Are You Being Honest—or Just Strategic? Rethinking "Authenticity" Online

"Every time I hear the word authentic, I throw up in my mouth a little." That's how Rory Vaden opens this raw and riveting conversation about one of personal branding's most overused—and misunderstood—buzzwords: authenticity. Alongside AJ Vaden, the two co-founders of Brand Builders Group debate, dissect, and redefine what it really means to be authentic in today's digital-first world. Is authenticity just curated vulnerability? Where's the line between connection and oversharing? And how do you know when it's finally time to tell the hard parts of your story? This episode isn't just talk—it's transformation. You'll leave with a practical, powerful framework for sharing your truth with courage, integrity, and intention—without damaging your brand or your relationships. In this episode, you'll discover: The real reason we're all obsessed with "authenticity" (and where it went off track) How to know if you're being honest… or just strategically vulnerable A simple two-rule test to decide if you're ready to share a story publicly Why your hard moments may be your most valuable brand assets The difference between transparency and privacy—and how to protect both If you're building a personal brand in a world full of filters, this episode is your clarity check.   CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE AUDIOBOOK!

If you've ever felt awkward about selling—or thought "sales" is a dirty word—this episode will completely shift your mindset. Rory and AJ Vaden, two of the most accomplished sales professionals in the personal branding world, pull back the curtain on what truly drives conversions: service-centered selling. In this transparent and tactical conversation, they redefine what it means to sell with integrity, impact, and conviction. You'll learn why sales is not about slick talk but meaningful questions, how to guide prospects through a decision (without pushing), and why your conviction in your offer directly influences your close rate. Whether you're a personal brand, entrepreneur, or founder still trying to outsource your sales (spoiler: don't), this episode will challenge, equip, and energize you to sell with heart—and close with confidence. 👉 Discover the simple mindset shift that unlocks ethical, high-conversion selling. 👉 Learn the exact questions that create clarity and connection with buyers. 👉 Hear the real story behind closing high-ticket offers—from someone who's done it hundreds of times. Listen now to transform how you sell—and why your dream clients are waiting for you to lead the conversation.   CLICK TO DOWNLOAD OUR FREE AUDIOBOOK

Is Direct Sales Dead — or Just Evolving? The Truth About Personal Branding in Today's Market In this deeply insightful episode, Rory and AJ Vaden break down the seismic shifts happening in direct sales, affiliate marketing, and influencer-driven commerce. From the collapse of traditional MLM structures to the rise of personal brands owning their audiences, this conversation explores what it really takes to build lasting success in today's volatile sales environment. Rory shares his record-breaking journey in direct sales and how that shaped his philosophy on people-first business models. AJ challenges the profit-over-people mindset driving many companies to ditch field forces for digital links—and asks the uncomfortable questions about what we lose when relationships are replaced by reach. If you're a micro-entrepreneur, direct seller, or building any kind of business based on trust and community, this episode is your playbook. You'll learn: The critical difference between affiliate, influencer, and direct sales Why owning your audience is now non-negotiable The real reason major brands are shifting models—and what that means for you How in-person experiences are making a comeback in a digital-first world Why community, trust, and human connection are your biggest competitive advantages Whether you're starting from scratch or leading a massive team, this episode will shift how you think about marketing, monetization, and the power of your personal brand.

If you're using AI to chase shortcuts or avoiding it altogether, you're already behind. In this episode of the Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast, Rory and AJ Vaden pull back the curtain on how they're integrating AI into the core operations of Brand Builders Group—not with hype, but with hard-won, real-world systems that are actually working right now. After years of testing and building, they've developed a practical approach to AI that helps them scale without sacrificing the human strategy that makes their brand magnetic. This isn't about chasing shiny objects—it's about leveraging intelligent tools to build a high-trust, high-impact business that runs without burning you out. If you're tired of trading time for money and want to build a business that grows with or without you, this conversation is your next step. Inside this episode: Why most entrepreneurs mistake growth for scale—and stay stuck because of it The two-audience framework that allows you to serve your clients and your team with AI Why BBG ditched generic tools to build a proprietary bot suite The most powerful, practical use-cases of AI Rory and AJ are using today How AJ is cutting hiring time in half while improving quality across the board Time-saving strategies they're applying both at home and in business Why most AI strategies fail—and what to do differently If you want to scale smart and stay relevant, this episode is a must.   DOWNLOAD OUR FREE AUDIOBOOK: wealthyandwellknown.com/audiobook

In this intimate and unfiltered episode, Rory and AJ Vaden pull back the curtain on how they truly think about money—and it's probably not what you'd expect. From debt-free living and conservative investing to running an eight-figure business without paying themselves a salary for five years, they share the countercultural principles that have helped them build financial peace without chasing flashy wealth. You'll learn: Why "peace is the new profit" is more than just a mantra How they structured their personal finances to avoid money fights in marriage The mindset shift that helped them prioritize purpose over pressure Smart strategies for managing business and personal money simply and sustainably The spiritual (and strategic) power of tithing and generosity This episode is not financial advice—it's a rare look at the real-life decisions, philosophies, and lived experiences that have brought lasting stability to one couple's life and business. Whether you're growing a business, trying to get out of debt, or just tired of money stress, this conversation will challenge your thinking and inspire your path forward.   To find out more about Brand Builders Group, and download the Wealth and Wellknown Audiobook for FREE - click here!

Welcome to The Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast — hosted by Rory Vaden and AJ Vaden, co-founders of Brand Builders Group. This is the show for mission-driven messengers who want to build reputation and revenue at the same time. Whether you're launching a book, scaling a business, or trying to become a recognized expert in your space, you'll learn how to craft a Monetized Personal Brand™ that drives massive impact. Each episode features real coaching, case studies from our 1-on-1 clients, and insider strategies from 8-figure entrepreneurs, viral speakers, New York Times bestselling authors, and trusted BBG partners. You'll hear directly from the minds behind some of today's most influential personal brands. Subscribe and turn on notifications — because your message matters, and the world needs to know your name.

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.