MIKE'D UP!

Mike DiCioccio

Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio features bold conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, world-class coaches, thought leaders, entertainers, and high achievers from all walks of life. Each episode delivers powerful personal stories and actionable insights to fuel your growth, ignite your mindset, and help you level up in business and life.

  1. 6H AGO

    #288: The Real ROI of Podcasting: How Relationships Rebuilt My Business | Mike DiCioccio

    In this solo episode, I reveal the truth most people completely miss about podcasting. The real ROI isn't downloads. It isn't sponsorships. It isn't vanity metrics. It's access. It's trust. It's relationships. It's the ability to sit down with people you admire, build genuine connections, and create opportunities that would have been impossible otherwise. And over time, those relationships compound into something far greater than any single episode. During one of the most challenging financial periods of my life, I felt a tug from God to launch this podcast. It became a way to create meaningful, inspiring conversations with entrepreneurs, and later became something far more powerful. Without intending to, I built a relationship engine that introduced me to clients, strategic partners, great friends, and ultimately helped transform Social Chameleon into the podcast agency it is today. In this episode, I share how long-form conversations accelerate trust faster than any other medium, how podcasting creates proximity to incredible people, and how a single conversation can open doors that alter your trajectory. Drawing from my own journey and the success of influential shows like The Tim Ferriss Show, My First Million, and The Diary of a CEO, I explain how podcasting has quietly become one of the most effective and underutilized business development tools in the world. I also deliver an honest look at why most podcasts never reach their full potential. While starting a podcast has never been easier, sustaining one that creates meaningful impact requires consistency, systems, and the right operational support behind the scenes. Podcasting didn't only grow my business. It rebuilt it.   IN THIS EPISODE: ➡️ Why the true ROI of podcasting has nothing to do with vanity metrics ➡️ How podcasting creates direct access to relationships that lead to new opportunities ➡️ Why long-form conversations build trust faster than any other form of content ➡️ How one conversation can open doors that change the trajectory of a business ➡️ Real-world examples of podcasts that became powerful business and relationship engines ➡️ Why consistency, systems, and a team are the infrastructure of successful podcasts   🚀 PERFECT FOR: ➡️ Entrepreneurs who want to grow their business through meaningful relationships ➡️ Business owners considering launching a podcast ➡️ Agency owners exploring podcasting as a service offering for their clients ➡️ Podcast hosts who want to turn their show into a true business engine   Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast   AFFILIATES: Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us   Copyright © 2026 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

    6 min
  2. You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    6H AGO · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: On Purpose with Jay Shetty

    Introducing Michael Pollan: The Hidden Cost Of Constant Distraction (Use THIS Practice To Reclaim Your Attention, Clarity, And Inner Freedom) from On Purpose with Jay Shetty. Follow the show: On Purpose with Jay Shetty The real hardship of our time isn’t only the challenges we face, it’s that we rarely slow down enough to fully experience and process them. Jay is joined by bestselling author and journalist Michael Pollan for a deeply thoughtful exploration of consciousness, attention, and what it truly means to be present. Known for reshaping how we think about food, nature, and the human mind, Michael shares why his work always begins with curiosity rather than certainty. Together, they unpack how perception shapes reality and why the most important questions in life aren’t meant to be solved quickly, but held with patience. Jay and Michael dive into how modern life pulls us away from awareness, leaving many of us distracted, overstimulated, and disconnected from ourselves. Drawing from research on meditation, neuroscience, and psychedelic therapy, Michael explains how rigid thought patterns, rumination, and ego-driven narratives can keep us stuck. They discuss how practices that quiet the mind don’t erase our identity, but soften it, creating space for clarity, creativity, and deeper connection with the world around us. In this invterview, you'll learn: How to Stop Living on Autopilot How to Train Your Attention in a Distracted World How to Use Curiosity Instead of Certainty How to Break Free from Mental Rumination How to Quiet the Ego Without Losing Yourself How to Interrupt Stuck Thought Patterns Awareness isn’t something you have to earn or master, it’s something you already possess. Small moments of attention, pausing before reacting, listening more deeply, and learning to sit with your thoughts, can quietly reshape how you experience life. Michael Pollan’s A World Appears is a sweeping exploration of consciousness, what it is, who has it, and what it reveals about the essence of being human. Get your copy here: https://michaelpollan.com/books/a-world-appears/ With Love and Gratitude, Jay Shetty JAY’S DAILY WISDOM DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX Join 900,000+ readers discovering how small daily shifts create big life change with my free newsletter. Subscribe here.  Check out our Apple subscription to unlock bonus content of On Purpose! https://lnk.to/JayShettyPodcast  What We Discuss: 00:32 Why Great Thinkers Start With Questions 02:32 Is There Such a Thing as a Bad Question? 05:53 What is Consciousness? 07:55 Why Consciousness Matters in Daily Life 12:54 What Happens When You Put Your Phone Down 14:05 Building a Daily Meditation Practice 16:05 When Consciousness Transcends the Self 19:47 Is Everything Conscious? 25:46 What’s the Difference between the Mind and Consciousness? 31:16 Meditation and Psychedelics: The Overlap 33:36 Using Psychedelics With Intention 35:30 Is the Brain Creating Reality? 41:09 Breaking OCD Thought Loops 44:24 The Real Risks of Psychedelics 49:04 Why Psychedelics Can Help Break Addiction 51:23 How Altered States Change Our Fear of Death 53:54 Do Near-Death Experiences Change Science? 57:21 Redefining Consciousness in the AI Age 01:02:41 What Our Need for Constant Validation Says About Society  01:05:06 What Makes Humans Different From Machines 01:10:38 Why Asking Better Questions Matters 01:12:17 Michael on Final Five Episode Resources: Website | https://www.jeffersonfisher.com/   Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jefferson_fisher/  YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXjnpu6lK0HoUyOMh2ZBwhQ  TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@justaskjefferson   Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/justaskjefferson/   X | https://x.com/jefferson_fishr  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffersonfisher/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. FEB 9

    #287: Kevin Anderson — The #1 New York Times Editor Behind 50+ National Bestsellers

    In this episode, Mike welcomes Kevin Anderson, New York Times bestselling editor and founder of Kevin Anderson & Associates, the world's largest and most prestigious book-writing firm, for a candid conversation about growth, delegation, and the hidden power of publishing. Kevin brings decades of experience working behind the scenes with top entrepreneurs, executives, and thought leaders to help them scale their impact through books. Kevin breaks down the most common mistakes entrepreneurs make, including trying to do everything themselves and waiting too long to bring in professional support. He explains why delegation isn't optional for scaling and how letting go of control is often the pivotal shift that unlocks real growth. The conversation then turns to Kevin's unexpected path into ghostwriting, which evolved into a firm that now collaborates on nearly 500 books each year. He pulls back the curtain on how high-level ghostwriting actually works, how collaborative teams preserve an author's voice and credibility, and why books remain unmatched as authority and marketing assets. Mike and Kevin also tackle the role of AI in publishing, exploring why technology hasn't replaced human storytelling, and the risks authors face when they rely on it too heavily. Smart, sharp, and packed with real-world insight, this episode is essential for entrepreneurs, authors, and anyone ready to scale their business with intention.   IN THIS EPISODE: ➡️ THE AUTHORITY ADVANTAGE: How publishing a book transforms credibility into long-term influence and opportunity ➡️ HUMAN OVER HYPE: How AI hasn't replaced authentic storytelling or strategic thinking ➡️ BUILT TO LAST: Creating teams, systems, and leadership structures that support expansion without burnout ➡️ SCALING WITH INTENTION: Why delegation—not hustle—is the true catalyst for sustainable business growth   📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY: The sooner you take action, whether publishing a book or hiring the right experts, the sooner your work compounds, builds authority, and opens doors that you won't access by waiting.   🚀 PERFECT FOR: Entrepreneurs, business owners, thought leaders, and aspiring authors who want their book to build real authority.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Thesis Editor Read Your Mind: Proven Habits for Success from the World's Greatest Mentalist Brené Brown's Books Simon Sinek's Books   Connect with Kevin:  Kevin Anderson & Associates  UK Office LinkedIn   Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast   AFFILIATES: Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us   Copyright © 2026 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

    1 hr
  4. FEB 2

    #286: Fred Joyal — Superbold: From Under-Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days

    What if confidence isn't something you're born with, but something you build? This week, Mike welcomes Fred Joyal, bestselling author, international keynote speaker, and co-founder of 1-800-DENTIST, the nation's leading dentist referral service, which generated more than $1 billion in revenue under his leadership. Once deeply introverted, Fred transformed his life through one powerful realization: bold action creates confidence, not the other way around. Now the author of Superbold: From Under Confident to Charismatic in 90 Days, Fred reveals how boldness is not a personality trait; it's a learnable life skill. Through personal stories and practical strategies, Fred shows how small, intentional acts of courage can create massive momentum in both life and business. Listeners are taken behind the scenes of the rise of 1-800-DENTIST, from early risk-taking to national expansion, including the leadership pivots, economic challenges, and cultural foundations that fueled its success. He explains how transparency, adaptability, and trust became the pillars of long-term growth. One of the episode's most unexpected insights comes from Fred's experience with improv comedy, which reshaped his communication style and elevated his public-speaking confidence, proving that growth often begins far outside your comfort zone. From lessons learned through his mother's bold parenting to actionable techniques for strengthening your own "boldness muscle," this episode delivers inspiration you can immediately put into action. If you've ever hesitated to speak up, take the leap, or trust yourself, this conversation is your invitation to stop waiting and start moving. Because confidence isn't discovered. It's built.   🚀 PERFECT FOR: Entrepreneurs, leaders, creatives, and anyone who feels that they are called to do more but are held back by fear or self-doubt.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 1-800-DENTIST Lonesome Dove Man's Search for Meaning   Connect with Fred:  Website Book  Podcast LinkedIn Instagram   Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast   AFFILIATES: Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us   Copyright © 2026 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

    48 min
  5. JAN 26

    #285: Yun Rhee — Awakening Your Potential: Energy Alignment & Nervous System Regulation

    What if everything you've been taught about success is wrong? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Mike sits down with Yun Rhee—a visionary leader, community builder, human potential catalyst, and founder of The Elevated Oracle—for a conversation that bridges ancient spiritual wisdom with cutting-edge science. Yun brings a rare perspective on personal transformation, blending deep intuition with modern research to challenge conventional definitions of achievement and fulfillment. From her early journey as a Korean immigrant shaped by discipline, sacrifice, and perseverance, Yun reveals how the traditional model of "work harder to get ahead" left many disconnected from their true gifts. What followed was a profound awakening that led her into the worlds of energy work, paradigm shifting, quantum sound therapy, and conscious creation, reshaping how she approaches purpose, leadership, and human potential. Together, Mike and Yun explore energy alignment, subconscious reprogramming, and the science of quantum thinking, including the role of gamma brainwaves in creativity and peak performance. Yun explains how meditation, breathwork, nervous-system regulation, and quantum sound therapy can unlock hidden potential and restore energetic flow. Insightful, inspiring, and deeply empowering, this episode invites listeners to step beyond conditioning, reconnect with their higher self, and design a life guided by purpose, alignment, and possibility.   IN THIS EPISODE: ➡️ QUANTUM AWAKENING: Breaking free from subconscious programming to activate untapped potential ➡️ ENERGY ALIGNED CREATION: How frequency, intention, and breath shape your reality ➡️ NERVES OF GREATNESS: Mastering the nervous system to unlock clarity, calm, and peak performance ➡️ COMMUNITY BY DESIGN: Building environments where technology, connection, and purpose converge   📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY: Personal growth accelerates when inner alignment meets practical application. By combining self-awareness, intentional daily practices, and supportive environments, lasting change becomes not only possible but repeatable across every area of life.   🚀 PERFECT FOR: Entrepreneurs, changemakers, and high-achievers seeking to unlock their full potential. It's also perfect for anyone ready to move beyond outdated "work harder" mindsets, embrace authenticity, align their energy, and create a life of purpose, impact, and meaningful growth.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Bob Proctor Life and Teaching of the Masters of the Far East The Hidden Messages in Water   Connect with Yun & The Elevated Oracle:  Website  LinkedIn Instagram Facebook   Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast   AFFILIATES: Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us   Copyright © 2026 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

    1h 12m
  6. JAN 19

    #284: Derek Strokon — Escaping Hero Culture: Embracing Authenticity and Generosity

    When the wins keep coming, but fulfillment fades, what's really missing? In this unforgettable episode, Mike welcomes Derek Strokon, CEO of Soul Summit Ventures, three-time international bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and philanthropic force, for a raw, inspiring conversation about redefining success and living with intention. Derek opens up about his journey from the high-pressure world of corporate finance and material excess to a life grounded in gratitude, service, and authentic connection. After downsizing from a 5,100-square-foot home, he discovered that less can truly become more…more impact, more meaning, and more fulfillment. At the heart of the conversation is Derek's powerful philosophy of "Hero Culture," sparked by a simple yet profound Halloween moment with his son. He also introduces the concept of "tipping time," a mindset shift that allows future goals to be accessed in the present, transforming how we think about success, time, and purpose. Woven throughout the episode are personal stories about family, fatherhood, and the role Derek's wife and children have played in keeping him grounded and aligned. His message is equal parts heart, wisdom, and action. This episode is a powerful reminder that true success isn't measured by what you accumulate, but by the lives you impact along the way. IN THIS EPISODE: ➡️SUCCESS REDEFINED: Trading material excess for purpose, gratitude, and meaningful impact ➡️HERO CULTURE IN ACTION: How everyday moments create leaders who give first ➡️THE TIPPING TIME MINDSET: Accessing future goals by serving others in the present ➡️PHILANTHROPY THAT SCALES: Building community funds that create real, local change   📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY: True wealth isn't defined by accumulation, but by intention. This episode reminds us that abundance already exists; it's a choice rooted in how we share our time, resources, and influence. When success is redirected toward lifting others, it creates deeper fulfillment and a ripple effect of impact that lasts far beyond material gain.   🚀 PERFECT FOR: Purpose-driven entrepreneurs, executives, and high performers who are questioning traditional definitions of success and craving deeper meaning. It's also ideal for anyone interested in personal growth, philanthropy, leadership with heart, and using financial or professional success to create real-world impact, especially those seeking alignment between ambition, authenticity, and service.    Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Derek's Books Derek's TEDx Talk Sacred Line Consulting The Kindness Cure Foundation  Why Work Sucks and How to Fix It   Connect with Derek and Soul Summit Ventures:  Website Soul Summit Ventures LinkedIn    Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast   AFFILIATES: Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us   Copyright © 2026 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

    52 min
  7. JAN 12

    #283: Eli Igra Serfaty — Turn LinkedIn Into Your Most Powerful Growth Engine

    What if the platform you've been using casually is actually your most powerful growth engine?  In this episode, Mike sits down with Eli Igra Serfaty, co-founder and CEO of MAIA Digital, one of the world's leading LinkedIn growth agencies. MAIA helps B2B founders and executives turn visibility into real trust, relationships, and revenue. With a background in venture capital and deep roots in Israel's startup ecosystem, Eli brings a rare, behind-the-scenes perspective on how influence is actually built in today's professional world. Eli walks through his journey from venture capital at iAngels to founding MAIA Digital after spotting a critical gap: brilliant founders and executives were on LinkedIn, but they weren't truly using it. What began as a job-hunting platform has quietly evolved into one of the most powerful tools for credibility, connection, and long-term business growth, especially following Microsoft's acquisition, which fundamentally reshaped the ecosystem. This conversation goes far beyond tactics. Eli breaks down why visibility matters, why most people overthink posting, and how consistent, authentic engagement turns cold audiences into warm conversations. He explains what actually works on LinkedIn today, from content formats and storytelling to outreach strategies that build trust rather than burn bridges. You'll also hear practical guidance on using LinkedIn without letting it consume your life: what to do daily, weekly, and monthly to generate real returns. Eli shares why authenticity beats automation, why vulnerability builds stronger communities, and why playing the long game on LinkedIn pays off in ways most people underestimate.   IN THIS EPISODE: ➡️LINKEDIN REIMAGINED: How the platform evolved from job board to trust-building growth engine ➡️VISIBILITY WITHOUT PERFECTION: Why consistency beats overthinking and polished personas ➡️OUTREACH THAT ACTUALLY WORKS: Turning cold connections into warm, human conversations ➡️AUTHENTICITY THAT COMPOUNDS: Building long-term influence through real engagement and community   📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY: LinkedIn success isn't about hacking the algorithm or posting more than everyone else; it's about showing up as a real human, consistently. When you stop treating LinkedIn like a sales tool and start using it as a relationship-building platform, trust compounds quietly, opportunities find you faster, and growth becomes a byproduct rather than the goal.   🚀 PERFECT FOR: Founders, executives, or professionals who know that LinkedIn works but aren't fully utilizing it yet. This episode offers a clear and grounded roadmap for building influence that actually lasts.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future   Connect with Eli & MAIA Digital:  Eli's LinkedIn MAIA Digital  MAIA LinkedIn  MAIA YouTube   Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast   AFFILIATES: Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us   Copyright © 2026 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

    51 min
  8. JAN 5

    #282: Katya Karlova — Turning Invisible Pain into Unstoppable Power

    In this powerful episode, Mike welcomes Katya Karlova, former corporate VP, resilience alchemist, author, and endometriosis advocate, for a conversation centered on transforming pain into purpose. Originally from Moldova and educated at UCLA and University College London, Katya spent 15 years in global talent management before a life-altering health journey redirected her calling. During the pandemic, Katya confronted chronic pain, anxiety, and body dysmorphia, eventually receiving a long-overdue diagnosis of endometriosis, a condition affecting millions of women worldwide yet still widely misunderstood and misdiagnosed. She shares the emotional and physical toll of navigating a medical system that often dismisses women's pain, and the resilience required to continue advocating for answers. That experience became the catalyst for her debut book, Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power, and for her growing advocacy work supporting those living with trauma, chronic illness, and unseen suffering. Katya also opens up about body positivity, self-love, and reclaiming confidence, including her journey into boudoir modeling as a powerful form of healing and self-expression. With more than 500,000 social media followers, Katya discusses authenticity, censorship, bias against curvy women, and the challenge of balancing vulnerability with empowerment online. Recognized as one of Womenpreneur Magazine's Top 20 Empowering Women, her story is a compelling testament to resilience, leadership through empathy, and the transformative power of gratitude.   IN THIS EPISODE: ➡️ THE DIAGNOSIS FIGHT: Katya's years-long battle to be diagnosed with endometriosis ➡️ MEDICAL GASLIGHTING EXPOSED: How women's pain is dismissed inside the healthcare system ➡️ PAIN INTO POWER: The personal crisis that sparked Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power ➡️ THE POWER OF POSITIVE BODY IMAGE: Katya's journey into the world of boudoir modeling ➡️ IMPACT THROUGH AUTHENTICITY: Building a global community by leading with truth and vulnerability   📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY: True healing often begins the moment you stop questioning your pain and start trusting your voice. Katya's story reminds listeners that self-advocacy is not confrontation; it's self-respect, and it can be the turning point that changes everything.   🚀 PERFECT FOR: Those living with chronic pain or searching for answers to unexplained health symptoms, as well as anyone who has felt dismissed or unheard within the healthcare system. Katya's story is also perfect for leaders and professionals seeking to transform personal adversity into purpose-driven impact. Ultimately, this conversation is for anyone looking for hope, resilience, and meaning in the midst of life's most difficult seasons.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Invisible Pain, Unstoppable Power Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Womenpreneur The Endometriosis Association  Endometriosis Foundation of America   Connect with Katya:  Website Instagram Facebook X   Connect with Mike: Linktree   SPONSORS: Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast   AFFILIATES: Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside   Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us   Copyright © 2025 Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

    47 min
4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Mike'D Up! with Mike DiCioccio features bold conversations with inspiring entrepreneurs, bestselling authors, world-class coaches, thought leaders, entertainers, and high achievers from all walks of life. Each episode delivers powerful personal stories and actionable insights to fuel your growth, ignite your mindset, and help you level up in business and life.