The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

Rory & AJ Vaden
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Oct 14, 2025 • 46min

One Rich Relationship 1,000 Casual Connections: The Framework That Built a $100M Network with Selena Soo

In this engaging conversation, Selena Soo, a USA Today bestselling author and a multi-seven-figure entrepreneur, reveals how to forge rich relationships that drive success. She introduces her powerful '6 Circles of Connection' model, highlighting the difference between casual contacts and meaningful connections. Selena discusses the transformative concept of breathtaking generosity, shares strategies for connecting with influencers, and emphasizes the importance of nurturing your network, especially in an AI-driven world. This insightful session offers actionable advice for elevating your personal brand.
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6 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 44min

Why Physicians Need a Personal Brand: How to take back control and confidence through real content with Dr. Mina

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Mina, a Harvard-trained dermatologist and podcaster, shares her inspiring journey of reclaiming her voice and transforming patient education. She emphasizes why physicians must shed the stigma of self-promotion and embrace personal branding to meet patients where they are. Dr. Mina discusses how to create valuable content from everyday patient interactions, counters misinformation in medicine, and opens up new opportunities through her brand. Her insights offer a roadmap for health professionals seeking to balance authenticity with influence.
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Sep 30, 2025 • 56min

Optimize Energy, Influence, & Income: Lessons from Ben Greenfield’s High‑Performance Brand

In this engaging conversation, Ben Greenfield, a New York Times bestselling author and biohacker, shares his journey from personal trainer to entrepreneur. He reveals high-performance health hacks like grounding and light exposure to optimize energy and well-being. Ben discusses his shift to digital platforms for business growth and the importance of hiring help to scale effectively. Learn about his transparent supplement brand, Kion, and insights on balance in life and work, ensuring you thrive without burning out.
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Sep 23, 2025 • 50min

From Bridal Shop Owner to Industry Icon: How Mindi Linscombe Built Two Empires from One Dream

Mindi Linscombe, founder of Something New Bridal and bridal business coach, shares her inspiring journey from a frustrating shopping experience to launching a successful bridal empire. She candidly discusses the sacrifices of entrepreneurship, including three years without pay and a risky $100K home equity loan. Mindi emphasizes the importance of authenticity in building trust and scaling her business, evolving into a global coaching platform. She also offers insights on collaborating with a spouse and adapting roles to match strengths.
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16 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 53min

Your Competitive Advantage in a World of AI with Ryan Levesque

Ryan Levesque, a seven-time Inc. 5000 CEO and author of the forthcoming book Return to Real, delves into building genuine human connections in an AI-dominated world. He shares his entrepreneurial journey from unique beginnings to the creation of the Ask Method, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and trust over algorithm-driven strategies. Ryan discusses how oxytocin fosters deeper relationships than dopamine, offering fresh strategies for brands to resonate in a noisy landscape. Expect practical insights on reclaiming your voice and prioritizing humanity.
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Sep 9, 2025 • 51min

The Double Win: How to Win at Work And In Life with Megan Hyatt Miller

What does it take to lead a thriving, values-driven company—while still winning at home? In this powerful episode, AJ Vaden sits down with Megan Hyatt Miller, CEO of Full Focus, for a transparent conversation about scaling a family business, redefining leadership, and prioritizing what matters most. From stepping into the CEO seat during a global crisis to navigating complex family dynamics at work, Megan shares candid insights on how she's built a flourishing business without sacrificing her personal life. Discover: The #1 mistake leaders make when delegating—and how to avoid it How to protect your culture during rapid growth Megan’s “six practices of human flourishing” that every ambitious leader needs Why success without peace isn’t really success at all If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a business and a family without burning out, this conversation will give you the framework—and the freedom—you’ve been craving.
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25 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 51min

The 5 Pieces of Content You MUST Create to Earn Endless Customers with Marcus Sheridan

In this engaging discussion, marketing expert Marcus Sheridan, known for the 'They Ask, You Answer' philosophy, reveals how to attract customers through savvy content strategies. He explains the 'Big 5' content types that every buyer investigates: cost, problems, comparisons, reviews, and best lists. Marcus shares insights on the power of pricing transparency, how AI influences visibility, and the significance of building trust online. His success story with a swimming pool company showcases actionable tips for transforming casual viewers into loyal customers.
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Aug 26, 2025 • 52min

“Building Your Brand (And Your Business) With Your WHO In Mind” with Jess Connolly

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. 
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Aug 19, 2025 • 51min

The Unexpected Path from Miss USA to Emmy-Winning Journalist with Lu Parker

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.🌟
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Aug 19, 2025 • 11min

Authenticity Made Simple: Tell the Truth About Your Story

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.

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