The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

In this milestone 600th episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Rory sits down with his co-author, business partner, and wife—AJ Vaden—for her first-ever author interview. But this isn’t just a book promo. This is the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how Brand Builders Group was born in the ashes of unexpected loss, career heartbreak, and spiritual refinement. AJ vulnerably opens up about being fired from the company she helped build, the moment she realized her identity was misplaced, and the childhood trauma that shaped her purpose. You’ll hear about the divine timing of a single phone call from Lewis Howes, the quiet miracle of provision during crisis, and how a stranger’s words unlocked a lifelong belief about her worth. This episode is a masterclass in personal transformation—what it means to rebuild, to be refined, and to serve others from your story’s deepest wounds. Whether you're an entrepreneur, author, coach, or just someone trying to figure out who you really are… this episode will meet you there. 🎧 Listen to discover: Why identity—not strategy—is the foundation of personal branding The spiritual side of starting over How Brand Builders Group rose from rock bottom What “Wealthy and Well-Known” truly means—and why peace is the new profit The one phrase that may reframe your entire past 🔥 Plus: Get the audiobook free at FreeBrandAudiobook.com/podcast

Why do some people give up while others rise and keep going? In this episode, Rory Vaden shares three battle-tested mindset hacks that the world’s top achievers use to overcome the impossible—and keep showing up long after others quit. You’ll hear: The #1 mindset shift that ultra-successful people share Why falling in love with the daily grind is the real secret to growth How to turn hard moments into long-term competitive advantage The “Law of the Moat” and how your toughest trials become your greatest protection A behind-the-scenes reflection on Rory’s interview with $700M+ entrepreneurs Mike and Kass Lazerow Whether you're building a business, chasing a dream, or just trying to stay afloat, this episode is your reminder: Perseverance is the goal. No matter how hard it gets, the people who win are the ones who stay in the fight. This is how they do it.

Join Mike and Kass Lazerow, a dynamic couple known for co-founding Buddy Media, as they dive into the gritty realities of entrepreneurship. They discuss the pitfalls of viral success versus real business value and share their experiences on balancing personal and professional life. Learn how refining systems trumps simply hiring more staff, and discover their strategies for avoiding the 'swamp' of stagnation. With insights from their upcoming book, they emphasize that real impact goes beyond trends—it's about creating lasting change.

We live in a world obsessed with more—more followers, more likes, more views, more subscribers, more clients, more money. But what if more isn’t what you need? What if more is actually costing you peace, clarity, focus… and real results? In this powerful solo episode, AJ Vaden flips the script on one of the most deeply ingrained assumptions in marketing and entrepreneurship: that bigger is always better. Drawing from a recent conversation with long-time friend and marketing leader Lee Pepper, AJ dives deep into the difference between vanity metrics and real growth indicators—and why chasing the wrong metrics could be the very thing holding you back. If you've ever found yourself: Feeling pressure to "go viral" without knowing why Posting endlessly but getting no real traction Confused about what social media metrics actually matter Burnt out trying to “scale” a business you’re not equipped to handle Overwhelmed by more noise, more platforms, and more expectations …this episode is your wake-up call. You'll learn: ✅ Why “more” often brings more pressure, not more peace ✅ The hidden cost of chasing likes, followers, and superficial numbers ✅ The core real metrics that actually grow your personal brand and business ✅ How to turn existing engagement into real conversions and paying clients ✅ A simple mindset shift that could transform your marketing strategy overnight ✅ Why focusing on fewer platforms can generate more impact and income ✅ How doing less with intention outperforms doing more without purpose AJ reminds us that true influence isn’t measured by impressions—it’s measured by impact. And in this episode, she’ll help you reclaim your time, focus, and revenue by aligning your metrics with your mission. 🎧 Whether you're just starting your personal brand or scaling into your next level of influence, this is an episode you'll want to revisit again and again. 👉 Listen now and discover why being better is always more important than being bigger.

Lee Pepper, a marketing guru and former army officer, shares groundbreaking insights into business strategy. He reveals why most marketing fails—not due to tactics, but a lack of coherent strategy. By applying military frameworks like 'Commander’s Intent,' he illustrates how to foster innovation across departments. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of focusing on genuine engagement metrics over vanity metrics. Lee's transformative approach empowers leaders to enhance collaboration and redefine success in marketing.

Join JJ Virgin, a four-time New York Times bestselling author and health expert, as she recounts her remarkable journey of resilience. She shares how she reclaimed her brand after a tumultuous business exit and the life-altering experience of saving her son. JJ emphasizes the importance of investing in oneself, even amidst success, and how physical challenges can bolster mental resilience. Her story inspires aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges and strive for personal growth in the competitive health and wellness space.

Discover how business strategies can transform your marriage! This enlightening discussion shares ten impactful habits that bolster both love and household management. Learn the importance of weekly planning meetings and shared family calendars to streamline chaos. Explore the benefits of creating a house manual and find out how outsourcing chores can strengthen your bond. Plus, uncover a unique 'gift' that keeps relationships vibrant. Packed with practical tips and heartfelt insights, this conversation is a must-listen for busy families!

Casey Caston, Co-founder of Marriage365 and speaker on relationships, joins the conversation. He shares how he and his wife turned their own marriage struggles into tools for others. They discuss balancing love and business, emphasizing the value of weekly marriage meetings. The importance of cultivating curiosity in relationships is highlighted, as is the need for intentional communication. Casey also touches on navigating marital changes as children grow up, and how positive relationship choices can leave a legacy for future generations.

Many entrepreneurs overlook their finances, jeopardizing their success. Discover the three crucial numbers every business owner should track each month. Learn the importance of separating personal and business finances, no matter your revenue. Understand the critical distinction between tax filing and tax planning. Explore a straightforward system for money management and budgeting for profit. This discussion is a vital resource for anyone looking to navigate their business finances and drive growth without the overwhelm.

In this engaging discussion, Greg Crabtree, a CPA and founder of Crabtree, Roe, and Burger, uncovers the financial truths entrepreneurs often overlook. He delves into the Labor Efficiency Ratio and Contribution Margin, essential metrics that can transform how business owners assess profitability. Greg teaches listeners how to use data-driven insights for hiring decisions, identify toxic productivity, and optimize growth without jacking up expenses. His roadmap offers actionable strategies for building capital-efficient businesses ready to thrive or sell.