Raw and Relentless w/ Bo DePaoli

Episode 93:David Ask joins Bo DePaoli to share the story of transforming a garage project into a product sold in over 3,700 stores, including major retailers like Home Depot and Lowe’s. Beyond the numbers, this is a story of grit, perseverance, and mastering the entrepreneurial mindset. David walks listeners through the highs and lows of solopreneurship—from patent applications and licensing deals to pitching retail buyers and scaling a business without a large team or outside investors.In this episode, you’ll discover:• How to overcome imposter syndrome and adopt the “explorer” mindset for business success• Step-by-step strategies to take a product from concept to retail shelves• Tips for navigating patents, trademarks, and licensing agreements• The keys to building a scalable business with minimal employees• How to balance multiple ventures while maintaining personal growth and focus• The role of mentorship, networking, and human connections in accelerating success• Lessons in resilience, adaptability, and staying lean while scaling fastThis episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to grow a product-based business, break intoretail, or thrive as a solopreneur while maintaining control and clarity.Connect with David!Website: theaskexperience.com

Episode 92:Kavita, a relationship expert, sits down with Bo DePaoli to uncover why so many men struggle with dating and confidence in their relationships. Drawing on years of coaching and real-world experience, Kavita shares actionable strategies to helpmen build self-awareness, understand attraction dynamics, and stop overthinking love.Key takeaways include:●     The impact of overthinking on dating success●     How masculine energy affects attraction and connection●     Strategies to boost confidence and social presence●     Understanding women’s behavior and what they really notice●     Why traditional dating advice fails and what works instead●     Methods to stop self-sabotage and build meaningful relationshipsThis episode is essential for any man who wants to improve his dating life, gain clarity, and create authentic connections.Connect with Kavita:Instagram: @dashingdateWebsite: go.dashingdate.com

Episode 91:Jesse Sells, military intelligence veteran and private equity expert, joins Bo DePaoli to discuss his journey from the military to private equity, real estate syndications, and high-value datacenter investments. Jesse breaks down risk mitigation, raising capital from high-net-worth investors, and leveraging his experience for impact-driven growth.Key takeaways include:• How to start with minimal capital and scale to $70M in asset management in just 2 years• Why mobile home parks and workforce housing are lucrative, low-risk investments• Insights into private equity structures, GP stakes, and working alongside operators• How to navigate high-stakes international and domestic investment opportunities• The rise of data centers and infrastructure investment as a gold rush• Leveraging military experience for strategy, risk assessment, and networking• Tips for connecting with high-net-worth investors at exclusive events• Planning for long-term growth, capital preservation, and exit strategiesThis episode is essential for anyone looking to understand modern private equity, high-value real estate, and building wealth responsibly.Connect with Jesse Sells!Website: https://impactgrowthcapital.beehiiv.com/LinkedIn: Jesse Sells

Episode 90:Adam Callinan, founder of Bottle Keeperand now creator of Pentane, joins Bo DePaoli to share his journey from building a $10M e-commerce brand to scaling businesses with AI-driven insights. Drawing from his experience selling to private equity, Adam breaks down the strategiesthat make a business valuable, profitable, and scalable.Key takeaways include:• Building an e-commerce brand from scratch with no investors or employees• The importance of patents, brand, and customer loyalty in acquisition value• How to scale profitably by mastering ad spend, margins, and contributionprofit• Using AI and automation to optimize business operations and marketing• Lessons from Shark Tank, private equity negotiations, and real-worldentrepreneurial challenges• How Pentane helps entrepreneurs make data-driven decisions without guessworkThis episode is essential for anyone looking to scale a business efficiently, maximize profits, and leverage technology to reduce operational complexity.Connect with Adam!Website: pentane.comLinkedIn: Adam Callinan

Episode 89:Clifford Stephan, Chief Vacation Officer at Booze Vacation, joins Bo DePaoli to reveal how men in their 40s-60s can optimize their health, performance, and lifestyle without giving up social fun. Drawing from his own experience and scientific insights, Clifford discusses the impact of alcohol, sleep, diet, and stress on aging, testosterone, and metabolic health.Key takeaways include:• How moderate alcohol use accelerates aging and dysregulates sleep• The importance of protein, nutrient-dense food, and proper meal timing• Breathwork and sleep strategies to restore energy and focus• Advanced blood markers to track metabolic and hormonal health• Holistic methods to improve performance, vitality, and longevity• How successful men can “update their operating system” for lifeThis episode is essential for anyone looking to balance fun, health, and peak performance as they age.Connect with Clifford!Instagram: @boozevacationWebsite: boozevacation.com

Episode 88:James Lang, a former COO and AI innovator, sits down with Bo DePaoli to reveal how businesses can leverage AI to enhance human potential, streamline operations, and secure company data. From managing complex workflows to teaching AI to act as a “thought partner,” James shares practical insights for entrepreneurs and business leaders.Key takeaways include:• How AI can handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks, freeing employees for higher-value work• Building internal AI systems that your company owns, protecting sensitive data• Combining AI with human teams to increase productivity and retention• The pitfalls of outsourcing AI or relying on off-the-shelf solutions• How AI literacy can transform your business and personal growth• Real-world applications of AI agents in marketing, operations, finance, and compliance• Why the next generation needs to learn AI responsibly for critical thinking and career readinessThis episode is essential for anyone looking to integrate AI into their business responsibly while empowering their team and protecting their intellectual property.Connect with James!Website: overlang.comLinkedIn: James Lang

Episode 87In this episode, Bo DePaoli sits down with Ben Baker, a 25-year communications veteran, to explore how companies can improve culture, align teams, and drive impact through communication. Ben shares insights from his decades of experience helping businesses, from gyms tohealthcare, solve complex operational and engagement challenges.Key takeaways include:• Why radical transparency builds trust and engagement• How internal communications can save millions during mergers• The power of internal podcasts, focus groups, and AI insights• Recruiting, retaining, and motivating talent beyond just money• Aligning leadership, operations, sales, and marketing teams for success• How to create meaningful customer experiences through employee engagement• Lessons from various industries including healthcare, not-for-profits, and B2B companiesThis episode is essential for leaders, managers, and business owners seeking to understand how effective communicationcan transform culture, performance, and profitability.Connect with Ben!Website: iambenbaker.comLinkedIn: Ben Baker

Episode 86: Join Bo DePaoli as he sits down with TadFallows, founder of a private community for first-generation wealth creators, where high-net-worth individuals share strategies for investing, risk management, and lifestyle. Tad walks us through his journey from bootstrappinga niche medical research software company, scaling it over 10 years, and making a successful exit to helping others navigate complex financial decisions.In this episode, you'll learn:●      How to grow wealth responsibly after a major financial windfall●     Why traditional banks and advisors don’t always provide the answers●      Alternative investments with higher returns than standard portfolios●     Tax strategies, estate planning, and protecting your assets●     How community-driven knowledge helps first-generation wealth creators thriveIf you’ve ever wondered how the ultra-successful make complex financial decisions while balancing life, family,and risk, this episode is your insider guide.Connect with Tad!Linkedin: Tad FallowsWebsite: toptradersunplugged.com

Episode 85:Iran has long been shrouded in misinformation and fear. In this episode, Bo DePaoli sits down with Zolal Habibi, Iranian human rights and women’s rights advocate, to reveal the reality of life under Iran’s brutal regime and the ongoing fight for freedom. Zolal shares firsthand accounts of the 1988 executions of 30,000 political prisoners, the systemic oppression of women, and the courage of Iranians risking everything for democracy.Key takeaways include:• The history and complexity of Iran’s 1979 revolution and subsequent theocratic rule• How Iran’s regime maintains control through fear, executions, and propaganda• The pivotal role of women in leading the resistance• The rise of organized resistance units and grassroots uprisings• The 10-point plan of the National Council of Resistance of Iran to establish a secular democratic republic• Lessons on resilience, courage, and long-term strategies for change• How the international community can support the Iranian people without warThis episode is essential for anyone seeking to understand Iran’s current crisis, the human cost of oppression, and the hope of a free and democratic future. Connect with Zolal!Instagram:@ashrafi4everLinkedIn:Zolal Habibi

Episode 84:Most business owners are trapped wearing too many hats, stuck in the day-to-day, and unsure how to grow their business while protecting their legacy. Brandon Moon, founder of TD Pine Advisors, shares how he navigated this exact challenge.In this episode, Bo DePaoli talks with Brandon about running multimillion-dollar family businesses, hiring management to free himself from operational fires, and acquiring additional companies to scale efficiently. Brandon also dives into his approach as a value advisor: helping owners maximize the value of their business, position assets for future exit, and plan for continuity.Key takeaways include: • How to strategically replace yourself in your business to focus on growth • Turning small businesses into scalable, asset-based companies • Building the right bench and hiring the right talent to protect culture and legacy • Lessons learned from family business and acquisitions during the oil & gas downturn • How to prepare your business for a third-party sale or future exit • Importance of business continuity plans, succession, and protecting family wealth • Leveraging networks and referrals to acquire and grow businesses • How TD Pine Advisors approaches valuation, value drivers, and actionable strategiesThis episode is essential for small business owners, entrepreneurs, and family business operators who want to scale efficiently, protect their legacy, and build businesses that thrive without depending solely on the owner.Connected with Brandon Moon!Website: www.tdpineadvisors.com LinkedIn: Brandon Moon

Episode 83:Most business owners are leaving millions on the table and they don't even know it.In this episode, Bo DePaoli sits down with Doug Brown, a revenue and EBITDA optimization expert who has worked with thousands of companies, from small businesses to divisions of Intuit. Doug reveals the exact processes he uses to multiply earnings, streamline operations, and transform underperforming teams into high-converting machines.From uncovering hidden revenue leaks to optimizing pricing, referrals, and sales pipelines, Doug explains how small changes can produce life-changing results. He also dives into hiring top-tier talent, structuring teams for scale, and removing owner dependency to maximize company value.Topics include:• EBITDA multiplication and the real math behind business valuation • How dormant client reactivation can instantly increase revenue • Case studies: turning $324 in the bank into six figures in months • Pricing strategies that increase sales without scaring clients away • The power of referrals: $9.6M in recurring revenue from one tweak • Removing owner dependence to achieve a higher multiple • Hiring, assessing, and onboarding gold-star talent for different roles • Lessons from Tony Robbins, Chet Holmes, and Russ (Rich Dad/Training Brands) • Why most companies misinterpret data and miss predictable winsThis episode is for CEOs, founders, and business operators who want to grow revenue, increase margins, and run predictable, scalable businesses.Guests: Doug Brown — CEO Sales Strategies Website: www.ceosalesstrategies.com LinkedIn: Doug Brown

Episode 82: Most gyms try to be everything toeveryone. Recess Fitness Club did the opposite and it worked.In this episode, Bo DePaoli sits down with Taylor Metzger and Evan Duncan (co-founders of Recess Fitness Club in Dallas) tounpack how two independent personal trainers went from renting space… to signing a 10-year lease on a massive 24 Hour Fitness and transforming it into one of the most visually striking, culture-driven gyms in the city.Their story runs through failure, parking issues, HVAC disasters, a backyard gym built overnight during COVID… and the moment they walked into the abandoned space at golden hour and knew: this is it.But this isn’t just about aesthetics.Recess is built on a philosophy: this is a place to train, not perform. No tripods. No influencer circus. Rerack your weights or pay the fine. Protect the vibe at all costs.Topics include:• How a COVID backyard gym sparked the Recess concept• The moment they chose a “too big” abandoned 24 Hour Fitness — and took the leap• Why Recess is intentionally not an influencer gym (and banned tripods)• The $50 “ReRack Fine” policy and why members love it• Building a premium brand that competes with Lifetime, Equinox, and low-cost gyms• The real cost of lighting, design, and “wow factor” in modern fitness• How the slide became a brand engine (and a viral growth lever)• Membership caps, daytime memberships, and protecting the member experience• Scaling to multiple locations without turning corporate and losing soul• Lessons from Unreasonable Hospitality applied to gym operationsThis episode is for gym owners, operators, trainers, and entrepreneurs who care about brand, culture, andbuilding something people actually feel when they walk in.Guests: Taylor Metzger & Evan Duncan — Recess Fitness Club (Dallas)Instagram: recessdallas

Episode 81:Most people think relationship problems come down to communication. Dr. Bruce Chalmer says that’s the biggest misconception couples believe.In this episode, Bo DePaoli sits down with Dr. Chalmer, a psychologist with over 30 years in private practice to break down what actually destroys relationships… and what keeps them alive.Bruce explains why most couples can communicate just fine, they’re just communicating mistrust, resentment, and fear. The real issue isn’t communication skills. It’s the inability to tolerate the anxiety that comes with honesty.This conversation goes deeper than surface-level marriage advice and gets into the real mechanics of long-term partnership: stability, intimacy, gender dynamics, infidelity, and what it actually takes to repair trust when things break.Topics include:• Why “we need better communication” is usually the wrong diagnosis• The two forces every couple must balance: stability vs. intimacy• Why intimacy requires tolerating anxiety instead of avoiding it• The hidden reason couples fight about small things instead of the real issue• Infidelity: why it happens, and what determines if a couple can recover• Why hyper-egalitarian relationships often struggle sexually• The fear behind why men resist therapy and how to approach it differently• What maturity actually looks like after divorceThis episode isn’t comfort. It’s clarity.If you care about building relationships that last and learning the emotional discipline required to stay connected under pressure, this conversation is required listening.Guest: Dr. Bruce ChalmerWebsite: brucechalmer.com

Episode 80:Most people think world champions are built by talent or genetics.Jared Martin knows the truth is discipline, patience, and learning how to carry weight most people avoid.In this episode of Raw & Relentless, Bo DePaoli sits down with Jared Martin, a 100% drug-tested world champion powerlifter, to unpack what it really takes to stay elite for nearly two decades.Jared trained under Eddie Coan at Quads Gym, playing the long game of strength where progress is slow and earned. But the real story goes beyond lifting. Jared opens up about the “dark hour,” an intentional mental practice he uses to regulate emotion, face grief, and stay composed under extreme pressure, including competing at World Games after losing his wife.This conversation moves past the gym and into life.Topics include:• Why elite strength is built through patience, not intensity• Eddie Coan’s rule that shaped Jared’s entire career• How small yearly gains compound into world-class performance• The mental discipline behind the “dark hour”• Longevity, recovery, and staying competitive as you age• Why doing hard things still matters in an easy worldThis episode isn’t motivational.It’s instructional.If you care about discipline, resilience, and building something that lasts, this conversation is required listening.Guest: Jared MartinInstagram: the__albinorhino

Episode 79:Most people think franchising is aboutfast growth. Joe Tagliente knows it’s about control, ownership, and playing the long game.In this episode of Raw & Relentless, Bo DePaoli sits down with Joe Tagliente, second-generation Burger King franchisee, hotel developer, real estate investor, and advisor, to unpack what it really takes to build lasting wealth across decades — not hype cycles.Joe shares the full story of growing a multi-unit Burger King operation, launching and scaling a hotel brand fromscratch, navigating massive leverage, family partnerships, real estate entitlement battles, and ultimately exiting operations while keeping the assets.This isn’t theory.It’s lived experience through multiple economic cycles.In this conversation, Joe breaks down:• How his father built a Burger King empire by owning the real estate• Why most franchisees misunderstand risk, leverage, and scale• The real margins behind fast-food and hotel businesses• How to pivot from operator to landlord without losing control• Why negative leverage destroys long-term wealth• What today’s investors get wrong about cap rates and IRRs• How legacy brands like Burger King compare to McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A• Why “shopping in your own closet” is often the smartest real estate moveThis episode is slow-burn wisdom.No shortcuts.No hype.Just decades of hard-earned lessons about business, franchising, and real estate done the right way.If you care about ownership, durability, and building something that lasts, this conversation is required listening.Connect with Joe TaglienteLinkedIn: Joe Tagliente

Episode 78:Austin Medlin isn’t “a sales guy.” He’s a high-ticket closer who’s taken 7,000+ sales calls, personally collected $9M+ in cash, and claims his frameworks have helped generate $100M+ in coaching sales.In this episode, Bo DePaoli sits down with Austin to break down what actually closes deals in the high-ticket coaching world (fitness, career, business coaching, and beyond), and why mostpeople blame leads when the real problem is their sales skill.Austin shares:●     The exact mindset behind elite objection handling●     Why most sales reps sound “smart”… but kill the deal●     What a “good” close rate should be (and why 15% is a red flag)●     How coaches are doing $1M–$5M/month (and what their teams look like)●     The “demonstration marketing” strategy he uses instead of paid ads●     Why coaching is a monster cash-flow business… but a weak “exit” business●     The real difference between building wealth vs chasing flex cultureIf you sell anything high-ticket coaching, services, or even brick-and-mortar, this episode is basically a free sales audit.Connect with Austin Medlin:Instagram: @theaustinmedlin

Episode 77:In this episode of Raw & Relentless, Bo DePaoli sits down with Ed Coan, widely regarded as the greatest powerlifter of all time.Ed dominated the sport for decades, setting records that still stand and redefining what long-term excellence looks like. But this conversation goes far beyond numbers on a platform.Ed breaks down how mastery is built, not just in powerlifting, but in business, health, and life through discipline, patience, and an uncompromising focus on fundamentals.This is a wide-ranging, grounded conversation that explores:●      Why most success comes from simple fundamentals done well●      How training principles translate directly to business and life●      The importance of planning, setup, and consistency●      Why shortcuts eventually break people●      Learning your own strengths instead of copying others●      Longevity, recovery, and staying healthy after elite performance●      What really separates great performers from everyone elseThis episode isn’t about hype, motivation, or nostalgia.It’s about process, personal responsibility, and doing the work long enough for it to matter.Connect with Ed Coan!Instagram: @eddycoan

Episode 76:In this episode of Raw & Relentless, Bo DePaoli sits down with Mary Beth O’Connor, former federal administrative law judge, author of From Junkie to Judge, and nationally recognized advocate for addiction recovery and trauma-informed care.Mary Beth’s life was shaped early by severe childhood trauma, which led to decades of substance use and addiction. She did not get sober until her early 30s — and even then, recovery required rebuilding her mental health, relationships, and career step by step. Years later, she was appointed to the federal bench.This conversation is thoughtful, direct, and grounded in experience. It explores:●     How childhood trauma fuels addiction●     Why addiction is a medical issue, not a moral failure●     What recovery actually looks like beyond slogans●     Why many rehab models fall short●     The importance of individualized treatment●     How stigma and criminalization make recovery harderThis episode isn’t about glorifying hardship or selling inspiration.It’s about understanding addiction, recovery, and responsibility with honesty and clarity.Connect with Mary Beth O’Connor!Website: junkietojudge.comX / Twitter: @Marybetho_LinkedIn: Mary Beth O’Connor

Episode 75:In this episode of Raw & Relentless, Bo DePaoli sits down with Mark Walker, CEO of Nue, a SaaS monetization and billing platform used by fast-growing software companies, including teams selling to enterprise customers. Mark has spent years inside scaling SaaS businesses, watching what actually changes as companies grow beyond the startup phase. This conversation breaks down why growth adds complexity, even when revenue is going up.They talk through:● What changes after product-market fit● Why big customers create new demands● How billing, contracts, and systems quietly get harder● Where founders underestimate operational complexity● Why growth exposes gaps you didn’t know existedThis episode isn’t about hacks or growth tactics. It’s about understanding what growth really brings, so you’re not surprised by it.Connect with Mark!LinkedIn: Mark WalkerWebsite: nue.io

Episode 74: In this episode of Raw & Relentless, Bo DePaoli sits down with Tom Sauer, Navy EOD veteran, former special operations officer, and founder of Miramar Health, a veteran-focused mental health and addiction treatment company.Tom has jumped out of planes, defused bombs, and operated at the highest levels of the military and he says none of it prepared him for entrepreneurship.This conversation cuts through the fantasy of “being your own boss” and exposes what actually breaks founders:sleeping on an air mattress in your office, begging for capital, sweating payroll, and realizing that financial courage is harder than physical courage.They break down:●    Why business broke him harder than combat●     The mental toll of payroll and responsibility●     Why most operators fail at entrepreneurship●     How SBA 7(a) loans really work●     Buying boring businesses instead of chasing ideas●     Childhood trauma as the root of addiction and depression●     Why shortcuts (including psychedelics) don’t work without integration●     The silent cost of leadership nobody prepares you forThis episode isn’t motivational.It’s a reality check for anyone who thinks business is easier than a job.Connect with Tom!X / Twitter: @ThomasBSauerWebsite: miramarhealth.com