Proven Podcast

Cem Atik built a portfolio that generated over two billion dollars in revenue without founding a single company from scratch, scaled a SaaS business from barely seven figures to forty-five million in twelve months, and now runs one of Europe's most active acquisition and growth operations buying distressed e-commerce and SaaS businesses and turning them exit-ready. Now he is pulling back the curtain on exactly how it works. Charles and Cem get into the real mechanics of acquiring and scaling businesses that other operators have given up on, from identifying the unit economics that separate a

Victor Damasio built one of Brazil's longest-running masterminds, grew an audience of 700,000 on Instagram, and helped hundreds of professionals turn their expertise into high-ticket income, all without recording a single polished course. Now he is bringing that playbook to the United States for the first time. Charles and Victor get into the real mechanics of monetizing what you already know, from landing your first paying mentee without a following, to charging what your time is actually worth, to running a group program that people renew year after year. Victor breaks down the four-questi

Most people dream of building one company worth a billion dollars. Joe Spector has done it twice. As a co-founder of Hims and Hers, he helped take a direct-to-consumer healthcare brand public at a $1.6 billion valuation. Now as CEO of Dutch, he is reshaping how pet owners access veterinary care through telemedicine. Joe has spent 15 years learning what it actually takes to build something that lasts, and in this episode, he holds nothing back. Charles and Joe dig into the real mechanics of building a venture-backed business, from knowing when to burn everything down and start over, to hiring

Most people think cybersecurity is complicated. MK Palmore disagrees. With 32 years in the federal government, two decades as an FBI special agent, and executive roles at both Google Cloud and Palo Alto Networks, MK has seen every angle of the threat landscape, and his message is simple: the basics will save you. Charles and MK go deep on what everyday consumers and small business owners are getting dangerously wrong about their digital security, why a data breach can be the last thing a company ever survives, and how the adversary is quite literally banking on your laziness. MK also gets ca

In this thought, provoking episode, Charles sits down with Nir Eyal, author, behavioral design expert, and investor, to explore the psychology behind why people become attached to certain products, ideas, and habits. Nir unpacks the core principles from his bestselling book Hooked: How to Build Habit, Forming Products, revealing the behavioral frameworks that the world's most successful companies use to create products people return to again and again. From the science of triggers and rewards to the ethical responsibility of building technology that shapes human behavior, Nir explains how ent

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, Charles sits down with Paul Hutchinson, founder of The Child Liberation Foundation, to explore how purpose, courage, and conviction can transform unimaginable darkness into a mission for global impact. Paul opens up about his journey from entrepreneur and investor to undercover operative helping rescue children from human trafficking networks around the world. He shares what led him to step into some of the most dangerous environments on earth, revealing how faith, responsibility, and moral clarity became the foundation of his life's work. From high

In this energetic episode, Charles sits down with Robin Thurston, CEO of Outside Interactive, Inc. to explore how technology, health, and human connection intersect in a world increasingly dominated by screens.  Robin shares the vision behind building an integrated outdoor ecosystem designed to inspire people to step outside, reconnect with nature, and reclaim their physical and mental well-being. From the alarming statistics about screen time and its impact on mental health to the powerful simplicity of outdoor experiences, he breaks down why modern lifestyles are creating a disconnect from

In this forward thinking episode, Charles sits down with Steve Brown, a leading force in the conversation on artificial intelligence. A former executive at Google DeepMind and Intel, he helps people understand AI, its potential, and how it will shape the future of business, education, and society. His clients include Nike, Comcast, Bank of America, PepsiCo, and Disney, and he has been featured on CNN, the BBC, Bloomberg, and The Wall Street Journal. His book, The Innovation Ultimatum, is a how-to guide on innovation and digital transformation, and his new book, The AI Ultimatum: Preparing for

In this high-performance episode, Charles sits down with Dan Lawrence. Human Performance Optimization coach and founder of Perform 365, to explore how elite mindset, data-driven science, and identity transformation fuel the success of top tier athletes and CEOs.  Dan breaks down his philosophy of start where you stand, revealing how the application of knowledge, rather than just the information itself, is the true barrier to peak performance. From implementing daily non-negotiables and environment audits to navigating setbacks with a reflect, review, and plan strategy, he shares what it takes

In this candid and empowering episode, Charles sits down with Jade Warshaw, co-host of The Ramsey Show and personal finance expert, to explore how mindset, communication, and values shape our financial lives and relationships. Jade unpacks why money problems are rarely about math and almost always about behavior, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves. From navigating debt and budgeting to aligning financial decisions with life goals, Jade shares how intentional habits and honest conversations can transform both personal finances and partnerships. She reveals how emotional awareness, dis

In this high impact episode, Charles sits down with Robert Glazer, entrepreneur, Inc. and Forbes columnist, sought, after speaker, and founder and CEO of Acceleration Partners, to explore how leadership, culture, and values, driven growth create sustainable, high performing organizations. Robert unpacks the principles behind scaling a global performance marketing firm while staying anchored in purpose, transparency, and long-term thinking. From building teams that thrive in a remote, first world to redefining what accountability and trust look like at scale, Robert shares how culture isn't a

In this dynamic episode, Charles sits down with Ann Kaplan Mulholland. Canadian entrepreneur, business executive, author, and television personality, to explore how bold vision, adaptability, and unapologetic ambition drive success across business, media, and life. Ann shares her unconventional path to building influence and impact, revealing how resilience, reinvention, and strategic risk taking became the foundation of her career. From navigating high stakes industries to building personal brand credibility in the public eye, Ann unpacks what it takes to lead with confidence while staying g

In this thought-provoking episode, Charles sits down with Chris Van Dusen—investor and managing partner at Solyco Capital—to explore how disciplined thinking, long-term vision, and operational focus drive enduring business value. Chris unpacks his journey into private investing, sharing how Solyco Capital partners with founders and management teams to scale companies with intention, not hype. From evaluating opportunities beyond surface-level metrics to building businesses that can withstand market cycles, Chris explains what truly separates sustainable growth from short-term wins. He dives i

In this insightful episode, Charles sits down with Jessica Kriegel, culture strategist, author, and former Chief Scientist of Workplace Culture at Culture Amp, to explore how values, leadership, and intentional culture drive sustainable performance in modern organizations. Jessica unpacks what workplace culture really is, challenging the idea that it's about perks or slogans, and revealing how shared behaviors and belief systems shape everything from engagement to execution. From helping companies navigate rapid growth and change to decoding why culture breaks down during moments of pressure,

In this powerful and deeply human episode, Charles sits down with Brent Gleeson—Navy SEAL combat veteran, bestselling author, and leadership expert—to explore how discipline, resilience, and radical accountability shape high-performance cultures both on the battlefield and in business. Brent pulls back the curtain on his journey from SEAL Team missions in Iraq and Africa to becoming a sought-after advisor for organizations navigating transformation, trust breakdowns, and change fatigue. He unpacks the core principles that drive elite teams—clarity of mission, extreme ownership, emotional regu

In this eye-opening episode, Charles sits down with Chris Naugle—former pro snowboarder turned wealth strategist and founder of The Money Multiplier—to unpack the unconventional mindset behind true financial freedom. From humble beginnings in Buffalo to building a career on Wall Street and beyond, Chris shares how a series of hard-won lessons led him to one radical idea: become your own bank. Together, they break down how infinite banking works in plain English—why it's not about chasing crypto or timing the market, but about understanding how money actually moves. Chris reveals how he helps

In this candid and fast-moving episode, Charles sits down with Richard White—founder and CEO of Fathom AI, the top-rated AI note-taking platform on G2 and HubSpot—to unpack the truth behind the AI gold rush. Richard shares why only 5% of internal AI initiatives actually succeed, and what separates innovation from illusion in today's hype-driven market. Together, they dig deep into the harsh realities of building and buying AI software—from skyrocketing failure rates and short model lifecycles to the "LLM treadmill" that forces companies to constantly rebuild just to keep up. Richard breaks do

In this powerhouse episode, Charles sits down with Setema Gali—former NFL Super Bowl champion turned elite coach, speaker, and entrepreneur—to unpack the raw truth about what it really takes to win in business, leadership, and life. Setema shares his transformation from professional athlete to purpose-driven mentor, revealing how the same mindset that wins championships also builds unstoppable leaders. He dives deep into the "dragon-slaying" philosophy—facing hard truths, confronting excuses, and building habits that create sustainable success across every area of life. From calling out toxi

In this thought-provoking episode, Charles sits down with Jennifer Edwards—executive coach, speaker, and author of Bridge the Gap—to explore how curiosity, connection, and psychological flexibility can transform both leadership and life. Jennifer unpacks the power of showing up "clean" in every interaction, revealing why most people fail to connect not because of others—but because they haven't first connected with themselves. She shares practical tools for breaking out of "sleepwalking" routines, disrupting ego-driven patterns, and creating conversations that open doors instead of closing th

In this high-energy episode, Charles sits down with Kris Dehnert—founder of Dehnert Media Group and the driving force behind Dugout Mugs—to unpack how creativity, resilience, and systems thinking can turn simple ideas into multi-million-dollar brands. Kris shares the origin story of Dugout Mugs, where a concept sketched in a kitchen grew into $55M in sales, MLB licensing deals, and a brand loved by fans, athletes, and corporations alike. He breaks down the lessons from his entrepreneurial journey—from early wins in print-on-demand apparel to painful setbacks in restaurants, cannabis, and cryp

In this mind-expanding episode, Charles sits down with Naveen Jain—visionary entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Viome—to explore how audacious thinking, curiosity, and counterintuitive parenting can transform not just businesses, but entire lives. Naveen shares his journey from building multibillion-dollar companies to tackling humanity's biggest challenges, from space exploration to revolutionizing healthcare. He reveals how success isn't measured by wealth, but by the lives you improve—and why making money is only a byproduct of solving meaningful problems. From raising children w

In this inspiring episode, Charles sits down with Stephen Scoggins—serial 9-figure entrepreneur, author, and speaker—to explore how resilience, faith, and vision can transform a life from homelessness to extraordinary success. Stephen unpacks his remarkable journey from sleeping in his car to building multiple businesses across construction, real estate, and personal development. He shares the pivotal lessons learned along the way—how to turn pain into purpose, setbacks into stepping stones, and vision into a vehicle for lasting impact. Together, they dive into the mindset shifts that separa

In this energetic episode, Charles sits down with Oliver Anwar—performance coach and founder of Elite Performance—to explore how high-achieving entrepreneurs can optimize their health, fitness, and mindset to perform at their best in business and life. Oliver reveals the hidden toll of entrepreneurship on the body, from poor sleep and stress to neglected nutrition and fitness. He shares how simple, science-backed systems can transform energy, focus, and resilience—giving founders the stamina to lead and scale without burning out. From personalized training strategies and nutritional framewor

In this fascinating episode, Charles sits down with Tim Shurr—renowned hypnotist, author, and subconscious reprogramming expert—to explore how the mind can be rewired for breakthrough success. Tim unpacks the science and art of hypnosis, revealing how subconscious patterns quietly shape our beliefs, habits, and results. From overcoming fear and self-sabotage to unlocking hidden confidence and potential, he shares real-world strategies that prove mindset isn't just psychology—it's the foundation of achievement. Together, they dive into how hypnotic principles can transform leadership, busines

In this provocative episode, Charles sits down with Kevin Trudeau—controversial author, salesman, and television personality—to explore the blurred lines between influence, persuasion, and controversy in American business culture. Kevin unpacks his journey from late-night infomercial fame to bestselling books and high-profile legal battles with the Federal Trade Commission. He reveals how he built massive audiences through charisma, storytelling, and relentless salesmanship—while also reflecting on the personal costs of pushing boundaries too far. Together, they dive into the psychology of p

In this insightful episode, Charles sits down with Attorney Blake Harris—asset protection lawyer and founder of Blake Harris Law—to unpack the strategies, structures, and legal safeguards that protect wealth in an unpredictable world. Blake breaks down the core principles of asset protection, from domestic and offshore trusts to LLCs and legal frameworks that shield clients from lawsuits, creditors, and unforeseen financial threats. He shares real-world scenarios where proactive planning made the difference between keeping and losing a lifetime of hard-earned assets. Together, they explore t

In this energetic episode, Charles sits down with Henrik Werdelin—creative entrepreneur and co-founder of BARK, the brand behind BarkBox—to explore how play, empathy, and identity fuel the growth of beloved consumer brands. Henrik unpacks the origin of BARK, revealing how a deep emotional connection with customers (and their dogs) became the foundation of a company that redefined the pet industry. From building a brand with humor and heart to navigating product expansion and retail partnerships, he shares what it takes to scale without losing soul. Together, they dive into the mindset of mod

In this dynamic episode, Charles sits down with Joe Foster—the legendary co-founder of Reebok—and Ben Weiss, CEO of Syntilay, to unpack what it really takes to build legacy brands that stand the test of time. Joe shares the untold story of growing Reebok from a small UK-based athletic shoe company into a global powerhouse, despite early rejection, fierce competition, and family friction. Ben brings a modern lens to the conversation—revealing how today's founders can blend legacy thinking with cutting-edge strategy to lead in both business and branding. Together, they explore how purpose, per

In this powerful episode, Charles sits down with Susan Sly—tech entrepreneur, AI innovator, and health warrior—to unpack how she rebuilt her life from rock bottom to billion-dollar impact. Susan shares her gripping story of being diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis, losing her marriage, her business, and becoming homeless—all in 16 weeks. But instead of surrendering, she turned to biohacking, belief, and relentless self-reinvention. Together, they explore the healing protocols Susan used to defy her terminal diagnosis, her rise to co-founding an AI company that led the largest depl

In this eye-opening episode, Charles dives into the fitness secrets of ultra-wealthy entrepreneurs with Ted Ryce, celebrity trainer and health coach to executives who demand peak performance. Ted reveals his journey from training A-listers like Richard Branson and Robert Downey Jr. to developing systematic health protocols for high-performing entrepreneurs who've neglected their bodies while building empires. The conversation moves beyond basic fitness advice to expose the critical health tests most successful people ignore—and why your doctor's "normal" blood work might be setting you up fo

In this insightful episode, Charles explores the psychology of authentic entrepreneurship with Mark Young, founder of RYZE Agency and creator of the Fitter Over 50 movement. Mark reveals his journey from clinical psychology to marketing mastery, sharing how his background in understanding human behavior shaped his approach to building genuine business relationships in an increasingly commoditized world. The conversation shifts from surface-level marketing tactics to deep psychological insights as Mark breaks down why most entrepreneurs hit a wall at $10 million—and how the transition from gu

Options disclosure: "Options involve risk and are not suitable for all investors as the special risks inherent to options trading may expose investors to potentially significant losses. Please read Characteristics and Risks of Standardized Options at tastytrade.com/disclosures before deciding to invest in options." In this insightful conversation, the host sits down with Scott Sheridan, CEO of TastyTrade and co-founder of the revolutionary trading platform Thinkorswim, who shares his decades of experience navigating volatile markets and building successful financial technology companies. Sco

In this revealing conversation, Charles sits down with Amanda Dobler, a successful health coach who built a seven-figure business entirely on her own. Amanda shares her journey from struggling with yo-yo dieting to creating a health coaching empire that generates six figures monthly, highlighting how authenticity and consistency drove her success in an oversaturated market. The interview dives into Amanda's unique approach to both business and weight loss, focusing on sustainable habits rather than quick fixes, and how she managed to build a thriving community despite starting with just her

In this insightful episode, Charles explores the entrepreneurial journey and personal resilience with Bobby Mesmer, founder and CEO of RMG Erectors & Constructors, LLC, now valued at $4.5 billion. Bobby reveals his path from bootstrapping his business to building one of the largest steel erection companies in the world, sharing how multiple life-threatening health crises transformed both his personal outlook and business approach. The conversation shifts from business strategies to profound personal reflection as Bobby opens up about facing mortality through multiple strokes and a heart atta

In this insightful episode, Charles explores the psychology of negotiation with Kwame Christian, founder and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute and host of the #1 negotiation podcast in the world. Kwame reveals his journey from being a chronic people-pleaser to becoming a negotiation expert, sharing how growing up as one of the only Black families in a small Ohio town shaped his approach to human connection. The conversation shifts from theoretical concepts to practical psychology as Kwame breaks down his "Compassionate Curiosity" framework—a three-step approach that works equally wel

In this compelling episode, Charles dives deep with Jeremy Delk, a seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist who transformed personal tragedy into extraordinary business success. Jeremy opens up about his journey from losing his father at age seven to building multiple Inc. 500 companies, revealing how failure became his most powerful teacher. From watching his childhood stability crumble after his father's death to losing $2 million in just four days as a young trader, Jeremy's story showcases the resilience that ultimately led him to become the youngest trader in Fidelity Investments' hi

In this episode, Charles plunges into the battlefield of purpose and mental mastery with Garrett Unclebach, a former Navy SEAL who's transformed elite military tactics into powerful business and life strategies. Garrett reveals his playbook for maintaining composure under extreme pressure and finding the deeper meaning that fuels sustainable success. From his grueling days in SEAL training to building multiple successful businesses, Garrett's journey showcases the transformative power of purpose over mere motivation. He dissects his evolution from a young man shaped by his father's consistent

In this episode, Charles explores the science of neuroplasticity and mental transformation with John Assaraf, who built a multimillion-dollar empire after starting as a high-school dropout with a troubled past. John reveals his groundbreaking "innercise" methodology, demonstrating how anyone can rewire their brain for success by implementing consistent micro-actions over 100 days, sharing the exact system he used to go from earning $1.65 per hour to making $300,000 in a single year through deliberate brain training techniques. From his life-changing encounter with mentor Alan Brown to becomin

In this episode, Charles explores the art of effective communication with Matt Abrahams, a Stanford educator, communication expert, and host of the "Think Fast Talk Smart" podcast. Drawing from his decades of martial arts training and extensive teaching experience, Matt reveals how mastering communication is similar to mastering any skill - it requires structure, practice, and the right mindset. Matt challenges common communication myths, proving that being a great communicator isn't about natural talent but about developing specific, learnable skills. He and Charles dive deep into why most p

In this episode, Charles dives deep into the power of launching and scaling a business without the traditional complexities of debt, funnels, or expensive tech with Kelly Roach, the creator of the Live Launch Method. Kelly has helped thousands of entrepreneurs generate seven-figure businesses using a streamlined, high-impact approach that eliminates the need for overwhelming automation and excessive marketing spend. Kelly challenges the "hustle and grind" mentality, proving that success comes from value-driven marketing, human connection, and a simple yet powerful sales process. She and Charl

David Razowsky joins this episode to reveal how the principles of improvisation go far beyond the stage—transforming the way we communicate, lead, and build relationships in business and life. As the former artistic director of Second City and a coach to some of the biggest names in comedy, David has spent decades mastering the art of presence, adaptability, and deep connection. In this conversation, he breaks down why improvisation isn't about being funny—it's about being fully engaged in the moment. He shares powerful insights on how reading body language, responding to energy shifts, and e

Herman Dolce joins this episode to share his inspiring journey from a first-generation Haitian-American with a passion for financial literacy to becoming the founder of Bella Sloan Enterprises and a leading expert in business funding. With years of experience helping entrepreneurs secure capital and build solid financial foundations, Herman's insights are invaluable for anyone looking to grow their business responsibly. Through personal stories and proven strategies, Herman breaks down the common mistakes entrepreneurs make with credit and funding, as well as the steps needed to optimize both

Chris Dyer joins this episode to share his transformative journey from a self-proclaimed "crap boss" to a renowned expert in building exceptional company cultures. With decades of experience leading teams and consulting for top organizations, Chris offers invaluable insights for leaders looking to create workplaces where employees thrive. Through candid stories and research-backed strategies, Chris reveals the pitfalls that leaders often face when trying to improve culture and provides actionable solutions to foster collaboration, innovation, and engagement. He explains why culture isn't just

Collin Stewart joins this episode to share his journey from humble beginnings as a "geeky sales guy" to becoming a sought-after expert in achieving product-market fit. With a career spanning multiple startups and countless lessons learned, Collin's insights are a must-hear for anyone building a business from the ground up. Through candid stories and hard-won wisdom, Collin reveals the mistakes many entrepreneurs make when trying to scale too soon, as well as the key strategies for finding product-market fit. He explains why understanding your customers' pain points is non-negotiable and how e

In this episode, Adam Torkildson dives into his fascinating journey from SEO pioneer and addiction recovery advocate to becoming a financial strategist and media entrepreneur. His story unfolds as he recalls navigating the "wild west" of early SEO, leveraging black hat tactics, and learning the hard way about ethics, growth, and reinvention. Adam reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to business and life, including lessons from addiction recovery and the importance of giving back. He shares his transition into publishing and tax strategy consulting, revealing how he's helpe

In this episode, Jenna delves into her unexpected journey from bartender and actor to becoming a social media strategist and entrepreneur. Her story unfolds as she recalls volunteering at a yoga studio in Toronto, where a chance opportunity to manage Instagram marked the beginning of her career pivot. Jenna reflects on the challenges of transitioning from artistic aspirations to running a thriving social media agency. She shares insights into embracing change, leveraging creativity, and building a personal brand. Her practical advice emphasizes balancing authenticity with strategy, finding jo

In this compelling episode, Charles explores the transformative journey of Tom, a seasoned business leader turned advocate for social impact. Transitioning from managing billion-dollar enterprises to leading Homeboy Industries, a nonprofit dedicated to reintegrating former gang members and felons into society, Tom's story is a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership. Tom recounts his evolution from scaling corporate giants to reshaping lives at Homeboy, where his business acumen meets grassroots change. He candidly reflects on the epiphany that inspired his pivot—a moment of disillusionment

In this episode, Charles dives deep into the world of purpose-driven entrepreneurship with Lee Rhodes, a trailblazing female founder who transformed her personal battle with cancer into a $30 million empire that's revolutionizing business philanthropy. Lee unveils her groundbreaking approach to integrating charitable giving into every sale, demonstrating how companies can maintain profitability while making a meaningful impact in people's lives. From her early days receiving a small hand-blown glass vessel during chemotherapy to building Glassybaby into a beacon of hope and healing, Lee's jou

In this episode, Charles delves into the transformative world of virtual business scaling with Joe Rare, an entrepreneurial innovator who revolutionized the traditional business model by building multiple seven-figure companies run entirely by overseas teams. Joe reveals his breakthrough approach to leveraging global talent, showing how he scaled from zero to over a million dollars monthly revenue without a single local employee, offering a masterclass in the art of virtual team building and remote business optimization. From his humble beginnings as the son of a waitress and police officer t

In this episode, Charles explores the revolutionary journey of Steven Galanis, the entrepreneurial force behind Cameo who transformed a simple idea about celebrity connections into a billion-dollar tech phenomenon. Steven reveals his blueprint for building a platform that generated $100 million in revenue with zero marketing spend, offering a masterclass in the art of product-market fit and resilient leadership in the volatile creator economy. From his early days as an options trader nicknamed "the mayor" to becoming a pioneering force in celebrity-fan interactions, Steven's story demonstrate