The Open Exchange with Paul Martinez

Paul Martinez
  • 4.9 (10)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Open Exchange Podcast shares real conversations with people from different backgrounds who have something meaningful to say. Paul Martinez hosts each episode with curiosity and honesty, asking questions that lead to deeper stories and personal truths. Guests include creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and everyday individuals who talk about growth, failure, faith, identity, and discipline. Episodes capture honest moments, unexpected lessons, and practical takeaways without forcing a narrative. The focus is on connection, reflection, and the value of listening to someone’s journey without rushing past the details.

  1. 2D AGO

    He Made $5,400 From One Song Remix | Phil "Famous Fhil" Brown

    Send a text to suggest topics you’d like to hear! Fhil Brown — aka Famous Fhil — has lived many lives: car salesman, artist, podcaster, and father. In this episode, Paul Martinez sits down with him to unpack how he went from chasing quick money through sports cards to earning $5,400 in one month from a single remix and 20 million YouTube streams. They talk about detaching from the outcome, staying consistent as a creator, fatherhood, mindset, and why believing in yourself matters more than validation. They also reveal how ChatGPT plays a role in creating content, structure, and creative flow. Chapters:  0:00 – Intro: Collecting vs. Chasing Money  2:00 – How Card Collecting Turned Into a Hustle  5:00 – The Entrepreneur’s Mindset & FOMO  6:30 – Wearing Different Hats: Artist, Dad, and Provider  8:00 – Fatherhood Lessons and Raising Kids in Sports  12:00 – The Miracle of Becoming a Father  17:00 – The Business of Selling Cars vs. Music  18:30 – How Famous Fhil Reached 20 Million Streams  20:00 – The $5,400 Viral Song Remix Story  25:00 – Detaching From Money and Finding Flow  27:00 – Why Podcasting is About Connection, Not Views  31:00 – Becoming “The New England Wiz Khalifa”  33:00 – How He Landed His First Cannabis Partnership  37:00 – Creating Authentic Content for the Culture  39:00 – Building Friendships Through Podcasting  43:00 – Interest Media and the Future of Social Platforms  45:00 – Going Viral: Keywords, Hashtags & Sound Strategy  48:00 – Using ChatGPT the Right Way 53:00 – The Power of Consistency and Self-Belief 55:00 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Fhil 🎙️ Follow Me: TikTok: @paullymtv @theopenexchangepodcast Instagram: @paullyym @theopenexchangepodcast Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com YouTube   / @paullyymm  🎙️ Follow Fhil Instagram: @chefpicasso860 Podcast: The Kush Talk Podcast YouTube: Famous Fhil Support the show 'Virtual Tip Jar' - Donate to my show to keep me going! Thank you! Paypal: https://paypal.me/PaulMartinez89?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US (PaulMartinez89) Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Paullyymm (Paullyymm)

    59 min

  2. OCT 6

    The Truth About Solar Energy, Government Incentives & What Homeowners Don’t Know | David Mansulla

    Send a text to suggest topics you’d like to hear! What if everything you thought about solar was wrong? In this episode, Paul Martinez sits down with David Mansulla, founder of SunTastic Solutions, to break down the myths, truths, and hidden realities behind the solar industry. From government tax credits and Eversource billing to long-term savings, aesthetics, and misconceptions — this conversation helps homeowners finally understand whether solar really saves money or just sounds good on paper. David also shares his Air Force background, lessons on teamwork and discipline, and how those experiences shaped his approach to customer service and integrity in business. If you’ve ever wondered “Is solar worth it?” or “Why are my electric bills still so high?”, this episode is your roadmap to clarity. Chapters:  00:00 – Intro: Paul on solar skepticism & government influence 00:46 – David’s Air Force story and lessons on discipline 03:04 – From retail to founding SunTastic Solutions 05:07 – The difference between solar brokers vs installers 06:05 – “McSolar”: The cheap solar trap homeowners fall into 07:13 – How David customizes solar for each home 08:00 – The biggest myths about solar cost and aesthetics 09:18 – Does solar really increase property value? 10:45 – The Eversource deal: how net metering really works 11:40 – Breaking news: the 30% solar tax credit ending in 2026 13:20 – Why the government is pulling back on renewable incentives 14:30 – The “golden age” of solar is ending soon 16:50 – Lease vs buy: which solar option actually makes sense 18:10 – Understanding escalators, financing, and system design 20:15 – Why electric bills are rising (supply vs delivery confusion) 23:00 – Global warming, clean energy, and political hypocrisy 25:23 – Are Americans really the problem? Context on global emissions 27:02 – How roof angle, shade, and design affect solar performance 30:07 – Why every homeowner’s system and savings are different 33:30 – The real cost of energy and the $4.3B grid upgrade 35:15 – “What if” scenarios: when solar companies go under 36:10 – The biggest truth about solar most people miss 38:15 – Building trust and integrity in solar sales 40:20 – How hospitality training shaped his customer approach 42:00 – What homeowners should actually check before signing 44:15 – Wind, weather, and durability of solar panels 47:05 – When things go wrong: how David fixed a nightmare install 49:00 – How long it takes to see savings 51:00 – The dark side of the solar industry: scams & pressure tactics 52:20 – Door knocking vs real networking in local business 54:15 – The future: solar roofs, window panels & battery power 57:15 – Why Paul doesn’t like government interference in energy 58:25 – Advice for homeowners before going solar 59:30 – Where to find David & SunTastic Solutions 01:00:35 – Final thoughts: “Run the numbers for yourself” 🎙️ Follow Me: TikTok: @paullymtv @theopenexchangepodcast Instagram: @paullyym @theopenexchangepodcast Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com Subscribe:    / @paullyymm  🎙️ Other ways to listen: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-exchange-with-paul-martinez/id1733876904 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qh1HPG7IF9vlI1Sy21gST Podcast #Conversations #PersonalDevelopment #Fai Support the show 'Virtual Tip Jar' - Donate to my show to keep me going! Thank you! Paypal: https://paypal.me/PaulMartinez89?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US (PaulMartinez89) Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Paullyymm (Paullyymm)

    1h 2m

  3. SEP 29

    Empowering Men Through Faith | Tim Allen on the first Men's Faith and Motivation Conference

    Send a text to suggest topics you’d like to hear! Tim Allen joins me to discuss the upcoming Men's Faith and Motivation Conference, focusing on the importance of faith, identity, and mental health for men. He shares personal experiences and insights on family dynamics, the challenges men face in expressing their struggles, and the need for community and support. The discussion emphasizes the significance of faith in overcoming life's challenges and encourages men to engage with their faith and each other. Takeaways The conference aims to address identity in Christ for men. Family dynamics play a crucial role in faith expression. Men often suffer in silence due to societal expectations. Faith provides a solid foundation for overcoming challenges. Community and connection are vital for personal growth. Encouragement from loved ones can help men engage more. Distractions in modern life can lead to drifting from faith. The event is open to both believers and those seeking faith. Practical steps can lead to significant changes in life. Faith is a journey that requires ongoing commitment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Conference Overview 01:05 Family Dynamics and Faith 05:46 The Importance of Men's Identity 10:48 Faith and Mental Health 15:48 Conference Details and Expectations 20:26 Overcoming Resistance and Doubts 25:40 Encouraging Men's Involvement 30:12 Future Aspirations and Closing Thoughts 🎙️ Follow Me: TikTok: @paullymtv @theopenexchangepodcast Instagram: @paullyym @theopenexchangepodcast Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com Subscribe:    / @paullyymm  Follow Tim:  YouTube: ‪@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent‬  Instagram: Tim_Artistname_Tallent TikTok: Tim_artistname_Tallent 🎙️ Other ways to listen: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-exchange-with-paul-martinez/id1733876904 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qh1HPG7IF9vlI1Sy21gST Support the show 'Virtual Tip Jar' - Donate to my show to keep me going! Thank you! Paypal: https://paypal.me/PaulMartinez89?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US (PaulMartinez89) Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Paullyymm (Paullyymm)

    39 min

  4. SEP 22

    Creativity vs. Imposter Syndrome: A Raw Conversation w/ Troy Brunson

    Send a text to suggest topics you’d like to hear! Troy Brunson went from posting a dog video that hit 19 million views to building a full-time photography business. In this unfiltered conversation, Paul Martinez and Troy talk about turning creativity into a career, battling imposter syndrome, going viral, and how AI fits into the artist’s journey. If you’ve ever thought about going all-in on your passion, this episode will push you forward. 👇 Comment your biggest creative struggle & subscribe for more weekly episodes! Chapters: 0:00 – Intro: Meeting Troy Brunson 1:00 – From Retail to Photography 4:00 – Photography vs. Videography 7:00 – Selling Memories, Not Just Photos 10:00 – Learning, Frustration & Patience in Creativity 15:00 – Editing Struggles & Finding Your Style 20:00 – AI, ChatGPT & The Artist’s Dilemma 25:00 – Tools vs. Replacements: The Human Element 30:00 – Imposter Syndrome & Content Criticism 35:00 – Going Viral: Troy’s 19M Dog Video 42:00 – Detaching from Outcomes in Content Creation 50:00 – From Hobby to Business Mindset 58:00 – Lessons from Sports & Insurance: Resilience in Creation 1:05:00 – Organization, Non-Negotiables & Discipline 1:12:00 – Final Takeaways: Control What You Can Control 🎙️ Follow Me: TikTok: @paullymtv @theopenexchangepodcast Instagram: @paullyym @theopenexchangepodcast Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com Subscribe:    / @paullyymm  🎙️ Other ways to listen: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-exchange-with-paul-martinez/id1733876904 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qh1HPG7IF9vlI1Sy21gST Podcast #Conversations #PersonalDevelopment #Faith #Inspiration #StoryTelling #Podcast Support the show 'Virtual Tip Jar' - Donate to my show to keep me going! Thank you! Paypal: https://paypal.me/PaulMartinez89?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US (PaulMartinez89) Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Paullyymm (Paullyymm)

    1h 14m

  5. SEP 15

    Homeowner Secrets with Colin Potter | Remodeling, Insurance Claims & The “Always Forward” Mindset

    Send a text to suggest topics you’d like to hear! Contractor and business owner Collin Potter returns to share his perspective on scaling a remodeling business, helping homeowners avoid costly mistakes, and how his “Always Forward” philosophy shapes both work and life. In this conversation, we cover: Why scaling a business at the right pace matters The biggest home maintenance issues homeowners overlook How to navigate insurance claims without losing money The rise of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and what they mean for families Lessons Collin has learned as an entrepreneur in the trades Whether you’re a homeowner looking for remodeling advice or someone curious about the future of housing, this episode delivers practical insights and stories from the field. 👉 Subscribe for more conversations that mix business, personal growth, and real stories. ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Welcome back with Collin Potter 00:08 – The struggle of scaling a business the right way 01:00 – Training challenges and SOPs in construction 02:16 – Role of social media in scaling and branding 05:09 – Homeowners finding contractors through content 05:34 – Full rundown of remodeling services offered 06:13 – The hidden risks of gutters & mulch 08:13 – Common homeowner issues with water damage 11:06 – Biggest mistakes with insurance claims 13:11 – Replacement cost vs. actual cash value explained 15:27 – Rebuilding older homes: modern vs. vintage 18:20 – Turning stressful claims into homeowner wins 20:16 – Why homeowners wait too long to call contractors 23:16 – What is an ADU? The rise of accessory dwellings 26:42 – ADUs as a solution for family care & rental income 29:26 – Remodeling vs. building an ADU 30:24 – The “Always Forward” mindset in life & business 32:22 – Roof age, insurance, and shrinking coverage windows 35:46 – Affordability challenges for today’s homeowners 36:46 – Navigating messy projects with mindset 38:12 – Deductibles, claims, and when to pay out of pocket 41:09 – Building trust through relationships with clients 43:12 – Humanizing your brand on social media 44:01 – The value of showing all levels of work 44:13 – One thing every homeowner should check this week 45:20 – First conversation to have with your contractor 45:48 – Advice for overwhelmed homeowners starting remodels 46:12 – Toughest lesson as an entrepreneur 46:46 – What Collin wants clients to know about his business 47:27 – What sets Collin and his crew apart 48:24 – Where to find Collin online 🎙️ Follow Me: TikTok: @paullymtv @theopenexchangepodcast Instagram: @paullyym @theopenexchangepodcast Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com Subscribe:    / @paullyymm  🎙️ Other ways to listen: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-exchange-with-paul-martinez/id1733876904 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qh1HPG7IF9vlI1Sy21gST Podcast #Conversations #PersonalDevelopment #Faith #Inspiration #StoryTelling #Podcast Support the show 'Virtual Tip Jar' - Donate to my show to keep me going! Thank you! Paypal: https://paypal.me/PaulMartinez89?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US (PaulMartinez89) Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Paullyymm (Paullyymm)

    49 min

  6. SEP 8

    Money Won’t Make You Happy — Christian Coronado’s Story

    Send a text to suggest topics you’d like to hear! What happens when you chase money, status, and validation — and realize none of it brings true happiness? In this episode of The Open Exchange, I sit down with Christian Coronado, who left Peru with nothing and built his own creative agency in the U.S. He opens up about the red pill mindset, losing himself in ego, and rediscovering faith, gratitude, and what really matters. This conversation covers: Why making $50K in a month didn’t make him happyThe immigrant hustle — from walking everywhere to running a companyRed pill culture, ego, and the cost of chasing validationHow faith and gratitude reshaped his definition of successThe real meaning of providing for family and community⏱ Chapters 00:00 – Viral Hook: “There’s no reason to abuse… let alone kids.”  02:30 – Politics, faith, and the Epstein list  07:40 – The immigrant hustle: starting from zero  13:00 – Red pill culture, ego, and relationships  18:45 – Realizing “I wasn’t the good guy”  22:57 – Money ≠ Happiness: chasing $50K months  30:00 – Building a creative agency from Sears to CEO  38:30 – Mentors, lessons, and tough business calls  46:20 – Gratitude, community, and fatherhood  52:00 – The truth about money and time  57:00 – Staying grounded as an immigrant entrepreneur  01:01:00 – Closing thoughts + where to find Christian Follow Christian: Instagram @publicreatives Support the show 'Virtual Tip Jar' - Donate to my show to keep me going! Thank you! Paypal: https://paypal.me/PaulMartinez89?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US (PaulMartinez89) Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Paullyymm (Paullyymm)

    1h 4m

  7. SEP 3

    Doing this to build $1,000,000 in 12 Months (From $0) — Day 1

    Send a text to suggest topics you’d like to hear! I’m attempting to build a $1,000,000 business in 12 months—from $0—and I’m documenting every step: wins, losses, and the boring middle most people never show. What to expect each week: Conversations with business owners to find real problems (time, visibility, sales, confidence) Small experiments to solve them (offers, content systems, sales plays) Honest results + lessons you can copy Chapters: 00:00 I’m building $1M in 12 months (from $0) 00:27 Learning in public (yes, using AI/tools) 01:16 Why me: 15–20 yrs sales + 78 episodes 02:13 The $1M math: $83k/mo, $2.7k/day, 200×$5k 03:34 Core edge: know–like–trust (sales as a service) 04:47 The plan: talk to owners, find patterns, test fixes 05:18 Real life constraints (family, job, time) 07:14 Prospecting truth: 30-day effort → 90-day payoff 08:30 Vision: programs, memberships, authority engine 11:41 Imposter feelings (doing it anyway) 🎙️ Follow Me: TikTok: @paullymtv @theopenexchangepodcast Instagram: @paullyym @theopenexchangepodcast Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com Subscribe:    / @paullyymm  🎙️ Other ways to listen: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-exchange-with-paul-martinez/id1733876904 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qh1HPG7IF9vlI1Sy21gST Podcast #Conversations #PersonalDevelopment #Faith #Inspiration #StoryTelling #Podcast Support the show 'Virtual Tip Jar' - Donate to my show to keep me going! Thank you! Paypal: https://paypal.me/PaulMartinez89?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US (PaulMartinez89) Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Paullyymm (Paullyymm)

    14 min

  8. AUG 25

    From FBI Undercover to Real Estate Broker | Jay Calouro

    Send a text to suggest topics you’d like to hear! Imagine walking away from a career in law enforcement, undercover drug work, and FBI task force investigations to start over in real estate. In this episode, I sit down with retired Detective Jay Calouro, who shares how one ultimatum changed his life. From chasing criminals to building his own brokerage, Jay’s story is about risk, resilience, and betting on yourself. Chapters 00:00 Cold Open – “Promotion or Else” 00:20 Introduction to Jay Calouro 02:00 Why Law Enforcement? 05:00 Working Narcotics & FBI Task Force 07:00 The Ultimatum: Promotion or Walk Away 10:45 The “Last At-Bat” Moment 14:00 Hard Conversations with Family 16:30 Discovering Rich Dad Poor Dad 20:00 From Arrests to Sales: Real Estate Parallels 24:00 Why Drug Dealers Were More Honest Than Realtors 28:00 Early Struggles in Real Estate 31:00 Working On vs. In the Business 33:30 The Mental Toll of Law Enforcement 39:00 Creating Drawbridge Realty 43:00 Transformation & Second Chances 48:00 Final Thoughts + Where to Find Jay 📍 Connect with Jay: Instagram: @DrawbridgeRealtyLLC Facebook: Drawbridge Realty 🎙️ Follow Me: TikTok: @paullymtv @theopenexchangepodcast Instagram: @paullyym @theopenexchangepodcast Email: Theopenexchangepodcast@gmail.com Subscribe:    / @paullyymm  🎙️ Other ways to listen: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-exchange-with-paul-martinez/id1733876904 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Qh1HPG7IF9vlI1Sy21gST Podcast #Conversations #PersonalDevelopment #Faith #Inspiration #StoryTelling #Podcast Support the show 'Virtual Tip Jar' - Donate to my show to keep me going! Thank you! Paypal: https://paypal.me/PaulMartinez89?country.x=US&locale.x=en_US (PaulMartinez89) Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/Paullyymm (Paullyymm)

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

The Open Exchange Podcast shares real conversations with people from different backgrounds who have something meaningful to say. Paul Martinez hosts each episode with curiosity and honesty, asking questions that lead to deeper stories and personal truths. Guests include creators, entrepreneurs, athletes, and everyday individuals who talk about growth, failure, faith, identity, and discipline. Episodes capture honest moments, unexpected lessons, and practical takeaways without forcing a narrative. The focus is on connection, reflection, and the value of listening to someone’s journey without rushing past the details.

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