The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

What if you could generate endless customers—before a single sales call ever happens? In this game-changing episode, Rory sits down with marketing legend Marcus Sheridan to unpack the exact content strategies that convert browsers into buyers. You’ll discover Marcus’s “Big 5” topics that every customer researches before making a purchase—and why ignoring them is costing you serious money. Marcus shares how he built the world’s most trafficked swimming pool website (yes, really) using content that answered his customers’ toughest questions—and how you can do the same. From pricing transparency to trust-based selling to publishing "best of" lists that AI loves, this is a masterclass in turning your content into a lead-generating machine. If you’ve ever struggled with content that gets views but not conversions, this episode will transform how you think, write, and sell. What You’ll Learn: Why 80% of the sale happens before a buyer talks to you The 5 content types that build the most trust and drive the most revenue How to use “they ask, you answer” to dominate your niche The shocking truth about publishing your prices online How AI is choosing who gets seen—and how to make it pick you

In this episode, we’re joined by Jess Connolly—author of over a dozen books, including Breaking Free from Body Shame and Tired of Being Tired, founder of Go + Tell Gals, and lead coach for women building God-centered influence—for an inspiring conversation about calling, clarity, and living out your mission in multiple arenas.  Jess and her husband, Nick, planted Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. She is also the host of The Jess Connolly Podcast, where she inspires women to live missionally, love God deeply, and run their race with endurance.  With a calling that spans speaking, writing, and coaching, Jess is living proof that you can pursue multiple streams of work while staying anchored to a single heartbeat for your audience and a deep passion for God’s Word.  If you’ve ever felt the tension of having more than one lane to run in—or wondered how to keep it all connected—this conversation is your roadmap. Jess shares how identifying and staying passionate about her “who” has given her the focus, freedom, and stamina to build a body of work that leaves her generation more in awe of God than she found it. 

Get ready for a masterclass in confidence, storytelling, and presence. Lou Parker—six‑time Emmy‑winning journalist, former Miss USA, and relentless advocate—joins us to reveal how she lifted the crown before she ever held it, pivoted into an unexpected journalism career, and learned the art of thriving under pressure—especially when the mic is live and all eyes are on you. In this episode, Lou takes us behind the scenes of live television, sharing: What “walking into a room with a crown already on your head” really means—and how it built her audacious confidence Why forgetting your lines is a gift in disguise—and the subtle power of knowing your story over memorizing every word Her funniest on‑air “stretch” moment—and how even catastrophes can become your greatest teaching tools Secrets to hitting your point fast in a world glued to short attention spans, from hooks to heartbeats The healing power of embracing your imperfect self—beginning with a heartfelt word of “I love you” in the mirror This conversation isn’t just for media professionals—it’s for anyone chasing their voice and their purpose. Whether you crave better on-camera presence, frictionless self-expression, or the courage to walk into the spotlight, Lou’s journey will embolden your next chapter. So, grab your mic—whether it’s for Zoom or personal podcast—and step confidently into your light.🌟

We hear it everywhere: “Be authentic.” But what does that actually mean? In this raw and heartfelt episode, AJ Vaden strips away the buzzwords and delivers a truth-bomb definition that will change how you see leadership, trust, and connection forever. Through a deeply personal story—including the lowest point of her life and how she chose her life coach—you’ll learn why your most powerful asset isn’t your highlight reel, but the valleys you’ve walked through. If you’ve ever wondered how to share your story without oversharing, or how to connect with people in a way that makes them lean in and trust you, this conversation will give you the courage—and the clarity—to do it.

In a captivating conversation, Jessica Zweig, a bestselling author and branding powerhouse, reveals the heart of authentic personal branding. She emphasizes that true connection comes from service and being genuine rather than seeking visibility. Jessica shares her transformative spiritual journey and the mindset shifts crucial for avoiding burnout. Listeners can learn daily practices to maintain balance and empower their stories into impactful brands. This discussion is a vibrant call to turn authenticity into a powerful influence in business and personal lives.

What do you do when your entire business disappears overnight? In this powerful episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Sarah Robbins—former kindergarten teacher turned billion-dollar network marketing legend—for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of personal branding in direct sales. Sarah shares her remarkable journey: from passing out skincare samples for $20/hour to building the most successful sales team in the history of her industry. But just one year ago, everything changed. Her company dissolved their sales model, erasing 18 years of work in 60 days. Now, Sarah is starting over—rebuilding her business from scratch and launching her first book, The Multiply Method, which distills her wisdom into simple, duplicatable systems for social sellers. You'll hear her biggest lessons on leadership, overcoming setbacks, building momentum, and turning conversations into conversions. Whether you're in direct sales, leadership, or any form of client acquisition—this is the interview you need to hear. Key takeaways: Why "conversations are the new presentations" for modern sales How to simplify your systems to scale your team What makes a leader worth following (especially when times get tough) The mindset shift that helped Sarah go from stuck to unstoppable If you're navigating a season of uncertainty, loss, or transition, this episode will remind you: your greatest setback can become your greatest setup.

Unlock the hidden power of your brain and break free from burnout, imposter syndrome, and limiting beliefs with Dr. Caroline Leaf—world-renowned neuroscientist, bestselling author, and personal brand powerhouse. In this game-changing episode, Dr. Leaf reveals how mission-driven messengers can manage their minds to overcome anxiety, rewire toxic thinking, and show up powerfully in their purpose. Discover the truth about mental health and why your emotions aren’t flaws—but signals. Learn how to decode them, shift your mindset in 63 seconds, and reprogram your brain through neuroplasticity. Whether you’re stuck in self-doubt or simply striving to show up as your best self, this conversation offers scientifically backed strategies to help you gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. This isn’t your typical mental health talk—it's a transformative blend of neuroscience and personal brand strategy you won't hear anywhere else.

What if hustle was hurting your growth, not helping it? Stephen Scoggins built a nine-figure company, sold it, and now teaches entrepreneurs how to stop being the bottleneck in their own businesses. In this episode, he unpacks the inner friction that keeps even the smartest leaders stuck and the surprising shift that unlocks scale, peace, and purpose. He also gets real about the 5 invisible constraints that quietly hold leaders hostage and how to shift from proving yourself to building something that actually lasts (with or without you in the room). If you’re a 6 or 7-figure entrepreneur and wondering what’s next, this episode is for you. Key Points From This Episode: • The 5 internal constraints that sabotage entrepreneurial growth • Why most entrepreneurs stay stuck at 6 or 7 figures • The 5 business drivers every entrepreneur must regularly re-evaluate • Why “hustle harder” is not a strategy and can actually sink your business • The 5 stages of growth that every business goes through • The difference between a $1M founder and a $10M+ founder (hint: it’s not charisma) • The surprising truth about personal brands that reach 8 figures • What to consider before you sell (or step away) from your company

Rory Vaden unpacks one of the most important mindset shifts he’s ever made: peace is the new profit. After working with some of the world’s most recognized personal brands — including billionaires, bestselling authors, and global influencers — Rory shares a sobering truth: money and fame don’t create peace. God does. Whether you’re chasing influence, building a business, or simply trying to find fulfillment, this episode will challenge the very definitions of wealth and success you’ve been taught to believe. It’s not about getting more. It’s about becoming someone at peace with their purpose.

Most authors stop at writing the book. But what if the book is just the beginning? In this episode, AJ Vaden sits down with Nick Hutchison, founder of BookThinkers, to reveal the real work that starts after your book is published. Whether you're a seasoned author or launching your first title, this conversation will show you why being best-written means nothing if you're not also best-selling. They break down: Why small podcasts outperform big shows for book sales The 3 content formats that actually convert (and how to use them) How to structure a 60-second video to sell your book on autopilot Why books don’t just share ideas—they start movements And the surprising truth about what builds lasting influence If you're a mission-driven messenger with a book—or a message—you need this episode. And if you're not selling your book, ask yourself: do you really believe in it?