The Secret To Success with CJ, Karl, Jemal & Eric Thomas

Latest Episodes:

You Want Me To Go Easier On You, But Will The World? | S2S 560 Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

Should the coach change to fit the player, or should the player change to fit the coach? This week the crew opens up one of the oldest arguments in coaching, leadership, and life, and nobody fully agrees.

CJ starts it off by admitting someone once told him his coaching style was too harsh, not wrong, not ineffective, just uncomfortable. That one comment turns into a debate that swings from brunch etiquette to Allen Iverson, from Navy SEAL hell week to the Mr. Miyagi principle to the exact moment you stop being valuable to a team.

ET explains why he walked away from being a democratic coach. Giving everyone an equal voice sounded fair, until it produced a room full of preferences and no results. But does that mean every coach should run it that way?

The Allen Iverson and Coach Larry Brown story becomes the test case, the only coach in history to win championships in both college and the pros, paired with one of the most talented players ever who never fully bought into the system. Was that on Iverson, or on the system?

Jemal argues that if the coach is proven, the player adjusts, not the other way around. You don't get to skip wax on, wax off. ET goes further, crediting his hardest seasons of being coached, not coddled, for getting him from homeless to number one in the world.

But where's the line between discipline and being broken down? The crew pushes into the screaming baby at brunch, why some kids need the paw paw, whether hell week coaching actually prepares you for real life, and why blessed kids might need a little manufactured hunger to grow.

So which side are you on? Does the coach adjust to the player, or does the player adjust to the coach? Where's your line between hard coaching and harsh coaching? Drop your answer in the comments, the crew wants to hear it.

CHAPTERS

Chapters

00:00:00 Opening: Stay Inside the Margins or You're Not You Anymore
00:01:35 Welcome and Fair or Foul: The Screaming Baby at Brunch
00:07:08 The Pow Pow Philosophy: When Kids Need Boundaries in Public
00:09:04 The Coaching Dilemma: Should the Coach Change or the Player?
00:12:16 The Mr. Miyagi Principle: You Don't Change the Winning Formula
00:14:29 The Allen Iverson and Coach Brown Story: When Talent Meets Discipline
00:17:43 Different Learning Styles vs. Taking Ownership: The Real Debate
00:21:55 From Homeless to Number One: Why ET Coaches the Way He Does
00:23:06 The Expectation Problem: Why ET Stopped Being Democratic
00:28:02 The 252 Moment: When You're Not Valuable Anymore
00:39:37 The Levels of Coaching: From Peewee to the Pros
00:45:11 The Letter With No You In It: Taking Responsibility for Your Story
00:46:58 Hell Week Coaching: Why We Came Up Different
00:53:04 Teaching Sons Not to Touch Women: The Non-Negotiable Standard
00:55:15 The Virtual Jungle: Creating Hunger in Blessed Kids
00:55:58 Closing: We Is Greater - Go Get the Book

PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. Available now.
https://www.weisgreater.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/the-secret-to-success-with-cj-karl-jemal-eric-thomas/id844102142
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15
FOLLOW
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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 drive.

You Want the Results But You Won't Get on the Scale | S2S 559 Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

You're avoiding the scale. Not just the one in your bathroom, but the one in your marriage, your finances, your health, your life. You don't want to see the number because then you'd have to deal with it. You'd have to admit where you really are. And until you get back on the scale, you'll keep telling yourself stories that never get you back in alignment.

This week the crew gets brutally honest about the scale. Not just weight, but every area of life where you're avoiding the truth. Jemal breaks down why he kept the scale in the kitchen, not the bathroom. Because the enemy isn't the number. The enemy is the cheeseburger. The cookies. The late night fries. The scale is just telling you what you already know. And when you run from it, you're saying you don't want to be successful.

ET opens up about why he stopped getting on the scale after going out of town for Dede's birthday. How he told himself a story that if he got on and it wasn't where he wanted to be, all the work he did would feel like it was in vain. But the scale doesn't tell stories. It tells facts. And the story you tell yourself when you avoid it is the one keeping you stuck.

Dr. King breaks down how he measures Camille's happiness. Low stress. Making sure everything is taken care of. The kids, the house, the business, the car. He knows her level of joy is directly connected to her peace. And the one thing he could do better? Travel more. Not five star Dubai trips. Just getting away. Because wherever they are together, that's home.

Karl gets real about what he needs to work on with Tamisha. Cooking. She does 99 percent of it. And even though that's become their family dynamic, he knows taking one meal a day off her plate would relieve stress. Because the scale in your marriage isn't just communication. It's the small daily decisions that show you're paying attention.

ET unpacks why he shifted his relationship with food. He used to be a taste bud junkie. Never thinking about vitamin D or vitamin C. Just grits and eggs with cheddar cheese. But God told him to shrink the goal. Stop treating fitness like faith. This is your Achilles heel. You can't go big here. You have to measure daily. Kale, supplements, resistance before cardio. There's an order to it.

The crew also talks about why most people use prayer as a crutch. Praying for Peter to be released while Peter's at the door knocking. Why your bank account dashboard isn't your enemy. Why date night isn't your enemy. The enemy is not doing the things you know you're supposed to do. Get on the scale. Stop running. The truth is your friend.

This episode will challenge how you measure success. Because you can't manage what you don't measure. And if you're avoiding the scale in any area of your life, you're saying you don't want to win. Get back on it. Face the number. Make the adjustment. We is greater than me.

CHAPTERS

Chapters

00:00:00 Opening: The Scale Tells You the Truth You're Running From
00:01:58 Welcome and The Margin Metaphor: Staying Inside the Lines
00:05:46 ET's Scale Confession: When You Make Truth Your Enemy
00:09:43 The Story You Tell Yourself Is the Problem
00:12:22 The Two-Year Investment Principle: What You Do Now Shows Up Later
00:14:49 Jamal and Camille's Cassette Tape Vision: Speaking Your Future Into Existence
00:22:15 Carl's Kitchen Scale Strategy: Put Your Help Where Your Enemy Lives
00:26:50 The 52-Day Journey: Shrinking the Goal and Changing Your God
00:32:01 The Order Matters: Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally in Marriage
00:37:00 The Visa Victory: How Tamisha's Mom Finally Got to Come to America
00:40:32 Carl's No-Stress Marriage Philosophy: When Everything Is Taken Care Of
00:41:55 Carl's Biggest Area for Growth: Taking the Cooking Load Off Tamisha
00:43:58 Jamal's Travel Revelation: When You Stop Creating Experiences
00:45:33 Closing: We Is Greater Than Me - Pre-Order Available Now

PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. Available now.
https://www.weisgreater.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
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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 Think You're Using the Perks But Really You're Losing the Circle | S2S 558 Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

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 | S2S 557 Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

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 | S2S 556 Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

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
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A moment for Forever Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

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 1 (And It's Costing You Everything) | S2S 555 Aug 20, 2026

Show notes

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

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You Want the Reward Without the Relationship (And That's Why You're Stuck) | S2S 554 Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

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

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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 | S2S 553 Aug 06, 2026

Show notes

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

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LISTEN ANYWHERE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789
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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? The Argument That Got Heated (S2S 552) Jul 30, 2026

Show notes

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
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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.