Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast
Rory & AJ Vaden
Welcome to The Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast — hosted by Rory Vaden and AJ Vaden, co-founders of Brand Builders Group.
This is the show for mission-driven messengers who want to build reputation and revenue at the same time. Whether you're launching a book, scaling a business, or trying to become a recognized expert in your space, you'll learn how to craft a Monetized Personal Brand™ that drives massive impact.
Each episode features real coaching, case studies from our 1-on-1 clients, and insider strategies from 8-figure entrepreneurs, viral speakers, New York Times bestselling authors, and trusted BBG partners. You'll hear directly from the minds behind some of today's most influential personal brands.
Subscribe and turn on notifications — because your message matters, and the world needs to know your name.
This is the show for mission-driven messengers who want to build reputation and revenue at the same time. Whether you're launching a book, scaling a business, or trying to become a recognized expert in your space, you'll learn how to craft a Monetized Personal Brand™ that drives massive impact.
Each episode features real coaching, case studies from our 1-on-1 clients, and insider strategies from 8-figure entrepreneurs, viral speakers, New York Times bestselling authors, and trusted BBG partners. You'll hear directly from the minds behind some of today's most influential personal brands.
Subscribe and turn on notifications — because your message matters, and the world needs to know your name.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 27, 2026 • 41min
From Devastation to Purpose: How One Mom Became the "Special Education Boss" with Karen Meyer Cunningham
Karen Mayer Cunningham, a national special education advocate and author of The Epic IEP, turned a family crisis into a movement. She discusses her son’s diagnosis and the failures of the system. She explains grassroots growth on social media, scaling from one-on-one help to training and a membership academy. She also covers content strategy, live Q&A growth, and charging for service without guilt.
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 5min
He Was Dead for 6 Minutes. What Hal Elrod Did Next Changed Everything
Hal Elrod, best-selling author and creator of The Miracle Morning, shares his incredible journey from a near-fatal car crash to overcoming leukemia. He discusses how profound personal losses shaped his purpose and the birth of his life-changing morning routine. Hal reveals the framework behind the S.A.V.E.R.S. method for personal growth and emphasizes the importance of identity over mere achievement. Listeners will find practical hacks for building maintaining routines and hear about the global movement that transformed millions of lives.
Jan 13, 2026 • 44min
Scaling Your Business Without Losing Your Life
Discover how to scale your business without sacrificing your sanity. Dive into the realities of long hours and the toll they take on personal life. Learn the crucial difference between growth and scale, and how to set effective boundaries. Hear the importance of knowing your 'why' before pursuing expansion. Get insights on hiring decisions that reclaim your time and common pitfalls to avoid. Plus, find strategies for saying no gracefully while maintaining relationships. This roadmap might transform your approach to leadership!
16 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 43min
You Are Your Niche: How to Turn Life Lessons into Leads
Uncover the art of niche storytelling and how your personal experiences can lead to business success. Discover how to choose the past version of yourself to serve and craft compelling stories that sell. Learn to master the elevator pitch with 'I help who to what' while leveraging the six-foot rule for networking. Contrast online algorithms with offline referrals to find opportunities. Use customer stories to build trust and shorten the sales cycle, ensuring your narrative resonates with the right audience.
Dec 30, 2025 • 48min
Are You Being Honest—or Just Strategic? Rethinking "Authenticity" Online
Dive into the tangled world of online authenticity as Rory and AJ question what it truly means to be real in a digital age. They explore the fine line between honest sharing and strategic vulnerability, uncovering how authenticity has become a buzzword. Learn their two crucial rules for sharing stories and the concept of ‘sharing scars not wounds.’ With practical tips on maintaining privacy while being transparent, this conversation challenges you to redefine your brand while fostering genuine connections.
12 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Sales Mindset Shift That Will Change Your Business Forever
Transform your mindset on selling with insights from seasoned pros Rory and AJ Vaden. Discover how service-centered selling reshapes the sales conversation into a meaningful exchange. Learn the art of asking the right questions to build trust and clarity with prospects. Understand why confidence in your offer is key to avoiding manipulative tactics. Explore practical strategies for closing high-ticket sales and the importance of listening actively to uncover desires. This is about selling with heart, not just profit.
Dec 16, 2025 • 41min
Why They Killed the Downline: The Truth About Affiliate Marketing, AI, and the End of Direct Sales as We Know It
Explore the dramatic evolution in direct sales and affiliate marketing. Rory and AJ discuss the collapse of traditional MLM structures, emphasizing the importance of personal branding and owning your audience. Tune in to hear about the comeback of in-person experiences and the value of community in a digital world. They challenge profit-first mentalities, revealing the human costs behind corporate decisions. With insights on monetization strategies and the significance of meaningful relationships, this conversation is a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Dec 9, 2025 • 49min
How AI Is Helping Us Scale Without Hiring or Firing: The Future of Personal Brands Starts Here
Discover how AI is revolutionizing scaling in business without losing the human touch. Learn why understanding growth versus scale is crucial for profit. Explore a unique two-audience approach that benefits both clients and team members. Hear about proprietary bots that solve recurring issues and save time. Find out how intelligent tools can enhance hiring processes and boost quality. Avoid common AI mistakes and see why AI should assist, not replace, human creativity in building impactful brands.
5 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 55min
Peace Is the New Profit: Our Real-Life Money Philosophy
Rory and AJ Vaden reveal their unique approach to money, emphasizing that 'peace is the new profit.' They discuss the benefits of debt-free living and conservative investing, opting for stability over risk. Their innovative budgeting techniques and segregated bank accounts help avoid financial disputes in marriage. The power of tithing and generosity transforms their financial philosophy. This candid conversation offers deeper insights into achieving financial peace without succumbing to the pressure of flashy wealth.
5 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 2min
Welcome to our new chapter - Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast with Rory & AJ Vaden
Rory and AJ delve into the exciting journey of building a Monetized Personal Brand™. They discuss unique strategies for launching books and scaling businesses. The hosts emphasize their mission to help mission-driven messengers establish both reputation and revenue. Expect inspiring case studies and insights from influential entrepreneurs and bestselling authors. As they introduce a new co-hosted format, listeners are encouraged to actively participate and embrace their path to becoming wealthy and well-known.
