Built For Legacy

Chris Nichols
  • 5.0 (17)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Built For Legacy (previously The Nichols and Dimez Show) is the podcast for high performers navigating major transitions and building work that lasts. Hosted by Chris Nichols, this show features candid conversations with athletes, veterans, and entrepreneurs who have boldly shifted from peak careers into purpose-driven ventures built to leave lasting impact. Whether stepping off the field, leaving the military, or walking away from a corporate ladder, our guests share how they embraced their next chapter to grow, lead, and build with intention. Each episode dives into the mindset shifts, strategies, and lessons they used to move beyond their first chapter — from launching a business to scaling a personal brand. Built For Legacy offers actionable insights, inspiring stories of reinvention, and a playbook for those determined to make their next move the most meaningful yet. 

  1. 2D AGO

    Jake Ryan | NFL Linebacker to Founder: Huega House, Aaron Rodgers & the Power of Your Network

    Jake Ryan is a former NFL linebacker who played for the Green Bay Packers alongside Aaron Rodgers, Clay Matthews, and Julius Peppers. Drafted in 2016 out of Michigan, Jake spent six years in the league across the Packers, Jaguars, and Ravens before two ACL tears and a back injury forced him to walk away from the game. In the years that followed, Jake co-founded Huega House — a San Diego-based lifestyle apparel and hat brand built around the Danish concept of "hygge," meaning to cherish the little things. Since launching in 2022, Huega House has become a case study in organic influencer marketing, landing on athletes like Aaron Rodgers, Shohei Ohtani, Josh Allen, Aaron Judge, Shane Gillis, and Jared Goff. In this conversation, we talk about what it was really like playing in the NFL — the locker room culture, what made Lambeau Field special, and what it's like playing with Aaron Rodgers. We also cover Jake's two ACL tears, how photography became his outlet during injuries, the identity shift that came with leaving the league, and the origin story of Huega House. We get into the influencer marketing strategy that put the brand on the map, the co-founder dynamic with Jonathan Ruley, the pivot to activewear, and Jake's biggest entrepreneurial lessons so far. Partners: JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off Chapters:  00:00 - Intro 02:53 - Jake Ryan: NFL Linebacker,  Photographer & Huega House Co-Founder  06:10 - Aaron Rodgers Wears Huega House at a Knicks Game 08:23 - Playing With Aaron Rodgers & Clay Matthews 09:58 - Best & Worst Parts of the NFL  13:43 - The Day Jake Got Drafted: Green Bay Packers Call 18:49 - Rookie Year, Burnout & Life in Green Bay 21:39 - Leaving the NFL: Injuries, Surgeries & Knowing When to Walk Away 24:13 - Identity After Football, Photography & Moving to San Diego 31:49 - Founding Huega House: The Idea, the Hat & the Co-Founder Story 36:00 - Influencer Marketing Strategy: Aaron Rodgers, Shane Gillis & Seeding Athletes  43:02 - Huega House Business: Investment, Profitability & Partnership Dynamics 46:14 - Biggest Challenge, AI, What's Next & Entrepreneurial Life Hack Follow Jake Ryan: Jake's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jake_ryan47/ Huega House IG: https://www.instagram.com/huegahouse/ Huega House Website: https://huegahouse.com/  Follow Chris Nichols: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005  Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

    56 min

  2. APR 9

    Bryce Smith | Losing Both Parents, Pro Basketball in Sweden, CrossFit Games & Forging AllSmith w/Chris Nichols #97

    Bryce Smith is a former professional basketball player (San Diego State, Cal State Northridge, Sweden), CrossFit Games athlete, and the founder of AllSmith — a San Diego-based coaching, apparel, and lifestyle brand built on the belief that we are forged, not found. In this conversation, we go deep on Bryce's personal story — losing both of his parents, the identity shifts that came with transitioning out of competitive sports, and how those experiences shaped every chapter that followed. We also discuss the founding story of AllSmith, his approach to time management and client relationships, marketing philosophy, and how fitness should serve your life — not consume it. Partners: JNGL ATHLETICO: https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off Chapters:  00:00 – Intro  06:30 – Growing Up: Family, Work Ethic & His Father's Influence  08:38 – Dad's Cancer Diagnosis & Driving to LA After Coaching Sessions  14:09 – Training for the 2018 CrossFit Games While His Father Was Dying  17:38 – When His Father Passed & Who Bryce Was Before vs. After  22:05 – Losing Your Parents: Identity, Grief & Befriending Uncertainty  29:23 – Playing Pro Basketball in Sweden: How the Call Came & What It Cost  43:45 – What Sweden Taught Him & Redefining Success  49:34 – The Invictus Podcast & the Birth of AllSmith  52:33 – His Mom's Final Words: "Cut the F*cking Bullsh*t. Take the Leap."  56:12 – What "AllSmith" Means: Forged, Not Found  01:01:10 – Time Management, Client Relationships & Weekly Structure  01:14:37 – Rapid Fire: AI, Next Big Goal, Entrepreneurial Life Hack & Guest Recommendation Follow Bryce Smith: Bryce's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealbrycesmith/  AllSmith IG: https://www.instagram.com/allsmithco/  AllSmith Website: https://www.allsmith.co/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJk5Wd8w4itE9kflm1VXDbw  Follow Chris Nichols: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005  Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

    1h 25m

  3. 12/31/2025

    10 Lessons from 2025 & Guest Highlights | Built For Legacy

    This episode is a personal reflection on 2025 and Q2--Q4 guest highlight recap. I talk about some personal and general challenges from the year and share 10 lessons I took away from the experience.  Chapters: 00:00 - My Reflection & 10 Lessons from 2025 15:29 - Jason Stewart - Full episode 17:41 - Brandon Turner - Full episode 19:36 - Built For Legacy Rebrand (solo) - Full episode 21:45 - Kendall Reusing - Full episode 24:06 - Sloan Clymer - Full episode 27:19 - Noah Oliver - Full episode 31:00 - Will Stull & Cole Mueller - Full episode Partners: JNGL ATHLETICO:  https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ  Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off HOSTAGE TAPE:  https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28059  Follow Chris Nichols: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005  Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

    33 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    4 Days, 640 Miles, No Sleep—Behind the Scenes of the California Traverse Documentary w/ Will Stull & Cole Mueller

    In this episode, I sit down with Will Stull and Cole Mueller, two of the six runners from The California Traverse documentary — a 640-mile nonstop relay from San Diego to San Francisco that pushed a global team of ultra-athletes to their physical and mental limits (premiered November 2025). We get into everything you didn’t see in the film: the funniest behind-the-scenes moments, the breaking points that nearly took them out, the late-night delirium, and the moments of unity that kept them moving through four days and nights of coastlines, mountain roads, exhaustion, injuries, and barely any sleep. They share how the team dynamic shifted, what surprised them when they finally watched the documentary, and why this run changed all of them. If you’re drawn to stories about endurance, mindset, and the humor that gets people through the hardest challenges, this episode gives you a raw and entertaining look inside the California Traverse from the runners who lived it.  California Traverse documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OQ8ac19lrQ  Follow: Mindful Peak Performance: https://www.instagram.com/mindful_peak_performance_/  Cole Mueller’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/colemueller8/  Will Stull’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/stull_1997/  Follow Chris Nichols: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005  Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

    41 min

  5. 11/14/2025

    Noah Oliver | How “Flow State” Became a Business: From Combat Mindset to Creative Freedom

    Noah Oliver is a former Navy EOD specialist turned entrepreneur and founder of Flowhold, a San Diego–based MMA and BJJ training apparel brand built around the idea of “flow state.” After six years in the military and earning his MBA, Noah explored multiple ventures—from Amazon FBA to surf ponchos—before launching Flowhold in 2018 while still in business school. What began as a socks company evolved into a full-time mission-driven brand focused on mindset, performance, and purpose. In this conversation, we discuss Noah’s transition out of the military, his early lessons in entrepreneurship, and the mindset shift that helped him build Flowhold into what it is today. We also talk about finding gratitude before success, the balance between discipline and creativity, and how to create products—and a life—that embody flow. Partners: HOSTAGE TAPE:  https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28059  Chapters: 00:00 – Intro  06:15 – The Birth of Flowhold: How Flow State, Jiu-Jitsu, & MMA Inspired a Brand 10:10 – Starting Small: From Socks to a Standout Training Brand 13:40 – Life After Service: Transitioning Out of the Navy & Into Entrepreneurship 21:25 – Early Ventures: Surf Ponchos, Amazon FBA, and the First Lessons in Business 26:15 – What Every Entrepreneur Learns Too Late: From Product Development to Purpose 31:00 – Building Flowhold: Turning a Passion Project Into a Movement 38:55 – Gratitude Over Grind: Finding Happiness Before Success 42:00 – Mindset Tactics for Internal Peace and Long-Term Fulfillment 53:00 – Apparel Branding Secrets: Marketing a Lifestyle, Not Just a Product 1:05:15 – Entrepreneur Life Hack: Prioritizing Vision Over Validation   Follow Noah Oliver:  Flowhold Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowhold/  Flowhold website: https://www.flowholdsd.com/  Follow Chris Nichols: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005  Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

    1h 11m

  6. 09/04/2025

    Sloan Clymer | From Barn Fights to Pro MMA: Performance, Branding & the UFC Dream

    Sloan Clymer is a pro MMA fighter, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, and no-gi specialist at Legion American Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego (founded by Keenan Cornelius). He earned his black belt from Cornelius—being the coach’s second-ever recipient—and has competed in organizations & events like Lights Out Xtreme Fighting, WNO, EBI, Subversiv (holding a win over Nick Rodriguez), and ADCC trials. In this conversation, we explore Sloan’s journey—from training in a makeshift “Caveman Combat” barn in Indiana to earning his black belt, chasing MMA dreams, and establishing himself in the San Diego fight scene. We also discuss cornering at UFC 318, his mindset for maximizing performance, transitioning from BJJ to pro MMA, building his personal brand, and promotion strategies inspired by top fighters like Conor McGregor and Sean O’Malley. Plus, Sloan shares his entrepreneurial life hack—why mastering one thing can outshine the mainstream hustle.  Partners: JNGL ATHLETICO:  https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ  Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off HOSTAGE TAPE:  https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28059  PURE HIMALAYAN SHILAJIT: https://www.purehimalayanshilajit.com/?ref=4021  Use code DIMEZ for 40% off Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 03:38 – Cornering at UFC 318, Fight Dreams & Lessons from the Big Stage 07:18 – UFC Experience vs. Other MMA Promotions | Maximizing Performance at the Next Level 13:40 – Sloan’s Childhood & Early Exposure to Fighting, Wrestling & MMA 20:22 – Evolution of MMA & Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu | Growth of the Sport 22:23 – How Sloan Became “Feisty” & Why He Chose the Fighter’s Path 32:44 – San Diego Chapter: Pursuing Fighter Dreams | 10th Planet, Legion AJJ, BJJ Black Belt, Pro MMA 41:43 – Transition from BJJ to MMA | Lessons from the Grind 47:25 – Branding & Business of Fighting | Building a Fighter’s Path to the UFC 55:18 – Promotion Strategies & Fighting Styles: Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley, Colby Covington, Khabib, Ilia Topuria, & Georges St-Pierre   1:02:22 – Entrepreneurial Life Hack: Why Mastering One Thing Beats Mainstream Advice  Follow Sloan Clymer: Sloan's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sloanclymer/  Follow Chris Nichols: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005  Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

    1h 12m

  7. 08/14/2025

    Kendall Reusing | From Jiu-Jitsu World Champion to Entrepreneur: Building Success On and Off the Mats

    Kendall Reusing is an 8-time world champion black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, founder of Jiu Jitsu Accelerator (JJA), and host of the Get a Grip Podcast. She’s also one of the most respected commentators and entrepreneurs in the BJJ world. In this conversation, we discuss her competitive journey, building a personal brand in Jiu-Jitsu, and her impact on women in the sport. We also talk about her entrepreneurial drive, how she carved out a commentary career at high-profile BJJ events, and the mindset required to overcome injuries, navigate identity challenges, and perform at the highest level — whether competing at ADCC, behind the mic, or beyond. Partners: JNGL ATHLETICO:  https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ  Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off HOSTAGE TAPE:  https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28059  PURE HIMALAYAN SHILAJIT: https://www.purehimalayanshilajit.com/?ref=4021  Use code DIMEZ for 40% off Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 05:32 – Kendall Reusing’s Jiu-Jitsu Accelerator Program & Why It Was Created 10:10 – Building a Personal Brand in Jiu-Jitsu & Social Media Growth 16:00 – Impact on Women in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; Personal Branding & Business Approach 20:14 – Who Is Kendall’s Audience? 24:39 – Kendall’s Childhood Background; Family; How She Got Into Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu; Family BJJ Schools 29:10 – Entrepreneurship in BJJ & MMA: Learning How to Sell & Launching BJJ Schools with Her Parents 38:40 – BJJ Commentating Career & Most Memorable Moments 46:50 – ADCC 2024 Experience & Kendall’s Next Big Goal in Competition 52:55 – Overcoming Injuries & Identity Challenges in Elite BJJ 56:31 – Preparing Mentally and Physically to Perform at Your Best  Follow Kendall Reusing: Kendall Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kendallreusing/ JJA IG: https://www.instagram.com/jiujitsuaccelerator/  Kendall Reusing website: https://kendallreusing.com/  Get a Grip Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-a-grip-with-kendall-reusing/id1657806916  https://www.youtube.com/@kendallreusingbjj  Follow Chris Nichols: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005  Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

    1h 1m

  8. 07/18/2025

    Lessons from 5 Pro Athletes Who Built Businesses After Sports

    In this special highlight episode, we revisit 5 of the most impactful pro athletes featured on the show — each of whom successfully transitioned from elite sports to entrepreneurship.  You’ll hear from:  Shawne Merriman - how the legendary NFL Linebacker got ahead of the business game with his “Lights Out” brand (02:28)  Chris Leben - what motivated this UFC icon to open his own MMA gym and mentor fighters facing similar personal struggles (06:16) Tony Azevedo - how the five-time Olympic water polo captain is transforming the sport through business and global development (08:31) Anthony Trucks - on the tough reality of preparing for what’s next while performing at the highest level in the NFL (12:02) Dominique Bell - how this BJJ black belt turned his deep technical knowledge into digestible, online instructionals for the next generation (15:28)  Whether you're an athlete in transition or just someone ready for your next chapter, this episode is packed with mindset shifts, tactical gems, and inspiration to help you build your legacy beyond the game. Partners: JNGL ATHLETICO:  https://jnglathletico.com?sca_ref=5391573.ojJfvDfSXJ  Use code NICHOLSANDDIMEZ for 25% off HOSTAGE TAPE:  https://www.hostagetape.com/CHRIS28059  PURE HIMALAYAN SHILAJIT: https://www.purehimalayanshilajit.com/?ref=4021  Use code DIMEZ for 40% off Follow Chris Nichols: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholsanddimez   Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/builtforlegacypodcast Website: https://builtforlegacy.buzzsprout.com   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/built-for-legacy/id1667715105   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4MAr6sSCwiyU9G1JZgeZxq?si=a7da325d67a64a72     YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@builtforlegacypodcast  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/nicholsanddimezshow/100090067950005  Contact: chris@nicholsanddimez.com

    20 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Built For Legacy (previously The Nichols and Dimez Show) is the podcast for high performers navigating major transitions and building work that lasts. Hosted by Chris Nichols, this show features candid conversations with athletes, veterans, and entrepreneurs who have boldly shifted from peak careers into purpose-driven ventures built to leave lasting impact. Whether stepping off the field, leaving the military, or walking away from a corporate ladder, our guests share how they embraced their next chapter to grow, lead, and build with intention. Each episode dives into the mindset shifts, strategies, and lessons they used to move beyond their first chapter — from launching a business to scaling a personal brand. Built For Legacy offers actionable insights, inspiring stories of reinvention, and a playbook for those determined to make their next move the most meaningful yet. 

Information

  • Creator
    Chris Nichols
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    97
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Built For Legacy
  • Show Website
    Built For Legacy