PODCAST · business
Idiot to Genius
by Todd Porter and Pod Savvy Guide
Ever feel like everyone else has it all figured out except you? Idiot to Genius shares stories from entrepreneurs who’ve lived both sides of the journey the “idiot” moments where nothing works, and the “genius” moments that only come because they kept going. It’s the very human process of building something where the right to fail is what unlocks the ability to succeed. These conversations pull back the curtain on the pivots, the grit, and the lessons learned along the way. Because the truth is, most people feel lost long before they feel capable and these stories remind you you’re not alone.
Episodes
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Tim Street | The Biggest Thing Holding You Back Might Be You
What if the biggest thing holding you back is simply believing you can’t do it? Tim Street has been a Marine, federal air marshal, top-producing real estate agent, investor, and entrepreneur, but he didn’t start out believing he was capable of any of it. In this episode, Tim shares how the Marine...
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Emani Chapman | Built His Brand Before Graduation
Most people are still figuring out what they want to do in high school. Emani Chapman was already building his own brand. He started Cozy Caps during his sophomore year, creating his own beanies and eventually expanding into custom designs and other handmade products. In this episode, Emani talks...
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DR Rawson | AI Should Help People, Not Replace Them
What do you see that everyone else is still missing? Returning guest D.R. Rawson joins Idiot to Genius to share what more than 30 businesses and a lifetime of entrepreneurship have taught him about leadership, character, and embracing new technology. From becoming a CEO at 21 and helping…
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Aaron "Sgt. Q" Quinonez | Defeating the Giant of Avoidance
What if the biggest challenge in your life isn't the giant you're facing, but the one you're avoiding? In this episode of Idiot to Genius, Aaron "Sgt. Q" Quinonez shares how overcoming homelessness, trauma, depression, and adversity taught him a life-changing lesson: the first battle everyone…
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Julie Jones | How to Sell Without Feeling Salesy
What if the reason sales feels uncomfortable is because you’re trying too hard to sell? In this episode, Julie Jones, sales conversion and client retention strategist, shares why great sales conversations aren’t about convincing someone to say yes. They’re about listening, asking better…
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Pods & Properties: Real Estate Myths and Podcasting Lessons
In September's episode of Pods & Properties, Todd dives into some of the biggest real estate questions we're hearing right now, including the rent-versus-buy debate, whether a housing crash is actually coming, and why online home value estimates don't always tell the full story. On the podcasting...
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John & Sheridan Fisher | Are You the Problem? The Hidden Patterns Holding You Back
What if the problem isn’t your team, but a pattern you don’t realize you’re creating? John and Sheridan Fisher, founders of J.S. Fisher Company and authors of Clarity by the Numbers, break down the hidden patterns behind communication, micromanaging, delegation, and decision-making and why...
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Dr. Bill Sodeman | Are We Using AI Wrong?
What if AI isn’t here to replace your team but could actually make your team more valuable? In this episode of Idiot to Genius, Steph and Todd sit down with executive coach, professor, and speaker Dr. Bill Sodeman to talk about leadership, AI, and navigating change in the workplace. Dr. Bill…
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Pods & Properties | Put Down Your Phone
What happens when you finally take a break and realize just how much you needed it? In this August edition of Pods & Properties, we’re talking about burnout, stepping away from podcasting and social media, and what happens to your attention and creativity when you put down your phone. Then we…
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On Break… Back May 30th
After a stretch of incredibly inspiring episodes—from learning to chase rejection to powerful stories of resilience like going from homelessness at nine to leading 30+ businesses we’re taking a short break to reset and refocus. In the meantime, Steph has plenty of episodes across her other shows...
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DR Rawson | From Homeless at 9 to Building 30+ Companies
At nine years old, DR Rawson was homeless searching for food behind restaurants and working to support his family. Decades later, he became a lawyer, built more than 30 companies, and now teaches leaders and children alike that character is the foundation of everything. In this episode, DR Rawson...
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Karl Davidson | Why Mindset Is Everything
What if the biggest thing holding you back isn’t strategy, the market, or your circumstances… but your own mindset? In this episode of Idiot to Genius, we dive into the real root of why people stay stuck year after year a\nd it’s not what most people think. It comes down to the subconscious...
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Bailey Brimhall | Building a Business Through Innovation
Bailey Brimhall shares how a simple idea turned into a fast-growing company from shipping pre-orders at his kitchen table to achieving consistent 50% growth quarter after quarter. But it wasn’t instant success. From slow first sales and zero traction to finding momentum through in-person events,...
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Philly Rodriguez | The Identity Shift From Nurse to Entrepreneur
Have you ever felt like you were meant for more but stayed where you were because it felt safer? Philly Rodriguez built her career in the emergency room, where chaos was familiar and decisions were clear, but stepping into real estate forced her to confront fear, identity, and the discomfort of…
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Pods & Property | Affordability, Interest Rates & the Truth About Growing a Podcast
What’s really being done to make housing more affordable and why does it still feel so out of reach? In this episode of Pods & Properties, we dive into the real conversations happening around affordability, from credit card interest caps and institutional investors to the bigger picture of…
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Jonathon Rogers | Lessons from the Marines That Carried into Real Estate
Jonathan Rogers is a Realtor and former Marine Corps reservist bringing military discipline, leadership, and a commitment to service into his real estate career. After serving in the Marine Corps Reserves, Jonathan transitioned into real estate, where he applies the same mindset of accountability...
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Brandon & Michelle Barber | Building a Business You Love
What if the real risk in business isn’t failure but staying comfortable for too long? In this episode, we sit down with power couple Brandon and Michelle Barber to unpack what happens when certainty disappears, systems collapse, and entrepreneurs are forced to pivot or be left behind. For more…
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Chef Giuseppe | From Bars to Jars to a Real Comeback
What if your rock bottom wasn’t the end of your story, but the beginning of the most productive season of your life? The most surprising part of this transcript is how fast Joe “Chef Giuseppe” Gallagher Jr.’s turnaround happened: jail in January 2024, and his first spaghetti sauce sale June 1…
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(Jan 2026) Pods and Properties | A Reality Check on Markets and Media
Pods & Property is a monthly segment where real estate meets podcasting, hosted by Pod Savvy Guide and Realtor Todd Porter. Each episode breaks down what’s actually happening in the local Utah real estate market using real data, real experience, and zero hype, then closes with an honest take on...
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Misty Cabaniss | The Inner Work That Changes Everything
At some point, success stops being about effort and starts being about honesty. In this episode, Misty Cabaniss, a Florida-based Realtor with nearly 25 years of experience in real estate and construction and an agent with eXp Realty in Florida. Misty shares how real estate became a mirror for...
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Karen Maria Alston | Learning Who You Are Without the Title
What happens when the career you spent decades building disappears and you’re forced to answer the question most of us avoid: who am I without my job title? In this episode, Karen Maria Alston shares how 2025 unraveled the plan she thought she had, and how that disruption pushed her into an...
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Nancy Benet | Five Business Failures, $650K Debt and Why She Refused to Quit or File Bankruptcy
Nancy Benet went from five failed businesses, a divorce, four young kids, and $650,000 in debt to building one of Florida’s most respected accounting firms, Fix It Accounting. In this episode, Nancy shares the moment her business deal collapsed, the recession hit, her unemployment ran out and how...
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December Pods & Properties | What to Watch Heading Into 2026
In this December episode of Pods & Properties, Steph Shoell breaks down what’s happening in podcasting and digital media while Todd Porter, real estate expert, shares what buyers and sellers need to know heading into 2026. They cover the National Association of Realtors’ updated forecast showing…
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Babar Arshad | The Core Values He Refuses to Compromise for Success
Before Babar Arshadever launched a company, wrote a check, or mentored a founder, two things guided him: hunger and honesty. In this episode, Babar shares how those values shaped every pivot of his life from selling pharmacy franchises at 21 to stepping into entrepreneurship, making bold…
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Jeff Kay | Turning Personal Loss Into a Legacy Business
What happens when life’s most painful losses turn into your life’s purpose? In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Kay, founder of My Digital Memories, a company dedicated to rescuing photos, films, tapes, and family history before they disappear forever. Jeff shares how losing loved ones at a...
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Mark Astor | The Truth About Addiction, Crisis & the Law No One Talks About
From the outside, attorney Mark Astor looked like a textbook success story a decorated prosecutor known as a “trial machine,” a lawyer who fought relentlessly for justice, and later, a high-earning professional with all the material markers of achievement. But behind the scenes, Mark was...
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Julie Goetzinger | Why Intuition Is Your Most Underrated Business Strategy
In every business owner has been told to “trust your gut”—but few have a blueprint to do it. In this episode, Julie Goetzinger gives one. She recalls the early days of naming numbers in sales appointments, noticing the bird interrupting a shoot, intuitively predicting client decisions and…
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Pods & Properties | Should You Buy Now or Start a Podcast?
What do interest rates, new construction deals, and podcast launch fears all have in common? They’re all shaping how people move… whether that’s into a new house or into the world of content creation. In this November episode of Pods & Properties, Steph and Todd break down how buyers are really...
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Anna Peck | Grief Changed My Purpose
When life threw Anna Peck its hardest curveball, she turned pain into purpose. After losing her husband in 2022, Anna found healing through creativity transforming her grief into a thriving business called Creative Haven. In this heartfelt episode, Anna shares how her home became both her refuge...
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Pods and Properties | AI Hosts, and a Shifting Housing Market
On this episode of Idiot to Genius: Pods and Property, Steph and Todd kick off October with a double focus big moves in both podcasting and real estate. Steph reflects on her 100-day challenge, wrapping up nearly 100 episodes and sharing how the experience transformed her workflow, speed, and...
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Jimmy Rios | Funding, Risk Mitigation & Real Returns
When banks say no, how do entrepreneurs still grow? Jimmy Rios founder of Rios Business Funding and CEO of Rios Business Advisors breaks down the difference between productive vs. destructive debt, how to use arbitrage (think hard-money vs. high-velocity returns) to your advantage, and why...
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Dr. David Moore | Transforming Health and Business with Breathwork
In this episode, Dr. David Moore shares his journey from being a chiropractor to embracing breathwork as a tool for managing stress and enhancing well-being. He discusses the importance of understanding the autonomic nervous system and how breathwork can help entrepreneurs manage their health and...
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Nick Elliott | When Plans Change: The Pivot That Changed Everything
In this episode of "Idiot to Genius," Nick Elliott, known as The Wine Guy, shares his transformative journey through the wine industry. With over three decades of experience, Nick discusses how embracing mistakes and the freedom to fail have been pivotal in his growth as a Certified Sommelier and...
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September Pods & Properties | Taylor Swift's Podcast Record & The Home Buyer's Era
Welcome to "Idiot to Genius," your go-to guide for navigating the entrepreneurial life cycle. In this month's "Pods and Properties" segment, join Steph and Todd as they unravel the complexities of the real estate market and the podcasting world. From understanding the shift towards a buyer's…
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Michael Dodsworth | Transforming Chaos into Customer Loyalty
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a viral product launch? Today, we dive into the world of high-stakes launches with Michael Dodsworth, the mastermind behind Fanfare. From witnessing the chaos of midnight meltdowns to creating a platform that turns hype into loyalty, Michael's…
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McKay Salisbury | From Music Major to E-Commerce Maven
In this episode, McKay Salisbury, founder of Five Star Commerce, shares his journey from a music major to a successful entrepreneur in the e-commerce space. He discusses the myths surrounding selling on Amazon, the importance of product branding, and the lessons learned from early mistakes. McKay...
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Mike Turner | $2.6 M Real Estate Pension Strategy
What if your retirement plan was hiding in a trailer park? On this episode of Idiot to Genius, Mike Turner, the creator of Cash Flow Flips™ shares how he made a $2.6 million real estate “pension” in just two years. Mike reveals how mobile homes became his secret weapon for creating truly passive...
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Brandon Rickman | From DIY Flips to Legacy Wealth
Ever wondered how you go from laying tile after work to building an empire of 500 flips and a giant self-storage facility? On this episode of Idiot to Genius Brandon Rickman, the investor who proves that real estate isn’t just about numbers it’s about solving real problems and creating lasting...
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Pods & Property | Wholesalers, Netflix, and the Golden Globes
This month on Pods and Property, Steph Shoell and Todd “Utah Todd” Porter tackle two major topics: why homeowners feel trapped by low mortgage rates, and how podcasting is emerging as a force on Hollywood’s main stage. Todd explains how low interest rates are keeping many Baby Boomers from…
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Bob Frady | Sold a Business, Retired, and Started Again
In this episode of Idiot to Genius we chat with Bob Frady, co-founder of PropertyLens a tool described as the "Carfax for houses." PropertyLens pulls together a wealth of data about a home into one comprehensive report, helping buyers know what to look out for before stepping inside. From permits...
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Chris Champion | Harnessing AI for Business Success
In this engaging conversation, Chris Champion, a successful entrepreneur and AI advocate, shares his insights on leveraging AI for business success, the importance of embracing one's failures, and the keys to effective leadership. He discusses his journey, the lessons learned from his 'idiot...
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Caleb David | From Overachiever to Aligned
Most of us are great at creating space for others but when was the last time you created space for yourself? In this powerful episode, commercial real estate broker and former nonprofit leader Caleb David shares what it’s really like to hit burnout, lose momentum, and claw your way back to…
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Ryan Pilkington | Turning Pain into Purpose
Graphic designer. Podcaster. Mentor. Advocate. Ryan Pilkington wears many hats—and every one of them was shaped by pain, resilience, and a relentless drive to create. In this week's episode of Idiot to Genius, Ryan opens up about being bullied as a child, using art as his escape, and eventually...
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Yasmine Austere | From Germany to the East Bay
In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Yasmine Austere, a seasoned Realtor and Relocation Specialist with The Agency East Bay. Our conversation began with insights into the real estate market but soon delved into Yasmine's rich life experiences, including her transition from…
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Pods & Properties | Your Voice is Your Superpower..Are You Using It?
Pods & Properties is back for April, and this episode is all about the power of your voice—especially if you're an entrepreneur or real estate professional. Steph shares the story behind her new course, Pod Savvy Guide, designed to help business owners confidently launch solo podcasts. She breaks...
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Utah Fan Club Podcast
In this episode of the Utah Fan Club, Steph sits down with Mars Teny, the dynamic founder of MarsCom, a Utah-based telecom company that helps businesses install, manage, and support professional phone systems. Mars shares the unexpected journey that led her from working in tech sales at Wells…
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Julie Barnes | The Power of Showing Up
What does it really mean to show up? In this episode, we explore the journey of Julie Barnes, an entrepreneur who built more than just businesses she built opportunities for her community. Julie started Enterprise Doodles from her home, breeding golden doodles to help cover medical expenses for…
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Pods & Properties | Collaboration Beats Competition
In this episode, Todd Porter joins Steph Shoell to dive into the surprising parallels between podcasting and real estate. They explore how both industries thrive not through competition—but through connection, collaboration, and community. Todd offers timely insights into the current real estate...
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Jeremy Howlett | LinkedIn’s Role in Altra’s Founding Story
What if one simple question could change everything? For Jeremy Howlett, asking a question in a LinkedIn group set the wheels in motion for creating Altra Running, a brand that has redefined the running shoe industry. Jeremy shares how networking, identifying market gaps, and a willingness to...
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Inside the Inaugural Women's Wellness Summit
The Women's Wellness Summit, held in November 2025, brought together 300 women to explore the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social, environmental, financial, and occupational. Founded by Carolynn Williams, with LuAnne Banks as Partner & Event Producer, the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Ever feel like everyone else has it all figured out except you? Idiot to Genius shares stories from entrepreneurs who’ve lived both sides of the journey the “idiot” moments where nothing works, and the “genius” moments that only come because they kept going. It’s the very human process of building something where the right to fail is what unlocks the ability to succeed. These conversations pull back the curtain on the pivots, the grit, and the lessons learned along the way. Because the truth is, most people feel lost long before they feel capable and these stories remind you you’re not alone.
HOSTED BY
Todd Porter and Pod Savvy Guide
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Idiot to Genius have?
Idiot to Genius currently has 87 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Idiot to Genius about?
Ever feel like everyone else has it all figured out except you? Idiot to Genius shares stories from entrepreneurs who’ve lived both sides of the journey the “idiot” moments where nothing works, and the “genius” moments that only come because they kept going. It’s the very human process of building...
How often does Idiot to Genius release new episodes?
Idiot to Genius has 87 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Idiot to Genius?
You can listen to Idiot to Genius on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Idiot to Genius?
Idiot to Genius is created and hosted by Todd Porter and Pod Savvy Guide.
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