The New Rules of Branding in the Modern Era with Rory Vaden

Do You Have What It Takes to Win When Life Plays Rough? In this electrifying mashup episode, I’m joined by an all-star lineup of thought leaders and game-changers, including Deion Sanders, Tim Grover, Trent Shelton, Dr. Taryn Marie, and Garrain Jones. Together, we explore the true essence of resilience, leadership, and the mindset required to play hurt and still dominate both on and off the field. Coach Prime, Deion Sanders, shares his hard-earned wisdom on leading with purpose and playing through pain—not just on the field, but in life. His philosophy of “never having a bad day, only bad moments” is a masterclass in turning adversity into strength. Tim Grover, who’s coached legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, delves into the obsession and preparation required to win relentlessly. He reminds us that the road to paradise starts in hell, and only those willing to endure can truly claim greatness. Trent Shelton opens up about his journey of facing life’s toughest challenges, including his mother’s battle with cancer, and how he transformed personal pain into a mission of global impact. Dr. Taryn Marie reveals the power of rewriting your narrative, teaching us how healing is our responsibility, even when the pain isn’t our fault. And Garrain Jones reminds us that returning to our childlike authenticity can unlock a joy and freedom that fuels transformation. Key Takeaways: - Playing Hurt: Deion Sanders on how resilience and preparation allow us to thrive despite setbacks. - Winning Habits: Tim Grover’s insights into the relentless discipline of the world’s greatest athletes. - Own Your Pain: Trent Shelton’s powerful testimony about finding purpose in adversity. - Rewrite Your Story: Dr. Taryn Marie on how changing your narrative can reshape your life. - Rediscover Joy: Garrain Jones encourages us to reconnect with our authentic selves to find fulfillment. Winning isn’t easy, and it’s not always glamorous. But as we uncover in this episode, the real victories come when you embrace the struggle, stay the course, and refuse to quit. These conversations aren’t just lessons—they’re the playbook for building an unbreakable mindset and achieving the greatness you were born for. Join us and step into the arena—you’re closer to your breakthrough than you think. Thank you for watching this video—Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are You Teaching People How to Treat You? Have you ever felt undervalued, disrespected, or even invisible in a relationship, at work, or among friends? Here’s the hard truth: you teach people how to treat you. But the good news? You have the power to change it. In this episode, I’m challenging you to stop tolerating treatment that’s less than what you’re worthy of and start setting boundaries that honor your value. This conversation is about reclaiming your self-worth. If someone in your life—whether it’s a boss, a spouse, a friend, or even a stranger—doesn’t treat you with respect and care, it’s time to stand up for yourself. I’ll guide you through the exact steps to express your standards, create non-negotiable boundaries, and reinforce the behavior you deserve. Because trust me, when you allow poor treatment, it becomes a cycle. You’re worth so much more than tolerating disrespect. I’m also asking you to take a moment of deep reflection. Are you the one treating others less than they’re worthy of? This isn’t just about calling others out—it’s about looking in the mirror and deciding to elevate the way you interact with the people who matter most. Relationships are partnerships, and great ones are built on mutual respect, kindness, and grace. Key Takeaways: The importance of setting and expressing your boundaries clearly. Why immediate correction of poor behavior is critical—and how to do it. How to confront others with candor while maintaining grace and respect. The value of reinforcing positive behavior to nurture healthier relationships. When to recognize that separation or exiting a relationship is the best path forward. This episode is your wake-up call to stop accepting less than you deserve and start living in alignment with your worth. Stand up for yourself. Speak your truth. And teach others how to treat you the right way. It’s time to take control and max out your relationships—and your life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s Holding You Back From Your True Potential? Today, I’m sitting down with the one and only Eric Thomas—a man whose energy and wisdom can shift your entire perspective. Known as the hip-hop preacher, ET has impacted millions, but today, we’re taking it deeper. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unsure, or like your potential is just out of reach, this conversation is for you. Eric opens up about the power of taking ownership of your life. He shares his journey from homelessness to becoming one of the most recognized voices in the world. The secret? Shifting from victimhood to victory. “When you take responsibility, you take the power back,” Eric reminds us. It’s not about ignoring the obstacles; it’s about recognizing that your greatest asset is already within you, waiting to be activated. We dive into the discipline it takes to achieve greatness—how effort can’t be conditional on circumstances, and why consistency matters more than talent. Eric’s transparency about his struggles and triumphs reveals the hard truth: growth requires doing the hard things, breaking through resistance, and keeping your promises to yourself, even when it’s inconvenient. One of the most moving parts of our conversation is Eric’s take on faith. He talks about finding strength in a higher purpose and using that relationship as an anchor to stay grounded, focused, and inspired. “God doesn’t give you a purpose without giving you the tools to fulfill it,” he says. This isn’t just motivation—it’s a call to action to tap into the gifts already inside you. Key Takeaways: Ownership Equals Freedom: Stop giving others control over your life. Take full responsibility for your actions and choices. Activate Your Potential: The greatness you’re searching for isn’t outside of you; it’s already within. You just need to access it. The Grind Has Levels: Talent can only take you so far. True success comes from systems, discipline, and relentless effort. Faith as Fuel: A strong connection with your purpose and a higher power can transform the way you live and lead. Consistent Action: Success is built day by day, habit by habit, moment by moment. Stay consistent and watch your life change. This is your reminder that no matter where you are, your next level is waiting. It’s time to step into your power, own your story, and become the person you were always meant to be. Let this episode ignite your greatness. It’s not too late to start—activate it today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How do we find lasting happiness and true fulfillment in a world obsessed with quick wins and instant gratification? In this episode, I’ve teamed up with some incredible voices—Darren Waller, NFL star and advocate for personal growth, and Heavy D Sparks, entrepreneur and visionary—to unpack what it truly takes to build a life of meaning and purpose. Darren Waller opens up about the illusion of happiness tied to achievements. From making it to the NFL to earning big contracts, Darren shares how these milestones left him unfulfilled until he shifted his focus to the person he was becoming in the process. His message is powerful: fulfillment is rooted in growth, gratitude, and connection—not in the accolades we chase. Heavy D Sparks dives into the mindset that winning isn’t just fun—it’s the ultimate path to discovering your best self. He emphasizes the importance of doing “God’s work” in everything, whether it’s on the field, in business, or in relationships. His perspective will challenge you to bring purpose and humility into every endeavor. Throughout the episode, I reflect on my own journey—from thinking money and material things would bring happiness to realizing that true joy comes from using your gifts to serve others. We explore how grind culture often leads high achievers to burnout, and why balance, rest, and self-love are essential parts of the equation for sustained success. Key Takeaways: - Why happiness is fleeting but fulfillment is enduring—and how to cultivate both. - Darren Waller’s candid lessons on overcoming identity tied to achievements. - Heavy D’s framework for seeing every task as meaningful and impactful. - The importance of balancing drive and ambition with gratitude and self-care. - How serving others with your unique gifts unlocks purpose and lasting joy. This episode is a masterclass in redefining success and aligning your life with what truly matters. No matter where you are on your journey, the insights from Darren, Heavy D, and myself will inspire you to embrace the process, focus on service, and create a life that’s not just successful but deeply fulfilling. Let’s build lives of impact and purpose—together. Thank you for watching this video—Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How Do You Get Your Edge Back? This week, I’m joined by my incredible friend and one of the greatest minds in personal development, Brendon Burchard. Together, we explore a life-changing question: What does it take to reignite the fire inside you and regain your edge? Whether you’ve lost that drive or are looking to create it for the first time, this episode will give you the tools to rebuild your passion, motivation, and sense of purpose. Brendon shares powerful insights about the importance of meaningful pursuits, keeping promises to yourself, and staying aligned with your mission. We discuss how losing focus and breaking small promises can chip away at your confidence and momentum, while honoring those commitments can rebuild trust in yourself and set the foundation for success. I get personal about the promises I’ve kept—and the ones I’ve broken—and how that impacts my edge every day. We also dive into the idea of “selling yourself the dream.” Are you actively visualizing the future you want, or are you just going through the motions? Brendon explains why being proactive and dreaming big isn’t just a motivational cliché—it’s a practice that builds energy and fuels transformation. Together, we offer actionable steps to refocus your energy, reclaim your drive, and live your life on your terms. Key Takeaways: Reignite Your Fire: Discover how aligning with a meaningful pursuit brings back passion and energy. The Power of Self-Trust: Keeping small promises to yourself creates a ripple effect that boosts confidence and performance. Sell Yourself the Dream: Regularly visualize and plan your ideal future to inspire action and clarity. Purpose-Driven Leadership: Embrace responsibility and express your mission to inspire yourself and others. Choose the Hard Path: Growth comes from taking on challenges and doing the difficult things others avoid. This episode is a call to action to want it more, dream bigger, and take back control of your future. Remember, it’s never too late to unlock your full potential. Find your edge, and let’s make this your best year yet! Tune in now—you don’t want to miss this one. "Ready to elevate every aspect of your life? Join ULTRA, Brendon Burchard's exclusive success group, and gain direct mentorship from Brendon, myself, and Natalie Ellis. With two private virtual meetups each month and four in-person events annually, you'll receive unparalleled guidance to achieve your ambitious goals. This is your opportunity to surround yourself with an exceptional peer group and mentors dedicated to your growth. Don't miss out—enroll in ULTRA today! " Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Your Mindset Stopping You from Living Your Purpose? Jasmine Star is back, and this conversation is nothing short of life-changing. She’s a powerhouse in every sense—a business leader, branding expert, and advocate for creating a life you love unapologetically. In this episode, we tackle the mindset traps that hold us back, the transformative power of consistency, and how to turn criticism into fuel for your greatest ambitions. Jasmine shares a deeply personal journey about adopting her daughter and overcoming the limiting belief that life was happening to her rather than for her. She explains how shifting her mindset from victimhood to empowerment not only changed her life but also transformed her ability to serve others. We also dive into the truth about building influence and success. Jasmine reveals that the secret isn’t a magic formula but showing up consistently, even when it’s uncomfortable. She unpacks her practical system for batching content and building a brand that truly resonates with an audience—proof that success isn’t about being the best, but being the last one standing. To top it all off, Jasmine gives a heartfelt answer to the question: Is the cost of chasing your dream worth it? Her response will inspire you to keep going, even when the path feels long and uncertain. Key Takeaways: Mindset Shift: How changing the narrative in your head from "I can’t" to "I will" opens doors you didn’t know were there. Consistency Over Perfection: Why showing up regularly matters more than getting everything right. The Power of Gratitude: Simple ways to use gratitude to refocus and build momentum. Actionable Branding Tips: Jasmine’s strategy for creating content that connects deeply with your audience. Resilience Pays Off: The real ROI of pushing through challenges to achieve your dreams. This conversation is your reminder to be the last person standing. No matter where you are in your journey, you’re just one decision away from creating a new reality. Don’t quit before your breakthrough. The world needs your unique gifts. Let’s get after it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

BREAK FREE AND LEAD YOUR LIFE! Are you ready to dismantle the victim mindset and step into your full potential as a leader? In this transformative Mashup episode, I sat down with an incredible lineup of voices who’ve faced extraordinary challenges and emerged as leaders in their own right. Together, we explore what it takes to lead yourself, your family, and your community—no matter where you’re starting from. Jay "Jeezy" Jenkins opens up about his journey from survival to self-realization, sharing how he overcame trauma and self-doubt to become a generational example of resilience. He dives into the mindset shift that helped him escape cycles of violence, build generational success, and inspire others to dream bigger than their circumstances. His candor about self-soothing through destructive habits—and his decision to choose healing instead—is a lesson in personal responsibility and leadership. Les Brown, a living legend in personal development, reminds us of the power of forgiveness and how anger can cloud our decisions. His story of facing deep pain and turning it into a legacy of inspiration will give you chills. He challenges us to confront our darkest emotions and use them as a stepping stone to greatness. From a different perspective, Maria Shriver highlights the challenge of carving your identity in a family of legacy-makers. Her insights into earning self-confidence, embracing vulnerability, and redefining feminine strength will resonate with anyone striving to make their mark without losing their authenticity. Lastly, Damon West takes us into his rock-bottom moment—being sentenced to 65 years in prison—and the resilience it took to rebuild his life. His story is a reminder that your circumstances don’t define you, but your response to them does. Damon’s transformation from convicted felon to a sought-after speaker proves the power of discipline, self-awareness, and purpose. Key Takeaways: - The importance of healing from trauma and leading with humility and vision to inspire generational change. - Why forgiveness—of others and yourself—is critical to unlocking your potential and moving forward. - Balancing toughness and tenderness to find your true voice, even in the shadows of giants. - How to turn life’s harshest lessons into tools for rebuilding a life of purpose and integrity. This episode isn’t just about advice—it’s a call to action. You’ll learn what it means to lead your life with clarity, courage, and a commitment to others. Whether you’re battling self-doubt, generational limitations, or the need to reinvent yourself, the wisdom shared here will guide you to become the leader you were meant to be. Tune in now and take that first step toward building your legacy. Thank you for watching this video—Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So you want to be a millionaire—are you ready to do what it takes? Let’s face it: the odds aren’t in your favor. Less than 1% of people make $1 million a year, and fewer sustain it for five years or more. But here’s the good news—it’s possible. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to change your financial future, today’s episode is about what it really takes to build wealth in a system that isn’t set up for everyone to win. We’ll talk about the importance of living well below your means, creating smart habits, and avoiding the pitfalls that keep so many high-income earners from staying wealthy. Making more money doesn’t guarantee success; managing it does. Even if you’re working a minimum wage job, you can start small—saving $10 a month or cutting unnecessary expenses—to build the discipline that wealth requires. For those dreaming of entrepreneurship, I break down why focus is your greatest ally. Trying to juggle multiple streams of income before mastering one? That’s a recipe for failure. Mastery, not distraction, leads to real success. And for those in service-driven careers, remember this: prioritizing your financial health doesn’t mean abandoning your purpose. It ensures you can continue making an impact without sacrificing your future. The path to wealth isn’t just about numbers; it’s about mindset, discipline, and making tough decisions. Whether it’s cutting back, starting a side hustle, or finally creating a budget, the time to act is now. You’re one decision away from changing your life forever. Key Takeaways: Wealth starts with habits: save first, live below your means, and prioritize financial health. Entrepreneurship requires laser focus—master one lane before diversifying. Even in service-driven careers, financial planning is essential for long-term security. One decision, made today, can completely alter your financial trajectory. It’s never too late, and there’s always a way forward. I believe in you. Let’s make this the moment you take control of your financial future. God bless, and max out. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Secret to Unlocking Success Is Closer Than You Think! Have you ever wondered if you're overcomplicating the path to success? My guest today, Rory Vaden, reveals that the real key is simplicity. Rory is a personal branding expert, New York Times bestselling author, and the mastermind behind some of the biggest names and brands in business. We tackle the myths of success, personal branding, and the real meaning of entrepreneurship—and let me tell you, this conversation is packed with game-changing insights. Rory breaks down why building trust—not chasing followers—is the ultimate goal of any personal brand. He shares how the digitization of your reputation can create life-changing opportunities, even if you’re “just starting out” or running a local business. You don’t need a massive following or slick content; what you need is to add value by being educational, encouraging, or entertaining. Rory's "depth over width" strategy will completely reframe how you approach your business and personal relationships. We also dive into why multiple streams of income aren’t the secret to wealth. Rory’s approach? Focus on one thing, master it, and let depth create abundance. We explore his concept of "fractal math," which proves you don’t need more customers to scale—you need to serve your existing clients better and deeper. What struck me most was Rory’s perspective on entrepreneurship as a form of expression. Whether you're a small business owner, a creative, or climbing the corporate ladder, your work can become your art. But it only becomes worth it when it brings you peace. Key Takeaways: Why trust is the foundation of your personal brand. The truth about scaling: Depth, not width, creates real impact. How to focus your energy on one income stream to build wealth. The connection between service, peace, and success in business and life. Let this be your wake-up call: Success isn’t about doing more; it’s about doing better. Start serving, start simplifying, and start building your life on principles that last. If you're ready to take your personal brand to the next level, I highly recommend visiting freebrandcall.com/edmylett to book a free strategy call with the experts at Brand Builders Group. They specialize in turning your reputation into revenue and can help you identify your unique value, craft your message, and develop a monetization plan tailored to you. Don't miss this opportunity to gain clarity and accelerate your journey to success. Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it today. Let’s keep spreading the impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Unlocking the Secrets of Super Communication: Words That Win! What if I told you that the way you communicate could be the key to your success in relationships, business, and life? In this episode, I’m sitting down with the brilliant Charles Duhigg, author of Words That Win, along with insights from legendary communicators like John Maxwell, Chuck Wisner, Les Brown, and others, to uncover how super communicators connect deeply, influence others, and make their words truly impactful. We explore the three types of conversations that shape every interaction—practical, emotional, and social—and why mismatching them can cause disconnection. Charles and I discuss the art of active listening, including his game-changing concept of “looping for understanding,” which transforms not just what you hear but how others feel heard. Plus, we dive into how asking meaningful, deep questions can unlock hidden stories and values in others, forging connections that last a lifetime. You’ll hear Charles’s incredible story of a CIA recruiter whose career pivoted when he learned how to match emotions and communicate vulnerably. We also discuss how communication isn’t just verbal—your tone, gestures, and even laughter can build trust or erode it. Non-verbal cues and emotional intelligence play pivotal roles, as Bedros Keuilian and Les Brown share how they use these tools to inspire and lead. Key Takeaways: - The three conversation types and how to identify and match them for stronger connections. - Why active listening is more about what you do after someone speaks than during. - How vulnerability and storytelling break down barriers and build trust. - The role of non-verbal communication and emotional reciprocity in creating lasting bonds. - Practical strategies for handling tough conversations and reducing judgment in disagreements. This episode is packed with actionable techniques to elevate your communication skills and become a master of connection. By the end, you’ll have the tools to strengthen your relationships, lead with influence, and truly be heard. Start applying these skills today because your ability to communicate could be the key to unlocking the life you’ve always dreamed of. Thank you for watching this video—Please Share it and get the word out! What part of this video resonated with you the most? Comment below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices