The Hidden Entrepreneur Show with Josh Cary

Josh Cary
  • 4.9 (40)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Semimonthly

Josh Cary spent 40 years in hiding. That's right! He was hiding every part of himself in every situation, showing up in personal, social, and business trying to be the person he believed others expected of him. After feeling utterly exhausted from wearing that mask, and knowing deep down he is cut out for much more in this life, Josh ripped off the mask and is now on a mission to help other business-savvy professionals 'unmask' themselves too. Hear honest stories from successful entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners who were also once in the darkest of hiding places so you may rediscover your world, connect beautifully with others, and excel in all you set out to do. Hiding Sucks. Are you ready for the new score? Fear: Zero. You: Won.

  1. 4d ago

    Why Doing More Is Keeping Your Business Stuck (Do This Instead) with Michael Marcial

    What if reaching the next level in business requires you to do less, not more? Michael Marcial returns to The Hidden Entrepreneur Show for a deeply honest conversation about money, identity, sales, entrepreneurship, and the hidden complexity that keeps founders stuck. Michael has been part of Josh Cary’s journey since before The Hidden Entrepreneur existed. He appeared on the very first episode and has remained a trusted friend, coach, and business strategist throughout the show’s more than 450 episodes. In this conversation, Michael challenges the popular idea that success comes from constantly reinventing yourself. Instead, he argues that meaningful growth is often a process of subtraction. Remove the responsibilities that do not belong to you. Stop trying to become great at everything. Find the right people who can see what you cannot. Michael also reveals why growing companies often scale their sales leaks alongside their revenue, how founders accidentally bring desperation into sales conversations, and why more artificial intelligence feedback does not always produce better results. This episode is for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, and business leaders who want to simplify their growth, improve sales performance, and build a business around their actual strengths. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Receiving Is a Business Skill: How dismissing praise, accomplishments, and recognition may reveal a deeper difficulty receiving money, opportunity, and success. The Danger of Scaling Complexity: Why adding more people, systems, technology, and automation can increase your problems instead of solving them. Why Your Current Thinking Cannot Create Every Future Result: How growth plans created entirely from your present limitations may keep producing incremental progress. Why Growth Is a Game of Subtraction: How removing tasks, expectations, and false responsibilities can create more meaningful business growth. The Power of “Who,” Not “How”: Why finding the right partner or specialist may be more valuable than teaching yourself another skill. How Founders Create Their Own Sales Leaks: Why business owners may unknowingly hire the same personalities, repeat the same patterns, and reproduce the same disappointing results. Why More Leads May Not Fix Your Sales Problem: How spending more on advertising can hide weaknesses in your sales conversations and conversion process. What “Commission Breath” Sounds Like: How urgency and desperation subtly enter a sales call, even when the closer follows the script perfectly. Why Human Sales Intelligence Still Matters: How tone, energy, timing, and nuance can reveal problems that artificial intelligence may overlook. The One Thing Your Sales Team Needs to Improve: Why focused feedback on one critical behavior can be more effective than receiving hundreds of automated recommendations. How to Stop Performing Your Success: Michael’s honest reflection on using social media to project the image of a successful entrepreneur and why that version eventually stopped feeling authentic. The Difference Between Reinvention and “Unselfing”: Why Michael believes you do not need to manufacture another identity. You may simply need to remove everything that is not truly you. Why Partnership Creates Leverage: How the right partner can recognize, translate, and scale the abilities you are too close to see in yourself. How to Accept Your Strengths Without Feeding Your Ego: Why some entrepreneurs exaggerate their abilities while others normalize their greatest gifts and fail to recognize their value. The Personal Meaning Behind Michael’s “Forarm” Tattoo: The powerful story of his daughter, one of the darkest periods of his life, and the reminder that keeps him moving forward. Visit https://collected.cash/ for more details

  2. Jul 9

    How to Build a Brand Without Becoming Another Empty Influencer with Erik Cabral

    What does it really mean to build a personal brand today? In this episode of The Hidden Entrepreneur Show, Josh Cary is joined by longtime friend, colleague, and business partner Erik Cabral, along with 710 WOR and Fox News personality Natalie Migliori, for a lively and thoughtful conversation about aging, identity, storytelling, podcasting, and the difference between influence and true authority. This conversation moves from funny generational throwbacks and unexpected life stories to deeper insights about insecurity, self-awareness, media, and what it takes to become someone people actually want to listen to. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, podcast host, business leader, or creator trying to build visibility in a noisy world, this episode offers a grounded look at personal branding, podcasting, and thought leadership that is rooted in real experience rather than surface level attention. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeThe Difference Between Influence and Authority: Why building a personal brand is not about pretending to be important, but becoming someone with real value, perspective, and experience to share. Why Experience Changes Everything: Eric reflects on moving from corporate America into entrepreneurship, and how confidence often comes from doing the work long enough to stop needing to prove yourself. The Role of Insecurity in Growth: Josh, Eric, and Natalie explore how insecurity shows up in performance, media, business, and life, and why self awareness can become a turning point. How Storytelling Gives Meaning to Life: From a child being born in a car to memories of radio, mixtapes, Friends, and appointment television, the episode shows how stories become the connective tissue between generations. Why Podcasting Is Only One Piece of the Media Puzzle: Eric shares how modern visibility now includes podcasts, YouTube, stages, books, workshops, and community building. The Power of Building an Ecosystem Around Your Brand: For entrepreneurs and leaders, the goal is no longer simply to be on one platform. The real opportunity is to create a media ecosystem that builds trust, authority, and business. Why Community Still Matters: Natalie points out that the best brands give people a place to connect, discuss, and feel part of something meaningful.

  3. Jun 23

    Why Some People Instantly Connect With an Audience and Others Don't with Jackie Morgan

    What actually makes someone unforgettable on camera? Is it confidence? Sales ability? Charisma? Or is it something much simpler and much harder to fake? In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with former QVC on-air personality and fashion industry veteran Jackie Morgan for a conversation that goes far beyond television and retail. What starts as a discussion about live selling and audience connection quickly turns into a deeply personal conversation about intuition, grief, human connection, performance, relationships, and Jackie’s firsthand survival story from 9/11. Jackie spent years inside millions of homes through live television. But what made viewers stay loyal to her had nothing to do with polished scripts or sales tactics. It was her ability to feel real in a world where most people perform. This episode is part masterclass on audience connection and part raw human conversation about life, loss, reinvention, and why authenticity still wins. If you’re a creator, entrepreneur, performer, salesperson, podcast host, or simply someone fascinated by human behavior and communication, this episode delivers powerful insight into what makes people trust you, follow you, and remember you. What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Being “Real” Still Beats Every Marketing TrickJackie explains why audiences connected with her so deeply during her years on QVC and why people today can instantly sense when someone is fake, scripted, or performing. The Hidden Skill Behind Great Live SellingMost people think selling on live television is easy until the camera turns on. Jackie breaks down the unique pressure of storytelling, product knowledge, emotional connection, and closing sales in real time with no edits. How QVC Predicted Today’s Creator EconomyLong before TikTok Shop and live social selling became mainstream, QVC built an empire around personality driven commerce. Jackie explains why today’s influencers are following a blueprint QVC perfected years ago. The Power of Audience RelationshipsFrom handwritten fan messages to emotional support after losing her father, Jackie shares how years of showing up authentically created a true community around her. Jackie’s Powerful 9/11 Survival StoryIn one of the most emotional moments of the episode, Jackie recounts living near the World Trade Center during the attacks, helping students evacuate, escaping the collapse, and how the experience permanently changed her relationship with life. Why Passion Matters More Than MoneyJackie shares why she once chose the lowest paying job opportunity because she believed the mentor would teach her more than the higher salary jobs ever could. The Difference Between Performing and ConnectingJosh and Jackie explore the fascinating overlap between performance, broadcasting, sales, personality, and emotional connection in front of a camera. Jackie’s Vision for Her Next ChapterFrom podcasting and lifestyle conversations to matchmaking theories and relationship advice, Jackie opens up about where she wants to go next creatively and professionally.

  4. Jun 16

    The Dangerous Search for Approval That (Nearly) Destroyed Everything with Thomas Wagner

    What does it take to completely rewrite your life story? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, Thomas Wagner shares a journey that sounds more like a movie script than a business success story. Before becoming a successful entrepreneur who sold multiple companies and built a thriving business, Thomas was living a very different life. Drugs, arrests, violence, self-sabotage, and a victim mindset defined his early years. Then everything changed. Thomas opens up about the painful childhood experiences that shaped him, the search for approval that drove his destructive behavior, the acid fueled rock bottom moment that forced him to confront himself, and the mindset shifts that ultimately led him to build a life of purpose, leadership, faith, and success. This episode is not about business tactics. It's about transformation. It's about personal responsibility. And it's about understanding that your past does not have to determine your future. What You'll Learn in This EpisodeHow Pain Can Become a Catalyst for ChangeThomas explains why most people do not change until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the fear of changing. The Hidden Need for ApprovalDiscover how his search for validation and acceptance fueled years of destructive decisions and how that same need impacts many people today. The Victim Mindset That Keeps People StuckLearn how blaming circumstances, luck, family, or other people can quietly rob you of your power and prevent growth. The Rock Bottom Moment That Changed EverythingHear the dramatic story of the arrest, acid trip, and wake up call that became the turning point in Thomas's life. Why Personal Responsibility Creates FreedomThomas shares why taking ownership of your life is not about blame. It is about reclaiming control and creating new possibilities. Building Businesses After Starting With NothingFrom working multiple jobs and struggling financially to building and selling successful companies, Thomas reveals the mindset that helped him move forward. Leadership, Faith, and LegacyDiscover how faith became a guiding force in Thomas's life and why his long term vision is focused on helping others transform their own futures. About Thomas WagnerThomas Wagner is the founder of Zenith Risk Strategies. A successful entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple businesses, Thomas combines business leadership, faith, and personal development principles to help organizations and individuals grow. His journey from addiction and self-destruction to purpose-driven leadership has made him a powerful voice on resilience, responsibility, and personal transformation.

  5. Jun 15

    From Idea to Store Shelves: The Product Launch Playbook Every Entrepreneur Needs with Michelle Hsiao

    What does it actually take to turn an idea into a product that lands on the shelves of Target, Macy's, Whole Foods, or Petco? In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Michelle Hsiao, founder and CEO of Revenue Growth Advisors, who has spent decades helping brands launch, scale, and succeed in retail. After 25 years inside major retailers, Michelle now helps entrepreneurs navigate the entire journey from product concept to profitability. Whether you're dreaming of launching a physical product, building a consumer brand, or simply want to understand what separates successful businesses from expensive mistakes, this conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at how products really get made, marketed, and sold. You'll also discover why networking may be the most valuable business skill you can develop and why profitability should always come before popularity. What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Most Product Ideas Never Make ItMichelle explains why having an idea isn't enough and how successful products find a unique position in crowded markets. The Reality of Bringing a Product to MarketLearn what entrepreneurs often underestimate about manufacturing, packaging, pricing, marketing, and retail distribution. How Much Money Product Launches Really RequireDiscover the surprising financial realities behind launching a product at scale and why many founders run out of money before they ever make a sale. The Difference Between a Hobby Product and a Scalable BusinessMichelle breaks down how to determine whether your idea is a side business, a lifestyle brand, or something capable of generating a major exit. The Power of Staying in Your Zone of GeniusWhy successful founders stop trying to do everything themselves and start building teams around their strengths. Lessons From 25 Years Inside Major RetailersMichelle shares insights from her career at major retail brands and what she learned about product development, profitability, manufacturing, and consumer behavior. The Networking Lesson That Changed EverythingA hard earned career lesson that transformed the way Michelle approaches relationships, referrals, and long term business success. Building a Brand Story That Customers Connect WithWhy your founder story matters and how sharing the journey behind your business can become one of your strongest marketing assets. How AI Fits Into Modern Product BusinessesWhere AI can help founders move faster and where relying on technology alone can lead to costly mistakes. Why Profitability Matters More Than Being "Pretty"The critical mindset shift every entrepreneur needs if they want to build a sustainable and successful company.

  6. Jun 10

    The Surprising Battle Between Dog Owners, Parents, and New York City Parks

    What happens when two groups of people who both love their communities find themselves competing for the same limited space? In this thought provoking episode, filmmaker and two time Emmy Award winner Collin Kornfeind joins Josh Cary to discuss his latest documentary, For the Dogs: A Portrait of Pets, Parents and the Politics of City Parks. What begins as a story about dogs in New York City quickly becomes a fascinating exploration of civic responsibility, community conflict, public policy, and the hidden tensions that exist in everyday life. Collin shares how a seemingly small neighborhood issue revealed a much bigger conversation about scarcity, urban living, and the challenges of balancing the needs of different communities. Along the way, you'll discover how great documentaries are born, why curiosity is a filmmaker's greatest tool, and what happens when someone dares to ask, "Why is it this way?" What You'll Learn in This EpisodeThe Hidden Conflict Happening in New York City ParksHow limited space in New York City has created an unexpected clash between dog owners and families, and why neither side is entirely wrong. Why Good People End Up Breaking the RulesThe surprising realities facing dog owners in major cities and how scarcity often drives behavior that creates tension within communities. The Real Problem Behind the Dog Park DebateWhy the issue isn't really about dogs versus parents at all, but about public policy, city planning, and who takes responsibility for shared spaces. How Great Documentary Stories Are FoundCollin reveals how he identifies compelling documentary subjects and why the best stories often hide in plain sight. The Power of Asking "Why?"How questioning everyday assumptions has shaped Collin's filmmaking career and led to award winning projects that challenge conventional thinking. What Winning an Emmy Really MeansCollin shares his perspective on success, recognition, and why awards are meaningful but never the destination. The Filmmaker's ResponsibilityWhy storytelling matters, what documentaries can contribute to society, and how thoughtful films can encourage meaningful conversations and action.

  7. Jun 4

    The Power of Human Connection: What Wealth, Fulfillment, and Success Really Have in Common with Patrick Welde

    What if the real key to success has less to do with money and more to do with human connection? In this episode, Josh Cary sits down with Patrick Welde, Senior Vice President of the Welde Group at Merrill Lynch, for a conversation that starts with wealth management and quickly evolves into something much deeper. Patrick shares lessons from working in an orphanage in Mexico, building a billion-dollar financial practice through consistency, overcoming rejection, and discovering what fulfillment actually means. Whether you're an entrepreneur, leader, business owner, or simply someone trying to build a meaningful life, this episode offers practical wisdom on resilience, gratitude, purpose, and the power of showing up every day. This is not a conversation about stock picks. It's a conversation about becoming the kind of person who can build something extraordinary. What You'll Learn in This EpisodeWhy Human Connection Will Always MatterAs technology and AI continue to reshape industries, Patrick explains why authentic human relationships remain irreplaceable and how connection creates trust in both business and life. The Unexpected Lessons Learned Inside an OrphanagePatrick shares how a year of service in an orphanage near Tijuana transformed his perspective on gratitude, fulfillment, and what people truly need to thrive. The Real Meaning of FulfillmentWhy money alone is never enough and how fulfillment comes from a combination of growth, service, relationships, purpose, and personal development. How Consistency Creates Extraordinary ResultsFrom boxing and marathon running to building a billion-dollar wealth management practice, Patrick reveals why "stacking days" may be one of the most powerful success principles anyone can adopt. The Truth About RejectionHow years of cold calling taught Patrick to separate rejection from personal identity and why fear is often more damaging than failure itself. Controlling the ControllablesOne simple mindset taught by his father that has guided Patrick through business challenges, life decisions, and long-term success. What AI Means for the Future of RelationshipsPatrick shares his perspective on how artificial intelligence will impact professional services and why genuine human connection may become even more valuable in the years ahead.

  8. May 28

    When Losing Your Title Forces You to Find Yourself Again with Ana Sepulveda

    What happens when the title you worked so hard for suddenly disappears? In this deeply personal and surprisingly emotional conversation, Ana Sepulveda, founder of Apex Forge Capital, opens up to Josh Caryt about the identity crisis that followed losing a prestigious leadership role in finance and how that painful moment ultimately pushed her toward building something far bigger than a job title. This episode goes far beyond business, investing, or entrepreneurship. It’s about self worth, self sabotage, reinvention, and the uncomfortable reality that many high achievers quietly tie their value to the roles they hold. If you’ve ever questioned yourself after a setback, felt trapped by your identity, or wondered whether you’re capable of more than the life you’re currently living, this conversation will hit hard in the best possible way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Dangerous Trap of Title-Based Identity Why Ana realized her self worth had become deeply connected to her executive position and how losing that title shook her confidence. What Self Sabotage Actually Looks Like How Ana unknowingly sabotaged multiple job opportunities after being laid off and the subtle behaviors that reveal when fear is in control. The Real Meaning Behind “Feeling Worthless” A powerful discussion on identity, confidence, and why external validation can quietly become emotional dependency. How Therapy and Meditation Helped Rebuild Her Confidence The exact mindset work and emotional breakthroughs that helped Ana stop retreating and start building again. The Power of the Right People Around You Why support systems matter more than most people realize and how a few key conversations completely changed Ana’s direction. The Moment That Changed Everything The emotional conversation with a former boss that helped Ana realize she had outgrown the career path she was desperately trying to reclaim. Building Apex Forge Capital from the Ground Up How Ana turned uncertainty into opportunity by launching a private equity real estate fund focused on collaborative investing and long term wealth creation. Why Growth Always Feels Uncomfortable Ana shares why even after building a successful company, fear and doubt still show up and how she works through them in real time.

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4.9
out of 5
40 Ratings

About

Josh Cary spent 40 years in hiding. That's right! He was hiding every part of himself in every situation, showing up in personal, social, and business trying to be the person he believed others expected of him. After feeling utterly exhausted from wearing that mask, and knowing deep down he is cut out for much more in this life, Josh ripped off the mask and is now on a mission to help other business-savvy professionals 'unmask' themselves too. Hear honest stories from successful entrepreneurs, creatives, and small business owners who were also once in the darkest of hiding places so you may rediscover your world, connect beautifully with others, and excel in all you set out to do. Hiding Sucks. Are you ready for the new score? Fear: Zero. You: Won.

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