This is the Way Podcast

Artin and Michael
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We are Artin and Michael, and this podcast is dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs and founders. We focus on entrepreneurship, career growth, and side hustles with a mission to empower you to know more, do more, and be more. Think of us as your guides, sharing four decades of experience working at top-tier companies like Disney and Netflix while pursuing our own entrepreneurial ventures. But we won’t be the only ones sharing insights—our impressive guests, who’ve forged their own paths, will inspire you to do the same. No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, subscribe and join the ride!

  1. JAN 22

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael In this episode we break down the 5 Entrepreneurial Identities—a simple framework designed to help you stop copying gurus and start building a business that actually fits who you are. We walk through the five types—Teacher, Freelancer, Operator, Connector, and Productizer—and explain how each identity naturally aligns with certain business models, marketing styles, and paths to scale. The big takeaway: when your business doesn’t match your identity, you’re far more likely to burn out or stall—so knowing your identity can help you grow faster, choose better partners, and build with confidence. [00:00] - Intro [01:00] - Identity #1: The Teacher [07:30] - Identity #2: The Freelancer [11:00] - Identity #3: The Operator [16:40] - Identity #4 + #5: Connector & Productizer   personal growth and development podcast, what business to start in 2026, the best businesses to start in 2026, how to make money online, online business, best online business, best online businesses, business ideas 2026, side hustle ideas 2026, passive income ideas, best online business for beginners, make money from home, make money online, ai business ideas, how to make money online with ai, make money with ai, ai, top podcast 2026

    24 min

  2. 11/28/2025

    Finding Your First 10 Customers the Smart Way (No Ads Needed) | EP 109

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Rand @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/randfishkin/ In this conversation, Rand Fishkin, CEO of SparkToro, discusses his journey from founding Moz to creating SparkToro, an audience research tool designed to democratize access to audience insights. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's audience, effective marketing strategies for early-stage businesses, and the role of AI in audience research. Rand shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the significance of founder-market fit and the need to focus on unique value propositions. He also reflects on his motivations and the lessons learned from his entrepreneurial experiences. Takeaways • SparkToro helps businesses understand their audience's behaviors and demographics. • Effective marketing doesn't require a large budget; understanding your audience is key. • Audience research should be accessible to everyone, not just those with big budgets. • Identifying sources of influence is crucial for marketing success. • Early-stage businesses should focus on understanding their ideal customers. • AI can assist in brainstorming audience profiles and marketing strategies. • Researching where your audience spends time online is essential for effective outreach. • Not all marketing channels are suitable for every business; choose wisely based on your audience. • Building a network is important for gaining early traction in business. • Learning from past experiences can guide future entrepreneurial endeavors.

    57 min

  3. 11/14/2025

    How He Quit Dentistry to Build a Million-Dollar Writing Business | EP 108

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Kieran @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kierandrew123/ In this episode, former dentist turned million-dollar creator Kieran Drew shares the full story of how he went from burned-out clinician to one of the internet’s most successful writing-based entrepreneurs. Kieran breaks down the exact mindset, writing habits, and validation frameworks that helped him turn a simple curiosity into a thriving business — without investors, without a big team, and without waiting for permission. We cover: • Why he walked away from dentistry after 10 years • How writing every morning rewired his identity • The “validate before you create” method behind his six-figure product launches • How fear (and low savings) became the catalyst to take bold action • The systems and AI workflows he uses to multiply productivity • Why authenticity, proof, and repetition matter more than perfection • His philosophy on burning things down, rebuilding, and staying aligned with your energy Whether you're stuck in a “successful” career that doesn’t feel like yours… or you're an aspiring creator who wants to build income and impact through writing… this conversation will flip a switch in your mind. Watch the full episode to learn how Kieran wrote his way to freedom — and how you can apply the same playbook. [00:00] Intro [01:08] The Moment Writing Took Over [03:31] Childhood Clues He Ignored [ 07:58] Why Getting Your First Client Is So Hard [14:11] The $500 Client That Started Everything [27:48] His First $100K–$170K Product Launches [33:00] “Validate Before You Create” [40:47] How He Uses AI to Multiply Creativity

    58 min

  4. 10/23/2025

    How He Quit a 6-Figure Job to Build His Dream | EP 107

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Avetis @ https://www.linkedin.com/in/hirefasthireright/ In this conversation, Avetis Antaplyan shares his journey from a secure corporate job to becoming the founder of HireCloud, a tech recruiting firm. He discusses the mindset required to take the leap, the challenges faced during the transition, and the importance of building genuine relationships in business. Avetis emphasizes the role of AI in recruitment and how it is reshaping the industry. He also reflects on the need to unlearn corporate habits and adapt to a more entrepreneurial mindset. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of work and the importance of nurturing talent in a rapidly changing landscape.

    1h 3m

  5. 10/02/2025

    No Skills, No Audience—Still Built a $50K/Month Biz | EP 106

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Todd @ https://x.com/_toddanderson In this conversation, Todd Anderson shares his remarkable journey from being a mechanical engineer to running a successful web development agency generating $50,000 a month. He discusses the importance of persistence, the role of social media in his growth, and how he built a virtual assistant business. Todd emphasizes the need for adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of SEO and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the importance of starting and sharing their journey online. Takeaways -Todd transitioned from a mechanical engineer to a web developer during COVID. -He built his first website for a family friend, which led to his first paying client. -Social media, particularly Twitter, played a crucial role in his business growth. -SEO is a constantly evolving field that requires adaptability and continuous learning. -Todd emphasizes the importance of not giving up in the face of challenges. -He built a successful virtual assistant business by leveraging his hiring skills. -Feedback from clients is essential for refining business strategies. -Todd's team culture is built on trust and mutual support. -He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to just start and share their journey online. -Mistakes are part of the journey; learning from them is key. Chapters [00:00] Intro [05:48] The Power of Social Media in Business Growth [08:41] Navigating SEO Challenges and Strategies [11:48] Scaling from $500 to $50,000: Key Strategies [17:40] Leveraging Virtual Assistants for Growth [27:27] Exploring AI Training for Home Services [38:51] Navigating Business Challenges and Growth [51:03] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    53 min

  6. 09/13/2025

    The AI Content Engine That Thinks FOR Him (Steal It) | EP 105

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Matt @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlakajev/ What if you never had to stare at a blank page again? Matt Lakajev built a second brain—a system powered by his own thoughts, voice notes, and lived experience. It now creates his content, improves his sales calls, and scales his personal brand without spending hours “creating.” In this episode of This Is the Way, we break down: How Matt cloned his brain (and how you can too) The exact steps to build your own second brain How to turn voice notes into infinite content Why this system makes your expertise 10x more valuable How far this can scale beyond content 🔁 Whether you’re a founder, coach, or consultant—this episode will flip how you think about content, systems, and leverage.

    57 min

  7. 08/29/2025

    This Real Estate Model Has No Tenants (But Lots of $$$) | EP 104

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 📌 Connect with Hunter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterpogatchnik/ 📌 Hunter's Program - https://www.selltheearth.com/store 📌 Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes 📌 Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ 📌 Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/ In this conversation, Hunter Pogatchnik shares his unique approach to real estate investing by flipping land instead of traditional properties. He discusses his journey from traditional real estate to discovering the profitability of land flipping, emphasizing the importance of understanding undervalued properties and the benefits of seller financing. Hunter explains his marketing strategies, the significance of building a team, and how technology can streamline the acquisition process. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring investors and shares insights on scaling his business while maintaining a focus on profitability. Takeaways • Hunter flipped over 100 properties in the past year. • He started with traditional real estate before discovering land flipping. • Undervalued land can be a lucrative investment opportunity. • Seller financing is a key strategy in his business model. • Marketing plays a crucial role in selling land effectively. • Building a team allows for better scalability in the business. • Technology can enhance the efficiency of real estate operations. • Aspiring investors can start part-time while maintaining a full-time job. • Networking and learning from experienced investors is essential. • There are numerous opportunities in the land market with low competition.

    47 min

  8. 08/22/2025

    3 Systems That Help Founders Scale (Without Burnout) | EP 103

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 📌 Connect with Noor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorbarrage/ 📌 Noor's free templates - https://nvbcollective.com/nvb-templates/ 📌 Growth System Mentorship - https://www.growthsystems-nvbcollective.com/ 📌 Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes 📌 Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ 📌 Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/   In this conversation, Noor Barrage, known as the 'systems girl', discusses the critical systems that startups and founders need to implement for success. She emphasizes the importance of project management, time management, and prioritization systems, as well as the need for a personal operating system for founders. Noor also shares her journey as an entrepreneur, the significance of metrics in business, and her plans to launch a digital product aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of running a business. Takeaways • Most first-time founders think systems come later. • A clear project management system is essential for accountability. • Time management is crucial for avoiding burnout. • Prioritization systems help focus on what truly matters. • Founders need a personal operating system to maintain behavior change. • Metrics should be simple and relevant to the business. • Team dynamics are influenced by the founder's behavior. • Entrepreneurship can be a journey of self-discovery. • Building a community is vital for support among entrepreneurs. • Digital products can help scale mentorship and guidance for business owners. Chapters [00:00] Intro [10:25] Mastering Time Management [19:39] Establishing a Prioritization System [25:29] The Personal Operating System [28:31] The Importance of Metrics [35:06] Tools for Success [39:19] Navigating Growth Challenges [45:05] Noor's Journey to Operations Expertise [51:02] Redefining Success and Freedom in Business [56:19] The Courage to Leap into Entrepreneurship

    1h 3m
See All (101)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We are Artin and Michael, and this podcast is dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs and founders. We focus on entrepreneurship, career growth, and side hustles with a mission to empower you to know more, do more, and be more. Think of us as your guides, sharing four decades of experience working at top-tier companies like Disney and Netflix while pursuing our own entrepreneurial ventures. But we won’t be the only ones sharing insights—our impressive guests, who’ve forged their own paths, will inspire you to do the same. No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, subscribe and join the ride!

Information

  • Creator
    Artin and Michael
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    This is the Way Podcast