The Disruptive Capitalists

Sam Sells
  • 5.0 (16)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 20H AGO

    America Ranks DEAD LAST in Retirement — BlackRock & Wall Street Are Why | Barry Dyke

    The United States — the world's largest economy — ranks dead last among the top 30 industrialized nations in retirement preparedness. And according to Barry Dyke, that's no accident. Barry Dyke, president of Castle Asset Management and fiduciary advisor with over 40 years of experience, joins the Disruptive Capitalist Podcast to expose the systemic forces quietly destroying the retirement security of everyday Americans. From the unchecked power of institutional giants like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street, to the dangerous push of private equity and private credit into retail retirement accounts, Barry pulls back the curtain on a financial system designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many. In this episode Barry breaks down the historical pattern of debt-driven financial collapses — from 1929 to the dot-com bubble to 2008 — and why today's environment is showing the same warning signs. He also exposes how misleading inflation metrics mask the true financial burden on retirees, how predatory lending targets the most vulnerable, and why the deliberate erosion of the post-WWII retirement system has left millions of Americans dangerously unprepared. But this isn't just a warning — it's a roadmap. Barry shares practical strategies for protecting your savings, including the role of whole life insurance as a stable capital pool, the importance of fiduciary financial advice, and how to align your investments with your values in an increasingly corrupt financial landscape. Barry's forthcoming book, Black Eyes for BlackRock, promises to take this exposé even further. 🔗 CONNECT WITH BARRY DYKE Website: https://www.barryjamesdyke.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryjamesdyke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepiratesofmanhattan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgvWBPowk4xZ-hcfh9-SUw 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel⁠ facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists Website: https://grantauthority.org | https://brightstead.com | 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with investors, economists, and independent thinkers exposing the truth about money, wealth, and financial freedom. 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.

    28 min

  2. 6D AGO

    How to Retire Early With Multifamily Real Estate | Tony Lopes

    What does it take to retire at 44 through real estate — starting with nothing but a W2 job and a willingness to invest? Tony Lopes, CEO of Dirty Boots Capital and bestselling author of Freedom at Risk, spent nearly two decades in the defense industry before achieving full financial independence through small multifamily real estate. Starting with duplexes, triplexes, and quads, Tony built a portfolio that replaced his income and gave him the freedom to walk away from his career on his own terms. In this episode of the Disruptive Capitalist Podcast, Tony breaks down the three types of distress quietly eroding real estate portfolios today — physical distress, operator distress, and renter distress — and explains why understanding all three is critical for any serious multifamily investor. Tony also unpacks the macro forces reshaping the rental market: a 5.25% interest rate spike that triggered a 37% drop in commercial real estate values, immigration policy changes suppressing rents in key Sunbelt markets, the long-term fallout from pandemic-era rent moratoriums, and the declining purchasing power of the US dollar. He also shares practical advice on managing property effectively, raising rents strategically, and building a real estate business with both profitability and purpose. Not sure where to start? Take Tony’s free 2-min Real Estate Personality Test 👉 https://dirtybootscapital.com/real-estate-personality-test/ Looking for more personalized guidance?Book a complimentary strategy session with Tony at https://calendly.com/tonylopes-1 — and as a bonus, you’ll receive a free copy of his bestselling book "Freedom at Risk: How to Protect Your Personal & Financial Freedoms" 🔑 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Tony Lopes retired at 44 using small multifamily properties ✅ The 3 types of real estate distress impacting investors today ✅ Why renter financial distress is the #1 hidden risk in your portfolio ✅ How a 5.25% interest rate hike caused a 37% drop in commercial real estate values ✅ Why Sunbelt rents are under pressure due to immigration policy changes ✅ The property management mistake that costs operators thousands ✅ How to raise rents without losing quality tenants ✅ Why the US dollar's declining purchasing power matters to every landlord ✅ Tony's philosophy on purpose-driven investing and defining real success 🔗 CONNECT WITH TONY LOPES YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyBootsCapital Instagram: https://instagram.com/dirty_boots_capital/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyBootsCapital LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tony-lopes-far/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/freedomatrisk_ 🌐 Website: dirtybootscapital.com 📧 Email:tonylopes@dirtybootscapital.com 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ Instagram: instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists Website: https://grantauthority.org 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with investors, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers rewriting the rules of wealth building. #TonyLopes #DirtyBootsCapital #MultifamilyInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #RealEstatePodcast #FreedomAtRisk #PassiveIncome #RealEstateEducation #WealthBuilding #DisruptiveCapitalist #LandlordLife #PropertyInvesting #SmallMultifamily 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.

    38 min

  3. FEB 23

    The Real Estate Industry Is Broken — She's Fixing It from the Inside | Kevelyn Guzman

    Kevelyn Guzman, Regional Vice President at Coldwell Banker Warburg, joins Sam Sells to reveal why the most successful brokerages treat agents as their primary clients, not an afterthought. Kevelyn shares how a people-first approach has transformed agent performance, client outcomes, and organizational culture, while explaining the devastating consequences when trust breaks down during acquisitions and leadership transitions. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping real estate post-COVID — from generating property descriptions to streamlining workflows, and why human critical thinking remains essential even as the technology improves. In this episode, you'll hear: → Why agents should be treated as a brokerage's #1 client → How trust is built and broken during organizational transitions → AI's growing role in real estate and its current limitations → Why company culture should put people before profits → A proposed collaboration to connect people with grants and resources 🔗 Connect with Kevelyn Guzman: https://www.instagram.com/kevelynguzman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevelyn-g-055676b 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ Instagram: instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists Website: https://grantauthority.org | https://impactgrowthcap.com | https://brightstead.com 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 ⭐ Love the show? Leave a rating & review — it helps more people find us! 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.

    27 min

  4. FEB 19

    Stop Trading. Start Investing. A Bestselling Author Explains Why | Robert Rolih

    International bestselling author Robert Rolih joins Sam Sells to expose the hidden fees destroying most investors' portfolios — and share the long-term strategies that actually work. From his journey as a web designer who lost money to bad advice, to his current focus on ETFs, Bitcoin, and AI-driven opportunities, Robert delivers a masterclass in smart, ethical investing. He also predicts a 10–20% market correction ahead and explains why that's actually good news for long-term investors. Plus, learn about his free online masterclass on investing in the age of AI. In this episode, you'll hear: → The shocking hidden fees your advisor isn't telling you about → Why ETFs and Bitcoin belong in a long-term portfolio → Robert's market correction prediction — and how to prepare → Why gold may be overhyped right now → How AI will reshape investing and traditional financial systems 🔗 Connect with Robert Rolih: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rolih-685a6893/https://www.facebook.com/robert.rolih 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/  Instagram: instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists  Website: https://grantauthority.org  🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists  Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/b0ycqCq  Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 ⭐ Love the show? Leave a rating & review — it helps more people find us! 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

  5. FEB 11

    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

  6. FEB 9

    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

  7. FEB 4

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

    JAN 26

    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
See All (93)

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

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.

Information