Freedom Nation Podcast

Jeff Kikel

The Freedom Nation podcast is the home of Freedom Day, the achievement of a work-optional lifestyle. Our show focuses around personal finance, real estate, multiple sources of income, cashflow, and the stories of people that have achieved their own Freedom Days. Our host is Jeff Kikel a 30 year veteran of the Financial Services industry that attained his own Freedom Day by building multiple streams of income, selling some, buying more and sharing his story with the audience.

  1. From Big 4 Director to Freedom Business Owner | Lidia Axe on Courage, Pivoting, and Building a Lifestyle-Centric Business

    5D AGO

    From Big 4 Director to Freedom Business Owner | Lidia Axe on Courage, Pivoting, and Building a Lifestyle-Centric Business

    Many professionals follow the “safe path” — education, corporate career, promotions — only to realize years later they built success but not freedom. They feel stuck in golden handcuffs, working harder every year but living less. Leaving stability feels terrifying. What if the business fails? What if you choose the wrong niche? Most entrepreneurs either never start… or pivot constantly, chasing trends, platforms, and tactics — and never gain traction. The result? Burnout, confusion, and no clear Freedom Day. In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with business coach and former PwC director Lidia Axe, who walked away from a fast-track corporate career after realizing partnership didn’t equal freedom. She shares how courage isn’t the absence of fear — it’s acting despite it — and how building a lifestyle-centric business model, strong habits, and focused execution creates real independence. Lidia explains why most entrepreneurs fail from distraction, how to stay consistent, and why your network — not your niche — may be your most valuable asset. Key Takeaways: Why corporate success doesn’t always equal personal freedom Courage means acting despite fear — not waiting for confidenceThe danger of pivoting too quickly instead of improving systemsWhy solopreneurship still requires a support networkHow to design a lifestyle-centric business model first — tools secondWhy execution matters more than ideas in business growthThe power of habits in building entrepreneur identityHow accountability and focus beat chasing every platform trendWhy AI can accelerate creativity instead of replacing itHow freedom means choosing what you work on each day About the Guest: Lidia Axe helps talented, heart-driven coaches turn inconsistent income into consistent $10K+ months—without sleazy tactics, gimmicks, or cookie-cutter strategies. Instead of telling coaches to “just post more,” they focus on what actually drives results: clear positioning, strong offers, and sales that feel aligned and ethical. They work with coaches who are stuck juggling a full-time job and a part-time coaching hustle that barely pays the bills, helping them identify the real problem—usually not their skills, but their strategy. Known for honest, constructive tough love, Lidia challenges coaches to stop hiding behind certifications and start building a business that supports the impact they want to make. Links: https://www.skool.com/a-zone/about https://www.youtube.com/@lidiachmel https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/ Fast Five Questions: If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I open my phone book and start...

    53 min
  2. Bootstraps & Battle Scars | Chris Shurian on Simplifying Business, Avoiding Tech Overload, and Building Real Freedom

    FEB 12

    Bootstraps & Battle Scars | Chris Shurian on Simplifying Business, Avoiding Tech Overload, and Building Real Freedom

    Entrepreneurs today are drowning in complexity. Endless apps, software subscriptions, automation tools, and “shiny object” technology promise efficiency—but often create confusion, overwhelm, and unnecessary expenses. Many founders unknowingly build complicated systems that trap them instead of freeing them. They overspend on tools they don’t need, overextend themselves financially, and ignore foundational business basics—like leadership structure, banker relationships, and clear accountability. Add to that hiring mistakes, ignoring gut instincts, and overleveraging during growth cycles… and those battle scars start adding up. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with serial entrepreneur and founder of Bootstraps & Battle Scars, Chris Shurian, to unpack nearly four decades of real-world entrepreneurial experience. Chris shares how he survived major setbacks, navigated the 2008 financial crash, executed a successful exit, and now helps business owners simplify their operations and build sustainable leadership systems. This conversation is a masterclass in business basics, resilience, and designing your company so it creates freedom—not another prison. Key Takeaways: • Why most businesses are overcomplicated by unnecessary tech stacks • The hidden cost of “$40 to death” subscription overload • Why simplifying systems often increases profitability • The power of having a real banker relationship—not just a bank account • How peer mastermind groups eliminate the loneliness at the top • Why founders need safe spaces to share both struggles and wins • The danger of ignoring your gut when hiring or partnering • Why business owners must define clear roles and accountability structures • How structuring your company early determines your long-term freedom • Why you shouldn’t wait until 65 to enjoy your life About the Guest: Chris Shurian is a lifelong entrepreneur who has spent more than 39 years building businesses that bring people together and create lasting memories. From leading a $15 million construction company to developing the Water’s Edge Resort in Bear Lake and founding the popular Cody’s Gastro Garage Restaurant, Chris has a proven track record of turning vision into reality. He’s been recognized as a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year, featured in Utah Business Magazine’s Forty Under 40, and honored with multiple industry awards. Outside of business, Chris is a lucky husband, father of 8-1/2, grandfather, “dog-dad” to a Berne-Doodle named Harley and “dog-granddad” to a fat German Shepherd named Drax, two-time Ironman finisher, and a devoted fan of the Denver Broncos and LA Dodgers. Links: https://www.facebook.com/shurian.chris.rachel https://www.youtube.com/@chrisshurian2025 https://www.instagram.com/shurianchrisandrachel/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisshurian/ Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “You circle yourself with your inner circle. You bring your people together and say, ‘Okay, what’s next?’ You circle the wagons, talk about it, and get after it.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Not going with my gut. I made some very big decisions—hiring certain people, aligning with certain...

    40 min
  3. Fired at 63 to Financial Freedom | David Nassief on Reinventing Late, Investing Smart, and the One-Page Wealth Compass

    JAN 29

    Fired at 63 to Financial Freedom | David Nassief on Reinventing Late, Investing Smart, and the One-Page Wealth Compass

    Many people believe that if they lose their job later in life, it’s game over. At 60+, finding new work feels impossible, savings feel fragile, and retirement suddenly looks like a financial cliff instead of a finish line. That fear keeps people stuck in panic, poor financial decisions, and “hope-based” investing. Some take reckless risks trying to catch up, while others become so conservative they quietly fall behind inflation—draining their future month by month. Without clarity, even hard work can turn into decades of running in financial circles. In this powerful episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Nassief, author and creator of the One Page Wealth Compass, who was fired at 63 after 18 years with the same company. Facing the very real possibility of being broke by 65, David reinvented himself, rebuilt his income, and—within six years—created a seven-figure portfolio using a simple, disciplined, “set-it-and-forget-it” investing approach. David shares how understanding incentives, avoiding expensive traps, and following clear principles helped him turn a late-life crisis into true financial freedom—and why it’s never too late to rewrite your story. Key Takeaways: What it feels like to be fired at 63 and face running out of money by 65 Why David chose commission-only sales as a last-ditch reinvention—and how it paid offThe danger of working hard while still “walking in financial circles”How the One Page Wealth Compass was inspired by a real scientific experimentWhy understanding how advisors get paid can save you hundreds of thousands of dollarsHow David avoided a costly life-insurance retirement plan by following incentivesWhy boring, disciplined investing often beats exciting strategiesHow volatility can be used for you, not against youWhy saving rate, behavior, and consistency matter more than chasing returnsThe difference between retirement and FIGNA: Financial Independence, Graduate to the Next AdventureWhy freedom means choosing work you love—not being forced to work About the Guest: David Nassief, whose real life financial turnaround experience is as much of a Rocky type story as it is a personal finance discussion. He was fired at 63 from an 18 year corporate position with virtually no retirement savings, no job prospects, and the chilling realization that his career was effectively over. Out of desperation he charted a completely new direction in both his career and personal finances. His unique and simple “one page wealth compass” guided him to seven figure financial freedom in under six years. Now, in his book, One-Page Wealth Compass, he shares that exact compass along with the hope and practical steps he wished he had known decades earlier. He's here to show us how it's never too late to navigate safely to financial freedom. Links: https://onepagewealthcompass.com/ Fast

    25 min
  4. From College Dropout to AI Exit | James Lang on Freedom, Health, and Building Businesses That Don’t Trap You

    JAN 27

    From College Dropout to AI Exit | James Lang on Freedom, Health, and Building Businesses That Don’t Trap You

    Many professionals spend years climbing the ladder only to discover they’ve built a business—or career—that depends entirely on them. Long hours, constant stress, declining health, and zero flexibility quietly replace the freedom they were chasing. Even successful exits don’t guarantee peace. Without intention, entrepreneurs fall right back into grind mode, recreating the same pressure under a new name. Add health scares, burnout, and mental overload, and “success” starts feeling like a trap instead of a win. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with James Lang, a former college dropout turned COO who helped scale and exit a $20M company, to unpack what real freedom looks like after success. James shares how health challenges forced him to redesign his life, why most people accidentally build prisons instead of businesses, and how he’s now helping companies navigate AI without fear, hype, or ballooning costs. This conversation is a powerful reminder that freedom isn’t just about money—it’s about health, clarity, and building systems that work with your life, not against it. Key Takeaways: • Why most people unknowingly build businesses that trap them instead of free them • How James went from college dropout to COO and successful company exit • Why “toxic entrepreneurship” is replacing real ownership in the gig economy • The danger of being told how much you’re allowed to earn • How health crises force better business design (whether you like it or not) • Why mental health is a leadership advantage—not a weakness • The hidden cost problem no one is talking about in AI • Why James avoids investing in AI stocks despite working in the space • How AI should multiply people, not replace them • Why trust-based teams are essential to freedom • The difference between building fast and building sustainably About the Guest: Today’s guest is James Lang, Managing Partner at OverLang Venture Partners and a leader with a remarkable track record in scaling organizations. Before launching his venture firm, James served as Chief Operating Officer of a MedTech startup where he generated over $20 million in revenue and built a team of 60 people from the ground up—developing talent, culture, and operational excellence along the way. Now, James is focused on helping American companies leverage AI the smart way. Through OverLang Venture Partners, he and his team have developed a proprietary AI infrastructure designed to accelerate growth while respecting—and enhancing—the human capital inside each organization. James brings a blend of real-world executive experience, technical insight, and a passion for empowering businesses to compete in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Links: https://www.overlang.com/ https://www.facebook.com/james.lang.542358 https://www.youtube.com/@OverLangVenturePartners Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “The first thing I’m doing is calling the people in my network that I already have trust and mutual respect with and asking how I can help. Step one is helping someone else. Step two is understanding why they need that help—because that’s where opportunity lives.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Grinding without paying attention to my mental health. I thought I just had to work harder and push through, and I didn’t realize how much damage that...

    45 min
  5. From ER Burnout to Lifestyle Freedom | Dr. Maureen Gibbons on Health, Time, and Income Independence

    JAN 22

    From ER Burnout to Lifestyle Freedom | Dr. Maureen Gibbons on Health, Time, and Income Independence

    High-achieving professionals often feel trapped by careers they worked decades to earn. Long hours, constant stress, and systems that reward volume over impact leave them exhausted—yet afraid to step away because of income, identity, or fear of the unknown. At the same time, affordable housing is disappearing. Starter homes are no longer being built, rents continue to rise, and entire communities are priced out of Doctors, executives, and other “dangerously overeducated” professionals tell themselves they can’t pivot. They postpone freedom until retirement, trading health, family time, and joy for security. The result? Burnout, regret, and years lost in careers that no longer fit who they’ve become. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Dr. Maureen Gibbons, former emergency room physician turned lifestyle medicine expert and coach, to share how she intentionally transitioned out of traditional medicine without burning the boats. Dr. Maureen reveals how she rebuilt her career around health freedom, time freedom, and income freedom, created scalable systems instead of another stressful job, and now helps physicians and high-achievers escape burnout while making a bigger impact. If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to redesign your life before retirement, this conversation delivers clarity, courage, and a practical path forward. Key Takeaways: • Why burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s often a broken system • How Dr. Mo transitioned from ER medicine to lifestyle medicine without financial panic • The identity crisis professionals face when stepping away from prestigious titles • Why creating systems can accidentally recreate another stressful job • The dangers of hiring friends and “hiring for potential” too early • How group coaching accelerates growth through shared learning and trust • Why freedom requires aligning health, time, and income—not just money • The concept of choosing relevance over retirement • Why passive income and scalable skills are not a zero-sum game • How small freedoms (like buying movie popcorn without stress) define real wealth About the Guest: Dr. Maureen “Moe” Gibbons—known as Dr. Moe—is a physician, entrepreneur, and author of Freedom to SHIFT. She helps high achievers trade overload for health, time, and income freedom through practical lifestyle medicine and real-world systems. Links: https://shiftwithdrmoe.com/ https://www.facebook.com/DrMoeGibbons https://www.instagram.com/drmoegibbons Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d start with the same morning routine I do every day—take care of my body and my brain first. Then I’d ask, ‘Where do I put this $500 so it can multiply?” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Hiring friends and hiring for potential—hopes and dreams. That’s what ruins friendships and creates pain.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell. That book was a complete game-changer for me.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “My calendar. If you can’t see how you’re spending your time, you don’t know what your priorities really are.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “Being able to do what I want, when I want, without fear. And if my husband has a week off and says, ‘Can we go...

    32 min
  6. From Tesla to Mobile Home Parks | Leo Young on Affordable Housing, Cash Flow, and Smarter Real Estate Investing

    JAN 20

    From Tesla to Mobile Home Parks | Leo Young on Affordable Housing, Cash Flow, and Smarter Real Estate Investing

    For many investors, real estate feels out of reach. Prices are high, competition is fierce, and institutional players dominate the market—leaving everyday investors unsure where to find stable cash flow and long-term opportunity. At the same time, affordable housing is disappearing. Starter homes are no longer being built, rents continue to rise, and entire communities are priced out of traditional real estate ownership. Investors chase trendy assets while overlooking one of the most resilient and misunderstood sectors in real estate. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Leo Young, former Tesla employee and co-founder of Cornell Communities, to unpack why mobile home parks and manufactured housing are becoming one of the most compelling real estate investments today. Leo shares how burnout and uncertainty at Tesla pushed him to seek passive income, how his first distribution check changed everything, and why professionally run mobile home communities can deliver strong cash flow while doing real social good. This conversation breaks down the stigma, the numbers, and the future of affordable housing investing. Key Takeaways: • How Leo went from studying finance and working at Tesla to real estate investing • Why a single passive income check completely changed his mindset about wealth • The truth about mobile home parks—and why the stigma is fading • Why manufactured housing is the cheapest form of non-government subsidized housing • How owning the land (not the homes) creates stability and lower default risk • Why municipalities rarely approve new parks—and how that limits supply • How professional operators improve communities through deferred maintenance upgrades • Typical cap rates and why institutional money is flooding into the space • The difference between active and passive investing in mobile home parks • Why relationship-based deal sourcing beats competing with Wall Street funds • How bundling small parks can create institutional-grade exit opportunities About the Guest: Leo Young is the Founder of Cornell Communities, a real estate firm revitalizing manufactured housing communities across eight states. He leads more than 500 affordable housing units and over $30M in assets while delivering strong, consistent returns for his investors. Before launching Cornell Communities, Leo worked in private equity and was the top regional salesperson at Tesla. Today he helps audiences understand the real story behind affordable housing, entrepreneurship under pressure, and building systems that scale. Links: https://leoyoungrealestate.com/ https://www.facebook.com/leoyoungre/ https://www.youtube.com/@LeoYoungRealEstate https://www.instagram.com/leoyoungrealestate https://www.linkedin.com/in/leo-young/ Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d reach out to my contacts and see how I can help them. The first step is re-establishing a financial base, because when you’re in survival mode you don’t make good decisions. I’d find a way to transact and build from there.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking I could do everything myself. Even if you can, you shouldn’t....

    29 min
  7. Predictable Paychecks from Trading | Vlad Taimanon on Building Stress-Free Monthly Income with Options

    JAN 15

    Predictable Paychecks from Trading | Vlad Taimanon on Building Stress-Free Monthly Income with Options

    Most people feel trapped in their jobs, tied to unpredictable income, burnout, and rising expenses — while trading feels like gambling that only professionals can survive. Many who try trading lose money fast because they jump into advanced strategies without a foundation. Others stay stuck working longer hours, sacrificing their health and family life because they believe stable income can only come from a paycheck. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Vlad Taimanon, professional trader and founder of Trader.Foundation, to reveal how anyone can build predictable monthly income using high-probability options strategies — without gambling or staring at screens all day. Vlad shares how a health crisis and corporate burnout forced him to redesign his life, why most traders fail, and how his “paycheck collector” strategy produces consistent income with built-in safety and peace of mind. Key Takeaways: • Why burnout and stress often come from relying on only one income source • How Vlad went from corporate executive to financially free trader • The mistake most new traders make that causes massive losses • Why options selling strategies can generate predictable monthly paychecks • How to reduce trading risk using time and probability • Why foundation and rules matter more than “magic strategies” • How Vlad teaches traders to build income with clarity and discipline • Why peace of mind matters more than chasing huge wins • How trading can become a real income stream — not a gamble About the Guest: Vlad Tayman is the founder of Trader Foundation and a former corporate executive who spent 20 years running training programs for Fortune 500 leaders. Despite achieving traditional success—corner office, six-figure income, and executive status—Vlad found himself burned out, disconnected from his family, and searching for a way out. After losing $29,000 in just 29 days trading penny stocks, he hit rock bottom—an experience that forced him to truly master how trading works. He went on to develop a safe, structured swing-trading system that consistently generates 8–20% per trade with only minutes of setup time. Today, Vlad has helped over 1,000 busy professionals and business owners build reliable secondary income streams—without quitting their careers or living glued to charts—proving that financial freedom doesn’t require sacrificing your life to get it. Links: https://trader.foundation/about-us Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I would put it into our paycheck-collector strategy and let it compound. I’d rather grow it safely than chase big risky wins.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Opening a sandwich shop — going into a business I didn’t understand and relying on other people’s knowledge.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “The Remarkable tablet — I use it for training, teaching, and running my business.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “Success without fulfillment is failure. Freedom is having income, family time, personal growth, and helping others — all together.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure...

    39 min
  8. From AI Automation to Mushroom Millions | Benjamin Bressington  “The Mushroom Guy” on Building a No-Compromise Wellness Business

    JAN 7

    From AI Automation to Mushroom Millions | Benjamin Bressington “The Mushroom Guy” on Building a No-Compromise Wellness Business

    From AI Automation to Mushroom Millions | Benjamin Bressington “The Mushroom Guy” on Building a No-Compromise Wellness Business Many entrepreneurs chase scale, automation, and shiny new systems—only to end up burned out, disconnected, and trapped in businesses they no longer enjoy. High stress, endless meetings, and bloated infrastructure quietly replace the freedom they set out to build. Even highly skilled operators fall into this trap. Over-engineering, rushing scale, and listening to expensive “experts” can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and destroy momentum. Meanwhile, consumers are waking up to the limits of pharmaceuticals and demanding real, holistic solutions—but most businesses compromise on quality to chase margins. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Ben “The Mushroom Guy,” a former AI automation and systems expert who walked away from Fortune-100 consulting to build a fast-growing mushroom-based wellness company from an RV. Ben shares how focusing on one mission, one product philosophy, and zero compromise on quality led to selling thousands of units in under 90 days. He breaks down his distributor-led growth model, how AI now reduces costs instead of inflating them, and why freedom comes from consistency, not chaos. This is a real-world lesson in building cash flow, impact, and a business that supports life—not the other way around. Key Takeaways: How Ben transitioned from AI automation and e-commerce into holistic wellness entrepreneurship Why burnout often comes from scaling too fast, not too slowThe power of focusing on 10 sales per day instead of overwhelming revenue goalsWhy “no fillers, no synthetics” became the company’s biggest competitive advantageHow subscription revenue creates momentum and predictable cash flowWhy giving away product samples can outperform aggressive sales tacticsThe distributor “milk run” model and why local human connection still beats algorithmsHow Ben avoided expensive software by building his own AI-powered CRM systemsWhy consistency and stability outperform forced growthHow true freedom is created by choice, time control, and low pressure—not material excess About the Guest: Benjamin Bressington, founder of BareRemedy and the voice behind their 'Medicine Man' persona. After spending a decade advising Fortune 1000 companies on behavior design, Ben discovered the transformative power of medicinal mushrooms during his own health struggles. Now he's on a mission to help 1 million people reclaim their health using nature's most powerful remedies. Through Bare Remedy, he creates innovative mushroom tinctures and adaptogenic gummies using ancient spagyric extraction methods that capture up to 100% of beneficial compounds – versus the industry standard of just 30-50%. Links: https://app.bareremedy.net/store/447447783e6b48f3bd78f109cacb9375 a...

    36 min
5
out of 5
25 Ratings

About

The Freedom Nation podcast is the home of Freedom Day, the achievement of a work-optional lifestyle. Our show focuses around personal finance, real estate, multiple sources of income, cashflow, and the stories of people that have achieved their own Freedom Days. Our host is Jeff Kikel a 30 year veteran of the Financial Services industry that attained his own Freedom Day by building multiple streams of income, selling some, buying more and sharing his story with the audience.