The Alchemists by Evan Rundle

Evan Rundle

The Alchemist Podcast is where real estate, entrepreneurship, and mindset collide. Hosted by Evan Rundle—investor, developer, and founder with over $30M in revenue—each episode features candid conversations with top entrepreneurs who’ve mastered their craft. From scaling real estate portfolios to designing a life of freedom, this podcast uncovers the habits, strategies, and setbacks behind real success. Tune in and turn knowledge into gold—one conversation at a time.

Episodes

  1. Feb 20

    The Alchemists #11: How Jarvis Leverson Became The Morning Hero—From Rock Bottom to Winning Every Damn Day

    ⏰ From Rock Bottom to Morning Hero: The Power of One Small Step In this episode of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Jarvis Leverson, founder of The Morning Hero, who went from broke and homeless on his mom’s couch to building multiple businesses, transforming his health, and inspiring thousands to win the morning—and their lives. What You’ll Learn: How hitting rock bottom became the wake-up call that changed everything The power of winning the morning to win the day (and your life) Why identity is a choice, not a sentence—how to stop telling yourself you’re “not a morning person” The science and strategy behind building habits that last How to gamify your goals and create accountability that sticks The real reason most people never break through (and how to avoid it) Why your “why” has to be bigger than you Key Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: From Night Owl to Morning Hero 5:30 – Rock Bottom: Homeless, Injured, and Out of Options 12:15 – The Wake-Up Call: 4:57AM and the Power of Peace 18:45 – Building Businesses, Health, and Love—One Morning at a Time 25:20 – The Morning Hero Method: Accountability, Community, and Gamification 32:10 – How to Rewire Your Identity and Habits 38:50 – The Power of a Big Why 45:30 – Speed Round: Books, Mental Health, and Daily Rituals Connect with Jarvis: Instagram: @the.morninghero Website: themorninghero.com Book: Every Damn Day  Connect with Evan: Instagram: @TheEvanRundle Website: NOVIQ.com

    1h 19m

  2. Jan 30

    The Alchemists #10: From Zero to 10,000 Closings—How Ryan Lipsey Built the #1 Title Team Through Service, Systems & Sobriety

    🏆 From Zero to 10,000+ Closings: The Power of Service, Systems, and Sobriety In this episode of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Ryan Lipsey, CEO of The Lipsey Team—the #1 producing sales team at the top title company in the world. Ryan shares his journey from humble beginnings and family immigration, through addiction and recovery, to building a powerhouse team that’s closed over 10,000 transactions in 24 years. What You’ll Learn: How service and authentic connection built a business empire The immigrant mindset and work ethic that shaped Ryan’s success Why systems, time-blocking, and delegation are non-negotiable for growth The real story behind sobriety, ego death, and finding purpose How to create content that actually serves your audience (not your ego) The power of mentorship, humility, and always being teachable Why “help enough people get what they want, and you’ll get what you want” Key Timestamps:0:00 – Intro: From San Diego to #1 in the World5:30 – The Power of Service: Opening Doors for Others12:15 – The Immigrant Story: Work Ethic & Perspective18:45 – Building Systems: Time-Blocking, Delegation, and Team25:20 – Sobriety, Ego Death, and the Real Work32:10 – Content Creation: Serving vs. Showing Off38:50 – Mentorship, Humility, and Staying Teachable45:30 – Frequency Illusion: Omnipresence in Business52:15 – Balancing Family, Business, and Recovery58:40 – Speed Round: Books, Habits, and Final Wisdom Connect with Ryan:Instagram: @ryanlipsey CONNECT WITH EVAN: www.NOVIQ.com

    1h 11m

  3. Jan 15

    How Celia Smith Turned Trauma Into Unstoppable Confidence | From Viral Rumor to Mastermind Retreats Ep 9 The Alchemists

    🔥 From High School Trauma to Unf*ckwithable Confidence In this episode of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Celia Smith—serial entrepreneur, event company CEO, and founder of Weekenders Destination Mastermind. Celia shares her raw, unfiltered story of surviving a viral high school rumor, family breakdown, and relentless bullying that nearly pushed her to the edge. Instead of letting it destroy her, she turned pain into power, built a D1 athletic career, and now leads transformative mastermind retreats for entrepreneurs. What You’ll Learn: How to turn your worst moments into your greatest strengths The power of standing up for yourself (and why it’s a business superpower) Why “unfuckwithable” confidence is built, not born The four elements of quantum development: physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual How to build authentic community and curate your circle The difference between real impact and influencer clout Why near-death experiences can be the ultimate gratitude hack Key Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro: From Miami to Mastermind Retreats 5:30 – The Viral Rumor That Changed Everything 12:15 – Surviving Bullying, Family Breakdown, and Court 18:45 – Choosing to Live: Becoming “Unfuckwithable” 25:20 – Sports as Salvation: D1 Scholarship & Beyond 32:10 – From Influencer to Founder: Building Weekenders 38:50 – The Four Elements of Quantum Development 45:30 – Curating Community: Impact Over Clout 52:15 – Near-Death Experience: What Really Matters 58:40 – Speed Round: Books, Advice, and Life Lessons Connect with Celia: Instagram: @celiasmith Apply for Weekenders: weekenders.club Connect with Evan: Instagram: @TheEvanRundle Website: NOVIQ.com #TheAlchemists #CeliaSmith #Entrepreneur #Mastermind #Resilience #Bullying #Confidence #QuantumDevelopment #Miami #Weekenders #Podcast

    1h 10m

  4. 12/23/2025

    The Alchemists #8: How Garrin Heslop Lost Everything, Stood on a Balcony, and Chose Life | From $8M to Zero to Purpose

    💔 From Millionaire at 23 to Loosing Hope to Finding Purpose In this episode of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Garrin Heslop, founder of Gÿnergy, who shares one of the most powerful transformation stories you'll ever hear:• Built an 8-figure cannabis company (Medicare Farms)• Lost everything during COVID• Stood on a balcony ready to end his life• Chose to live with no fear instead• Jumped off a cliff in Mexico with a bungee cord to symbolize letting go• Now building Gÿnergy with his fiancée Yesi to help others transform What You'll Learn:✅ How childhood trauma became fuel for success (and later, a prison)✅ The motorcycle accident that changed everything✅ Building an 8-figure cannabis company from a mission✅ Losing his grandmother, father, and business in rapid succession✅ The balcony moment: choosing life over death✅ What "confident vulnerability" means for masculinity✅ The difference between push and pull motivation✅ How to turn fear into fuel instead of letting it paralyze you✅ Building Gÿnergy: gamified gratitude and action✅ Why surrender is more powerful than willpower Key Timestamps:0:00 - Intro: The Man Who Chose Life on a Balcony5:30 - Childhood Trauma: Locked Out at 6 Years Old12:15 - Sports as Salvation: Wrestling and Finding Value18:45 - Millionaire at 23: Building a Real Estate Empire25:20 - The Motorcycle Accident That Changed Everything32:10 - From Opioids to Cannabis: Finding a New Mission38:50 - Building an 8-Figure Cannabis Company45:30 - COVID, Loss, and Everything Falling Apart52:15 - The Balcony: Choosing Life Over Death58:40 - Bungee Jumping in Mexico: Letting Go of Fear1:05:20 - Meeting Yesi: Attracting Love Through Transformation1:12:30 - Building Gÿnergy: Gamified Gratitude + Action1:18:45 - Confident Vulnerability: Redefining Masculinity1:25:10 - Speed Round: Books, Fear, and Final Wisdom Connect with Garrin:Instagram: @theGynergyeffectWebsite: gynergy.comProgram: Day Zero Journal & Transformation Program Connect with Evan:Instagram: @TheEvanRundleWebsite: NOVIQ.com #TheAlchemists  #MentalHealth #Transformation #Cannabis #Entrepreneur #Gratitude #Fear #Masculinity #GarrinHeslop #Gynergy #Purpose

    1h 29m

  5. 11/29/2025

    EP 7 How Shelby Lost Her Eye and Built a Business Helping Others | From Injury to Impact

    👁️ From Devastating Eye Injury to Building a MovementIn this episode of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Shelby, founder of Adhesive, who turned the loss of her eye into a thriving business and community: • Lost her eye 4 years ago, just 10 months into sobriety • Built a global community for people with one eye • Launched virtual conferences, coaching programs, and memberships • Expanded to help anyone with life-altering injuries build businesses • Launching a product line for eye patches on Amazon • Teaching others how to monetize their storiesWhat You'll Learn: ✅ How to turn trauma into purpose and profit ✅ Building community from scratch on social media ✅ The power of staying sober through adversity ✅ Monetizing your story through coaching and products ✅ Overcoming imposter syndrome as an entrepreneur ✅ Why mentorship changed everything ✅ Creating content when you're scared to post ✅ The difference between creating and producing ✅ How to ask for help and receive supportKey Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: From Eye Injury to Entrepreneur 5:30 - The Accident: Losing an Eye 10 Months Sober 12:15 - Building Community Through Social Media 18:45 - First Virtual Conference: 26 People Changed Everything 25:20 - From Free Meetups to Paid Memberships 32:10 - Finding a Mentor: The Push She Needed 38:50 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 45:30 - Launching a Product: Eye Patches on Amazon 52:15 - Content Creation: Making It About Service, Not You 58:40 - Speed Round: Books, Fitness & Life AdviceConnect with Shelby: Instagram: @shelbs_90 Website: Coming soon with product launchConnect with Evan: Instagram: @TheEvanRundle Website: NOVIQ.com#TheAlchemists #Sobriety #EyeInjury #Entrepreneur #Community #Coaching #ProductLaunch #ImposterSyndrome #ContentCreation #Mentorship #Recovery

    58 min

  6. 11/15/2025

    From Food Stamps to $105M in Sales: Laura Foss on Grief, Grit & Motherhood | The Alchemists Ep. 6

    In this episode of The Alchemists with Evan Rundle, we sit down with Laura Foss – immigrant, mother, realtor, investor, and entrepreneur – for one of the most raw and powerful conversations we’ve had on the show. Born in Israel to Ukrainian parents who fled Chernobyl, Laura’s story starts with her family packing up twice — first to Israel, then again to the U.S. after winning the green card lottery. They arrived in La Mesa with suitcases, no English, food stamps, no car, and four people sharing one bedroom and a den. 00:00 – Intro & who is Laura Foss 02:10 – Ukraine, Chernobyl, Israel & winning the U.S. green card lottery 05:45 – Landing in La Mesa: food stamps, one-bedroom, no car 09:20 – Family values, community and how “White Russia” was born 13:05 – First jobs: Albertsons, Wells Fargo & SDSU grind 16:50 – Buying her first condo at 21 & sleeping on the floor (house hack 101) 21:40 – Nightlife, networking & the power of proximity 26:30 – Her mom’s sudden stage 4 cancer diagnosis & passing 33:00 – How fitness, books & mindset kept her from breaking 37:40 – Evan’s sobriety story & alchemizing rock bottom 44:10 – First year in real estate: 25 deals at 15% commission 49:00 – Starting her own team, 14 agents & a $105M year 54:30 – Owning instead of just selling: building her own portfolio 59:20 – Becoming a mom, working in labor & redefining “success” 1:04:30 – Fear, ego death & doing it scared anyway 1:10:20 – Losing baby Roman & choosing to become unbreakable 1:17:00 – Full-circle moment: daughter Rainn Raya & legacy 1:21:40 – Message to moms, immigrants & anyone feeling stuck 1:25:10 – Final thoughts + why she believes she’s “living the dream” 1:27:40 – Where to find Laura online 📸 Instagram: @whiterussiaa If this episode hit you, do three things for us: Subscribe to the channel so you don’t miss future episodes. Like the video – it helps this message reach more people. Comment your favorite takeaway or the part of Laura’s story that impacted you most. And if you know someone who needs to hear this — a mom, an immigrant, an entrepreneur in a dark season — share this episode with them. In This Episode You’ll Hear:📌 Chapters (Timestamps)Connect with LauraSupport The Alchemists

    1h 15m

  7. 11/06/2025

    EP 5 How Chris Luna Lost $500K and Built a $17M Real Estate Empire | ADUs, Faith Sobriety |The Alchemists

    🏠 From $500K Loss to $17M in Real Estate in 12 MonthsIn this episode of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Chris Luna, a San Diego multifamily developer who turned his biggest failure into his greatest success: • Lost $500K on a failed deal in 2022 • Used that moment to build a massive following and business • Closed $17M in real estate deals in the last 12 months • Hosts "On the Come Up" podcast and Margarita & Mingle events • 18 months sober and building through faithWhat You'll Learn: ✅ How to use ADU code to build multifamily developments ✅ The "deal, debt, equity" framework for real estate success ✅ Why losing $500K became the turning point for massive growth ✅ The power of quitting alcohol for entrepreneurial clarity ✅ How faith and fitness fuel business success ✅ Overcoming the "not enough" mindset from childhood ✅ Why being the underdog is actually your superpower ✅ The unicorn ADU deal breakdown (12,502 sq ft in PB)Key Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: The Developer Who Lost $500K 5:15 - From Cell Phone Repair to Real Estate Empire 12:30 - The ADU Bonus Program Explained 18:45 - Unicorn Deal Breakdown: 12,502 Sq Ft in Pacific Beach 25:20 - The $500K Loss That Changed Everything 32:10 - 18 Months Sober: The Decision That Shifted Everything 38:50 - Growing Up Without a Father: The Underdog Story 45:30 - Faith, Fitness & Overcoming Fear 52:15 - Sacred Sundays: The Social Media Detox Strategy 58:40 - Speed Round: Books, Fitness Tips & Life AdviceConnect with Chris: Instagram: @ChrisJLuna Podcast: On the Come Up Website: BackyardCommunity.comConnect with Evan: Instagram: @TheEvanRundle Website: NOVIQ.com#TheAlchemists #RealEstate #ADUs #MultifamilyDevelopment #Sobriety #Faith #Entrepreneurship #SanDiegoRealEstate #ChrisLuna #RealEstateInvesting

    55 min

  8. 10/25/2025

    EP 4: Went From $0 to 120 House Flips in 2 Years with Josh Giordani| The Alchemists

    🏠 From Corporate Job to 120 House Flips in Just 2 YearsIn this episode of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Josh Giordani, a San Diego house flipper and wholesaler who achieved incredible results in record time: • 68 deals in his first year (2023) • On pace for 120 deals in year two (2024) • Transitioned from title insurance to full-time flipping • Built a team and office in under 24 monthsWhat You'll Learn: ✅ How to flip houses completely virtually without seeing properties ✅ Hard money lending strategies (80-90% ARV financing) ✅ Why coaching programs work (when you actually follow them) ✅ The real cost of lead generation ($10K per deal average) ✅ Wholesaling vs flipping: when to choose which strategy ✅ Building systems for predictable income in real estate ✅ Why focusing on "boring" deals beats chasing unicorns ✅ The mindset shift from employee to entrepreneurKey Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: From Title Insurance to 120 Deals 8:30 - The Coaching Program That Changed Everything 15:45 - Virtual House Flipping Process Revealed 22:10 - Hard Money Lending Breakdown 28:20 - Lead Generation: $10K Per Deal Reality 35:15 - Wholesaling vs Flipping Strategy 42:30 - Building Predictable Income Systems 48:45 - Why "Boring" Deals Win Long-Term 55:20 - Entrepreneurial Mindset & Family DynamicsConnect with Josh: Instagram: @Josh_GiordaniConnect with Evan: Instagram: @TheEvanRundle Website: NOVIQ.com#RealEstate #HouseFlipping #Wholesaling #HardMoney #RealEstateInvesting #SanDiegoRealEstate #Entrepreneur #TheAlchemists #VirtualFlipping #RealEstateCoachingHouse flipping, real estate wholesaling, hard money lending, virtual real estate investing, San Diego real estate, real estate coaching, property flipping, real estate entrepreneur

    1 hr

  9. 10/19/2025

    EP 3 From Marine to ADU Developer: House Hacking, VA Loans & San Diego Bonus ADU w/ Brian Koons

    On Episode 3 of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Brian Koons—Former Head of Development at ADU Geeks, small-lot urban infill developer, musician, and former US Marine. We delve into VA loan house hacking, the San Diego Bonus ADU program, underwriting feasibility, and the mindset/leadership skills that translate from the Corps to real estate. If you’re eyeing ADUs, boutique-scale infill, or turning a 1–4 unit into a cash-flowing asset, this is your playbook.What you’ll learn:•⁠ ⁠VA Loan House Hack: how owner-occupied loans (including 0% down VA) can launch your first 1–4 unit deal•⁠ ⁠Underwriting in the real world: qualifying income, rental appraisals, and why lenders underwrite long-term comps•⁠ ⁠Bonus ADU in San Diego: how code changes expanded unit counts—and what actually pencils•⁠ ⁠Brian’s “Golden Goose” deal: distressed SFR in a single-family neighborhood + 2–6 ADUs (why he avoids overbuilt, high-density RM sites)•⁠ ⁠Operations vs. brochure math: vacancy, turnover, management reality checks•⁠ ⁠Mindset & leadership: conflict resolution, simplicity complexity, and moving from “push” to “pull” motivationChapters:00:00 Cold open + setup01:10 Meet Brian: Marine, musician, developer04:30 VA loan house hacking (owner-occ rules, rental appraisals, DTI)14:20 Refinances, value-add, and what to renovate first20:40 Bonus ADU in San Diego: how policy unlocked more units28:10 From band to development: learning, mentors, and risk38:30 Operations reality: vacancy, turnover, underwriting sanity44:15 Mindset: leading well, breaking cycles, collaboration over scarcity56:00 The “unicorn” ADU deal (SFR + 2–6 ADUs in SFR neighborhoods)1:04:00 Airbnb vs. MTR with ADUs (what the loan allows vs. what works)1:10:00 How to work with Brian & ADU Geeks + resourcesGuest:Brian Koons — Head of Development at ADU Geeks. Specializes in small urban infill, ADUs, and practical underwriting with a builder’s lens. IG/YouTube: The Builder of Brian.Host:Evan Rundle — NOVIQ (STR → boutique hotel operator). We maximize guest experience and profit per square foot.Work with us:•⁠ ⁠Co-hosting/Boutique Hotel ops (NOVIQ): https://www.noviq.com•⁠ ⁠Evan on IG/LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/theevanrundle/Free resources:•⁠Free Property Audit and Revenue Projection: https://forms.monday.com/forms/927223a17cba5951fe15172899caab97?r=use1Hashtags:#ADU #SanDiegoADU #HouseHacking #VALoan #RealEstateDevelopment #UrbanInfill #BonusADU #Underwriting #CashFlow #Multifamily #TheAlchemistsPodcast #EvanRundle #ADUGeeks #TheBuilderOfBrianADU San Diego, accessory dwelling unit, San Diego Bonus ADU program, VA loan house hack, owner-occupied loan rules, rental appraisal, underwriting feasibility, small-lot infill, 1–4 unit investing, SFR plus ADUs, Airbnb vs mid-term rentals ADU, real estate mindset, Marine to developer, ADU Geeks, The Builder of Brian, Evan Rundle, NOVIQ, boutique hotel operator.

    1h 17m

  10. 10/11/2025

    The Alchemists EP#2: From $400M in Sales to 72-Unit Empire - Alexio Barara's Agent-to-Investor Blueprint | ADUs, Student Housing & Creative Financing

    🎙 From Commission Checks to Building a 72-Unit Empire — The Blueprint for Agents Who Want Equity Tired of selling homes for others while owning nothing yourself? In this episode of The Alchemists, Evan Rundle sits down with Alexio Barara (@CashflowAlexio) — a San Diego real estate strategist who flipped the agent script. After 175+ deals and over $400M sold, he built a 72-unit portfolio using ADUs, forced appreciation, and zero-traditional financing. If you're an agent, hustler, or investor tired of spinning your wheels — this episode shows the playbook. What You'll Learn: ✅ How to turn sales experience into a high-cash-flow portfolio ✅ Forced appreciation tactics that create equity overnight ✅ Creative financing and bridge lending decoded ✅ ADU stacking to multiply income per property ✅ Student housing strategies: How one 13-bedroom property generates $19K/month ✅ The mindset shift that built 72 doors in under a decade Timestamps: 0:00 - Intro: The Renaissance Man of Real Estate 5:30 - From College Hustle to $400M in Sales 12:15 - How the 72-Unit Empire Was Built 18:45 - Creating Instant Equity with Forced Appreciation 25:20 - Creative Financing + Bridge Lending Tactics 32:10 - ADU Development for Maximum ROI 38:50 - Student Housing: How One Property Hits $19K/Month 45:30 - The Alchemists Mindset Shift Don't miss this if you're stuck trading time for commission and ready to build something that pays you forever. ▶️ Watch now and connect: Alexio: @CashflowAlexio Evan: @TheEvanRundle | NOVIQ.com #RealEstate #RealEstateInvesting #ADUs #CashFlow #StudentHousing #CreativeFinancing #TheAlchemists #SanDiegoRealEstate

    58 min

  11. 09/26/2025

    EP 1 He turned a 7 Figure E-Commerce business into an 8 Figure Real Estate Portfolio | The Alchemists

    In the very first episode of The Alchemists Podcast, host Evan Rundle sits down with Jacob Hernandez — an entrepreneur who turned his 7-figure e-commerce hustle into a $10 million real estate portfolio.From scaling online stores to acquiring boutique hotels and short-term rentals, Jacob shares the exact mindset, strategies, and risks that helped him transition from the digital marketplace to brick-and-mortar wealth.If you’ve ever dreamed of building a business that funds your freedom, this episode is packed with real talk on:Making the leap from online income to tangible assetsHow to spot undervalued real estate opportunitiesNavigating fear and perfectionism when starting something newSystems and team structures for scaling fastWhether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting your entrepreneurial journey, you’ll leave this episode fired up and ready to take action.📅 New episodes drop every Friday — subscribe so you don’t miss the stories that can change your business and life.🎯 Guest Links – Jacob Hernandez📘 Short-Term Rental Property Secrets (Book): https://www.amazon.com/Short-Term-Ren...📱 Jacob’s Social Media: / jacobo-hernandez-747299128 🎯 Host Links – Evan Rundle📸 Instagram: / theevanrundle 🌐 Website: https://www.NOVIQ.com/📞 Book a Consultation: https://www.noviq.com/cohost🏨 Learn About the Hotel Fund: https://www.noviq.com/hotelfund🎧 Listen on the GoApple Podcasts: [LINK HERE]Spotify: [LINK HERE]Timestamps:0:00 – Intro & Evan’s Launch Story3:14 – Jacob’s E-Commerce Beginnings8:42 – The Turning Point Into Real Estate15:50 – How to Spot Profitable STR Deals24:30 – Systems & Teams That Scale35:20 – Lessons Learned & What’s Next#TheAlchemistsPodcast #EvanRundle #RealEstateInvesting #ShortTermRentals #Entrepreneurship #PassiveIncome #BoutiqueHotels #MindsetMatters #AirbnbBusiness #FinancialFreedom #BusinessGrowth

    59 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

The Alchemist Podcast is where real estate, entrepreneurship, and mindset collide. Hosted by Evan Rundle—investor, developer, and founder with over $30M in revenue—each episode features candid conversations with top entrepreneurs who’ve mastered their craft. From scaling real estate portfolios to designing a life of freedom, this podcast uncovers the habits, strategies, and setbacks behind real success. Tune in and turn knowledge into gold—one conversation at a time.

Information