Hold This Thought

Divorce | Gen-Z | Racism | Slavery | FaithCollege student Connor Harris joins the show for a thoughtful conversation about identity, perspective, and curiosity. Growing up with divorced parents shaped much of Connor’s early life, and he shares how those experiences influenced the way he approaches responsibility and independence today.We also explore how Gen Z actually uses social media, the role faith plays in Connor’s life, and a fascinating historical thought experiment he raises: how the world might look today if the South had won the American Civil War.Connor brings a grounded and constructive perspective to conversations about race and opportunity. One line from the episode captures his mindset perfectly: “I am not a victim.”Subscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Real Estate Investing | Financial Discipline | Retirement Strategy | Long-Term WealthWhat if building real wealth wasn’t about making more money… but using what you already have differently?In this episode of Hold This Thought, I sit down with Ray Stewart to unpack how he quietly built a real estate portfolio over decades- and why most people get it completely wrong. We talk about losing money in the stock market, buying his first rental property out of frustration, and how simple discipline turned a few properties into long-term financial freedom. This conversation isn’t flashy. It’s practical. And that’s exactly why it works.If you’ve ever wondered how to actually build wealth over time, this will change your perspective.Chapters:00:00 | Welcome + The Flooring Business Origin02:58 | Lessons from Working with Family05:52 | Teamwork and Why Family Businesses Fail08:44 | Roles, Strengths, and Staying in Your Lane12:02 | What the Flooring Business Actually Did15:28 | Transition Into Real Estate Investing18:46 | Losing Money in the Stock Market22:03 | The First Rental Property Decision25:31 | Scaling from 1 Property to 16+28:57 | Why You Have to Start Investing Young32:18 | The 50% Down Philosophy Explained35:41 | Managing Risk and Avoiding Bad Debt39:04 | Treating Properties Like Bank Accounts42:26 | The Reality of Owning Rental Properties45:52 | Discipline: Reinvesting vs Spending48:58 | Fear, Debt, and “Becoming the Bank”52:04 | Getting Fired and the Pivot Point55:18 | Health Wake-Up Call + Life Reset58:22 | Discovering Pickleball and New Purpose01:01:12 | Why Pickleball Changed His Life01:03:48 | Community, Longevity, and Final ThoughtsSubscribe for honest conversations exploring the stories that shape us and the ideas that influence our lives.👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Law Career | 10-Years Sober | Fired | Comeback Story | $40m For ClientsWhat do you do when everything falls apart at once?Eric Sterling’s story isn’t a highlight reel, it’s a collapse, a rebuild, and a refusal to stay down.From getting kicked out of a study abroad program after battling alcohol…to rebuilding his life and finishing law school…to becoming a top performer at a major firm……and then getting fired weeks before his son was born.No income. No systems. No backup plan.But within 13 days, he signed nearly 70 clients and launched his own law firm from scratch.This episode dives into:What actually happens when you hit rock bottomWhy most people never recover from failureThe difference between scarcity and abundance thinkingThe real strategy behind client relationships and referralsHow “We Stop At Nothing. Believe.” became more than a sloganThis isn’t just a comeback story; it’s a blueprint for rebuilding when there’s nothing left.Eric grew up outside of Philadelphia in Hilltown, Pennsylvania. He moved to Georgia to go to the University of Georgia School of Law. Since graduation in 2017 he has handled over 1700 cases and become one of the very best personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia. He has recovered over $40 million for his clients and recently made the Daily Report for winning $4.51 million in a Henry County case.Find Eric at:ericsterlinglaw.com@westopatnothing Chapters:00:00 | Intro + Surprise07:58 | Oxford, Alcohol, and Losing Control14:22 | Getting Kicked Out and Facing Reality22:01 | Choosing Sobriety and Starting Over29:18 | Returning to Law School With Everything Against Him36:42 | Isolation, Rejection, and Earning Respect Back44:55 | Betting on Himself Early in His Career52:36 | Rising Fast and Creating Tension at the Firm1:00:02 | Fired Weeks Before His Son Was Born1:07:41 | The First Call That Changed Everything1:15:04 | 70 Clients in 13 Days1:22:18 | The Business Philosophy That Scales1:29:12 | “We Stop At Nothing. Believe.”Subscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.👉 / @holdthisthoughtpodcast

Chemistry | Brewing | Coaching | EvolutionBy day, Chris works in chemistry. By night, he brews with precision and patience under the name Big Beaker Brewing 🍺🧪. What started in 2020 as a curiosity became a disciplined pursuit of better beer, refining process, dialing in fermentation, and chasing flavor with a scientist’s mindset.But this conversation goes beyond the mash tun. We talk about coaching his son’s football team and the subtle politics that come with leadership, pivot into evolution and how he thinks about origins through a scientific lens, and close with the vision of one day opening a brewery of his own.It’s a wide-ranging dialogue about craft, conviction, and building things that matter.Chapters:00:00 | Show Introduction06:03 | Brewing Begins During Covid12:24 | First Batches And Learning Curve18:38 | Taste Preferences And Beer Styles24:30 | Draft Beer Vs Bottle Experience31:00 | Scaling Equipment And Brewing Process37:20 | Craft Beer Exploration And Palate Development44:10 | What Makes A Great Beer50:54 | Losing Sight Of Your Why56:26 | Scottish Ale Breakdown And Tasting1:03:14 | Ingredients And Flavor Engineering1:10:28 | Brewing And Evolution ExplainedSubscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Content Strategy | Psychology | Entrepreneurship | Building Systems | Social Media GrowthWhat if the difference between getting ignored and going viral… is just ONE sentence?In this episode of Hold This Thought, I sit down with Brock Wagner to break down the psychology behind attention, content, and building something from nothing.We dive into how a single hook generated over 160,000 views, why most people completely miss what actually resonates online, and how to build a business that scales without losing the human touch. This isn’t just about social media. It’s about understanding people.If you create content, run a business, or want to stand out in a noisy world, this conversation will change how you think.Brock Wagner is the Co-Founder & CEO of SOUS- a software platform built for personal chefs and independent culinary entrepreneurs. He builds infrastructure in a niche most tech ignores. His mission is to create the category-defining platform for independent chefs- something as synonymous with culinary entrepreneurship as Shopify is with ecommerce- so more chefs can participate in the modern culinary economy.www.getsous.com @sousforchefs Chapters:00:00 | Podcast Intro + Coffee Habits and Daily Rituals 02:18 | Caffeine Dependence, Headaches, and Sleep Impact 04:22 | Morning Routines, Hydration Advice, and Food Choices 06:41 | Childhood Nostalgia: Strawberry Milk, Eggos, and Family 08:57 | “Got Milk?” — Marketing That Shaped a Generation 10:26 | The 3-Second Rule: How Attention Actually Works Now 13:34 | The Hook That Exploded (164K Views Breakdown) 16:12 | Speak What People Already Feel (Core Content Principle) 18:05 | What the Business Is + Personal Chef Industry Explained 22:41 | Hackathon Story → The Moment Everything Started 25:36 | Building the Product During COVID (No Experience) 29:44 | The Scaling Problem: High-Touch vs Growth 34:18 | Turning Users Into Distribution (Built-In Growth Loops) 41:27 | Why Existing Tools Fail Chefs (Gap in the Market) 47:19 | The Deeper Why: Solving Real Problems + Chef Burnout 53:08 | Competing Without Resources (Phases + MVP Thinking) 59:32 | Leveraging Early Users and High-Touch Advantage 01:06:11 | AI vs Human Support — Where Tech Should Stop 01:12:48 | Long-Term Thinking vs Fast Growth Pressure 01:19:36 | Building Without a Playbook (Lessons Learned) 01:25:14 | Identity, Purpose, and What This All Means 01:31:22 | Redefining Success + Final Reflections Subscribe for honest conversations exploring the stories that shape us and the ideas that influence our lives.👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Actor | Builder | Outdoorsman | Defender In this episode of Hold This Thought Podcast, Jeff Tullis joins me and we dive into his time working as an extra on major film sets, sharing behind-the-scenes stories and what you learn observing well-known actors from the background. Then we move into construction and the 2007 - 2008 housing crash, where he experienced firsthand how quickly markets can turn and trust in institutions can shift. From there, we discuss political violence, media narratives, and the Second Amendment through the lens of responsibility and protection. We close in the outdoors: hunting, fishing, and why stewardship matters just as much as standing guard.Chapters:00:00 | Acting Background & Early On-Set Experiences08:07 | Working with James Franco & Ad-Libbing on Set11:07 | Starting Construction at 17 & Learning the Business14:03 | The 2007 Housing Crash & Sudden Financial Collapse20:03 | Pipe Farms, Bank Behavior & Market Fallout23:52 | Supply, Demand & Real Estate Market Dynamics25:08 | Podcast Influence & Charlie Kirk Discussion30:01 | Conspiracies, Ballistics & Breaking Down the Event35:25 | First-Time Gun Ownership & Practical Advice45:17 | Church Security, Threat Detection & Real Incidents01:00:04 | Trout Fishing, Hunting & Outdoor Lifestyle01:10:19 | Hunting Philosophy, Family & Changing PerspectiveSubscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Weddings → YouTube | Do It Scared | Creative Burnout | Building Consistency | Find Your WhyWhat happens when you finally “make it” … but still feel like a fraud?In this episode, I sit down with Ben Johnson to talk about the side of content creation no one really prepares you for. We dive into imposter syndrome, burnout, creative fatigue, and the constant question every creator wrestles with:“Is this even worth posting?”Ben shares his full journey, from filming weddings, to running a small social media agency, to starting a YouTube channel that eventually led to a video hitting over 4.7 million views. But what surprised me most is that the doubts don’t disappear when the numbers go up. We also talk about something deeper: how your faith can shape your content without being overly explicit… and what it looks like to create from a place of purpose instead of pressure.If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, comparison, or questioning your voice online, this conversation is for you.Ben Johnson is a full-time YouTuber with over a decade of experience running his own photo and video business. He helps beginner creators improve their content. Known for lighting tutorials and camera reviews, he has grown his channel to over 200K subscribers and 16m+ views. He brings a faith-driven perspective to his work, with a goal of making content creation simple and approachable.benjohnsoncreative.com@benjohnsoncreative ​Chapters:00:09 | Show Introduction05:04 | Discovering Video by Accident10:00 | The Wedding Pivot Question14:12 | What Viral Actually Means18:50 | Burnout From Client Work23:00 | Proving It vs Sustaining It27:49 | Why Ideas Never Become Real31:05 | Do It Scared50:41 | Godly vs Selfish Ambition55:21 | Handling Negative Comments1:00:06 | Why People Attack Online1:04:44 | Know Your Why

Intern to Partner | AI & Autonomous Futures | Investing and FIRE | Fatherhood, Health, & Home BirthIsaiah went from marketing intern to partner at Blueprint Digital Marketing by learning how to think in systems and build income producing assets instead of just chasing clients. We talk business strategy, creative leverage, and then pivot into AI. What happens when systems become autonomous? Where does opportunity live, and what should stay human? From there we move into investing. Isaiah started with FIRE and shares how his stock investing philosophy evolved toward long term ownership and freedom. We close on becoming dads one week apart, the realities of newborn life, their decision to do a home birth, and Isaiah’s health and fitness journey.Isaiah Ram is an entrepreneur, investor, and faith-driven leader based in Atlanta. He owns and operates multiple businesses, including a digital marketing agency and a landscape lighting firm, and is passionate about finance, business strategy, and building companies that genuinely help people. Isaiah is also involved in church leadership and creative work, with a background in music and songwriting. At his core, he loves the game of business, the discipline of stewardship, and using both to create impact that lasts beyond profit.Chapters:00:00 | Newborn Life09:47 | From Starbucks to Marketing Agency Partner18:36 | Discovering Marketing Through Music & Ads27:52 | Identity, Acting Dreams & Personal Background37:11 | Running Blueprint & Scaling a Marketing Team46:28 | Business Strategy, Side Hustles & Outdoor Lighting55:42 | AI: Opportunity, Fear & The Future of Work01:05:18 | Purpose, Work & Meaning in an AI World01:16:04 | Creativity vs Consumption (Music, Phones & Focus)01:32:41 | FIRE, Investing & Building Financial FreedomSubscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Acting | Motherhood (10 Kids) | Fitness for Moms | Addiction Recovery | African Orphanage | This episode is one of the most raw and powerful conversations I have had.From early rebellion and addiction- to life on the streets, near death experiences, and ultimately a complete transformation, this story dives deep into how everything can change when you least expect it. We explore identity, resilience, motherhood, discipline, fitness, and faith, and how purpose can emerge from even the darkest places.If you have ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure if change is possible, this conversation will challenge what you think someone can come back from.Chapters:00:00 | Introduction00:21 | Early Addiction, Arrests, And Rock Bottom Mindset 05:06 | Acting, Content Creation, And Finding Creative Outlets 10:02 | Rejection, Auditions, And Mental Resilience 15:09 | Multitasking, Ambition, And Life With 10 Kids 20:06 | Faith In Action: Serving Communities And Living With Purpose 25:07 | Fitness Journey: Pregnancy, Training, And Misconceptions 30:03 | Nutrition, Discipline, And Sustainable Health 35:07 | Food Habits, Convenience Culture, And Real-Life Struggles 40:06 | Family Life, Cooking, And Daily Discipline 44:28 | Teenage Rebellion, Drugs, And Life On The Streets 54:30 | Near Death Experiences And A Life Altering Turning Point01:00:10 | Escaping That Life And The Beginning Of Change 01:06:53 | Life In African Orphanage As A Missionary01:10:40 | Rebuilding Identity, Faith, And Direction 01:16:15 | Long-Term Transformation And Life Perspective 01:22:00 | Motherhood, Responsibility, And Purpose 01:28:30 | Discipline, Fitness, And Daily Habits 01:34:20 | Lessons Learned And Mindset Shifts 01:39:30 | Final Reflections And What Truly MattersFollow Evie's Story on IG:@fitmonto10Subscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world.👉 / @holdthisthoughtpodcast

Craftsmanship | House Hacking | Conflict & Commitment | FatherhoodIn this episode of Hold This Thought, I sit down with Jordan Bingham, a craftsman, entrepreneur, investor, and father- to talk about what it really means to build something that lasts. We start with woodworking as an artisan practice and what it teaches about patience, precision, and caring about details most people overlook. From there, the conversation pivots into real estate investing, financial decision-making, and what it looks like to step into different seasons of responsibility. Along the way we talk about healthy conflict in marriage, how to argue without tearing something down, and why tension handled well can actually strengthen a relationship. There’s even a brief detour into espionage and the impact it has on our world.There’s laughter in this one, but also depth. We talk about building deliberately, choosing family when it costs something, and playing the long game in a short-term world.Because in the end, we are all building something.Subscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us. 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Adversity | Identity | Entrepreneurship | FamilyWe start with the moment that changed everything: a near-fatal car crash that left doctors unsure if Jordan would ever walk again. From there, we unpack how adversity reshaped his identity, his ambition, and the way he builds.Chapters:00:00 | Podcast Intro00:58 | Adversity Is Inevitable (Core Philosophy)03:31 | The Near-Fatal Crash That Changed Everything10:36 | Recovery, Identity & Rebuilding From Zero13:19 | Moving to Atlanta & Meeting His Wife16:36 | 200,000 No’s & Building a Relentless Mindset19:52 | Career Shift & Entering Property Management24:01 | First Corporate Role & Rapid Promotion27:23 | High-Risk Property, Gunshots & Getting Forced Out31:10 | Starting Over Again & Climbing Back Up33:43 | Leaving Corporate & Launching His Own Business41:35 | Creating Adversity on Purpose (How to Build Resilience)50:06 | Scaling a Business, Coaching & Giving Value01:05:30 | Faith, Giving Value & Final AdviceJordan Mendoza is a sought-after sales and social media coach, podcast host, keynote speaker and author with a passion for helping individuals and brands elevate their presence and close deals. As the host of the popular podcast Blaze Your Own Trail, Jordan shares valuable insights from top-performing industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives, diving into the stories that shaped their success.Social links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealjordanjmendoza YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/chanel/@UCPdNNiTObp1jGyguO4X9MUgSubscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world.👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Police Service • Military Deployment • Humanitarian Relief • Trauma & RecoveryIn this episode of Hold This Thought, I sit down with Nathaniel Smith to explore a life shaped by service, hardship, and rebuilding. We discuss his early career in law enforcement and the personal impact of the 2007–08 economic crisis. From there, we move into two defining chapters from his military experience: an active-duty deployment to Saudi Arabia and a humanitarian relief mission to Thailand following the 2004 Indian Ocean 9.2 magnitude earthquake and tsunami.We close by examining the long-term effects of service, working through trauma, navigating PTSD within family life, and building something meaningful in the years that followed. Today, he runs a video/photography business alongside his wife, channeling resilience into a new season of work and creativity.Nathaniel Smith is a Petty Officer First Class in the United States Navy Reserve with over 23 years of military service. He previously served in active duty and has also worked in law enforcement. His experience includes overseas deployment and participation in humanitarian relief efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami. Today, he and his wife operate a video/photography business, drawing on the perspective shaped through service, family, and lived experience.IG:👉 / @NathanielSmith84Chapters:00:00 – Intro04:57 – Joining the Navy16:20 – Becoming a Police Officer24:30 – Surviving The '08 Economic Crash33:40 – Deployment to Middle East47:10 – Aid in Thailand52:43 – Trauma Recovery1:00:58 – Life after the MilitarySubscribe Here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Star Wars • Startup Transparency • Terms & Conditions Rabbit Hole • Conspiracy Theories or Facts? • Faith & ConvictionIn this episode of Hold This Thought, I sit down with Hunter Hensley for a wide-ranging conversation. Starting with Star Wars, we shift into his company, Simple Check, and the overlooked world of digital terms and conditions most people agree to without a second thought.We delve into the real cost of buying American made products and the validity of Bomb Shelters. That rabbit hole leads into a deeper discussion about conspiracy culture: from Flat Earth, taxation, and the existence of nuclear weapons. We close by talking about faith, doubt, conviction, and how to think clearly in an age of noise.Hunter Hensley:From Painting Houses to Tech Founder/CEO by Accident (Before Anyone could with AI ) | Simple Check: Real-Time Lead Qualification | Clients 2X Revenue | We Put $470K of Our Own Money In This | It Worked Hunter Hensley is the founder of Simple Check, a real-time lead qualification service. His interests span business, belief systems, and how narratives influence culture. www.hunterhensley.comIG:  @officialhunterhensley Chapters:00:00 Intro02:05 Star Wars Fans for Life08:31 The Origin of Simple Check10:43 The Terms & Conditions Problem19:09 Apple, Microsoft, Amazon Ecosystem Lock21:10 American Made Or Chinese Made?29:42 Bomb Shelters... Practical or Wasteful? 31:58 Conspiracy Deep Dive33:45 Is The Earth Flat? 38:09 Are Taxes Optional? 51:17 AI Deep Dive 01:04:32 Faith In UncertaintySubscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.Subscribe Here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Firefighter | Big Pharma | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Caring for Mom | Coffee CuratorIn this conversation, we start with questions about alternative medicine and why we are chronically sick. We pivot into the brotherhood of the firehouse, the discipline behind Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and what changes in a man when he loses his mother. Grief has a way of stripping away noise. What’s left is clarity. And responsibility. And a deeper awareness of time.Noah shares how that loss shifted his perspective, how it altered the way he shows up for work, for family, and for the future. We talk about masculinity without posturing. Strength without volume. The quiet confidence forged through hardship.We close with something unexpected ☕A new venture. Norland. A small, low-key coffee bean project. No big splashy launch. No polished website. Just word of mouth and intention. A slower craft. A deliberate build. This episode is about heat, pressure, and who you become when both are applied. It’s about earning your black belt in life.Subscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.Subscribe Here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Technology & Culture | Media & Propaganda | Food & Craft | SocietyIn this episode of Hold This Thought, I sit down with Nick Marcarelli to explore the intersection of technology and the human condition — and why something as simple as cooking at home still matters in a world driven by algorithms.Nick leads engineering at an open-source software company, but this conversation quickly moves beyond code. We unpack how media narratives shape public perception, how propaganda actually functions in modern society, and how technology subtly influences the way we think. But this isn’t just abstract theory. We also talk about food, making great meals at home, craft, attention, and why tangible, embodied experiences might be the antidote to digital overexposure. It’s a grounded, wide-ranging conversation about influence, agency, culture, and what keeps us human in a highly mediated world. If you’ve ever wondered how technology shapes consciousness — or why cooking dinner can feel quietly rebellious — this one’s for you.Chapters:00:00 Intro10:15 Nick: Tech Podcast Guru16:45 Can Authenticity Be Faked?25:55 Tech X Human Experience56:15 A-Tier Food In Singapore 1:08:10 Bringing A-Tier Food Home1:14:08 Covid Faith Journey + UPS Covid Season1:27:20 Does Our Media Feed Us PropagandaSubscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.Subscribe Here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1

Being Dad • Life in Israel • EV Culture Debate • AI FuturesIn this episode of Hold This Thought, I sit down with Dr. Richard Aronoff for a dynamic conversation about how technology and identity are reshaping modern life. We explore what it’s like to live in Israel, why electric vehicles have become politically charged, and what the future of AI might mean for everyday people. Richard Aronoff is a practicing podiatrist with a deep interest in technology, culture, and the polarization of politics. Beyond medicine, he brings a curious and analytical lens to electric vehicles and the looming AI future.Topics discussed:00:00 Intro00:30 Tennis & Family11:15 Podiatry Specialization18:42 Life in Israel34:00 African Safari38:00 EVs & Politicization1:06:50 The Future of AI1:25:45 EV Affordability & Personal FinanceFollow for honest conversations exploring the stories that shape us and the ideas that influence our lives.

Welcome to Hold This Thought, an open-ended conversation podcast where every week, a new guest joins me for unscripted conversations. We discover their passions, explore curious topics, and gain insights about life along the way. In a world built for constant distraction, this is where things slow down, for thoughts worth holding onto. No scripts. No agenda. Real people.Real stories. Real life. Streaming on YouTube and Spotify.Three Episode- Premier coming March 16th!Subscribe for honest conversations about the ideas shaping culture, business, and our world around us.Subscribe on YouTube Here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@HoldThisThoughtPodcast?sub_confirmation=1