FailCraft

Ezekiel Iferia

FailCraft is a podcast about the messy, real side of success. Host Ezekiel Iferia dives into the stories of creators, founders, and everyday people who turned setbacks into stepping stones. From failed ideas to reborn dreams, each episode uncovers how failure shapes mastery — and why learning to fall is part of learning to fly.

  1. 18 HR AGO

    The "Defer, Defer, Defer" Trap: Why Your 401k is a Time Bomb - Lance Mays

    We’ve been told for decades to "defer" our taxes and put money into 401ks and IRAs. But what if that advice is actually setting you up for a financial crisis in retirement? Lance Mays, financial strategist and author of Zero is Your Hero, joins the show to expose "The Reckoning"—the moment retirees realize the government is coming for a massive chunk of their savings. He explains why the mantra of "you'll be in a lower tax bracket when you retire" is often a myth and why following the herd could cost you your financial freedom. This episode dives into the FailCraft theme of challenging broken systems. Lance breaks down the "Three Lost Deductions" that blindside retirees (Mortgage, Kids, Charity) and shares his strategy for achieving a retirement with Zero Taxes, Zero Risk, and Zero Losses. In this episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: * The Reckoning: Why deferring taxes is a ticking time bomb for your nest egg. * Why 90% of financial advisors might be giving you bad advice. * The "Three Lost Deductions" in retirement: Home Interest, Children, and Charity. * How to take control back from the "Government Plan" regarding your money. * The critical importance of planning for long-term healthcare costs. * Why "Education" is the first step to stopping the financial bleeding. * Lance's definition of true success: Peace of mind regarding future bills. This episode is for anyone worried about outliving their savings, looking to minimize taxes legally, or questioning if traditional retirement advice is actually working. Connect With Lance Mays: * Book: Zero is Your Hero (Amazon, Barnes & Noble) * Website: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/zero-is-your-hero-lance-a-mays/1148602309 Support the Show: * Fuel the FailCraft Mission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme * Subscribe and leave a review! * Share this episode if it resonated! Want to Be a Guest on FailCraft? * Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch * PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Hook: The "Defer, Defer" Trap 01:05 Introduction: Lance Mays & The Reckoning 02:33 What is "The Reckoning"? 04:00 The 401k & IRA Tax Reality 06:05 The 3 Lost Deductions: Mortgage, Kids, Charity 08:00 Why Taxes Might Go Up, Not Down 11:07 Taking Control Back from the Government 13:20 The Threat of Healthcare Costs 14:35 The First Step: Education & "Knowing the Time" 16:37 Lance's Definition of True Success 18:39 How to Get the Book

    21 min
  2. 1 DAY AGO

    Hit by a Car at 55mph: The Champion's Mindset - JC Chamberlain

    How does a man survive being hit broadside by a car traveling at 55 mph while riding his bicycle, then defy surgeons who told him he'd never ride again? JC Chamberlain, a national cycling champion and serial entrepreneur, shares his harrowing story of survival and recovery. He reveals how a skill he learned at age six—reframing obstacles into opportunities—saved his life when he woke up in trauma care. This episode dives into the FailCraft theme of building resilience before the crisis hits. JC explains his concept of "Emotional Wealth" bank accounts and how he drew upon them during his darkest days. Discover why his mother told him "Nothing is going to be okay" to prepare him for life, how he handled the loss of his "Champion Persona", and the practical steps to rebuild your life when everything is shattered. In this episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: * JC's "Rock Bottom": The 55mph crash that nearly ended his life. * The "Reframing" Skill: Learned at age 6 when diagnosed with rheumatic fever. * Why surgeons walked out of the room when he promised to ride again. * The concept of "Emotional Wealth" bank accounts (and how to deposit daily). * The devastating moment his brother told him his "Champion Persona" might be gone forever. * How to use "Big Dreams" and "Small Work" to recover from total loss. * Why JC believes you must come to life "Over-Prepared." * His definition of true success: Happiness in the process. This episode is for anyone recovering from a physical trauma, entrepreneurs facing a business collapse, or listeners who want to build a reserve of resilience for the future. Connect With JC Chamberlain: * Book: Antidote (Amazon) * Website: https://antidotethebook.com/ Support the Show: * Fuel the FailCraft Mission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme * Subscribe and leave a review! * Share this episode if it resonated! Want to Be a Guest on FailCraft? * Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch * PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Hook: "You'll Never Ride Again" 01:13 Introduction: JC Chamberlain's Story 01:53 The Crash & The History of Reframing Obstacles 04:24 The Emotional Wealth Bank Account Concept 07:05 Losing the "Champion Persona" 08:37 Leading in Business After Near-Death 10:26 Creating Community in Vulnerability 12:08 Advice for the Broken: Dream Big, Work Small 14:03 JC's Definition of True Success 15:32 How to Connect & Get the Book

    17 min
  3. 2 DAYS AGO

    Told I'd Never Have Kids: Healing Chronic Illness & Self-Worth - Amy Lenius

    What happens when doctors tell you as a teenager that you will be in pain forever, you might never have children, and your only option is a hysterectomy? Amy Lenius, Director of Group Coaching at Next Level University, shares her powerful journey of rejecting that prognosis. She opens up about the physical and emotional rock bottom of chronic illness and the radical decision to stop all standard treatments in her 20s to reclaim her health. This episode dives into the FailCraft theme of rebuilding identity from scratch. Amy explains why true healing isn't always "love and light"—sometimes it's gritty, uncomfortable, and met with resistance. Discover the critical difference between "Self-Belief" and "Self-Worth", how to stop fighting your body's cyclical nature, and the practical "State, Prove, Self-Assign" method to build unshakable confidence. In this episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: * Amy's "Rock Bottom": Being told she was broken and infertile as a teen. * The controversial reality: Why some people unconsciously fight *against* their own healing. * The 3 Pillars of Success: Self-Worth, Self-Belief, and Consistency. * Why having high Self-Belief (Efficacy) doesn't mean you have high Self-Worth (Value). * The "State, Prove, Self-Assign" formula to build confidence immediately. * Women's Cyclical Nature: Why you shouldn't expect the same productivity every week. * How to stop "performing" personal development and start living it. * Amy's advice for anyone currently in the thick of a health battle. * Her definition of true success: Holistic Abundance. This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, women looking to understand their energy cycles, or anyone who feels successful on the outside but unworthy on the inside. Connect With Amy Lenius: * Community: https://web.facebook.com/groups/thenextlevelnation?_rdc=1&_rdr# * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amylenius Support the Show: * Fuel the FailCraft Mission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme * Subscribe and leave a review! * Share this episode if it resonated! Want to Be a Guest on FailCraft? * Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch * PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Hook: "No Cure, No Kids" 01:05 Introduction: Amy Lenius & Chronic Illness 01:38 The Diagnosis: Hitting Physical Rock Bottom 03:42 Why Healing Isn't Always "Love & Light" 06:40 The Difference Between Self-Belief vs. Self-Worth 08:30 How to Build Confidence (State, Prove, Self-Assign) 10:56 Understanding Women's Cyclical Nature 12:56 Advice for the Chronically Ill: Be Your Own Advocate 14:35 Amy's Definition of True Success 15:45 How to Join the Next Level Nation

    17 min
  4. 6 DAYS AGO

    Fortune 50 Exec Quits: The Quiet Crisis of Not Mattering - John R. Miles

    What makes a Fortune 50 executive and former U.S. Navy officer walk away from the pinnacle of career success? John R. Miles, founder of Passion Struck® and host of a podcast with 75 million downloads, reveals the "Quiet Crisis" of meaning that is plaguing modern society. He describes the moment he stood in the C-suite, having achieved everything he dreamed of, only to feel completely hollow inside. This episode dives into the FailCraft theme of rejecting society's script. John explains why we are living through a "mattering epidemic," where people feel unseen and replaceable by technology. Discover the terrifying moment of being held at gunpoint during a home invasion that changed his life, why he believes "The Angler's Mindset" is crucial for intentional living, and the actionable steps to bridge the gap between the life you have and the life you want. In this episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: * John's "Rock Bottom": Feeling hollow despite C-suite success. * The "Mattering Crisis": Why 14,000 Netflix employees were cut and what it means for you. * The Home Invasion Story: How facing death (and a friend's suicide) sparked reinvention. * Why we must return to the "Blacksmith Economy" of solopreneurs. * The "Visionary Arsonist": The brain bully that keeps you stuck in a safe life. * The "Mission Angler" Analogy: How to stop drifting and start catching the life you want. * Why high achievers actually *welcome* dark moments. * John's definition of true success: Living intentionally. This episode is for high performers feeling empty, anyone navigating a mid-life pivot, or listeners looking for a science-backed framework to find their purpose. Connect With John R. Miles: * Website: https://johnrmiles.com/ * Book: Passion Struck (Amazon) Support the Show: * Fuel the FailCraft Mission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme * Subscribe and leave a review! * Share this episode if it resonated! Want to Be a Guest on FailCraft? * Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch * PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Hook: "We've Been Living a Lie" 01:16 Introduction: John R. Miles & Passion Struck 01:49 The "Quiet Crisis" of Meaning & Loneliness 03:22 Leaving the C-Suite: The Hollow Victory 05:37 Overcoming the Fear of Reinvention 08:17 The Netflix Layoffs & The Mattering Gap 11:10 The Home Invasion & Suicide: A Wake-Up Call 13:32 How High Achievers Handle Dark Moments 15:05 The "Mission Angler" Strategy for Intentional Living 18:07 John's Definition of True Success 18:55 How to Connect with John

    19 min
  5. 29 JAN

    Why "Feeling It To Heal It" Is Dangerous - Steven Hoskinson

    We are often told that to heal trauma, we must "feel it to heal it" and dig deep into our past pain. But what if that approach is actually making you worse? Steven Hoskinson, founder of Organic Intelligence® and a pioneer in Post-Trauma Growth, joins the show to challenge the status quo of modern therapy. He shares the terrifying moment early in his career when a standard trauma session caused a client to re-experience a surgical nightmare, proving to him that the "gold standard" of digging into pain can be dangerous. This episode dives into the FailCraft theme of questioning the system when it fails. Steven explains why he abandoned the "Negativity Bias" of traditional psychology to focus on biology-based healing. Discover why looking outward (Orientation) is more effective than looking *inward*, and how to grow your capacity for joy without reliving your worst memories. In this episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: * Steven's "Me Search": Why he felt he was failing as a human being. * The fatal flaw in Freud’s "Archeological Dig" approach to therapy. * The Turning Point: When a client was re-traumatized by a standard session. * Organic Intelligence: Why natural healing looks like a normal conversation. * The "Negativity Bias": Why our brains are hijacked by what’s wrong. * Practical Tool: "Orientation" – Why looking at your environment calms the brain better than analyzing feelings. * Why "Post-Traumatic Growth" is different from just surviving. * Steven's definition of true success: Recognizing shortcomings without judgment. This episode is for anyone feeling stuck in "talk therapy," practitioners looking for a safer way to heal, or anyone who feels like digging into their past is only causing more pain. Connect With Steven Hoskinson: * Website & Training: https://organicintelligence.org/ * Coach Certification: https://organicintelligence.org/oi-coach-certification/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenhoskinson/ Support the Show: * Fuel the FailCraft Mission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme * Subscribe and leave a review! * Share this episode if it resonated! Want to Be a Guest on FailCraft? * Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch * PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Hook: The Danger of Re-Traumatization 01:03 Introduction: Steven Hoskinson & Organic Intelligence 01:45 "Research is Me-Search": The Personal Struggle 03:20 The Problem with "Digging for Roots" (Freud vs. Biology) 05:25 The Turning Point: When Therapy Made a Client Worse 08:50 What is Organic Intelligence? (Healing via Conversation) 12:11 The Negativity Bias: Why We Focus on What's Wrong 14:30 Practical Tool: "Orientation" (Look Outward, Not Inward) 17:51 Finding Wholeness: Receiving "Postcards from Home" 19:39 Steven's Definition of True Success 20:30 How to Find an OI Coach

    21 min
  6. 28 JAN

    Fired After Generating 5-Figure Monthly Revenue: The Truth About Agencies - Phil Bacon

    What happens when you generate massive revenue for a company, only to walk in one morning and find your belongings in a box? Phil Bacon, a marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience, shares the brutal reality of agency life. He describes the shock of being fired immediately after growing a new revenue stream from zero to five figures a month, and how that moment pushed him to build his own empire. This episode dives into the FailCraft theme of turning professional betrayal into personal power. Phil explains his "Potato Marketing Method"—focusing on the unsexy fundamentals that actually drive growth. Discover the most expensive marketing mistake he ever made (getting sued by a former employer), the £10k email strategy, and why chasing "shiny objects" is the fastest way to fail. In this episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: * Phil's "Rock Bottom": Being fired after delivering record profits. * The "Cease and Desist" Nightmare: Why you must check your employment contract. * The "Potato Marketing Method": Why unsexy fundamentals win over trends. * The VR Headset Disaster: Running a mile to save a trade show demo. * Why "More Leads" is the wrong goal for most businesses. * How to audit your marketing to stop burning cash immediately. * The difference between "Shiny Object Success" and real respect. * Phil's definition of true success: Valued opinion over Porsche ownership. This episode is for marketing professionals navigating agency politics, business owners tired of burning money on ads, or anyone who has been fired when they deserved a promotion. Connect With Phil Bacon: * Potato Marketing Scorecard: https://scorecards.marketingmanaged.agency/potato-marketing-method * Website: https://marketingmanaged.agency/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipbacon/ Support the Show: * Fuel the FailCraft Mission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme * Subscribe and leave a review! * Share this episode if it resonated! Want to Be a Guest on FailCraft? * Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch * PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Hook: Fired After Record Success 01:00 Introduction: Phil Bacon's Marketing Journey 01:19 The Firing: Finding the Box in the Boardroom 04:15 The Pivot: Launching an Agency & Getting Sued 05:18 The Most Expensive Mistake: Not Getting Paid Upfront 07:15 The VR Headset Disaster Story 10:20 The "Potato Marketing Method" Explained 13:33 How to Stop Burning Marketing Cash 15:44 Why "Leads" Isn't Always the Metric 17:45 Phil's Definition of True Success 19:42 How to Connect & Get the Scorecard

    21 min
  7. 26 JAN

    From Window Fitter to £3.5M: Why Success Felt Like Failure - Chris Archer

    How does a man who left school at 16 with no plan build a business to £3.5 million in revenue, only to find himself more trapped than ever? Chris Archer, founder of SME Success and the Growth Club, shares the hidden reality behind the bank statements. He describes the trap of running on "Owner Power," where the business grows but the founder quietly burns out behind the scenes. This episode dives into the FailCraft theme of success without freedom. Chris explains how he went from earning £40k to managing millions, the imposter syndrome that came with it, and the specific systems he built to get his life back. Discover the "Train Track" method for mapping customer journeys and why chasing the "Ferrari and Yacht" version of success might be making you miserable. In this episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: * Chris's Journey: From window fitter to multi-7-figure business owner. * The "Owner Power" Trap: Why your business shouldn't run through you. * The hidden cost of 70-hour weeks on family and mental health. * Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Earning £40k vs. £3.5M. * The "Train Track" Exercise: A simple visual to systemize your sales process. * How to separate "Urgent" from "Important" when you are drowning. * Why "Success on Paper" often feels like failure in real life. * Chris's definition of true success: Freedom of choice. This episode is for business owners who feel like they have built a job instead of a company, entrepreneurs on the brink of burnout, or anyone looking to scale without losing their sanity. Connect With Chris Archer: * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-archer-sme/ Support the Show: * Fuel the FailCraft Mission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme * Subscribe and leave a review! * Share this episode if it resonated! Want to Be a Guest on FailCraft? * Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch * PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Hook: The Business Doesn't Care If You're Tired 01:22 Introduction: Chris Archer's Story 02:01 The £3.5M Trap: Success on Paper vs. Reality 06:05 The Hidden Costs of "Owner Power" 09:05 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome at Scale 11:06 The "Train Track" System: Mapping the Journey 14:17 Practical Steps to Get Your Life Back 15:52 Chris's Definition of True Success 17:08 Inside the Growth Club 19:15 How to Connect with Chris

    20 min
  8. 24 JAN

    From Invisible to Influencer: The 4 Stages of Leadership - Rahul Karan Sharma

    Are you stuck in the "Invisible Stage" of your career, where nobody asks for your input and no one would notice if you weren't there? Rahul Karan Sharma, a Leadership Strategist and Forbes Coaches Council member, breaks down the silent struggle of corporate leadership. He shares his own experience of hitting a wall where his hard work didn't translate to fulfillment, leading to the realization that he was in the wrong "sweet spot." This episode dives into the FailCraft theme of moving from uncertainty to unshakable confidence. Rahul introduces his signature CLIMB Framework (Confidence & Collaboration), detailing the four stages of a leader's journey: Invisible, Potential, Achiever, and Influencer. Discover why people don't actually resist change (they resist being told to change) and the practical "5-Person Exercise" to regain your confidence when you feel burnt out. In this episode of FailCraft, you’ll discover: * Rahul's "Rock Bottom": Working hard but feeling misplaced and burnt out. * The "Invisible Stage": Why new leaders feel ignored and forgotten. * The CLIMB Framework: Cultivate, Leverage, Integrate, Magnify, Build. * The trap of the "Achiever Stage": Chasing bonuses while losing purpose. * Why 80% of organizations fail to groom leaders before promoting them. * The "Inside-Out" approach to change: Why we love vacations but hate corporate pivots. * A practical exercise to cure burnout: Ask 5 people *this* specific question. * Rahul's definition of true success: "Living the dream" through presence and sleep. This episode is for first-time managers feeling overwhelmed, corporate professionals stuck in the "Achiever" trap, or anyone looking to build a lasting legacy in their career. Connect With Rahul Karan Sharma: * Website: https://www.rahulkaransharma.com/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkaransharma/ Support the Show: Support the Show: * Fuel the FailCraft Mission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme * Subscribe and leave a review! * Share this episode if it resonated! Want to Be a Guest on FailCraft? * Reach out to Ezekiel on PodMatch * PodMatch Host Profile: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters: 00:00 Hook: The "Invisible Stage" of Leadership 01:09 Introduction: Rahul Karan Sharma 01:48 The Burnout: Working Hard but Losing Purpose 05:03 The Feeling of Uncertainty: Bringing Stress Home 06:43 Psychology of Change: Why We Resist Being Told What To Do 08:10 The CLIMB Framework: From Invisible to Influencer 11:24 The Trap of the "Achiever" Stage 15:35 The Silent Struggle of First-Time Managers 18:44 Practical Step: The "5-Person Feedback" Exercise 21:40 Rahul's Definition of True Success 23:42 How to Connect & Get a Free Book

    25 min

About

FailCraft is a podcast about the messy, real side of success. Host Ezekiel Iferia dives into the stories of creators, founders, and everyday people who turned setbacks into stepping stones. From failed ideas to reborn dreams, each episode uncovers how failure shapes mastery — and why learning to fall is part of learning to fly.