Inside the Speakeasy Podcast - Your Key to Hidden Strategies & Success Stories from Top Entrepreneurs

Speakeasy Mastermind
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  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Welcome to Inside the Speakeasy—the entrepreneur podcast that hands you the keys to rooms most never get access to. Hosted by Eric Berman, this show is for founders, startup builders, marketers, and empire-minded creators who are done with surface-level noise and ready to unlock the hidden strategies, pivotal success stories, and raw truths behind elite business growth. This is your key to the real game—the unfiltered conversations happening behind closed doors, at mastermind retreats, in late-night deal rooms, and during the “what the hell do I do now?” breakdowns that never make it to LinkedIn. You’ll hear from the scrappiest, boldest, most unreasonably driven entrepreneurs in the U.S.—the ones who are scaling to 7–8 figures, failing forward, innovating under pressure, and rewriting the rules of success while no one’s watching.No recycled advice. No fake “10X hacks.” Just what’s actually working right now—from people actually doing it. Because let’s be honest: You’re doing well. You’re sharp. But deep down… you know you’re still playing small. So stop chasing comfort. You’re not here for safe. You’re here to evolve. This is Inside the Speakeasy. And once you’re in… You don’t go back.

  1. Stop Guessing What Customers in Amazon Want: The Data-Driven Approach That Generated $2 Billion

    1D AGO

    Stop Guessing What Customers in Amazon Want: The Data-Driven Approach That Generated $2 Billion

    What if everything you think you know about selling on Amazon is wrong? Izabella Hamilton arrived in America at 20 with $100 and no English. Today, her agency RankBell has generated nearly $2 billion in organic Amazon sales without paid ads. The secret isn't what most brands think. While everyone else throws money at sponsored ads and copies competitors, Izabella built something different: a network of thousands of real shoppers who reveal exactly what customers actually want. Her approach flips the script on traditional e-commerce, focusing on human psychology over algorithms. But this conversation goes deeper than business tactics. Izabella shares how she rebuilt her relationship with wealth, shed the identity layers that hold us back, and why the most magnetic people are those who show up authentically as themselves. This episode of Inside the Speakeasy Podcast is brought to you by Go High Level, the AI-driven business operating system trusted by over 2 million businesses to automate, scale, and create real leverage. Grab your exclusive 30-day listener trial at https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:51] The journey behind RankBell [00:07:05] Understanding how Amazon shoppers think [00:12:25] The power of real customer feedback [00:20:58] Expanding strategies beyond Amazon [00:25:22] Rebuilding your relationship with money  [00:28:22] Learning and adapting in a new country [00:30:52] Breaking barriers and expanding mindset [00:35:05] Self-discipline, identity, and confidence Memorable Quotes: "We are so brainwashed by the culture that we live in right now where everything is about ads. Everything is about how do we do more and is barely ever about, can we step back and actually understand what humans actually want?" [00:03:13] – Izabella Hamilton "Customers, they just want to be aligned with your vision and they want to feel seen and they want to feel listened to, just like you and I do." [00:22:56] – Izabella Hamilton Links Mentioned: Go High Level: https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo Connect with Izabella Hamilton: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bela.iza.bela Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IzabellaLoveee/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/izabela-hamilton Twitter/X: https://x.com/Izabelaluv YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@IzabelaHamilton Connect with Eric Berman: Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeasymastermind/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/ Produced by Evolved Podcasting:https://www.evolvedpodcasting.com Support the show

    44 min
  2. How Founders Can Smartly Shift from Managing Chaos to Leading with Clarity

    JAN 27

    How Founders Can Smartly Shift from Managing Chaos to Leading with Clarity

    Building a business usually starts with excitement and momentum, then suddenly you’re the one holding everything together and reacting to fires all day. That tension between vision and overload is exactly where this conversation begins. We talk honestly about the entrepreneurial journey, leadership growth, and what happens when personal development becomes non-negotiable for scaling a company. Alex Snider joins us from Playa del Carmen, Mexico, bringing nearly 20 years of experience as an ex-consultant, startup operator, and growth architect who’s built high-performance teams across four continents and led a successful pandemic pivot and exit. She shares what it really takes to move out of manager mode and into true leadership, especially when delegation feels uncomfortable. You’ll hear practical insights on breaking big goals into clear actions, creating team ownership, and building systems that don’t rely on your constant involvement. Alex also opens up about redefining success, trusting your team, and designing a business that supports your energy instead of draining it. If you’re feeling stuck in the day-to-day or wondering how to scale without burning out, this episode will hit close to home. Inside the Speakeasy is brought to you by Go High Level, the AI-driven business operating system trusted by over 2 million businesses—visit https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo to grab an exclusive 30-day trial just for listeners. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:55] Cross-border professional experiences. [00:07:09] Growing an organization and the spiral of life.  [00:09:19] Transition from manager to leader. [00:13:35] Breaking things down to the smallest unit.  [00:15:09] Building a sales team. [00:19:22] Priority rollover and team motivation. [00:23:53] Fear of loss in entrepreneurship. [00:24:27] Fear of letting go of control. [00:27:02] A universal truth about people and performance. [00:34:28] Delegation versus abdication. [00:37:06] Wealthy leadership and success. Memorable Quotes: "If they feel seen and heard, that is worth its weight in gold." [00:27:58] – Alex Snider "Abdication is not delegation. Just giving someone a task and or a responsibility or whatever and then setting them free isn't delegation." [00:34:42] – Alex Snider Links Mentioned: Go High Level: https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo Connect with Alex Snider: Website: https://leaderswhobuild.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leaderswhobuild/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snideralex/ Connect with Eric Berman: Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeasymastermind/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/ Produced by Evolved Podcasting: https://www.evolvedpodcasting.com Support the show

    44 min
  3. How Certification, Licensing, & Recurring Revenue Can Transform Your Business

    JAN 20

    How Certification, Licensing, & Recurring Revenue Can Transform Your Business

    Most founders are chasing new revenue while overlooking the value baked into what they already know how to do. This conversation starts with a simple question: what if your experience, systems, or process could generate recurring income without another exhausting launch? That’s where certification, licensing, and smart SaaS thinking come into play. We sit down with Mitch Russo to discuss how real businesses turn expertise into scalable revenue streams that actually last. Mitch breaks down why most certification programs fail, how culture quietly determines success, and how licensing opportunities often hide right under your nose. The stories are practical, honest, and pulled straight from decades of building, breaking, and rebuilding businesses. Mitch Russo started a software company in his garage, sold it for eight figures, then went on to help build a $25M+ company alongside Tony Robbins and Chet Holmes. He’s a two-time Inc. Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year nominee, author of Power Tribes, and creator of ClientFol.io, software designed to help coaches drive accountability and real results. If you’ve been looking for smarter ways to grow without burning yourself out, this episode will shift how you see your business. This episode of Inside the Speakeasy Podcast is brought to you by Go High Level, the AI-powered business operating system trusted by over 2 million businesses to automate, scale, and create real leverage. Visit https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo to unlock an exclusive 30-day trial. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:00] The $10 million dollar company sale [00:05:07] Getting into business with Tony Robbins & Chet Holmes  [00:09:45] Getting started in the certifications business [00:11:00] Where most certifications go wrong [00:13:00] Turning certification into recurring revenue [00:15:00] Who should build a certification [00:19:00] Licensing ideas hiding in plain sight [00:26:00] Why ClickCoach.io was built [00:28:00] Accountability, results, and retention Memorable Quotes: "What I wanted to do is create recurring revenue, multiple streams of recurring revenue from my certification program." [00:12:43] – Mitch Russo "What certification does is it evens out that cash flow." [00:17:50] – Mitch Russo Links Mentioned: Go High Level: https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo Connect with Mitch Russo: Website: https://mitchRusso.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/officialmitchrusso Facebook: https://facebook.com/mitchrusso Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mitchrusso LinkedIn: https://linkedIn.com/in/mitchrusso Connect with Eric Berman: Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeasymastermind/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/ Produced by Evolved Podcasting: https:// www.evolvedpodcasting.com Support the show

    32 min

  4. JAN 13

    How Podcasting Becomes a Powerful Lead Generation Tool (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)

    Podcasting has quietly become one of the most underrated ways to generate real leads, whether you’re brand new or already deep into building a business. This conversation gets honest about how a podcast can turn everyday conversations into genuine connections, and eventually, real opportunities. It’s about showing up with intention, building trust, and using your voice in a way that actually supports growth instead of adding more to your plate. Armando Leduc, a New Orleans–based Entrepreneur and Media Personality, shares how he built Leduc Entertainment, a personal branding and PR firm, along with Spaghetti on the Wall, a podcast ranked in the top 5% globally. He opens up about imposter syndrome, why getting “stage time” matters more than being perfect, and how podcasting creates relationships faster than most marketing tactics ever could.  You’ll leave with practical ideas for using a podcast to generate leads, build meaningful partnerships, and stand out without chasing downloads or vanity metrics. Armando also shares behind-the-scenes insights on creating engaging content and positioning yourself as a trusted voice in your space. Inside the Speakeasy is brought to you by Go High Level, the AI-powered business operating system trusted by over 2 million businesses. Visit https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo to grab your exclusive 30-day trial. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:25] Imposter syndrome in podcasting. [00:07:55] Overcoming fear of failure. [00:11:32] The importance of the journey. [00:14:06] Podcasting for connections and opportunities. [0:15:57] Why should you start a podcast? [00:21:19] Building referral partnerships through podcasting. [00:27:01] Expanding podcast interview strategies. [00:29:50] Podcast interview framework for success. [00:35:06] Podcasting at conferences. [00:39:04] Community and collaboration in business. Memorable Quotes: "The point of the podcast is to connect with the people that you want to connect with." [00:16:40] – Armando Leduc "We're just so focused on ads and bringing in new business and bringing new business that we forget about actually creating relationships with people on a human level." [00:23:35] – Armando Leduc Links Mentioned: Go High Level: http://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo Connect with Armando Leduc: Website: https://www.leducentertainment.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/armandoleduc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leducentertainment/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/Armandoleduc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/armando-leduc-16ba4940/ Connect with Eric Berman: Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/ Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com Support the show

    41 min
  5. Sam Wakefield on How Confidence in One’s Identity Drives Real Sales Conversions

    JAN 6

    Sam Wakefield on How Confidence in One’s Identity Drives Real Sales Conversions

    Selling gets a lot simpler when people feel like they’re choosing you, and not being sold to. In this conversation, we talk about how identity and authenticity quietly do the heavy lifting in sales, building trust before price ever comes up. It’s a real look at how you can close more deals without pressure, scripts, or that “salesy” feeling. Sam Wakefield, Sales Expert, International Bestselling Author, Speaker, and Host of the Close It Now Podcast, brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience from the home services world. He shares how he went from working in the field to growing businesses without spending money on traditional marketing, leaning instead on podcasting, community presence, and smart guerrilla marketing. The heart of his approach is simple: become someone worth buying from and let that do the work. We also get into Sam’s Wheel of Success, practical ways to get noticed locally without blowing your budget, and how he grew his podcast into the top 1.5% globally with consistency and clarity. If you want more natural sales conversations, stronger confidence, and better connections with customers, this episode delivers. Inside the Speakeasy Podcast is brought to you by Go High Level, the AI-powered business operating system trusted by over 2 million businesses to automate, scale, and create real leverage. Grab an exclusive 30-day trial at https://gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:32] Journey towards becoming a sales expert. [00:09:00] Are you worth buying from?  [00:12:39] The Wheel of Success. [00:21:11] Self-audit for personal improvement. [00:23:12] Lead generation strategy.  [00:25:30] Podcasting tips for beginners.  [00:30:54] Free guerrilla marketing guide.  [00:35:25] Personal growth drives business success. [00:36:39] Arch nemesis: best version of yourself. Memorable Quotes: "Work to become someone worth buying from." [00:09:01] – Sam Wakefield "Work harder on yourself than you do on your business. Your business will never grow beyond the level of your own growth." [00:35:31] – Sam Wakefield Links Mentioned: Go High Level: https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo Get your free copy of The DOOR2DOOR INSTITUTE Guerrilla Growth Playbook: https://door2doorinstitute.com/ Connect with Sam Wakefield: Website: https://closeitnow.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealcloseitnow/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samuel.l.wakefield LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/closeitnow/ Connect with Eric Berman: Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeasymastermind/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/ Produced by Evolved Podcasting: https://www.evolvedpodcasting.com Support the show

    40 min
  6. Why Hustle Culture Is Breaking Your Body & How Time-Bending Restores Focus & Energy

    12/30/2025

    Why Hustle Culture Is Breaking Your Body & How Time-Bending Restores Focus & Energy

    What if time feels rushed, not because you’re doing too much, but because your body is stuck in overdrive? This episode opens with a real conversation about time-bending, how high-achieving founders and leaders can actually slow their internal pace and still create more impact. We talk honestly about what grinding costs us when success keeps coming, but energy, health, and relationships quietly slip.  You’ll hear how regulating your nervous system and biology can change the way you work, think, and lead. Dr. Traci Potterf, PhD, Founder of Inner Genius Health, Anxiety and Mystery Illness Detective, breaks down why hustle culture keeps smart people stuck. She shares her Time-Bending Secret and how working with your biology instead of against it creates focus, clarity, and momentum. This episode is especially relevant if you’ve ever felt like your ambition and your health are pulling you in opposite directions. Inside the Speakeasy Podcast is brought to you by Go High Level, the AI-driven business operating system trusted by over 2 million businesses to automate, scale, and build real leverage. Visit gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo for an exclusive 30-day trial just for listeners. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:15] Dr. Traci Potterf’s shares her background and journey.  [00:08:43] Pharmaceutical industry manipulation. [00:10:28] Cuban healthcare system insights. [00:12:28] Modern world vs. traditional health. [00:15:36] Indigenous people's health struggles. [00:19:18] Immune system modulation and healing. [00:22:58] Upgrading your brain states.  [00:25:19] Healthy hedonism concept. [00:31:20] Time-bending and nervous system. [00:34:17] Time optimization and creativity. [00:38:24] Building systems for your health. [00:40:56] Magic brain trick meditation. [00:45:17] Body's superpowers and self-awareness. [00:47:16] Food as molecular data. [00:50:38] Connection culture vs. hustle culture. Memorable Quotes: "We have immense potential as humans that we are barely tapping the surface of what we're capable of." [00:17:04] – Dr. Traci Potterf "There's an intrinsic pleasure to giving your body what it needs. It feels like being at home in your soul." [00:25:48] – Dr. Traci Potterf Links Mentioned: Go High Level: https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo Connect with Dr. Traci Potterf: Website: https://innergeniushealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtracipotterfphd Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/innergeniushealth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/traci-potterf-phd/ YouTube: https://youtube.com/c/InnerGeniusHealth  Connect with Eric Berman: Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeasymastermind/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/ Produced by Evolved Podcasting: https://www.evolvedpodcasting Support the show

    53 min
  7. Get Lean, Get Liquid, Get Out: Chris Miles on Financial Strategies to Acquire Financial Freedom

    12/23/2025

    Get Lean, Get Liquid, Get Out: Chris Miles on Financial Strategies to Acquire Financial Freedom

    Ever feel like your money is working harder than you are? Chris Miles, the Cash Flow Expert and Anti-Financial Advisor, is here to flip that script with his three-step system: Get Lean, Get Liquid, and Get Out. He’s sharing exactly how to track spending without feeling restricted, keep cash accessible while it grows, and build multiple streams of income that actually free up your life. Having retired twice by 39 and helped clients uncover over $300 million in hidden cash flow, Chris knows a thing or two about making money work smarter. We talk about the money mistakes most high-income earners make and, more importantly, how to fix them. Chris explains why managing your cash flow beats blindly following Wall Street advice and shows simple ways to get your money moving in the right direction. From using life insurance strategically to investing in real estate and lending, he breaks it down so you can take action right away. If you’ve ever wanted financial freedom without sacrificing your lifestyle, this episode is packed with practical steps you can start using today. Beyond finances, Chris’s story is a reminder that wealth is more than just about dollars; it’s also about living on your terms. As a dad of six, a former top ballroom dancer, and a marathoner, he’s proof you can chase big goals and still enjoy the journey. Tune in and hear how to make your money hustle harder than you do. This episode is brought to you by Go High Level, the AI-driven business system helping over 2 million businesses automate, scale, and create real leverage. Grab your exclusive 30-day trial at gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:01:31] The journey towards financial freedom and teaching it.  [00:07:44] Getting your money to work to provide income.  [00:08:51] What’s the best of your money?  [00:13:41] Financial struggles and creative solutions. [00:18:58] Get Lean: How to be wise with your money. [00:22:47] Get Liquid: Getting money into your control. [00:27:05] Get Out: How to get your money working for you. [00:29:52] Passive income strategies. [00:39:21] Why getting liquid is more important than ever now. Memorable Quotes: "Scarcity never leads to financial freedom. It's about how to be a wise steward, which is what you're referring to, which is what's the best use of my money." [00:08:45] – Chris Miles "If you're always reinvesting your business, you are not profitable." [00:27:54] – Chris Miles Links Mentioned: Go High Level: https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo Connect with Chris Miles: Website: https://moneyripples.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriscmiles/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.miles9177/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscmiles Twitter/X: https://x.com/Moneyripples/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@moneyrippleswithchrismiles Connect with Eric Berman: Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ Facebook: https://www. Support the show

    47 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Simple Communication Shifts That Build Stronger Relationships

    Sometimes the biggest shifts in our personal and professional relationships come from finally understanding why certain conversations feel easy and why others feel so hard. That’s exactly where today’s episode with Tressa Yonekawa, an award-winning Mindset, Inclusion, and Culture Strategist, begins. She breaks down the connection skills and neuroscience-backed tools she’s used for 25+ years in high-stakes leadership rooms and shows how they translate into everyday life.  She talks about the small habits that chip away at self-worth, the simple language shifts that instantly lower defensiveness, and how to share what you really need without creating tension. It’s the kind of guidance that helps you show up better with your partner, your team, and the people you care about most.  We also get into parenting, emotional awareness, and what it looks like to build relationships that feel steady, safe, and genuinely connected. You’ll walk away with a clearer sense of how to communicate, how to repair, and how to create the kind of relationships that support you at every level. If you’re craving connection that feels easier and more authentic, tune in now. This show is brought to you by Go High Level, the AI-powered business operating system used by over 2 million entrepreneurs to automate, scale, and simplify the work you shouldn’t be doing manually; grab your exclusive 30-day trial at https://gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo. Key Timestamps: [00:00:00] Introduction. [00:02:13] Everything is a relationship. [00:11:57] Self-worth and happiness connection. [00:15:01] Chaos and communication breakdowns. [00:18:31] Positive neuro-association in relationships. [00:20:46] Self-worth and connection techniques. [00:24:29] Disarming confrontational communication techniques. [00:27:45] Building trust through presence. [00:30:44] Communication in relationships. [00:33:36] Parenting for confident communication. Memorable Quotes: "When we have trust built on all of these other layers, we can do anything." [00:29:11] – Tressa Yonekawa "The number one thing that works and that I still get feedback on three decades later from people is this strategy. That when you are starting to change how you interact with yourself and each other, you say it out loud." [00:33:36] – Tressa Yonekawa Links Mentioned: Go High Level: https://www.gohighlevel.com/speakeasy-mastermind-promo Connect with Tressa Yonekawa: Website: https://tressaspeaks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tressayonekawa/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tressa.yonekawa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tressayonekawa/ Connect with Eric Berman: Website: https://speakeasymastermind.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasymastermind/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeasymastermind/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericberman/ Produced by Evolved Podcasting: https://www.evolvedpodcasting.com Support the show

    40 min
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About

Welcome to Inside the Speakeasy—the entrepreneur podcast that hands you the keys to rooms most never get access to. Hosted by Eric Berman, this show is for founders, startup builders, marketers, and empire-minded creators who are done with surface-level noise and ready to unlock the hidden strategies, pivotal success stories, and raw truths behind elite business growth. This is your key to the real game—the unfiltered conversations happening behind closed doors, at mastermind retreats, in late-night deal rooms, and during the “what the hell do I do now?” breakdowns that never make it to LinkedIn. You’ll hear from the scrappiest, boldest, most unreasonably driven entrepreneurs in the U.S.—the ones who are scaling to 7–8 figures, failing forward, innovating under pressure, and rewriting the rules of success while no one’s watching.No recycled advice. No fake “10X hacks.” Just what’s actually working right now—from people actually doing it. Because let’s be honest: You’re doing well. You’re sharp. But deep down… you know you’re still playing small. So stop chasing comfort. You’re not here for safe. You’re here to evolve. This is Inside the Speakeasy. And once you’re in… You don’t go back.

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