

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

Dec 1, 2025 • 27min
333: How to Build Generational Wealth AFTER You Sell Your Business ft. Brian Truman
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
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Nov 27, 2025 • 26min
332: How Billionaires REALLY Think: Richard Wilson Reveals Their Secrets
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
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Nov 20, 2025 • 33min
331: How Jay Conner Raised $50M After Every Bank Rejected Him
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
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Nov 13, 2025 • 36min
330: Lose It All, Win It Back: Rod Khleif’s Comeback
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
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Nov 6, 2025 • 1h
329: 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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