The 1% with Deepak Sharma

Deep sits down with Madeleine Raiford, short-term rental coach and business strategist, for a conversation that might completely change how you think about leverage, systems, and freedom.Madeleine runs a 7-figure short-term rental business with 20+ Airbnb “doors”… in less than an hour a week. How? She breaks down the exact mindset and operating system behind it: documenting every task, building SOPs as you go, using tools like Loom, delegating fast, and designing your life around what actually lights you up. Her rule is simple: if it lives in your head, it’s not scalable.This episode goes deep into what it really takes to go from six figures to seven. Not just tactics, but identity. Madeleine shares how hiring a “money boss” changed everything, why outsourcing requires self-honesty, and how founders get stuck in hustle mode because their nervous system is addicted to having their back against the wall. They also talk about the hidden guilt that comes with buying back time, the friendships you outgrow, and why building systems is the least sexy thing… until it becomes the most freeing.They also unpack short-term rentals like you’re in fifth grade: how to pick markets, why the industry is professionalizing, what separates “hobby hosts” from real operators, and the three ways to get started (including options that don’t require owning property). Deep shares his own Airbnb story, the HOA shutdown that ended his first run, and why he’s now committed to building assets beyond a service business.The episode closes with a powerful reflection on balance, motherhood, legacy, and the question that re-centers everything: how do you want to be remembered by your kids?🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with Deep: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag Deep on IG: @deepaksharma.coPowered by Put Out Content: https://join.putoutcontent.com/tslThanks for tuning in. And remember, you’re now 1% better.

Deep sits down with Trevor Hague, brand builder and founder of TBD Ventures, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale modern CPG brands, and why discipline is the foundation for everything.They start with the morning routine that’s non negotiable for Trevor (wake up early, gratitude, move the body), and why doing the hardest thing first changes the rest of your day as an entrepreneur and as a father. From there, Trevor opens up about his years in the alcohol industry, the lifestyle that came with it, and the moment he realized it was costing him his health, his energy, and the way he wanted to show up at home. He breaks down the identity shift required to get sober, why the first week is the hardest, and the unexpected benefits that compound over time: clarity, focus, energy, and getting your mornings back.Then they go deep on the business side: how Trevor helps founders raise capital, build distribution, and earn real velocity in the nonalcoholic and better for you space. They talk culture capital, why most CPG brands fail early, how consumer psychology around nonalc is changing (including “pacers” and “zebra striping”), and what separates the brands that exit big from the ones that never break through. 🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with Deep: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag Deep on IG: @deepaksharma.coThis podcast is powered by Put Out Content: https://join.putoutcontent.com/tslThanks for tuning in. And remember, you’re now 1% better.

Deep sits down with Fred Talisman, a relationship coach with 50+ years of experience, to break down why so many couples stay stuck in the same fights for years, and how he’s helped thousands of people get out of crisis fast and rebuild something that actually lasts.Fred shares the core philosophy behind his work: stop obsessing over “why” things happen and focus on “how” they happen, because skills create change, not insight. He explains why “talk it out when you’re upset” is one of the most damaging myths in modern relationships, and why the real rule is simple but hard: only communicate when you’re both in positive emotion.They get into practical tools you can use immediately, including:• “Choice points” and how to speak with honesty that has a positive intention.• The pattern interruption that works in any situation (yes, even mid fight) and why it matters.• Fred’s “train of thought writing” method (not journaling) to release negative emotion in minutes.• Why date nights should never be used to dump unresolved issues, and what to do instead.• The four boundaries that drastically reduce the risk of infidelity.• How one person can shift the entire relationship, even if their partner refuses therapy.Fred also shares powerful stories and ideas that stuck with Deep, from the “avatar effect” of catching your partner doing things right, to the Gandhi principle of living what you teach, to why divorce often leaves kids without a real sense of “home.”Thanks for tuning in. And remember, you can get 1% better every day.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with Deep: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag Deep on IG: @deepaksharma.coThis podcast is powered by Put Out Content. Curious what they do? Learn more here: https://join.putoutcontent.com/tsl

Deep sits down with Jay Roberts, real estate developer and CEO of The Prosper Group, to break down how he went from Wall Street to building a $2.8B+ real estate development pipeline with over 1,300 luxury residences in progress.This conversation explores how elite operators actually think and execute at scale. Jay shares the habits he lives by, why “money loves speed,” and how he evaluates opportunities before the rest of the market even realizes they exist.They get into the real mechanics of real estate development for beginners, with Jay explaining the process “like you’re in fifth grade.” From underwriting deals and picking the right markets to understanding supply and demand, capital stacks, and knowing when a deal is truly a “hell yes.”Deep and Jay also dive into the less obvious edge most people ignore: health, energy, and identity as performance tools. Jay breaks down how visualization, affirmations, and daily systems help him operate under pressure, protect his time, and play the long game. He also explains why the first hire he recommends for any entrepreneur is a personal assistant to buy back time and focus on what actually moves the needle.They wrap with a powerful reflection on fatherhood, discipline, and legacy, and how priorities shift when you stop chasing distractions and start building a life you don’t need to escape from.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThis podcast is powered by Put Out Content. Thanks for tuning in. And remember, you can be 1% better every day.

Deep sits down with Jon Slavet, entrepreneur, father of five, and candidate for Governor of California, for a conversation that moves fast between family, business, and the future of the most influential state in America. Jon shares what pushed him from building companies and growing his podcast into stepping into the political arena, why he believes California needs a reset after decades of one-party rule, and how his wife helped coach him into making a decision he never expected to make.They get into the reality Deep felt visiting Los Angeles for the first time, the scale of homelessness across California, and why Jon calls it a “homeless industrial complex.” Jon breaks down what he believes is actually driving the crisis, why the current incentives don’t work, and the alternative solutions he supports, including rapid tiny-home communities and a new metric focused on reducing “nights on the street” instead of decade-long housing timelines.Deep and Jon also talk leadership under pressure, navigating crisis without making emotional decisions, and what it takes to build teams that can operate through live-fire situations. Jon shares practical frameworks for execution like OKRs, accountability dashboards, and why customer and citizen feedback loops should be ongoing, not just during election season.They wrap on the meaning of the California Dream, the balance of love and discipline in parenting, legacy, and the daily practices Jon uses to stay grounded while running companies and campaigning, from journaling and meditation to protecting time with real intention.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just remember:It’s Not That Deep.

After almost 7 years and 115 episodes, I have to shut down "It's Not That Deep"... here's why

Deep sits down with Visionary Noir, a magician whose work regularly leaves rooms in complete disbelief, from intimate street moments to a six-hour warehouse party for Kanye West using nothing but a single deck of cards. But this conversation goes far beyond tricks. Noir breaks down how magic is really about storytelling, presence, and understanding human attention, and why the need to “know how it’s done” says more about the audience than the performer.They explore how intuition plays a role in both magic and sales, the parallels between reading a room and closing a deal, and why mastering fundamentals beats relying on tools or gimmicks. Noir shares how years of solitude, discipline, and self-teaching shaped his unique style, why he avoids copying other magicians, and how staying intentionally unseen has become part of his edge.Deep and Noir also get into energy, isolation, and intentional living. They talk vocal fasting, physical fasting, protecting creative bandwidth, and what it really means to sit in the creator seat instead of reacting to the world. The conversation touches on spirituality, attention as currency, and why most people give their energy away without realizing the cost.They close with a live card moment that completely floors Deep and perfectly captures why some experiences are meant to be felt, not explained.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

Deep sits down with Alex Lotier, founder of Culture Media, the media company behind some of the biggest sneaker and sports content on the internet, with over five million followers across platforms. Alex breaks down the wild moment that changed everything, the viral video that hit 500 million views across 30 days, and how that single swing reshaped the entire business from a sneaker resale brand into a full media company working with names like eBay, StockX, Crypto.com, PrizePicks, and more.They get into the real story behind the hustle, from selling shoes out of a Jeep, late-night meetups, and “back against the wall” seasons, to the day Alex walked into his warehouse and realized $78,000 of inventory had been stolen. Alex shares what that moment forced him to learn about risk, leadership, faith, and why he refuses to burn bridges even when it would be the easy clickbait move.Deep and Alex also go deep on what it takes to scale in the creator economy, why operators matter more than most founders realize, and how building systems and teams is the difference between a brand that stays small and one that turns into an empire. They talk audience data, shifting from 90% male to a more balanced demographic, the strategy behind Culture’s college tour that generated hundreds of millions of impressions, and why volume and speed still win when the content is real.They wrap on ambition, debt, pressure, and why “buying another day” is the real founder skill, plus Alex’s vision for 2026, including new education and mentorship programs for the next generation of hungry creators and builders.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

Deep sits down with Josh Fear, a serial entrepreneur and the co-founder of Moves Method, a mobility and injury prevention company helping over 150,000 people worldwide. Josh breaks down how they cut through one of the most saturated industries on the planet by targeting a specific pain point, building real systems, and raising the standard of what “results” actually means. He also shares his long-term vision to build a household name in mobility, expand into tech and partnerships, and ultimately build something with real enterprise value.They talk about the brutal truth behind growth: why sales is a transfer of energy, how your belief leaks through your communication, and why most founders get stuck around the 50K to 100K/month mark even when the offer is good. Josh explains the tactical phase of business, what to prioritize when everything feels urgent, and how to create an environment that makes it harder to fail, from simplifying decisions to optimizing your daily routine so your energy stays focused on revenue-generating work.Deep and Josh also get into culture and leadership at scale: how to reverse engineer your company values, hire for speed and accountability, and stop being the bottleneck by learning how to standardize what you do so other people can execute it. Josh shares the mindset shift that helped him delegate, build a stronger team than himself, and push toward a bigger mission, because “all the growth you ever wanted is inside the unsexy work you do not want to do.” If you are building an agency, scaling a service business, or trying to become the kind of founder who can hold bigger numbers without falling apart, this episode will hit.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

Deep sits down with Gill Valerio, a serial entrepreneur who sold his agency for multiple seven figures and now helps other agency owners build something that can actually scale, and eventually exit. But this conversation goes way deeper than tactics. Gill breaks down the real journey behind the “3.5 years” headline, including a decade of failure, the mindset required to keep going when it makes zero logical sense, and what it really takes to raise your standards as a founder.They talk about discipline over motivation, why your income can only rise to the level of your personal development, and how habits carry you through the moments that would normally break most people. Gill shares the story behind building Limitless, why he believes in in-person rooms and real relationships, and how credibility is earned when you stop trying to look successful and start doing the hard work consistently.Deep and Gill also get into the hidden tradeoffs of ambition, the cost of greatness, how to think about time and priorities when you are “spinning a million plates,” and why betting on yourself is still the best ROI even after you get burned a few times. If you are building an agency, scaling a service business, or trying to become the kind of person who can actually hold the life you say you want, this episode will hit.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just remember:It’s Not That Deep.

Deep sits down with Michael Morelli, founder of FitScript, for one of the most raw and honest conversations on the show. From addiction and identity to fatherhood, discipline, and health, this episode explores what happens when a man is forced to completely rebuild his life from the inside out.Michael shares parts of his story that rarely get discussed publicly, including the moment everything collapsed and the decision that changed the trajectory of his life. The conversation moves through sobriety, masculinity, personal responsibility, and the unseen costs of modern habits that keep people stuck, tired, and disconnected from their potential.Deep and Michael also dive into health optimization, alcohol culture, stress, sleep, testosterone, and why most people never actually fix the root of their problems. They explore how environment shapes identity, why saying no is a skill most people never develop, and what it really takes to raise your standards without burning your life down.This episode isn’t about quick fixes or motivation. It’s about hard truths, uncomfortable questions, and the kind of self-honesty that actually creates change.If you’re someone who feels like there’s more in you but doesn’t know what needs to change first, this conversation will hit.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

Deep sits down with Jake and Ax, the founders of The Nucleus Network, a private warm-introduction community that has transformed how founders and investors build relationships. What started as two friends connecting people has evolved into a network responsible for more than 7,000 warm introductions, over 50 million dollars in deal value generated through connections, and more than 43 million dollars invested into 16 companies in under ten months.In this conversation, Jake and Ax break down what makes great networking actually work. They explain how their double opt-in method creates trust, why the best business relationships begin with genuine human connection, and how the incentive structure behind introductions shapes the outcomes. They also share the story behind building Nucleus from scratch, their criteria for vetting members, and how their ventures, advisory arm, and events ecosystem all compound into long-term value for founders, operators, and investors.Deep and the guys also explore the mindset behind saying no, managing opportunity as you grow, and why in-person meetings still outperform every digital alternative. You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories from early experiments, their philosophy on warm introductions as a business model, how they evaluate top 1 percent founders, and why connection is becoming one of the most irreplaceable currencies in the age of AI.This episode is a masterclass in relationship building, community design, and playing the long game with people. If you’re an entrepreneur, investor, operator, or someone who wants to build a powerful network the right way, you’ll take a lot from this conversation.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

In this week’s episode, Deepak sits down with Qazi, better known online as Rafeh Qazi: a programmer, YouTuber with over 1.3M subscribers, and the co-founder of Poppy AI, one of the fastest-growing AI tools in the creator economy.Before building a company valued in the tens of millions, Qazi spent years struggling to find product-market fit, burning cash, and trying to solve his own problems as a content creator. In this conversation, he opens up about the journey from making $553 in a month to crossing $500K per month through affiliates, obsession, and relentless experimentation.Deep and Qazi talk about the origin story of Poppy AI, the moment one TikTok changed everything, the role of founder-market fit, why incomplete teams are better than mediocre hires, and how to build a billion-dollar company from the ground up. They also dive into what makes a great founding partnership, how to navigate conflict, and why trust and long-term thinking matter more than any short-term win.This episode goes deep into entrepreneurship, team building, sales, scaling software, creator psychology, and the emotional chaos behind building a rocket ship in real time. Whether you’re a founder, creator, operator, or someone obsessed with building cool things, this one will hit home.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just remember: It’s Not That Deep.

This week on It’s Not That Deep, I sit down with Elan Bibas – ultra-marathon runner, former Love Island contestant, and a relentless advocate for mental health.We explore what drives someone to run 100 kilometers through pain, silence, and solitude – and how those same miles became a pathway to healing. Elan opens up about a moment in his life when everything familiar fell apart: the end of a long-term relationship, the loss of academic structure, and a career path that left him questioning his identity.Through that breakdown, he rebuilt himself by experimenting with life – trying new things, chasing curiosity, and most importantly, reconnecting with his deeper purpose. Today, his mission is clear: help others navigate mental health through radical honesty, resilience, and movement.We talk identity, emotional resets, over-identifying with titles, and the inner work it takes to stay aligned with who you really are – especially when your reality changes faster than you can process it.If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure of who you’re becoming, this episode is for you.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

This week, I sit down with Lucy Nelles, founder of Coffee & Chill, and the creative force behind one of the fastest-growing sober movements in Miami and LA.From packed Sunday morning events with over a thousand attendees to deep conversations about faith, identity, and presence, Lucy has built a global community around healing, connection, and purpose — all without a single drop of alcohol.In this episode, we dive into the story behind Coffee & Chill, what it really means to lead from intuition, and how Lucy went from a career in nightlife to becoming a guide for the new wave of wellness and authentic community.We talk about masculine and feminine energy, surrender vs control, the loneliness epidemic, dating, heartbreak, and what it takes to hold a vision bigger than yourself — even when no one else gets it yet. If you’re building something from your soul, this one will hit deep.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

Amr Alian is a rare breed. A creative entrepreneur, mentor, and philosopher of the modern age. In this episode of It’s Not That Deep, we explore the lessons that shaped him as the founder of multiple businesses, a man of many cities, and a believer in taking bold action with faith.We talk about what it means to truly listen to yourself, to others, and to the world around you. Amr shares the story of growing up in a conservative Egyptian family, navigating identity and expectations, and finding his voice through creativity, entrepreneurship, and stillness.From starting his first brand in his early 20s, to facing bankruptcy, to rediscovering his calling through community and spirituality, this conversation is a masterclass in perspective. We unpack masculine energy, faith, intuition, and the internal vs. external metrics of success.This episode is an invitation to slow down, question your programming, and lead a life that feels aligned — not just impressive. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but something still feels off, this one’s for you.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

This week I sit down with Brandon Epstein, performance coach to elite entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes. After helping build multiple eight-figure ventures, Brandon realized that true success isn’t about just optimizing your business, it’s about mastering your mind.Today's episode features an elite mental performance coach discussing how to improve your mindset. We explore techniques to cultivate self belief and the importance of sports psychology in achieving peak performance. Learn practical strategies for self improvement and discover the motivation to excel, guided by a seasoned mental game coach.We dive into:How to stop letting external chaos dictate your internal stateWhy most entrepreneurs burn out and how to break the patternTools for emotional regulation, embodiment, and nervous system resetThe intersection of masculine power and loving leadershipWhat it really means to lead with peace and presence without losing your edgeIf you’re someone who’s built the business, the brand, the life, but still feels like something’s off… this one’s for you.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just remember:It’s Not That Deep.

What if you treated your life with the same systems, KPIs, and standards as your business?This week I sit down with Mina Elias, a no-nonsense operator and serial entrepreneur who has built multiple 7 and 8-figure companies while optimizing every area of his life—from sleep and social life to SOPs and supplements.We talk about the real cost of not having structure, why hiring a life manager might be the most underrated business decision you ever make, and how to build systems that protect your time, energy, and sanity. Mina breaks down his Sunday planning ritual, personal CRM setup, team scoreboards, and how he built a corporate university inside his company to replicate himself.We dive into health, habits, and the brutal lessons from MMA that made him a better CEO. And we unpack the mindset shift from “working hard” to “operating like a pro” across every domain.This is a full blueprint for anyone serious about building a high-performance life. No fluff. No shortcuts. Just systems, standards, and results.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.

After six months of soul searching, self-discipline, and going all in on Going Pro, Deepak is back in Miami—reborn.In this episode, he shares the unexpected decision to return to South Beach and why it feels like the most aligned move he’s ever made. From a life-changing stint in Colombia to a deeper connection with his purpose, he reflects on what it means to listen to your inner voice and follow the call—even when it doesn’t make logical sense.This is a raw update on identity, intuition, and evolution. We talk about the difference between escape and expansion, what it looks like to build a home base without losing your freedom, and why discipline is the ultimate spiritual practice.Whether you’re feeling stuck, scattered, or just searching for a sign to start over this one’s for you. 🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just remember:It’s Not That Deep.

This week I sat down with Michael Smoke, entrepreneur, content creator, and the man behind one of the most honest transformations on the internet.Once known as “Sloppy Smoke,” Michael was living below his potential, undisciplined, unfocused, and disconnected from who he truly was. But through extreme ownership, faith, and the daily decision to do hard things, he rebuilt himself from the inside out.In this episode, we dive deep into what real confidence is, not affirmations or fake hype, but evidence-based confidence earned through keeping promises to yourself. Michael opens up about how shame became his wake-up call, the identity shift that comes with doing uncomfortable things, and the spiritual growth that comes from taking full responsibility for your life.We explore what it really means to change, the psychology behind self-mastery, the tension between vulnerability and strength, and how redefining masculinity starts with telling yourself the truth.This conversation is for anyone who’s tired of feeling stuck, searching for direction, or ready to become the kind of person their younger self needed.🎯 Access the tools, offers, and ways to work with me: https://stan.store/deepaksharma📲 Enjoyed the episode? Share it and tag me on IG: @deepaksharma.coThanks for tuning in. And just rememberIt’s Not That Deep.