This episode: The Haircut That Changed Everything: A Son’s Breaking Point and Bob Hayek’s Comeback That Followed.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Initial Greetings (0:01)

• Host Drew Deraney thanks the person who introduced him to Guest Bob Hayek, mentioning a networking group from 2020.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear until external circumstances disrupt it, leading to different paths.
• He introduces three types of men: those who don't see adversity, those who blame others, and those who see adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• Drew invites Bob Hayek to share his defining moment that transformed him.

Bob Hayek's Defining Moment (27:07)

• Bob Hayek recounts a moment when he cut his father's hair in the VA hospital, leading to a profound realization.
• Bob shares that his father passed away two days later, and he had a nervous breakdown.
• He describes a moment of self-realization while mowing the lawn, recognizing his achievements and independence.
• Bob's transformation led to his divorce, as his personal development clashed with his wife's stagnation.

Bob's Journey Post-Divorce (27:30)

• Bob meets a high school friend in Florida, leading to a shared living arrangement.
• His friend passes away in his arms, causing significant emotional turmoil.
• Bob struggles with dating and nearly gives up, but eventually meets Vivian, who becomes a pivotal figure in his life.
• Bob and Vivian's initial meeting involves a unique arrangement that leads to a deeper connection.

Bob's Relationship with His Children (27:50)

• Bob discusses the devastating impact of his children accusing him of harming their mother.
• He explains the miscommunication and misunderstanding that led to his children's accusations.
• Bob's relationship with his daughter improves, but his son remains affected.
• He emphasizes the importance of Vivian's support during these challenging times.

Bob's Career Transition and Achievements (28:09)

• Bob shares his journey from being a musician to working in the semiconductor industry.
• He recounts a significant incident where he successfully negotiated a deal despite initial rejection.
• Bob transitions to the insurance industry, driven by the residual income potential.
• His determination and hard work lead to success in the insurance business.

Introduction to ASEA and Health Challenges (28:50)

• Bob introduces ASEA, a company that produces products that communicate with the immune system.
• He shares his personal health challenges, including being diagnosed with MS.
• Bob moves to Florida to improve his health, and Vivian supports him throughout the transition.
• His involvement with ASEA leads to significant health improvements and a new business venture.

Bob's Involvement with ASEA and Future Plans (29:09)

• Bob discusses the benefits of ASEA's products, including the Redox supplement and RENU 28 gel.
• He shares a personal story of using the gel to alleviate shoulder pain.
• Bob expl...

This episode: The Rejection That Broke Him—And the Men’s Circle That Rebuilt His Life.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney initiates the recording and thanks Jason Lange for joining the podcast.
• Drew credits Rob Wentz for introducing Jason Lange.
• He discusses the concept of life as a straight path and how external circumstances can derail it.
• Drew introduces the three types of men: those who don't notice adversity, those who see it as a barrier, and those who see it as an opportunity.

Jason Lange's Transformative Moment (23:21)

• Jason Lange shares his experience of struggling with intimacy and connection with women in his mid-20s.
• He describes a pivotal moment during a date where he was rejected, leading to a collapse in his confidence.
• Jason explains how he joined men's groups and underwent healing work, including talk therapy and a transformative experience in a men's group.
• He emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for one's pain and the impact of this realization on his life.

The Role of Men's Groups in Personal Growth (23:40)

• Jason discusses the significance of men's groups in providing a safe space for vulnerability and healing.
• He highlights the importance of explicit agreements in men's groups to create a trusting environment.
• Jason shares how his participation in men's groups helped him navigate significant life challenges, including career changes and personal relationships.
• He explains how his experience in men's groups led him to start Evolutionary Man to help other men through similar transformations.

Evolutionary Man and Its Impact (23:53)

• Jason describes the evolution of Evolutionary Man over the past decade, starting from his personal well-being to supporting other men.
• He explains how Evolutionary Man offers mentorship, men's groups, and life retreats to help men connect and support each other.
• Jason shares his mission to ensure every man has access to deep connection and support through Evolutionary Man.
• He discusses the importance of real, in-person connections over virtual ones for men's mental health and well-being.

Jason's Personal and Professional Journey (24:08)

• Jason reflects on the personal growth he experienced through Evolutionary Man and how it influenced his professional life.
• He shares his experience of meeting his wife and the positive impact of his personal growth on his relationships.
• Jason discusses the challenges of raising a child with hearing impairment and how his men's groups provided support during this time.
• He emphasizes the importance of community and connection in overcoming personal and professional challenges.

The Importance of Vulnerability and Connection (24:25)

• Jason highlights the significance of vulnerability and connection in men's groups, particularly in creating a supportive environment.
• He explains how men's groups help men share their burdens and feel less isolated.
• Jason discusses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on men's mental health and the importance of maintaining connections during times of i...

This episode: The $40 Million Hack That Tried to Break Him — and the Comeback That Built Something Better.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Interview (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney thanks John Maas for introducing him to Adam Bergman and sets the stage for the interview.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear until adversity tests us, introducing three types of men: those who don't notice adversity, those who blame others, and those who see it as an opportunity for growth.
• He invites Guest Adam Bergman to share his defining moment and how it impacted him personally and professionally.

Adam Bergman's Defining Moment (1:38)

• Adam Bergman recounts a major turbulent event in February 2022 when his business, Irish Financial, faced a $40 million crypto hack.
• Despite having insurance, the hack was a significant trauma for Adam's business, which had over 20,000 accounts and $3 billion in assets.
• Adam describes the choices he had: to go bankrupt or fight, and how his wife's support was crucial in his decision to fight.
• He explains the long process of settling with clients and the FBI finding the criminal, which led to a positive outcome for his business.

Impact of the Hack and Personal Growth (4:59)

• Adam reflects on the personal and professional impact of the hack, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and learning from the experience.
• He discusses the need to clean house and replace loyal but underperforming team members, which led to the company's growth.
• Drew and Adam discuss the concept of people coming into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime, and the importance of letting go when necessary.
• Adam shares a recent success story of a client who saw a significant return on their investment through a Roth IRA.

Understanding Roth and Traditional IRAs (5:51)

• Adam explains the differences between Roth and traditional IRAs, highlighting the tax benefits of each.
• He discusses the possibility of converting a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA and the importance of understanding these financial tools.
• Drew and Adam talk about the lack of financial education in traditional workplaces and the importance of sharing this knowledge.
• Adam shares his own journey of learning about Roth IRAs and how it changed his life and career.

Advice for Clients and Personal Reflections (8:01)

• Adam advises clients to invest in what they are interested in and to do their own research, as they tend to make better decisions.
• Drew asks Adam to reflect on what might have happened if he had given up, and Adam expresses certainty that he would be in a bad place.
• Adam shares his hobbies, including playing around with AI and spending time with his three young children.
• He emphasizes the importance of being curious, questioning authority, and continuously learning throughout life.

Final Thoughts and Advice for Young Entrepreneurs (10:18)

• Adam advises his younger self to be more curious and to focus on the business, emphasizing the importance of loyalty and skill sets.
• He advises young entrepreneurs to be patient and prepared to work for at least 10 years, as success takes time and effort.

• (00:00:00) - Adam Bergman
• (00:02:48) - Adam Bergman
• (00:04:37) - Crypto Custodian on the Hack
• (00:09:45) - What Did I Learn From The Incident?
• (00:10:48) - Steve Ballentine: A Client's Success Story
• (00:11:51) - What is a Roth IRA and Do I Need One?
• (00:14:22) - How to Invest in Your Own Money
• (00:15:08) - What If You Had To Give Up?
• (00:16:48) - Tom Cruise on His Personal
• (00:19:15) - Adam Bergman
• (00:19:42) - Adam Bergman on Giving Advice to Kids
• (00:20:21) - Adam Bergman
• (00:22:29) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: Telling Stories That Heal: How Steve Seidel Turned Pain into Purpose Through Media and Mentorship.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction (0:03)

• Host Drew Deraney thanks the person who introduced him to Guest Steve Seidel and gives a shout-out to Lynn Winter for her work on happiness mapping.
• Drew introduces the concept of life being linear until external circumstances derail it, leading to choices on how to handle adversity.

Types of Men and Adversity (1:16)

• Drew describes three types of men: one who doesn't notice adversity, one who blames others, and one who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• He introduces Steve Seidel as an example of the third type of man who uses adversity to become stronger.
• Steve Seidel shares his background, including his upbringing in a divorced family and his early life as a people pleaser.
• Steve recounts two defining moments: his layoff from Motorola and the death of his father, which led him to pursue a career in storytelling and media.

Personal Growth and Career Transition (21:41)

• Steve talks about his move to New York to pursue a career in creativity and storytelling.
• He shares the impact of his father's death on his personal growth and his role as a father figure to his younger brothers.
• Steve discusses the importance of hard work and problem-solving, influenced by his parents' careers.
• He reflects on his journey from being a people pleaser to developing resilience and finding his voice in media and storytelling.

Building a Media Agency (22:37)

• Steve explains how his experience in storytelling and media led to the creation of his media agency.
• He describes the four-part framework his agency uses: mission, media, movement, and impact.
• Steve shares his experience of moving to Lexington, Kentucky, during the pandemic and the challenges of starting a virtual agency.
• He talks about the support group he started, "Jen's Journey," to help other men navigate adversity and find connection.

Impact of Personal Losses (23:09)

• Steve recounts the loss of his stepfather and father and how it shaped his perspective on life and fatherhood.
• He shares the story of his mother's passing and the emotional impact it had on him and his family.
• Steve reflects on the importance of legacy and leaving a positive impact on his children and others.
• He discusses the role of...

• (00:00:00) - Steve Seidel On The Gents Journey
• (00:01:50) - Steve Seidel on The Defining Moment
• (00:06:25) - "When You Step Out,"
• (00:06:39) - In the Middle: When Parents Divorce
• (00:08:15) - Michael Strahan on Becoming The Man You Are
• (00:11:57) - Interviewing Stars on the Streets
• (00:13:25) - The Philadelphia Eagles' Gents Journey
• (00:18:33) - Bradley Cooper on The Hidden Power of Grief
• (00:21:34) - Jen's Journey Card Deck
• (00:23:15) - Jerry Seinfeld Is Your Favorite Comedian
• (00:24:18) - Lou Ferrigno: The Incredible Hulk Saved My Life
• (00:25:53) - Steve Seidel
• (00:26:59) - What Would You Tell Your Child?
• (00:28:17) - Steve Seidel's Advice For Young Entrepreneurs
• (00:30:14) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: Murphy’s Law Redefined: Shaun Murphy Turns Setbacks into Comebacks Through Purpose, Music, and Mindset.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:03)

• Host Drew thanks the group that introduced him to Shaun Murphy, specifically mentioning Wasabi Publicity.
• Drew discusses the concept of life being linear until external circumstances derail the path.
• He introduces the three types of men: those who ignore adversity, those who blame others, and those who see adversity as an opportunity.
• Drew invites Shaun Murphy to share his defining moment that transformed him from his past self to his current self.

Shaun Murphy's Defining Moment (2:31)

• Shaun Murphy shares his transition from the military to civilian life, describing the challenges he faced.
• He recounts his struggle in Missouri, being unemployed and broke, and how he stayed in his house for 30-60 days.
• Shaun reflects on his mother's journey from Barbados and how her sacrifices motivated him to avoid poverty.
• He mentions the support of his brother, who encouraged him to get his life in order and pursue his goals.

Building a Framework for Success (5:20)

• Shaun discusses the importance of mindset, motivation, money management, and massive movement in his framework for success.
• He emphasizes the need to stop chasing money and instead focus on purpose and energy goals.
• Shaun talks about the role of motivation and the importance of finding one's "why."
• He introduces the concept of a SEAL Team Six, consisting of a doubter, taskmaster, accountability partner, cheerleader, and connector.

Transitioning from the Military (8:01)

• Drew and Shaun discuss the challenges veterans face when transitioning out of the military.
• Shaun mentions the resources available but notes the difficulty in accessing them once out of the military.
• He shares his experience of taking accountability and self-awareness as the first steps in his journey.
• Shaun talks about the importance of deciding where you want to be and identifying role models who inspire you.

The Role of Motivation and Music (12:42)

• Shaun explains how he became motivated by a drill sergeant in basic training and how he wanted to inspire others.
• He discusses his transition to becoming a college professor and creating a platform to reach college dropouts.

• (00:00:00) - Mr. Motivation
• (00:01:41) - Thank You, Sean Murphy
• (00:02:05) - Sean Murphy on Defining Moments In His Life
• (00:07:30) - Drew Carey on His 5M Formula for Success
• (00:10:33) - Six Rules for Successful Management
• (00:11:44) - Buddy Lee on Being Promotable
• (00:13:49) - Police on the Transition Out of the Military
• (00:14:59) - The Process of Self-Advocacy
• (00:18:54) - Overnight Success: How to Get It
• (00:19:27) - Mr. Motivation
• (00:20:58) - Drew on His New Album
• (00:24:07) - Murphy's Law
• (00:25:10) - Sean Murphy
• (00:27:54) - Drew Carey on His Son's Love of Music
• (00:28:32) - Sean Murphy on Giving Advice to His Friends
• (00:29:30) - Sean Murphy on Advice For Young Entrepreneurs
• (00:30:49) - A message for Stevie Wonder
• (00:31:32) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: Faith, Family, and Fortitude: Jeff Pearson’s Journey to Rise Above Invisible Challenges.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney discusses the purpose of the podcast, thanking Mike Wiener for the introduction to Guest Jeff Pearson.
• Drew explains the concept of life being linear and how external circumstances can disrupt this linearity, leading to adversity.
• He introduces three types of men who face adversity: those who are unaware, those who blame others, and those who take massive action to become stronger.
• Drew invites Jeff Pearson to share his defining moment that transformed him from one of the first two types to the third type.

Jeff Pearson's Early Life and Defining Moment (2:08)

• Jeff Pearson recounts his early life, mentioning his parents' supportive approach to his condition, which included having multiple surgeries.
• Jeff shares that his parents encouraged him to live a normal life, despite his condition, which included brain surgeries.
• He describes his involvement in various activities like skateboarding, snowboarding, sports, music, and singing, which helped him maintain a positive outlook.
• Jeff emphasizes the importance of his parents' message that he could do anything he wanted, with God as his strength.

Impact of Surgeries and Parental Support (3:49)

• Drew acknowledges the importance of Jeff's parents' support and asks about the impact of his first surgery.
• Jeff recalls his childhood surgeries and the condition hydrocephalus, which required brain surgery to drain excess fluid.
• He shares that his first major brain surgery was at 18 years old, right after high school graduation, and he traveled the world with a music group shortly after.
• Jeff explains that his mindset of viewing surgeries as opportunities rather than barriers has helped him through each procedure.

Jeff's Career and Personal Life (10:31)

• Jeff discusses his career, including his time as a private investigator and security processor, and how he found fulfillment in this work.
• He mentions that his last brain surgery in 2021 ended his career in security, leading to a new opportunity in television.
• Jeff talks about meeting his wife in seventh grade band class and their journey together, including the impact of his surgeries on their family.
• He shares that his wife, Catherine, was supportive during his surgeries, and they have three children together.

Transition to Television and Advocacy (12:33)

• ...

• (00:00:00) - Jeff Pearson
• (00:02:40) - Jeff Pearson on The Importance of Adversity
• (00:07:27) - One of the Doctors with Hydrocephalus on Oprah
• (00:10:26) - One Colorado dad's battle with hydrocephalus
• (00:12:32) - Married in Seventh Grade... With a Band
• (00:14:38) - The First Surgery My Wife Had Was a Surprise
• (00:17:08) - Private Investigator and Armed Security at a Baseball Game
• (00:19:54) - Invisible Condition
• (00:22:29) - Bob the Hydrocephalus Warrior's Story
• (00:24:02) - Bradley on His Speaking
• (00:26:35) - Jeff Pearson on An Invisible Condition
• (00:30:16) - What Are You Going To Tell Young Jeff Pearson?
• (00:31:06) - Jeff Pearson
• (00:32:46) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: Beyond the Badge: How Stefan Bjes Is Changing the Way Police Understand Autism.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast (0:04)

• Host Drew Deraney and Guest Stefan Bjes discuss the purpose of the podcast, emphasizing the importance of facing adversity and becoming stronger.
• Drew introduces the concept of three types of men: those who ignore adversity, those who become victims, and those who see adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• Drew invites Stefan to share his defining moment that transformed him from a victim to a high performer.

Stefan's Defining Moments (2:12)

• Stefan Bjes recounts the diagnosis of his two youngest sons with autism in 2013, which was a significant turning point in his life.
• He describes the initial struggle and how his wife took the lead in advocating for their sons.
• In 2017, a viral video of a young man with autism interacting poorly with a police officer inspired Stefan to create training programs for law enforcement.
• Stefan explains how he combined his experience as a police officer and a trainer to develop classes on autism and disabilities for law enforcement officers.

Impact of Autism Diagnosis on Family (4:46)

• Drew shares his own experience of having a child diagnosed with autism at 14 and the challenges it brought.
• Stefan discusses the impact of the early diagnosis of his middle son and how his wife took the lead in advocating for their sons.
• Stefan emphasizes the importance of being a voice and advocate for his sons, especially in sports and school environments.
• Drew praises the strength of Stefan and his wife's marriage and how they supported each other through the challenges of raising children with autism.

Balancing Family and Professional Life (7:20)

• Drew asks about the impact of having children with autism on the neurotypical sibling.
• Stefan explains how he balanced supporting his sons with being present for his oldest son in sports and academics.
• He discusses his involvement in coaching adaptive sports for children with disabilities and how it helped his family.
• Drew and Stefan discuss the importance of forgiveness and partnership in their marriage, which has helped them persevere through challenges.

Professional Training and Impact (11:36)

• Drew shifts the conversation to Stefan's professional training and impact on law enforcement.
• Stefan describes his background in law enforcement training a...

• (00:00:00) - Steffan Baez on Autism Safety
• (00:03:13) - Disabled Police Officers on The Challenge
• (00:09:47) - Autism and the journey of diagnosis
• (00:10:56) - One Dad's Reaction to His First Boy's Autism Diagnosis
• (00:17:28) - The Secret to A Married Marriage
• (00:19:53) - One cop's autism training
• (00:22:06) - Autism Trainings
• (00:27:47) - Autism and the Police
• (00:30:02) - Autistic Kids Need Safety
• (00:32:33) - Impactful Lessons for Men
• (00:34:42) - Eat, Sleep, Win
• (00:36:26) - What To Tell The Young Entrepreneur
• (00:38:22) - Stefan On The Ellen Interview
• (00:38:58) - Living the Life You Want to Live

This episode: From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Chas Sampson on Confidence, Character, and the Power of Service.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Life's linear path vs. external circumstances. (0:04)

• Chas Sampson joins the podcast to discuss life's non-linear path.

Overcoming adversity and building confidence through childhood experiences and taking calculated risks. (1:05)

• Chas Sampson shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity and taking massive action to become a stronger person.
• Chas's parents instilled confidence in him from a young age, encouraging him to be brave and try new things.
• His first business venture at 12 years old was a lawn mowing service, which he expanded with the help of friends and lost control of due to lack of proper planning.

Personal growth, overcoming fear, and finding success through hard work and perseverance. (3:25)

• Chas shared his experiences working in various businesses in a small North Carolina town.
• He discussed how he overcame obstacles and built relationships with clients, including a white nationalist who taught him about finance and communication.
• Chas emphasized the importance of respect and persistence in business, citing his successful lawn mowing business and subsequent work at Winn Dixie Grocery Store and Sonic.

Military service, transitioning to civilian life, and sports agency work. (6:54)

• Chas explains how Military service taught him relationships matter, not tough acts.
• War criminals often lack love, attention, and empathy.
• Deployments showed Chas people want to be heard, respected, and loved.
• Chas had multiple career options after leaving the military, including working in finance, football, and sports agency.
• He invested in a pass-through draft for college athletes transitioning to the NFL, earning up to $100,000 in expenses and training.

Managing investment deals and NFL player representation. (11:54)

• Chas faces challenges managing opportunities in his business, including selling the company or focusing on NFL players.
• He prioritizes culture and team fit in hiring and growing his organization, using a strict evaluation process.
• Chas aims to provide balance and solve the mission for clients, while also growing his mentorship programs and organizations.
• He discusses different aspects of his job, including mortgage backed securities, mergers, and VA claims.
• Chas highlights the importance of adapting communication s...

• (00:00:00) - Adversity Is Not a Barrier
• (00:07:45) - Jim Crow on Caring For Others
• (00:10:10) - Working at 14 on a Work Permit
• (00:12:12) - Servants in the Military Speak Out
• (00:13:56) - The Best Lessons Learned While in the Military
• (00:16:17) - What was the biggest challenge coming out of the Military?
• (00:18:28) - NFL agent Damian Knight on becoming an NFL agent
• (00:20:35) - Private Wealth Management: Giving Back to the Community
• (00:21:41) - Have You Got What it Takes to Lead the Fed?
• (00:27:21) - What Do You Wear For Work?
• (00:27:40) - How AI Helped Veterans With Their VA Claims
• (00:30:13) - The VA Claims Process for Veterans
• (00:32:53) - Coach K on Advice For His Kids
• (00:34:24) - Drew Brees on Advice For Young Businessmen
• (00:36:09) - How to Live the Life You Want to Live