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Business

Extraordinary America

America has always been about freedom, opportunity, and the pursuit of happiness. However, most Americans are not free when it comes to the financial front. Most are under financial slavery due to losing their jobs, having stagnant wages due to outsourcing, inflation due to money printing, and debt of all kinds. Wealth and income inequality runs rampant across America while the middle class has all but disappeared! Where there is no freedom, there can never be opportunity nor happiness. Such a disconnect between who we are as Americans and our Financial reality cannot be allowed to continue.

Therefore, Extraordinary America is about the abolition of financial slavery. It is about the financial freedom of the 99%. It is about Americans awakening and unleashing the Extraordinary within themselves and setting themselves free!

The truth is Americans are Extraordinary. As immigrants and descendants of immigrants, they have overcome insurmountable obstacles and barriers with their pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit, and this time is no different. Americans should never give up or surrender to hopelessness and despair, no matter how bad the situation is, no matter how much the odds are stacked against them. Just as spring overcomes winter, Day overcomes Night, the light within us shall overcome the darkness around us. Its time for us to know that we are our own saviors, that there is an Extraordinary within us waiting to be unleashed, that freedom is our birthright and that we shall realize the American Dream!

The path to financial freedom is by educating and transforming ourselves into Entrepreneurs and Investors on the light side! In this podcast Cosmos Dar interviews Entrepreneurs and Investors who fought against the odds, and in many cases came from humble beginnings to attain financial freedom, to see how they did it. He hopes through all these stories that the Extraordinary within the audience shall awaken, that they shall take the actions necessary to abolish financial slavery from their lives and finally Realize the American dream!

Latest Episodes:

Creating Massive Success Through the Art of Conscious Marketing with Mike Konrad Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

What happens when your boss rejects your million-dollar idea? You start your own company.

Mike Konrad entered the electronics manufacturing industry in 1985 with dreams of startup riches. The reality? Far different. But after his employer dismissed a groundbreaking product concept, Mike made a decision that would change his life forever—he started Aquis Technologies in his garage.

In this raw and inspiring conversation, Mike shares the untold story of entrepreneurship: the lawsuit that nearly bankrupted him before he even started, the crushing reality of bootstrapping, and the pivotal moment when a single word from his boss launched a 30+ year business journey.

This isn't your typical success story. Mike pulls back the curtain on every mistake, near-miss, and hard-won lesson that transformed him from a technically minded engineer into a strategic business leader.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Why technical expertise alone isn't enough to run a business

✅ The critical difference between passion for a product and business acumen

✅ How education-based marketing attracts better customers

✅ Why relationship-based business beats transactional thinking

✅ The abundance mindset that changes everything

✅ How to survive lawsuits, near-bankruptcy, and cash flow crises

✅ The power of mentorship and strategic hiring at the right time

Chapters:

(01:22) Unrealistic expectations

(19:54) AD money vs education

(22:39) Conscious marketing

(35:28) Stop making fear-based decisions. Make the right decisions; make good decisions.

(40:00) Only 20% of all business startups ultimately survive, according to government statistics.

(46:42) Making mistakes.

Sponsored by:

BLU Scholarship: https://www.blu.university/a/2147984849/YbykQKgP

Mike Konrad bio:

Mike is the founder and CEO of Aqueous Technologies, a company he launched in 1992. With more than three decades of entrepreneurial experience, Mike is a self-described “reluctant entrepreneur” who entered business not by choice, but by necessity—after his employer declined to develop a product he had designed. Armed with strong technical skills but lacking formal business training, he built the company through trial and error, persistence, and continuous transformation.

He is the author of The Reluctant Entrepreneur: Anatomy of a Business Start-Up – From Uncertainty to Unstoppable, a candid account of his journey that details the missteps, near-failures, and hard-won lessons that turned an uncertain start-up into a sustainable business. Mike regularly speaks at major universities and business organizations, sharing practical, real-world strategies with the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

In addition to his writing and speaking, Mike hosts two podcasts: The Reluctant Entrepreneur Podcast, where he interviews business owners about their own startup and growth journeys, and The Reliability Matters Podcast, which focuses on technical excellence and best practices in the electronics industry. These platforms have allowed him to connect with diverse audiences, exchange insights, and inspire both aspiring and established professionals.

Connect with Mike:

Email: mike@reluctantentrepreneurpodcast.com

Website: https://www.reluctantentrepreneurpodcast.com

Connect with Extraordinary America: https://extraordinary-america.com/platform

Or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mT4gcpzgWrM

Mike Konrad: Preview Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

What happens when your boss rejects your million-dollar idea? You start your own company.

Mike Konrad entered the electronics manufacturing industry in 1985 with dreams of startup riches. The reality? Far different. But after his employer dismissed a groundbreaking product concept, Mike made a decision that would change his life forever—he started Aquis Technologies in his garage.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, September 10th

The RISE Business Framework for Success with Gary Harper Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

What happens when you lose everything—your savings, investments, and nearly your life? Gary Harper turned his darkest moments into a mission to help thousands of entrepreneurs succeed.

In this powerful episode of Extraordinary Americans, Gary shares his incredible journey from starting at $7.15/hour to becoming a Fortune 500 executive, only to lose it all in the 2008 crash. But the real test came in 2011 when Lyme disease nearly took his life. Discover how he fought back, rebuilt his wealth through real estate (300+ deals in one year!), and created the RISE Business Framework that's now helping entrepreneurs worldwide.

🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ How to bounce back from financial devastation and health crises

✅ The power of facing challenges head-on instead of avoiding them

✅ Why tough times are meant to refine you, not destroy you

✅ The RISE Business Framework: Resources, Inspiration, Systems, Engagement

✅ Strategies for scaling your business while maintaining work/life balance

✅ From corporate executive to helping 5,000+ businesses globally

✅ Real estate investing lessons from someone who's seen it all

Chapters:

(06:03) Gary Johnson went through the 2008 crash and then battled Lyme disease.

(12:56) When you start a business, it takes obsession to build success

(18:01) The purpose of a business should also be deeply emotional

(22:17) sustainability and how to grow the company

(24:07) The only way to let go is to build trust

(26:34) Without the right leadership and the right work culture, companies fall apart.

(31:54) If you want a better team, become a better leader.

(37:15) Gary Harper wrote the RISE Business Framework.

Sponsored by:

BLU Scholarship: https://www.blu.university/a/2147984849/YbykQKgP

Gary Harper bio:

Experienced Owner with a demonstrated history of working in the consulting and management industry. Skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Negotiation, Budgeting, Microsoft Word, and Sales. Strong entrepreneurship professional.

Gary Harper is the CEO of Sharper Business Solutions. Gary, an author of 3 books, spent 13 years as an executive in a Fortune 500 company where he handled the process of evaluating companies’ operational expenses and helped them to reach new levels of efficiency.

He began investing in real estate in 2004 and has taken his expertise in business systems and process management to develop a program to help over 600 real estate investors position themselves to scale their business to new levels.

Gary is a Six Sigma Expert and is also a certified partner of Predictive Index. While owning 10 businesses, Gary has also successfully exited three companies.

Connect with Gary:

https://sharperprocess.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-harper-37148967

https://www.instagram.com/official_garyharper

Connect with Extraordinary America: https://extraordinary-america.com/platform

Or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tAH-3Tj3qcY

Gary Harper: Preview Sep 01, 2026

Show notes

What happens when you lose everything—your savings, investments, and nearly your life? Gary Harper turned his darkest moments into a mission to help thousands of entrepreneurs succeed.

In this powerful episode of Extraordinary Americans, Gary shares his incredible journey from starting at $7.15/hour to becoming a Fortune 500 executive, only to lose it all in the 2008 crash. But the real test came in 2011 when Lyme disease nearly took his life. Discover how he fought back, rebuilt his wealth through real estate (300+ deals in one year!), and created the RISE Business Framework that's now helping entrepreneurs worldwide.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, September 3rd

How to be Successful in Business as a Single Mother with Megan Schwan Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to turn job loss into a thriving business while raising four kids as a single parent? In this powerful episode, Megan Schwandt, CEO and Founder of Sidekick Accounting Services, shares her incredible journey from accidental entrepreneur to certified Profit First Professional, helping thousands of small business owners succeed.

Megan breaks down the harsh reality that 8 out of 10 small businesses fail—and reveals exactly what separates the winners from the losers. With over two decades in the accounting industry, she's seen every red flag and triumph, and she's here to share the insights that could save your business.

🔑 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Why work-life balance is a myth (and what to focus on instead)

✅ The mindset shift from employee to business owner

✅ How to build a sustainable business that provides real choices

✅ Critical financial red flags every entrepreneur must know

✅ The Profit First methodology explained

✅ Managing business growth while handling personal challenges

✅ Essential systems and processes for scaling

✅ Real advice for single parents considering entrepreneurship

Whether you're thinking about starting a business, struggling with your current venture, or looking to scale to the next level, Megan's hard-won wisdom will give you the roadmap you need.

Chapters:

(07:42) Work-life balance is a priority based

(08:37) The biggest struggle faced in becoming a business owner

(10:45) The biggest lesson learned regarding business and business ownership

(19:22) advice for people transitioning from jobs to business

(27:19) Creating systems and processes allows you to be outside of your business

(30:30) What does the American dream

Sponsored by:

BLU Scholarship: https://www.blu.university/a/2147984849/YbykQKgP

Megan Schwan bio:

Megan Schwan is the CEO and Founder of Sidekick Accounting Services. As a single Mom to 4 beautiful children, she understands the necessity and benefits of running a profitable, successful company. Most businesses provide for families, both the owners and the employees. Her mission and passion are to change the statistic that 8 out of 10 small businesses fail and to empower other "regular" people to create the business of their dreams.

Megan is also a speaker, coach, and published author. She pours into the small business communities, providing education and support to starting and growing businesses. As your Accounting & Tax Sidekick, she and her team are here to help you understand, use, and grow!

When she is not working to change the world of small business, she enjoys exploring new places and experiences with her kids!

🤝 CONNECT WITH MEGAN SCHWANDT:

Website: https://www.sidekick-accounting.com

Connect with Extraordinary America: https://extraordinary-america.com/platform

Or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XAfHWMXfKAI

Megan Schwan: Preview Aug 25, 2026

Show notes

What does it take to turn job loss into a thriving business while raising four kids as a single parent? In this powerful episode, Megan Schwandt, CEO and Founder of Sidekick Accounting Services, shares her incredible journey from accidental entrepreneur to certified Profit First Professional, helping thousands of small business owners succeed.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, August 27th

Marketing and SEO Strategies with Andrew Newland Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

🎯 From Landscaping to Leading Marketing Expert | Andrew Newand on Building Sustainable Growth in Healthcare

What if the key to explosive business growth isn't sexy Facebook ads or viral TikToks, but something most people completely overlook?

In this episode of Extraordinary Americans, we sit down with Andrew Newand, founder of Functional Medicine Marketing and author of "Digital Marketing and SEO for Functional Medicine Practices." Andrew shares his remarkable journey from struggling landscaper to marketing expert who's helped healthcare practices nationwide achieve astronomical growth.

Andrew reveals why most healthcare marketing fails, the truth about "30 patients in 30 seconds" claims, and why Google SEO is still the most powerful (yet underutilized) tool for building trust with potential patients. If you're a business owner, healthcare provider, or anyone looking to build sustainable growth, this conversation is packed with actionable insights.

🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Why "build it and they will come" doesn't work (and what does)

✅ The critical difference between quick wins and sustainable marketing

✅ How personal health struggles can transform your business direction

✅ Why SEO beats Facebook funnels for high-ticket healthcare services

✅ Understanding the user journey in building patient trust

✅ Marketing strategies that actually work for new business owners

✅ The connection between personal development and business success

Chapters:

(05:42) SEO driven strategies for marketing for functional medicine

(10:09) Google or Facebook ads

(12:31) A lot of people start their businesses with a limited budget

(17:45) Direct people to your website

(21:46) Your website is the hero of the story

(31:19) Monetize passion

(42:17) Unstoppable persistence

Sponsored by:

BLU Scholarship: https://www.blu.university/a/2147984849/YbykQKgP

Andrew Newland bio:

Andrew Newland is the Founder and CEO of Functional Medicine Marketing and the author of Digital Marketing & SEO for Functional Medicine Practices: The Best Online Marketing Methods for Getting More Calls, Better Leads & Bigger Profits. With a passion for results and a deep respect for the mission of functional and integrative clinicians, Andrew has become one of the leading voices in alternative healthcare marketing.

His mission is simple: to help you help more people.

To achieve that goal, he puts relationships first. Too many marketing agencies are bogged down by automated ticket systems, virtual agents, and complex processes. But you deserve more. Andrew Newland is here to understand your clinic’s needs and support you with excellent digital marketing services.

Functional medicine puts the patient first. Functional medicine marketing puts the practice owner first. It’s that simple.

Connect with Andrew:

https://functionalmedmarketing.com

Connect with Extraordinary America:

https://extraordinary-amErika.com

https://extraordinary-america.com/platform

Andrew Newland: Preview Aug 18, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of Extraordinary Americans, we sit down with Andrew Newand, founder of Functional Medicine Marketing and author of "Digital Marketing and SEO for Functional Medicine Practices." Andrew shares his remarkable journey from struggling landscaper to marketing expert who's helped healthcare practices nationwide achieve astronomical growth.

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, August 20th

Saving Money on Taxes with Roger Pearson Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

💰 Are You Paying TOO MUCH in Taxes? Small Business Owners, This Episode Will Save You Thousands!

Did you know that taxes are likely your #1 business expense—and most entrepreneurs are overpaying WITHOUT realizing it?

In this game-changing episode, Master Tax Advisor and IRS-Enrolled Agent Roger Pearson reveals the insider strategies that big corporations use to minimize their tax burden—and shows you how to do the same LEGALLY.

With over 50 years of business experience, Roger has watched hundreds of small business owners lose thousands of dollars needlessly. Now, he's on a mission to give entrepreneurs the knowledge to keep more money in their pockets and less in the government's hands.

🔥 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:

✅ The 3 Pillars of Knowledge every business is built on (that nobody teaches you!)

✅ How to choose the RIGHT business structure (LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp) based on your 5-year vision

✅ Why your accountant might NOT be saving you money (and how to find one who will)

✅ The biggest tax mistakes small business owners make (and how to avoid them)

✅ How to interview and hire the right tax professional for YOUR business

✅ Legal strategies to maximize deductions and minimize tax liability

✅ Why your paperwork system directly impacts how much tax you pay

✅ Partnership red flags and how to protect yourself with a "business prenuptial."

Whether you're a solo entrepreneur, managing a small business, or planning to scale to the stock exchange, this episode is PACKED with actionable insights that could save you thousands (or even tens of thousands) every year.

Chapters:

(04:16) The three pillars of business that every business is built on

(17:02) How to hire a proper accountant or track professional

(21:37) One of the biggest mistakes people make when starting a business

(30:20) What does the American dream mean

Sponsored by:

BLU Scholarship: https://www.blu.university/a/2147984849/YbykQKgP

🎯 ABOUT ROGER PEARSON:

Roger Pearson is a Master Tax Advisor and IRS-Enrolled Agent who has created, sold, or managed numerous small businesses over 50+ years. Since 2001, he's dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs build solid financial foundations and stop overpaying on taxes.

Seagull Technologies provides business education ranging from free basic business concepts courses to college-level paid courses, plus consulting services for personalized guidance. Their mission: helping small businesses succeed and build the great American dream.

📞 CONNECT WITH ROGER:

Website: https://seagulltechnologies.com

Connect with Extraordinary America: https://extraordinary-america.com/platform

Or watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/9nYt2l1sEiw

Roger Pearson: Preview Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

💰 Are You Paying TOO MUCH in Taxes? Small Business Owners, This Episode Will Save You Thousands!

Did you know that taxes are likely your #1 business expense—and most entrepreneurs are overpaying WITHOUT realizing it?

You can hear the full episode on Thursday, August 13th

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