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THE 505 PODCAST

Author: Brayden Figueroa & Kostas Garcia

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This is a podcast for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone trying to live outside of society's normal boundaries. We are here to share our experiences, answer questions, and feature impactful guests with incredible insights. We also share our stories and make each other laugh.

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Meet Your All·in·One Creator Store (Stan)https://join.stan.store/the505podcastCheck out Artlist's 2026 A.I. report here:https://artlist.io/blog/trend-report-2026/?artlist_aid=%E2%80%8Bthe505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8Bthe505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=%E2%80%8B%E2%80%8Bthe505podcast_2970The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Ali Abdaal - Doctor-turned-creator, author, and one of the internets most insightful voices when it comes to building a business that serves your life… not the other way around. Ali has spent the last few years helping thousands of people create profitable lifestyle businesses while avoiding burnout and breaking free from the “grind culture” trap.In this episode, Ali breaks down why 2026 is the best year ever to launch a lifestyle business, how to charge high-ticket without imposter syndrome, and why creators need to stop chasing massive audiences and start focusing on validated offers, lead generation, and conversations that convert. He also talks about investing over $100K into mentorship, the game-changing lessons he learned from masterminds, and why the “build an audience first” approach is officially outdated.If you want to learn how to make real money as a creator, build a business around the life you actually want, and escape the trap of low-ticket offers and content treadmill burnout, this episode is for you.Check out Ali here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@aliabdaal⁩  https://www.instagram.com/aliabdaal/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:15 – What a Lifestyle Business Actually Is2:26 – Why “Freedom” Matters More Than Flexing3:53 – The Biggest Pitfalls When Starting a Lifestyle Business5:55 – Why Selling High-Ticket Is Easier Than Low-Ticket8:50 – Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Around Pricing12:18 – Why Mindset Courses Don’t Sell (and What People Really Want)13:48 – Stan15:15 – How to Start a $100K Lifestyle Business in 30 Days18:24 – How to Talk to Your Audience to Validate Your Offer20:54 – The Power of Zoom Calls, Polls, Surveys, and Beta Groups23:16 – What Ali Learned from $100K+ Mentorships25:36 – The Google Doc Sales Strategy That Replaced His Sales Team26:09 – Cold DMs, B2B, LinkedIn, and Secret Side Hustles26:35 – Why Investing in Yourself Outperforms Investing in the S&P33:59 – Artlist35:55 – The Difference Between “Vibes Work” and “Revenue Work”36:53 – Was Ali Burnt Out as a Doctor?38:04 – What Daniel Priestley Taught Ali About Lead Gen42:23 – Why Everything Is Downstream of Lead Generation44:59 – How to Qualify Leads for High-Ticket Offers48:31 – Why Young Creators Struggle: No Skills, No Direction50:25 – How to Choose a Profitable Niche in Underserved Markets52:58 – How to Build an Offer with Tangible Outcomes55:48 – Why Businesses Think About Money Differently Than Individuals57:34 – Productivity as a Vehicle, Not the Promise1:06:29 – The Freedom Formula: Your 100 Discretionary Hours1:08:36 – Assets, Passive Income, and the Path to Financial Freedom1:12:21 – Why a Lifestyle Business Beats the Startup Grind1:14:14 – If You Won the Lottery, What Would You Still Do?1:16:02 – The 12-Person Rule and Why “The Desert” Kills Companies1:19:47 – Why Ali Keeps Returning to a 12-Person Team1:20:48 – Why Ignoring Daniel Priestley Always Backfires1:22:12 – Qualifying Leads: Who Ali Rejects and Why1:23:41 – What Makes Someone “High-Ticket Ready”1:25:51 – How to Learn High-Income Skills Fast (Even with No Experience)1:26:46 – How a Hair Salon Niche Turned into a $10M+ Business1:29:58 – Why Picking the Right Client is Everything1:32:20 – Why You Don’t Need a Massive Audience to Make Money1:35:48 – Personal Brand Kickstart Breakdown1:46:12 – Post Pod Debrief (PPD)If you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartCheck out Artlist's Biggest Sale of the Year:https://artlist.io/artlist-70446/?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970What’s up, Rock Nation! It's been 4 years since we started the show, and today we wanted to revisit a few of a our favorite moments that have reshaped the way we think about creating a personal brand. Let us know which moment is your favorite in the comments!SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro0:21 - Seth Godin6:15 - Gary Vee11:19 - Chris Do14:11 - Artlist16:07 - Everything is Risky18:58 - Caleb Ralston28:06 - Oren John35:05 - Daniel Priestly43:09 - Erica Mallet50:07 - Sabri SubiIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Dan Churchill - professional chef, author, and entrepreneur whose mission is to change the world through food. He’s built a brand that goes far beyond social media by combining storytelling, discipline, and business acumen.In this episode, Dan breaks down how to turn a viral moment into a long-term brand that actually lasts. We talk about finding your North Star, building momentum, and why creators need to start thinking like business owners, not influencers. Dan also shares how he’s leveraged partnerships with brands like Apple and BPN, the mindset behind turning one-off deals into long-term relationships, and how he uses content as a vehicle for his purpose, not the product itself.If you want to learn how to build a brand that stands the test of time, make smarter business moves, and create content that connects deeper than just 60 seconds on TikTok, this episode is for you.Check out Dan here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@danchurchillcooks⁩  https://www.instagram.com/dan_churchill/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:12 – Falling in Love with Consistency over Virality3:24 – Defining Discipline as a Creator5:49 – Finding Your North Star and Staying Consistent9:04 – How Dan Defines His North Star in Content11:47 – Personal Brand Kickstart12:11 – Building Momentum After a Win16:59 – The Power of Alma and Momentum on TikTok23:13 – Biggest Mistakes Creators Make with Brand Deals27:26 – Tall Poppy Syndrome & Moving to America31:41 – Balancing Self-Promotion & Authenticity33:09 – Being Aspirational vs Relatable36:00 – Dan’s Daily Nutrition & Training Routine38:15 – High Rocks Training & Full-Day of Eating40:15 – Cooking vs Eating Out & Staying Disciplined42:41 – Marathon Stories & Gut Health Fails45:22 – Meal Prep Sunday & The Power of Preparation47:26 – Investing Back Into Your Content Production50:14 – Building Trust & Community Through YouTube53:27 – Lessons from Executive Tables & Advisory Roles55:47 – Turning One-Off Deals into Long-Term Partnerships59:32 – Biggest Mistakes in Early Brand Partnerships1:00:09 – When to Say No to a Brand Deal1:05:21 – Equity Deals and Choosing the Right Brands1:09:45 – Redefining Success on Social Media1:13:12 – Leveraging MasterChef without Being Defined by It1:15:52 – Behind the Scenes of Reality TV & Contracts1:16:57 – Navigating Post-Show Opportunities1:20:21 – Lessons from Nick Bare & BPN Athletics1:22:17 – How Dan Approaches Partnerships with Friends1:25:44 – Building Businesses with Friends the Right Way1:27:17 – Final Advice for Creators Building a Brand1:29:03 – Post Pod DebriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Brendan Kane - author, speaker, and founder of Hook Point, who’s helped brands like Taylor Swift and MTV generate billions of views through storytelling.In this episode, we dive into why storytelling is the #1 skill for creators in 2026, how to craft viral formats, and how to turn attention into income.If you’re a creator or founder looking to master storytelling and grow your brand, this one’s a must-listen.Want to go deeper on what Brendan shared today?Grab a FREE copy of his latest book and discover the proven system behind 60+ billion views 👇https://hookpoint.com/505Inside, you’ll learn:•⁠ ⁠How to engineer viral storytelling, not hope for it•⁠ ⁠The repeatable formula used to generate over 100 million followers•⁠ ⁠The psychological patterns that make people stop scrolling and start paying attentionConnect with Brendan:📱 instagram.com/brendankane🎥 youtube.com/brendankane🌐 hookpoint.comSUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:03 – Why Storytelling Beats Every Algorithm4:16 – How to Become a Better Storyteller on Social6:02 – Why Social Media Rules Don’t Actually Change8:53 – Finding the Right Content Format for You11:27 – Authenticity vs. Imitation: What Audiences Feel Instantly12:55 – Personal Brand Kickstart 13:19 – The Key Ingredients of a Great Story17:01 – How Tension Keeps Viewers Hooked17:46 – The 6 Communication Types That Shape Your Content22:12 – Why Most Brands Fail to Connect Emotionally26:20 – How to Script Content That Actually Performs30:02 – Best Performing Formats for Real Estate, Law & More31:42 – The General Principle: How to Go Broad Without Selling Out33:54 – Building Trust Before You Sell35:58 – Why Views Don’t Equal Sales37:53 – Turning Attention Into Income39:30 – Optimizing Your Backend Systems for Growth42:12 – Production Quality vs. Performance43:48 – Why You Should Study (Not Compare) Big Creators48:36 – Viral Content Comparison Challenge59:34 – Dissecting the “How Do You Know” Format1:00:17 – What Makes a Low-Production Video Go Viral1:01:06 – Why Simple Storytelling Still Wins1:02:55 – How to Build Emotional Hooks into Any Video1:05:53 – More Viral Content Comparison1:12:01 – Why the Video Performed Better1:15:06 – The Golden Triangle1:15:41 – Comparing 505 Instagram Reels1:19:04 – The Data Behind Great Hooks1:20:47 – You’re Not Shadowbanned — You’re Misreading the Metrics1:22:58 – Hook Point’s Process for Analyzing Formats1:23:59 – Why Some Hooks Don’t Convert1:26:11 – Telling Stories That Stick1:28:32 – Avoiding the Trap of Trend-Chasing1:29:43 – The Power of Pattern Recognition in Content1:31:39 – Storytelling ≠ Viral — It’s About Connection1:33:32 – How to Turn Insights into Actionable Strategy1:34:23 – What Makes a Great Hook1:37:36 – Applying Hook Point to Your Own Content1:39:33 – Final Takeaways with Brendan Kane1:42:10 – Post-Pod DebriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Adrian Per - Content creator, director, and storyteller who’s built one of the strongest personal brands in the creator space.In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to stand out online — how to turn your limitations into your unique style, build a brand that connects instead of copies, and stay authentic in a world full of trends.If you’re a creator looking to build a personal brand that actually lasts, this episode is your playbook.Check out Adrian here:https://www.instagram.com/omgadrian/https://www.content-college.com/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:12 – Why copycat creators fail to build true brands4:02 – What makes people actually stop scrolling8:16 – Creating for yourself vs. the audience9:31 – The problem with “viral hook” culture11:15 – Why not all views and followers are equal13:13 – How traditional brands can learn from creators15:29 – Personal Brand Kickstart15:54 – The 5 most important traits for creators in 202618:06 – How to use AI as a creative tool, not a crutch20:15 – The one thing AI will never replace23:43 – Turning your limitations into your superpower25:56 – Overcoming insecurities as a creator28:48 – The viral video that changed Adrian’s life30:50 – Why perfection kills relatability32:59 – Embracing imperfection & showing your real story34:48 – Playing it safe is actually risky39:11 – How Adrian feels about copycats45:48 – When your idea transcends you and shifts culture49:47 – The power of world-building in your content51:28 – What’s in Adrian’s Camera Bag56:09 – The truth about Sony, Canon, and camera preferences1:06:34 – How DJI is changing the game for solo creators1:09:26 – How Adrian removes friction from his workflow1:13:49 – Batch shooting content1:15:19 – Why every creator needs structure1:18:23 – How to protect your creative energy1:21:31 – Building longevity in the creator economy1:26:56 – Advice to creators who feel stuck1:28:19 – How to find your unique lane online1:31:29 – The one mindset shift that changed everything1:33:17 – Adrian’s philosophy on success & creativity1:36:07 – Final takeaways and reflections1:42:14 – Why your story is your greatest advantageIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Erica Mallett - brand strategist, creator, and former national radio host who helps people become a category of one using the science and psychology of icons.In this ep, Erica breaks down the psychology behind magnetic personal brands: why connection beats attention, why copying others kills your magnetism before it starts, and how to build a belief-based brand that people actually rally behind. We dive into the frameworks behind cult-like audiences - from The Enemy Effect and Cringe Mountain to why “different” will always beat “better.”If you want to stop blending in, find your voice, and create a brand that people believe in, this episode is your exact playbook for standing out online and building a community that truly connects.Check out Erica here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@ericamallett⁩  https://www.instagram.com/erica_mallett/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:05 - What makes a personal brand magnetic1:45 - Who is Erica Mallett?3:45 - Why clarity matters more than consistency5:48 - The three pillars of a magnetic brand7:14 - Why copying others kills your magnetism9:49 - The power of being polarizing online12:40 - How to create belief-based content14:29 - Personal Brand Kickstart14:53 - How to find your 3 core brand themes16:50 - Cringe Mountain: why feeling cringe means growth24:26 - The Enemy Effect: building cult-like audiences28:09 - Why shared opposition builds community30:07 - How Taylor Swift uses enemies to unite fans32:34 - Turning ideology into brand identity34:06 - Why connection beats attention36:25 - How to make people believe in your brand37:33 - Frameworks behind brand magnetism38:22 - Why storytelling creates emotional resonance40:13 - Why authenticity isn’t enough anymore42:08 - How to speak directly to your people43:51 - The biggest mistakes creators make with branding45:18 - How to build long-term loyalty with your audience47:57 - The difference between good content and good branding50:46 - How to say the same message a thousand ways52:38 - The power of repetition and recognizable ideas55:07 - Why your brand should feel like a movement57:31 - Building a category of one59:37 - How to stay consistent without losing creativity1:01:59 - The internal work behind a strong personal brand1:04:29 - How to find your unique perspective1:06:31 - Why over-polishing kills connection1:09:37 - How to find your authentic tone1:11:03 - The role of emotion in brand loyalty1:13:33 - Why perfection kills relatability1:15:33 - Different is better than better1:17:11 - Why your brand’s quirks are your superpower1:18:37 - The mindset shift to build a belief-based brand1:21:46 - Why most creators play too small1:25:55 - How to break through creative insecurity1:27:55 - Becoming the kind of brand people root for1:28:54 - Why conviction matters more than confidence1:31:24 - How to attract your dream audience1:34:10 - Building a timeless personal brand1:37:15 - The secret to creating an unshakable brand voice1:39:05 - Post Pod DebriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartGet 2 months free of Motion Array here:https://motionarray.com/?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970What’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re breaking down one of the biggest creator myths: that brand deals are the only way to make money. In this episode, we share the 7 income streams every creator should build, from digital products to cohorts and consulting, so you’re not relying on one-off sponsorships.We’ve made over $1M through our personal brands, and we’re showing you exactly how to do the same. Whether you’re a freelancer or creative business owner, this is your blueprint for turning your personal brand into a real business.SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro0:26 - Brand Deals13:12 - Digital Products15:08 - Motion Array 16:02 - Back to Digital Products24:37 - Cohorts32:22 - Ad Revenue38:10 - Affiliate Marketing44:23 - Consulting50:06 - Merchandise56:12 - Creator Pitfalls1:01:38 - Rock TalkIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Sabri Suby. He's a serial entrepreneur, Shark Tank investor, and founder of King Kong, the digital agency that’s generated over $7.8 billion in sales for clients.In this ep, Sabri breaks down the psychology behind brands people obsess over: why scarcity and friction actually make your product more desirable, why the first sale should start a relationship (not end it), and how premium positioning attracts better clients with less stress. We dive into cult-like brand building, the mistakes that keep most businesses broke, and how to craft offers so powerful that customers beg to pay you.If you want to stop selling like everyone else, learn the blueprint luxury brands use to command premium pricing, and build a brand that customers line up for, this episode is your exact playbook.Check out Sabri here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@SabriSubyOfficial⁩  https://www.instagram.com/sabrisuby/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Trailer1:15 - What Luxury Brands Know About Buyer Psychology2:18 - Lessons Small Businesses Can Steal from Rolex & Louis Vuitton5:54 - Designing a Premium Customer Experience8:39 - Why Showmanship Creates Loyalty10:37 - Learning from Luxury Hotels & Concierge Services12:20 - The Difference Between Cheap Clients and Premium Clients14:36 - Artlist15:28 - Do Waitlists Still Work in 2025?17:58 - Sales as Seduction & Playing Hard to Get19:37 - $2K Gyms and the Power of Environment22:24 - Information Asymmetry: How Luxury Brands Control the Sale24:43 - Why Higher Prices Need More Friction27:54 - Qualifying Buyers and Saying No to Clients30:59 - Personal Brand Kickstart31:23 - Why Your First Product Should Be Free33:20 - Building a Product Suite Around One Problem34:29 - Scaling Pains: Leadership and Fulfillment at 100+ Employees37:52 - How to Inject Vision and Energy into Your Team41:13 - Sell What They Want, Give What They Need45:14 - Funnels That Actually Work in 202549:00 - The Future of VSLs in an AI World51:18 - Sabri’s Content Flywheel Strategy53:56 - Paid Ads Metrics That Matter55:56 - Building a Customer Journey that Converts58:46 - Why Most Agencies Stay Small1:02:32 - The Moral Obligation to Sell if You’re the Best1:06:28 - Copywriting: It’s Not How You Say It, It’s What You Say1:08:19 - Why Scarcity and Friction Increase Desire1:11:20 - Selling the Dream vs. Selling the Work1:16:46 - How to Make Customers Beg to Buy1:20:56 - Shark Tank1:26:02 - The Economics of High-Ticket Offers1:29:40 - Sabri on Organic Content vs. Ads1:35:25 - Why Status Is the Ultimate Currency1:40:59 - Consulting for 5051:47:49 - Advice to Your 18-Year-Old SelfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Camille Adrian, one of the top personal brand strategists helping creators turn content into real income.In this ep, Millie breaks down her 3-phase system (Build, Scale, Profit), why action beats clarity, and how even micro-creators can land paid deals. We dive into the income streams that actually work, how to find your unique “recipe” for content, and why giving away free value is the fastest path to trust and sales.If you want to stand out, stop relying on brand deals, and build a $10K/month brand without burning out, this episode gives you the exact playbook.Check out Millie here:https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@MillieAdrian⁩  https://www.instagram.com/itsmodernmillie/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:03 – The First Step to Building a $10K Brand2:02 – Brand Collabs as Your Starting Point3:51 – The Many Ways Creators Monetize5:38 – The 3 Phases: Build, Scale, Profit7:17 – Action Creates Clarity (Not the Other Way Around)11:52 – How to Find Your Niche & Brand Clarity15:14 – Personal Brand Kickstart15:39 – Scaling Beyond Brand Partnerships17:13 – Why You Should Teach Generously (Free vs Paid)19:39 – The Thanksgiving Analogy for Digital Products22:17 – Discovering Your Unique Recipe for Content26:52 – The Power of Analytics (CTR, Titles & Thumbnails)30:01 – Packaging: Titles & Thumbnails Drive Growth31:37 – Avoiding Unnecessary Friction as a Creator34:40 – Why Going Back to a Job Isn’t Failure35:55 – Structure & Balance Between Job and Content38:35 – Investing in Yourself to Unlock Growth42:09 – Which Platform Should You Start On? (IG vs TikTok vs YouTube)47:21 – 3 Strategies to Grow (Niche, Audience, Identity)53:13 – How Millie Would Start From Scratch Today56:26 – Building Products Your Audience Actually Wants1:02:38 – Warming Up Your Audience Before a Launch1:07:34 – Balancing Business & Motherhood1:10:02 – Prepping 100+ Videos Before Maternity Leave1:12:43 – Why Breaks Don’t Ruin Your Growth1:14:54 – Normalizing Highs and Lows in Content Creation1:16:26 – Staying Consistent Through Ruts1:18:04 – How to Bounce Back After Burnout1:21:16 – Lessons From 6 Years as a Creator1:23:56 – Rapid-Fire Audience Q&A1:30:14 – Final Takeaways & Closing ThoughtsIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Kolin Jones - founder and CEO of Amalfi Jets, one of the fastest-growing private aviation companies in the world. While most of his competitors stuck to polished ads and Google keywords, Kolin flipped the script and turned TikTok into his main growth engine, racking up billions of views with provocative office skits, culture clips, and disruptive behind-the-scenes contentKolin breaks down how to engineer virality in one of the most conservative industries imaginable, why safe is actually risky, and how consistency and volume beat aesthetics every time. From declaring war on industry “dinosaurs” to turning impressions into real revenue, he shares the exact systems that scaled Amalfi Jets from startup to tens of millions.If you want to understand how to make any business go viral - even the ones that look boring on the surface - this episode is packed with lessons you can put into practice today.Check out Kolin here:https://www.instagram.com/thekolinjones/https://www.instagram.com/amalfijets/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 – Intro1:10 – The most overlooked strategy brands don’t do on social media2:01 – Not showing off the planes to go viral4:21 – Kolin’s provocative approach to social media5:27 – Declaring war on Dinosaurs7:29 – How to make an unsexy brand viral8:56 – Using tech & efficiency to scale Amalfi11:03 – People buy from people13:00 – The responsibility of flying private15:44 – Personal Brand Kickstart16:08 – Utilizing campaigns as a content strategy17:17 – Strategically targeting an affluent audience19:30 – Getting creative to generate success21:48 – Bringing employees into content24:02 – Building trust and brand equity with clients25:15 – The absurd lifestyle of flying private27:33 – Can virality be manufactured?28:45 – Social media is a volume game30:13 – Competing against legacy jet companies31:51 – Why organic content beats paid ads34:39 – Outworking and outposting competitors38:01 – Handling criticism from the industry39:35 – Turning views into qualified leads44:06 – Why more friction creates better customers45:46 – Data, attribution, and scaling systems47:49 – Organic content as the best marketing49:11 – Google, TikTok, and the future of search50:32 – Copywriting & SEO for brand equity53:31 – Competing against better-funded rivals54:54 – Landing your first customers as a new founder58:15 – Lessons for first-time entrepreneurs59:45 – Scaling from $3M to $15M in revenue1:02:44 – Using data to understand your customers1:05:29 – Customer experience as a competitive advantage1:08:01 – The power of branding and perception1:09:05 – Surviving the early days of Amalfi Jets1:10:22 – Sacrifices and risks of entrepreneurship1:12:04 – Kolin’s mindset when building Amalfi1:13:46 – Navigating rapid growth and challenges1:14:55 – Why speed beats perfection in business1:18:05 – Staying competitive in a cutthroat industry1:18:54 – The pressure of leading a team1:20:46 – Keeping consistency at scale1:22:20 – Why competitors can’t copy Amalfi1:23:17 – The importance of brand reputation1:25:06 – Leveraging content for long-term trust1:27:25 – Building resilience as an entrepreneur1:28:44 – Kolin’s advice for new founders1:30:43 – Advice to your 18-year-old self1:32:13 – Post pod debriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Chris Do - award-winning designer, educator, and founder of The Futur. He’s built one of the most recognizable personal brands in the creative world, reaching millions with lessons on business, creativity, and self-expression.Chris reveals why most creators feel invisible online, how to cut through A.I.-driven noise, and why value has to come before selling. From leaning into vulnerability to building the “bank of karmic equity” to experimenting with bold new formats, he shares the exact playbook for standing out.If you want to build a profitable personal brand before it’s too late, this episode is packed with practical, hard-earned lessons from one of the most respected voices in design and business.Check out Chris here:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@thefutur⁩  SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:16 - Why most people feel invisible online2:42 - Can the average creator still cut through the noise?3:46 - The danger of making content for the wrong reasons6:16 - Why storytelling and meaning matter in content8:25 - When Chris started leaning into vulnerability online11:22 - How to find your authentic voice as a creator14:18 - Our Personal Brand Playbook14:42 - Building confidence to show up on camera20:24 - Clubhouse lessons: learning to think in real time25:01 - Why value comes before selling29:24 - Impact-driven content and reciprocity35:38 - Entertainment vs. education in personal branding38:30 - Depositing into the “bank of karmic equity”42:25 - Why “the riches are in the reaches”44:08 - Testing new content formats vs. proven strategies47:11 - Why Chris started “man on the street” content49:39 - Chris’ favorite stand up comics50:55 - Why great artists always keep growing57:25 - The curse of pivoting into education too late59:33 - The problem with copying others’ content style1:04:47 - Advice for creators building a personal brand in 20251:08:19 - Chasing perfection vs. publishing consistently1:15:58 - The difference between visionaries and followers1:19:32 - How Chris structures his content strategy1:23:01 - How Chris monetizes through partnerships & equity1:27:48 - Chris’ thoughts on Alex Hormozi’s $100 million book launchIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
Collab with Artlist and get 2 extra months for free here:https://artlist.io/artlist-70446?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Heidi Somers - YouTuber, entrepreneur, and founder of Buffbunny Collection. Over the past nine years, she’s scaled her creator-led activewear brand into a movement that women around the world connect with.Heidi breaks down how storytelling became her unfair advantage - from early campaign videos that made women cry, to collections inspired by childhood nostalgia, to the inclusive sizing approach that fixed a broken industry standard. She shares why “pretty girl, pretty outfit” isn’t enough, and how Buffbunny built community by making every woman feel seen.We also dive into the blueprint any brand can use in 2025: Nail your storytelling, lean into influencer marketing, and create innovative products people can’t buy on Amazon. If you want to learn how to turn a vision into an empire, this episode is packed with lessons from one of the most successful women in fitness and fashion.Check out Heidi here:https://www.instagram.com/buffbunny/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@heidisomers⁩ SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsKostas' Lightroom Presetshttps://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE:https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKTimestamps:0:00 - Intro1:17 - Using storytelling to grow Buff Bunny2:37 - The campaign that changed everything5:03 - How Heidi decides which stories are worth sharing7:07 - Measuring campaign success8:26 - Breaking down a new campaign strategy10:56 - Being a year and a half ahead on drops12:47 - Pretty girl, pretty outfit, pretty photo doesn't work anymore13:23 - The new collection content playbook14:29 - Artlist15:29 - Pretty girl, pretty video, pretty outfit doesn’t work17:37 - Solving a problem in a saturated market21:06 - How Grounds (Heidi’s fitness app) came about23:04 - The gym can be very intimidating24:31 - There’s always something you can improve on in business25:58 - How Buff Bunny solved sizing issues for women’s athletic wear28:13 - Personal Brand Playbook28:37 - The cost of the perfect fit29:27 - The story Heidi wants to tell with Buff Bunny31:22 - Making clothing for every woman in every size32:51 - The biggest lessons learned in business35:05 - Asking Christian for advice37:14 - Heidi’s best piece for business owners40:35 - The 3 pillars needed to create a successful brand42:08 - Influencer marketing43:54 - Why TikTok is great45:02 - Don’t overcomplicate it46:09 - Buff Bunny ad strategy47:51 - Heidi’s content strategy49:46 - What Heidi has learned from her personal brand team51:23 - Evolving YouTube content53:25 - How to start creating content56:34 - The future of Heidi’s personal brand58:28 - Public speaking tips1:05:09 - Team Trips for team building1:07:33 - Finding boundaries with your content1:09:09 - Boundaries as an entrepreneur1:13:28 - Resilience1:18:10 - How Heidi and Christian started dating1:19:06 - The power in having a partner1:23:29 - Hiring and firing advice1:27:24 - Travel fitness tips1:31:17 - Launching Grounds with multiple trainers1:35:55 - Do it with shaky hands1:40:33 - Relationship advice for entrepreneurs1:44:16 - Advice to your 18 year old selfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on.DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!)Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Christian Guzman — fitness YouTuber, entrepreneur, and founder of Alphalete, Alphaland, and 3D Energy. His creator-led brands have generated over half a billion dollars in revenue.Christian shares how he went from sleeping on a futon in a failing gym to building Alphaland, and the hard lessons most people miss behind the $500M headlines - from chasing top-line revenue at the expense of profit, to nearly losing it all during Alphaland’s buildout, to why the right hires matter more than more hires.We also dive into what creators misunderstand about building a brand, why influencer marketing is fading, and why YouTube is still king. If you want the blueprint for scaling beyond content and turning vision into a business, this one’s for you.Check out Christian here:https://www.instagram.com/christianguzmanfitness/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@guzmanchristian⁩  https://www.instagram.com/alphalete/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips 6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKKG Presets Vol. 1https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsKostas’ Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:29 - What makes creator brands scale vs. flop2:22 - Separating from the brand4:47 - Revenue isn’t everything6:06 - Christian had no one to turn to for advice7:53 - Dealing with ego10:45 - Christian’s biggest lesson in business11:50 - The power of A player hires15:13 - Personal Brand Kickstart15:39 - The dangers of being a checklist CEO16:47 - Christian’s biggest hire to date18:55 - Why Christian doesn’t ask for advice21:29 - Alphalete’s infrastructure24:40 - Bringing a team inhouse26:37 - Getting people bought into your vision28:11 - You lose everything tomorrow, how do you build back up31:58 - Why YouTube will win33:48 - Why Christian started a completely new YouTube channel35:50 - The goal post is constantly moving38:46 - Influencer marketing is changing42:30 - Building a brand takes longer than you think44:47 - Christian’s biggest rick47:53 - Buying the Alphalete property during covid49:27 - How Adderall affected Christian51:43 - Customer Acquisition for Alphaland vs Alphalete54:52 - What people don’t understand about building a brand in 202556:45 - Content is the #1 most important needle mover58:39 - Christian’s YouTube strategy1:00:28 - How Alphalete’s first package shaped everything1:02:55 - How Christian handles messed up clothing1:04:50 - Being obsessed with the details1:05:30 - Alphalete’s first women drop1:08:01 - The decision to do women’s clothing1:09:18 - What happens when inventory sits in storage1:10:39 - Holding inventory costs money1:11:44 - Chasing Gym Shark1:13:35 - The drop style business model1:15:09 - When to bring back old styles1:16:39 - Separating Alphalete Women’s vs Men’s1:19:56 - Summer Shredding1:23:07 - The response to Summer Shredding from the Body Building community1:25:11 - How Summer Shredding has evolved1:25:53 - Getting 3D back1:27:31 - How to start an energy drink brand1:30:01 - Re-introducing 3D to the world1:30:34 - The pricing strategy of $2 per can1:32:43 - Pitching 3D1:34:45 - Christian’s time management1:38:28 - Christian’s new training style1:40:13 - Christian hypes you up1:43:57 - How to build strength1:45:48 - Christian’s in the best shape of his life1:46:41 - Running a marathon1:49:46 - Goals outside of fitness1:51:41 - Finding balance1:53:24 - Gaining clarity in your 30s1:56:22 - How to refuel from burnout1:57:50 - Advice to your 18 year old selfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
Say goodbye to payment terms with Hydrant Pay:  https://2ly.link/27h83Sign up for our LIVE Training this Sunday:https://the505podcast.courses/10steproadmapThe 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Maxx Chewning - fitness YouTuber, entrepreneur, and the founder of Sour Strips, one of the fastest-growing creator-led candy brands in the world.In this episode, Maxx breaks down how he turned $50,000 and a secret “Project XX” into a candy empire that sold out 20,000 units in under an hour. We dive into the psychology of building a brand people actually want, why he kept his face off the packaging, and how obsessing over tiny details - from resealable bags to flavor tweaks - set Sour Strips apart from the competition.Maxx also shares the reality of running a multimillion-dollar company without investors, why product-market fit matters more than follower count, and the behind-the-scenes risks that nearly broke the business (including changing the entire formula at scale). From influencer marketing hacks to lessons in cash flow, this episode is a raw playbook for turning passion into profit.If you’ve ever thought about launching a brand, building something bigger than content, or just want the inside scoop on how a YouTuber created a $100M candy company, this one’s for you.Check out Maxx here:https://www.instagram.com/maxxchewning/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@maxxchewning⁩  https://www.instagram.com/sourstrips/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips 6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKKG Presets Vol. 1https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsKostas’ Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:22 - Leveraging the initial $50,000 investment2:42 - Sour Strips Launch Strategy8:44 - Why Sour Strips was the fastest growing creator lead brand13:06 - No investors and making every decision13:51 - Hydrant Pay14:48 - No investors and making every decision19:22 - Dialing in the final candy24:17 - The biggest decision in Sour Strips History25:43 - Changing the original formula30:15 - Pushback from customers31:01 - Trusting your gut33:11 - Packaging details37:59 - The Viewing Window40:36 - Truly understanding your brand43:32 - Separating Maxx from Sour Strips Branding48:33 - The science behind buying candy52:33 - Why Sour Strips is more expensive56:22 - Covid was the best thing to happen for Sour Strips59:10 - Getting into Target1:04:15 - Using influencer marketing to blow up Sour Strips1:13:38 - Expanding outside of influencers1:14:40 - Managing cashflow with massive target orders1:26:48 - How Maxx paid himself while growing Sour Strips1:29:25 - Maxx was the only one who handled the finances1:31:46 - Hiring an inventory analyst1:32:44 - Maxx never thought about selling1:38:21 - Maxx’s next chapter1:44:03 - How the money has changed Maxx1:52:51 - Maxx’s investment strategy1:58:08 - Maxx never got caught up in blowing cash2:01:47 - How Maxx wants to raise his kids2:07:05 - Advice to your 18 year old selfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
Get 2 months free of Motion Array here:https://motionarray.com/?artlist_aid=the505podcast_2970&utm_source=affiliate_p&utm_medium=the505podcast_2970&utm_campaign=the505podcast_2970Sign up for our LIVE Training this Sunday:https://the505podcast.courses/10steproadmapThe 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Seth Godin - Bestselling author, marketing legend, and the mind behind 21 straight bestsellers that have shaped how the world thinks about business, branding, and connection.In this episode, Seth breaks down why attention without trust is worthless, why your audience size doesn’t matter as much as the right audience, and the real definition of marketing (hint: it’s not hustle or hype). We dive into finding your “smallest viable audience,” building stories people want to spread, and why being remarkable isn’t about gimmicks - it’s about meaning.Seth also shares the mindset shift that saved his career, how to stand out without selling out, and why consistency beats authenticity when it comes to building a personal brand. From the psychology behind buying decisions to the tension that makes people take action, this episode is a masterclass in creating work that matters.If you’re ready to stop chasing clicks and start building something worth talking about, this one’s for you.Check out Seth here:https://www.instagram.com/sethgodin/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips 6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKKG Presets Vol. 1https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsKostas’ Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro0:59 - What makes people buy vs not1:43 - Views vs influence2:51 - Remarkable isn’t a gimmick4:08 - Advertising vs. Marketing5:31 - Marketing hasn’t changed7:39 - You have to admit you’re not that good10:44 - The power of speaking to our customers12:17 - People are distracted by false proxies15:55 - Motion Array16:50 - Find 10 people that trust you18:27 - Getting kicked out of the publishing industry21:26 - Why Seth wrote The Purple Cow24:15 - Marketing a Personal Brand vs. Tradition Brand27:25 - Live Training28:07 - Why tension is so important29:47 - The smallest viable audience31:08 - Navigating Dupes on Amazon33:48 - What it takes to create a Purple Cow business36:24 - How to implement a marketing strategy38:18 - Learn to play the right game40:14 - Authenticity is bullshit46:28 - Post Pod DebriefIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation, today we're talking about A.I. - it's reshaping the entire creator economy, and most creators aren’t ready... Content is being pumped out at scale, algorithms are shifting daily, and brands are starting to care more about results than who actually made the content.In this episode, we break down why the old way of growing on social media is no longer enough and what you can do to survive the coming wave. From content overload to the rise of A.I. influencers, we cover the biggest shifts happening right now, and how they’ll impact creators, freelancers, and creative businesses.But it’s not all doom and gloom. We’re sharing the 10-step Creator Survival Plan to help you stand out, build a brand that lasts, and use A.I. as your copilot, not your replacement. Whether you're a creator or creative business owner, this episode is your playbook for staying relevant in a world that's changing fast. Let’s get into it.SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsCheck out Kostas' Lightroom Presets here:https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsgreeceCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips 6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallKostas’ Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro0:35 - One Handed Crack1:25 - We’re worried about A.I. as creators3:42 - The bad news6:01 - A.I. will understand humans better than humans6:52 - Content Overload10:13 - A.I. is good enough11:20 - You Can’t Tell What’s Real Anymore13:48 - Why people will prefer a.i. content15:28 - Brands Don’t Care Who Made It — Just That It Works17:09 - How production companies will have to evolve18:30 - The government’s role19:53 - The travel influencer20:24 - A.I. is improving exponentially21:20 - Job’s will be lost25:32 - Algorithms Are Shifting — and Turning On Creators27:31 - If You’re Not Using A.I., You’re Already Behind29:23 - Why Most Creators Will Get Obliterated30:31 - The Creator Survival Plan (10 tips)32:15 - Use A.I. as your copilot33:35 - Build a home, not just a feed36:28 - Create what A.I. can’t steal40:38 - Be a Brand, Not Just a Creator41:25 - Remove friction where you can42:37 - Document Over Produce44:39 - Use Brand as a Filter46:03 - AI Can’t Replicate Community47:56 - YouTube has the biggest barrier to entry. Lean in51:24 - Kostas went to Greece for his 30th birthday54:37 - We both moved out of 50555:36 - We’re going to Houston to podcast59:58 - Podcasting with Gary vee1:02:11 - 505 growth1:03:53 - Don’t wait for things to be perfect to startIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Matthew Encinas - Creative director, educator, and the creative force behind content that actually drives connection (not just clicks).In this episode, Matthew breaks down why most creatives are about to get replaced by AI - and what you can actually do to stay ahead. We dive into how to build a personal brand that can’t be automated, the storytelling tactics that cut through the noise, and the underrated power of creative substance in a world obsessed with speed.He also shares why he left The Futur to launch his own studio, the mindset shift that helped him evolve past burnout, and the real reason most creators are stuck spinning their wheels.If you’re ready to evolve as a creator, build a brand with purpose, and stay relevant in the AI era, this episode is for you.Check out Matthew here:https://www.instagram.com/matthewencina/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@MatthewEncina⁩  SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips 6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKKG Presets Vol. 1https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsKostas’ Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:12 - Matthew’s take on A.I. content3:11 - Having a bias against A.I.4:37 - You can’t automate substance7:10 - What the next 6-12 months look like9:00 - Consuming vs. Creating10:37 - Seeking out Inspo12:25 - The two tiers of inspo13:58 - Where substance comes from16:42 - What A.I. can never replace17:42 - The importance of doing hard things19:36 - How to stand out on social media20:47 - How to train your brain to do hard things22:54 - Matthew loves to break dance25:28 - Taking inspiration from break dancing into design26:50 - The importance of experiencing real life28:43 - Design vs. Video process31:16 - Woodworking35:03 - The art of being curious36:36 - How to build confidence as a creative41:50 - When opportunities stop presenting themselves45:15 - The process of getting better47:17 - Ending his first creative business55:09 - Matthew’s entire creative process1:01:38 - Biggest takeaways from Chris Do1:04:22 - The beauty of teaching creativity1:06:11 - A masterclass in design1:08:58 - Become a great leader1:11:58 - What goes into making a keyboard1:16:34 - Partnering with Grovemade1:17:42 - How to find the whitespace as a brand1:22:47 - Why risk a rebrand?1:25:18 - The Double Diamond Framework1:28:20 - Developing thick skin as a designer1:32:15 - Constructive Criticism1:35:35 - Most people are kind1:36:39 - Step ya bread up1:38:48 - The business behind physical products1:40:13 - Testing prototypes1:42:37 - How to reverse engineer your ideal customer1:45:00 - Creating for yourself1:50:11 - Matthew’s favorite physical products to create1:59:10 - A job you don’t have to retire from2:00:47 - Advice to your 18 year old selfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we’re joined by Sam Newton - filmmaker, creator, and the king of community. In this episode, Sam shares how he grew 120,000 followers off just four Instagram posts, and why going viral means nothing if no one sticks around.We dive into why showing up as yourself is the real growth hack, how to create depth with your audience, and the storytelling strategy behind his most viral content. Sam also breaks down how to use short-form to funnel into long-form, the difference between reach and resonance, and why creators need to stop chasing views and start chasing connection.If you’re tired of surface-level growth and want to build a brand that actually lasts, this episode is your roadmap.Check out Sam here here:https://www.instagram.com/samnewton/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@SamNewton⁩  Check out Sam's LUTS here:https://gamut.io/product/immersion/?gamut=samnewtonSUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips 6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKKG Presets Vol. 1https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsKostas’ Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:10 - Gaining 120,000 followers with 4 posts5:20 - Call to action6:43 - How to win on YouTube9:26 - Learn to communicate your story10:02 - How to be better on camera11:31 - What makes a content stand out14:20 - Personal Brand Kickstart14:34 - Long form vs short form strategy17:01 - Earning a break as a creator19:49 - Travel Filmmaking22:44 - Community Building28:43 - Creating is a solo sport30:03 - Sam Newton filmfest33:01 - Don’t try and speak to 1,000 people35:47 - How girls consume content37:16 - People consume alone38:38 - Start where you are40:24 - Gaming talk44:04 - Should you niche down?46:50 - What to do when views are low48:50 - How to make a travel film52:14 - Making something out of nothing56:13 - How to get in the zone58:57 - How to decide which idea is worth making1:04:08 - Gratitude is key1:05:35 - What sam’s learned this year about himself1:08:27 - Environment matters1:10:58 - Sam’s 10 year plan1:15:26 - When Sam gave up client workIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWin $100k from Artlist here:https://artlist.io/lp/100kfund/?utm_source=al_social&utm_medium=ugc&utm_term=100K&utm_content=100K&utm_campaign=100KWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we sit down with Oren John, the internet’s creative director. In this episode, Oren breaks down why most branded content flops and how to fix it. He unpacks the secret to building a world around your brand, the one framework every creator needs before scaling, and why playing it safe online is the fastest way to stay invisible.We dive into value vs. entertainment content, how to stand out in a feed full of noise, and the metrics Oren actually tracks when building a personal brand. He also shares his take on content “moats,” why he welcomes flops, and how to position yourself for both influence and income.If you're tired of copying trends and want to build something original that actually resonates, this episode is your blueprint.Check out Oren here here:https://www.instagram.com/orenmeetsworld/https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@orenmeetsworld⁩  SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips 6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE: https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKKG Presets Vol. 1https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsKostas’ Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps: 0:00 - Intro1:10 - Brand Storytelling in 20252:31 - TV series content4:01 - Creative vs Content Quality5:39 - brands crushing in 20257:08 - World Building11:17 - Tarte Cosmetic brand trips12:54 - $100k Artlist Giveaway13:46 - Value vs Entertainment creators16:17 - Embracing the flop17:53 - Formats that win on social19:25 - Do carousels still work?21:01 - Why video wins23:15 - Merging value and entertainment24:07 - How to go from value to entertainment content25:18 - Building in public26:37 - What brands miss the mark on28:11 - Cannes Festival29:13 - LinkedIn30:29 - Creating content while working a 9-532:03 - Oren’s first brand deal32:48 - You just gotta be hotter34:04 - Fitness talk35:36 - Dialing in positioning39:45 - How to crush facebook ads41:17 - Creative Volume42:34 - The photoshoot playbook45:34 - The Laker’s content playbook46:59 - Why Oren uses Notion48:46 - Don’t copy the biggest brands if you want to win50:02 - How to build real community51:50 - How to crush live events52:55 - Your environment matters56:21 - Cost to content57:29 - Hiring58:43 - Oren’s YouTube strategy1:02:36 - People still underestimate the creator economy1:05:01 - The TikTok Shop playbook1:05:42 - A.I. ads1:07:50 - Cultivating an audience that wants to buy1:10:35 - Breaking down the 505 brand1:20:10 - A.I. software that Oren uses1:21:49 - Quality vs. Quantity1:22:30 - How Luxury brands can win on social1:23:22 - Oren’s clothing brand1:26:31 - What Oren’s learned from making his own products1:29:28 - How men vs. women shop1:31:36 - Men’s bags1:34:12 - The next 6-12 months1:35:06 - Advice to your 18 year old selfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on. DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!) Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/ TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/ Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
The 10 Minute Personal Brand Kickstart (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/personalbrandkickstartWhat’s up, Rock Nation! Today we sit down with Mike Lazerow, the founder of Buddy Media, a billion-dollar startup he sold to Salesforce, and the author of Shoveling Sht: A Love Story, one of the realest takes on entrepreneurship you’ll ever read.In this episode, Mike unpacks the hidden cost of success - from nearly dying after scaling too fast, to rebuilding his identity after stepping away from a company worth hundreds of millions. We go deep on why founders burn out, how to avoid it, and the mindset shift that saved his life.We also talk about selling to Salesforce, the early days of Facebook and Instagram, building with Gary Vee, investing in Liquid Death, and his 6-part Go Gauge framework for picking winning startups.If you’re building something big, or thinking about it, this conversation is your warning and your roadmap.Check out Mike here here:https://www.instagram.com/kassandmike/https://www.youtube.com/@UCgLzz0yep6lUaE5i62zMXTwhttps://shovelingshit.com/SUSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER: https://the505podcast.ac-page.com/rock-reportThe Creator Pricing Guide - The No BS Guide to Pricing Your Creative ServicesCoupon Code: ROCKNATION10 gets you $10 off at checkout for the bouldershttps://courses.the505podcast.com/pricing-guideJoin our Discord! https://discord.gg/xgEAzkqAvsMore Free Products:Our 5 Positioning Tips to Land Bigger Clients (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/5positioningtips6 Questions to ask on Every Sales Call (FREE): https://the505podcast.courses/6questionsfordiscoverycallCOP THE BFIGGY "ESSENTIALS" SFX PACK HERE:https://courses.the505podcast.com/BFIGGYSFXPACKKG Presets Vol. 1https://www.kostasgarcia.com/store-1/p/kglightroompresetsKostas’ Amazon Storefront:https://amzn.to/3GhId2515% OFF Prism Lens FX with code: KOSTAS15https://bit.ly/42sNdejTimestamps:0:00 - Intro1:21 - The cost of building a $745 million company4:24 - prioritizing health6:58 - Mike’s biggest tradeoffs7:30 - Mike’s relationship with his father9:41 - Getting out of your own way12:46 - The most important trait of a good leader13:26 - How to fire someone17:23 - The fuel that drove Mike early on21:06 - Early days of facebook23:36 - The common trait of ultra successful entrepreneurs27:42 - The process of making a book30:45 - Shoveling sh*t in Central Park33:00 - The biggest life lesson from Marc Benioff37:46 - Processing selling Buddy Media for $745 million40:02 - The challenges of working with your wife41:50 - Venture Capital is broken42:36 - Why pizzeria are great business44:59 - You can’t fire your own kids46:36 - Go Gauge - 6 steps to determine if Mike invests49:31 - Not investing in Uber52:27 - Everyone is born an entrepreneur53:31 - Investing in Liquid Death57:06 - Pivoting the revenue model 4 times for Buddy Media59:44 - Not every business can become a $100 million business1:01:07 - Pizza business roleplay1:03:16 - People don’t know how to market1:04:36 - What founders get wrong with scaling1:08:00 - Going all in on social media1:11:17 - How Kass and Mike push each other1:12:17 - Finding the right business partner1:14:08 - What makes Kass (Mike’s wife) an amazing entrepreneur1:18:32 - Tips for becoming a better manager1:20:10 - Hiring A Players1:22:16 - How to keep employees motivated1:24:46 - How to divide equity of a business1:27:04 - Meeting and working with Gary Vee1:30:12 - Mike was college roommates with Seth Myers1:34:04 - Reminiscing on the journey1:37:36 - Advice to 18 year old selfIf you liked this episode please send it to a friend and take a screenshot for your story! And as always, we'd love to hear from you guys on what you'd like to hear us talk about or potential guests we should have on.DM US ON IG: (Our DM's are always open!)Bfiggy: https://www.instagram.com/bfiggy/Kostas: https://www.instagram.com/kostasg95/TikTok:Bfiggy: https://www.tiktok.com/bfiggy/Kostas: https://www.tiktok.com/kostasgarcia/
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