The Alchemist's Library

Send us a textDan Furman is the Executive Director of NIL at the University of Louisville, a strategist at the intersection of college athletics, business, and modern influence.College sports are in the middle of a once-in-a-century shift. NIL has rewritten how athletes build their brands, how programs compete, and how money flows through the entire ecosystem. Dan sits at the center of that transformation. He works daily with athletes, donors, brands, and university leadership—giving him one of the clearest vantage points on what’s actually happening behind the scenes.Expect to learn why NIL isn’t just a financial landscape but a cultural one, how the top athletes truly negotiate their value, the misconceptions fans have about collectives, what separates the programs that win in the new era of college sports, how brands decide which athletes to back, the future of recruiting, whether NIL is creating an arms race universities can’t sustain, and much more…Connect with Dan! https://www.instagram.com/danielfurman4/?hl=enConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textMike Michalowicz is a entrepreneur and author. How can entrepreneurs truly understand the dynamics of business success and failure? Many either overlook the importance of financial management or get overwhelmed by it, turning straightforward principles into complex challenges. So how do we navigate the entrepreneurial landscape to grow and thrive?Expect to learn how the "Profit First" philosophy can transform your business, why understanding financials is crucial, how to overcome the fear of failure, whether innovation is a necessity or a luxury, why reducing variability is key to success, how to identify your unique market position, and much more…Connect with Mike! https://mikemichalowicz.com/Connect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textArlin Moore is an entrepreneur and creator exploring the intersection of consciousness, creativity, and business.From building communities and companies to diving deep into mysticism and self-realization, Arlin has been in a season of transformation, merging his spiritual awakening with practical creation. So what does life look like after stepping away from constant achievement? What happens when you stop chasing and start aligning?Expect to learn how Arlin’s 30-day “follow the energy” experiment changed everything, how he rediscovered God beyond religion, what it really means to surrender to divine purpose, how he’s merging art and entrepreneurship into one path, why flow requires both structure and stillness, and how faith can become a daily creative practice.--0:00 Clarity, Focus & Following Intuition1:06 The Malibu Fires2:21 The 30-Day “Follow the Energy” Experiment5:06 What Meditation Does For You7:01 The Journey of Spirituality 12:21 Rediscovering God Beyond Dogma15:01 From Using God to Being Used by God17:01 What a Guru Really Is (and Isn’t)20:41 Experiencing God Through Peace & Stillness22:01 Naval Ravikant on Happiness & Meditation23:21 Creative Flow 27:02 Spiritual Synchronicities29:41 Returning to Entrepreneurship After a Year Off33:31 Bringing Spirituality into Corporate Life37:31 Merging Structure and Flow42:31 Free Will, Fate & Divine Orchestration47:01 The Feeling of True Flow States52:01 Redefining Success & Fulfillment56:01 Integrating Art, Business & Spirit59:31 Closing Reflections on Growth & GratitudeConnect with Arlin! https://www.instagram.com/arlin/Connect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textMy guest today is Nick GilkeyIn this conversation, Nick shares his journey from struggling with ulcerative colitis to building a successful coaching business and now venturing into e-commerce. He discusses the importance of organic marketing, the challenges of paid advertising, and the value of coaching and mentorship. The conversation also touches on the significance of systemization in coaching, the long-term perspective needed in e-commerce, and the impact of product quality on business success. Additionally, they explore health awareness, detox strategies, and the role of AI in content creation, emphasizing the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.Connect with Nick! https://x.com/theholisticnick Connect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textRyan Duey is the co-founder and CEO of Plunge, one of the fastest-growing brands in wellness and recovery. After a near-fatal motorcycle accident in Thailand, Ryan’s life took a radical turn—from spiritual exploration to building a $200 million company redefining modern cold therapy.Expect to learn the real lessons behind entrepreneurship—why business is harder than most people think, how stress shows up differently for every founder, and why early-stage chaos can sometimes feel easier than managing success. Ryan shares how psychedelics shaped his leadership style, what it means to evolve from founder to CEO, and how to find peace inside the storm.You’ll also discover the power of resilience, why endurance matters more than inspiration, how AI is changing business strategy, and what most entrepreneurs get wrong about selling high-ticket products. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation on business, stress, and the pursuit of meaning behind success.Chapters00:00 Ryan Duey’s Near-Death Experience & The Birth of Plunge02:41 The Truth About Building a $200M Brand07:12 Why Business Is Harder Than You Think12:48 How Stress Manifests for Different Founders18:05 Lessons from Psychedelics and Leadership23:17 The Founder-to-CEO Transition29:44 Resilience, Endurance & What Keeps You Going34:55 AI’s Role in Business Growth41:20 Selling High-Ticket Products the Right Way47:58 Why Most People Misunderstand Cold Plunging51:35 Final Reflections on Entrepreneurship & PurposeTakeawaysBusiness is hard. The highlight reel never shows the sleepless nights, pressure, or doubt.Unit economics matter more than ego. Scale doesn’t mean success.Stress is personal. Some founders thrive in chaos; others in calm.Psychedelics can expand leadership perspective—but only when integrated intentionally.AI is a multiplier, not a replacement.Selling high-ticket products requires trust, communication, and human connection.Resilience trumps talent. Endurance is the real competitive advantage.Connect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textIn this episode, Ryan Ayala sits down with Scott H. Young, the mastermind behind "Ultra Learning," to explore the art of mastering skills at lightning speed. Scott shares insights on breaking down complex learning into manageable pieces, the power of deliberate practice, and the role of memory in skill acquisition. They also delve into the impact of AI on learning and discuss practical strategies for language immersion. Tune in to discover how you can transform your approach to learning and achieve mastery in any domain.Scott Young is best known as the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning, a writer and host of a podcast focusing on learning and productivity. He is recognized for his intensive self-directed learning projects, such as completing MIT's computer science degree in one year, and for his insights on how to master skills and accelerate career development. He also writes and teaches about productivity, habits, and living well.Connect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textMy guest today is Owen NurminenIn this episode we explore how building a personal brand can transform business opportunities, offering insights into leveraging social media for growth. Owen shares his journey from struggling with outreach to receiving lucrative offers, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and connection. Tune in to discover strategies for creating impactful content and the potential of user-generated content in today's digital landscape.Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Personal Branding02:59 Leveraging Social Media for Business Success06:03 Creating Content: Strategies and Approaches08:49 Understanding Audience Engagement and Niche Marketing12:00 The Long-Term Vision: Planning for Future Success14:54 The Role of Education in Entrepreneurship18:02 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Vulnerability21:01 The Power of Consistency and Daily Action23:49 Navigating the UGC Landscape27:07 The Future of AI in Content Creation29:57 Building Relationships and Networking33:09 Final Thoughts and Future OpportunitiesConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textMason Kuhr is a an entrepreneur who delves into the intricacies of personal growth and business development.Mason shares his journey of self-discovery and the challenges of scaling a business while maintaining personal integrity. He explores the concept of unworthiness, the importance of aligning with one's true identity, and the role of faith in overcoming life's hurdles. Expect to learn about the pitfalls of hustle culture, the significance of risk-taking, and how personal relationships mirror our interactions with the world.Chapters00:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery Through Business08:59 The Impact of External Expectations on Personal Growth18:04 The Role of Risk in Personal and Business Growth26:36 The Power of Sacrifice and Multiplication27:33 Letting Go: The Butterfly Analogy in Relationships29:31 Navigating Emotional Waters: The Captain's Role31:57 Stability in Chaos: Lessons from the Storm34:00 Authenticity Over Performance: The Key to Connection37:53 Facing Fears: The Journey of Self-Expression40:42 Embracing Vulnerability: The Path to Growth43:10 The Fool's Journey: Embracing Discomfort for Growth46:30 Self-Inventory: Identifying Your ButterfliesConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textAlex Heiden, also known as NoCodeAlex, is a serial entrepreneur and a pioneer in the no-code movement. Learn about Alex's journey from creating his first company, Closify, to becoming a prominent figure in the no-code community. Expect to hear insights on the future of app development, the role of organic content in marketing, and the importance of focusing on core features when launching a new app. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned developer, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on innovation and growth in the digital age.Chapters00:00 The Rise of No-Code Development02:49 Navigating the App Development Landscape05:49 Marketing Strategies for Apps08:48 The Info Product vs. Software Debate11:48 Leveraging AI in Outreach15:09 Building a Personal Brand18:09 The Power of Cold Outreach21:00 Starting Your Entrepreneurial Journey23:59 Understanding WAP and Its Mission27:07 Exploring No-Code Tools29:47 The Importance of Skill Development32:47 YouTube as a Revenue Stream42:58 Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs in Content Creation44:59 The Importance of Effective YouTube Strategies46:51 Navigating Paid Ads vs. Organic Growth49:51 Maximizing Content Creation Efficiency52:20 The Power of Focused Work and Deep Work54:49 Sales Skills and Active Listening56:49 The Art of Creative Follow-Up in Sales01:00:00 Quality vs. Quantity in Content Creation01:01:55 Finding Your Passion in Content Creation01:10:38 Monetization Strategies for Content Creators01:19:29 Choosing the Right City for Your LifestyleConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a textAris Yeager known as the rich European kid on TikTok, shares his journey from creating a viral character to building a startup called Storytime. He discusses the importance of personal branding, networking, and the challenges of content creation. Aris emphasizes the need for consistency and innovation in content, the balance between business and creativity, and the highs and lows of the startup world. He also explores the future of influencer marketing and the significance of niche content. Chapters:00:00 The Rise of a Viral Character03:11 Building a Personal Brand and Networking05:53 Creating a Marketplace for Influencers08:56 Navigating the Challenges of Content Creation12:02 Balancing Business and Creativity15:09 The Startup Journey: Highs and Lows18:08 The Future of Influencer MarketingConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala