

Money Stories
Mike Brown
Every entrepreneur has invisible scripts about money that shape their success. Join host Mike Brown, former F-18 pilot and 8-figure founder, as he guides successful entrepreneurs through the raw, unfiltered conversations about wealth that no one else is having.
Discover the childhood experiences that formed their money mindset, the catastrophic mistakes that nearly cost them everything, and the transformational shifts that unlocked their potential.
Beyond tactics, this podcast explores the emotional dimensions of wealth and what makes a truly rich life.
Discover the childhood experiences that formed their money mindset, the catastrophic mistakes that nearly cost them everything, and the transformational shifts that unlocked their potential.
Beyond tactics, this podcast explores the emotional dimensions of wealth and what makes a truly rich life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 15min
Dr. Vass: The Inner Work Behind a Longer, Fuller Life - Money Stories Ep. 35
Dr. Vassily Eliopoulos (Dr. Vass) spent more than a decade working in emergency rooms, treating people in moments that stripped away everything nonessential. Again and again, he sat beside patients who were facing the end and spoke the kind of truth that only becomes possible when there is no time left to pretend.Those moments became his teacher.In this conversation, Vass shares the quiet lessons that most of us miss in the noise. He speaks not just as a physician, but as someone who had to confront his own limits. His story is a call to reconsider what health really means, and why a longer life means nothing if it is built on the wrong foundations.We unpack: • The regrets people name most often in their final hours • Why many definitions of success leave us disconnected and exhausted • What longevity actually requires beyond labs and protocols • How connection and self-trust outperform any treatment plan • The practices that rebuild wholeness from the inside outAbout Dr. Vass:Dr. Vass is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of Longevity Health, Board Certified in Emergency Medicine, and trained at Cornell University Medical College and the University of Colorado. After serving in the Peace Corps and working with the WHO, he spent over a decade in traditional healthcare before shifting to functional and regenerative medicine to focus on prevention, optimization, and longevity. Originally from Westchester, New York, he balances his medical mission with a lifelong passion for grappling—winning national and world titles in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—as well as rock and ice climbing and whitewater kayaking.Connect with Dr. Vass:Learn more about Dr. Vass's Approach to MedicineWebsite: https://www.longevityhealth.clinic/ Instagram:: https://www.instagram.com/dr.vassily/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vassily-eliopoulos-m-d-5b8015143/ _________Did something in this episode resonate with you?Check out Unbreakable Wealth, a private community for conscious entrepreneurs, high performers, and athletes ready to build multidimensional wealth beyond just money.It is the space for the conversations you cannot have anywhere else.If you are ready to live, lead, and build from alignment, you are in the right place.Learn more and apply now: https://go.unbreakablewealth.com/vsl-long

Oct 31, 2025 • 59min
Taylor Frame: How Finding the Right Community Changes How You Carry Success - Money Stories Ep. 34
Taylor Frame learned to sell on a Mormon mission in North Carolina. For two years, he knocked on doors, faced rejection, and refined his pitch one conversation at a time. This taught him how to connect, adapt, and keep pushing.That mindset carried him into tech sales and eventually entrepreneurship. He built a seven-figure agency, moved his family to the beach, and created what looked like the perfect life. Beneath the surface, he was unraveling. The harder he worked, the more disconnected he felt from his family, his purpose, and himself.What changed everything was community. Surrounded by people who valued honesty over performance, Taylor began to rebuild. Today, he leads with presence, builds in alignment with his values, and feels deeply connected to his work, his family, and the life he has chosen.This episode explores:The invisible cost of chasing the wrong definition of successThe emotional toll of high-achievement conditioningThe liberation found in community and vulnerabilityThe shift from transactional ambition to relational wealthThe power of intentional living, especially in parenting and partnershipAbout Taylor Frame:Taylor Frame is the co-owner and Chief Revenue Officer at Best Practice Media, where he helps entrepreneurs turn ambitious ideas into measurable results. With more than two decades in sales and marketing, he has helped hundreds of e-commerce and service-based businesses scale with clarity and control. He knows what it takes to grow fast, stay profitable, and lead from a place of alignment. Today, he prioritizes time outdoors with his kids, honest conversations with close friends, and building a business that reflects his values.Connect with Taylor:Website: https://bestpracticemedia.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-frame/_________Did something in this episode resonate with you?Check out Unbreakable Wealth, a private community for conscious entrepreneurs, high performers, and athletes ready to build multidimensional wealth beyond just money.It is the space for the conversations you cannot have anywhere else.If you are ready to live, lead, and build from alignment, you are in the right place.Learn more and apply now: https://go.unbreakablewealth.com/vsl-long

5 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 52min
Melanie Balke: The 7-Figure CEO Who Turned Burnout into Balance - Money Stories Ep. 33
Melanie Balke has built a life most entrepreneurs chase for years. Her business is thriving, her team is energized, and her days move with clarity and intention. She surfs, leads with presence, and shapes her calendar around the rhythm that brings out her best work.Her path reflects more than strategy. It is an identity shift rooted in emotional wealth, sustainable leadership, and the freedom to live life on her terms. This is the inner game of building something that lasts without losing yourself in the process.In this episode, we unpack:How chasing success shaped her identity and nearly cost her everythingThe mindset shifts that unlocked deeper trust and better leadershipWhy slowing down made her a better leaderHow she reshaped her business to support a sustainable lifeWhy she feels hustle culture can suppress the creativity of female foundersWhat real freedom looks like for a founder in full alignmentAbout Melanie Balke:Melanie Balke is the founder of The Email Marketers, a retention marketing agency helping e-commerce brands build loyalty through email, SMS, and customer experience. She has grown the company into a seven-figure business by focusing on sustainable, relationship-driven growth that supports both founders and their teams. Outside the agency, she’s a surfer, speaker, and advocate for building freedom through intentional business design.Connect with Melanie:Website: www.theemailmarketers.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/melaniebalke X: https://x.com/Melanie_Balke Check out Retention Lab, a community for DTC brands who want to build their retention team in-house: https://www.theemailmarketers.com/retention-lab _________Did something in this episode resonate with you?Check out Unbreakable Wealth, a private community for conscious entrepreneurs, high performers, and athletes ready to build multidimensional wealth beyond just money.It is the space for the conversations you cannot have anywhere else.If you are ready to live, lead, and build from alignment, you are in the right place.Learn more and apply now: https://go.unbreakablewealth.com/vsl-long

Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 6min
Delroy Gill: The Mindset Shift That Turned Hustle Into Legacy - Money Stories Ep 32
Delroy Gill grew up flipping candy in the playgrounds of South London, finding creative ways to make money at a young age. When he moved to America, saw the game from a different angle, and started building something far beyond himself.Early on a broken promise taught him that if he wanted something, he had to get it himself. That mindset carried him through the 2008 crash, into real estate, and all the way to the top of the luxury market. But the climb came with a cost. The walls he built to protect himself also kept people out.What followed was a personal rewiring. Through therapy, mentorship, and honest connection, the work turned inward.Along the way, Delroy discovered a richer definition of wealth. One rooted in legacy, stewardship, and the freedom to walk away from anything misaligned.Today, Delroy is a top luxury realtor but he’s not just selling homes. He is building legacy and blazing a trail for others to follow.In this episode we unpack:• Why representation matters in luxury spaces• The childhood betrayal that taught him to never ask for help• How he built a real estate career during a market crash• Why survival mode helps you win but keeps you isolated• How his definition of wealth evolved through healing• Why alignment matters more than achievementAbout Delroy Gill: Delroy Gill is America’s top Black real estate agent and ranks among the top 20 at LIV Sotheby’s International Realty in Colorado. With over $400 million in career sales, he advises CEOs, entrepreneurs, professional athletes, and industry leaders nationwide. Born in Britain with Jamaican heritage, Delroy has lived in the U.S. for more than 20 years and brings a cultural fluency and professional edge that sets him apart. He is a number one trendsetter, a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and nationally ranked by the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. His work has been featured in Robb Report, the Denver Post, and Business Den.Connect with Delroy: Follow him on Instagram: www.instagram.com/delroygill_________Did something in this episode resonate with you?Check out Unbreakable Wealth, a private community for conscious entrepreneurs, high performers, and athletes ready to build multidimensional wealth beyond just money.It is the space for the conversations you cannot have anywhere else.If you are ready to live, lead, and build from alignment, you are in the right place.Learn more and apply now: https://go.unbreakablewealth.com/vsl-long

7 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 11min
Jack Swift: How AI Is Rewriting the Rules of Leadership - Money Stories Ep 31
Jack Swift, a former Army Ranger and West Point graduate turned AI fintech leader, shares his transformative journey. He discusses how his definition of success shifted from achievement to alignment, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness and creativity in leadership. Jack reveals fascinating insights on how AI can enhance human potential and the need for adaptive leadership in a fast-changing world. He also talks about redefining wealth as the ability to serve and his work with Sangha, promoting conscious leadership practices.

Oct 3, 2025 • 57min
Rob Sirstins: Why Success Alone Will Never Be Enough - Money Stories Ep 30
Early life wasn’t easy for Rob Sirstins. He was born into poverty, adopted young, and raised in a world where he never felt like he belonged. Then he rose to success as a Division 1 football star with a career path in sales. From the outside, everything looked perfect.Then injury, betrayal, and loneliness stripped it all away and Rob found himself in a Salt Lake parking lot, finger on the trigger.That night, he chose to live and everything changed.What followed was a rebirth found through plant medicine, healing and community. Through this journey Rob found a new definition of wealth: not more money, but freedom and belonging.Today, Rob is a successful coach, speaker, and author. He's a beacon of inspiration helping others heal, find belonging, and step into true freedom.We unpack: • How childhood scarcity, bullying and racism shaped Rob’s money story • The night he almost ended his life - and why he didn’t • The role community played in rewriting his story • The four pillars of healthy masculinity Rob now teaches • Why wealth is found in freedom, not accumulationThis conversation is about the courage to stay and the freedom that comes when you finally belong to yourself.About Rob Sirstins:Rob Sirstins is a transformational coach and speaker who empowers individuals to unlock their potential and create lasting personal and professional growth. Drawing on his background in athletics, leadership, and personal development, Rob helps others reframe challenges as opportunities, develop resilience, and pursue fulfillment with clarity and purpose. His work centers on guiding people through self-reflection and intentional action so they can break through limitations, achieve meaningful success, and live empowered lives.Connect with Rob:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robsirstins/ Website: https://www.robsirstins.com ---Did something in this episode resonate with you?Check out Unbreakable Wealth, a private community for conscious entrepreneurs, high performers, and athletes ready to build multidimensional wealth beyond just money.It is the space for the conversations you cannot have anywhere else.If you are ready to live, lead, and build from alignment, you are in the right place.Learn more and apply now: https://go.unbreakablewealth.com/vsl-long

Sep 26, 2025 • 60min
Anthony Vicino: Losing 40 Million Changed How I See Success - Money Stories Ep 29
Anthony Vicino once believed financial wins meant freedom. He went from living in a van and scaling cliffs to building million-dollar businesses - only to see it all collapse when betrayal and bankruptcy left him in serious debt.In this raw episode, Anthony shares how losing millions didn’t just reset his bank account - it reshaped his definition of wealth, purpose, and what a rich life truly looks like.We dive into:How van life and rock climbing shaped Anthony’s earliest views on money and freedom. The intoxicating highs of business success - and the devastating crash of losing it all. How Anthony rebuilt a vision of success rooted in agency, community, and presence.Why financial collapse can be the gateway to deeper self-discovery and resilience. How he transformed his ADHD into his superpower.This isn’t a conversation about managing money - it's an honest reflection on failure, resilience, and rediscovering what truly makes life meaningful.About Anthony Vicino:Anthony Vicino is a best-selling author and serial entrepreneur who transformed his life from $80,000 in debt while living in a van to building successful businesses and a large real estate portfolio, at its peak worth over $85 million. He is known for turning his ADHD into a superpower and helping other entrepreneurs maximize their "Return on Life."Connect with Anthony:Website: https://anthonyvicino.com/Youtube: YouTube.com/anthonyvicinoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/theanthonyvicino/_________Did something in this episode resonate with you?Check out Unbreakable Wealth, a private community for conscious entrepreneurs, high performers, and athletes ready to build multidimensional wealth beyond just money.It is the space for the conversations you cannot have anywhere else.If you are ready to live, lead, and build from alignment, you are in the right place.Learn more and apply now: https://go.unbreakablewealth.com/vsl-long

Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 3min
Derek Coburn: How to Retire Later and Be Happier Now - Money Stories Ep 28
Join Derek Coburn, a financial advisor and bestselling author, as he challenges traditional views on retirement and happiness. He discusses how high achievers often chase a 'magic number' only to feel unfulfilled. Derek emphasizes designing a life you love now, exploring the hidden costs of postponing joy. He encourages listeners to prioritize relationships and health over mere financial goals, offering practical advice to create a richer, more meaningful life today. It's a transformative conversation that redefines what true wealth really means.

Sep 12, 2025 • 1h
Elliot Roe: The Hypnotherapist Who Helped Create Poker’s #1 Player in the World - Money Stories Ep. 27
What does it take to unlock your full potential, and why do so many high achievers sabotage themselves before they reach the top? In this conversation, I sit down with world-renowned hypnotherapist and mindset coach Elliot Roe, whose clients include world champion poker players, UFC fighters, Wall Street traders, and entrepreneurs.We dive into:How childhood experiences quietly program your “wealth thermostat” and self-worth.The hidden fears of rejection, isolation, and even success that keep talented people playing small.Why giving 90% effort feels safe but guarantees mediocrity - and what happens when you finally give 100%.The surprising truth about money: why even nine-figure exits and luxury purchases rarely deliver lasting happiness.How shifting from “dirty fuel” (proving yourself) to “clean fuel” (service and flow) creates both freedom and world-class performance.This episode reveals the mindset work behind real success and fulfillment. About Elliot RoeElliot Roe is a leading expert in Mindset Optimization for High Performers and is the world’s #1 Mindset Coach for poker players. His poker clients have won over $250,000,000 and nearly every major tournament title, including the World Series of Poker Main Event. Elliot’s clientele also includes Olympic medalists, UFC Champions, Hollywood Actors, Business executives and wall street traders. His unique mindset coaching system leverages the power of hypnotherapy to eliminate fears and breakthrough mental roadblocks allowing you to operate in a state of peak performance every day.Connect with ElliotWebsite: www.elliotroe.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elliotroe/?hl=en X: https://x.com/elliotroe1?lang=en Download his app Primed Mind: https://primedmind.com/ Check out his book, A-Game Poker: https://a.co/d/c2q9VM4 _________Did something in this episode resonate with you?Check out Unbreakable Wealth, a private community for conscious entrepreneurs, high performers, and athletes ready to build multidimensional wealth beyond just money.It is the space for the conversations you cannot have anywhere else.If you are ready to live, lead, and build from alignment, you are in the right place.Learn more and apply now: https://go.unbreakablewealth.com/vsl-long

Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 3min
Dave Inglis: My Self-worth was my Net Worth - Money Stories Ep 26
It started with a joke from his childhood. Dave’s mom told him they could afford a new bra for her or hockey gear for him. Then something snapped.That moment became more than a memory, it became a mission - he would never let money limit the life he wanted to live.And so he chased that life - financial freedom, independence and success on paper.But the higher he climbed, the more disconnected he felt, until it all came crashing down.In this deeply personal conversation, Dave and I walk through the messy moments behind the hustle. From selling stolen video games as a teen, to leading a company to success while his marriage silently unraveled.We unpack:The tiny, quiet traumas we carry from childhood and how they shape our driveHow independence became Dave’s shield, and what it was really protectingWhy financial control can still leave you feeling emotionally bankruptThe walkout moment that forced him to rewrite his whole story of successWhat it actually looks like to build wealth with your family - not just for themWhy vulnerability isn’t weakness, it’s leadership (especially at home)About Dave Inglis:Dave Inglis is a Canadian leadership and couples coach, speaker, and author of Chief Family Officer. He’s the founder of Strategic Solitude, where he guides high-achieving leaders to step out of the noise and into deeper alignment. Dave’s worked with everyone from startups to the Royal Canadian Air Force - but it’s his lived experience that hits hardest.He’s not here to perform wisdom—he’s here to live it.Connect with Dave:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave_inglis_/?hl=en Check out his book, Chief Family Offer: https://a.co/d/7s0Vzkt _________Did something in this episode resonate with you?Check out Unbreakable Wealth, a private community for conscious entrepreneurs, high performers, and athletes ready to build multidimensional wealth beyond just money.It is the space for the conversations you cannot have anywhere else.If you are ready to live, lead, and build from alignment, you are in the right place.Learn more and apply now: https://go.unbreakablewealth.com/vsl-long


