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The Axel Axe Show

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Rating
★★★★★
5
from
1 reviews
This podcast has
78 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
Axel Axe
Explicit
No
Date created
2017/03/02
Latest episode
2026/09/19
Average duration
33 min.
Release period
41 days

Description

Dive deep into the world of creativity, inspiration, and personal growth with filmmaker Axel Axe as he hosts engaging conversations with a diverse array of guests, from successful entrepreneurs and talented musicians to seasoned actors and innovative thinkers. Whether you're looking to learn about the art of filmmaking, gain insights into the music industry, or explore personal development topics, this channel has something for you. Axel as he sits down with industry leaders and creatives, discussing their journeys, challenges, and successes.

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Check latest episodes from The Axel Axe Show podcast


5 Mental Models Every Man Needs in His 20s (From Cuba to Hollywood)
2026/09/19
Most people drift through their 20s without a clear set of operating rules. In this video, I break down the 5 core mental models I used to go from growing up poor in Havana, Cuba, to building a studio-grade production company in Hollywood and hosting a top-tier podcast. We discuss why manifestation is BS without radical attention control, why you must execute at 10x speed, how to be stubborn about your vision, the true ROI of loyalty, and why high self-esteem is non-negotiable for leadership. If this video resonated with you, send it to a friend who needs to hear it today and subscribe to the channel for more unvarnished advice on media, mindset, and cinema. Chapters: 0:00 - Stop Putting Yourself Down 0:41 - Rule 1: Radical Attention Control & Why Manifestation is BS 4:20 - Rule 2: Desperate Speed in Execution vs. Patient Outcomes 7:53 - Rule 3: Be Stubborn About the Vision (Not the Path) 10:48 - Rule 4: Uncompromising Loyalty & Protecting Your Circle 13:10 - Rule 5: Cultivating High Self-Esteem & Final Thoughts
Eric Guilmette on Dating, Acting, Vulnerability, and the Power of Words
2026/03/12
In this raw and cinematic episode of The Axel Axe Show, we dive deep with Eric Guilmette—a man who has mastered the art of the pivot. From being a summa cum laude mathematics graduate and professional bodybuilder to becoming the "Vertical Legend" of digital drama and a #1 Amazon bestselling poet, Eric’s journey is a masterclass in curiosity and reinvention.We explore the duality of his life: the high-pressure world of Hollywood acting and romance novel modeling, contrasted with the quiet, vulnerable practice of writing poetry. This isn't just a talk about fame; it’s a conversation about the "Whys" behind our lives and the courage required to "die and be born again" in the pursuit of purpose.Inside the Episode:The Power of "Why": Eric reveals his secret weapon for acting and life—constantly questioning the intent behind every action.The Digital Revolution: Why Eric embraced "Vertical Dramas" and how he became a trailblazer in the short-form mobile cinema space.Sex & Oatmeal: A deep dive into his debut poetry book and why vulnerability is the sexiest thing a man can wear.The Romance Novel Phenomenon: What it’s like to be the face of over 200 romance novels and the responsibility of being a "vessel for desire" for millions of readers.Modeling vs. Art: Transitioning from being seen as an "object" (fitness/bodybuilding) to being heard as an artist.The Discipline of the Artist: How his background in math and sports created the structure for his creative success in Los Angeles.
The Man Behind SUR
2026/02/22
I sit down with Guillermo Zapata—actor, producer, entrepreneur, and the visionary behind the iconic West Hollywood landmark, SUR. Guillermo’s story is the quintessential Los Angeles epic. Arriving from Argentina at 22 with no English and only $500, he embodies the "die and be born again" spirit required to survive and thrive in this city. We discuss his new film, Clouds (directed by Eduardo Pinto), the "Law of the Soul" in acting, and how he balanced the cutthroat world of Hollywood with the brutal logistics of the restaurant business. The Argentinian Soul in LA: Building a Legacy from Zero Guillermo doesn't just talk about success; he talks about the discipline of desire. We explore why he chose to start as a dishwasher despite being an established actor in Argentina, and how he used the "character" of a happy worker to fuel his ultimate rise.In this episode, we cover: The Anamorphic Life: Exploring the "Angel vs. Devil" themes in his film Clouds.Dying to be Reborn: Why you must leave your old personality behind to succeed in a new country. The "Ambassador" Mindset: How Guillermo used the restaurant business to connect with powerful people without ever "asking" for a favor. The Zapata Legacy: The complex relationship with his famous father and the choice to never "push" his own daughters into the industry. The Science of Style: Why presentation is a form of respect and the launch of his new brand, City Of. Longevity Secrets: How to stay "handsome" and energized in your 50s through internal brain-heart connectivity. Episode Chapters 0:00 The light at the end of the tunnel 0:42 Exploring the "Angel vs. Devil" in the film Clouds 1:45 The electricity of a one-page synopsis 2:50 Independent Filmmaking: Finding the right team 3:50 Dying and being born again: Surviving LA 5:13 22 years old with zero English and 10 days of vacation 6:31 Leaving your old personality at the border 7:44 "This is my home": That first Manhattan Beach sunset 8:33 The Dishwasher Era: Why reality is the best fuel 10:45 Creating the "Happy Character" to survive the grind 11:50 Accelerating English: Exiting the comfort zone 13:30 The "Ambassador" Strategy: Networking with powerful people 15:00 The Kitchen is the Heart: Lessons from restaurant management 18:10 "Directing is my passion, but I don't want to be broke" 18:41 What I learned about money: "You are the money" 20:34 The Zapata Legacy: Growing up with a famous father 22:00 Being a Father: Why I refuse to "push" my kids 24:14 Going back to Argentina to film Clouds 25:17 Transitioning from Actor to Producer: Managing the weight 26:40 The Chef vs. The Director: The parallels of leadership 28:00 Mental Health and childhood trauma in Clouds 31:16 The future of cinema: Following your heart over the algorithm 33:55 The secret to staying young: Discipline and desire 35:43 Style and Presentation: Why looking good matters 36:38 City Of Star: A tribute to the people of Los Angeles 38:00 Finding the right partner: Marriage and destination 41:00 Advice for the fall: Standing up stronger Sponsored by:Red Axe Media: https://www.redaxemedia.com/servicesContndr: https://contndr.com/r/axelAlphagvrd: https://alphagvrd.com/?aff=34Connect with Guillermo ZapataTHE CLOUDS: https://youtu.be/c3qXbg5FPB0?si=PhnJskvO9-5MJHNGImdb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0953180/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gzsur/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GZSur/SUR Restaurant: https://www.surrestaurant.com/ Vanderpump Rules: https://www.bravotv.com/vanderpump-rulesPress: https://ebbymagazine.com/guillermo-zapata-succeeds-through-resilience-and-perseverance/Connect with Axel Axe:https://www.instagram.com/axelaxeofficialhttps://twitter.com/AxelAxeOfficialhttps://www.facebook.com/heyaxelarzola/https://www.tiktok.com/@axelaxeofficialhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm5399415/
OWN NOTHING, CONTROL EVERYTHING | Protecting YOUR Money WITH MARK LEWIS
2026/02/22
Most people spend their entire lives learning how to earn money, but they never spend a single day learning how to protect it. I sat down with Mark Lewis, a master of corporate strategy and asset protection, to discuss a reality that hits me deep. As an immigrant who escaped communism with $70 in my backpack, I came to America to build a legacy. But as Mark pointed out in our conversation, if you don't understand the "Rules of the Game," the system is designed to keep you in a cycle of "legal theft." Here is the breakdown of how to move from a "sharecropper" to a true entrepreneur.
Motivation is a scam
2026/01/03
watch my film: https://youtu.be/m6GMOcagpSo?si=AREpRz9o-p_GYQFHMost people fail because they are waiting for a "feeling" to strike before they take action. They treat motivation like an espresso shot—it gives them a 60-minute high, and then they crash back into mediocrity.In this video, I’m breaking down why you need to stop looking for "external rah-rah" and start building an identity that makes action non-negotiable. I’m talking to you from a place of total honesty—I recorded this while sick, tired, and facing a slow season in my business—because I promised myself I would.If you cannot control yourself and become the person you promised you were going to be, it doesn't matter how many opportunities you get. You will squander them.In this video, we discuss:The Espresso Trap: Why relying on motivation is the fastest way to fail.Radical Accountability:Why you *should* listen to the stress and anxiety of not being where you want to be.The Identity Shift: How to move from "someone who wants to work out" to "someone who is a worker."The "Movie" Framework: You are the main character in your own film—decide how that character reacts when his back is against the wall.The Sacrifice of High-Level Work: Why your dreams require you to show up even when you’re sick, tired, or uninspired.I grew up in a third-world country with no internet and barely enough food. Now, I’m in Hollywood building a life I love. The only difference between where I was then and where I am now is the decision to stop making excuses and start executing.Stop waiting to feel like it. Just get it done.Stay connected:https://www.instagram.com/axelaxeofficialhttps://twitter.com/AxelAxeOfficialhttps://www.facebook.com/heyaxelarzola/https://www.tiktok.com/@axelaxeofficialhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm5399415/#AxelAxe #IdentityShift #MotivationIsAScam #RadicalResilience #PersonalGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #HollywoodFilm #ActionOverEverything
How To Build A $1M Business Online with ALPHAGVRD Founder and CEO Jett He
2026/01/01
Shop ALPHAGVRD: https://alphagvrd.com?aff=34The Rise of ALPHAGVRD: From $0 to 100K Customers with Jett He**In this episode of the Axel Axe Show, we sit down with Jett He, the visionary founder of ALPHAGVRD, the world’s leading brand for premium camera skins and protection gear.Jett reveals the "unfiltered" truth behind building a multi-seven-figure e-commerce empire. From flying to Taiwan to secure a business partnership to the extreme psychological tactics he used to stay motivated—including a "public humiliation" bet that fueled his success—this conversation is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, brand building, and the future of creative gear.We dive deep into:The Power of Shame:Why Jett bet his reputation on a Facebook Live slap to ensure his business didn't fail.Attention vs. Content:How to stand out in a world saturated by AI "slop" and why authenticity still wins.Manufacturing in America:Why ALPHAGVRD is moving toward in-house 3D printing and CNC machining in response to global tariffs.The "TAM" Strategy:How Jett turned "stickers for cameras" into a massive niche success by focusing on the Total Addressable Market.Materialism & Success:Jett’s honest take on Rolexes, Porsches, and finding gratitude beyond the "temporary high" of luxury goods.Whether you're a creative looking to launch your first product or an entrepreneur trying to scale in 2026, Jett’s insights on hiring talent, navigating "imposter syndrome," and following market trends are essential viewing.Connect with Jett & ALPHAGVRD:Website: alphagvrd.comInstagram: @alphagvrdEpisode Chapters0:00 The Reality of Starting at Zero0:50 Exclusive Merch Reveal & In-House Production2:05 Jett’s Business Philosophy: Detail & Generosity3:23 How Axel and Jett First Met4:02 The Origin of ALPHAGVRD: Personal Customization5:09 Partnering in Taiwan: From Lifeguard to ALPHAGVRD6:48 The Battle for Attention on Instagram8:25 The Formula for Viral Camera Content8:57 The "Public Humiliation" Bet: Using Shame as a Driver10:48 The Problem with "Get Rich Quick" Schemes in America12:26 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Gratitude13:30 Dressing 100,000+ Cameras: The Scaling Journey14:49 Moving Offices 4 Times in 4 Years15:13 The Secret to Fast-Growing E-Commerce: Hiring Talent16:40 Fostering Creativity in the Workplace18:23 The Addiction to Gear vs. Business Revenue20:04 AI vs. Authentic Camera Gear: What’s the Future?21:35 Advice for Creators in the Age of AI25:52 Materialism, Money, and Lessons for 21-Year-Olds27:44 The Power of Your Close Circle & Networking28:28 How to Say "No" to the Wrong Projects31:54 The 80/20 Rule: When Products Fail to Gain Interest32:53 Calculating TAM: Turning "Stickers" into Millions35:05 The New Frontier: 3D Printing & CNC Manufacturing36:13 Why Manufacturing in America is the Future37:43 Starting an E-Commerce Brand in 2026: The Brutal Truth40:12 Building a Brand vs. Building a Product41:55 Is There a Formula for Virality?42:21 Fire Session: Canon vs. Sony, Porsche vs. Tesla45:54 Why Men are Obsessed with High-End Cars48:26 Mechanical Excellence: Watches, Cars, and AI51:00 Growing Up Poor: The Drive to Become a Millionaire51:53 Investing in Assets that Don't Depreciate52:50 The Value of Time and Mutual InspirationFollow Axel Axe:https://www.instagram.com/axelaxeofficialhttps://twitter.com/AxelAxeOfficialhttps://www.facebook.com/heyaxelarzola/https://www.tiktok.com/@axelaxeofficialhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm5399415/#ALPHAGVRD #Entrepreneurship #CameraGear #FounderStory #ECommerce #AxelAxeShow #Photography #BusinessGrowth #ai
Dealing with Divorce and Surviving Motorcycle Accident and How Brotherhood Saves Men | Reginald Stalling & Axel Axe
2025/12/22
In this high-level, cinematic episode of The Axel Axe Show, host Axel sits down with Reginald Stalling for a raw and unfiltered conversation about turning life’s most brutal challenges into a blueprint for power. Following Axel’s established "Axe Method," the discussion dives into the transformative power of pain, the strategic importance of male brotherhood, and the radical resilience required to survive both personal and physical devastation.Reginald opens up about the "brutal truth" of his divorce, reframing it not as a failure, but as a mandatory growth period that stripped away complacency. The conversation pivots to his harrowing 2022 near-death experience—a motorcycle crash that left him bedridden for a year with two broken legs. Through the lens of these hardships, they explore how to engineer an unshakeable mindset, the role of Krav Maga in developing a protector’s instinct, and why your "circle is your ceiling" when it comes to recovery.Episode Timestamps 0:00 The Surprise of Life 1:04 The Divorce Blueprint 8:45 The Fear of the Father 16:32 Near-death Experience. 20:18 Recovering from a motorcycle accident. 23:25 Relearning to Walk 25:11 Dealing with the loss of a father. 32:15 Survival Instincts 37:16 Krav Maga Explained 44:33 The Bar Hug 50:15 The Lens of Gratitude 56:11 Unshared success is failure. 1:02:26 The Power of Brotherhood 1:10:24 The Social Aspect of Golf 1:15:33 Stay present. Follow Reginald Stalling: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reginaldstalling IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4989712/ Follow Axel Axe: https://www.instagram.com/axelaxeofficial https://twitter.com/AxelAxeOfficial https://www.facebook.com/heyaxelarzola/ https://www.tiktok.com/@axelaxeofficial https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5399415/
The "Scientific" Method to Viral Podcasts (Step-by-Step) | Olivia Atkin & Axel Axe
2025/12/22
The podcasting world is lying to you. Most creators are chasing subscriber counts—a vanity metric that Axel and Olivia reveal is actually "bots and noise" that can kill your channel's long-term algorithm.In this deep dive, Axel (Impact Theory veteran) and Olivia Atkin (Top 5% Global Podcaster) break down the Scientific Blueprint for organic growth. From why you should stop inviting celebrities to the exact minute your interview hits a "Flow State," this is the raw truth about building a top 1% show in 2025.Meet Olivia Atkin:Olivia is a globally recognized podcast consultant and host of "Achieving Success." She is the only podcaster with listeners in all seven continents and ranks in the top 5% of shows globally.What You Will Learn:The Subscriber Trap: Why having 20 engaged listeners is better than 1,000 bots.• The Celebrity Myth: Why famous guests often fail to convert and who you should invite instead.• Global Ranking vs. Vanity Metrics: How to get ranked by third-party platforms across all 7 continents.• The "Fire" Moment: How to find the exact minute in your recording that will go viral as a Short/Reel.• Interview Flow State: The secret pre-recording hack to build instant chemistry with any guest. Timestamps:00:50 – The Cadence Myth: Why consistency is about more than just a schedule.02:22 – Title & Description Secrets: How to stop the scroll.04:18 – Why Subscribers are a Lie (The Vanity Metric Trap).08:34 – Decoding Global Rankings: The only metric that can't be "fudged."11:43 – The Ego Problem: Why you're not as good as you think (yet).18:18 – The Impact Theory Process: Packaging interviews like a scientist.24:45 – Authenticity vs. Scripts: How to get celebrities to open up.35:14 – The 3 Tricks for 10x Conversion.
Candy Ken: STORY Behind the UNICORN FAMILY, Millions of Followers and Money || & Axel Axe
2025/03/20
Watch my film: https://youtu.be/MAmyUUQi9v4In this episode, we talk with Kandy Ken about his life as an influencer.Who is Candy Ken?Jakob Kasimir Hellrigl (born July 27, 1992), known as Candy Ken, is an Austrian rapper, model, TikToker, and artist. He started his career as a rapper in 2014. He combines a masculine appearance with feminine pop culture. He has become famous, and infamous, for his TikTok videos where he shows his wealth and lifestyle through the videos that he creates.This TikTok star, music sensation, and model earns most of his valuation from his music career, from his YouTube AdSense revenue, by endorsing brands and products on his popular social media handles, and his modeling career.Welcome to THE UNICORN FAMILY Youtube Channel. We are a very unique and extravagant family based in Los Angeles that loves to entertain you. We believe that only being urself can bring true happiness. It's time to stop being like everyone else and start being you. Tune in every week and get inspired by the crazy Life of CANDY KEN, BABY J and RODEO. As we alway say: be URSELF, be UNIQUE and be a UNICORN 🦄Here you Have some of his videos.We DID it !!! #UnicornFamily #TheUnicornFamily #CandyKenhttps://youtu.be/g7CdPnto-5MWe are MAKING another BABY... https://youtu.be/_FlsreAOWrkBaby Rodeo's 2nd Birthday Party Surprise!https://youtu.be/aWQhOABVB0gFOLLOW Axel Axehttps://www.instagram.com/axelaxeofficialhttps://twitter.com/AxelAxeOfficialhttps://www.facebook.com/heyaxelarzola/https://www.tiktok.com/@axelaxeofficialhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm5399415/
When is time to break up
2025/03/19
1. Drama Is Draining Your SoulThe first sign? Drama. If your relationship feels like a rollercoaster of chaos—big fights, silent treatments, explosive makeups—it’s a problem. I’ve noticed this pattern especially with super attractive women. They’re used to attention, used to getting their way, and when you don’t play along, it can spark jealousy, arguments, or petty power plays. People joke that “prettier girls are crazier,” and honestly, there’s some truth to it. Years of special treatment can wire someone to crave control or stir up trouble when things don’t align.Set a boundary. Tell her, “If this keeps happening, I’m out.” She’ll test you—trust me, she will. When she does, hold your ground. Walk away. Don’t be the guy who caves when she calls crying, because that kills any respect she has left. Drama might feel thrilling, but it’s a distraction you can’t afford.2. Your Wallets Don’t MatchNext up: money. Financial compatibility isn’t just about goals—it’s about where you’re at right now and what you both expect. Guys, we’ve all done it: flexing a little too hard to impress her, dropping cash on dinners, gifts, or trips to seem like the big shot. I’ve made that mistake, pretending I had more than I did. But here’s the fallout: you can’t sustain it. She’ll figure out you’re overspending, and the cracks will show.Every woman’s different. Some are independent, with careers or family support, and don’t need you to bankroll them. Others expect a guy who can provide a certain lifestyle—and that’s their right, just like you’ve got standards for how she looks or acts. The problem hits when your financial reality doesn’t match her expectations. If she’s looking for a provider and you’re barely scraping by, it’s a recipe for resentment. She won’t look up to you if she’s out-earning you or if you can’t keep up with her vibe.Be real with yourself. If you can’t afford her world, don’t fake it. Focus on stacking your cash instead of chasing someone out of your league. Sit her down, talk it out—be honest about what you can (or can’t) offer. If she needs more than you’ve got, cut ties. It’s not about gold-digging; it’s about compatibility. Misaligned wallets lead to misery.3. The Bedroom’s BrokenLet’s talk sex—because it matters. If you’re not attracted to her, or she’s not into you, that’s a dealbreaker. I don’t care what anyone says: a relationship without physical spark is a friendship with extra steps. Being with someone you don’t want to sleep with—or who doesn’t want you—is torture. I’ve tried to make it work, and it’s soul-crushing.If you’re not into her, don’t drag it out to spare her feelings. Communicate it—gently, sure, but clearly. Figure out your type, what lights you up, and if she’s not it, break it off fast. The longer you fake it, the worse it gets—you’ll cheat, resent her, or both. If she’s not attracted to you, that’s trickier. Are you satisfying her? Is she into it? If not, step up your game (check my other videos for tips), but if you’ve tried and she’s still checked out, it’s over. Sex isn’t everything, but it’s damn close. When it’s not working, walk away.4. Your Futures Don’t FitThe final nail in the coffin? Mismatched futures. You can have killer chemistry, great sex, aligned finances—but if your long-term visions don’t sync, it’s doomed. She wants kids, you don’t. You’re tied to Minnesota, she’s dreaming of Miami. I’ve been there: dated someone amazing, only to realize her path wasn’t mine. It hit me hard, but I had to admit it—our futures didn’t line up, and no amount of love could fix that.
Would america be better under comunism?
2025/03/17
Is Communism a Good Idea for America? My Experience Growing Up in Cuba0:00 Can communism make America better0:44 Misconceptions About Communism1:42 Life in Cuba Under Communism3:10 Government Control and Isolation4:32 Protests and Repression5:21 Why Wealth Redistribution Fails7:22 Ownership and Accountability9:12 Democracy vs. Dictatorship11:00 The Cost of Taking Freedom for Granted13:37 Equal Opportunity, Not Equal Outcomes15:34 Closing ThoughtsPeople in the U.S. love to debate politics, but most of them have no idea what real communism looks like. I grew up in Cuba, and I saw firsthand how destructive and oppressive that system is. In this episode, I break down exactly why communism fails every time, why it would never work in America, and the harsh realities that people who glorify it don’t understand.From government control over every part of your life to the destruction of ambition and personal freedom, I’ve lived through it all. This isn’t theory—this is reality.Watch until the end to hear why freedom and capitalism, for all their flaws, will always be superior.Let me know what you think in the comments. Would communism ever work in the U.S., or is it just a fantasy?
The real reason why you don't hit the gym
2025/03/17
If you’re struggling to drag yourself to the gym, it’s not about motivation. It’s about identity. You don’t skip workouts because you’re lazy—you skip them because you don’t know who you are yet. I learned this the hard way, and it changed everything for me. Let me take you through how I went from a scrawny nerd to a beast who commands respect, and how you can make fitness part of your DNA too.
Ultimate advice for college students
2025/03/05
Stop waiting for your life to start Don’t waste your college years waiting for life to begin! I came to America after defecting from Cuba, started college as a married student, had a baby in my sophomore year, and still managed to join a Greek club, win a national Kia commercial contest, and launch my production company—all while supporting my family back home. My advice? Stop waiting for permission and take control of your life NOW. Watch my story and learn how to make your college years count.
What to do after college
2025/03/01
This is what I would do if I was graduating from college in 3 months. Now it’s time to get serious. Let's break down the 3 things you must do to set yourself up for success:1. Start making money – Stop waiting. Get to work. Build your skills. Become financially independent.2. Focus on your fitness – Your body is your foundation. Stay strong, stay disciplined, and keep pushing yourself physically and mentally.3. Cut off dead weight – If a relationship doesn’t align with your long-term vision, let it go. Surround yourself with people who push you forward, not hold you back.This is the blueprint. No handouts, no excuses—just results.FOLLOW Axel Axehttps://www.instagram.com/axelaxeofficialhttps://twitter.com/AxelAxeOfficialhttps://www.facebook.com/heyaxelarzola/https://www.tiktok.com/@axelaxeofficialhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm5399415/#LifeAfterCollege #SuccessMindset #Discipline #AxelAxe
Reprogram your mind to make more money in 11 minutes
2025/02/24
How I Learned Wealth Is a Mindset, Not a Number I used to think being poor was about how much money you had—or didn’t have. Growing up in Havana, Cuba, frugality was survival. When I moved to America at 21, that didn’t change right away. At 25, I had more money than ever, but I was still hunting for $7 pants at Goodwill and a $10 backpack at Ross. I’d brag about it, too—like it was some badge of honor. Then I realized: I wasn’t poor anymore, but I was still acting poor. Feeling poor. It wasn’t my wallet holding me back—it was my mind.That shift started on a trip I’ll never forget. I was hired to film a commercial for a luxury yacht company called Sea Dream. Picture this: a boat with just 84 passengers, where the staff knew your name, your favorite drink, your food preferences. It was personal, polished, and unlike anything I’d ever seen. I’d never been on that side of wealth before. To prepare, I bought new clothes—not my usual thrift store haul, but stuff that fit the vibe. That’s when I started caring about suits, fashion, how I presented myself. It wasn’t about money—it was about mindset. On that yacht, docked at St. Barts—one of the ritziest islands in the Caribbean—I saw a massive cruise ship pull up next to us. Thousands of people onboard, probably 5,000. I turned to the operations director, an older Norwegian guy who’d clearly made it big, and asked, “Why don’t you build a bigger ship? Scale this up?” His response hit me like a ton of bricks: “Axel, in life, you can go for the masses or the elite. We choose the best of the best. We don’t want to do what anyone can do.” That stuck with me. Quality over quantity. Excellence over average. It’s not about how much you do or spend—it’s about doing better. You don’t need $800 for a Gucci t-shirt when a $300 well-fitted shirt looks twice as expensive. Wealth isn’t the price tag—it’s the choice.It’s taken me almost a decade to fully shed that poor-kid-from-Cuba mindset. Last year, I made more money than ever before, but the transformation started long before the cash rolled in. I learned that living wealthy isn’t about your income—it’s about how you think, act, and carry yourself. A $500K earner and a $5M earner can have similar experiences if they’re on the same wavelength. It’s not how much you drop on dinner—it’s where you go, how you dress, how you treat the staff, who you connect with while you’re there.Here’s the kicker: if you’re young and starting out, like I was, the first step is recognizing abundance. When you’re broke, it’s hard to see it—but there’s so much money out there, especially in a place like America. If you keep thinking everyone’s as strapped as you, you’ll only create for broke people. You’ll sell your time, your services, your ideas at your own income level—and that’s a trap. Aim higher. Build something for people with 10x your money.I see this in my work now. Say I’m pitching a video project to a luxury brand. If I price it based on what I’d pay, I’m dead in the water—because to me, it’s not “worth” much. But if that video boosts their revenue by 10%, that could mean $5 million to them. They’re not buying the video—they’re buying the outcome. Rich people think differently, and you’ve got to meet them there.Being poor is a mindset, plain and simple. It’s not about your bank balance. If you stay in that headspace, you won’t push yourself—to dress sharp, to eat well, to hit the gym, to care for your skin or hair. But flip that switch, and everything changes. How you live, how much you earn—it’s all tied to how you see yourself.You don’t need millions to start living rich. Do less, but do it better. Focus on quality, not the cheapest option. That shift has 10x’d my income and transformed my life from the moment I wake up to the moment I crash at night. It can do the same for you. Wealth starts in your head—get that right, and the money will follow.Let me know if you’d like any tweaks to the thread or blog post—length, tone, or anything else!

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