

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

Jan 28, 2025 • 48min
274: Build a Vacation-Proof Business & Ditch the 80-Hour Work Week ft. Jason Duncan
🌟 Special Episode Alert! 🌟Join us for a must-listen conversation on The Creator's Adventure Podcast, where host Brian McAnulty sits down with none other than The Real Jason Duncan, host of The Root of All Success. In this episode, Jason shares groundbreaking insights into his unique "Exit Without Exiting" methodology. Discover how entrepreneurs can build vacation-proof businesses, escape the 80-hour work week, and create lasting freedom and value for their companies.Jason delves into:👉His transformative journey of redefining business exits.👉The creation of the XOS Method (Exiter Operating System) and the three tiers of entrepreneurial evolution.👉How his mission to help entrepreneurs regain freedom impacts Baby Boomers, a market rich with opportunities for legacy-building and business exits.👉Practical steps to make businesses sellable and scalable, without relying on the founder's daily involvement.This episode is packed with actionable strategies to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. Don't miss out on this game-changing conversation that could reshape how you approach business success!🔗 Watch Now to unlock the secrets to achieving more freedom, profitability, and impact.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 4min
273: How an Eighth-Grade Dropout Built a Multi-Million-Dollar Empire ft. Aaron Stokes
🚨 From Dirt Floors to Multi-Million Dollar Success! 🚨🎙️ What if an eighth-grade dropout could build a multi-million-dollar empire? In this powerful episode of The Root of All Success, host The Real Jason Duncan sits down with Nashville’s entrepreneurial powerhouse, Aaron Stokes. From repairing cars in a dirt-floor barn to running 13 repair shops and masterminds influencing $3.3 billion in revenue, Aaron’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary.Learn how he overcame devastating fraud, IRS challenges, and self-doubt, turning his setbacks into comebacks. Aaron shares lessons in leadership, resilience, and the importance of valuing the blue-collar workforce.🔧 Topics Covered:Starting with nothing and scaling to nationwide influence.Tackling industry misconceptions about trades and blue-collar work.The life-changing impact of masterminds and coaching.Don't miss this raw and inspiring conversation that proves success is possible, no matter where you start. Watch now to discover how Aaron turned challenges into stepping stones!Who is Aaron Stokes?Aaron Stokes is a 25-year veteran of the automotive repair industry, who uses his experience to help other auto repair shop owners build successful businesses. Through Shop Fix Academy, he provides innovative management coaching and training based on the knowledge he acquired growing the automotive repair chains, Eurofix, Autofix & Mike's Automotive. Stokes created Shop Fix Academy to provide comprehensive training for shop owners delivered through user-friendly videos, conferences, one to one coaching & peer groups to ensure that participants receive maximum value for their money. Stokes also offers consumers advice on automotive repair through his radio show, “Fixin' Cars with Aaron Stokes,” broadcast weekly on Nashville’s 99.7 WTN.Aaron’s Website Link: https://shopfixacademy.com/Aaron’s Social Media Link:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopFixAcademy/Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 14, 2025 • 58min
272: Rebuilding Generational Wealth: Jack Clark’s Journey
What does it take to rebuild a family legacy, redefine an industry, and create a nationwide franchise from scratch? Jack Clark shares his extraordinary journey, from growing up on a 20,000-acre ranch to leading a $15 billion well-water service revolution.In this compelling episode of The Root of All Success, host The Real Jason Duncan sits down with Jack Clark, founder of 180 Water, at Smokers Abbey in Gallatin, Tennessee. Jack, a seventh-generation Montanan, opens up about his family’s deep roots in Montana, the loss of their iconic ranch, and his personal mission to rebuild their legacy with integrity and innovation.Discover how Jack transitioned from working on a cattle ranch to founding 180 Water—a groundbreaking franchise in the well-water pump service industry. He talks about disrupting a traditionally mom-and-pop industry, leveraging mentorship, and scaling with purpose. Jack’s insights into entrepreneurship, wealth-building, and navigating the tax system will inspire anyone with a dream of making an impact.Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, this episode offers actionable advice on scaling operations, overcoming obstacles, and turning vision into realityWho is Jack Clark?Jack Clark is the founder of 180 Water. He and his family live in Helena, MT, not far from where he grew up cattle ranching. He started Western Water Wells in 2014 and his desire to help others find success in the water well industry has only grown. Jack’s life follows the theme of accomplishing impossible tasks with unique solutions. Utilizing Jack’s heart for service and the talents of his growing team, he has built 180 Water. Jack’s goal is to empower a new generation to provide for their families and communities and break the scarcity mindset.Jack Clark’s Website Link: https://www.facebook.com/stephenscoggins/Jack Clark’s Social Media Link:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552036402458Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/180_water/Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 8, 2025 • 32min
271: Don't Make New Year's Resolutions! ft. Jason Duncan
“Success isn't about doing more. It's about doing what matters most.” Start 2025 with a mindset shift! In this special solo episode of The Root of All Success, host The Real Jason Duncan dives deep into why traditional New Year's resolutions often fall short—and what to do instead. Discover the transformative power of trigger events and how they can fuel lasting change in your business and life.🔥 Key Highlights:
Why New Year's resolutions fail (and what works better)
How to identify and act on trigger events
The X-Plan Framework: A step-by-step system for business growth and personal success
Real-life examples from Jason’s journey and clients' breakthroughs
👀 Don’t just set goals. Make promises.This episode isn’t just about inspiration—it’s packed with practical strategies you can apply immediately to ensure 2025 is your most successful year yet!Take the Burnout Test: www.therealjasonduncan.com/burnoutLearn more about The Exiter Club: www.theexiterclub.comJason's Website Link Jason's Social MediaFacebookInstagramLinkedinYoutubeLove the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 30, 2024 • 30min
270: Focus & Decisions: The Game-Changing Formula for Success! ft. Jason Duncan
Did you know that indecision can cost you more than a wrong decision? In this exclusive and deeply personal solo episode of The Root of All Success, The Real Jason Duncan reflects on a transformative 2024—both in his life and for the podcast. This milestone episode delves into the power of decision-making, overcoming fear, and the life-changing impact of staying focused on clear goals.Jason shares his journey through one of the most challenging periods of his life, marked by setbacks, uncertainty, and fear. From navigating the closure of a long-standing business to redefining his purpose and priorities, Jason reveals how the art of making bold decisions helped him emerge stronger and more successful. Drawing on lessons from iconic thinkers like Napoleon Hill and Florence Scovel Shinn, Jason explains how mindset, clarity, and discipline can lead to extraordinary transformation.This episode also revisits standout moments from 2024, featuring interviews with inspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, and experts:🎙️Episode 209 with Adam House on faith vs. fear in entrepreneurship - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAAD74YtAkQ🎙️Episode 213 with Fred Cary’s incredible comeback story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v9MoQVI31I🎙️Episode 256 with Rob Munger’s surprising advice on helping the homeless - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTEPmPTPtdwWhether you're an entrepreneur, leader, or anyone striving for growth, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration. Don’t miss this powerful episode, designed to inspire entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders to embrace challenges, make decisions with clarity, and create meaningful success.Take the first step toward a successful 2025. Share it with friends and leave a review to help others discover the insights Jason has to offer!Take the Burnout Test: https://www.therealjasonduncan.com/burnoutLearn more about The Exiter Club: https://www.therealjasonduncan.com/mastermindLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 23, 2024 • 35min
269: The Power of Trust and Micro-Failures: Insights from Tony DeSilvestro
🎙️ In this powerful episode, Jason sits down with serial entrepreneur and keynote speaker Tony DeSilvestro to break down the real difference between business owners and entrepreneurs—and why understanding this distinction could be the key to your ultimate success.🔑 Key Takeaways:Why business owners often get stuck in the daily grind while entrepreneurs scale and thrive.The crucial role of trust in growing your team and scaling your business.How embracing micro-failures can help you avoid macro-failures that derail growth.Tony’s game-changing XOS Method for exiting without selling your business.👉 If you’re stuck running your business instead of growing it, this episode is your wake-up call. Learn from Tony’s 30+ years of experience and discover how to build a business that doesn’t rely on you 24/7.📲 Watch now to level up your entrepreneurial mindset and finally reclaim your life!Who is Tony DeSilvestro?Tony DeSilvestro is a serial entrepreneur, business consultant, and international keynote speaker who has founded over 31 businesses and employs more than 450 people. Known for his expertise in scaling businesses and leadership development, Tony is the author of The Business Scaling Blueprint and creator of the XOS Method – a strategy that helps business owners exit without selling. He has been featured in Forbes and recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year. Tony’s passion lies in helping business owners transition into entrepreneurs by building trust, delegating effectively, and creating systems for growth.Tony DeSilvestro’s Website Link: tonydisilvestro.comTony DeSilvestro’s Social Media Link:Facebook: facebook.com/tonydtalks/Instagram: instagram.com/tony.disilvestro/X (formerly Twitter): twitter.com/disilvestrotonyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 16, 2024 • 42min
268: John’s Crazy Socks: A Heartfelt Mission of Inclusion and Impact ft. John and Mark X. Cronin
What does it take to turn passion into profit while breaking barriers? Meet the dynamic father-son duo behind the world’s largest sock store, John and Mark X. Cronin of John’s Crazy Socks!In this inspiring episode of The Root of All Success, The Real Jason Duncan sits down with John and Mark X. Cronin, a trailblazing duo redefining entrepreneurship. Together, they share the incredible journey of how John’s unique vision and Mark’s guidance created a business that not only sells over 4,000 styles of socks but also promotes inclusion and advocacy for people with differing abilities.From becoming fierce advocates for employment equity to giving back to the community through initiatives like donating 5% of profits to the Special Olympics, their story is a testament to the power of purpose-driven business. Discover how John, the first guest with Down Syndrome on the show, has inspired change and sparked conversations globally, including two TEDx talks and appearances before Congress.Watch now to see how this father-son team has turned a simple idea into a global movement, one crazy sock at a time! 🌟 To get 10% Discount on johncrazysocks.com, use code "SUCCESS10" Who is John and Mark X. Cronin?John and Mark X. Cronin are the father-son team that created John’s Crazy Socks, a social enterprise with a mission to spread happiness. They bootstrapped their business into the world’s largest sock store earning them recognition as EY’s Entrepreneurs of the Year. John is not only an entrepreneur, but he also has Down syndrome. Every day, John and Mark show what people with differing abilities can do – more than half of their colleagues have differing abilities. They are fierce advocates for the rights of people with differing abilities having testified twice before the U.S. Congress, spoken at the United Nations, and recorded two TEDx talks. They are members of the CEO Commission on Disability Employment. Their work has been featured on national broadcasts by CBS, ABC, CNBC, PBS, the BBC, and Fox News. They have built a business based on creating customer experiences and spreading happiness.John’s Crazy Socks has 240,000 Facebook followers and over 29,000 five-star reviews. John and Mark show their gratitude through their Giving Back program which has raised nearly $750,000 for their charity partners. Most of all, they spread happiness one pair of socks at a time.John and Mark’s Website Link: johnscrazysocks.comJohn and Mark’s Social Media Link:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnscrazysocksTwitter: https://twitter.com/JohnsCrazySocksLinkedIn: MXC https://www.linkedin.com/in/mxcronin/LinkedIn: JCS: https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-s-crazy-socks/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnscrazysocks/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Johnscrazysocks/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@johnscrazysocksLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 13, 2024 • 37min
267: Aging Gracefully at Home: A Vision for Better Senior Care ft. Ilana Yagudayev
From surviving anti-Semitism in Uzbekistan to thriving as a pharmacist-turned-entrepreneur in New York, Ilana Yagudayev’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and a mission to help a million baby boomers age gracefully at home.🌟 Episode Highlights:
Ilana’s courageous immigration story and how her family found safety and opportunity in the U.S.
The pivotal moment that inspired her to launch “Aging Gracefully at Home,” a service empowering seniors to maintain independence while receiving essential care.
Her philosophy on redefining success as creating impact, building communities, and supporting family legacies.
Tune in to discover how Ilana’s powerful experiences shaped her vision for a better future and the lessons every entrepreneur can learn from her perseverance and purpose-driven business. 🌍Who is Ilana Yagudayev?Ilana, a seasoned pharmacist with more than two decades of expertise, is dedicated to helping the elderly preserve their independence. She aims to assist 1,000,000 baby boomers in aging gracefully at home by 2034.Ilana Yagudayev, an experienced pharmacist and the owner of Drug Mart Pharmacy, serves as the chairwoman of the NYC Pharmacist Society. Building from her 20+ year career in pharmacy, she is devoted to aiding the elderly as they navigate the complexities of aging and medication management, striving to empower them to retain their independence. Through her Aging Gracefully at Home program, which incorporates personalized coaching, she addresses critical issues like medication confusion and reluctance towards nursing homes.Ilana is on a mission to help 1,000,000 baby boomers age gracefully at home by 2034.Ilana’s Website Link: drugmartny.comIlana’s Social Media Link:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drugmartny?mibextid=LQQJ4dInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drugmart_on_yorkLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 9, 2024 • 39min
266: Corporate Takeover of Housing: What It Means for You ft. Matt Theriault
🎙️ On this episode of The Root of All Success, The Real Jason Duncan sits down with Matt Theriault, a former music mogul turned real estate entrepreneur, to reveal why 2024 is the perfect time to invest in real estate. Discover how corporations are reshaping the housing market and learn Matt’s journey from seven-figure success to bankruptcy—and how he climbed back by mastering passive income through real estate.🔑 Key Takeaways:
Why housing prices are only going up 📈
How corporations like BlackRock are dominating the market 🏘️
The three words that changed Matt’s life: “Passive Real Estate Income”
If you're tired of the hustle and grind or wondering how to get started in real estate, this episode is your blueprint for financial freedom and time freedom. 💰🚀 Watch now and transform your mindset from “Why me?” to “What’s next?”Who is Matt Theriault?Matt Theriault is a former music industry entrepreneur turned real estate investing expert. After losing his seven-figure income and filing for bankruptcy, Matt rebuilt his life by mastering passive income through real estate. He is the founder of Epic Real Estate, where he helps busy professionals create wealth and achieve financial freedom through strategic real estate investments. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and dedicated mentor, Matt is passionate about teaching others how to succeed in real estate, even with limited time or resources.Matt’s Website Link: www.shananterale.comMatt’s Social Media Link:https://www.instagram.com/pearlfectionista, https://www.instagram.com/shananterale,https://www.facebook.com/pearlfectionista/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558788310284https://www.linkedin.com/company/pearlfectionista/, https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanan-essick-4026216/https://www.tiktok.com/@pearlfectionista, https://www.tiktok.com/@shananterale,https://www.threads.net/@pearlfectionistahttps://www.threads.net/@shananteraleLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dec 6, 2024 • 40min
265: How Greg Vetter Turned a $500M Setback Into a Blueprint for Success
From half a billion to just $4 million—how did Greg Vetter turn his greatest failure into a powerful blueprint for success?In this episode of The Root of All Success, The Real Jason Duncan sits down with Greg Vetter, the founder of Tessemae’s All Natural and author of Undressed: The Unfiltered Story of My Failed American Dream and How It Led to Success. Greg shares his rollercoaster journey from building a clean-food empire valued at $500 million to selling it for a fraction of that amount.What caused this monumental pivot? Investor greed, misalignment, and timing were just the beginning. Greg dives into the emotional toll of failure, revealing how shame and setbacks became the ultimate teachers. Hear how his experiences not only shaped his entrepreneurial philosophy but also inspired him to create new ventures with purpose and joy.Greg’s story is a masterclass in resilience, offering valuable lessons for any entrepreneur grappling with setbacks. Tune in to discover:The real cost of chasing success.Why failure can be the best teacher.Four pillars of success that money can’t buy.This episode is packed with raw insights and practical wisdom for anyone navigating the highs and lows of business. Don’t miss it!To Know More About Greg:Gregory Vetter is a transformative figure who has guided various enterprises (Tessemae's All Natural, Alta Fresh Foods and Homegrown Brands), as a Founder/ CEO, whose mission is to galvanize the leaders of tomorrow. As a preeminent thinker on issues ranging from leadership, change management to innovation, Greg is a recognized expert and frequent speaker on a host of related topics.Greg is an author of Undressed: The Unfiltered Story Of My Failed American Dream And How It Led To Success. Passionate about empowering tomorrow's leaders and helping them raise the bar of their performance and manage success, Greg has guided entrepreneurs as they navigate the inevitable perils that will emerge over time. The book is a proven guide for those who seek to surmount challenges, whether they be business oriented or, conversely, those inherent in everyday life.Greg’s Website Link: www.shananterale.comGreg’s Social Media Link: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregvetter/Instagram: @imundressekbook & @glvetterLearn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices)Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcastThis episode is sponsored by Dubb. Up your email game and make videos that convert! Get two free weeks and 50% off your first two months with this link: therealjasonduncan.com/dubb Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices