity as fuel for impact. Key Takeaways: The exact health protocols Susan used to reverse her MS symptoms and regain peak performance Why Susan avoids support groups—and what she did instead to accelerate healing How she scaled an AI company with 8 patents and became a global authority in computer vision and generative AI The origin and mission behind Pause AI, the world's first menopause-focused AI wellness app Head over to provenpodcast.com to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 00:57 - The MS diagnosis that changed everything: At the height of her career as a professional athlete and media personality, Susan collapses into chronic fatigue and neurological symptoms—only to be told she has progressive multiple sclerosis and 10 years to live. 06:42 - From rock bottom to reinvention: In just 16 weeks, Susan lost her business, her marriage, and her home—yet made a bold decision to surround herself with millionaires, dive into personal development, and rebuild her identity with intention and belief. 08:22 - The MS recovery protocol revealed: Susan details the exact biohacks and wellness strategies she still follows today—including acupuncture, IV therapy, ozone, fasting retreats, strength training, and ditching artificial sweeteners forever. 14:11 - Scaling AI from nothing to industry dominance: Susan explains how she co-founded a computer vision company that scaled nationally, holds 8 patents, and pioneered the largest deployment of vision-based AI in U.S. history—all without VC funding. 22:39 - AI committees are doing it wrong: Susan breaks down the three fatal mistakes companies make when adopting AI—and why excluding HR and finance from your AI strategy guarantees failure before it starts. 48:46 - The champagne bus moment that sparked Pause AI: At a high-powered women-in-AI event, Susan realized even the most elite women were suffering silently through menopause—and decided to build the first AI-driven solution to support them. 54:39 - What men need to know about menopause (and andropause): Susan offers a candid, science-based breakdown of how menopause affects women—and why male partners need to lean in, get educated, and prepare for the male equivalent: andropause.
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Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 8min

Fitness Secrets of The Ultra Wealthy - Ted Ryce

In this eye-opening episode, Charles dives into the fitness secrets of ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs with Ted Ryce, celebrity trainer and health coach to executives who demand peak performance. Ted reveals his journey from training A-listers like Richard Branson and Robert Downey Jr. to developing systematic health protocols for high-performing entrepreneurs who've neglected their bodies while building empires. The conversation moves beyond basic fitness advice to expose the critical health tests most successful people ignore—and why your doctor's "normal" blood work might be setting you up for metabolic disaster down the road. Rather than chasing fitness fads, Charles and Ted explore the unsexy fundamentals that actually work: why muscle mass is your metabolic insurance policy, how pre-diabetes can be reversed through strategic training, and why tracking the right metrics matters more than expensive biohacks. Key Takeaways: * Why DEXA scans, VO2 max testing, and advanced blood panels are non-negotiable for serious entrepreneurs * How lifting weights and building muscle mass trumps cardio for metabolic health and longevity * The truth about TRT, stem cells, and which interventions actually deliver life-changing results * Why fiber supplementation beats every trendy nootropic for overall health optimization Head over to https://provenpodcast.com/ to download your exclusive companion guide, designed to guide you step-by-step in implementing the strategies revealed in this episode. KEY POINTS: 02:25 - The hidden metabolic disaster: A successful entrepreneur lost 20 pounds but was actually pre-diabetic with a 6.3 A1C - and why his doctor dismissed elevated fasting glucose as "no big deal" despite clear warning signs. 08:44 - Why sugar doesn't cause diabetes: The common myth gets destroyed by explaining that sugar is "like pouring gasoline on the fire, but it didn't start the fire" - the real culprits are sitting on your ass and carrying too much body fat. 14:26 - The exercise hierarchy that changes everything: Why exercise, not diet, is the number one factor for health and longevity - and why you can't replace the training stimulus even with the most perfect diet. 25:15 - The Mediterranean diet reality check: Living in Portugal revealed people pouring olive oil over everything, proving that even "healthy" diets fail when you ignore the fundamental math of calories. 42:33 - The stem cell transformation: A tens of thousands of dollars investment in joint injections eliminated chronic pain from multiple injuries, allowing a return to heavy squats and deadlifts after years of limitations. 49:52 - The TRT truth bomb: Why testosterone replacement therapy shrinks your testicles, doesn't magically transform you, and why losing belly fat is more impactful than any hormone optimization. 58:11 - The fiber supplement secret: Why fiber is the number one supplement for health and longevity - not sexy to discuss, but more powerful than any expensive biohack for managing appetite and improving metabolic markers.

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