The Alchemist's Library

Ryan Ayala
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Sep 11, 2025 • 60min

Making Money is On Easy Mode in 2025, Just Start a Personal Brand ft. Owen Nurminen

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
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Sep 3, 2025 • 51min

POV: you're hangin w/ a 7 fig ecom founder Mason Kuhr

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
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18 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 25min

POV: you're chillin w/ a 24 yr old who made millions from ai

In a vibrant discussion, Alex Heiden, also known as NoCodeAlex, shares his journey as a no-code entrepreneur who has built and sold successful apps. He emphasizes the significance of simplicity and focused features in app development, and reveals how organic marketing and strategic cold outreach propelled his first company to success. Alex also explores the power of AI in automating outreach and building personal brands, while highlighting the importance of content creation efficiency across platforms like YouTube. His insights offer invaluable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the digital landscape.
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Jul 7, 2025 • 28min

Aris Yeager "The European Kid" ON Gaining 2 Million Followers and The Startup Journey

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
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Jun 23, 2025 • 58min

Wade Houston ON How He Escaped The Rat Race After Hitting Rock Bottom

Send us a textWade Houston is a successful online coach and entrepreneur specializing in mindset, health, and business growth. After overcoming addiction and launching a fintech startup with Mastercard, he built 10X Health into a multi-seven-figure company. He now helps high-performers master their mindset, physique, and business, guiding them toward elite personal and professional transformation.Connect with Wade! https://www.instagram.com/wadehouston...Connect with Ryan!   / ryanjayala  Connect with Us!   / alchemists.library  Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Early Life Lessons  01:50 The Power of Commitment & Showing Up  06:32 Redefining Masculinity & Emotional Openness  11:25 The Dark Side of High Performance  16:20 Mindfulness, Spirituality & Mental Clarity  21:30 Navigating Identity & Becoming a Role Model  27:18 Letting Go of Old Selves & Evolving  33:05 Purpose, Impact & Building Real Strength  38:44 The Role of Discipline & Self-Mastery  43:00 Creating Safe Spaces for Men  47:12 Integrating Work, Relationships & Inner Peace  52:40 Closing Reflections on Fulfillment & LegacyConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
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Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 8min

Charles Eisenstein on AI, Disconnection & the Death of Meaning

Send us a textCharles Eisenstein is a philosopher, author, and public speaker known for his deeply thoughtful explorations of civilization, consciousness, and human connection. With a background in mathematics and philosophy, Charles weaves together insights from systems thinking, spirituality, and ecology to challenge the dominant narratives of modern life. He is the author of several influential books, including The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know Is Possible and The Ascent of Humanity, which explore how we can transition from a culture of separation to one rooted in interbeing and meaning. In a world increasingly driven by technology and abstraction, Charles offers a powerful invitation to reclaim presence, purpose, and sacredness in how we live and relate to ourselves, each other, and the Earth.Chapters00:00 The Essence of Education: Unlearning vs. Learning05:19 The Art of Self-Discovery and Unique Offerings11:30 Navigating Curiosity and Life's Path17:21 AI and the Future: Embracing Materiality32:27 The Human Experience: Beyond Abstraction39:03 The Limits of Quantification47:19 Understanding Addiction and Unmet Needs57:51 The Unquantifiable Nature of Human Experience01:06:09 The Power of Questions Over AnswersConnect with Charles! https://charleseisenstein.org/Connect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
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May 30, 2025 • 59min

He’s Fortune 500 CEOs’ Biggest Secret Weapon (The CEO Whisperer)

Send us a textJerry Colonna is an executive coach, author, and co-founder of Reboot, a coaching and leadership development firm focused on helping entrepreneurs and executives grow through radical self-inquiry. Formerly a venture capitalist with Flatiron Partners, Jerry transitioned into coaching to support leaders in navigating the emotional complexities of leadership. He is the author of the acclaimed book Reboot: Leadership and the Art of Growing Up, which blends personal reflection with professional development. Known for his compassionate yet unflinching coaching style, Jerry continues to influence a new generation of founders and CEOs who believe in leading with authenticity, courage, and heart.Connect with Jerry! https://www.instagram.com/jerry.colonna/?hl=en Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyalaConnect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Jerry’s Journey to Coaching  01:00 Radical Self-Inquiry & Moral Courage  05:04 Iteration, Growth & Identity  10:17 Depression, Doubt & The Lying Mind  16:12 The Danger of Grandiosity vs. True Confidence  22:06 Masculinity, Role Models & Responsibility  30:02 Redefining Success & Being a Good Man  37:12 Empathy, Mentorship & Leaving a Legacy  43:36 Clean Your Room: Self-Discipline as Leadership  46:05 Redefining Leadership & Followership  50:05 Balancing Compassion & High Standards  56:04 The Buddha of Baseball & Building Extraordinary TeamsConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
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May 22, 2025 • 51min

Why Poker Makes You a Better Thinker - Annie Duke on Decision Science

Send us a textWhy Poker Makes You a Better Thinker - Annie Duke on Decision ScienceAbout the guest:Annie Duke is a decision strategist, author, and former professional poker player known for her expertise in cognitive science and decision-making under uncertainty. Originally pursuing a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, she shifted paths due to illness and went on to win a World Series of Poker championship, eventually becoming one of the most successful female players in the game’s history. Leveraging her background in cognitive science and poker, Annie transitioned into writing, speaking, and consulting, authoring acclaimed books such as Thinking in Bets, How to Decide, and Quit. She is also the co-founder of the Alliance for Decision Education, advocating for better thinking skills in K–12 education. Annie’s work bridges rigorous research with practical frameworks for better decisions in life and business.Connect with Annie! https://x.com/annieduke?lang=enConnect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyalaConnect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Life Pivot  03:38 Entering the Poker World  06:08 The Bridge Between Poker & Cognitive Science  09:00 Decision Education & Career Evolution  10:59 Forecasting in Personal Decisions  14:24 Qualitative vs. Quantitative Thinking  18:12 The Danger of “Going With Your Gut”  23:12 Aligning Internal & External Perspectives  25:48 Defining Terms & Clarifying Assumptions  34:01 The Myth of Mysticism in Decision-Making  40:43 Experience vs. Explicit Models  53:40 Closing Thoughts on Self-ImprovementConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
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May 15, 2025 • 1h 9min

AI: The Untapped Goldmine - How to Win Big Before Everyone Else Catches On

Send us a textAbout the guest:Luke Thorburg is a digital advertising specialist and the founder of Thordigi Media, a firm dedicated to scaling businesses through strategic use of Facebook, TikTok, and Google Ads. Holding a data-focused master's degree from Saint Louis University, Luke applies analytical rigor to optimize advertising campaigns. His expertise lies in crafting data-driven strategies that drive growth across multiple industries.Connect with Luke! https://www.instagram.com/lukethorburg/Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyalaConnect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/Chapters:00:00 The AI Wild West01:23 Rise of AI Integrators02:10 $20M AI-Run Service Business04:22  Mass AI Adoption & Internet Comparisons06:22 Misuse and Gimmicks in AI Adoption07:06 The Untapped Opportunity: LLM SEO09:01 Agency Origins and Iteration13:03 Offers, Niching, and Client Targeting20:02 Brute Force Cold Outreach Tactics26:08 From Cold Start to Scalable Momentum29:49 AI, Personal Brands, and The Future of Work36:46 Building 7-Figure Brands with Automation43:00 Do the Unscalable to Become Scalable50:03 Playing the Long Game with Clients54:02 Digital Education: WAP, School, and the New UniversityConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
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May 9, 2025 • 1h 4min

The $200M Story Behind HydroFlask - Travis Rosbach

Send us a textThe $100M Story Behind HydroFlask - Travis RosbachAbout the guest:Travis Rosbach is an entrepreneur, inventor, and the founder of Hydro Flask, the award-winning reusable water bottle company that redefined the drinkware industry. Prior to launching Hydro Flask, Rosbach worked as a boat captain, scuba diving instructor, and commercial airline pilot, bringing a diverse and adventurous background to his business ventures. After exiting Hydro Flask, he founded the Tumalo Group, where he now advises startups and entrepreneurs across various sectors. Known for his practical mindset and passion for sustainability, Rosbach continues to influence product innovation and conscious entrepreneurship globally.Connect with Travis! https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisrosbach/Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyalaConnect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/Chapters:0:00 – The Renaissance Entrepreneur3:30 – How Hydro Flask Was Born8:30 – Going All-In: The China Gamble12:30 – Resilience and Risk in Business17:00 – From Farmer’s Markets to 100,000+ Units a Month26:30 – The Cost of Scaling33:00 – Stepping Away: Exit and Identity37:00 – The Kundalini Awakening43:00 – True Fulfillment vs Fake Success51:00 – Learning, Books & AI Wisdom59:00 – Final Wisdom & Book GiftConnect with Us!https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

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