#492 We've got a fun one for you guys today. Connie Neal is on the show and boy, is she a character. And I mean that literally . . . Connie creates amazing content for kids as a character she created called Grandma Goodie, and she does a phenomenal job. First, we're going to be going back in time a little bit because Connie wasn't always a for-kids YouTube content creator. A while back she had an idea for something else that she actually mailed to me, but it didn't pan out. Still, Connie pushed forward with relentless optimism and now she's starting to really find her groove. We'll chat about how she got to where she is now and where she's going next, with a couple of fun stories to boot. Let's get started! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session492See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Did you know that there's a Museum of Failure? For the final installment in season 1 of Flops — the brand-new podcast my team launched this year — hosts Karen Beattie and Ray Sylvester sat down with the museum's director, Dr. Samuel West. What followed was a fascinating conversation around normalizing failure, how different cultures approach it, Dr. West's criteria for deciding what gets displayed in the museum, and more. Plus, stick around until the end for a special "mini failure" story from yours truly. And if you haven't listened already, all 8 episodes of the first season of Flops are now available for streaming. Learn more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/flops.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#491 As entrepreneurs a lot of us develop this idea that we need to hustle now, grind out the hours, and our families will understand. But this is the opposite of what I would advise. Nothing can replace lost time that you could have used to develop a strong relationship with your children, your partner . . . I've seen the other side of the "hustle now" mentality. Trust me, it isn't pretty.Today I've got Jim Sheils on the show with a life-changing conversation about how to schedule time to connect with your family, why it's essential that you do so, and the rules he follows to get it right. His company, 18 Summers, is devoted to this topic and Jim's also the author of The Family Board Meeting, which I highly recommend you check out. If you want to learn how to succeed as an entrepreneur and have a great relationship with your family, this is the episode for you! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session491See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#490 Earlier this week I interviewed Kevin Espiritu from Epic Gardening for session 489 of the show. He's absolutely killing it in his space and I've taken a few notes from him in terms of content creation. In talking with Kevin and interacting with him outside the show, I was reminded of some of the things I've seen other successful people do. I'll tell you all about them today, as well as something that I think it's critical all entrepreneurs realize: you have to take a stand at some point. I'll illustrate this for you today with an experience I had hearing Ramit Sethi speak back in the day. A few quick but impactful lessons in here for you today, so don't miss out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session490See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#489 The pandemic put a lot of entrepreneurs on high alert and changed the way we work or do business. But some businesses thrived, and today's guest has a business that pretty much exploded during the pandemic. I first got connected with him because I (like a lot of us!) decided to try and start a garden. And when it comes to learning about all things gardening and plants, Kevin Espiritu from Epic Gardening is the man to go to. But Kevin's success wasn't just due to the pandemic. He poised himself for explosive success. Over time Kevin's built up a massive following on YouTube, published two books, expanded his brand, and created incredibly valuable product and affiliate deals. You'll learn all about how he did on today's episode, so don't miss out! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session489See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#488 Earlier this week on episode 487 I got to interview PJ of GoatMilkStuff.com — it'll be one for the ages for sure. And it reminded me of something, an episode from way back, episode 122 with Shane and Jocelyn Sams. In fact, I'm going to share a clip from that episode today as well. And in having my memory jogged, something crystallized for me around being an effective podcast host. We're going to get into all of it today, so take a coffee (or tea, or water) break and let's chat! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session488See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#487 PJ Jonas started making goat milk soap in 2008 and has since grown the business into the family business. Seriously, her entire family is involved with everything from actually making the soap to social media and more. And they don't just make soap anymore, they've added lip balms, lotions, and more to the products they ship worldwide. How did she scale the operation, how did she recruit the whole family into the business, and how do the Jonas's keep a sense of work life balance? PJ's giving us the full rundown today, so whether you're a seasoned or aspiring entrepreneur or just want to hear an amazing story, you're in the right place! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session487See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#486 Sometimes our competitive edge can prevent us from finding a critical link with someone who, on paper, might look like a competitor. Well, I'm here today to encourage you to find a buddy, someone you can build up and who can encourage you as you progress, even if (again, on paper) you might look like competitors. Press play for a bit of encouragement from me and an important call to action! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session486See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#485 The pandemic has taught all of us about the importance of flexibility. Chris Ducker, a great friend of mine, is here to tell us his experience, how his business is doing, and what he's learned making major business decisions in these times. How we respond to major shifts like these are often the ultimate test of ourselves and our businesses. Chris's key learnings can help us all better plan for the future and cultivate the right mindset for the next big pivot. There are some amazing nuggets on this episode — don't miss it! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session485See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#484 When I was a kid, when I was in school, I was afraid to ask questions. I worried that I'd look silly in front of my friends, that I'd get made fun of, or that I'd reveal something I didn't know (that I should). I'm here to tell you that your entrepreneurial journey shouldn't be like that. Asking questions, particularly at the start of my own journey, was a huge part of why I was able to go on and have success. It's just you and me today, so let's dig in. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session484See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#483 Today's guest is a student of mine who has a podcast and a book called Turn Autism Around. She's on a mission and she's here to tell us how she's started to realize that mission through books, courses, and more. She'll also share some of the strategies she learned for writing her book, launching her show (now with over 400,000 subscribers), and how she handles criticism online. Mary's story shows us just how positive the ripple effect can be — it's super-inspiring for anyone, especially if you're at the beginning of your business journey. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session483See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#482 I've got a great tip to share with you today — especially if you're an introvert like me. This goes way back to my first conference. If you've ever been to one of these events you know that networking is a big part of the appeal. The ability to walk up to someone, introduce yourself, and strike up a conversation can lead to incredible opportunities. But way too often we end up psyching ourselves out of making the first move. Often the answer . . . is action. So we're going to dig into this topic a bit today, just you and me. Let's do it! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session482See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#481 Chris Voss is the CEO of The Black Swan Group Ltd. and the author of Never Split the Difference — an amazing book on negotiation that I'd highly recommend everyone read. I'm so grateful that Chris joined me on the show to talk about negotiation, how he got interested in the topic, as well as his in-depth advice on negotiation. We talk about how to great a lasting last impression (and why that's more critical than a first impression), setting yourself up for success, why negotiation is ultimately about collaboration, and we even get into Chris's thoughts about having the right kind of mindset for successful negotiation. Everyone uses negotiation to some degree in their life or business and man, this is one for the books. Let's do it! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session481See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#480 If you're an entrepreneur, at some point you're inevitably going to compare yourself to the other entrepreneurs out there. Maybe you wish you had success like theirs, maybe you're envious because their success seemed to happen overnight. But some comparisons are healthy, like if you're trying to pull inspiration from someone or compare yourself now to where you were in the past. How can we approach those thoughts in a healthy way?I've been there, and over time I've developed a few mindset shifts and thought experiments that have helped me a lot. Let's chat! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session480See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#479 John Lee Dumas is here today to share the story behind his book, The Common Path to Uncommon Success: why he decided to write it, why he went with a traditional publishing deal, and all the strategies he used to make it come together. Whether you've written a book before, want to compare notes with John, or just want to learn more about this amazing book, stay tuned! Learn more about the book by going to UncommonSuccessBook.com. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session479See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#478 For today's Follow-Up Friday, we're going one-on-one so I can tell you about my own first experiences with memberships, going all the way back to the days when I was a newbie with Internet Business Mastery. There's a lot you can learn from my experience and what it taught me about the power of membership communities, how to set them up so that members feel heard and taken care of, and providing students and learners with an amazing experience. Let's dig in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session478See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#477 Creating a membership community has been one of the best decisions we've ever made at SPI! Maybe you've thought about creating a membership community of your own, or maybe you're just curious. Either way, you're in the right place!Today's episode is essentially a masterclass in membership communities. I'm honored and thrilled to have Stu McLaren on the show today, someone who has over 10 years of experience launching, cultivating, and empowering people through online membership communities. We're not just skimming the surface or laying out steps for getting started. We get into some advanced strategies and tactics on everything from onboarding to ensuring the longevity and health of your membership. Definitely take notes for this one! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session477.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The podcast team at SPI has been cooking up something very exciting: a brand-new podcast called Flops! Flops presents an honest portrait of entrepreneurial failure in its numerous forms. When we hear entrepreneurial stories, we often glorify the big wins and brush over the failures that had everything to do with why success occurred. Flops turns the atypical success story on its head. Here to chat about the concept for the show and how it came about are co-hosts Karen Beattie and Ray Sylvester — after our short conversation you'll hear the first full episode of Flops: "The Pyramid Scheme." Learn more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/flopsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#476 We hear phrases tossed out around the word "value" all the time. "Provide value," "give value," "massive value," etc. Sometimes that can sound a bit challenging, but Michael Hyatt — who was an amazing guest earlier this week on episode 475 of the podcast — has taught me a way to provide huge value to people in a really simple way. This isn't a superpower by the way, although Michael is obviously phenomenal at doing this thing (which I'll reveal in the episode). This is something everyone can start doing right now, and I'm going to challenge you to start today. I want to tell you how helpful and amazing Michael has been in my own life so that you can hopefully follow his example. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session476See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#475 Is it even possible to win at work and life? It's the so-called "double win" — succeeding at work and life simultaneously — and Michael Hyatt's here to explain some of the strategies he uses to achieve it. He has a new book out on this very topic, which he co-authored with his daughter, Megan: Win at Work and Succeed at Life.In this episode, you'll hear Michael and I talk over strategies and mindsets for achieving balance and freeing yourself from the cult of overwork. Michael details how to embrace constraints, how he structures his workday, and how to curb workaholism. This episode will inspire you to find that crucial balance in your own entrepreneurial journey — let's go!Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session475See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#474 Today we're going to jump back in the DeLorean and go all the way back to when I made my first time hire. Now, this wasn't a long-term hire or a team member, but I learned a lot of valuable lessons in the process (some of them kind of embarrassing, to be honest). Making that first hire was really the unlock for me in a lot of ways. Ultimately, you just can't do everything on your own, and once you realize just how much more you can do by outsourcing, hiring, delegating . . . so many doors open up. So let's sit back, relax, and I'll tell you the story. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session474See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#473 How do you show appreciation for your assistant, who basically acts as an extension of your entrepreneurial self? Or, how do you resolve conflict with an assistant, what do you do if they're not the right fit? We're going to get into all of that, discuss how my assistant's role with SPI has evolved over 7+ years, and a lot more. Jess is such a blast to work with and I'm so grateful that she's on the show with me today. Let's go! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session473See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#472 We just had an amazing episode on the podcast earlier this week — SPI 471: How to Become a Better Communicator with Kolarele Sonaike. Definitely listen to it if you haven't had a chance yet. But today I want to share my own journey as a communicator. We're going to hop in the DeLorean and go all the way back to middle school, high school, and college — where I first started honing my communication skills. Sometimes you just have to hit the ground running, and when it comes to learning how to communicate as an entrepreneur, it's not helpful to be "the kid in the back of the class" (like I once was). Hopefully, this episode inspires you to get out there, make mistakes, and avoid the trap of thinking everything you put out there has to be perfect. SmartPassiveIncome.com/session472See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#471 Communication is one of the most critical foundations to everything you do as an entrepreneur, in your personal relationships, and so much more. And becoming a better communicator is a lifelong journey — how do we do better? Our guest today is Koralele Sonaike, a Communication Skills Coach with a background as a barrister (England's version of a lawyer). He's here today to talk about approaches for becoming a better communicator, his own journey as a barrister and communicator, and the transformations he helps create in the lives of his clients. This episode can do amazing things for you, so if you want to better your communication and get better results in your business, don't pass it up. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session471See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#470: What is it I've found, you ask? Let me tell you: a topic that I'm deeply interested in and a way to share it that's unlike what anyone else is doing.In session 469, I talked to Nick from PokeRev about his Pokemon card collecting and how he's been able to create a community—and earn money—around his hobby. Over the last few months, he and I have built a friendship around our shared love of Pokemon, and I've joined a number of his live streams and even become a moderator for his community, the PokeCave. Seeing what he's doing inspired me to create my own Pokemon-centered YouTube channel, Deep Pocket Monster, where I've found a love for live streams. There I try to bring positivity and energy to inspire other collectors and create a fun space for families to join. I've learned so much doing those live streams, and now I want to share what's making those successful. Let's go! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session470See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#469 What if you could turn a hobby or passion — maybe something you loved or were crazy about as a kid — into a thriving goldmine of a business? That's exactly what Nick, AKA PokeRev, has done. Pokemon was his passion as a kid, it's something that's deeply steeped in nostalgia for him. He's managed to turn that joy into a super-successful YouTube channel. Thousands, sometimes tens of thousands of people join him on his live streams and he's been able to grow his subscribers to nearly 300k in just about a year! Whether you're new to the hobby or not, definitely give this one a listen. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session469See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#468: In SPI 467, I talked to Kristen at Bearfoot Theory, who took a month-long sabbatical from work at the end of 2020—a whole month disconnected from her business!— and managed to make more money than she had before, even while she was gone. We all need a break from time to time, and for those of us who own and manage our businesses on a day-to-day basis, it can be a real challenge to even think about stepping away for an extended time. This can feel overwhelming and stressful and trust me, I've been there. Finding a healthy work and life balance has not always been easy for me.After a vacation to Hawaii a couple of years ago, I realized I had a near-impossible time disconnecting completely from work. I even took all my podcasting equipment with me to record an episode while I was there. (Not cool, Pat.) This kept me from fully relaxing and enjoying the precious time I had away with my family.Since then, I've put a good deal of thought into how my next vacation can be different, and today, I'll take a deep dive into the strategies my team and I have worked on together to set the business up for success for those times when I need to step away, unplug, and recharge.Find show notes at smartpassiveincome.com/session468.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#467 We talk about a lot of business topics here at SPI, most of them related to moving forward: how to optimize your time, build your business, launch courses, create a podcast. It's a lot of doing. But today we're going to talk about something on a different side of the spectrum: taking time away from your business to think, focus on your mental health, gain new clarity, and reevaluate your relationship with your business or things like social media. On the show with me today is Kristen Bor, a travel blogger at BearfootTheory.com who did exactly that. Whether you've never taken a sabbatical before or the idea is just plain crazy to you, you should listen to this episode. I hope it's as inspiring for you as it was for me! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session467See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#466: We go deep in this episode. We're talking about the entrepreneurial leap—that moment when you accept the risk and truly dedicate yourself to the path of starting your own business. For me, it didn't happen the moment I got laid off or even after I started making more than four times what I'd been making as an architect. It came later, after several eye-opening experiences and conversations with people I trusted. Today, I'll tell you that story. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session466See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#465 Today's guest has written some truly incredible books that I wish I'd had on hand at that time. His book Rocket Fuel was a game-changer for me in helping me realize my role in the business. His new book, Entrepreneurial Leap is a powerful book, especially for anyone who's considering making the leap into entrepreneurship. Whether you've made the leap already or need to reassess where you're at, Gino's throwing down a lot of wisdom for us. Here we go! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session465See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#464: I'm excited to introduce you to our first Follow-Up Friday episode on the SPI Podcast! Over the last couple of years we've had a lot of requests for more solo episodes of the show and now we're finally doing it. I'll be dropping a new episode every Friday to dive deeper into our Wednesday's guest interview. In this case, we didn't have a guest on Wednesday, so today it's just me diving even deeper into the world of YouTube.In today's episode we'll talk about my newest side project, Deep Pocket Monster, a Pokemon YouTube channel where I document my Pokemon card collecting and investing journey. I've put a lot of thought into strategies to get the most views and gain subscribers, and today I'll share what's working and what's not in hopes it will help you in your own YouTube journey. Welcome to Follow-Up Fridays! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session464See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#463: Starting off in a brand-new space can be hard for anyone but there are some strategies and mindsets you can use to optimize your approach. Today I'm going to break it down for you as I talk about my new YouTube channel . . . in the Pokemon card collecting space. But how did I make some noise in a space that I was essentially coming into for the first time? How did I fit a brand-new project into my life on top of everything else that I do? My foray into the Pokemon card YouTube space is an excellent case study in doing exactly that, so give this episode a listen! Also, make sure you stick around until the very end: I've got a very exciting announcement for you about the future of the Smart Passive Income Podcast. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session463See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#462: The cash flow between advertisers and podcasters recently has been insane — some projections say over $1 billion will be spent on podcast ads in 2021. So where do you start, whether you're someone with their own show or an advertiser with a product or service you want to spread the word about? If your curiosity is piqued, you're in the right place. Here to help answer your questions about podcast ads — whether you're a podcaster or an advertiser — is Heather Osgood of True Native Media. Podcast advertising is a massive opportunity and Heather has a ton of wisdom to share on the topic. Don't miss this one. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session462See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you're familiar with this podcast then you've probably heard me talk about the power of podcasting. Seriously, it can be life-changing. But what's going on out there in the "podverse" — what's the state of podcasting in 2021?Whether you're new to podcasting or already have a show of your own, today's bonus episode is a must-listen: our guest is none other than Buzzsprout's head of marketing, Alban Brooke. Alban's sharing a ton of insight based on what he's seeing in the industry, where it's going, how to leverage social media to bring more listeners onto your show — there's something in here for everyone!By the way, I would highly recommend checking out Buzzsprout as a hosting provider, plus you can get some extra time on your plan if you go through SmartPassiveIncome.com/buzzsprout. [Full disclosure: As an affiliate, I receive compensation if you purchase through this link.] Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/podcast2021See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#461: Darryll was a Division I athlete when his football career essentially... imploded. By learning how to pick himself up from that event, including a serious turning point in his life due to a suicide attempt, Darryll realized an incredible new mission: to help people, specifically athletes, to find their next big passion. He's now a two-time TEDx speaker and the author of an Amazon best-selling book: Who Am I After Sports? An Athletes Roadmap to Discover New Purpose and Live Fulfilled. He's here today to share his story, how he created his foundation, Second Chance Athletes, and his roadmap for finding your next passion in life. He's bringing the heat so go ahead and hit that play button! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session461See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#460: So look, I usually don't try to "sell" anyone too hard when it comes to these episodes, but this one might just change your life. Why? Well, if I had to suggest ways to get started tomorrow, this would be one of my top recommendations: start freelancing now. With us today is Jay Clouse, Community Experience Director for Smart Passive Income. He's also the creator of Freelancing School, an incredible resource for anyone who wants to learn how to make money with freelancing. He's going to break down some of the in and outs of freelancing for us: from where to focus early on to landing your first clients and asking for referrals or testimonials. Like I said at the top, this episode could change your life so don't hesitate to give it a listen! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session460See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bonus episodes are a rare occurrence here but we're doing this one because we feel compelled to tell you about an incredible shift happening in our industry and an amazing tool we're using to ride that shift. It's called Circle. Today, we're going to explain why community is everything and why we describe our commitment to the community within SPI as the beating heart of the business. We're so stoked that there are actually three segments within this bonus episode: a one-on-one interview and two roundtables. There's tons of actionable advice through this whole episode, whether you have a community of your own or are just starting to think about it. I can't emphasize enough what an amazing, critical opportunity online communities are for creators; Circle is an invaluable asset in making it happen. Check out Circle at SmartPassiveIncome.com/circle [Full Disclosure: I'm a compensated advisor and an affiliate for Circle]. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/circlebonusSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#459: Is there a formula to winning on YouTube? We've been getting requests for an episode just like this one for a while, which is why I'm thrilled to bring on Derral Eves, founder of VidSummit. He is an absolute master when it comes to understanding what it takes to grow massive channels on YouTube, which is why he has a new book out: The YouTube Formula: How Anyone Can Unlock the Algorithm to Drive Views, Build an Audience, and Grow Revenue. Today, he's diving into some of his strategies. We get seriously deep today. There's a lot of super-specific, invaluable information here about how to grow your channel, so grab something to take notes with, and let's do this thing! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session459See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#458: Imagine you got on an elevator today, right now even, with someone who could benefit from your business. You have 60 seconds to convince them. What would you say? To put it bluntly, nailing your pitch is mission-critical. That's why we launched an elevator pitch contest as our Challenge of the Month on SPI Pro back in July. The prize was an appearance on the SPI podcast, which is why we have Maria Failla on the show today! Hopefully, today's episode clues you into the importance of nailing your pitch and inspires you to try this exercise for yourself. If you do, tag me on Twitter or Instagram @PatFlynn. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session458See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#457: One event put Katie in a position to ultimately change the lives of tens of thousands of children and families all over the world: An email from a book publisher (whom she actually hasn't heard from since). But Katie's career isn't built on luck. She had to first ask questions — something she's insanely good at. She also describes herself as a "medium-speed" entrepreneur, mitigating risk wherever possible. Take a step behind the curtain of Katie's business with me today. We're diving into her origin story, the ins and outs of the decisions she made along the way, her secret to taking risks, and the strategies she's used to bring her business to the next level. I know that by listening in you'll be inspired to apply these takeaways towards your journey too. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session457See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#456: You know those stories that start out "once I was in a rock band . . . " ? It turns out that drumming in a rock band would put Josh Hall in the right place for a major entrepreneurial lightbulb to go off. Fast forward about a decade and Josh would be running his own web design firm and launching wildly successful courses for entrepreneurs hoping to follow in his footsteps. Here's how Josh did it all: you'll learn how Josh transitioned from his first clients to starting his agency, building a suite of online courses, and creating his new membership site. He'll talk you through all the "whys" behind those decisions, some of the hard lessons he learned early on, and the revolutionary effect podcasting has had on his business. There's a lot of ground to cover today — roll tape! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session456See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#455: This might surprise you, but there's really only one show that I absolutely have to listen to . . . every week. Actually, every day. The show is Tesla Daily, which is why I couldn't be more thrilled to have its host Rob Maurer on the show today!If you want a behind-the-curtain peek at how someone with over 100,000 YouTube subscribers produces a hard-hitting podcast every day, you're in the right place. Even more impressive is how Rob's built a trust-worthy brand in such a crowded space.What does it take to keep up production with a daily show like this? How do you combine an audio-first podcast with the power of YouTube? And what does Rob do when Elon Musk posts a controversial tweet? All that and more today — press play, y'all! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session455See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#454: I want you to step into the DeLorean with me for a moment, because we're going back in time all the way to January . . . of 2020.Think of this episode as a guide to the year, in terms of SPI podcast episodes. From deeply personal and heartfelt stories to actionable advice and expert strategies for everything from email marketing to TikTok, this shortlist of 17 episodes has something for everyone. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session454See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#453: I've been an entrepreneur for over a decade and, oh man, I've definitely never had a year like this one. It's been a serious doozy, so some reflection needs to be done. And that's what this episode is all about. Just you and me today. I'm going to take you through five things — events, decisions, etc — from 2020. We're talking the good, the struggles, the pivots, the lessons learned, all of it, so that we can move forward confidently into 2021. It's not just about what didn't happen this year — the in-person events, for example — it's about what is possible because of the changes we're all having to embrace. And that mindset shift can open up a completely different way of thinking about everything 2020 threw our way. Let's get started! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session453See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#452: How do you balance every 24 hours between business, family or personal relationships, and the rest of it? Well, what if you had eight kids on top of running a business? (Is that even possible?) Like today's guest Lisa Canning says: "the juggle is real," and whether or not you're a parent, I promise you at some point, you're going to be juggling. So many entrepreneurs feel like success comes at the detriment of other areas in their life. Is equilibrium even possible? If you're asking questions like this, I highly recommend listening to this episode. Lisa's going to take us through her own story, from a meltdown in her minivan to finding a more holistic approach to business and life. You'll learn Lisa's three-part framework for balancing work and life, plus a great "litmus test" for checking whether that balance is off. Whether you have eight kids or none, this episode is for you! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session452See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#451: There's a saying that you're going to hear on this episode that I absolutely love: "Joy wouldn't feel so good if it wasn't for pain." It's a heck of a true statement, and Casanova Brooks, today's guest, has truly lived it.Today, he's taking us through his experience: from his tough upbringing to how he found his drive, why he decided to pursue real estate, and what he learned from a tough period sleeping next to a water heater. This one is super motivating, super inspirational, and there's a ton of solid advice in here about finding mentorship, discovering your drive, and setting goals for yourself. And the title says it all: this is the most insane journey to becoming an entrepreneur I've ever heard. Let's dig in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session451See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#450: Can you imagine being in the travel influencer industry when COVID-19 hit? Kristin Addis is the creator at BeMyTravelMuse.com—a site for travelers, especially solo female backpackers. Kristin works with brands and organizes special trips for adventurers. Kristin's no stranger to adversity. Her whole travel adventure started when she was four years deep in a top-notch corporate job that she just knew from day one wasn't going to stick.How is she innovating and keeping her business thriving? Kristin's going to take us through it all today, from her business's origin story and the decisive moments when she knew to stay with it, to adapting to a post-COVID world, to getting vulnerable and creating new offerings for her audience. A lot of great inspiration in this one—let's go!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

#449: It's been 8 years and exactly 400 episodes since Brendan Hufford last joined us on the show. He's back to give us an update on where life has taken him since then. We talk about his experience as an admin for the SPI Facebook community, how the idea for SPI Pro started, and what lessons he's learned as a father of four and an entrepreneur. Brendan is an SEO expert—you can learn more at SEO for the Rest of Us. He's also going to dive into what we should know about SEO and why you don't need a thousand-dollar course to learn SEO the right way. There's a lot to talk about so let's dive in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session449See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.