The Disruptive Capitalists

Sam Sells
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The Disruptive Capitalists – Where real estate meets innovation. Hosted by Sam Sells, impact investor and retired Air Force officer. We break down capital-raising, AI-driven investing, affordable housing solutions, and disruptive strategies to build wealth and impact. Featuring conversations with top investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in commercial real estate, multifamily investing, impact investing, and financial technology. New episodes weekly. Subscribe for real strategies — not theory.

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Episode 22: Why Everything You Were Told About Investing Is Wrong

    Jaden Sterling sits down with Sam Sells to share 35 years of hard-earned wisdom from the investment world, and why he's on a mission to disrupt it. Jaden breaks down the misleading nature of overly diversified portfolios and mutual funds, making the case for focused stock investing to maximize returns. He introduces his AI-powered portfolio assistant, now used by 2,500+ investors globally, which builds tailored stock portfolios based on individual risk tolerance and goals. Jaden also opens up about his journey toward financial education and transparency, and explores potential collaborations with Sam's AI tool, Percy, to further empower everyday investors. Subscribe for more conversations on finance, AI, and building wealth. Jaden's Social Media Linkhttps://www.youtube.com/@SterlingStockPicker Sam's Socials:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel ⁠facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com Follow Us:   Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon:  https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq Pandora:  https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 Disclaimer:    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    24 min

  2. 5 DAYS AGO

    Episode 21: From Broke After Rehab to 9 Figures (Then It All Went Wrong)

    What does it take to build a business to nearly nine figures — and what happens when it all starts to unravel? In this powerful conversation, Justin Lund gets real about his path from addiction recovery and financial hardship to entrepreneurial success, and the painful lessons learned when unchecked delegation led to a major financial crisis. Now a coach for growth-stage founders, Justin breaks down how mindset shifts, financial oversight, and smart delegation can make or break a business. The episode also features insights on AI-powered tools for community impact, investment fund strategies, and veteran-focused initiatives. Subscribe and leave a review if this episode resonates with you. Justin's Socials Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsjustinlund/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@itsJustinLund LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/justin-lund-propel/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/justin.lund.propel Sam's Socials:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel ⁠facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com     Follow Us:   Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon:  https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq Pandora:  https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132   Disclaimer:    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    24 min

  3. 4 FEB

    Episode 20: How Germany's $50B Coal Exit Is Creating Wealth for Small Investors | Thorsten Unger

    Gaming industry veteran Thorsten Unger joins the show to discuss his innovative work at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and ethical business. From eSports agencies finding profitability to Germany's ambitious 2030 coal phase-out, Thorsten shares how he's creating investment opportunities for everyday people in transitioning communities. The conversation covers the complexities of Germany's energy transition, the ethics of gaming monetization, and Thorsten's projects in education and museum design. He reveals his strategy for integrating AI and renewable energy into regions moving away from coal, while advocating for values-driven business practices that put community welfare ahead of pure profit. A thought-provoking discussion about using innovation and capital as forces for good in a changing world. Thorsten's Socials: linkedin.com/in/thorsten-unger-322a881 texentium.net Sam's Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel⁠ facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com Follow Us: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    42 min
  4. Episode 19: She Found a Way to Make Money AND End Homelessness

    26 JAN

    Episode 19: She Found a Way to Make Money AND End Homelessness

    In this episode, Dionne Payn joins host Sam Sells to discuss innovative approaches to affordable housing and community empowerment. Dionne shares her journey into ethical property development and her commitment to addressing the housing crisis through sustainable investments, including co-living apartments and eco-villages designed to provide affordable housing while generating returns for investors. The conversation explores the critical intersection of affordable housing and financial accessibility, with Dionne revealing her work on a groundbreaking fund that enables everyday women to invest in affordable housing projects—opportunities traditionally reserved for wealthy investors. Both emphasize the disproportionate impact of homelessness on women and the vital need for greater financial literacy. Dionne and Sam discuss how impact investing can combat homelessness while maintaining financial viability, sharing insights on navigating risks and creating positive community outcomes. Their shared vision highlights the power of collaborative efforts to transform lives through accessible housing and resource connections. Key Topics: •Ethical property development and sustainable housing solutions • Creating investment opportunities in affordable housing for everyday investors • The intersection of financial literacy and community empowerment • Impact investing that balances returns with social good • Addressing homelessness through collaborative, innovative approaches Dionne's Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionnepayn/ Website: www.women4homes.com Link.tree: https://linktr.ee/women4homes Sam's Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel⁠ facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com Follow Us: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon:  https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq Pandora:  https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    32 min

  5. 6 JAN

    Episode 18: “Millionaire Plans for Every Child” with Tony Bradshaw

    Tony Bradshaw joins host Sam Sells to share a bold vision for building wealth with purpose, starting with everyday families and kids. Tony explains why he prioritizes “millionaire plans” for employees and children over traditional business growth, and lays out his idea of a $10,000 trust fund for every child in America to create real, compounding wealth instead of symbolic gestures. Drawing from his personal finance journey, Tony talks about shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset, and why that mental change is the foundation of financial success. He and Sam explore the power of financial literacy, including Tony’s concept for a 12-year money curriculum for kids, and how better education could reduce entrepreneurial failure and transform communities long-term. The conversation also touches on mixed-income housing, reversing the flow of money from banks back to individuals, and practical ways to protect against corruption through decentralized financial structures. Throughout, Tony and Sam emphasize community, purpose, and surrounding yourself with people who push you toward growth, financially and personally. Follow Tony: tonybradshaw.com linkedin/in/tonybradshaw https://www.facebook.com/TonyBradshawFan/ https://www.instagram.com/tonybradshaw_ Sam's Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel ⁠facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com Follow Us: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    32 min

  6. 29/12/2025

    Episode 17: AI Is Rewriting Real Estate—Most Owners Aren’t Ready

    In this episode, Zulfiya Forsythe joins the conversation to unpack what real growth actually looks like, beyond hype, hustle, and expensive coaching programs. She shares candid thoughts on mentorship, questioning high-cost transformations, and the mindset required to pursue financial success while balancing family, time, and real-life responsibilities. Zulfiya brings deep insight from her background in accounting, property ownership, and property management technology, offering a thoughtful breakdown of affordable housing, Section 8 vs. public housing, and the financial realities investors often overlook. She also discusses her transition into tech and her expertise with Yardi, highlighting the operational challenges in real estate and construction-adjacent industries. A major theme of the episode is the growing role of AI and automation in property management, HVAC, and service-based businesses. Zulfiya explains why improving customer acquisition, retention, and operational efficiency through AI is no longer optional, and how adopting the right systems can create sustainable growth without burnout. Follow Zulfiya: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zulfiya-forsythe-akbarova-cpa-0214b98/ https://www.instagram.com/zulfiyaforsythe/ Sam's Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel⁠ facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠ instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists Follow Us: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    33 min

  7. 12/12/2025

    Episode 16: How Amanda Turned Wall Street Skills Into World-Changing Impact

    In this inspiring episode, Amanda shares how her journey from financial advisor to global philanthropist reshaped the way she thinks about money, impact, and leadership. She dives into her transformative experiences in Africa with The Hunger Project, revealing how micro-finance especially for women, can spark lasting, sustainable change. Joined by Sam, the conversation explores how capitalism, when used with intention, becomes a powerful tool for opportunity and empowerment. Amanda also reflects on how these lessons influence her people-first approach to financial advising, emphasizing alignment with clients’ values, priorities, and long-term goals. Authentic, eye-opening, and purpose-driven, this episode shows what happens when heart and strategy meet. Tune in to hear Amanda’s inspiring perspective on building wealth that truly makes a difference. Amanda's Socials: Insta @financechicks / @Wealth_Planning_Partners X @financechicks // @ WealthPP Sam's Socials: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel⁠ facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists Follow Us: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    19 min

  8. 18/11/2025

    Episode 15: The Retirement Crisis No One Talks About — And Steve Selengut’s Solution

    In this episode, veteran investment manager Steve Selengut joins the show for a powerful conversation on impact investing, retirement income strategies, and the human side of finance. With decades of experience, Steve challenges conventional Wall Street wisdom by emphasizing cash flow and income generation over traditional portfolio growth metrics.Steve explains why retirees, and anyone planning for financial independence should pay closer attention to income-producing securities, including high-yield assets and closed-end funds. He highlights how the financial industry’s obsession with assets under management often distracts from what truly matters: helping individuals build sustainable, reliable income streams.The discussion dives deep into the realities facing today’s retirees, from inadequate social security to rising living expenses, and the growing necessity of working longer. Steve shares insights from his book and his platform, The Income Coach, which offers tools designed to help people reach what he calls the “freedom point”—the moment when passive income exceeds living costs.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking a clearer path to financial independence, a deeper understanding of retirement income, or a refreshing, people-centered perspective on investing.Steve's Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/privateinvestmentmanagement/https://www.facebook.com/steve.selenguttheincomecoach.netSam's Socials: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists⁠ Follow Us:Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927⁠Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9⁠YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts⁠Amazon: ⁠https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq⁠Pandora: ⁠https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132⁠Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    23 min
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About

The Disruptive Capitalists – Where real estate meets innovation. Hosted by Sam Sells, impact investor and retired Air Force officer. We break down capital-raising, AI-driven investing, affordable housing solutions, and disruptive strategies to build wealth and impact. Featuring conversations with top investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in commercial real estate, multifamily investing, impact investing, and financial technology. New episodes weekly. Subscribe for real strategies — not theory.

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