You Think You're Using the Perks But Really You're Losing the Circle | S2S 558

You want to be in the circle, but you're coming in needy. You want the access, the connections, the benefits. But you're not bringing health. You're not bringing value. You're coming in taking from the circle instead of adding to it. And until you fix that, you'll never stay. This week the crew gets raw about what it really means to be part of a team. CJ opens up about losing his Delta 360 status after two years. Not because he stopped flying. But because he started using too many of the benefits. The upgrades, the miles, the Sky Club access, the Porsche pickups. He was taking more from the circle than he was putting back in. And Delta kicked him out. ET breaks down why the same thing happens in relationships, marriages, and friendships. You can't keep pulling from the circle without adding to it. Because the moment you become a liability, the moment you start draining more than you're contributing, people start distancing themselves. Not because they don't love you. But because you're using all your credit. The crew unpacks why most people come into circles looking for what they can get instead of what they can give. Why generosity is a war, not a transaction. And why the healthiest people in the circle are the ones who never need anything. Shout out to Rondell, shout out to Will, shout out to Maul. They came in healthy. They came in ready to serve. And because of that, they're still here. ET gets real about teaching his son Jalin the difference between being fed and knowing how to hunt. Why wealth doesn't start with money, it starts with a mindset. And why you can tell the difference between a lion and a giraffe just by looking at their bodies. One hunts. One grazes. And your physique, your character, your future depends on which one you are. They also talk about why ET's daughter Jada called and asked what God said about her. How he told her everything she needs is about to come because she's finally in the Serengeti. And why being a COO at her brother's company is putting her in position to attract everything she's been praying for. This episode will challenge how you show up in your circle. Because if you're needy, people can feel it. If you're draining, people will distance themselves. Stop taking advantage of the advantage. Start adding to the circle. We is greater than me. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: When You Get Needy, You Get Cut From the Circle 00:01:29 Welcome and The Delta 360 Wake-Up Call 00:03:22 The Secret to Staying in the Circle: Come With Health 00:05:27 Cultural Programming: The Give Me Mentality vs The Creator Mindset 00:05:57 The Delta Story Breakdown: Using All Your Global Upgrades 00:12:00 The Porsche Pickup and When Advantages Become Expected 00:24:57 Shout Out to Rondell Black: The Art of Knowing How to Be 00:25:46 Equal Sacrifice, Not Equal Giving: The Real Secret to We 00:29:17 Teaching Your Kids to Hunt: The Giraffe vs Lion Lesson 00:35:21 The Jada Story: Leading Your Wife to Houston 00:38:15 The Five Pillars and Building Your Own Dynasty 00:39:48 We Is Greater Than Me: The Book and the Mission 00:40:32 Football Season Talk: Bears Moving to Indiana and Lions Hype 00:48:48 Forever Forward Marriage Retreat: Photo Shoots and White Party 00:50:55 Closing: 9 to 5 Millionaire Network and Real Estate Results PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. Available now. https://www.weisgreater.com FOREVER FORWARD MARRIAGE RETREAT October 29th in Cancun, Mexico. Less than 50 couples. A celebration of marriage with the S2S crew and their wives. https://www.foreverforwardmarriage.com JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, and becoming your best self.

You're trapped by the very thing that made you successful. You've got the talent, the work ethic, the drive. You've built something. But the same high capacity leadership that got you here is now your Achilles heel. And until you deal with that, you'll never get to the next level. This week the crew gets raw about what it really means to be part of a team when you've been successful on your own. ET breaks down why he's always been a two man, never a one. Even when everyone assumed he was the leader, he was always the second. From elementary school track meets to McDonald's, he knew his high capacity came with smoke. He knew the thing that made him great could also destroy him. So he spent his whole life looking for the right ones to connect with. Mal opens up about why he joined the team in the first place. He had the real estate, the daycares, the security company, the money, the family. He wasn't looking for business. He was praying for brotherhood. He was praying for a circle of influence that was on the same level. Not financially, but spiritually. And when he connected with the crew, it wasn't about coaching or business deals. It was about friendship. It was about having an out. It was about being able to cook dinner with the wives and the kids without it always being mastermind time. Karl shares what it's like being the introvert on a team of extroverts. How he showed up to the office 20 years ago not knowing if he even fit in. How he was overthinking everything, trying not to mess it up. But deep down, he knew connecting with the right people would have an impact bigger than he could imagine. And now, two decades later, he's living down the street from E in a neighborhood he never dreamed of. Because together everyone accomplishes more. CJ unpacks the shift from being a lifelong one to becoming a two. How he was always the captain, always the leader, always the one. Until he met E. And for the first time in his life, he had to learn what it meant to be second. Not inferior. Not weaker. But connected. Because the one and the two together is the secret sauce. They also break down arranged marriages, why Avery and Jamal Jr. are already locked in, and why the divorce rate in arranged marriages is 94 to 96 percent success. Plus, ET's kids are both working at the same company in Houston with offices down the hall from each other, and God keeps his word. This episode will challenge everything you think about success, leadership, and what it means to be part of a team. Because you can be high capacity and still be trapped. Stop trying to do it alone. We is greater than me. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: Kyrie Was a Banging Two - Understanding Your Role on the Team 00:01:35 Welcome and Happy Birthday to ET - Celebrating 56 Years Around the Sun 00:05:32 Jada's Office and Jalen's Success - When Your Kids Make You Proud 00:10:18 The Birthday Gift: We Is Greater Than Me Book Pre-Order Goes Live 00:14:28 Fair or Foul: The Arranged Marriage Conversation for Avery and Jamal Jr 00:36:12 Carl's Story: From Substitute Teacher to Essential Team Member 00:45:35 Maul's Brotherhood Prayer: Finding Your Circle of Influence 00:53:07 ET Was Always the Two: The Lifelong Journey of a High-Capacity Leader 00:56:18 The Secret Sauce: When a Lifelong One Meets a Lifelong Two 00:56:44 Trapped By What Made You Successful: The High-Capacity Leader's Dilemma PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. Available November 3rd. https://www.weisgreater.com FOREVER FORWARD MARRIAGE RETREAT October 29th in Cancun, Mexico. Less than 50 couples. A celebration of marriage with the S2S crew and their wives. https://www.foreverforwardmarriage.com JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, and becoming your best self.

You know better. You can do better. But you haven't done better yet. And that's your 242: the place where you know what needs to change but haven't produced better yet. This week, the crew breaks down accountability that actually works. ET explores the difference between reputation and character. Reputation is a shadow. It's who you want people to think you are. Character is who you actually are. And when your character is on the line, you can't promote a health supplement at 242 pounds or talk about transformation while avoiding the area you know needs to change. Not because of vanity, but integrity. CJ gets real about being a true two man. Not a one in waiting looking for his moment, but someone whose light is connected to yours. He shares how he stepped aside at a speaking engagement so ET could go first. Someone accused him of dimming his light, but they couldn't understand that CJ and ET's destinies are tied together. Winning means doing whatever it takes, not whatever makes you look good. The crew unpacks why consistency without quality is rehearsed failure, why people want to win their way instead of simply winning, and why real accountability goes beyond someone saying you're getting big. It's someone asking for your blood pressure every day. The 52-day challenge isn't about weight loss. It's about the area where you know better, can do better, but haven't done better yet. ET also breaks down his home game versus away game strategy, how the Peloton app keeps him accountable on the road, and how CJ pushed him back to intermittent fasting. Nobody said a word when he was eating honey buns and Cheetos, but now that he's fasting, everybody's worried about his electrolytes. This episode will challenge how you think about accountability, partnership, and being a two man. Because you don't want to be a two man. You're a one in waiting. Until you deal with that, you'll keep doing 52 days alone. Stop trying to win your way. Do what it takes to win. Your 242 is waiting, and it starts with your heart. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: Reputation is a Shadow, Character is Who You Are 00:01:38 Welcome and Airport Lotion Drama - The TSA Struggle is Real 00:04:11 The Sprinkler System Scam and Mr. Perfect's Lawn 00:07:09 Pool Equipment: The Money Pit That Never Stops Breaking 00:09:23 17 Years and 21 Years: Celebrating Partnership Milestones 00:10:37 The Speaking Engagement Story: When Your Light is Attached to Someone Else's 00:13:43 Consistency Without Quality is Rehearsed Failure 00:16:49 I Just Want to Win: The Philosophy That Built an Empire 00:17:18 You're Not a Two-Man, You're a One in Waiting 00:19:11 The Secret to Success Mission: Bringing Souls to Christ 00:20:23 White Men Can't Jump: Would You Rather Look Good and Lose? 00:24:44 Being a Two-Man in the 52-Day Challenge: What Accountability Really Looks Like 00:26:45 The Blood Pressure Metric: Why Accountability Needs to Be Tangible 00:27:56 The Jerk Chicken Confession: When You Eat Wrong and Your Numbers Show It 00:31:51 Reputation vs Character: The Connection That Changes Everything 00:41:53 The Dentist Analogy: Imagine If You Had to Go 52 Days Straight 00:45:12 You Know Better, Can Do Better, But Haven't Done Better Yet 00:46:27 Home Game vs Away Game: The Peloton App Solution for Travel 00:47:17 The 24-Hour Fast: When Accountability Pushes You Beyond Your Limits 00:49:15 Introducing the Build 52 Challenge: Your 52-Day Transformation Starts Now 00:49:57 Live Staff Meeting with Moose: Registration Deadlines and Pricing 00:53:07 Closing: Transformation Not Just Information JOIN THE BUILD 52 CHALLENGE Free registration ends soon. Transform the area you've been ignoring in 52 days. https://www.build52challenge.com JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. Available November 3rd. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, and becoming your best self.

Want to learn more about Forever Forward? Join us live this Thursday at 7:00 PM EST for a Forever First Look - a special event preview. Register using the link below! https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HIHEuTfrRGqd05VzP8FR1A You want to travel the world with your spouse. You want to be around other couples who actually like each other. You want to celebrate your marriage instead of fixing it. And that's exactly what Forever Forward is for. October 29th in Cancun, the crew is inviting less than 50 couples to a marriage bliss retreat. Not a conference. Not counseling. A celebration. This week CJ and Candis, Jemal and Camille get real about why this retreat isn't for the struggle marriage. It's for the couples who are already in love, already healthy, already doing the work. Because here's the truth most people don't want to hear: the healthy couples always end up being the source of strength for all the weak couples. And where do they go to get filled back up? Candis confesses she used to say no to vacationing with other couples. She wanted quality time with CJ, not group hangouts. But exposure changed everything. Not because they sat around doing marriage counseling, but because they observed. They watched how Jemal and Camille showed affection, how they communicated, how they celebrated anniversaries. And it challenged them to level up without anyone saying a word. The crew breaks down why iron sharpens iron applies to marriages too. Why being around other couples in bliss rejuvenates you. Why you need community, not just for business or faith, but for your marriage. And why this retreat is about building a tribe of couples who actually enjoy being together. Jemal drops the unk word about the attack on marriage nobody talks about. The quiet period. The phase after the baby showers and birthday parties where nobody invests in their marriage anymore. Life becomes about the kids, the job, the ladder. And years later, the divorce phase hits. Not by chance, but by neglect. Because divorce doesn't happen overnight. It's years of not working out, not investing, not putting anything back into the marriage. This episode is about the small foxes that destroy the vine and the small steps that build marriages. If you want to succeed in your marriage as bad as you want to breathe, this is your moment. Forever Forward. October 29th. Cancun. Let's celebrate love. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: Traveling the World Together as Couples 00:01:29 Welcome and Forever Forward Announcement - October 29th in Cancun 00:04:29 This Ain't For the Struggle Marriage - Who Forever Forward Is Really For 00:05:32 Why Iron Sharpens Iron Applies to Marriages Too 00:08:26 The Exposure That Changes Everything - Why Community Matters for Couples 00:14:07 Candace's Confession: I Didn't Want to Vacation With Other Couples 00:15:49 It's Never Turned Into Marriage Counseling - The Power of Observation 00:17:13 The Forever Forward Experience - What to Expect in Cancun 00:18:44 Unk Jamal's Word: The Attack on Marriage Nobody Talks About 00:22:13 The Small Foxes That Destroy the Vine - Why Small Steps Build Marriages FOREVER FORWARD MARRIAGE RETREAT October 29th in Cancun, Mexico. Less than 50 couples. A celebration of marriage with the S2S crew and their wives. https://www.foreverforwardmarriage.com JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, and becoming your best self.

You're winning in some areas but losing in one. And you know it. Your marriage is strong. Your kids are thriving. Your career is on fire. Your faith is solid. But that one area? The one you keep avoiding? That's the one that's about to cost you everything. This week ET gets brutally honest about the conversation that changed everything on June 1st. The moment God rebuked him on the pulpit while he was preaching. The moment he realized he was about to be the weakest link. Because when CJ told him the supplement was finally ready, ET knew he couldn't come out with a health product at 242 pounds. Not because of vanity. Because of integrity. ET breaks down why he avoided the scale for years. Why he justified being strong in four out of five pillars. Why he told himself his blood work was good enough. And why God had to step in and say, you're not industry standard in this area, son. You're about to destroy what you said you wanted to build. The crew unpacks why most people resist the one area they need to fix the most. Why we justify being great in four areas while ignoring the fifth. Why embarrassment isn't about what other people see, it's about knowing you're better than this. And why the first step isn't exercise or diet, it's changing your heart. ET shares how he lost 17 pounds in 52 days without obsessing over food or workouts. How he put on the black suit jacket from 2012 that used to have tension and now fits perfectly. And how God said pre won't stay pre. Your body is a temple. And if you don't treat it like one, you won't be around to celebrate the legacy you're trying to build. This episode will challenge everything you think about success. Because you can be number one in four areas and still be losing. Stop justifying the one thing you know needs to change. What's your 242? The area you've been ignoring? The thing you know you're better than? It's time to fix it. And it starts with your heart. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: You're Winning in Four, Losing in One - And You Know It 00:01:32 Welcome and Happy 17th Anniversary - The Milestone Moment 00:04:46 June 1st: The Conversation That Changed Everything 00:05:47 The Scale You're Avoiding: Why We Don't Face Reality 00:07:53 God's Rebuke on the Pulpit: When Your Calling Exposes Your Weakness 00:10:07 Four Out of Five Strong: The Dangerous Justification 00:22:15 The Embarrassment of Needing Someone Else to Tell You 00:24:17 The Supplement Revelation: You Can't Be the Weakest Link 00:37:43 Changing Your Heart First: Why Exercise and Diet Come Second 00:42:01 Your Body Is a Temple: The Principle You Know But Don't Live 00:44:42 Pre Won't Stay Pre: The Wake-Up Call About Your Future 00:47:16 Introducing Build52Challenge.com: Your Free Transformation Starts Now 00:51:36 The Black Suit Jacket: From Tension to Triumph 00:53:50 17 Pounds Down, 52 Days to Build: The Quick Work God Promised 00:55:14 Closing: What's Your 242? The Area You've Been Ignoring JOIN THE BUILD 52 CHALLENGE Completely free. 52 days to transform the area you've been ignoring. https://www.build52challenge.com JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. Available November 3rd. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, and becoming the best version of yourself.

You want the reward without the relationship. You want the breakthrough without the process. You want the book without knowing the author. And that may be exactly why you're stuck. This week, the S2S crew breaks down why so many people chase information, access, and outcomes without building the relationships, discipline, humility, and belief required to sustain them. ET explains why motivation still matters, even if discipline is the goal. Most people need something to get them moving before discipline can take over. The crew also unpacks what it means to have a contrite spirit, become truly coachable, stop defending your way, and become a student again. ET reads his Day 50 journal entry from the 52-Day Challenge and shares how discipline helped him improve his fitness while staying present with his faith and family. The guys break down the five pillars: faith, family, finance, fitness, and freedom, and how to work on all five without giving each one equal time. They also revisit Nehemiah rebuilding in 52 days what had been broken for 140 years, why what bothers you may be pointing toward your calling, and why belief matters when there is still no visible evidence. The bottom line: stop chasing the reward. Build the relationship. Get coachable. Stay connected. The fruit will follow. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: You Want the Reward But Not the Relationship 00:01:21 Welcome and The Motivation vs Discipline Debate 00:05:08 The Contrite Spirit: Broken and Humiliated 00:05:35 Give Up Everything and Become a Student 00:06:17 The Real Estate Lesson: When You Ignore the Coach 00:06:55 Carl's Smile and The Community Person Revelation 00:08:09 Being Coachable: The Film Room Mentality 00:09:37 The Five Pillars: Faith Family Finance Fitness Freedom 00:10:38 Nehemiah's 52 Days: What 140 Years Couldn't Do 00:12:03 What's Bothering You: The First Sign of Your Calling 00:19:45 Working All Five Pillars Daily Without Equal Time 00:21:30 ET's Fitness Journey: Combining Pillars While Running 00:22:31 The Imbalance Confession: When Marriage Affected Fitness 00:24:03 Day 50 Journal Entry: ET Reads His Transformation 00:29:30 Blood Pressure Results and The AARP Podcast Joke 00:30:18 The Pace Pillar: Why ET Started Journaling 00:32:16 Carl's Walking Commitment: No Alarm Clock Needed 00:43:25 Belief Over Feelings: The Real Application 00:36:58 Relationship Over Reward: The Book and The Author 00:47:47 The Vision Keeper: Seeing It When There's No Evidence 00:52:38 Designed to Win: The Final Word JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, relationships, and becoming the best version of yourself.

You don't want the advice. You want the reward. You want the championship without the discipline. You want the breakthrough without the breaking. You want the results without the process. And that's why you're stuck. Because the advice is free. The reward costs everything. This week the crew breaks down why most people reject the very thing that could save them. ET opens up about the difference between motivation and discipline. Why the dude who studied discipline and went through the military has the right to say motivation is whack. But most people aren't there yet. Most people need something to get them going. That's why he asks, what's your why? Because that part works. It worked for the Denver Nuggets when they won the championship. It worked for Texas A&M when they went undefeated. The first level is motivation. But you can't stay there. They also get into the LeBron versus Jordan debate. Not the stats, not the rings, just the question: who's better? And why that conversation never gets old. Plus, ET tells the story of breaking the law, getting caught on video, and still trying to argue it was racism. Spoiler: he lost in court. But the videotape don't lie. CJ shares why he went through the 10 items or less line with 17 items and had a full stare down with the grocery store clerk. Was he fair or foul? The crew weighs in. And ET admits he's a lawbreaker when it comes to waiting. Because the hip hop preacher ain't got time for lines. This episode is about the gap between wanting success and doing what it takes to get it. Because everybody wants the reward. But most people don't want the advice. They don't want the discipline. They don't want the process. And that's why they stay stuck. Stop asking for shortcuts. Start doing the work. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: Discipline vs Motivation - The First Level You Need 00:01:16 Welcome and Team Introductions: Clark Atlanta Bound 00:02:57 LeBron vs Jordan: The Debate That Never Gets Old 00:03:22 Fair or Foul: The 10 Items or Less Grocery Store Standoff 00:03:48 The Grocery Shopping Philosophy: Why Delivery Isn't an Option 00:07:43 Breaking the Law When It Makes Sense: The Practical Approach 00:08:06 The Stop Sign Story: When ET Fought the Law and the Law Won 00:09:30 The California Stop Defense: Why Context Matters in Rule Breaking 00:09:56 Marriage Talk: The 30-Minute Conversation That Revealed Society's Problem JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST The S2S podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, the Bajan Sensation, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.

LeBron or Jordan? It's the debate that never dies. And this week, the crew dove headfirst into it. Fresh off the mastermind weekend, they came in ready to talk personal development. Instead, they ended up in the most heated sports argument they've ever had on this podcast. Because LeBron just signed with the Sixers. And now the conversation is back on the table. Is he the GOAT? Or is Jordan still untouchable? The guys break down the stats, the rings, the eras, the dynasties, and the longevity. They argue about whether LeBron's four championships in 23 seasons stack up against Jordan's six in 15. They debate whether losing in the finals is worse than losing in the first round. They unpack whether the COVID championship counts the same. And they go back and forth on who had better help, who faced tougher competition, and whether switching teams makes you less of a legend or just smart. They also break down why the NBA has become the portal. Why player movement is out of control. Why LeBron might get a statue in Cleveland but probably not in LA or Miami. And why even Michael Jordan said it's disrespectful to call anyone the GOAT when there are legends who came before him. This episode is not about personal development. It's about passion. It's about what happens when four friends who love sports sit down and argue like they're on First Take. And it's hilarious, it's heated, and it's exactly they needed after three straight days of mastermind intensity. Plus, CJ shares the story of meeting Magic Johnson at 13 years old and riding around with Bill Russell for an entire day. ET opens up about why he thinks LeBron winning in Philly would be incredible for the culture. And they announce the big news: Forever Forward Marriage Retreat is officially happening in Cancun. Less than 50 couples. No breakout rooms. Just a celebration of love. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: The LeBron vs Jordan Debate Heats Up Immediately 00:01:43 Welcome and Catching Up: Fresh Off the Mastermind Weekend 00:04:55 LeBron to the Sixers: Why This Move Changes Everything 00:07:38 The NBA Portal Problem: Why Player Movement Is Out of Control 00:11:21 The Statue Debate: Where Does LeBron Belong? 00:13:54 Is LeBron the Best Player We've Ever Seen? 00:16:32 Breaking Down the Stats: Scoring, Defense, and Longevity 00:19:27 The COVID Championship: Does It Count the Same? 00:21:10 Six for Six vs Four for Twenty-Three: The Finals Record Argument 00:23:28 Jordan Fan Logic: Why Only Talk About the Championship Years? 00:27:37 The Dynasty Question: Who Did They Beat and Who Beat Them? 00:31:03 Longevity vs Peak Dominance: What Matters More? 00:34:32 The Scottie Pippen Factor: Who Had Better Help? 00:41:40 The Generational Argument: Bill Russell, Magic, and Kareem Enter the Chat 00:45:52 The Final Verdict: Can They Agree on Anything? 00:50:00 Jordan's Answer: The Most Respectful Take on the GOAT Debate 00:53:50 Magic Johnson Stories: When ET Met a Legend at 13 Years Old 00:56:02 Can They Do a Sports Show? Testing the Chemistry 00:56:29 Detroit Lions Window: Is It Already Closing? 00:59:57 Forever Forward Marriage Retreat: Big Announcement 01:04:02 Behind the Scenes: Photo Shoot Prep and Patreon Love 01:06:06 Closing: LeBron the GOAT with Love - See You Next Week FOREVER FORWARD MARRIAGE RETREAT Cancun, Mexico. Less than 50 couples. A celebration of love with the podcast crew and their wives https://www.foreverforwardmarriage.com JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX The Secret to Success Podcast, hosted by Dr. Eric Thomas (ET), CJ Quinney, Karl Phillips and Jemal King, is one of the most impactful personal development podcasts in the world. Each week the team breaks down real conversations around success, discipline, wealth, leadership, relationships, and entrepreneurship. If you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe, this is the podcast for you.

You prayed about it. You asked God for direction. You're waiting. You're believing. But you're still stuck. And the reason why isn't because God didn't answer. It's because you're not listening. Or worse, you're listening but you're not moving. This week ET and CJ break down why prayer without action is just noise. Because here's the truth most people don't want to hear: God's voice is clear. His directions are clear. The problem is your filters are messed up. You're so stuck in your own way of doing things, so locked into what you know, that you can't hear what God is trying to tell you. And even when you do hear it, you come back the next day asking the same question like y'all didn't just have that conversation yesterday. ET opens up about why he told people to stop praying. Not because prayer doesn't work, but because some people use prayer as a crutch. They pray for Peter to be released from jail while Peter is at the door knocking. They're so busy praying they can't see the answer is already here. He breaks down the formula of prayer, the one he learned when he was homeless. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us as we forgive others. With thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. It's not just about asking. It's about listening. It's about doing what God tells you to do. What do you do when you feel like you didn't hear God clearly? What do you do when your mind is so cluttered with anxiety, stress, and worry that you can't process what God is saying? You can't get directions when you're moving. You have to stop. And once God gives you the directions, don't come back asking for the same directions again. Move. They also unpack why most people only see God as a provider instead of a relationship. Why your prayer life should be you and God just kicking it, reminiscing on the good old days, talking about what you're grateful for. Not just showing up with a list of demands. And why the people who get closest to God, like Enoch and Moses, are the ones who walked and talked with God until they literally glowed with his presence. This episode will challenge everything you think about prayer. Because prayer is not just talking. It's listening. It's doing. Stop asking God to bless the mess. Start doing what he told you to do. The pit stop only works if you stay in the car and let God do what only he can do. But you still got to drive. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: God's Got a Thousand Ways You Know Nothing About 00:01:45 Welcome and the Prayer Controversy: Did ET Really Say Stop Praying? 00:03:52 Prayer Is Not Your Only Tool: The Hammer and Wrench Analogy 00:05:42 The Cell Phone Confession: Why Being Homeless Made ET's Prayer Life Stronger 00:06:43 Prayer Is a GPS System: You Can't Get Directions While Moving 00:07:53 Stop Coming Back to God Without Doing What He Told You 00:09:48 You Know God's Voice Because You Talk Every Day 00:11:24 It's Not That God Isn't Clear, Your Filters Are Messed Up 00:13:19 The 3 AM Walk: Why ET Changed His Prayer Time to Avoid Distractions 00:16:39 Reminisce With God: Talk About the Good Old Days 00:19:42 Stop Putting God on Hold: Let Him Talk Back to You 00:21:27 The Formula of Prayer: What ET Learned While Homeless 00:23:47 Give Thanks Before You Get What You Want 00:25:03 Moses, Jonah, and Ruth: Listen and Follow the Instructions 00:25:48 Some Things You Have to Change, Not God 00:26:31 Tithes and Offerings: The Windows of Heaven Principle 00:28:02 Walking and Talking With God Is Not Just Religious Tradition 00:29:25 Moses Spent 30 Days With God and Came Back Glowing 00:31:47 I Never Came to Michigan to Stay: The Master's Degree Plan 00:34:43 Prayer Is Your GPS System: You Have No Clue Where You're Going 00:35:12 The NASCAR Pit Stop Revelation: Don't Wait Till the Wheels Fall Off 00:37:12 God Tells You When to Pull Over Before You Even Know You Need It 00:38:20 You Don't Have to Get Out the Car: Stay in and Let God Handle It 00:38:42 Moses Died at 120 at Peak, Enoch Left Earth at Peak 00:39:10 How a Small Group From Lansing Changed the World 00:40:05 Closing: Going at Peak Is 52 Days, Not 52 Years JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast ABOUT THE PODCAST S2S is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.

You're working hard for the wrong reason, and it's breaking you. Not because you're lazy. Not because you're not talented. But because what's driving you isn't God. It's trauma. It's fear. It's pride. And until you deal with that, all the work in the world won't save you. This week the crew brings their wives to the table. Candis and Dede join CJ, ET, and Karl for one of the most transparent conversations about faith, work, and what it really means to let go and let God. Because here's the truth most people don't want to hear: you can have the title Christian, but the devil can still be driving you. Candis opens up about working herself into the ground at GE. Senior management, six figures, the whole dream. But she was miserable, burnt out, crying in the closet. When CJ told her to quit, she was ready to walk. But ET stepped in with something that changed everything: your job isn't to influence her, it's to get her to talk to God. So Candis went to a hotel for two days. Just her and God. And God told her three things: be still, have peace, be humble. Everything shifted. Not because she quit, but because she stopped letting fear drive her. Dede gets real about thinking she had the backup plan. The insurance, the retirement, all of it figured out. Until God started breaking the stuff off of her that was keeping her from trusting him. Because brokenness isn't God trying to destroy you. It's God breaking the trauma, the pride, the self reliance off of you so he can multiply you. And the multiplication only comes after the breaking. They also unpack the AI love letter. A man sent his wife a heartfelt message using ChatGPT. She loved it, until he admitted he used AI. Now she's upset because it wasn't really from him. Dede's response is priceless. This episode will challenge everything you think about work, faith, and trust. Because faith without works is dead. But works without faith is empty. Stop letting your backup plan replace God. Stop letting your job be your security. And stop thinking brokenness means you're broken. God isn't breaking you. He's breaking that stuff off of you. CHAPTERS Chapters 00:00:00 Opening: Which One Do You Want Sir - AI or the Real Thing 00:01:20 Welcome and Introducing the Queens: Candis and Dede Join the Pod 00:09:09 Fair or Foul: The ChatGPT Love Letter Debate 00:11:45 Computer Love: When Your Heart Message Comes From a Machine 00:17:29 The Real Question: Faith Without Works or Let Go and Let God 00:19:33 Before You Work With God You Got to Know God 00:22:26 Candis Revelation: The Only Work God Wants Is Belief 00:25:16 Be Still Doesn't Mean Stand Still: Redefining Stillness 00:29:03 How to Hear From God When You Don't Hear Audibly 00:32:11 The Cheat Code Confession: When Your Spouse Has a Deeper Walk 00:33:43 Don't Compare Storms: Your Hurricane Versus Someone Else's Rain 00:34:55 Candis GE Breakdown: Working Crazy Hours and Missing Peace 00:43:35 The Two-Day Hotel Revelation: When God Said Be Still, Be Humble, Have Peace 00:46:46 CJ's Obedience Test: When Quitting Would Have Been Easier 00:49:20 The Financial Security Idol: When Insurance Becomes Your God 00:50:35 Dede's Confession: I Will Burn the Bridge to Prove I Can Swim 00:54:01 The Mental Weight That's Breaking You: It's Not the Work, It's What's Driving It 00:54:20 What's Driving You: When Trauma Becomes Your God 00:55:27 The 3am Question: What's So Evil About You That You'd Rather Suffer 01:04:24 Does God Get Glory From What You Do: The Jealousy of God 01:06:00 Didi's MS Story: When God Has to Stop You From Your Disobedience 00:58:31 Brokenness Isn't Breaking You: It's Breaking Stuff Off of You 01:01:04 The Multiplication Comes After the Broken: Stop Running From It 01:08:21 Closing: Join A Place to Change Ministry and Get Community JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120 PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME" The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D SUBSCRIBE https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1 LISTEN ANYWHERE Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15 FOLLOW Instagram: @s2spodcast A PLACE OF CHANGE MINISTRY Join the women's ministry with Candace and Dede. Follow @apocministry on Instagram or visit www.aplacetochangeministry.org ABOUT THE PODCAST The S2S podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, the Bajan Sensation, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.