

The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan
The Real Jason Duncan
Welcome to The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan—a podcast where I uncover the real stories behind today's most successful entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, artists, and leaders. In every episode, I dive deep into honest, unfiltered conversations that reveal how these trailblazers define success, overcome challenges, and craft transformative strategies to excel in their industries. I'm not just your host—I'm an entrepreneur behind 12 thriving ventures and the founder of The Exiter Club, a mastermind community dedicated to living #TheExitLifestyle. I built XOS™ (The Exiter Operating System) to empower business owners to transition from the daily grind to becoming strategic owner-investors, creating a life that blends professional achievement with personal fulfillment. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, my journey—from an 8th-grade history teacher to a serial entrepreneur—has been fueled by a passion for authentic success. Outside of my business interests, you'll find me enjoying motorcycle rides, RV adventures, and cherishing everyday moments with my high school sweetheart of 30 years and our two grown children. My life, both personal and professional, is guided by unwavering faith in Jesus. Tune in on all major podcast platforms and YouTube for actionable insights, fresh perspectives, and inspirational stories that can spark your own journey toward balanced success. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out in your business, visit businessburnouttest.com to take our Business Burnout Test and get personalized recommendations to reignite your passion and transform your life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 6, 2025 • 1h
From Ministry to Millions: How Sean Cannell Followed Jesus Into Entrepreneurship
What happens when you let Jesus take the lead in your business?
In this powerful and faith-filled episode of The Root of All Success, Jason Duncan sits down with Sean Cannell — founder of Think Media, best-selling author, and one of the most respected voices in YouTube education.
But this isn’t your typical “how to grow on YouTube” talk. Sean shares his real testimony—from being a broke church media director and losing everything, to discovering that true success begins when you surrender your plans to God.
He opens up about the role of prayer, obedience, and purpose in entrepreneurship—and how keeping Jesus at the center transformed not just his business, but his entire life.
🔥 Key Takeaways:
How Sean found freedom through faith after hitting rock bottom
Why obedience to God is the ultimate business strategy
The daily habits that keep him grounded in Christ
How to use your platform to glorify God, not yourself
🎧 Listen now to learn how faith, focus, and obedience can lead to true freedom and fulfillment.
Sean’s Website Link:
Internal: Clearvision Media Inc
External: Think Media
Sean’s Social Media:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGxjDWAN1KwrkXYVi8CXtjQhttps://www.youtube.com/c/thinkmediapodcasthttps://www.instagram.com/seancannell/?hl=en
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Oct 28, 2025 • 49min
328: How Ali Hemyari Built 10 Companies by Turning Passion Into Profit
From sardines and rice to running a multimillion-dollar empire — this is the story of Ali Hemyari, founder of Nashville K9 and the Hemyari Family of Companies.
In this episode, Jason Duncan sits down in person with Ali at his state-of-the-art dog training facility in Franklin, Tennessee, to unpack how discipline, resilience, and grit built his success.
Ali shares how he went from being a broke college kid with a side hustle training dogs to running 10 companies — all while serving as a SWAT team operator, sniper, and pilot. He reveals why discipline matters more than talent, how to build a business that’s recession-proof, and what it truly takes to balance wealth, family, and purpose.
🗒️ Note: Around 9:22 in the episode, Ali mentions the year “1995” — the correct year should be 2005.
🎯 Takeaways:
Why success requires grit more than talent
How discipline becomes your biggest competitive edge
Building a multimillion-dollar business without losing family balance
What tactical training taught him about mental toughness
🎧 Listen now and discover how discipline, mindset, and purpose can change your business and your life.
Who is Ali Hemyari?
Ali Hemyari is a serial entrepreneur who started various businesses, from advertising to becoming a pet industry expert. He’s a multi-event triathlete, a helicopter and airplane pilot, a real estate guru, a certified SWAT Operator, a Sniper/Firearms Instructor, and a general try-hard, servant-hearted, overachiever who wants to make a difference in today’s world.
He’s a husband and father, a God seeker, and an overall inspiring leader who hopes that his story can affect a significant change in someone who wants to be better, do more, accomplish, and help. Ali is also a philanthropist who loves humans. He hopes that his path can inspire others to do more, break their personal barriers and goals, and live a Godly life.
Ali Hemyari ’s Website Link: NashvilleK9.com
Ali Hemyari ’s Social Media Link:
Instagram: @NashvilleK9
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16 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 26min
327: What Happens When AI Analyzes “Exit Without Exiting”?
What if AI could summarize your life's work? In this intriguing discussion, AI hosts dive into key concepts from a bestselling book, exploring four essential principles for achieving entrepreneurial freedom: delegation, stress elimination, systems, and investing in people. They also introduce the 'Today & Future' exercise to design an ideal business lifestyle. Jason reflects on how AI interpreted his ideas and the importance of focusing on purpose, time, and margin in building a business that enhances life rather than constraining it.

Oct 13, 2025 • 35min
326: From Meta to Menswear: How Anya Cheng Built an AI Fashion Startup
What if AI could solve one of fashion’s biggest problems—waste—while helping men look sharp without ever setting foot in a mall?
In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Anya Cheng, a Silicon Valley tech executive turned founder of TAELŌR, an AI-powered clothing rental and styling platform for men that’s transforming how fashion meets technology and sustainability.
Before launching TAELŌR, Anya helped build Facebook and Instagram Shopping at Meta, led innovation at eBay and Target, and scaled McDonald’s global food delivery. Today, she’s using AI to make fashion smarter, more sustainable, and accessible to busy professionals.
We dive into how Anya turned a personal frustration into a groundbreaking business model—and what her journey reveals about innovation, leadership, and courage in a male-dominated industry.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How AI is transforming the fashion industry from waste to sustainability
Why Anya left big tech to build a purpose-driven startup
The mindset shift needed to move from executive to entrepreneur
How TAELŌR uses AI + human stylists to create personalized fashion experiences
The surprising link between style confidence and business success
Why sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the future of business
Anya’s story is proof that true success starts when you stop chasing trends—and start creating them.
🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now to discover how innovation, purpose, and sustainability can reshape entire industries.
Who is Anya Cheng?
Anya Cheng is the Founder & CEO of Taelor, an AI-powered men's clothing subscription service promoting sustainable fashion. A Silicon Valley entrepreneur, she has been recognized among "Girls in Tech 40 Under 40" for her expertise in tech product management and marketing.
Anya played a pivotal role in launching Facebook and Instagram Shopping at Meta, led new business expansion at eBay, and helped grow McDonald’s global food delivery. She also shaped Target’s mobile commerce and has led teams in AI, product management, UX, and marketing across Fortune 500 companies.
Her work has earned 20+ prestigious awards, including the Webby Award for Best Shopping App, Best Mobile App Award, and The Communicator Award. A best-selling author, adjunct professor, and two-time TED speaker, she lectures at Northwestern University and 500 Global and is a sought-after keynote speaker.
Anya’s award-winning venture, Taelor, won first place at Draper University’s Startup Competition and was named a Startup to Watch by Bay Area Inno. She holds a Master’s in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Anya Cheng’s Website Link: https://taelor.style/
Anya Cheng’s Social Media Link:
Taelor: https://taelor.style/pages/membership
Anya LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/anyacheng
Taelor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taelor/
Taelor Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taelor.style/
Anya Photo: https://tinyurl.com/anyaphoto
Anya Detailed Bio: https://tinyurl.com/anyasbio
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13 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 35min
325: Why Authenticity Beats Perfection in Business Leadership ft. Scott Ramey
Scott Ramey, a former Fortune 500 C-suite executive and founder of The Ramey Group, shares his journey from corporate success to authentic leadership coaching. He explains why embracing authenticity trumps perfectionism and how empathy can transform leadership. Topics include managing anxiety during high-stakes deals, the significance of tone in communication, and the importance of building trust over polished messaging. Ramey emphasizes that true success is about freedom and connection rather than just titles or profits.

Sep 29, 2025 • 47min
324. Why Quitting Alcohol Could Be the Best Business Decision You Ever Make ft. James Swanwick
What if giving up alcohol didn’t mean giving up fun, friends, or success—but instead made you wealthier, healthier, and more productive?
That’s exactly what happened to James Swanwick, today’s guest on The Root of All Success. James is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, and former ESPN SportsCenter anchor who went from interviewing stars like Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, and Kobe Bryant… to helping high achievers transform their lives through his Alcohol-Free Lifestyle and Project 90 programs.
He’s also the founder of Swanwick Sleep, known for their famous blue-light-blocking Swannies glasses that improve sleep quality.
In this episode, James and I discuss how ditching alcohol unlocked his energy, confidence, and clarity—ultimately fueling his success as an entrepreneur and coach to thousands of executives worldwide.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Why alcohol-free living is about freedom, not deprivation
How quitting drinking helped James land the ESPN SportsCenter gig with no TV experience
The unexpected cost of “just a few drinks” on your wealth, relationships, and energy
Why high achievers struggle with alcohol more than most
The power of building like-minded communities for real change
James’s definition of success (inspired by LL Cool J)
If you’ve ever wondered whether alcohol is holding you back in business—or what’s possible without it—this episode will challenge your beliefs and inspire you to step into a healthier, wealthier future.
Who is James Swanwick?
James Swanwick is an Australian-American investor, entrepreneur, speaker, and former SportsCenter anchor on ESPN. He is the creator of Alcohol Free Lifestyle, a program that helps successful high achievers change their relationship with alcohol. He also hosts the Alcohol Free Lifestyle podcast and founded Project 90, which empowers high achievers to gain lasting control over alcohol. Additionally, he created Swannies—blue-light blocking glasses by Swanwick Sleep designed to improve sleep quality.
Swanwick has interviewed numerous celebrities, including Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Kobe Bryant, David Beckham, and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
James Swanwick’s Website Link: alcoholfreelifestyle.com
James Swanwick’s Social Media Link:
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jamesswanwick
WIKIPEDIA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Swanwick
ALCOHOL FREE LIFESTYLE: www.alcoholfreelifestyle.com
SWANWICK SLEEP: www.swanwicksleep.com
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Sep 22, 2025 • 36min
323: Exit Without Exiting: Building Freedom Without Selling Your Business ft. Jason Duncan
This special episode of The Root of All Success is different—because this time, I’m the guest. I had the honor of joining Christian Maurer on the Successful Spiritualpreneur Podcast for a deep conversation about what it really means to live with faith, purpose, and freedom as an entrepreneur.
For those who don’t know my backstory, I didn’t start as an entrepreneur. I was a schoolteacher who got pushed out of the profession I thought I’d spend my whole life in. That painful exit opened the door to my entrepreneurial journey—and eventually to building a company that did $2.3 million in revenue within its first year.
In this episode, we cover:
✨ Faith and Entrepreneurship – why spiritual alignment matters in business more than strategy alone
🚪 My Unexpected Journey – from being forced out of teaching to building multiple companies
📘 Exit Without Exiting – how I built freedom into my business without having to sell it
🏗️ Culture and Leadership – why the foundation of your company determines if it can run without you
🙏 Spiritual Principles in Business – lessons on stewardship, generosity, and finding purpose beyond profit
Whether you identify as a spiritualpreneur, Christian entrepreneur, or simply someone searching for deeper meaning in your work, this episode will inspire you to build a business that not only generates wealth but also serves a higher calling.
👉 Tune in to discover how to align faith, purpose, and profit to create success that lasts—without sacrificing your values.
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Sep 15, 2025 • 30min
322: Why Most Visionaries Stay Stuck (And How to Break Free) ft. Israel Duran
What if the greatest thing holding you back in business… is you?
That’s exactly what today’s guest, Israel Duran, discovered after a life-changing car accident in 2018. Known as the Visionaries’ Mentor, Israel is a global speaker, author, and entrepreneur who has helped purpose-driven leaders and corporate teams align identity with business success.
In this powerful conversation with Jason Duncan, Israel shares how blind spots keep visionaries stuck, why identity always precedes purpose, and how you can build a business that generates profit and impact without compromising your values.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
The #1 misconception visionaries have about building a business
Why identity is more important than purpose
How Israel’s near-death experiences reshaped his mission
The danger of perfectionism and the power of releasing your value
Why AI is the biggest pivot entrepreneurs need to embrace now
How to monetize your gifts without losing authenticity
The timeless principle of “Be → Do → Have” in creating success
If you’ve ever struggled to balance profit and purpose, or felt stuck by your own blind spots, this episode will inspire you to get out of your own way and finally build the business the world needs from you.
👉 Grab Israel’s free Online Business Blueprint at israelduran.com
(DM “blueprint” on IG to get access).
Who is Israel Duran?
Israel Duran is a sought-after business growth partner, speaker, and trainer who empowers purpose-driven leaders and corporate organizations to build profitable, impactful ventures grounded in servant leadership. With expertise in business, finance, and the art of meaningful communication, Israel has inspired thousands of entrepreneurs and corporate teams worldwide. His mission is to help leaders leverage their skills and knowledge to create sustainable businesses that drive positive change while staying true to their core values.
Israel Duran’s Website Link: https://idagrowth.com/our-company/
Israel Duran’s Social Media Link:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/israelduran/
https://www.instagram.com/israelduranassociates/
https://www.facebook.com/people/Israel-Duran/100070106933555/
https://www.youtube.com/c/IsraelDuran
https://www.tiktok.com/@israelduranassociates
https://x.com/Israel_DavidD
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14 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 34min
321: Why Systems Create Freedom (Not Limit It) with David Jenyns
David Jenyns, bestselling author and founder of SYSTEMology, shares his journey from marketing memorabilia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to systemizing his digital agency for freedom. He explains why entrepreneurs resist systems and how these frameworks can enhance creativity. David highlights the critical need for effective systems in preventing business bottlenecks and discusses the role of AI in process efficiency. His new book, 'Systems Champion,' empowers teams to take charge of systematization, ultimately enabling founders to reclaim their time and freedom.

Sep 3, 2025 • 36min
320: From Rock Bottom to Recovery Empire: Dr. Rob Kelly’s Story
From the streets of Manchester to global recognition, Dr. Rob Kelly—known as the Addiction Doctor—shares his extraordinary story of hitting rock bottom and rising to become one of the world’s leading voices in recovery and neuroscience.
In this episode of The Root of All Success, Dr. Rob reveals:
✅ The truth about addiction: “It’s not the drinking, it’s the thinking.”
✅ Why trauma is the real root of addiction—and how to rewire the brain to heal.
✅ His no-nonsense, Gordon Ramsay–style approach that achieves a 98% success rate with over 11,000 patients.
✅ How entrepreneurs and high-achievers can overcome limiting beliefs using neuroscience.
✅ His personal journey from session musician at Abbey Road Studios to world-renowned recovery expert featured on The Doctors, Good Morning Texas, and more.
Whether you’re battling addiction, overcoming personal trauma, or striving for entrepreneurial success, Dr. Rob’s story and strategies will shift your perspective and give you tools to unlock your potential.
Who is Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD?
Dr. Robb Kelly, PhD is a sought-after recovery expert who believes in treating the causes of addiction and not the symptoms. Dr. Kelly has appeared on such shows as The Doctors, Eye Opener, Good Morning Texas, and Kens5 morning news. A frequent contributor to radio and print interviews including The Jim Bohannon show, Miracles in Recovery, USA Today, and participated in McLean Hospital’s (Harvard Medical School) study on the stigma associated with mental illness. Dr. Kelly hosted Sober Celebs show on KLIF radio in Dallas, and currently hosts the Breaking Through Addiction podcast featuring special guest discussing a variety of mental health issues.
Dr. Kelly created Let’s Get Back to 98% Recovery DVDs used in prisons and recovery treatment centers throughout the US. He has lectured on addiction and trauma at high-profile universities, national conferences, treatment facilities, public schools, churches, business organizations and hospitals. Dr Kelly is currently the CEO of the Robb Kelly Recovery Group, an addiction and mental illness recovery coaching company he created based on extensive research and behaviour studies that he conducted over the past 20 years. Dr. Kelly shares his personal highs and lows as he struggled and overcame crippling alcoholism in the November 2019 release of the book “Daddy, Daddy Please Stop Drinking”.
Dr. Robb Kelly’s Website Link: www.robbkelly.com
Dr. Robb Kelly’s Social Media Link:
https://www.instagram.com/addiction_doctor/
https://www.facebook.com/drrobb.kelly.1
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