PODCAST · business
The Disruptive Capitalists
by Sam Sells
The Disruptive Capitalists – Where real estate meets innovation. Hosted by Sam Sells, impact investor and retired Air Force officer. We break down capital-raising, AI-driven investing, affordable housing solutions, and disruptive strategies to build wealth and impact. Featuring conversations with top investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in commercial real estate, multifamily investing, impact investing, and financial technology. New episodes weekly. Subscribe for real strategies — not theory.
Episodes
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How Billionaire Families Invest in Real Estate — From the Man They Trust | DJ Van Keuren
70% of family wealth is gone by the second generation. 90% disappears by the third. DJ Van Keuren has seen it happen firsthand, including one family that lost $800 million in a single generation. DJ, Co-Founder of Evergreen Property Partners, President of the Harvard Real Estate Alumni...
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He Quit IT After 25 Years and Built a $250M Real Estate Portfolio | Jens Nielsen
After 25 years in IT and a midlife crisis at 45, Jens Nielsen made a decision that changed his life: he was done working for the man. A decade later, he's a general partner in 2,700+ apartments worth $250 million, co-founder of Incrementum Equity Partners, and a Certified High Performance Coach...
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He Built Two 8-Figure Companies and Crashed Six. Here's What He Learned. | Tom Dunkel
Tom Dunkel has built two 8-figure companies, crashed six, raised over $65 million in private capital, and survived the 2008 financial crisis as a brand-new entrepreneur. He's not here to tell you real estate always goes up. He's here to tell you what actually happens, and how to win anyway. As...
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Your Money Is About to Become a Weapon Against You | David Morgan
What happens when your money becomes programmable, and someone else decides what you can buy, where you can go, and how much meat you're allowed to eat? David Morgan, publisher of The Morgan Report, author of The Silver Manifesto, and creator of the Silver Sunrise documentary, has spent over 40...
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AI Is Bigger Than the Internet. A Top VC Explains Why. | Mike Collins
Mike Collins founded Alumni Ventures at 49. People called him crazy. Now it manages $1.5 billion in assets, has invested in 1,500+ companies including 31 unicorns and 14 IPOs, and is one of the most active VC firms on the planet. In this episode, Mike joins Sam Sells for a deep dive into the...
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He Donates a Portion of Every Deal He Closes. They Called Him Crazy. | Dru Wischhover
Dru Wischhover, founder of Inspired Title Group, Inspired Development Group, and Winspire LLC — donates a portion of every single closing his companies do to community causes. His underwriters called him crazy. His colleagues said it wouldn't work. Twenty years later, that "crazy" decision is the...
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Design That Builds Community: Multifamily Housing with Marcy Sagel
Marcy Sagel, founder of MSA Interiors and one of the leading commercial interior designers in multifamily housing with over 30 years of experience, joins Sam Sells for a conversation that goes far beyond aesthetics. Marcy shares how working directly with residents before picking up a pencil…
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Your 401(k) Is a Trap — And Nobody's Telling You | Joey Mure
Joey Mure, co-founder of Wealth Without Wall Street and author of "Wealth Without Wall Street: 3 Steps to Freedom Through Passive Income" — joins Sam Sells for a conversation that challenges everything you've been told about retirement and financial security. Joey makes a bold case: the 401(k)…
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The 2008 Crash Almost Ended Him. Here's What He Does Differently Now | Ken Gee
Ken Gee brings 26 years of real estate banking and private equity experience to one of the most insightful conversations we've had on The Disruptive Capitalists. Ken shares his journey from commercial lender to private equity investor, the lessons that saved him during the 2008 financial crisis,...
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He's Raising $115M to Fix America's Broken Rehab System | Jay Tobey
48 million Americans had a substance use disorder last year. Most never received care. The waitlists are months long and people are dying before they get a bed. Jay Tobey, founder of North Star Recovery & Wellness, is raising approximately $115 million to acquire behavioral health facilities and...
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How Millionaires Give Away Money AND Get Richer | David Flores Wilson
David Flores Wilson, former Olympic sprinter, Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisor, and Managing Partner at Sincerus Advisory — joins Sam Sells to explore the powerful intersection of capitalism and philanthropy. David breaks down how the wealthy strategically give money away while paying less…
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Why Most Men Are Successful on the Outside and Empty on the Inside | Joshua Tomeoni
Joshua Tomeoni joins Sam Sells for an unflinching conversation about what it really means to be a man after everything falls apart. After his divorce shattered his sense of self, Joshua embarked on a journey to rebuild his identity, and now he's helping other men do the same. Together, they...
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America Ranks DEAD LAST in Retirement — BlackRock & Wall Street Are Why | Barry Dyke
The United States — the world's largest economy — ranks dead last among the top 30 industrialized nations in retirement preparedness. And according to Barry Dyke, that's no accident. Barry Dyke, president of Castle Asset Management and fiduciary advisor with over 40 years of experience, joins the...
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How to Retire Early With Multifamily Real Estate | Tony Lopes
What does it take to retire at 44 through real estate — starting with nothing but a W2 job and a willingness to invest? Tony Lopes, CEO of Dirty Boots Capital and bestselling author of Freedom at Risk, spent nearly two decades in the defense industry before achieving full financial independence...
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The Real Estate Industry Is Broken — She's Fixing It from the Inside | Kevelyn Guzman
Kevelyn Guzman, Regional Vice President at Coldwell Banker Warburg, joins Sam Sells to reveal why the most successful brokerages treat agents as their primary clients, not an afterthought. Kevelyn shares how a people-first approach has transformed agent performance, client outcomes, and...
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Stop Trading. Start Investing. A Bestselling Author Explains Why | Robert Rolih
International bestselling author Robert Rolih joins Sam Sells to expose the hidden fees destroying most investors' portfolios — and share the long-term strategies that actually work. From his journey as a web designer who lost money to bad advice, to his current focus on ETFs, Bitcoin, and...
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Episode 22: Why Everything You Were Told About Investing Is Wrong
Jaden Sterling sits down with Sam Sells to share 35 years of hard-earned wisdom from the investment world, and why he's on a mission to disrupt it. Jaden breaks down the misleading nature of overly diversified portfolios and mutual funds, making the case for focused stock investing to maximize...
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He Made 9 Figures After Rehab. Then Lost It All.
He walked out of rehab with nothing and built a business worth nearly 9 figures. Then one delegation mistake brought it all crashing down. In this raw conversation, Justin Lund gets brutally honest with Sam Sells about his path from addiction recovery to massive entrepreneurial success — and the...
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Episode 20: How Germany's $50B Coal Exit Is Creating Wealth for Small Investors | Thorsten Unger
Gaming industry veteran Thorsten Unger joins the show to discuss his innovative work at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and ethical business. From eSports agencies finding profitability to Germany's ambitious 2030 coal phase-out, Thorsten shares how he's creating investment...
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Episode 19: She Found a Way to Make Money AND End Homelessness
In this episode, Dionne Payn joins host Sam Sells to discuss innovative approaches to affordable housing and community empowerment. Dionne shares her journey into ethical property development and her commitment to addressing the housing crisis through sustainable investments, including co-living...
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Episode 18: “Millionaire Plans for Every Child” with Tony Bradshaw
Tony Bradshaw joins host Sam Sells to share a bold vision for building wealth with purpose, starting with everyday families and kids. Tony explains why he prioritizes “millionaire plans” for employees and children over traditional business growth, and lays out his idea of a $10,000 trust fund for...
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Episode 17: AI Is Rewriting Real Estate—Most Owners Aren’t Ready
In this episode, Zulfiya Forsythe joins the conversation to unpack what real growth actually looks like, beyond hype, hustle, and expensive coaching programs. She shares candid thoughts on mentorship, questioning high-cost transformations, and the mindset required to pursue financial success…
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Episode 16: How Amanda Turned Wall Street Skills Into World-Changing Impact
In this inspiring episode, Amanda shares how her journey from financial advisor to global philanthropist reshaped the way she thinks about money, impact, and leadership. She dives into her transformative experiences in Africa with The Hunger Project, revealing how micro-finance especially for...
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Episode 15: The Retirement Crisis No One Talks About — And Steve Selengut’s Solution
In this episode, veteran investment manager Steve Selengut joins the show for a powerful conversation on impact investing, retirement income strategies, and the human side of finance. With decades of experience, Steve challenges conventional Wall Street wisdom by emphasizing cash flow and income...
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Episode 14: How to Heal the World, One Business at a Time
In this episode of The Disruptive Capitalists Podcast, host Sam Sells welcomes special guest Zach Oehlman, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of the Plan to Heal the World initiative, calling on businesses to donate 20% of their profits to charity. Zach shares his inspiring journey from a…
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Episode 13: How Dave Dubeau Turned a Podcast into a Million-Dollar Investor Magnet
After moving from Costa Rica to Canada, Dave Dubeau went from zero to 18 real estate deals in just 18 months. But that was only the beginning. In this episode, Dave reveals how he transformed his Property Profits Real Estate Podcast into a high-converting lead generation machine. He shares his...
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Episode 12: The App That Turns Stock Investing Into a Green Light Game
In this episode of The Disruptive Capitalists Podcast, host Sam Sells sits down with Sean Tepper, founder and CEO of Tykr, to talk about one mission: making investing accessible to everyone. Sean shares how his journey as an investor led him to create Tykr. This powerful yet simple stock analysis...
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Episode 11: From Rock Bottom to Real Estate Millions: Charisse Walker's Comeback Story
In this episode of The Disruptive Capitalist Podcast, Charisse Walker joins Sam Sells to share her inspiring journey as a businesswoman, author, and mother. Charisse opens up about the challenges and triumphs of balancing a thriving career in real estate with family life, particularly as a…
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Episode 10: From Startup to Standout: Paul Graham’s Guide to Joyful Success
In this episode, we sit down with Paul H. Graham, a serial entrepreneur, investor, best-selling author, and host of The Investor’s Guide to Joy podcast. Paul shares his journey from transactional deal-making to building a heart-centered approach to business and investing, where joy, purpose, and...
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Episode 9: How AI Could Unlock the Dream of Homeownership with Gladys Margarita Diaz
In this episode, we explore the intersection of affordable housing initiatives and innovative technology with Gladys Margarita Diaz and Sam Sells. Gladys shares her deep background in affordable housing and her role as co-founder of an AI company focused on empowering homebuyers. She highlights…
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Episode 8: Why Derrick Kinney Walked Away at His Peak and What It Taught Him About Success
In this episode, Derrick Kinney, a certified financial educator and bestselling author of Good Money Revolution, shares his remarkable journey from a thriving financial advisory career to a new mission centered on teaching, mentoring, and empowering others. Derrick reflects on the deeply personal...
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Episode 7: No Agent, No Problem: The Rise of Self-Represented Homebuyers
In this episode, we explore disruption in the real estate sector with Nick Aufenkamp, a real estate agent pioneering a new approach to home buying. Nick is on a mission to educate and empower homebuyers to purchase properties without relying on traditional buyer’s agents. He shared candid…
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Episode 6: This Financial Strategy Is So Good, Banks Hope You Never Hear About It
In this episode, Mark Willis shares how business owners can reclaim control over their cash flow and why conventional debt advice often misses the mark. Drawing on his own journey out of student loan debt, Mark critiques one‑size‑fits‑all repayment plans (including the popular “just pay it off”...
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Episode 5: How Jeff Peterson Turns “Risky” Into Calculated Wins
What do founders miss most? Mentorship. In this unscripted conversation, Jeff Peterson and Sam Sells explore the power of experienced guidance, how to make “risky” decisions with a long-term perspective, and lessons from Jeff’s journey in property development and financing. They also break down a...
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Episode 4: From Nairobi to Frankfurt. Building Wealth With Purpose
In this powerful episode, Sam Sells sits down with renowned entrepreneur and real estate investor Cris Auditore Zimmermann to explore his remarkable journey from his first construction project in Nairobi to building a thriving portfolio of multifamily and commercial properties in Frankfurt. Cris...
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Episode 3: The Market’s Breaking, but John Makarewicz Has a Bold Plan to Beat It
In a candid discussion, John Makarewicz reflects on a recent disappointment—a promising real estate deal that collapsed after the seller was swayed by a larger investor. But for John, the story doesn’t end there. He’s preparing to submit a more competitive offer, underscoring his commitment to...
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Episode 2. From Complexity to Clarity: DSTs, 1031s & Smarter Real Estate Deals with Ben Carmona
In this insightful episode, we sit down with Benjamin Carmona to explore the powerful role of IRS Section 1031 exchanges and Delaware Statutory Trusts (DSTs) in today’s real estate and alternative investment landscape.Benjamin shares how these tools are helping investors, especially those nearing...
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Episode 1. Money With a Mission: Anna N'Jie-Konte on Investing With Intention
In the conversation, Anna N'Jie-Konte brought thoughtful perspectives on professional development and values-based investing. She voiced concern about the lack of depth in questions posed by participants in a recent professional setting, underscoring the importance of genuine engagement in…
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58: Stop Consuming, Start Committing: The Coaching Mindset with Jon Barbera
In this episode, Jon Barbera shares his journey from running a renovation company in New York to building a thriving real estate business in San Antonio, Texas. With hard-won experience across multiple market cycles, Jon brings a refreshing and grounded perspective to what it takes to succeed in...
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57: The Doctor is In—On Real Estate, Private Credit, and Passive Income
In this episode, we sit down with Dr Amir, a seasoned investor and advocate for financially empowering healthcare professionals. He shares his journey from medicine to private markets, and why he's focused on real estate, private equity, and life sciences as powerful tools for creating impact and...
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56: Balancing Time, Purpose, & Profit with Kirsten Schmidtke
In this episode, Kirsten and Sam unpack the challenges of time management, balancing professional commitments with personal priorities. They dive into the realities of burnout, the importance of purpose-driven sales, and how coaching can shift limiting narratives into powerful transformations.…
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55: Clean Money & Clear Minds: A Conversation That Matters with Mark Manderson
In this powerful conversation, Sam Sells and Mark Manderson dive into the importance of authenticity, purpose, and mental health—especially among high performers and veterans. Sam, an impact investor and retired Air Force officer, shares insights from his podcast and life experiences, while Mark…
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54: From Firefighting to Real Estate: Winning in Uncertain Markets with Jacob Vanderslice
From Firefighting to Real Estate: Winning in Uncertain Markets with Jacob Vanderslice Summary: What do fighting fires and real estate investing have in common? More than you think. In this episode of The Disruptive Capitalist, Sam Sells sits down with Jacob Vanderslice to break down the market...
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53: Real Estate in 2024: First-Time Buyer Struggles & Investment Strategies for the Future
Buying a home in today’s market feels impossible—skyrocketing prices, high interest rates, and intense competition are making it harder than ever. But is homeownership still within reach? David Sidoni, founder of How to Buy a Home, and Sam Sells, real estate investor and fund manager, break down...
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52: The Future of Affordable Housing—Big Ideas, Bold Moves & Game-Changing Tech
In this episode, Sam and Dale take a deep dive into the challenges and exciting opportunities in affordable housing—because let’s face it, the system is broken, but the solutions are out there. They tackle why modular home parks could shake up the industry, why tiny homes might not be the answer,...
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51: Rhymes, Risks & Riches: Hip-Hop Meets Finance with Drew Boyer
In this episode, Drew Boyer, a certified financial planner with over 20 years of experience, shares his unique approach to personal finance, blending education with hip-hop music to make financial concepts more relatable. Drew highlights his dedication to helping families, especially first...
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50: Rising to Wealth: Lane Kawaoka’s Real Estate Journey and The Wealth Elevator
In this episode, Lane Kawaoka shares his inspiring journey from a traditional engineering career to becoming a successful real estate investor. Lane dives into the strategies that helped him build wealth, including focusing on multifamily properties and value-added investments. He reveals how a...
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49: Embracing a New Way of Life: From the Tech Grind to Real Estate Success
In this episode, Spencer, CEO of Madison Investing, shares his journey from a 13-year tech career to real estate investing, driven by a desire for more family time and financial freedom. He discusses the importance of creating passive income, aligning values with investment strategies, and...
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48: The Mad Scientist of Real Estate Reveals His Winning Strategies!
Neal Bawa is a titan in the multifamily industry who has redefined the importance of taking a data-driven approach to real estate investing. Be prepared to have your mindset blown away as you listen to him talk about his analytical strategy that bucks conventional wisdom. Neal’s data-driven...
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47: From Apple to Impact: Jon's Journey in Real Estate
In this episode, Jon shares his unique career journey, from being Apple's chief engineer responsible for designing and building Apple stores all over the planet to leaving Apple to form an investment firm focused on impact and sustainability. He discusses the challenges and rewards of pursuing a...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Disruptive Capitalists – Where real estate meets innovation. Hosted by Sam Sells, impact investor and retired Air Force officer. We break down capital-raising, AI-driven investing, affordable housing solutions, and disruptive strategies to build wealth and impact. Featuring conversations with top investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in commercial real estate, multifamily investing, impact investing, and financial technology. New episodes weekly. Subscribe for real strategies — not theory.
HOSTED BY
Sam Sells
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Disruptive Capitalists have?
The Disruptive Capitalists currently has 105 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Disruptive Capitalists about?
The Disruptive Capitalists – Where real estate meets innovation. Hosted by Sam Sells, impact investor and retired Air Force officer. We break down capital-raising, AI-driven investing, affordable housing solutions, and disruptive strategies to build wealth and impact. Featuring conversations with...
How often does The Disruptive Capitalists release new episodes?
The Disruptive Capitalists publishes regularly with 105 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Disruptive Capitalists?
You can listen to The Disruptive Capitalists 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 The Disruptive Capitalists?
The Disruptive Capitalists is created and hosted by Sam Sells.
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