Keep Hustling

Aaron Gordon

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Keep Hustling with Aaron Gordon (aka @nyriskadvisor) inspires listeners to keep hustling everyday. Guests are pushed to get past their WHY to the HOW. Episodes focus on the personal and professional challenges and successes of guests and the importance of embracing the hustle to overcoming challenges.

7 HR AGO

The Points Guy Hustle with Zach Griff

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Zach Griff (aka The Points Guy) to dive into his journey from a South Florida kid obsessed with credit card points to becoming a top travel and loyalty expert. Zach shares how he turned his passion for maximizing miles and loyalty programs into a thriving career, the realities of life on the road (and in the skies), and the hustle required to stay ahead in a constantly changing industry. He offers practical travel hacks for beginners, reveals his favorite airline experience, and discusses the importance of using your points instead of hoarding them. Additionally, Zach reflects on balancing family life with nonstop travel and leaves listeners with an inspiring message about being a person others respect and look up to, no matter what industry they're in. Get To Know Zack Griff Zach Griff is a seasoned travel and aviation expert, award-winning content creator, public speaker, and startup advisor. As a senior reporter at The Points Guy (TPG) since 2019, he delivers insightful coverage of the airline industry, travel and product reviews, and in-depth analyses of loyalty programs. Concurrently, Zach is pursuing an MBA at the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, further honing his expertise in business and strategy. A sought-after voice in the industry, Zach's work has been featured in prominent outlets such as The New York Times, The Washington Post, HuffPost, CNN, Fox News, BBC, and the Axios Today podcast, among others. His ability to break down complex travel trends and loyalty programs has earned him recognition as a trusted authority in the field. An avid traveler since 2012, Zach's passion for exploration began with a last-minute, business-class ticket to the Middle East redeemed through miles. Having visited 57 countries, he continues to share his global experiences through engaging storytelling and expert insights, inspiring others to navigate the world of travel with confidence. LinkedIn Instagram X 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Turn Passion Into a Career: Zach's story proves that obsessively pursuing what excites you, no matter how niche, can evolve into a rewarding profession. His childhood curiosity about credit cards and points became the foundation for his leadership at The Points Guy.  2. Maximize, Don't Hoard: Don't sit on opportunities waiting for the "perfect" moment. Zach encourages listeners to use their points (and by extension, their resources) boldly and wisely, emphasizing that doing is better than endlessly optimizing.  3. Adapt and Evolve Relentlessly: The changing landscape of travel, credit cards, and content platforms means constant reinvention is the key to long-term success. Zach's career reflects the importance of embracing change, learning new tools, and staying ahead in any industry. Show Overview 00:00 Unexpected Journey into Travel Hacking 05:53 Lifelong Passion and Evolution 07:24 Passion Drives Content Creation 12:31 Airline Loyalty Program Changes 15:51 Points Redemption: Finding Your Baseline 18:44 JetBlue Travel Challenge Enthusiasm 21:15 Beginner-Friendly Chase Points Strategy 24:05 "The Points Guy Needed for Travel" 27:26 "Luxury Travel Preference: Flights Over Hotels" 32:27 Embracing Integrity and Hustle

34 min
25 SEPT

The 100th Episode

In this milestone 100th episode of the Keep Hustling Podcast, host Aaron Gordon celebrates the journey of the show and expresses deep gratitude to listeners, guests, and the behind-the-scenes team who make it all possible. The episode features highlights from memorable interviews with a diverse group of hustlers—entrepreneurs, athletes, creatives, and industry leaders—each sharing the unique roots of their personal and professional drive. From stories of overcoming adversity and family influences to pivotal career moments and culture-shaping experiences, listeners gain inspiring perspectives on what it means to truly hustle. Aaron reflects on the common thread connecting every guest: a relentless pursuit of their own definition of success. The episode also acknowledges the importance of community, authenticity, and the lessons learned through consistent effort. As Aaron looks forward to more episodes, he reminds listeners to stay curious, hungry, and committed to doing well by doing good—concluding, as always, with the rallying cry: keep hustling. Keep Hustling Guests Featured: 1. Adam Schefter 2. Bradley Flowers 3. Mario the Monk Trotta 4. Ciara Gravier 5. Zoli Hoenig 6. Shlomo Levinger 7. Jacob Birn 8. Brett Young 9. Dave Levinger 10. Josh York 11. Ryan Hanley 12. David Abrams 13. Bob Nackel 14. Dan Luxembourg 15. Yaakov Langer 16. Scott Howell These guests represent a diverse range of backgrounds, including entrepreneurs, athletes, creatives, salespeople, mental health survivors, coaches, and industry leaders, all sharing their unique stories of hustle and perseverance. 3 Key Episode Takeaways 1. Define Your Own Hustle: Throughout episode 100, Aaron Gordon and his guests emphasize that there’s no single path to success. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, athlete, or creative, true hustle is about discovering what drives you, setting your unique goals, and relentlessly pursuing your own version of achievement—not someone else’s definition.  2. Leverage Your Background — No Matter Where You Start: The diverse stories shared, from Bradley Flowers’ upbringing surrounded by business owners to Ciara Gravier’s “rule-follower” mentality, remind us that both privilege and adversity can fuel hustle. Your roots—whether humble or fortunate—are a toolkit, not a limitation. Harness your upbringing as a source of motivation, learning, and strength.  3. Resilience Transforms Setbacks into Success: Guests like Josh York and Brett Young share experiences of overcoming difficult childhoods and professional downturns. The common thread is resilience: viewing struggle as a catalyst, not a stop sign. Their journeys illustrate that embracing setbacks and pushing through hard times are essential in building lasting success and personal growth.  Show Overview 00:00 Keep Hustling Podcast's 100th Episode Intro 04:25 Bradley Flowers' Entrepreneurial Roots 06:51 From Mario to the Monk 09:45 Fatburn: Startup Success Story 15:08 Self-Taught Through Music Piracy 16:37 Watch Now: Top American Hosts 20:59 Innovative Ad Strategy on WhatsApp 25:36 Career Transition and Resilience 27:05 Finding Identity Amidst Chaos 32:48 Defining Personal Hustle 38:51 Childhood TV Obsession Reflections 40:16 Scott Howell's Media Journey

44 min
18 SEPT

Teach, Hustle, Lead with Matt Krayton

On this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Matt Krayton to unpack his unconventional journey from aspiring teacher to seasoned political consultant and leadership coach. Matt discusses how early setbacks in education led him into politics, the importance of authentic leadership, and why Curiosity triumphs over judgment. Together, they reflect on the complexities of historical figures, the myths and realities of leadership, and how difficult conversations pave the way for growth—both in professional teams and personal development. Matt also shares his favorite motivational quote, encouraging listeners to stay curious and open-minded. This insightful episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to lead with impact and resilience. Get To Know Matt Krayton Matt is co-founder M2Aspire. He founded a national public affairs, strategic communications and political consulting firm, Publitics, 14 years ago. He has provided counsel to campaigns, candidates, elected officials, executives, founders, organizations, and brands for over a decade. He worked with Biden for President in 2020 on special projects including creating collateral for celebrity and influencer endorsements including NBA star Ben Simmons. His work on the campaign was recognized with a Campaigns and Elections Magazine Stanley F. Reed Award. Matt is an innovator focused on keeping clients on the cutting edge. In 2022, under his leadership, Publitics launched InfluenceIQ™, a suite of tools for identifying and reaching nodes of influence with key messages, testing creative, modeling and building audiences and developing effective messaging. In 2024, he launched InfluenceIQ Labs™, a strategic investment arm of Publitics with a focus on supporting startups in communications, media, and AI, while providing clients with access to the latest technologies. LinkedIn Instagram 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Redefine Leadership Beyond Charisma: Matt Krayton unpacks the common misconception that leadership is all about charisma and strength. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of developing true leadership skills, such as effective communication, self-awareness, and the ability to unite people around a shared purpose. His experience coaching political and corporate leaders illustrates that substance, not just style, is what separates good leaders from great ones. 2. Leverage Curiosity Over Judgment: Drawing inspiration from the motto “curiosity, not judgment,” Matt encourages listeners to approach challenges, feedback, and self-reflection with an open and inquisitive mindset. By choosing Curiosity instead of criticism, individuals and leaders can better understand themselves and others, improve relationships, and find more creative solutions to problems—fueling both personal growth and organizational progress. 3. Transform Setbacks into Opportunities: Matt’s millennial career journey—from aspiring teacher to political consultant and leadership coach—highlights the power of adaptability and persistence. Facing industry downturns, layoffs, and unexpected career pivots, Matt turned obstacles into stepping stones by staying open to new paths and betting on emerging trends like social media in politics. His story underscores that every setback can become a launchpad for a new chapter if you remain resourceful and proactive. Show Overview 00:00 Passion for Politics and Education 04:40 Teaching Joys and Drawbacks 07:37 Youthful Advantage in Social Media 12:21 Everyone Is Complicated 14:28 Inspiration, Politics, and Human Flaws 18:13 Future Views on Polarizing Presidents 19:37 Rethinking Charismatic Leadership 24:14 Unsung Heroes of Leadership 28:30 Redefining Effective Leadership Traits 29:27 Rethinking Leadership Beyond Influence 33:16 Mastering Difficult Conversations 37:02 Curiosity as a Superpower

39 min
11 SEPT

From Side Hustle to Success with Luke Van Der Veer 

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Luke Van Der Veer to explore the journey from a traditional 9-to-5 job to forging a successful path as an entrepreneur. Luke candidly shares how early side hustles and a restless dissatisfaction with corporate life pushed him to search for alternative ways to achieve both time and financial freedom. He details his progression through various online business models—including a stint in multi-level marketing—before discovering his niche in website rental, where he creates and ranks websites for local service niches, then rents them to contractors for passive income. Aaron and Luke discuss the risk, perseverance, and mindset required to break away from the "safe" route in favor of chasing long-term fulfillment, emphasizing that entrepreneurship isn't for everyone and the importance of self-discovery. Luke leaves listeners with the advice to accept short-term sacrifices for long-term gains and to define success on their own terms. This episode is packed with practical insights and motivational takeaways for anyone considering a non-traditional career path. Get To Know Luke Van Der Veer Luke Van Der Veer is the founder of Website Rental Coaching, where he teaches everyday people how to generate passive income by building and renting lead generation websites to local businesses. Over the past four years, he has helped hundreds of individuals escape the grind, grow their wealth, and design a life of freedom. Luke’s students have built six and seven-figure incomes, quit their jobs, and completely transformed their lifestyles. His proven system allows people to take control of their financial future without relying on traditional employment or high-risk investments. LinkedIn Instagram Facebook Website Rental Coaching 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Redefine Your Career Path: Luke Van Der Veer's story highlights the importance of questioning the traditional 9-to-5 trajectory. Instead of settling for the well-worn path, he actively explored unconventional ways to earn both time and financial freedom, ultimately discovering online business models that matched his aspirations and individuality. 2. Side Hustle with Strategic Vision: Luke demonstrates that building a successful side hustle isn't about reckless risk but about smart, stepwise progress. By experimenting with various online business models and not abandoning his day job prematurely, he maximized stability while reaching for greater freedom—all fueled by long-term vision and resilience through early setbacks. 3. Harness the Power of Persistence: Throughout Luke's journey, he faced skepticism from friends, family, and even failed ventures. However, his unwavering drive to "prove them wrong" and methodically test new ideas led to breakthrough moments. His experience underscores that perseverance and adaptability are critical for turning short-term sacrifices into long-term gains. Show Overview: 00:00 The Non-Traditional Career Path 04:34 Realizing and Pursuing Career Change 07:16 Rethinking the Corporate Ladder 11:06 Prioritizing Early Career Risks 15:21 Digital Real Estate Strategy 17:49 Evaluating Niche Market Opportunities 21:39 Introspection and Self-Empowerment 22:56 Entrepreneurship Requires Thoughtful Planning

26 min
4 SEPT

Faith, Football & Hustle with Ariel Meirov

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon welcomes Ariel Meirov, a prominent NFL newsbreaker, to discuss the behind-the-scenes journey of building a successful sports media brand while staying true to his Orthodox Jewish faith. Ariel shares the unique challenges of balancing religious observance—such as navigating the NFL draft schedule around the Sabbath—while remaining fully dedicated to both his personal beliefs and professional aspirations. The conversation highlights the significance of integrity, relationship-building, and demonstrating genuine respect for others in the business context. Ariel also opens up about career-defining moments, from forging relationships with NFL insiders to realizing he could turn his passion into a thriving career. He emphasizes that success doesn't always require being the loudest in the room and encourages listeners to be themselves and persist, regardless of the obstacles. The episode closes with Ariel's favorite motivational quote: "Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible,'" reflecting his inspiring outlook that perseverance and authenticity can make even the most unlikely dreams achievable. Get To Know Ariel Meirov Ari Meirov is a respected NFL Insider known for his comprehensive coverage of the National Football League. As a prominent figure in sports journalism, Meirov has built a reputation for delivering insightful analysis, breaking news, and detailed reporting on the ins and outs of the NFL. With a career that spans several years in sports media, Meirov has established himself as a trusted source for NFL news, leveraging his deep connections within the league to bring fans up-to-the-minute updates on trades, signings, injuries and behind-the-scenes action. His thorough understanding of the NFL's complexities and a keen eye for the sport's evolving landscape make him a go-to expert for followers eager for the latest developments. Before his current role, Meirov honed his skills in various capacities within the sports media world. He is recognized for his meticulous approach to research and ability to convey complex information in an accessible manner. Meirov's dedication to his craft has seen him develop from a passionate sports enthusiast into a professional whose insights contribute to the broader sports dialogue. Meirov's work often takes him across the country, where he is seen on the sidelines, at practices and in front offices, gathering the information that will feed the non-stop NFL news cycle. His presence on social media platforms has garnered a substantial following, with fans and professionals relying on his updates to understand the league. Meirov is appreciated not only for his factual reporting but also for his analysis. He breaks down team strategies, salary cap situations and draft prospects with an analytical eye, offering perspectives that help demystify the decisions made by team executives and the league office. In addition to his reporting, Meirov is known for his involvement in charitable activities, often using his platform to highlight important causes and encourage community involvement. His engagement with his audience goes beyond the professional realm, showing a genuine commitment to using his influence for a positive impact. Meirov's expertise is not just in collecting and disseminating news but in his ability to contextualize it within the broader narrative of the NFL. His work is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the league's inner workings, and his contributions to NFL journalism have been recognized by his peers and sports fans alike. As the NFL continues to grow and evolve, Meirov's role as an insider will undoubtedly become even more essential to those closely following the sport. LinkedIn Twitter/X Instagram The 33rd Team 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Integrate Personal Values into Professional Life: Ariel Meirov illustrates how staying true to one's religious and personal values doesn't have to conflict with a high-profile career. From flying to Seattle to balance his Shabbos observance with NFL draft coverage, his story proves that authenticity and ingenuity can coexist with ambition, inspiring listeners to honor their beliefs while pursuing success. 2. Success Comes from Consistency and Genuine Relationships: Ariel's journey from tweeting to almost no followers to being messaged by NFL stars and respected reporters is a testament to the power of persistence. His emphasis on relationship-building and letting the quality of his work speak for itself underlines that consistent effort and authenticity attract opportunities—even if recognition takes time. 3. Spotlight Others, Not Just Yourself: Instead of making his achievements the center of attention, Ariel focuses on elevating others through his reporting and his NFL Spotlight show, which highlights industry stories and journeys. His approach reveals that building a personal brand doesn't require self-promotion; real influence often arises from celebrating the successes of those around you. Show Overview: 00:00 Connections: The Power of Networking 05:26 Dual Perspectives: Faith and Profession 06:42 Understanding Orthodox Judaism's Devotion 12:14 NFL Coverage Without Self-Promotion 13:03 Defining Moment of Success 18:47 Success Without Conformity 20:53 Misunderstood Beauty of Football 25:20 Grateful Work Feels Like Joy 27:53 Jets' Transformation Under New Leadership 29:41 Nothing Is Impossible

32 min
28 AUG

Guided by Hustle with Brad Henderson 

On this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Brad Henderson to dive into the challenges and realities of leadership. Brad shares his personal journey of navigating isolation in leadership roles, learning from mistakes, and the importance of having the right mentors. They explore how true leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about empowering others, building strong teams, and leaving a lasting impact that goes beyond individual achievements. Brad discusses why leadership shouldn't be left to chance, the crucial role of emotional intelligence, and how positive mentorship can reshape organizations and legacies. The episode concludes with Brad's favorite motivational quote and actionable insights for anyone seeking to persevere through challenging times and lead with intention. Get To Know Brad Henderson Brad Henderson is a leadership coach and author of "The Consistency Effect." He believes leadership is too important to be left to chance. Drawing on four decades as a CEO and senior executive across real estate, telecommunications, technology, and manufacturing, Brad serves as a trusted, silent partner providing candid insights and unvarnished guidance leaders need to navigate their challenges and blind spots. What makes his coaching different? He doesn't just advise—he has lived it. He has made the tough decisions, led difficult conversations, and built high-performing teams that transformed organizations. When leaders receive the mentorship they deserve, they create organizations that elevate people and change the world. LinkedIn X Amazon 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embrace Leadership's Loneliness: Brad's story highlights that the higher you rise, the lonelier leadership can feel. True leaders must accept the isolation, seek out mentorship, and invest in building a supportive network to thrive at the top.  2. Be True To Yourself, Even If It Risks Your Position: Brad's pivotal career moment came when he chose personal integrity over corporate survival. His journey shows that staying authentic, even when it's tough, ultimately leads to greater success and fewer regrets.  3. Invest in Mentorship for Lasting Impact: Brad believes leadership is too important to leave to chance. Prioritizing mentorship and continuous coaching not only elevates organizations but also empowers future generations of leaders, creating a ripple effect of positive change.  Show Overview: 00:00 Navigating Leadership Challenges 04:07 Embracing Risk in Leadership 08:56 Leadership Blind Spots and Coaching 11:07 Leadership Education Gap 13:49 Unwanted Leadership Challenges 17:52 Effective Leadership Paradox 21:58 Legacy and Impact: Coaching Ripple Effect 23:54 Learn from Others' Mistakes

26 min
21 AUG

Hustle in Harmony with Ruben Gomez

In the latest episode of *Keep Hustling*, Aaron Gordon chats with Ruben Gomez, a Venezuelan entrepreneur living in Omaha, Nebraska. Ruben opens up about his struggles with anxiety and depression after relocating to the US and adjusting to the harsh Midwest winters. He discusses how the changing seasons shape our routines, overall performance, and mental well-being. Ruben emphasizes the importance of creating flexible, seasonal routines instead of clinging to rigid, year-round schedules – a shift that has been vital for his personal and professional development. Together with Aaron, Ruben highlights the significance of finding harmony and balance in hustle culture, challenging the common belief that success relies on constant grinding. The episode is packed with practical advice on how to tailor your habits to fit the different seasons of life. Ruben leaves us with a thought-provoking insight on the value of reconnecting with our roots by being mindful of the natural cycles around us. Quote to Remember: "Understanding the seasons in your life is probably the most important thing we have to go back to…going back to our roots is what we need, which is simply paying attention to the seasonal changes in our environment." – Ruben Gomez Get To Know Ruben Gomez Ruben Gomez is the founder of The Seasonal Movement, a project dedicated to transforming lives by connecting the science of epigenetics with the natural rhythms of the seasons. With over 10 years of research and development, Ruben created the Epigenetic Seasonal Programming Method. This method helps individuals align their unique inner biology with their current environmental patterns, enabling them to live with greater harmony, energy, and purpose. Known for his holistic and innovative approach, Ruben is deeply committed to a global mission: to elevate the consciousness and frequency of humanity, one mind at a time by guiding individuals to become aware of their unique genes and the natural seasonal rhythms of their environment, guiding them to build routines that are aligned with their seasonall environment, ultimately leading to sustainable success one season at the time. Guiding individuals to show up as their best selves, not by striving to do more, but by achieving more with less effort LinkedIn Instagram Facebook 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Embrace Seasonal Rhythm for Success: Ruben explains how syncing your routines with the natural cycles of the seasons can boost both productivity and well-being. Adapting your schedule to your environment, rather than resisting it, is crucial for maintaining high performance sustainably. 2. Redefine Hustle with Flow and Alignment: Real hustle isn’t about grinding non-stop; it’s about finding alignment with your life’s rhythms. Ruben and Aaron both agree that changing our perspective on hustle can help us keep the momentum going without burning out. 3. Flexibility is Key to Long-Lasting Habits: The belief in a one-size-fits-all routine is misleading and often leads to failure. Ruben’s experiences reveal that adapting your habits as life and seasons change is the true secret to building routines that last. Show Overview: 00:00 Invisible Wall Breakthrough 04:39 Springtime Challenges: Maintaining Success 07:18 Embrace Vulnerability and Balance 11:09 Seasonal Impact on Personal Goals 14:12 Replacing Hustle with Alignment 18:00 Hustle and Flow Dynamics 19:54 Optimizing Biological Rhythms 25:11 The Privilege of Avoiding Grind 26:47 Embrace Seasonal Wisdom

29 min
14 AUG

Hustling for Financial Freedom with Joel Miller

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Joel Miller, a financial planner passionate about empowering clients to achieve financial freedom and generational wealth. Joel shares his journey from Chicago to the Twin Cities and dives deep into the myths and mistakes younger clients make—especially the misconception that financial planning is only for the ultra-wealthy or those near retirement. The conversation explores the snowball effect of small financial decisions, the importance of “penciling in” goals instead of seeking perfection, and why budgeting and estate planning matter at any income level. Joel also highlights creating lasting value through flat-fee services and stresses the impact of making confident financial decisions. The episode closes with motivational advice to “be the change you want to see in the world.” Get To Know Joel Miller Joel Miller is the founder and CEO of Flames Financial Planning, a flat-fee, membership-based financial planning firm dedicated to bringing peace and freedom to clients' financial lives, regardless of their net worth. The firm combines comprehensive services, including investment strategy, financial planning, tax filing, and estate planning, into one approachable subscription model. Outside of work, Joel is a strong advocate for the idea that physical fitness directly enhances overall well-being and professional performance. An avid cyclist, he has completed three 70.3 Half Ironman triathlons. In his view, when fitness begins to slip in priority, work and finances often follow suit. YouTube Instagram 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Progress Over Perfection: Joel emphasizes that striving for perfection can actually hold you back—what matters most is taking the first step and making consistent progress, even if your plans aren’t “set in stone.” This mindset shift can jumpstart your financial (and personal) growth journey.  2. Busting the Passive Income Myth: Many young professionals believe owning rental property is the only path toward financial freedom. Joel debunks this, stressing that there are many wealth-building strategies and that understanding your income, expenses, and goals matters more than chasing trends.  3. Confidence Transforms Hustle: Having a clear plan for your finances isn’t just about numbers—it builds confidence that spills over into every area of life. Joel explains how simplifying your financial life enables you to make more empowered decisions, freeing up energy to pursue what truly matters.  Show Overview: 00:00 Targeting Younger Clients for Services 03:59 "Impact of Small Financial Decisions" 09:29 Rethinking the Modern American Dream 12:59 Value of Early Consultation 13:40 Fear of Investing in Self-Improvement 17:20 Innovative Flat-Fee Financial Planning 22:18 Estate Planning: A Gift of Love 25:19 Open Communication for Financial Guidance 27:12 Gratitude and Opportunity Invitation

29 min

Keep Hustling with Aaron Gordon (aka @nyriskadvisor) inspires listeners to keep hustling everyday. Guests are pushed to get past their WHY to the HOW. Episodes focus on the personal and professional challenges and successes of guests and the importance of embracing the hustle to overcoming challenges.

Creator

Aaron Gordon
Years Active

2023 - 2025
Episodes

101
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Aaron Gordon
Show Website

Keep Hustling