The Influential Personal Brand Podcast

What if luxury wasn't about price—but about personalization, anticipation, and creating unforgettable emotional connections? In this episode, high-energy speaker and client experience strategist Neen James reveals her "Experience Elevation Model" and the 5 luxury levers that anyone—from consultants to creatives—can use to charge premium prices, deliver white-glove service, and turn clients into raving advocates. Rory Vaden and Neen dive deep into: Why it's easier right now to sell high-ticket offers than low-ticket ones How to create shareworthy moments customers can't stop talking about The simple mindset shift that moves your brand from transactional to transformational The surprising power of analog in a digital world The science behind how luxury is defined—and how to deliver it without being elite If you want your brand to stand out in a crowded marketplace, this is your blueprint for building irresistible client experiences that scale trust, loyalty, and revenue. 📘 Grab Neen's new book Exceptional Experiences: Five Luxury Levers to Elevate Every Aspect of Your Business 🌐 Connect with Neen at neenjames.com

What if the fastest way to get ahead… is by giving more than you take? In this powerful conversation, Rory Vaden sits down with Keith Ferrazzi, legendary author of Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority, and Never Lead Alone, to unpack the timeless principles that made him one of the world's most connected and trusted thought leaders. Keith shares his five packets of generosity, the seven Ps of preparation, and the mindset shift that turns networking into something far deeper — a life of meaningful connection, impact, and influence. If you've ever wondered how to authentically connect with high-profile leaders, open doors without manipulation, or build a personal brand rooted in generosity and service — this episode is a masterclass. You'll Learn: The difference between transactional networking and transformational relationships Why leading with generosity is the ultimate competitive advantage The secret to getting warm introductions to the world's most influential people How to build trust and loyalty that compound for decades How AI will change relationships — and how to stay human in the age of automation Mentioned in This Episode Keith's 8-Week Course: ConnectedSuccess.com Rory & AJ's personal brand strategy resources → freebrandcall.com

What if marketing wasn't a mystery—but a machine? In this power-packed episode, Rory Vaden sits down with one of the greatest marketing minds he's ever met: Lee Pepper—U.S. Army veteran, marketing strategist, and author of Never Outmatched. Together, they unpack how Lee helped scale a behavioral healthcare company 60x and sell it for over $300 million—driven by a war room of data, precision strategy, and relentless testing. Lee reveals why most businesses are measuring the wrong metrics, the truth about paid traffic vs. organic, and the secret military-inspired strategies that make marketing predictable, scalable, and wildly profitable. You'll learn how to stop chasing trends and start building an unstoppable revenue engine. This isn't theory. It's battlefield-tested insight from someone who's been in the trenches—and won. If you're serious about building a marketing function that fuels real growth, you don't want to miss this conversation.

Is AI making your marketing smarter—or just noisier? In this high-value episode, Rory Vaden sits down with Sara Nay, CEO of Duct Tape Marketing and author of Unchained: Breaking Free from Broken Marketing Models, to decode how AI is transforming small business marketing—for better and worse. Drawing from nearly two decades of agency experience, Sara reveals why most marketing fails before it starts, how strategy still reigns in an AI-driven world, and why outsourcing without understanding is a costly mistake. You'll discover how to stop the chaos, structure your strategy, and use AI as an elevated assistant—not a replacement. Whether you're overwhelmed by tools, unsure how to use AI authentically, or just want to get better results with less waste, this episode is your blueprint. This is a must-listen for any small business owner, marketer, or executive who wants to stay human and competitive in a rapidly changing digital world.

How do you build a million-dollar network—without being transactional or fake? In this powerful episode, Rory Vaden sits down with Selena Soo, USA Today bestselling author of Rich Relationships and a master of high-leverage connections. Together, they unpack the hidden frameworks behind building meaningful, financially abundant relationships that accelerate your personal brand and business success. Selena shares her signature "6 Circles of Connection" model, the five rich relationship types every expert must cultivate, and the concept of breathtaking generosity—a game-changing mindset that redefines what it means to give. You'll learn: How to move from casual connections to career-changing alliances The subtle difference between being generous vs. transactional How to connect with high-level influencers (and actually be remembered) Why nurturing your network is more critical than ever in the age of AI How to use a "generosity fund" to scale your impact and influence This episode isn't just about being liked—it's about becoming unforgettable to the people who matter. Whether you want more clients, more speaking gigs, or simply deeper support in your life and business, this conversation is your roadmap.  

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   The Skin Real Website: https://www.theskinreal.com Clinic Website: https://theskinrealserenbe.com   App: Apple Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-skin-real/id6748411628 Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=vyten.theskinreal

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?