

Finding Peak w/ Ryan Hanley
Ryan Hanley
Where high agency people discuss power, leverage, and influence.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 7, 2026 • 45min
The Most Expensive Sentence You Can Say in 2026
Download the Exposure Protocol here: https://link.ryanhanley.com/exprotocol---Spartan philosophy, built in the black-ops lab of business: https://www.findingpeak.comFinding Peak podcast: https://linktr.ee/ryan_hanleyWe all say it. A sentence so costly, it drains your ambition, steals your time, and keeps you hiding from your true potential. It’s not about being stuck; it’s about being scared. And it’s time to stop.In this solo episode, I’m giving you the 4-step protocol I developed to break free from the self-sabotage of hiding. This isn’t more motivational fluff or finding your “why.” This is a 7-day tactical sprint to force clarity, build confidence, and get you out of your own way.You’ll learn:The two questions that instantly expose where you’re hiding.Why hiding feels like a smart strategy (but is actually robbing you blind).The 4-step “Exposure Protocol” to take action, even when you’re terrified.A 7-day challenge to build unstoppable momentum.Clarity doesn’t come from thinking; it comes from contact with reality. If you’re tired of waiting for the “right time” and ready to trade potential for proof, this episode is your call to action. Stop hiding. Start building. It’s time to get in the arena.This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Jan 4, 2026 • 1h 4min
How to Get Famous (The Hidden Art of PR) | Mickie Kennedy
Spartan philosophy, built in the black-ops lab of business: https://www.findingpeak.comFinding Peak podcast: https://linktr.ee/ryan_hanleyWhat if you could get famous without anyone knowing you're marketing? It's not magic; it's the hidden art of Public Relations.In this episode of Finding Peak, Ryan Hanley sits down with Mickie Kennedy, the founder of eReleases and a 25-year veteran of the PR industry, to pull back the curtain on "credibility engineering." Mickie reveals why press releases—a tool many have written off as dead—are more powerful than ever for small businesses, entrepreneurs, and content creators looking to build massive brand authority.Forget what you think you know about PR. Mickie shares the counter-intuitive strategies that get results, from the psychological power of a contrarian take to the "Pill in the Cheese" method for getting media coverage without anyone realizing you're pitching.In this episode, you will learn:The Hidden Art of PR: How to generate buzz and media attention that feels organic and earned, not paid for.Credibility Engineering: Actionable steps to build unshakeable authority in your industry, even if you're just starting out.Viral Storytelling Secrets: The truth about eBay's fabricated origin story and how you can craft narratives that journalists can't ignore.The 17% Sales Bump: How a simple "brag book" of press clippings led to a 17% increase in sales for a local carpet company.AI-Powered PR: How to use AI the right way to craft compelling press releases, and the one prompt you should never use.Contrarian Authority: Why taking an opposing viewpoint can instantly make you appear smarter and more credible to your audience.If you're ready to stop shouting into the void and start getting the attention your business deserves, this episode is your roadmap.This is the way.Connect with Mickie Kennedy:Free PR Masterclass: https://ereleases.com/planWebsite: https://eReleases.comThis show is sponsored by:Roam: The #1 Remote Office Software in the World: https://ro.am/ryan-hanley/OpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspectiveThis show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 15min
How to Turn Your Darkest Moment Into Your Greatest Strength | Dr JC Doornick
Spartan philosophy, built in the black-ops lab of business: https://www.findingpeak.comWork with Ryan Hanley: https://linktr.ee/ryan_hanleyWhat does it take to go from wanting to end your life to helping over 300,000 people transform theirs?In this episode, I sit down with Dr. JC Doornick, known as "The Dragon," for one of the most raw and powerful conversations I’ve ever had. JC doesn’t sugarcoat anything. He takes us through his "messed up to blessed up" journey—from a cocky, successful chiropractor to sitting in a therapist's chair, unwashed for 15 days, contemplating suicide.But that moment became the greatest day of his life.We get into the real stuff:The “snap moment” that changed everythingWhy your confidence might be a defense mechanismThe three lies we tell ourselves about success (right time, motivation, belief)How to create an alter ego that can accomplish what you can’tHis journey into plant medicine and what he discovered in the Amazon jungleIf you've ever felt stuck, lost, or like you're sleepwalking through life, this episode is your wake-up call.Connect with Dr. JC Doornick:Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168Website: https://www.skool.com/makes-sense-academy/aboutInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjcdoornick/?hl=enThis show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 27, 2025 • 46min
The Power of Forced Innovation | Justin Freishtat
Join our community of unreasonable leaders achieving undeniable success: https://www.findingpeak.comWatch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtubeJustin Freishtat, a serial entrepreneur and investor, joins Ryan Hanley to discuss his journey from running an $87M food business to the world of high-stakes finance. He shares his story of navigating a forced exit, battling imposter syndrome, and redesigning his life to achieve a new level of success.Connect with Justin FreishtatInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinfreishtat/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-freishtat-68063579/This show is sponsored by:Roam: The #1 Remote Office Software in the World: https://ro.am/ryan-hanley/OpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspectiveThis show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
Danny Zzzz on Escaping the Box of Comfort
Join our community of unreasonable leaders achieving undeniable success: https://www.findingpeak.comWatch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtubeWhat if the most terrifying moments of your life were the very things that unlocked your peak potential? For world-renowned hypnotist and escape artist Danny Zzzz, stepping into a box that's on fire, 180 feet in the air, is just another day at the office. Danny Zzzz website: https://dannyzzzz.comBut the real escape? It's not from the box—it's from the comfortable life you've settled for.In this episode of Finding Peak, Ryan Hanley sits down with Daniel Paulin (aka Danny Zzzz) for a raw conversation that started by chance at an airport bar. They unpack a life story that is anything but ordinary: from being homeless at 13 to building a business empire, surviving a near-fatal bout of insomnia that led him to hypnotherapy, and performing on 17 "Got Talent" stages worldwide.This isn't just a story about success. It's a masterclass in character development, the power of "acting as if," and cultivating a "raging ignorance to doubt." If you've ever felt stuck, complacent, or afraid to take the next step, this conversation will force you to re-evaluate the box you're living in.Listen now to learn why the most uncomfortable moments are your greatest opportunities for growth and why success is never about luck.---This show is sponsored by:Roam: The #1 Remote Office Software in the World: https://ro.am/ryan-hanley/OpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspective---This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 19, 2025 • 55min
The Immigrant's Playbook for Market Dominance | Joseph Shalaby
Spartan philosophy, built in the black-ops lab of business: https://www.findingpeak.comIn this episode, Ryan sits down with Joseph Shalaby, a man who embodies the immigrant's edge. They dissect the uncomfortable truth: the drive that gets you to the top is often extinguished by the comfort you create. This isn't about motivation; it's about the systems that build relentless operators.Most leaders believe success is about providing opportunity. They're wrong. It's about manufacturing hunger. Joseph reveals the playbook for instilling grit, mastering negotiation as a core life skill, and why your personal brand is your only defense against AI-driven extinction.Inside, you will learn:The Immigrant's Edge: Why scarcity is a more powerful teacher than any MBA.Engineering Hunger: Tactical advice for raising children who dominate, not coast.Negotiation is Everything: The framework for winning at the deal table and the dinner table.The End of the Wage Earner: Why a side hustle is no longer a choice, but a necessity for survival.Personal Brand or Extinction: The non-negotiable mandate for leaders in the age of AI.Connect with Joseph ShalabyWebsite: https://www.emortgagecapital.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josephshalaby/Podcast: https://www.coffeezforclosers.com---This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 16, 2025 • 56min
40-Year-Old Men's Health is a Lie | Dr Tracy Gapin
Become the FEARLESS entrepreneur you dream about: https://www.findingpeak.com
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6HogwYeVQfo
They’re lying to you.
Your doctor, the health gurus, the whole system.
They tell you feeling like crap is just “part of getting older.”
That the brain fog, the belly fat, the rock-bottom energy, and the non-existent sex drive is just your “new normal” now that you’re 40.
It’s a lie.
And it’s a lie that’s not only killing your quality of life—it’s killing your business.
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tracy Gapin, a former surgeon turned men’s health optimization expert who is pulling back the curtain on the catastrophic decline in men’s health.
We expose the truth about why testosterone levels have plummeted 45% in the last 20 years, why your GP’s advice is dangerously outdated, and how you can stop the slow decay and reclaim the energy, focus, and drive you thought you’d lost forever.
This isn’t about a few diet tips or another useless supplement.
This is the blueprint to rebuilding yourself from the cellular level up.
Stop accepting mediocrity. Your peak is still ahead of you.
This is the way.
Guest: Dr. Tracy Gapin
Website: https://gapininstitute.com/
Free Resources (Book, Handbook, Peptide Guide): https://gapininstitute.com/launch
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--Recommended Tools for GrowthOpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappGoHighLevel: It's time to take your business workflow to the Next Level: https://link.ryanhanley.com/gohighlevelPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspective--Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 7min
200 Rejections to a Billion-Dollar Exit: Larry Cheng on Resilience and Growth
Join our community of unreasonable leaders achieving undeniable success: https://www.findingpeak.com
Watch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtube
In this episode of Finding Peak, Ryan Hanley sits down with Larry Cheng, founder of Volition Capital, for a masterclass in resilience, fundraising, and brand building.
Larry shares the unfiltered story of how he overcame 200 rejections to raise his first fund, the philosophy that drives his success, and why he believes a founder's personal brand is more critical than ever.
This is a no-BS conversation packed with actionable insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone looking to level up their game.
Connect with Larry Cheng
Volition Capital: https://www.volitioncapital.com
Larry Cheng on X: https://twitter.com/larryvc
Larry Cheng on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrycheng/
Key Topics Discussed:
The Power of Resilience: Larry shares the story of facing 200 rejections before securing the first investment for Volition Capital and the mindset that kept him going.
Fundraising Philosophy: Learn Larry's core principle: "Don't take no's personally. Don't take yeses for granted."
Venture Capital vs. Growth Equity: A clear breakdown of the different stages of private equity and what it means for founders.
The Chewy Story: The inside story of how Volition Capital's investment in Chewy became a multi-billion dollar success.
The Founder's Brand: Why Larry believes a founder's personal brand and community engagement are non-negotiable in today's market.
Authenticity in Leadership: How to be an external and authentic leader, even if you're an introvert.
--Recommended Tools for GrowthOpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappGoHighLevel: It's time to take your business workflow to the Next Level: https://link.ryanhanley.com/gohighlevelPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspective--Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 8, 2025 • 26min
The Customer Expectation Triangle of Death
Join our community of unreasonable leaders achieving undeniable success: https://www.findingpeak.com
Watch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtube
It’s a common myth that businesses die because of their competition. The truth is, they die because they fail to understand what their customers actually expect.
In this episode, I break down a framework I’ve used to help hundreds of leaders and build my own multiple seven-figure business: The Customer Expectation Triangle of Death.
We’ll explore the three distinct ages of business—Analog, Digital, and the Age of AI—and how customer expectations have evolved through each. You’ll learn why simply having a quality product at a good price is no longer enough, and what you need to focus on right now to separate your business from the noise and achieve escape velocity.
This isn’t just theory. This is the practical, no-BS framework for building a business that lasts.
Key Takeaways:
The Real Reason Businesses Fail: It’s not your competition; it’s your failure to understand evolving customer expectations.
The Three Ages of Business: Learn the critical shifts between the Analog Age (pre-2000), the Digital Age (2000-2020), and the Age of AI (2020-present).
The Triangle Framework: Deconstruct the three core pillars of customer expectation: Quality, Price, and Speed/Ease of Delivery.
The Rise of Experience: Understand why the Digital Age made a seamless customer experience the absolute baseline for any viable business.
Winning in the Age of AI: Discover why "Signal"—trust, connection, and authenticity—is the ultimate differentiator in today's market.
The Inside-Out Diagnostic: Get a simple, actionable tool to diagnose and fix core issues with customer retention, engagement, and acquisition.
--Recommended Tools for GrowthOpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappGoHighLevel: It's time to take your business workflow to the Next Level: https://link.ryanhanley.com/gohighlevelPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspective--Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Dec 5, 2025 • 58min
Surrender to Win: The Contrarian's Guide to Leading in Chaos - Dr Jessica Kriegel
Join our community of unreasonable leaders achieving undeniable success: https://www.findingpeak.com
Watch on YouTube: https://link.ryanhanley.com/youtube
In a world of constant uncertainty, leaders are falling into the "action trap"—an endless cycle of activity that feels like progress but delivers little.
Dr. Jessica Kriegel, a renowned leadership expert and author, joins us to reveal a counterintuitive solution: surrender.
Connect with Dr Jessica Kriegel
Website: https://www.jessicakriegel.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicakriegel/
Surrender to Lead book: https://amzn.to/4att9OR
In this episode of Finding Peak, Jessica dismantles the myth that control equals success. She introduces a powerful framework for leadership based on the Serenity Prayer: control the controllables and let go of the rest.
We dive deep into the psychology of belief, the power of storytelling over data, and why your team's resistance to change is a belief problem, not a technology problem.
Jessica shares her bold predictions for the future of work, including the rise of the first AI CEO by 2026 and how AI clones will revolutionize leadership.
If you're a leader feeling the pressure of the K-shaped economy, political instability, and technological disruption, this episode provides a radical yet practical roadmap to not just survive, but thrive.
--Recommended Tools for GrowthOpusClip: #1 AI video clipping and editing tool: https://link.ryanhanley.com/opusRiverside: HD Podcast & Video Software | Free Recording & Editing: https://link.ryanhanley.com/riversideWhisperFlow: Never waste time typing on your keyboard again: https://link.ryanhanley.com/whisperflowCaptionsApp: One app for all your social media video creation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/captionsappGoHighLevel: It's time to take your business workflow to the Next Level: https://link.ryanhanley.com/gohighlevelPerspective.co: The #1 funnel builder for lead generation: https://link.ryanhanley.com/perspective--Episodes You Might Enjoy:From $2 Million Loss to World-Class Entrepreneur: https://lnk.to/delkFrom One Man Shop to $200M in Revenue: https://lnk.to/tommymelloIs Psilocybin the Gateway to Self-Mastery? https://lnk.to/80upZ9 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.This show is part of the Unplugged Studios Network — the infrastructure layer for serious creators.
👉 Learn more at https://unpluggedstudios.fm.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy


