The Solopreneur Hour Podcast with Michael O'Neal

Recorded live at Podfest 2026 in Orlando, Michael O’Neal sits down with longtime friend John Lee Dumas (Entrepreneurs on Fire) for a candid conversation about the evolution of podcasting, the reluctant shift toward video, and how JLD built MSTR Today—a daily YouTube show—from absolute zero. From niching down “until it hurts,” to why some audiences can accidentally harm your new show’s algorithm, to using AI agents to upgrade your interview prep… this one is packed with practical creator strategy. Why niching down still wins (and why “Pickleball Podcast” would fail vs. 4.0 to Pro) The tradeoffs of podcast intimacy vs. the pull of YouTube Why both of us keep interviews audio-only (and why guests often love it) The origin story of MSTR Today and why JLD didn’t promote it to his EOFire audience How YouTube analytics work: retention, CTR, watch time, and why the “wrong” audience hurts Why MSTR Today is essentially a reaction/curation show—and why viewers are grateful JLD’s ultra-efficient daily workflow: curating X posts, recording, sponsors, and Saylor clips Comment strategy + engagement: keyboard shortcuts, “poking the bears,” and why polarizing topics win AI for creators: JLD’s interviewer agent and how it turns bland bullet points into great questions A simple conference networking workflow that turns business cards into smart follow-up emails John Lee Dumas is the founder and host of Entrepreneurs on Fire, one of the most successful business podcasts of all time, and the creator of MSTR Today, a daily YouTube show covering Strategy (MSTR), Michael Saylor, and Bitcoin-related market commentary. Entrepreneurs on Fire (John Lee Dumas) MSTR Today (YouTube) Podfest 2026 / Libsyn studio set VidIQ Workflowy “Fire and Adjust” / “Fire for Effect” concept AI agents / interview workflow using ChatGPT Website: SoloHour.com Instagram/X: @Solohour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a long hiatus, Michael O’Neal is back with a fresh chapter of The Solopreneur Hour—and there’s never been a better time for it. In this short re-introduction episode, Michael reflects on why he stepped away during the podcast boom of the COVID era, what pulled him back in, and why 2026 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for solopreneurs. From the explosive rise of AI tools to modern automation, content creation has gone from time-consuming to almost frictionless,and that changes everything. Michael also shares what he’s been building during the break, including: The 4.0 to Pro Pickleball Podcast, now with over 1 million downloads His Rennch Porsche restoration YouTube channel, which has grown to 34,000+ subscribers How content creation continues to open unexpected doors, from media passes to industry access Looking ahead, this next era of The Solopreneur Hour will focus on: Practical uses of AI for solopreneurs Modern tools that collapse days of work into minutes Deep-dive interviews that uncover how successful people actually made their decisions Helping you attract customers instead of chasing them Whether you’re a longtime listener or discovering the show for the first time, this episode sets the tone for what’s coming next—and why there’s never been a better moment to fire your boss and build something of your own. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Solopreneur Hour, we chat with Dr. John Gray, renowned author of 'Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus,' to explore the intricacies of relationship dynamics. We discuss how communication between men and women has evolved over time, particularly with the advent of social media. Dr. Gray explains the biological and hormonal aspects of stress management and its influence on relationships. He provides practical advice for achieving work-life balance, emphasizing the 'cave time' for men and unique strategies for women. The episode delves into maintaining passion and connection through verbal affirmations, non-sexual physical touch, and mutual happiness. It also touches on the role of polarity and hormones in sustaining emotional and sexual intimacy. Additionally, listeners are invited to Dr. Gray's upcoming live event, Mars Venus Relationship Weekend, designed to help individuals and couples build stronger, more fulfilling relationships. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction of Dr. John Gray 01:16 Dr. John Gray's Favorite Cuisine 02:39 The Evolution of Communication Between Men and Women 03:28 Biological Differences in Stress Responses 05:56 Work-Life Balance and Stress Management 07:31 The Role of Estrogen and Testosterone in Relationships 10:18 Effective Communication and Relationship Dynamics 15:52 Activities to Boost Estrogen and Reduce Stress 25:49 The Impact of Social Bonding on Hormones 27:17 Cultural and Biological Influences on Gender Roles 38:32 The Role of Relaxation in Women's Well-being 39:29 Romantic Biohacks for Couples 40:24 Effective Communication Strategies 41:29 Understanding Male and Female Dynamics 44:23 The Importance of Space in Relationships 45:32 Managing Anger and Frustration 56:27 Balancing Work and Personal Life 58:44 Upcoming Relationship Weekend Event 01:09:06 Final Thoughts and Farewell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Solopreneur Hour, host Michael O'Neal interviews former NFL defensive end and Magic: The Gathering enthusiast, (and business owner) Cassius Marsh. Marsh talks about his NFL career, the physical toll it took, and the transition to his post-football life. He discusses his passion for Magic: The Gathering, his trading card business, Cash Cards Unlimited, and his investment in the celebrity video app, Cameo. The episode delves into the parallels between professional sports and entrepreneurship, the importance of coachability, and Marsh's experiences with top NFL coaches and players. Marsh also shares insights into his new business ventures and the personal fulfillment he finds in fostering a community around trading cards. 00:00 Welcome to the Solopreneur Hour 00:21 Introducing Cassius Marsh 01:30 Life After the NFL 04:24 The Politics of the NFL 08:41 Breaking Down NFL Strategies 14:48 Facing Legendary Quarterbacks 18:48 The Financial Reality of NFL Players 24:02 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship 32:20 The Importance of Being Coachable 35:15 Starstruck Moments and Tom Brady 41:27 Transitioning from NFL to Civilian Life 46:14 Passion for Magic: The Gathering 50:47 The Birth and Success of Cash Cards Unlimited 56:34 Investing in Cameo 01:01:48 Conclusion and Future Plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today the multiple New York Times Bestselling Author Gregg Hurwitz joins us on the show for a candid conversation on how he created the incredibly successful Orphan X series, and I share a story on how that very book saved my life! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unforgettable: Crafting Memorable Event Experiences with Phil Mershon Join host Michael O'Neal as he engages with Phil Mershon, an expert in creating unforgettable event experiences, in a deep dive into the essence and impact of memorable events. This episode unfolds the art and science behind event planning, focusing on strategies for engaging audiences, the significance of sensory experiences, and practical tips for maximizing conference attendance. From personal anecdotes to professional insights, this conversation sheds light on how to transform any event into a memorable encounter, highlighting Phil's new book, 'Unforgettable: The Art and Science of Creating Memorable Experiences.' Whether you're an event organizer or a conference attendee, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on making every moment count.  Introduction to Unforgettable Event Experiences  The Art of Engaging Audiences  Sensory Experiences in Event Planning  Maximizing Conference Attendance Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My friend of over 30 years stopped by today to talk about his journey with violence, being overweight and how an almost fatal accident shifted his entire life. http://instagram.com/christian_bizzotto This episode is brought to you by http://found.com/solohour

In this episode, we dive into the exhilarating world of auto racing as we join Justin Bell, the son of the legendary race car driver Derek Bell, on his journey from the racetrack to the broadcast booth and his current podcast, “Life with Legends.” Justin Bell’s captivating career and deep-rooted passion for motorsports make for […]

Today’s show is about an innovative young entrepreneur that was a freeskier, and had a LOT of experience with drones.  Charlie Cannon lived in Utah and had been around drones for many years, because of his hobby of freeskiing. When Covid hit, he decided to white label drones from Alibaba, and EXO Drones was born.  […]

If you’re like me, tax time as a solopreneur can be really daunting. It’s in our best interest to find the right kind of write-offs to maximize our profit, but it can be VERY arduous and confusing to reconcile our year of eating out, travel, business purchases, etc.  That’s where http://found.com comes in. From her […]

Travis King from https://landflipsecrets.com stops by to talk about flipping land vs. flipping houses.  Less red tape = greater profits.  It’s also a far easier facet of real estate investing to get into.  Dig in…this one might surprise you! Visit http://travisking.com or: Free 7 Day Land Flipping Challenge https://thelandflippingchallenge.com Free Informational Webinar https://landflipsecrets.com Land Flipping Course […]

Justin Sloan runs http://sloan-capital.com, an investment firm focused on large real estate deals that can be syndicated to multiple investors, providing a turn-key investment strategy that consistently outperforms wall street. Pacesetter and innovator are two words that perfectly describe Justin Sloan. Justin is a business-oriented and highly driven entrepreneur who is passionate about investment and […]

Do you want to invest in real estate but don’t want to go through the entire process?  Patrick Grimes is your guy.  He’s the head of Invest on Main Street. https://investonmainstreet.com/ Get Patrick’s book for FREE! investonmainstreet.com/book About Patrick: A native Californian, Patrick is an avid traveler, mountaineer, kite surfer, and adventure sports enthusiast. He […]

Dan Martell is a national treasure.  His new book “Buy Back Your Time” is available Jan 17.  Order now at http://buybackyourtime.com. FREE Resources from the book: www.buybackyourtime.com/resources Find Dan on the Socials: Instagram / Youtube @DanMartell  Tiktok @DanVMartell The Buyback Principle: Don’t hire to grow your business. Hire to buy back your time

Today’s guest has Given 4 Ted Talks, written 33 books, and is an absolute machine.  (Like…may actually be a machine.  Lol) He is the Founder of Work on Your Game, Dre Baldwin. You won’t believe the amount of productivity he achieves with his strict, disciplined approach.  This is what you get when you wake up […]

As a solopreneur we all start somewhere. Sometimes we start with a topic we know a lot about, sometimes we see an opening and we go for it, learning along the way. Our guest for today saw an opening to serve his audience in a simpler, more effective way than email: a membership site. Chris […]

This is one of my favorite episodes of all time.  You’ll learn more in this one episode from multiple courses and months of training.  If not, I’ll refund your money.  🙂 Today we have Blitz Metrics (https://blitzmetrics.com) founder and CEO, Dennis Yu on the show. We were also joined by Jordan Paris, who wrote Growth […]

QOTD: Have you ever learned marketing advice from a Sultan?  Today you will.  Jeff Buehner is the author of The Sultan’s Seven Secrets a game changing book on building your dream, managing your feelings and seizing control of your life. Jeff is the world expert on the writings of the richest man to ever walk […]

Today’s show is with the founder of Tiege Hanley, (https://www.tiege.com/) a men’s skincare line.  Kelley Thornton has the unique challenge of first convincing us stubborn men that we NEED skincare, and then thinking outside the box to sell it to us.  (I can attest, the products are GREAT) https://www.tiege.com/ 25% Off coupon Tiege Hanley Skincare […]

This is the first of my Wednesday “Best Of” Series.  Every Wednesday, I’m hand selecting my favorite episodes from the 9 years of podcasting.  You know this show is going to be completely baller…that’s the long and short of it. The Solopreneur Hour is an audio podcast hosted by The Kickass Life Producer Michael O’Neal that […]

Today’s episode is about “striking gold” with an idea and doubling down on it when it’s successful.  Katie from http://womensmeditationnetwork.com is here! To win a gift basket: 1. LIsten and sub to one of the shows:  (Search “Meditation for women”.) 2. Give a rating ad review on apple podcasts 3. Share on social and tag […]

Today’s chat is with Lauren Tickner from Impact School. Lauren and I have a fantastic, candid conversation about how she has pivoted over the last few years from being a fitness influencer to a bad ass young female entrepreneur with a global reach. Lauren is so on top of business and social media trends that […]

Today’s guest was well on his way to being an MLB pitcher when fate intervened.  He took his passion and focus for baseball and put it into the most valuable skill in marketing:  Copywriting.  A card-carrying Metallica fan club member, Troy Ericson is one of the premier copywriters in the world, and a badass guitarist […]

My pal Kenyon Salo (http://kenyonsalo.com) drops by for a chat about what it’s like to skydive into the Denver Broncos stadium, how he amassed almost a million TikTok followers (@kenyonsalo) and how he has honed the craft of inspirational public speaking as “The James Bond of Personal Development”.

Our old buddy Omar Zenhom from the (Top 200 in the universe) $100 MBA Podcast is on the show.  After catching up from a 5 year absence, we are all over the place with golden business gems!  This is a true “Solopreneur Hour” show with a great conversation and great life and biz advice all […]

Guys, full stop, this episode is insane.  Listen to every moment, take notes, then go become a real estate millionaire. https://moneyschoolrei.com/podcast Stephen left his career as a Personal Financial Advisor to pursue his dream of being an entrepreneur and Real Estate Investor. 14 years later, he has never looked back. Stephen has spoken on hundreds […]

Carla White is software pioneer, podcast host and coach helping entrepreneurs make $100K+ using audio. She is first woman to ever launch an iPhone app and has been featured on Oprah, NBC, NYTimes and countless other publications. After getting an MBA, working at the Pentagon and learning how to speak multiple languages, Carla found herself living […]

Today we had Richard Mugica from 1CallClosers.com on the show. The sales process is integrated into everything we do as solopreneurs. If you’ve ever had to “sell” what’s for dinner with the kids, then you know what we are talking about.  Unfortunatey, we don’t all possess the skillsets to close our high ticket items…that’s where […]

Residual payments? Never heard of him. Just kidding.  On today’s episode, we delve into an entirely new vertical of making money passively…residual payment processing.  I had never heard of this, so I brought on one of the premier players in the game, Mr. David Carlin of Carlin Global.  He walks us through how to get […]

freedomtaxplans.com Check out her free webinar how any business owner can save thousands of dollars in taxes by using these 5 strategies. Christina Lael is a Certified Public Accountant, an attorney, a Certified Tax Planner, and a self-proclaimed “tax nerd.” She reads case law like some people binge-watch Netflix and gets excited when she discovers […]

Tax Liens.  Ever heard of them?  Neither had I. Today’s guest, Saen Higgins (http://wealthformulaacademy.com) teaches us how to use Tax Liens to begin your real estate investing empire, even if you don’t have a ton of start up capital or experience.  This was one of the more fascinating shows I can remember, and I’m instantly […]

For his 12th appearance on the show, our bud Joel Comm (http://badcryptopodcast.com) is back talking about all things NFT, Web 3.0, and Metaverse.  It’s becoming more and more apparent that this is a technology (movement?) that is necessary for us to learn as we move forward.  In my opinion, it’s this generations “real estate”…meaning, when […]

Our pal Brian Fanzo (http://brianfanzo.com)  is back on the show for our first interview of 2022! He’s got a brand new daily podcast called NFT 365 where he’s purchasing an NFT every single day, and decoding the mystery of NFT’s and crypto for the rest of us!  We also dug VERY deep into living with […]

Today, IN PERSON (gasp!) Anna David (http://www.launchpadpub.com) stops by to talk about the book writing process, how her company Launch Pad Publications can handle *all of it*, and the advantages of writing a book in 2021.  As a personal note, the book writing process really helps you “hone in” on your brand and your offering, […]

JLD has written a *banger*.  Of all my years in this entrepreneurial space, all of the “how to” book have been incomplete…until now.  John has absolutely lifted the kimono on what it takes to create a successful side hustle, solopreneur business, or fire your boss and launch your own thing.  This is a MUST read […]

Jimmy Song is a Bitcoin developer, educator and entrepreneur. He’s an open source contributor to many different Bitcoin projects and is the author of Programming Bitcoin from O’Reilly, The Little Bitcoin Book and Thank God for Bitcoin. Jimmy writes a weekly newsletter, Bitcoin Tech Talk and has a podcast Bitcoin Fixes This

My old buddy (and our old Bambi’s Apartment bass player) Darren Roebuck stops by to talk about his major career pivot to become a voiceover artist 7 years ago, what it was like to learn the process, why coaching has been critical for him, and more.  As a bonus, we reminisce about some old band […]

Today’s returning guest is Matt Farah from Westside Collector Car Storage, a first class car storage facility he’s spent the last 5 years wrangling the City of Los Angeles to build.   His whole business model changed when he decided to simplify his (1 million sub) YouTube channel and branched off into this entrepreneurial venture. Check […]

Ashley Armstrong (http://amazauthority.com) was raised a world-class athlete, and has applied that same mentality to not only growing multiple 7 figure Amazon businesses, but helping A-listers and budding entrepreneurs as well.  In this episode she shares her journey as well as tricks of the trade. She’s also got an incredible bit of software, http://productinfographic.com that […]

On this episode I chat about a recent experience I had with someone that was tough to coach, which opened up the conversation about “being coachable”.

My buddy J Ryan (Late Night Playset) stopped by to talk about how he got into TV production, what happened when he stole David Letterman’s microphone (for real) and how to operate “normally” when life hands you a hurricane. Check out Late Night Playset on Youtube:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1EtbLjzhUQ4_z0JP-0_KJw?sub_confirmation=1 And on IG: http://instagram.com/latenightplayset

Ant Anstead (http://antanstead.com) hosted me in his garage (Pronounced “Gare Edge”) for a sit down about his career, his current projects, and the real passion behind the work.  We talked about overcoming adversity, the “solace” of being in the garage and making something from scratch, as well as making the leap from a police officer […]

My old friend/mentor (friendtor?) David TS Wood stopped by to chat about his new YouTube show, My Extra Mile, Conversations with David TS Wood. (Click to subscribe) Readily apparent, amongst other things, is that David has a real knack for staying positive during situations that would make most of us fly off the handle.  You […]

My old bud Steve Sims (http://stevedsims.com) chatted us up today about COVID pivots (he speaks a lot), how he’s branched out from BlueFish, how he’s growing his personal brand, and his Friday virtual happy hour. Steve: Many speakers who claim to be “onions” – i.e. wrapped in mystical and magical layers of enigmatic meaning – […]

On today’s, episode, we cover pricing, automation, English as a 2nd language, YouTube, Podcasting, lighting, product prototyping, and more! If you purchase anything from Amazon, consider using http://solohour.com/amazon first (That’s my affiliate link) before you buy.  It won’t cost you anything, but it will put a bit of wind in our sails!

Today we brought our old buddy back, Toby Salgado, host of the super agents live podcast. We were sort of all over the map in the show, but a common theme was just keeping your head in the game and remember that you ultimately have control of your life right now, even though at times […]

My buddy Chris Krimitsos was on the show today, talking about what I consider to be the best conference of the year, which is Vig Fest and pod fest in Orlando Florida, from March 6 to the eighth. We talked about YouTube, starting a podcast with a great niche and why it matters, why are […]

Sean Cannell from Think Media and I sat down in the lobby of the Mirage Hotel during CES 2020, and dug into how Sean is on the brink of 1 million subscribers on YouTube.  Sean gives SUCH tremendous value on all of his YouTube videos…you often can’t believe that they are free! Think Media on […]

I struggled a bit on what to do for this epic episode 800. I finally settled on interviewing one of my good buddies who inspires me daily, professional educator and Drummer Mike Johnston. He’s one of the OG’s of this show, and I’m always amazed how he continually innervates in the entrepreneurial space. Typically I […]

In the special YouTube episode, I talk about the strategies and research I used to grow my YouTube channel rapidly in the last couple of weeks. One of the most important lessons we can learn in the solopreneur space is patience. I have been plugging away for a couple of years, and on this episode […]