The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan

What if the life you want didn’t require a college degree—just grit, vision, and the courage to bet on yourself? In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Ken Rusk, best-selling author of Blue Collar Cash, founder of Rusk Industries (a nine-figure construction company), and host of the Comfort, Peace, and Freedom podcast. Ken started digging ditches at just 15 years old—and never stopped designing a life on his own terms. We dive deep into: Why the belief “you must go to college to succeed” is one of the biggest lies we tell young people How blue-collar skills are creating the next generation of millionaires Why freedom, not money, is the real definition of success How empowering your people—not controlling them—unlocks massive growth Why AI will enhance, not replace, skilled trades How to design a life built around comfort, peace, and freedom (your version, not someone else’s) If you’re an entrepreneur, leader, or someone questioning the traditional path to success, this conversation will challenge how you think about work, wealth, and fulfillment. 🎧 Watch or listen now and rethink what success really looks like. Who is Ken Rusk? Ken Rusk is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker known for his book Blue-Collar Cash and his podcast Comfort, Peace & Freedom. As the founder of Rusk Industries, a nine-figure construction business, Ken champions workplace culture, life design, and entrepreneurship. His insights have been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Fox Business, and more, and he’s made multiple TV appearances. A passionate mentor, he supports organizations like Make-A-Wish and teaches at Boys & Girls Clubs. Ken’s next book will focus on building workplace cultures that attract and retain top talent while driving business success. Ken Rusk’s Website Link:  kenrusk.com Ken Rusk’s  Social Media Link:  www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel www.youtube.com/@geobreezetravel Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if every dollar you’re already spending in your business could pay for first-class flights, five-star hotels, and luxury travel experiences—without opening dozens of credit cards? In this episode of The Root of All Success, Jason Duncan sits down with Julia Menez, founder of Geo Breeze Travel, a former actuary turned travel strategist who teaches entrepreneurs and high-income professionals how to turn everyday spending into unforgettable travel experiences. Julia has been featured by CNN, The New York Times, Money Magazine, and Business Insider, and her work has inspired over 400,000 followers to travel smarter—not harder. In this conversation, we cover: ✈️ The biggest myths about points & miles that cost entrepreneurs real money 💳 Why you don’t need 20 credit cards to travel in luxury 🧠 The simple strategy most business owners overlook when using credit cards 🏨 How to turn business expenses into first-class flights and five-star hotels 📈 When paying transaction fees actually makes financial sense 🌍 Why optimizing travel isn’t about being cheap—it’s about being strategic Julia also shares her journey from actuarial science to building a globally recognized brand—and why representation and accessibility matter in the world of travel hacking. If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or high-income professional who travels—or wants to—this episode will completely change how you think about expenses. 🎧 Watch or listen now and learn how to stop leaving travel money on the table. Who is Julia Menez? Julia Menez is a travel strategist and points coach helping business owners and high-cashflow professionals turn everyday spending into luxury travel—without falling into debt or opening dozens of credit cards.  A former actuary turned founder of Geobreeze Travel, Julia built a proven system that transforms credit card rewards into first-class flights, hotel suites, and bucket-list experiences.   Her podcast, Geobreeze Travel, features top award travel experts and has inspired 325,000+ followers to design lives of freedom, joy, and smart spending. Named one of CNN Underscored’s Top Travel Coaches, she’s been quoted in outlets like Fodor's Travel, Money Magazine, Business Insider, and The New York Times. Julia’s tools don’t just optimize travel—they empower travelers to live boldly, travel freely, and master money with purpose. Julia Menez’s Website Link:  www.geobreezetravel.com Julia Menez’s  Social Media Link:  www.instagram.com/geobreezetravel www.youtube.com/@geobreezetravel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if losing your job became the moment that unlocked your greatest success? In this special episode, Jason Duncan sits down with Pat Flynn, legendary creator of Smart Passive Income, author, speaker, and one of the most influential online entrepreneurs of the past decade. Pat’s story is the definition of resilience — from getting laid off as an architect in 2008… to building multiple successful online businesses, inspiring millions, and becoming a true pioneer in digital entrepreneurship. Inside this conversation, Jason and Pat go deep on: 🔥 How Pat built his first online business after hitting rock bottom 🔥 The truth about “passive income” and why most people misunderstand it 🔥 How to validate ideas, find your niche, and turn your skills into income 🔥 Why transparency transformed his brand and built lifelong superfans 🔥 The exact mindset shifts that separate successful creators from everyone else 🔥 Affiliate marketing, content platforms, and how to build an audience that buys Pat also breaks down his books, his business philosophy, and what he wishes every aspiring entrepreneur understood before starting. If you want the real story behind online business — without the hype or shortcuts — this episode is a masterclass. 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now. Hear how Pat Flynn built a career that changed millions of lives. Who is Pat Flynn? Pat Flynn is a father, husband, and entrepreneur who lives and works in San Diego, CA. He owns several successful online businesses and is a professional blogger, keynote speaker, Wall Street Journal bestselling author, and host of the Smart Passive Income and AskPat podcasts, which have earned a combined total of over 80 million downloads, multiple awards, and features in publications such as The New York Times and Forbes. He is also an advisor to ConvertKit, Circle, and several other companies in the digital marketing arena. Pat Flynn’s Website Link:  www.patflynn.com and www.smartpassiveincome.com Pat Flynn’s  Social Media Link:  https://twitter.com/patflynn https://www.youtube.com/user/smartpassiveincome https://www.instagram.com/patflynn/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if you could sell your business, roll your profits into real estate, and build generational wealth — faster than you ever thought possible? In this episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Brian Truman, a commercial real estate broker, investor, and entrepreneur who has helped hundreds of founders turn business exits into long-term wealth. With decades of experience in business brokerage, negotiations, and multifamily deals, Brian breaks down: How to design a Life by Design (instead of letting your business run you) Why most business owners FAIL at planning their exit How to turn fear into action when investing in commercial real estate The simple wealth-building strategy anyone can start TODAY What founders MUST understand before selling their business The key to building generational wealth for your family If you're a business owner, investor, or entrepreneur looking to transition from business operator to wealth creator… this episode is a masterclass. 🎧 Watch the full episode now and learn how to exit smarter, build wealth faster, and design the life you want. Who is Brian Truman? Brian Truman is a seasoned commercial real estate advisor at Accel Group, where he has specialized in multi-family and investment sales, as well as business brokerage, since 2016. With over 24 years of experience in consultative sales and change management, he has led and negotiated high-value deals across both public and private sectors, often working with C-level executives. A former City Councilman and Board of Zoning and Appeals member, Brian is deeply committed to community service and strategic growth. As head of the SVN | Accel commercial team, he has driven significant expansion using a forward-thinking, tech-enabled approach to help clients build and preserve generational wealth. He actively leads the Multifamily Focus Group for REIN, serves on the board of CCC Nashville, and is a frequent speaker and podcast guest. A Middle Tennessee resident since 2006, Brian balances professional success with a strong family life, living locally with his wife and four sons. Brian Truman’s Website Link:  https://accelcre.com/ Brian Truman’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-truman-1164418/ https://www.instagram.com/brian.truman.accelcre/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/brian.truman.12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the difference between getting funded—or getting ignored—came down to one sentence, one structure, or one mindset shift? In this episode of The Root of All Success, Jason Duncan sits down with Richard C. Wilson, founder & CEO of the Family Office Club, the largest community of ultra-wealthy investors on the planet. Richard has personally built relationships with more than 1,500 investors, interviewed 47 billionaires, and built an ecosystem that helps founders raise capital with precision. This conversation goes far deeper than money. Richard reveals what billionaires REALLY look for, how deal structures make or break fortunes, and why founders fail long before they enter the room. 🔥 HIGH-IMPACT TAKEAWAYS: Why investors choose founders—not ideas The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make when raising capital How to structure deals so wealthy investors actually say yes The “brute force reciprocation” mindset Richard uses to win relationships The habits, books, and environments that shape billionaire thinking The truth about legacy, values, and raising children with purpose Plus, Jason and Richard talk about mindset, proximity, and the surprising truths billionaires share behind closed doors. 👉 Watch the full episode to learn how the ultra-wealthy think, act, and build—straight from the man who works with them daily. Who is Richard C. Wilson? Richard C. Wilson, an Eagle Scout based in Hawaii, has spent 18 years running one of the world’s largest investor clubs—Family Office Club (FamilyOffices.com). Leveraging proprietary data from 1,500 investors across 300 events, exclusive billionaire interviews on Billionaires.com, 17 million social followers, and 22,000 vetted investor profiles, he created Investor Super Intelligence—a platform of 30 AI tools that give founders, capital-raisers, and investors a decisive edge. Richard C. Wilson’s Website Link:  https://familyoffices.com/ Richard C. Wilson’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/singlefamilyofficehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/familyoffices/https://x.com/RichardCWilsonhttps://www.facebook.com/familyofficeclubhttps://www.instagram.com/familyofficeclub/https://www.tiktok.com/@familyofficeclub/https://www.youtube.com/user/familyofficesgroup Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine getting rejected by every bank in town… and then raising millions in private money directly from everyday people. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Jay Conner, did — and it completely transformed his real estate business. In this power-packed episode, Jay reveals how he raised over $50 million in private capital, built a thriving real estate empire, and taught thousands of investors how to close deals without ever relying on banks, credit scores, or traditional financing. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Jay turned a financial crisis into a multimillion-dollar opportunity The exact script he uses to start private money conversations Why private lenders chase him — not the other way around How to build confidence and clarity when raising funds How to pivot your exit strategies when markets shift Why mindset, mentorship, and service are the core of his success If you're an entrepreneur, investor, or real estate beginner who’s tired of waiting on banks, this episode is your roadmap to building a business with unlimited funding. 🎧 Listen now and learn the strategy that changed Jay’s life — and can change yours. 🔗 Download Jay’s Curiosity Opener Script: www.jayconner.com Who is Jay Conner? Jay Conner is well-known in real estate investing as "The Private Money Authority," leveraging his expertise in coaching, mentoring, leadership, entrepreneurship, and real estate to bring success in this dynamic field to your audience. Jay embodies his teachings, utilizing his extensive experience and Christian grounding to close, on average, three deals a month. He has raised over $8 million in Private Money. Each transaction averages profits of $78,000. Jay's leadership shines through as he mentors aspiring investors, sharing what works for him today, not ten years ago. Additionally, Jay is also an author, and he has valuable insights to share from his book "Where To Get The Money Now.” Jay Conner’s Website Link:  https://www.jayconner.com/ Jay Conner’s  Social Media Link:  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jay.conner.marketing Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/privatemoneyauthority/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raisingprivatemoneyrealestate Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/privatemoneyauthority/ X: https://x.com/JayConner Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would you do if you lost $50 million overnight? In this episode of The Root of All Success, host Jason Duncan sits down with real estate mogul, author, and philanthropist Rod Khleif, who went from losing everything in the 2008 crash to rebuilding a multimillion-dollar empire—proving that mindset, not money, is the real foundation of success. Rod shares his incredible journey from a Dutch immigrant to owning thousands of properties, the mindset tools he learned from Tony Robbins, and the powerful truth that fulfillment through giving is the true measure of wealth. You’ll learn: How to turn failure into fuel Why visualization and goal-setting can reshape your life The critical difference between success and fulfillment How generosity can unlock lasting abundance 🎧 Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, mindset, and the real root of success. Who is Rod Khleif ? Rod Khleif is a multiple-business owner and philanthropist who is passionate about business, high performance, real estate, and giving back. As one of the country’s top real estate and peak performance luminaries, he has owned over 2,000 properties. Rod soared from humble beginnings as a young, impoverished Dutch immigrant to achieving incredible success. His journey includes both remarkable triumphs and spectacular failures, which he affectionately calls “seminars.” He shares the mindset required to recover from losing $50 million in the crash of 2008 and how he rebuilt his life to achieve the success he enjoys today. Rod brings authenticity and insight to his approach to real estate, mindset, success, and life. He can speak in depth about real estate, the psychology of success, and a wide range of business topics, contributing first-hand technical expertise as well as motivational wisdom to any conversation. In addition, Rod founded The Tiny Hands Foundation, which has benefited more than 130,000 children in need. Rod Khleif’s Website Link:  http://Rodkhleif.com Rod Khleif’s  Social Media Link:  LinkedIn: Rod Khleif - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodkhleif/ Twitter: @RodKhleif - https://twitter.com/RodKhleif Instagram: @Rod_Khleif - https://www.instagram.com/rod_khleif/ Facebook: Rod Khleif Official - https://www.facebook.com/rodkhleifofficial/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/RodKhleif Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rodkhleif?lang=es Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.