In this episode, Jake sits down with Meredith Elliot Powell, a leadership coach, author, and expert passionate about helping people transform uncertainty into a competitive advantage. Meredith shares insights drawn from years of research and personal experience, teaching listeners how to reframe fear, build resilience, and create a clear, relentless vision for success.

Listeners will discover why uncertainty, though overwhelming for many, can become an opportunity when approached with the right mindset. Meredith explains how fear can shut down innovation in the brain, while embracing change fosters creativity and forward momentum. She emphasizes the power of focusing one’s thoughts on desired outcomes rather than fears, highlighting how this focus actively shapes reality.

Throughout the conversation, she stresses the importance of daily commitment to a “relentless vision” that guides both life and business, encouraging sustained motivation. Meredith also discusses the power of perspective, explaining that individuals have control over how they view their challenges and opportunities, and that changing one’s perspective leads to powerful shifts in beliefs, actions, and results.

She openly shares her personal story of overcoming family adversity and embracing transformation, providing a human connection to the psychological principles discussed. Meredith offers practical advice on emotional intelligence — how naming and managing emotions can maintain a flow state that fosters high performance.

Toward the end, Meredith previews her upcoming book Ask for Change, slated for release next summer, and invites listeners to engage with her through her website and LinkedIn. This episode is a valuable resource for anyone looking to strengthen their mindset and emotional resilience to thrive amid today’s uncertainties.


This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this week's solo episode, Jake dives deep into why so many aspiring solopreneurs get stuck in fear and comfort, how identity lock-in and negative self-talk keep them from starting, and what practical mindset shifts and actions they can take to break through.

Listeners will learn:

How the brain’s instinct for safety overrides desire for growth, keeping many stuck in bad situations.

Why habitual complaining and negative identity narratives are self-reinforcing traps that stall progress.

The power of cognitive dissonance in resisting change and the fear of admitting past mistakes.

Actionable advice to trick your brain into incremental progress with “micro wins.”

How to turn pain and discomfort into motivation instead of avoidance.
    
The critical importance of setting deadlines and finding accountability partners.
    
Why owning your mental and emotional state internally is foundational to owning your external success.
    
A motivational call for solopreneurs to compete only with their past selves, not others.

If you’re ready to stop hesitating and start owning your entrepreneurial journey, this episode delivers honest, practical guidance to shift your mindset and build sustained momentum.


This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake welcomes Michele Phillips, president of Key Performance and an expert in neuroscience and positive psychology.

Michele shares actionable habits and mindset shifts that help entrepreneurs and leaders break free from burnout, boost their wellbeing, and influence others authentically.

Listeners will learn:

How consistent mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional habits build lasting happiness and performance.

Why emotional contagion can be your greatest asset or your biggest liability in leadership and sales.

The power of identifying, naming, and managing your emotions daily to avoid burnout.

Practical rituals like mindful breathing, journaling, and consuming uplifting content.

How mindset and self-worth shape your confidence and business presence.

Insights into overcoming imposter syndrome by anchoring to your best self.

Michele’s new book Energize Your Happiness and how energy focus shapes destiny.

Ways to apply neuroscience-informed leadership training to elevate your team and yourself.

Michele’s social channels and resources to boost your personal and professional growth.

If you want to transform your mental and emotional wellbeing to fuel better connections and business success, this episode is a must-listen.


This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake unpacks the critical role of first impressions in sales and business conversations. He explains how the brain instantly scans thousands of non-verbal cues before a word is spoken, forming an unconscious judgment that frames all future interactions.

Listeners will learn:

How milliseconds to 7 seconds form your prospect’s entire impression of you.

Why your tone, posture, and choice of words in the opening seconds make all the difference.

How to own your energy with calm confidence that invites trust.

The power of using a prospect’s name early and sounding like a human rather than a script.
How signaling value upfront captivates interest and lowers defenses.

Techniques for matching your prospect’s tempo to build subconscious rapport.

Why you often don’t get a second chance to make a first impression — but how you can influence subsequent perceptions.

How to audit your digital and social presence to ensure consistent messaging.

Real-world examples including awkward first dates and profile picture pitfalls.

This episode is essential listening for anyone wanting to consistently “own the room” and make every conversation count.


This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake Stahl welcomes Bob Burg, co-author of the international bestseller The Go Giver.

Bob shares the timeless principles of giving first, adding massive value, and why shifting focus from getting to giving is the ultimate key to business and life success.

Listeners will learn:

• Bob’s story behind The Go Giver and how it sparked a global movement.
• The five Laws of Stratospheric Success... Value, Compensation, Influence, Authenticity, and Receptivity, that underpin extraordinary business results.
• Why giving more in value than you take in payment is a game-changer for sustainable profits.
• How putting others’ interests first builds influence and lasting trust.
• The real meaning of authenticity in business as congruence with your values.
• Practical ways to apply these laws whether you are an entrepreneur, sales professional, or leader.
• Insights into Bob’s other works including The Go Giver Leader, The Go Giver Influencer, and The Go Giver Marriage.
• Why the principles behind The Go Giver remain just as powerful and relevant today.

If you’re looking to flip your sales mindset and truly transform your relationships and results, this episode is essential listening.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake Stahl sits down with Danny Karon, known as The Lovable Lawyer, who demystifies legal wellness and the critical importance of planning for your family’s future.

Danny shares insights from his 35 years in class action and complex litigation and introduces his new book Your Lovable Lawyer’s Guide to Legal Wellness. 

Listeners will discover:

• Why everyone, even younger adults, needs legal documents like wills, medical directives, and powers of attorney.
• How legal wellness means knowing your rights and putting systems in place to protect yourself before problems arise.
• Stories from real estate and consumer law showing how proper planning can prevent costly headaches.
• The difference between DIY wills online and working with knowledgeable attorneys.
• Why updating wills is vital after life changes like moving or expanding your family.
• The challenges people face accessing justice and how Danny’s approach brings awareness and advocacy to everyday people.
• His upcoming legal thriller The Last Class Action and his passion for making law approachable.

This episode offers practical, approachable legal guidance to protect your loved ones and secure peace of mind.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake unpacks one of the most powerful, yet severely underutilized, strategies in business development: reciprocity.

Getting clear on how giving true value first opens doors, builds trust, and creates momentum that multiplies beyond your immediate efforts.

You’ll learn:

• What reciprocity really means in prospecting and relationship building, and why it’s the key to meaningful likability.
• The danger of transactional “gimme gimme” approaches that turn prospects off before you’ve begun.
• How offering valuable introductions, resources, or small favors creates obligation in the best possible way.
• Practical tactics to implement reciprocity naturally in your outreach and follow-up.
• Why patience and timing are crucial... reciprocity pays back big, but seldom on your schedule.
• How to build authentic trust without desperation or being “salesy.”
• The role of language, psychology, and tools like Orchestraight in making your giving more strategic and effective.

If you’re stuck in the numbers game or tired of cold outreach with zero results, this episode flips that script and gives you a proven path forward.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake welcomes Jeff Munn, a business coach who resisted coaching for years before finally embracing his passion.

Jeff opens up about overcoming fear, shedding limiting beliefs, and the transformational journey from corporate life to leading founders and CEOs.

You’ll learn:

• Why embracing vulnerability and showing your real self is the key to attracting the right clients.
• How Jeff’s persistence and willingness to “just do it” unlocked his coaching career.
• The mental barriers corporate survivors face when launching solo and how to overcome them.
• Why picking a lane, leaning in deep, and building confidence outshine playing it safe.
• The big mindset shifts founders need to relinquish control and start scaling.
• How to push through fear and doubt by taking small, consistent actions.
• Jeff’s real, unscripted advice on becoming the authentic leader and coach your market craves.

If you’re ready to stop playing safe, break through fear, and own your business story, tune in and take notes.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight… You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight… The straightest path to success.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake sits down with Kristi Mitchell, founder of Marketing Uncomplicated and host of the podcast Unfudge Your Marketing.

Kristi reveals how to escape marketing overwhelm, prioritize what truly works, and nurture leads without burning out or annoying your audience.

You’ll learn:

• How trying to do too much splits your focus and causes FOMO.
• Why narrowing your marketing efforts leads to better engagement and results.
• Creating an authentic organic funnel that attracts and converts ideal clients.
• Simple, conversational email follow-up scripts that reconnect and build trust.
• How to pick the right social platforms and content that resonate with your audience.
• Common marketing myths and how to avoid costly mistakes.
• Practical resources on kristimitchell.com to simplify your marketing today.

If you’re ready to stop the noise and start getting real traction, this episode will show you how to focus and grow your impact.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this lively episode, Jake and Jon riff on the power of guarantees, scarcity, and pricing psychology and how these tactics grab attention and influence buying decisions... when done ethically.

You’ll learn:

• How bold offers like a million dollar guarantee can serve as a powerful hook to pique prospect interest.
• Why simple visual trust signals, like comfort guarantees, can increase sales without needing explanation.
• The psychological effect of price anchoring and how it guides buyers to a “just right” option.
• Why consumers regularly fail to redeem rebates and coupons... and how timing impacts decision making.
• The fine line between ethical urgency and manipulative scarcity tactics.
• Techniques like free trials, no contract models, and money back guarantees that balance scarcity with trust.
• How trending sales strategies borrow the “limited time” approach from brands like Amazon Prime and McDonald’s.
• Why pricing tiers should start with your highest offer and work down, reinforcing value differences.
• Real stories showing when discounting backfires and how confidence influences pricing strategy.
• Fun insights from the banter and playful offers between Jake and Jon.

If you want to leverage smart scarcity and price confidence to grow your business with integrity, this episode is for you.

P.S. We're NOT kidding!! If you want to pay us $1,000,000, we WILL cover a topic of your choice. It's our million dollar guarantee. And no, the offer doesn't expire. 

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake talks with Brian Lofrumento, podcast host of Entrepreneur to Entrepreneur, about the power of persistence, faith, and passion in the entrepreneurial journey.

They explore how early struggles, consistent reps, and learning from failure lay the groundwork for long-term success.

You’ll learn:

• How Brian built a multi-million visitor soccer site as a college student with no formal business training.
• Why raw passion and relentless energy can overcome challenges and early failures.
• The importance of embracing the dip and choosing to keep going when most quit.
• How entrepreneurial reps... good or bad... build foundational skills and insights.
• Why naivety and willingness to fail are key to entrepreneurship.
• Brian’s reflections on immigrant family roots and how mindset shapes opportunity.
• The role of community, mentorship, and giving back through his nonprofit, Through Entrepreneurship.
• Why zero expectations and managing the long timeline of results prevent burnout.
• Practical tips on mindset shifts to stay motivated when growth feels slow.

If you’re facing entrepreneurial uncertainty or want inspiration to fuel your journey, this episode will power you up.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake unpacks the powerful concept of emotional contagion and how it influences every sales and business conversation.

You'll discover how mirroring posture, tone, and cadence builds rapport, and why shifting your mood before interactions can transform your results.

You’ll learn:

• What emotional contagion is and why we naturally mirror each other in social settings including sales.
• The importance of tuning into nonverbal cues like posture and cadence, especially in digital communication.
• How matching your prospect’s emotional state puts you on the same wavelength for better connections.
• Why passion and authenticity are contagious, and how to harness them to motivate your buyers.
• The downside of negative emotional contagion and how to avoid spreading frustration or desperation.
• Practical techniques to consciously “match the vibe” and then gradually lead prospects toward your desired outcome.
• How Orchestraight helps analyze and optimize your messaging by detecting psychological cues and ensuring positive contagion.
• The role of mindset, self-awareness, and preparation in becoming more emotionally contagious in a business context.

If you want to master the unspoken side of sales and bring your best energy to every call, this episode is a must listen.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight. You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight. The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake talks with Ely Delaney, an email marketing strategist passionate about helping clients create evergreen follow up systems that build real relationships... not just sales pitches.

You’ll learn:

• Why many people miss the middle ground in follow up, connecting consistently without being annoying or too scarce.
• The power of the “magic script” to re-engage cold contacts with a sincere, value-driven message.
• How simple, conversational, honest emails outperform flashy newsletters or aggressive sales pushes.
• Ely’s proven frameworks for automated nurture campaigns that maintain connection and momentum over months or years.
• Why giving first, sharing value, and having patience create a lasting impact and trust.
• How effective networkers embrace meeting everyone and making no assumptions about potential value.
• The critical role of consistent action and warming cold leads through intentional communication.
• Ely’s story behind the “Meet Cool People” brand and how genuine networking leads to opportunity.
• Resources for network expansion, effective scripts, and evergreen email marketing.

If you want to shift your follow-up strategy from transactional to transformational, this episode is packed with practical insights.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake breaks down the psychology of price anchoring and why confidence matters more than simply chasing the lowest price.

You’ll discover how to strategically set pricing tiers, frame value, and navigate buyer objections without compromising your worth.

You’ll learn:

• Why price is rarely the true objection, and how anchoring shapes buyer perceptions.
• The power of starting with a high price to frame options and guide prospects toward a middle “best value” choice.
• How social proof and confidence signal the value behind your price tiering.
• Techniques to justify premium pricing by emphasizing the value and cost of inaction.
• Why dropping prices on reactionary fear undermines perceived quality and your business.
• Simple psychological shifts to reframe pros and cons in pricing discussions.
• How to use pricing comparisons and scaled offers to appeal to different client segments.
• The critical relationship between your confidence level and your pricing strategy.
• Real-world examples illustrating price anchoring and customer decision-making.
• Insights into avoiding price wars and attracting clients aligned with your ideal price point.

If you want to confidently position your offerings and close sales with integrity, this episode is packed with expert guidance.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake dives into why the best salespeople are master storytellers who craft compelling narratives that engage prospects emotionally and make ideas their own.

Discover how to transform typical sales pitches into memorable stories that stick.

You’ll learn:

• The six key elements of a great story: hook, stakes, conflict, turning point, resolution, and takeaway.
• Why storytelling creates deeper resonance and recall than bullet-point lists.
• How to hook your audience with sensory details and tension to capture attention quickly.
• The importance of establishing stakes that make the story matter: money, identity, reputation, or survival.
• Techniques for painting vivid conflicts without spelling everything out, letting imagination fill the gaps.
• Crafting turning points and resolutions that provide transformation and closure.
• Using future pacing and relatability to make your prospect see themselves in your story.
• Why great storytelling balances talking and listening and is highly context dependent.
• How Orchestrate uses NLP techniques to help craft and optimize your storytelling for maximum impact.

If you want to elevate your sales conversations with stories that captivate and convert, this episode is your guide.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com. Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake chats with Erik Seversen, educator, adventurer, author, and self publishing coach who shares his journey from anthropology to international business and public speaking. 

Erik reveals how embracing fear, practicing deep listening, and fostering genuine relationships fuel success in business and life.

You’ll learn:

• How communities like the Wayana tribe manage fear through support and connection, offering lessons for modern anxiety.
• Why fear often arises from focusing on unlikely negative outcomes and how reframing it can unleash growth.
• Practical tools like box breathing and visualization to reduce stress and improve focus.
• The power of setting bold, exciting goals that push your limits and drive motivation.
• Insights into overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence through curiosity and vulnerability.
• How Erik’s books and TED Talk encourage others to move from ordinary to extraordinary by embracing authentic growth.
• Why investing in relationships and communication is vital for personal and professional success.
• Erik’s self-publishing coaching and resources to help authors share their stories effectively.

If you want to transform fear into your greatest motivator and connect authentically with your network, this episode is a must listen.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com. Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake explores the powerful role of mirroring in sales and communication.

You’ll learn how tuning into a prospect’s posture, tone, and cadence helps you connect authentically and uncover their true feelings beyond words.

You’ll discover:

• Why our outer “profile picture” often masks deeper emotions and motivations.
• How mirror neurons play a role in building rapport unconsciously and how you can mirror intentionally.
• Practical tips to observe posture, tone, and cadence during calls and virtual meetings.
• The importance of adapting your style gradually to guide prospects toward trust and buying decisions.
• Examples from everyday life showing the impact of mirroring on connection and mood shifts.
• How to interpret digital body language cues via Zoom or on the phone.
• The pitfalls of ignoring non-verbal signals and the benefits of truly listening and observing.
• How Orchestraight’s AI analyzes verbal and non-verbal cues to tailor your messaging for better engagement.
• Ways to cultivate “matching my vibe”, the modern phrase for mirroring, especially for engaging Gen Z prospects.

If you want to elevate your sales conversations by truly seeing and matching your prospects where they are, this episode delivers actionable insights and tools.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com. Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake talks to Devin Sizemore, a serial entrepreneur and expert networker known for his innovative Connection Expansion system.

Devin shares how making no assumptions, meeting everyone, and playing the referral game strategically can create massive business growth.

You’ll learn:

• Why you should never judge the value of a connection before understanding their full network and potential.
• How meeting everyone, even those outside your perfect client profile, can lead to unexpected big opportunities.
• The importance of leading meetings with the right questions to encourage genuine reciprocity.
• Devin’s proven, simple scripts and messaging templates that make follow-ups easy and effective.
• How consistent nurturing and structured follow-up turn initial meetings into long-term partnerships.
• The common pitfalls of slipping into “commission breath” and how to stay focused on genuine connection.
• Why playing the “power of one” game, focusing on one good meeting at a time, builds momentum that scales.
• How Devin’s “Million Dollar Author” program helps professionals write and publish books that generate revenue.
• Real-world examples of network building that translate directly into revenue and referrals.

If you want to grow your network and business through strategic, meaningful connections instead of spray and pray tactics, this episode is packed with actionable strategies.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com.

Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.

In this episode, Jake explores how to decipher a prospect’s true feelings by reading beyond their words... tuning into posture, cadence, tone, and microexpressions to uncover their inner profile picture. 

You’ll learn:

• Why the outward profile we show can mask deeper motivations, needs, and desires.
• How skilled salespeople read urgency and excitement even when the external signals seem contradictory.
• Practical ways to train your brain to notice posture, cadence, and tone during calls and meetings.
• How digital body language differs and techniques to read signals via Zoom or phone conversations.
• Examples of interpreting subtle cues to adjust your messaging and build rapport.
• Why listening with your eyes and ears gives you an edge over surface-level listening.
• The limitations of AI tools compared to Orchestraight’s behavioral and social psychology insights.
• How Orchestraight analyzes conversation transcripts to reveal psychological profiles and areas for improvement.
• Tips for integrating these signals naturally to build trust and increase sales success.

If you want to go beyond scripts and truly connect with prospects by understanding their real states, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

This episode is brought to you by Orchestraight, You can get a free trial of Orchestraight, an NLP based Lead Gen tool, for 7 days, up at orchestraight.com. Orchestraight, The straightest path to success.