Claim OwnershipLevel Up Business
Subscribed: 0Played: 2
Subscribe
© Copyright 2026 JR Lay
Description
The Level Up Business Podcast is where visionary entrepreneurs explore the mindsets and methods to transform their mission into a message that moves humanity forward.
Hosted by JR Lay, two-time bestselling author and global keynote speaker, each episode delivers practical wisdom to help you elevate your brand, expand your influence, and increase your impact.
If your boldest ideas feel trapped inside your head—or your impact doesn’t yet match your potential—this show will help you rise above the noise, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
Join real conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, and change-makers who are leveling up their business and life—not through hustle and hype, but through story, wisdom, and purpose.
It’s time to be seen, heard, and known.
Hosted by JR Lay, two-time bestselling author and global keynote speaker, each episode delivers practical wisdom to help you elevate your brand, expand your influence, and increase your impact.
If your boldest ideas feel trapped inside your head—or your impact doesn’t yet match your potential—this show will help you rise above the noise, overcome self-limiting beliefs, and lead with clarity, confidence, and authenticity.
Join real conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, and change-makers who are leveling up their business and life—not through hustle and hype, but through story, wisdom, and purpose.
It’s time to be seen, heard, and known.
88 Episodes
Reverse
There’s a simple phrase entrepreneurs repeat every day—often without realizing the power it holds. In this episode, JR shares a real story from a recent studio session that exposed how the identities we carry can influence the stories we tell, the wisdom we share, and the impact we make. What unfolded during that conversation revealed something surprising about how entrepreneurs view themselves and their experiences. This episode will challenge you to rethink the narrative you’ve been operating from and consider how it might be shaping your path forward.
Is your past an anchor, an apex, or an asset?How you answer that question determines whether your past holds you back—or helps you level up. JR invites you to pause, reflect on your journey, and begin looking at your past through a completely different lens—one that could transform how you see your story, your experiences, and the impact you’re capable of creating moving forward.
No matter how refined your marketing is, how optimized your funnel is, or how disciplined you try to be, your business will always rise — or shrink — to match who you believe you are. If growth feels heavier than it should… if visibility feels uncomfortable… if you keep saying you’re ready for the next level but somehow stay where you are… the real constraint may not be external. It may be internal. And until that shifts, nothing else will.
Drawing from the philosophy of Memento Mori, JR challenges visionary founders to rethink what they’re building and why. In a world where AI can generate endless content and “expertise” is everywhere, JR makes the case that wisdom — earned through lived experience — is becoming the rarest and most valuable asset of all.
You’re a visionary entrepreneur who has gained wisdom. You’ve built—or are building—a meaningful business while creating space for faith, fitness, and family. Life is good. And yet... you feel called to something higher. Not from ego or pride, but from your commitment to create an even bigger impact.We believe unique wisdom is within you.Wisdom you’ve earned through lived experience. Wisdom no AI model can replicate. Wisdom that can guide people who are standing where you once stood.However, for many entrepreneurs, their wisdom stays locked inside them. Not because it is not there, but because they’ve never been given the space or have been asked the right questions to unlock and share it.This is why Level Up Business exists.We help visionary entrepreneurs elevate their brand by publishing their books through podcast conversations. You never have to stare at a blank page or worry about what to write. That’s because your voice writes your book with the Level Up Business OS. You already carry wisdom that someone else needs right now.We help you unlock it one question at a time.
Most entrepreneurs say they want to write a book. Most never do. In this episode, JR and Audrey unpack the real reason why — and it’s not lack of time, talent, or opportunity.JR shares his own seven-year journey from “Who am I to write a book?” to becoming a two-time bestselling author, revealing how internal narratives silently slow progress and shrink impact.If you’ve ever questioned whether your story matters or wondered if the world really needs your book, this conversation will challenge you to upgrade your identity, unlock your wisdom, and finally step into the voice only you can claim.
JR sits down with Dr. Bobby Low, performance psychologist, BYU mental performance coach, and author of Wiring Intelligence: From Reactive to Proactive, to unpack what it really means to become a business athlete.
After one year of building Level Up Business, JR Lay sits down with Operations Lead Audrey Cannata to reflect on what it really takes to turn vision into reality. They unpack the lessons learned from launching a podcast, serving entrepreneurs, building systems, and staying committed through uncertainty and growth. This conversation goes beyond metrics and milestones, exploring identity shifts, self-limiting beliefs, and why so many entrepreneurs underestimate the value of their own wisdom. JR and Audrey share how conversations—not hustle—became the foundation for impact, clarity, and momentum. They also look ahead to what’s possible in year two as Level Up Business helps more entrepreneurs turn their stories into books through podcast conversations. If you’ve ever wondered whether your journey, your voice, or your experience truly matters, this episode will challenge you to see your wisdom as your greatest asset.
Kyle McGee—entrepreneur, podcast host, and now bestselling author of Built to Lead—opens up about the moment he knew “someday” was a lie and why the loss of family member lit a fire in him to finally write the book he’d been putting off for years. He shares the story of his rock bottom and why that moment almost didn’t make it into the book. But what followed was a journey of deep personal growth, painful loss, and a commitment to become the leader he was called to be.Kyle and JR dive into what it means to lead from identity, why vulnerability is a superpower in leadership, and how faith, discipline, and purpose anchor everything he does. They explore why so many people never write their book—or step into their calling—and what it takes to break through the fear of critics, the pressure of perfection, and the lie of waiting for “the right time.” If you’ve ever felt the whisper that you’re meant for more, this conversation is your wake-up call.
From posture and facial expression to the internal identity shifts that power lasting transformation, Chris Gillett breaks down what he calls the “confidence stack”—a layered approach to building unshakable presence from the inside out.JR shares his own journey of physical, emotional, and professional growth, and the two get real about insecurity, identity, and how most people are sending the wrong signals without even knowing it. You’ll learn why confidence isn’t just a feeling—it’s a signal, and it can be trained.
What happens when the business you built becomes the thing that breaks you?In this powerful episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with Travis Bell — The Bucket List Guy — to unpack the identity collapse, burnout, and deep personal work that led to one of the most recognizable personal brands in the world. Trav shares how success without alignment nearly destroyed him, why depression became the doorway to purpose, and how writing one list changed everything.They explore identity death, brand reinvention, the loneliness epidemic, and why entrepreneurs must remember they are the authors of their own lives. If you’ve ever felt trapped by the very success you created, this conversation will remind you that the doors aren’t locked — and the pen is still in your hand.
In a world driven by fast answers and automated solutions, what if the real edge in business is asking better questions?In this heart-centered and deeply practical episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR welcomes Colleen Bowler—entrepreneur, advisor, and creator of The Passport Package—to explore why the human side always wins. Together, they unpack what makes a question powerful, why curiosity is a capability (not a trait), and how entrepreneurs can shift from being the “hero” to being the guide their clients truly need.You’ll learn how assessments, empathy, and silence can build deeper trust, grow impact, and unlock unseen opportunities. Whether you’re leading a team, serving clients, or navigating identity shifts, this conversation will challenge how you show up and how you listen.Because you’re only ever one question away from your next breakthrough.
What happens when the identity that made you successful starts costing you the life you actually want?In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with entrepreneur, developer, and innovator Lance Cox for a raw conversation about identity, fatherhood, and the difficult transitions most entrepreneurs never talk about. Lance shares what it really took to stop winning only at work and start showing up fully at home — including giving himself permission to let old identities die.They explore how hustle can quietly turn into addiction, why control is often mistaken for leadership, and how investing in yourself becomes the catalyst for sustainable growth in business and life. If you’ve ever felt torn between success and presence, this episode will challenge you to ask a deeper question: Who are you being called to become now?
In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with Chris Jarvis—mathematician, financial fixer, and trusted advisor to hundreds of millionaire families and multiple billionaire families—for a conversation that goes far beyond money, math, or strategy. Instead of focusing on accomplishments and credentials, this episode explores the deeper source of influence: perspective, pain, and purpose. Chris shares how the most difficult experiences of his life—divorce, failure, identity loss, depression, and starting over—became the very training ground for the wisdom he now brings to others.Together, JR and Chris unpack what it really means to “be the giraffe”—to gain a higher perspective by being willing to stick your neck out, embrace vulnerability, and see what others can’t. They explore authentic intelligence in the age of AI, why your story matters more than your résumé, and how asking better questions creates clarity, connection, and impact. This is a conversation for entrepreneurs, leaders, and creators who feel called to something more—but may not yet have the courage to fully step into it.
Most entrepreneurs don’t think about legal… until it’s too late. In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, I’m joined by Eric Jeppson, founder of Jeppson Law and the creator of the Clean Legal Bill of Health. Eric shares real stories—including a painful $1.9 million legal battle—that highlight the high cost of not being legally prepared. We dive into the biggest legal blind spots business owners face, especially when starting out with friends or family, and how a lack of clarity and documentation can slowly (or suddenly) sink everything you’ve built.
Most people try to change their lives by changing their actions. But what if the real transformation starts before you ever make a move?In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with Chris Walker to unpack the Science of Frequency Training — a revolutionary method for rewiring your internal operating system so you can finally achieve lasting transformation.Chris explains why traditional mindset hacks and motivational tactics don’t create lasting change — and how upgrading your identity, beliefs, emotions, and intentions creates a powerful ripple effect across your business, relationships, and life.If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” things but still not getting the results (or peace) you want… this episode will show you exactly why — and what to do about it.
What if the next chapter of your life wasn’t just a continuation… but a complete reinvention?In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with Toni Haber — a powerhouse in luxury real estate with over $2B in transactions — who’s not slowing down anytime soon. Toni opens up about what it really takes to grow after you’ve already achieved success, why she’s setting an “impossible” $300M goal, and how rewriting your internal story might just be the boldest move you can make.They talk about the mindset required to level up, the power of saying no, and how to raise your standards — in business, in relationships, and in life. You’ll also hear why growth isn’t always about speed… and how to make peace with the plateaus along the way.
What happens when a high-achieving leader decides not to chase the next opportunity—but to pause, fast, and be still? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, JR sits down with Kelly Price—entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the Changing Lives Foundation—to explore what it truly means to slow down in a world addicted to speed.Kelly shares her decision to embark on a 14-day medically guided water fast, not just for physical healing, but as a spiritual act of obedience and clarity. After decades of leading fast-growing businesses and making quick, high-stakes decisions, she opens up about loneliness in leadership, addiction to dopamine, and the hard truth of no longer knowing who you are without the hustle. Together, they unpack how intentional stillness can be one of the most courageous—and transformational—moves a leader can make.If you've ever felt the pull to disconnect from the chaos and reconnect with your calling, this episode is your invitation to enter the cave you fear—and find the treasure you seek.
What happens when decades of striving for traditional success leave you feeling empty? In this powerful conversation, JR Lay sits down with Dave Hime, creator of the Gentle Mastery Method and Consciousness Signature™, to explore what it really means to shift from external success to authentic freedom. After 45 years following the rules of the game, Dave chose to rewrite the script—starting over in his 60s to align with who he was truly meant to be.They dive deep into the rise of conscious leadership, the spiritual mountain of entrepreneurship, and why high-achieving seekers are being called to legacy-level work. If you’ve ever felt a quiet nudge that you’re meant for something more—but couldn’t name it—this episode is your map. You'll learn how energy, consciousness, and surrender are essential ingredients for creating meaningful impact that outlives you.
In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR Lay sits down with Jonathan Cotten, entrepreneur, marathoner, and author of The Business of Character. From dropping out of high school to building a mission-driven company that now spans 40+ locations, Jonathan’s journey is a testament to what happens when you lead with integrity and live by faith. JR and Jonathan go deep on integrating faith and business, cultivating integrity as a cultural standard, and how to build a legacy that echoes far beyond profits. You’ll also hear how character-first leadership is shaping the future of college athletes, entrepreneurs, and families alike. If you’ve been questioning what really matters in the long game of business and life, this conversation will meet you exactly where you are — and help you become who you’re called to be.
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States