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What happens when the business grows faster than the foundation underneath it? On this episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael Bernoff sits down with longtime friend and entrepreneur Justin Colby for a conversation about the side of entrepreneurship most people don’t see. Justin has spent years building businesses, investing in real estate, creating communities for entrepreneurs, and developing what he calls the Entrepreneurial DNA. But some of his biggest lessons didn’t come from winning. They came from the storms he didn’t see coming. Michael and Justin talk about why entrepreneurs need to build deep before they build up, what happens when growth outruns your foundation, how failure can expose what needs to change, and why vulnerability may actually create more opportunity than pretending everything is perfect. They also get into leadership, business growth, sacrifice, relationships, investing, and one of the most important questions an entrepreneur can ask: Who do you need to become to create the life and business you actually want? Because what got you here won’t necessarily get you there. If you’re building a business, growing one, scaling one, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself, this conversation is for you. Watch now and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.

Most people believe wealth comes from working harder, waiting for their 401(k) to save them, or finding a magic shortcut. In this episode of The Average Sucks Show, host Michael Bernoff sits down with long-time friend, top real estate investor, and founder of the Be Wealthy Mastermind, Brett Tanner, to break down the exact principles required to turn active income into true, lasting financial freedom. Brett shares his journey from growing up in the poorest county in Colorado to managing massive real estate portfolios, owning commercial properties, and building generational wealth. Together, they strip away the noise and dive into the simple, non-negotiable fundamentals: why net worth matters far more than annual income, the power of physical books and constant self-education, how to build a 30-year wealth plan, and the difference between just being rich versus being truly wealthy. In this episode, you will learn: The core mindset shift: Why wealthy people build cash flow before upgrading their lifestyleNet Worth vs. Income: How to map out a clear, step-by-step $50M balance sheet planHow to find unfair advantages within your current business and industryThe truth about truly passive investments, notes, and triple-net commercial real estateThe "Slight Edge" habits: Daily bank logins, cutting phone distractions, and reading physical booksBrett's exact playbook for landing high-level mentors and building lifelong relationships

Most people have a book inside them — they just can't get it out. And that silence is costing them credibility, clients, and legacy. In this episode of the Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Chandler Bolt — Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, founder of selfpublishing.com, and the man behind over 7,000 published books. From selling snacks out of a cooler at scout camp to running a company doing tens of millions a year producing two to five books every single day — Chandler's story is a masterclass in relentless work ethic, guerrilla execution, and knowing when to bet on yourself. He dropped out of college with a year and a half left, published his first book on productivity while his peers thought he was failing, and built a movement by doing the things that don't scale — one door, one video, one reader at a time. This episode dives deep into: Why 81% of people want to write a book but less than 1% ever do — and what separates themThe three guerrilla tactics that took Chandler from nobody to number one in the countryWhy knowledge-based entrepreneurs who don't have a book are "double morons with cooties"How to validate before you build — the 44-person cohort that launched an empireWhy your book is one of the three to five greatest days of your lifeThe difference between goal-oriented and task-oriented people — and why you need to know which you are Whether you're an entrepreneur sitting on seven figures of expertise or someone with a story that's been rotting inside of you for years, this conversation will be the push you didn't know you needed. Bolts don't quit. And neither do the people who finally choose to publish. If there's a book in you — and there is — this episode will show you exactly what's been standing in your way.

Most people don’t fail because of bad luck — they fail because they can’t think clearly or execute under pressure. In this powerful episode of the Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Justin “Hasard” Lee — combat-proven F-16 fighter pilot with 82 missions, former F-35 Chief of Training Systems, and author of the bestselling book The Art of Clear Thinking. From dreaming of becoming a fighter pilot at age 5, getting rejected by the Air Force Academy, fighting his way through prep school, surviving the brutal 9G centrifuge, to flying high-stakes combat missions — Hasard shares the raw lessons of performing at the absolute edge of human capability. He reveals how fighter pilot principles — clear decision-making under pressure, building a culture of ownership, ruthless debriefs, and decentralized execution — can transform any business or team. This episode dives deep into: Why most leaders and entrepreneurs lose 20 IQ points in high-stakes momentsHow to build a “nameless, rankless” debrief culture where admitting mistakes is rewardedTurning operational drag into execution speedThe power of mission-based leadershipWhy preparation and brutal after-action reviews are the real secrets to winning Whether you’re a founder, executive, or leader who wants to operate at a higher level, this conversation will sharpen your thinking and elevate your standards. Average teams hide mistakes. Above-average teams weaponize them.  If you want to make better decisions, build unstoppable teams, and execute faster under pressure, this episode is for you.

Most people don’t lack skill or opportunity—they lack the right beliefs, speed of action, and willingness to break through money blocks and self-doubt. In this episode of the Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Jason Wojo, founder of Wojo Media, a self-made entrepreneur who went from flipping Pokémon cards as a broke culinary school dropout in a New York mobile home to scaling businesses with over $100–150 million in tracked online revenue through paid ads, funnels, and high-converting webinars. This is a raw, no-fluff conversation about the real entrepreneurial journey: starting with nothing, facing painful money lessons (including a heartbreaking vet bill that shifted his entire mindset), dropping out of school, building from local social media gigs and Shopify stores, landing massive corporate clients, and eventually mastering the “big boy” version of Meta ads and one-to-many selling. Jason breaks down: Why belief matters more than raw ability for entrepreneurship How early money trauma (and chargebacks) can block you—and how to flip it into fuel Practical, battle-tested tactics for ads (first 5-second hooks, letting the copy do the targeting, placements that actually work, energy and pattern interrupts) The power of high-converting opt-in pages and why congruence between your ad, landing page, and delivery builds instant trust Why webinars (and selling one-to-many) outperform constant one-on-one sales calls for many offers, plus how to structure decks, offers, and closes that convert The importance of jumping on proven mechanisms as bolt-ons rather than blowing up what’s already working Lessons on ownership, learning from “failures,” peace over constant hustle, and why some people simply aren’t ready for scale Whether you’re running a service business, coaching/consulting/info offer, or scaling an e-commerce brand, Jason delivers actionable insights on generating demand, building funnels that sell while you sleep, and operating at a higher level without losing your edge. Average thinking stays stuck in comfort, hesitation, and one-on-one grind. Above-average thinking rewires beliefs, moves fast on proven systems, masters one-to-many, and turns every setback into a lesson that compounds. If you want more leads, better conversions, automated sales, or to install proven webinar funnels in your business, this episode will give you the mindset shifts and tactical edges to make it happen.

Most people are not limited by ability. They are limited by the way they think. In this episode of the Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul and a lifelong entrepreneur, to explore what actually separates average thinking from above average results. This is not a conversation about motivation or inspiration. It is a conversation about decisions, asking, action, and ownership. Mark shares how learning to ask changed the trajectory of his life, why “ask first and figure it out later” is not reckless but strategic, and how average thinking quietly keeps people stuck in comfort, hesitation, and self-doubt. If you are an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone who knows you did not come here to live an average life, this episode will push you to rethink what is possible. Average thinking waits. Above-average thinking asks and acts. If you want to learn more about our guest and the power of asking, visit askthebookclub.com

On this episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael sits down with Max Hansen, founder of YScouts and a leader who has helped companies scale by fixing the one thing most entrepreneurs avoid: hiring. With resumes being gamed, AI rewriting job histories, and job boards flooded with noise, hiring has never been more confusing or more critical. Max breaks down why most hiring systems are broken, why the best people are not applying, and how great leaders actually build teams on purpose. This conversation is not about HR tactics. It is about leadership, culture, and why who you hire ultimately decides how far you go. If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or leader who wants freedom, growth, and a team that actually performs, this episode will change how you think about hiring forever.

In this episode of the Average Sucks Podcast, Michael sits down with financial expert, entrepreneur, and creator of Wealth Factory, Garrett Gunderson, for a conversation that will shift the way you think about money, value, and freedom.

What if your brand matters more than your bank account? In this episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael Bernoff sits down with entrepreneur, identity coach, and branding expert Travis Brady for a conversation that will challenge everything you think you know about marketing and business growth. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your business... if the strategies aren’t working... or if you're tired of playing small—this is the wake-up call. Travis breaks down why your identity is the foundation of your brand—and how most entrepreneurs are sabotaging their results by ignoring it. This episode dives deep into branding, influence, mindset, and the psychology of standing out in a crowded market. You’ll learn: - How to create a brand that actually attracts clients - The real reason your marketing isn’t converting - Why framing your identity is the key to breakthrough results - How to stop hiding and start leading with confidence Whether you're a business owner, coach, or creator... this episode will push you to think differently, show up bigger, and finally build a brand that reflects who you really are. This one might just be the most important shift you make this year.

What if your business isn’t stuck because you’re not working hard enough… but because you’re focusing on the wrong things? In this raw and eye-opening episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael Bernoff sits down with Adam Bensman—founder of The Roof Strategist—who went from scraping by on $4.20/day to building a multimillion-dollar brand without a single paid ad. No funnels. No hacks. Just timeless strategy, real metrics, and a mindset built for growth.

In this episode of The Average Sucks Show, Michael Bernoff sits down with Mike Arce, founder of Loud Rumor, to discuss his transformation from a fitness studio owner to the head of a seven-figure marketing agency. Mike shares powerful insights on overcoming challenges, the importance of mindset, and the strategies that helped him break through barriers to reach success. Mike also introduces his new book, “The Standard is You,” a playbook for team members who want to lead, grow, and raise the standard. This step-by-step guide will help you live above average, set higher personal and professional standards, and unleash your full potential. Learn more and get your copy at

Have you ever watched a young athlete perform at a high level and thought, Where does that kind of drive come from? In this electrifying episode of Average Sucks, we uncover the answer. Some kids discover a passion so strong that it fuels them to excel—transforming their love for an activity into a relentless competitive fire. And in the pursuit of excellence, they develop an extraordinary set of life skills that set them apart. Our guest? My daughter, Maya Bernoff. From the moment she stepped onto the ice as a little girl, she felt something powerful—like she had found her place. Skating isn’t just a sport to her; it’s where she feels most alive. And that passion? It’s what keeps her pushing, competing, and winning. Her results speak for themselves. Maya competes in over 50 events annually, traveling across the U.S., and more often than not, she leaves with a medal around her neck. At just 12 years old, she’s already earned five national gold medals at the 2023 and 2024 National Showcase competitions hosted by U.S. Figure Skating. In this episode, we dive into the mindset, habits, and strategies that fuel her success, including: Belief in Yourself: Maya’s philosophy? Love yourself first—because you’re the one person you spend your entire life with. Entrepreneurial Spirit: At just 10, she created a fundraiser for a local dog rescue with only $40 in startup money, turning that into a great win for the rescue. Passion for Figure Skating: The ice isn’t just where she competes—it’s where she thrives, setting goals and pushing herself to new levels. Mental Toughness: The mindset work that helps her power through challenges, setbacks, and the dreaded brain rot. The Power of Visualization: A mental exercise Maya swears by to break through negative thoughts. And that’s just the beginning! This conversation is inspiring, insightful, and packed with wisdom—straight from a 12-year-old powerhouse. You won’t want to miss it. Tune in now!

How differently do you define success today compared to two, five, or even ten years ago? For most of us, life’s ups and downs have a tendency to reshape what truly matters. That’s why our latest guest on the Average Sucks Podcast brings a unique and powerful perspective. Vince DelMonte, founder of the 7 Figure Mastermind for Fit Pros, hit his biggest goals and then faced the question: Now what? In this candid conversation, Vince dives deep into redefining success for your life today and in the future. He doesn’t sugarcoat the journey, yet instead asks the hard questions and shares the reflections that shaped his “lifestyle first” approach. It’s a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of success and striving to align their life with what matters most. In this episode, you’ll discover: How Vince built his fitness empire with thousands of videos and 80+ hour workweeks—crushing his financial goals.The “true cost” of that success on himself and his loved ones.Why work-life balance is easier said than done—and how Vince tackled it head-on.The pivotal self-reflection that shifted his approach and transformed his business and life.His “lifestyle first” philosophy, which helps him balance success while knowing when to hit the gas. This thought-provoking conversation is packed with insights to help you redefine and elevate your own success. It was an absolute pleasure speaking with Vince. Don’t miss this compelling episode of the Average Sucks Podcast!

You’ve got a life plan.  It goes great. Until it doesn’t. Ever catch sight of yourself in a mirror and are surprised by what you see?  What you do when life hands you lemons will either bury you or strengthen you beyond measure. Our special guest in our Average Sucks Podcast has been through the fire and came back to help others. Natalie Jill is a former medical device sales professional who had risen to national sales director. She got married, bought a house, and had a daughter along the way.  Life was awesome! It should have been…and yet still…her marriage fell apart while she was pregnant. She fell into a depression, watched her finances dwindle and threaten her home, and gained more than 60 pounds. Worse, she felt hopeless. Then, she had a series of epiphanies that triggered her comeback: She caught her reflection in a mirror and saw she was not who she wanted to be – overweight, depressed, overwhelmed and alone.She watched a television show where she was reminded of the importance of focusing on the possibility instead of the problem.She chose to focus on where she wanted to go and who she wanted to be, instead of “what was” at that moment. Her story continues to inspire from there.  She turned it all around and now is a renowned fitness and fat loss expert at Natalie Jill Fitness. She transforms people’s lives as they navigate their midlife challenges. Her clients in midlife don’t feel alone, stuck, and overwhelmed.  You don’t want to miss this extraordinary conversation with an extraordinary entrepreneur and leader! Head over now to hear her moving story in our Average Sucks Podcast. It was a pleasure and an honor to speak with her – and you’ll see why.

Warning: This Average Sucks Podcast starts out in a dark place.  Drug addiction, drug dealing, and even worse. Our guest at 15 found himself outrunning the police. For a while, he descended deeper and deeper into a dark world.  You wouldn’t expect a life that starts out that way to head into a sunlit place of serving others and making a powerful difference in their lives.  But that’s where Dan Martell, a successful SaaS entrepreneur coach, did and that’s the life he lives now. Dan helps grateful SaaS CEOs scale their business and remove the “time assassins” that wreck their lives. He helps them be successful and get their time (and life!) back.  Listen this special episode of the Average Sucks Podcast to hear how Dan: Overcame addiction and illicit business enterprisesLearned the hard way the entrepreneurial skills that kept him going Worked too hard and had too little to show for itLeveraged skills ranging from coping with uncertainty to finding the right peopleScaled his business with a reproducible process that can help others.  Listen this entire powerful conversation. You don’t want to miss Dan’s story and apply the key lessons to your life (and boost your average).  It was an honor and privilege speaking with my friend Dan. No matter where you are today on your journey, you’ll find real value in hearing his story.