The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

How a Harvard-Trained Dermatologist is Humanizing Medicine and Reclaiming Her Voice Outside the Exam Room In this episode, AJ Vaden sits down with Dr. Mina—a Harvard-trained dermatologist turned top podcaster and entrepreneur—to explore what happens when a physician decides to challenge the traditional norms of medicine. From confronting burnout and questioning her identity at 40, to launching The Skin Reel podcast and building a thriving personal brand, Dr. Mina shares how she's transforming patient education and rethinking the doctor-patient relationship. This isn’t just about skin care. It’s about taking control—of your brand, your message, and your future impact as a medical professional. Dr. Mina opens up about the outdated stigma physicians face around self-promotion, the importance of meeting patients where they already are (hello, YouTube and TikTok!), and why personal branding is not optional—especially in a broken healthcare system where trust is declining and misinformation is rising. If you're a doctor, health expert, or service-based entrepreneur wondering how to build a personal brand without selling out, this is your roadmap to doing it with integrity, influence, and purpose. 🔹 Why doctors must stop hiding behind white coats 🔹 How to create endless content from everyday patient questions 🔹 Reclaiming autonomy in a system designed to burn you out 🔹 From operating rooms to online influence—Dr. Mina’s powerful pivot 🔹 The truth about building trust before your patients walk in the door

Do you want high performance in your body, mind, and business — without burning out your relationships, health, or time? In this episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Rory Vaden sits down with Ben Greenfield — a New York Times bestselling author, endurance athlete, biohacker, and entrepreneur — to find out how he built multiple streams of income, deep credibility, and a lasting brand through experiments, science, and sustainable systems. You’ll hear: The moment Ben realized he couldn’t keep doing everything himself — and what changed when he leaned into digital first. How he turned his fitness knowledge into products, podcasts, and a supplement brand that doesn’t compromise on transparency or integrity. The high‑leverage health hacks (light, bio‑timing, grounding, etc.) that give him energy, even under travel and high stress. What entrepreneurs need to focus on beyond training and nutrition to protect their “battery” and perform at their best. This is for mission‑driven messengers who want to be well, be known, and be paid — without sacrificing the things that matter most. Tune in to learn practical, scientific, yet deeply personal advice that you can apply right now. Where to find Ben & what’s next: Learn more at BenGreenfieldLife.com or join the Life Network for community, expert access, and tools Ben’s using now.

What happens when a young bride’s frustrating shopping experience turns into a nationally acclaimed business—and then evolves into a global coaching platform? In this heartfelt and eye-opening episode, AJ sits down with Mindi Linscombe, co-founder of Something New Bridal and bridal business coach, to unpack the 18-year journey of building not one, but two thriving businesses from the ground up. Mindi reveals the sacrifices behind her early years of entrepreneurship—working seven days a week, not paying herself for three years, and risking it all on a $100K home equity loan. But she also shares the rewards: becoming an industry leader, serving thousands of brides, and now coaching hundreds of bridal shop owners worldwide. You’ll hear how Mindi used her personal brand—not as an influencer or speaker—but as a way to scale trust, serve her community, and grow her business authentically. Whether you're in retail, consulting, or coaching, this episode is a masterclass on evolving your brand, staying true to your mission, and stepping into industry leadership.

How a 7‑Time Inc. 5000 CEO Built AI‑Resistant Human Connection When most of us talk branding, we talk about being seen. But what if the real breakthrough right now is being truly known? In this deeply candid episode, Ryan Levesque—7‑time Inc. 5000 CEO, two‑time national bestseller, and creator of the Ask Method—pulls back the curtain on his pivot from algorithm‑chasing software launches to embracing things only humans can give: authenticity, trust, and real presence. He walks us through his career—from scrabble‑tile jewelry and survey‑based marketing to building hyper‑responsive communities and hand‑writing his newsletter, The Digital Contrarian. Now, with his forthcoming book Return to Real, Ryan flips the script: in a world of deepfakes and dopamine traps, real can be the last true competitive edge. Expect to walk away with: A fresh lens for building brands that don’t just scale—but resonate The “Fewer, Deeper, Less” formula for personal presence in a noisy world Why oxytocin beats dopamine—and how to build content that connects, not just grabs attention The hard‑won lesson of putting humanity first in the AI era If you’re ready to reclaim your voice, slow the scroll, and become a category of one—this episode was made for you

What does it take to lead a thriving, values-driven company—while still winning at home? In this powerful episode, AJ Vaden sits down with Megan Hyatt Miller, CEO of Full Focus, for a transparent conversation about scaling a family business, redefining leadership, and prioritizing what matters most. From stepping into the CEO seat during a global crisis to navigating complex family dynamics at work, Megan shares candid insights on how she's built a flourishing business without sacrificing her personal life. Discover: The #1 mistake leaders make when delegating—and how to avoid it How to protect your culture during rapid growth Megan’s “six practices of human flourishing” that every ambitious leader needs Why success without peace isn’t really success at all If you’ve ever wondered how to grow a business and a family without burning out, this conversation will give you the framework—and the freedom—you’ve been craving.

What if you could generate endless customers—before a single sales call ever happens? In this game-changing episode, Rory sits down with marketing legend Marcus Sheridan to unpack the exact content strategies that convert browsers into buyers. You’ll discover Marcus’s “Big 5” topics that every customer researches before making a purchase—and why ignoring them is costing you serious money. Marcus shares how he built the world’s most trafficked swimming pool website (yes, really) using content that answered his customers’ toughest questions—and how you can do the same. From pricing transparency to trust-based selling to publishing "best of" lists that AI loves, this is a masterclass in turning your content into a lead-generating machine. If you’ve ever struggled with content that gets views but not conversions, this episode will transform how you think, write, and sell. What You’ll Learn: Why 80% of the sale happens before a buyer talks to you The 5 content types that build the most trust and drive the most revenue How to use “they ask, you answer” to dominate your niche The shocking truth about publishing your prices online How AI is choosing who gets seen—and how to make it pick you

In this episode, we’re joined by Jess Connolly—author of over a dozen books, including Breaking Free from Body Shame and Tired of Being Tired, founder of Go + Tell Gals, and lead coach for women building God-centered influence—for an inspiring conversation about calling, clarity, and living out your mission in multiple arenas.  Jess and her husband, Nick, planted Bright City Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where they live with their four children. She is also the host of The Jess Connolly Podcast, where she inspires women to live missionally, love God deeply, and run their race with endurance.  With a calling that spans speaking, writing, and coaching, Jess is living proof that you can pursue multiple streams of work while staying anchored to a single heartbeat for your audience and a deep passion for God’s Word.  If you’ve ever felt the tension of having more than one lane to run in—or wondered how to keep it all connected—this conversation is your roadmap. Jess shares how identifying and staying passionate about her “who” has given her the focus, freedom, and stamina to build a body of work that leaves her generation more in awe of God than she found it. 

We hear it everywhere: “Be authentic.” But what does that actually mean? In this raw and heartfelt episode, AJ Vaden strips away the buzzwords and delivers a truth-bomb definition that will change how you see leadership, trust, and connection forever. Through a deeply personal story—including the lowest point of her life and how she chose her life coach—you’ll learn why your most powerful asset isn’t your highlight reel, but the valleys you’ve walked through. If you’ve ever wondered how to share your story without oversharing, or how to connect with people in a way that makes them lean in and trust you, this conversation will give you the courage—and the clarity—to do it.

Get ready for a masterclass in confidence, storytelling, and presence. Lou Parker—six‑time Emmy‑winning journalist, former Miss USA, and relentless advocate—joins us to reveal how she lifted the crown before she ever held it, pivoted into an unexpected journalism career, and learned the art of thriving under pressure—especially when the mic is live and all eyes are on you. In this episode, Lou takes us behind the scenes of live television, sharing: What “walking into a room with a crown already on your head” really means—and how it built her audacious confidence Why forgetting your lines is a gift in disguise—and the subtle power of knowing your story over memorizing every word Her funniest on‑air “stretch” moment—and how even catastrophes can become your greatest teaching tools Secrets to hitting your point fast in a world glued to short attention spans, from hooks to heartbeats The healing power of embracing your imperfect self—beginning with a heartfelt word of “I love you” in the mirror This conversation isn’t just for media professionals—it’s for anyone chasing their voice and their purpose. Whether you crave better on-camera presence, frictionless self-expression, or the courage to walk into the spotlight, Lou’s journey will embolden your next chapter. So, grab your mic—whether it’s for Zoom or personal podcast—and step confidently into your light.🌟

What if building a powerful personal brand wasn’t about being seen—but about being true? In this soul-shifting episode, AJ Vaden sits down with bestselling author and branding powerhouse Jessica Zweig for an unfiltered conversation on what it really takes to build a lasting, meaningful platform. From scaling and failing, to radical reinvention through spiritual alignment, Jessica shares the raw truth behind authentic personal branding—and why your inner work is the key to your outer success. You’ll learn: Why being of service kills ego and attracts your ideal audience How to show up online without oversharing or dimming your truth The spiritual wake-up call that transformed Jessica’s leadership and lifestyle Daily rhythms and mindset shifts to avoid burnout and build sustainable influence Why your personal brand is actually your greatest act of empowerment Whether you’re building a brand or rebuilding your life, this episode is a masterclass in turning your story into service—and your authenticity into impact.

What do you do when your entire business disappears overnight? In this powerful episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, AJ Vaden sits down with Sarah Robbins—former kindergarten teacher turned billion-dollar network marketing legend—for an unforgettable conversation about resilience, reinvention, and the power of personal branding in direct sales. Sarah shares her remarkable journey: from passing out skincare samples for $20/hour to building the most successful sales team in the history of her industry. But just one year ago, everything changed. Her company dissolved their sales model, erasing 18 years of work in 60 days. Now, Sarah is starting over—rebuilding her business from scratch and launching her first book, The Multiply Method, which distills her wisdom into simple, duplicatable systems for social sellers. You'll hear her biggest lessons on leadership, overcoming setbacks, building momentum, and turning conversations into conversions. Whether you're in direct sales, leadership, or any form of client acquisition—this is the interview you need to hear. Key takeaways: Why "conversations are the new presentations" for modern sales How to simplify your systems to scale your team What makes a leader worth following (especially when times get tough) The mindset shift that helped Sarah go from stuck to unstoppable If you're navigating a season of uncertainty, loss, or transition, this episode will remind you: your greatest setback can become your greatest setup.

Unlock the hidden power of your brain and break free from burnout, imposter syndrome, and limiting beliefs with Dr. Caroline Leaf—world-renowned neuroscientist, bestselling author, and personal brand powerhouse. In this game-changing episode, Dr. Leaf reveals how mission-driven messengers can manage their minds to overcome anxiety, rewire toxic thinking, and show up powerfully in their purpose. Discover the truth about mental health and why your emotions aren’t flaws—but signals. Learn how to decode them, shift your mindset in 63 seconds, and reprogram your brain through neuroplasticity. Whether you’re stuck in self-doubt or simply striving to show up as your best self, this conversation offers scientifically backed strategies to help you gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. This isn’t your typical mental health talk—it's a transformative blend of neuroscience and personal brand strategy you won't hear anywhere else.

What if hustle was hurting your growth, not helping it? Stephen Scoggins built a nine-figure company, sold it, and now teaches entrepreneurs how to stop being the bottleneck in their own businesses. In this episode, he unpacks the inner friction that keeps even the smartest leaders stuck and the surprising shift that unlocks scale, peace, and purpose. He also gets real about the 5 invisible constraints that quietly hold leaders hostage and how to shift from proving yourself to building something that actually lasts (with or without you in the room). If you’re a 6 or 7-figure entrepreneur and wondering what’s next, this episode is for you. Key Points From This Episode: • The 5 internal constraints that sabotage entrepreneurial growth • Why most entrepreneurs stay stuck at 6 or 7 figures • The 5 business drivers every entrepreneur must regularly re-evaluate • Why “hustle harder” is not a strategy and can actually sink your business • The 5 stages of growth that every business goes through • The difference between a $1M founder and a $10M+ founder (hint: it’s not charisma) • The surprising truth about personal brands that reach 8 figures • What to consider before you sell (or step away) from your company

Rory Vaden unpacks one of the most important mindset shifts he’s ever made: peace is the new profit. After working with some of the world’s most recognized personal brands — including billionaires, bestselling authors, and global influencers — Rory shares a sobering truth: money and fame don’t create peace. God does. Whether you’re chasing influence, building a business, or simply trying to find fulfillment, this episode will challenge the very definitions of wealth and success you’ve been taught to believe. It’s not about getting more. It’s about becoming someone at peace with their purpose.

Most authors stop at writing the book. But what if the book is just the beginning? In this episode, AJ Vaden sits down with Nick Hutchison, founder of BookThinkers, to reveal the real work that starts after your book is published. Whether you're a seasoned author or launching your first title, this conversation will show you why being best-written means nothing if you're not also best-selling. They break down: Why small podcasts outperform big shows for book sales The 3 content formats that actually convert (and how to use them) How to structure a 60-second video to sell your book on autopilot Why books don’t just share ideas—they start movements And the surprising truth about what builds lasting influence If you're a mission-driven messenger with a book—or a message—you need this episode. And if you're not selling your book, ask yourself: do you really believe in it?

In this powerhouse episode of Build, host Stephen Scoggins sits down with Rory Vaden—New York Times bestselling author, co-founder of Brand Builders Group, and a leading voice in the personal brand world—for a raw, in-depth conversation on what it really takes to be wealthy, well-known, and fulfilled. From clarifying your unique message to building a brand on trust instead of trends, Rory unpacks the exact steps mission-driven messengers must take to break through the noise—without selling out. They explore how fear often hides behind humility, why personal branding is not about ego, and how surrendering your platform to a higher purpose can radically amplify your impact and income. You’ll learn: The “Sheehan’s Wall” principle that explains why most brands stay stuck Why diluted focus = diluted results (and how to fix it) The surprising truth about how real wealth is created How to monetize deeply without chasing millions of followers A simple prayer Rory uses daily to keep his ego in check If you’ve ever wondered whether your message really matters or if your voice is worthy of being heard—this episode is your permission slip. 🎧 Plus: Grab Rory & AJ Vaden’s free audiobook of Wealthy and Well-Known at  freebrandaudiobook.com/podcast

In this milestone 600th episode of the Influential Personal Brand Podcast, Rory sits down with his co-author, business partner, and wife—AJ Vaden—for her first-ever author interview. But this isn’t just a book promo. This is the raw, behind-the-scenes story of how Brand Builders Group was born in the ashes of unexpected loss, career heartbreak, and spiritual refinement. AJ vulnerably opens up about being fired from the company she helped build, the moment she realized her identity was misplaced, and the childhood trauma that shaped her purpose. You’ll hear about the divine timing of a single phone call from Lewis Howes, the quiet miracle of provision during crisis, and how a stranger’s words unlocked a lifelong belief about her worth. This episode is a masterclass in personal transformation—what it means to rebuild, to be refined, and to serve others from your story’s deepest wounds. Whether you're an entrepreneur, author, coach, or just someone trying to figure out who you really are… this episode will meet you there. 🎧 Listen to discover: Why identity—not strategy—is the foundation of personal branding The spiritual side of starting over How Brand Builders Group rose from rock bottom What “Wealthy and Well-Known” truly means—and why peace is the new profit The one phrase that may reframe your entire past 🔥 Plus: Get the audiobook free at FreeBrandAudiobook.com/podcast

Why do some people give up while others rise and keep going? In this episode, Rory Vaden shares three battle-tested mindset hacks that the world’s top achievers use to overcome the impossible—and keep showing up long after others quit. You’ll hear: The #1 mindset shift that ultra-successful people share Why falling in love with the daily grind is the real secret to growth How to turn hard moments into long-term competitive advantage The “Law of the Moat” and how your toughest trials become your greatest protection A behind-the-scenes reflection on Rory’s interview with $700M+ entrepreneurs Mike and Kass Lazerow Whether you're building a business, chasing a dream, or just trying to stay afloat, this episode is your reminder: Perseverance is the goal. No matter how hard it gets, the people who win are the ones who stay in the fight. This is how they do it.

What’s the difference between influencers who look successful… and entrepreneurs who actually are? In this riveting episode, Rory sits down with Mike and Kass Lazerow, the powerhouse husband-and-wife duo behind multiple high-impact businesses—including Buddy Media, which they sold to Salesforce for $745 million. They’ve helped scale companies like Scopely ($5B exit) and Liquid Death, advised countless founders, and now they’re opening up like never before about what it really takes to build a business that lasts. From burning out on the way to $50M in ARR in just three years, to rebuilding after failed exits and learning how to balance marriage, money, mission, and meaning—this conversation is a raw, honest, and deeply insightful masterclass in entrepreneurship. You’ll learn: Why going viral isn’t the same as building enterprise value The “swamp” that traps 7-figure personal brands—and how to escape it How to scale without breaking your marriage or your soul Why building systems beats hiring saviors The cheat code they wish they’d used sooner (and how you can now) Why “shoveling the crap” is the real secret to success Plus, hear their take on personal branding, reputation, and why real impact doesn’t always trend on TikTok—but it changes lives. If you’re serious about entrepreneurship, leadership, or building something that outlasts you, this is a must-listen. 🎧 Grab their new book — Shoveling Bleep: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success

We live in a world obsessed with more—more followers, more likes, more views, more subscribers, more clients, more money. But what if more isn’t what you need? What if more is actually costing you peace, clarity, focus… and real results? In this powerful solo episode, AJ Vaden flips the script on one of the most deeply ingrained assumptions in marketing and entrepreneurship: that bigger is always better. Drawing from a recent conversation with long-time friend and marketing leader Lee Pepper, AJ dives deep into the difference between vanity metrics and real growth indicators—and why chasing the wrong metrics could be the very thing holding you back. If you've ever found yourself: Feeling pressure to "go viral" without knowing why Posting endlessly but getting no real traction Confused about what social media metrics actually matter Burnt out trying to “scale” a business you’re not equipped to handle Overwhelmed by more noise, more platforms, and more expectations …this episode is your wake-up call. You'll learn: ✅ Why “more” often brings more pressure, not more peace ✅ The hidden cost of chasing likes, followers, and superficial numbers ✅ The core real metrics that actually grow your personal brand and business ✅ How to turn existing engagement into real conversions and paying clients ✅ A simple mindset shift that could transform your marketing strategy overnight ✅ Why focusing on fewer platforms can generate more impact and income ✅ How doing less with intention outperforms doing more without purpose AJ reminds us that true influence isn’t measured by impressions—it’s measured by impact. And in this episode, she’ll help you reclaim your time, focus, and revenue by aligning your metrics with your mission. 🎧 Whether you're just starting your personal brand or scaling into your next level of influence, this is an episode you'll want to revisit again and again. 👉 Listen now and discover why being better is always more important than being bigger.