The Upgraded Man

Latest Episodes:

Happiness Is a Choice: John Abbas on Entrepreneurship, Failure, and Building Legacy Through Impact Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with serial entrepreneur and world traveler John Abbas. From serving in the Navy to chasing storms, starting roofing companies, running a Vegas coffee shop through the recession, and eventually building multiple thriving businesses, John shares his powerful journey of wins, failures, and lessons. Together, they dive into what it really means to choose happiness, why perspective matters, and how building people and culture is the real key to scaling.

You’ll learn how John leverages business ownership for long-term wealth, why he prefers buying businesses over starting them, and the importance of values-driven leadership. This episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs at every stage.

Talking Points:

Why happiness is truly a choice and how John learned this perspective in the Navy
Lessons from building—and losing—businesses like roofing and a coffee shop during the recession
Why buying businesses can be smarter than starting from scratch
The critical role of culture, core values, and leadership in growth
How John structures multiple businesses while being home every day by 3 p.m.
Investing profits wisely for long-term wealth and financial freedom
Why legacy is more about daily impact than being remembered

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.
Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Send Chris Anderson a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/upgradedmanpodcast

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

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Conviction, Courage, and Leading with Truth: A Conversation with Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this powerful episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Indiana Lt. Governor Micah Beckwith for an in-depth conversation on conviction, faith-driven leadership, and standing for truth in a culture of compromise. From personal sacrifices to political pressures, Micah shares what it truly means to lead with courage—even when it costs you. If you’re a leader, entrepreneur, or someone wrestling with how to live out your beliefs in a public space, this episode is for you.

Key Talking Points:

What conviction really means and why many operate without it
Lessons from the Founding Fathers and how they still apply today
Faith, politics, and the unseen battle for truth
Navigating political corruption and leading in lion’s den environments
Why servant leadership creates long-term influence
Lessons from Trump, Lincoln, and pastors of the Revolutionary War
The biblical foundation of American government
How schools and parenting impact the future of our nation
The importance of knowing your values before entering tough spaces
Why we need more leaders who speak the hard truth in love

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

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From Nonprofit Growth to Social Media Success with Robbin Nathaniel Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Robbin Nathaniel, former second-in-command of a $23 million nonprofit and founder of GPS LLC. Robbin shares how he transformed nonprofit growth through social media, why connection matters more than metrics, and how mission-driven leaders can simplify their strategy without getting lost in “checking the box” content.

Main Talking Points:

Robbin’s journey from musician to nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship
The breaking point with social media in nonprofits
Why leadership often resists social media and how to get buy-in
Avoiding the “check the box” syndrome with content
How to build trust and human connection through video
Growing email lists with contests and lead magnets
Paid ads vs organic growth: where small businesses and nonprofits should focus
Building content pillars and balancing trends with mission-driven storytelling
Defining success beyond vanity metrics
Practical tips for consistency, cadence, and finding harmony as a leader

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

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From Corporate Burnout to Glass Art Breakthrough: Nancy Dillingham Marks’ Reinvention Story Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

After 30 years in the corporate world, Nancy Dillingham Marks felt something needed to change. One glass art class shifted everything. In this inspiring episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson dives into Nancy’s powerful journey from COO to founder of the Glass Arts Collective—a studio dedicated to healing, creativity, and community.

Learn how Nancy discovered her passion through helping her mother, overcame imposter syndrome, and built a thriving business just weeks before the COVID shutdown. Her story is a testament to the power of pivoting, embracing imperfections, and reigniting your creative spark—no matter your age or experience.

🎯 Main Talking Points:

Leaving the corporate world after 30+ years
How one glass class changed everything
Starting a creative business right before COVID
The therapeutic and healing power of fused glass
Overcoming imposter syndrome and embracing creativity
Building a community around shared artistic expression
Why adults need creative outlets more than ever
Lessons on joy, business pivots, and life satisfaction
The metaphor of broken glass as a symbol of transformation
How to redefine success beyond traditional business metrics

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Scaling Fast Without Burning Out: Automations, Energy & Business Truth Bombs with Allison Bridges Aug 04, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with growth expert and founder of Experts Only Consulting, Allison Bridges. With a track record of building $2.5 million startups and helping businesses grow by over 100% in just six months, Alison brings the fire. They dive into the real steps for scaling a service-based business, why mindset and creative energy matter more than you think, how to systematize your growth with automation tools, and what metrics and advice to completely ignore. This episode is packed with practical strategies and bold truths that every entrepreneur needs to hear.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

The first lever Allison pulls to generate major growth
Why energy and belief are foundational to business success
How to escape the “suck phase” of your business
The real reason most businesses stall out
Why ChatGPT and automations can hurt your brand (unless used right)
The biggest myth about time-blocking and productivity
How to build systems without spending a fortune
The mindset shift needed to scale without burnout
What metric you should stop tracking today
Why you need to plan your business with the exit in mind

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Biggest Lie in Online Business (And What to Do Instead) with Todd & Leah Getts Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Discover the real path to growing a successful online business as Todd and Leah Getts join Chris Anderson on the Elevate Media Podcast. They break down the biggest myths in digital entrepreneurship and share how to grow and market your business online the right way.

The biggest lie about starting an online business
Why simple strategies outperform complex ones
How to avoid building a “Frankenstein business”
What Todd & Leah would do differently if starting over
Building a business that fits your life—not the other way around
The power of clarity, consistency, and core offers
How Todd & Leah scaled from zero to a 7-figure business
Why most funnels don’t work (and how to fix yours)
Real advice for entrepreneurs tired of chasing “hacks”
How to trailblaze your own path online

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

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Scaling Smart: Ali Hafizji on AI, Product-Market Fit & Building Agencies That Last Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson speaks with Ali Hafizji, engineer turned entrepreneur and founder of Wednesday and Tuesday, two innovative agencies. Ali shares his journey from building scalable systems to running product-driven teams focused on AI, customer acquisition, and sustainable growth. He explains how product-market fit applies to both products and services, why most founders plateau, and how to break through by changing yourself and your systems. A must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to scale with intention and adaptability.

Main Talking Points:

What product-market fit really means—and how to know when you have it
Ali’s journey from engineering at scale to founding two agencies
The biggest challenge for founders: themselves
How to adapt business systems to scale through S-curve growth
The impact of AI on service businesses and client expectations
Why smaller teams have an edge in flexibility and innovation
Lessons in delegation, decision-making, and evolving leadership
Using sprints and skin-in-the-game pricing models for client trust
Navigating fear and economic downturns with resilience
Personal habits, sports, and the mental edge in entrepreneurship

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Branding vs. Marketing: Mastering the Psychology of Influence in the AI Era with Ruben Alvarez Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with branding expert and author Ruben Alvarez, CEO of Marketing Hunters, to unpack the critical difference between branding and marketing—and why it matters more than ever in today’s AI-driven world. They dive into his new book The Black Book of Branding, explore how speed is killing strategy, why authenticity beats automation, and how to future-proof your business by branding with psychology, not just content.

Whether you’re a small business owner, agency leader, or entrepreneur, this conversation will show you how to create a lasting brand that sells—not just trends. Get ready to elevate your influence, connect deeper, and grow a brand people trust.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From Law to Legacy: Building Generational Wealth Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How Peter transitioned from a legal career to wealth management through an unexpected opportunity
The importance of building strong client relationships and trust over time
Why entrepreneurs should focus on long-term wealth building, not just income
Two of the most powerful ways to build wealth: starting a business and legally reducing taxes
The impact of proper business structure and tax strategy (e.g., S-Corp vs. W-2 income)
Foundational elements for asset protection and legacy planning, including insurance and estate documents
Why having a clearly defined “ideal life” matters more than chasing a financial number
How the EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) framework can help scale and structure a business
The importance of building a company that can operate independently of the founder
Why successful entrepreneurs emphasize delegation, focus, and doing only what moves the needle
Daily health and reflection habits Peter uses to stay energized and aligned
The value of unplugged time, especially for thinking, walking, and long-term vision clarity
Insights from working with ultra-wealthy clients and what truly sets them apart
The MIT (Most Important Thing) method to eliminate distraction and stay focused
How personal passions like reading, music, and hiking contribute to long-term success

Connect with Peter Culver

Phone: (917) 697-4156

Website: www.wealththrive.com

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mindset, Growth, and Navigating Public Leadership with Mayor Kegan Schmicker Jun 23, 2025

Show notes

In this special in-person episode, Chris Anderson sits down with Tipton, Indiana’s Mayor Kegan Schmicker to talk leadership, community vision, and the real weight of decision-making in public service. From personal mindset strategies to professional growth goals, Mayor Schmicker offers a grounded perspective on what it really takes to lead with purpose—whether you’re running a business or a city.

Main Topics Covered:

How Mayor Schmicker’s leadership journey began in high school and evolved through service
Navigating criticism and failure in leadership roles with conviction and vision
Leading a small town with an entrepreneurial mindset and community-first strategy
Balancing personal well-being and mental health in public-facing leadership
Building thick skin while remaining emotionally present and grounded
The power of setting a vision and sacrificing short-term comfort for long-term growth
What Tipton’s revitalization says about small-town innovation
Leadership lessons from other mayors and mentors across Indiana
How nature, family, and silence create space for better leadership and clarity
What success looks like beyond politics—being a present, purposeful father

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.