The Disruptive Capitalists

Sam Sells
  • 5.0 (16)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Disruptive Capitalists – Where real estate meets innovation. Hosted by Sam Sells, impact investor and retired Air Force officer. We break down capital-raising, AI-driven investing, affordable housing solutions, and disruptive strategies to build wealth and impact. Featuring conversations with top investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in commercial real estate, multifamily investing, impact investing, and financial technology. New episodes weekly. Subscribe for real strategies — not theory.

  1. 1D AGO

    Your 401(k) Is a Trap — And Nobody's Telling You | Joey Mure

    Joey Mure, co-founder of Wealth Without Wall Street and author of "Wealth Without Wall Street: 3 Steps to Freedom Through Passive Income" — joins Sam Sells for a conversation that challenges everything you've been told about retirement and financial security. Joey makes a bold case: the 401(k) was never designed to make you wealthy. It was designed to shift retirement risk from corporations to you. Instead, Joey advocates for a radically different formula — passive income greater than monthly expenses equals financial freedom. It's the same formula that helped him build over $50,000/month in passive income. Sam adds his own perspective, sharing how growing up in poverty shaped his understanding of money and why trading time for money is a dead end. Together, they discuss the importance of financial education, why younger generations are rejecting traditional work models, and how AI-driven tools can help people access grants and government resources they didn't know existed. In this episode, you'll hear: → Why the 401(k) is failing workers by design → The passive income formula that changed Joey's life → Why more income doesn't equal financial freedom → Sam's journey from poverty to understanding passive income → Why Gen Z and millennials are done with the traditional system → AI-driven tools for accessing grants and government contracts → How to build structured financial systems for independence 🔗 Connect with Joey Mure: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joey-mure-b376824/ https://www.facebook.com/wealthwithoutwallstreet https://www.instagram.com/wealthwithoutwallst https://go.wealthwithoutwallstreet.com/disruptive-capitalist 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel ⁠facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 ⭐ Love the show? Leave a rating & review — it helps more people find us! Disclaimer:    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    22 min

  2. 3D AGO

    The 2008 Crash Almost Ended Him. Here's What He Does Differently Now | Ken Gee

    Ken Gee brings 26 years of real estate banking and private equity experience to one of the most insightful conversations we've had on The Disruptive Capitalists. Ken shares his journey from commercial lender to private equity investor, the lessons that saved him during the 2008 financial crisis, and why fixed-rate debt and disciplined strategy are the only things standing between you and disaster in this market. Ken and Sam break down current conditions in Florida where they're acquiring high-quality assets at favorable prices, while addressing the temporary headwinds hitting C-class properties due to immigration fears. They also get real about the emotional toll of real estate losses, why newcomers need mentorship over capital, and how AI and innovative technology are becoming essential for raising capital in today's environment. In this episode, you'll hear: → The 2008 lesson every investor needs to learn before the next downturn → Why 2021 acquisitions are still performing in a high-rate environment → Current strategy for acquiring assets in Florida → Why C-class property occupancy dips are temporary → Mentorship and partnership advice for commercial real estate newcomers → How AI is changing capital raising and government assistance access 🔗 Connect with Ken Gee: Website: kripartners.com  Email: kgee@kripartners.com  Instagram: kengee_kri Facebook: Ken Gee KRI LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/geekennetha 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel ⁠facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 ⭐ Love the show? Leave a rating & review — it helps more people find us! Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    41 min

  3. APR 14

    He's Raising $115M to Fix America's Broken Rehab System | Jay Tobey

    48 million Americans had a substance use disorder last year. Most never received care. The waitlists are months long and people are dying before they get a bed. Jay Tobey, founder of North Star Recovery & Wellness, is raising approximately $115 million to acquire behavioral health facilities and add 500 beds to meet this overwhelming demand. His approach: acquire facilities offering detox, residential, and outpatient services, retrofit existing buildings instead of building new, and prove that a capitalistic model is the only sustainable way to solve the behavioral health crisis at scale. In this episode, Jay and Sam Sells dive deep into the operational realities of addiction treatment, the failures of government-run facilities, the shifting stigma around mental health, and untapped funding opportunities in HUD and suicide prevention that could be redirected to support sober living. In this episode, you'll hear: → Jay's plan to deploy $80M by year end and add 500 beds → Why the full continuum of care — detox, residential, outpatient — is non-negotiable → Why retrofitting existing buildings is smarter than new construction → The government facility placement crisis most people don't know about → How capitalism is the only scalable solution to the behavioral health crisis → HUD funding inefficiencies and how to redirect them to sober living → Suicide prevention funding opportunities for behavioral health projects → Collaboration on building new facilities with innovative technology 🔗 Connect with Jay Tobey: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-tobey-114a16155/ Insta @ jaytobey18 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel ⁠facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 ⭐ Love the show? Leave a rating & review — it helps more people find us! Disclaimer:  The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    22 min

  4. MAR 23

    How Millionaires Give Away Money AND Get Richer | David Flores Wilson

    David Flores Wilson, former Olympic sprinter, Investopedia Top 100 Financial Advisor, and Managing Partner at Sincerus Advisory — joins Sam Sells to explore the powerful intersection of capitalism and philanthropy. David breaks down how the wealthy strategically give money away while paying less in taxes, introduces his concept of "charitable risk tolerance," and explains why most people are leaving thousands on the table by donating cash instead of appreciated securities. He also shares how philanthropic priorities naturally evolve through different life stages and why aligning your money with your values is the key to both wealth and fulfillment. Sam adds to the conversation by addressing the transparency crisis in nonprofit funding and announces the upcoming launch of BrightStead Technologies (GrantAuthority.org), an AI-powered platform designed to help underserved populations escape poverty through better access to grants and resources. In this episode, you'll hear:  → How to align financial goals with personal values through strategic giving  → The concept of "charitable risk tolerance" and why it matters  → Why donor advised funds are one of the smartest tax strategies available  → How donating appreciated securities maximizes your charitable deductions  → The nonprofit transparency problem and how to hold charities accountable  → BrightStead Technologies (grantauthority.org), AI tools for poverty alleviation ⭐ Love the show? Leave a rating & review — it helps more people find us! 🔗 Connect with David Flores Wilson: Email: DWilson@SincerusAdv.com Website: SincerusAdv.com LinkedIn: in/David-FLores-Wilson-CFP Blog: https://www.planningtowealth.com 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel⁠ facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    24 min

  5. MAR 16

    Why Most Men Are Successful on the Outside and Empty on the Inside | Joshua Tomeoni

    Joshua Tomeoni joins Sam Sells for an unflinching conversation about what it really means to be a man after everything falls apart. After his divorce shattered his sense of self, Joshua embarked on a journey to rebuild his identity, and now he's helping other men do the same. Together, they challenge society's distorted view of masculinity, expose why the manosphere's definition of success leaves men feeling empty, and debate why coaching often delivers what traditional therapy can't. Joshua also introduces his workbook for men navigating major life transitions. The conversation expands into how language and historical narratives are manipulated to divide people, Sam's AI-powered grant access platform helping individuals escape poverty, and a potential collaboration on AI-driven financial planning tools. In this episode, you'll hear: → How to rebuild your identity after divorce or a major life shift → Why authenticity matters more than the manosphere's version of success → The case for coaching over traditional therapy for men in transition → How societal narratives are shaped by financial interests to create division → Sam's AI tool streamlining grant access for people in need → The future of AI-powered personal finance collaboration Connect with Joshua Tomeoni: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshTheDerelicthttps://www.instagram.com/joshthederelict/https://www.tiktok.com/@joshtomeonihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuatomeoni/ Connect with Sam Sells:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel ⁠facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists https://grantauthority.org https://brightstead.com   Follow Us:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ?si=4a4cf07923394bb9 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists/podcasts Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora:  https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 ⭐ Love the show? Leave a rating & review — it helps more people find us! Disclaimer:    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    32 min

  6. MAR 9

    America Ranks DEAD LAST in Retirement — BlackRock & Wall Street Are Why | Barry Dyke

    The United States — the world's largest economy — ranks dead last among the top 30 industrialized nations in retirement preparedness. And according to Barry Dyke, that's no accident. Barry Dyke, president of Castle Asset Management and fiduciary advisor with over 40 years of experience, joins the Disruptive Capitalist Podcast to expose the systemic forces quietly destroying the retirement security of everyday Americans. From the unchecked power of institutional giants like BlackRock, Vanguard, and State Street, to the dangerous push of private equity and private credit into retail retirement accounts, Barry pulls back the curtain on a financial system designed to benefit the few at the expense of the many. In this episode Barry breaks down the historical pattern of debt-driven financial collapses — from 1929 to the dot-com bubble to 2008 — and why today's environment is showing the same warning signs. He also exposes how misleading inflation metrics mask the true financial burden on retirees, how predatory lending targets the most vulnerable, and why the deliberate erosion of the post-WWII retirement system has left millions of Americans dangerously unprepared. But this isn't just a warning — it's a roadmap. Barry shares practical strategies for protecting your savings, including the role of whole life insurance as a stable capital pool, the importance of fiduciary financial advice, and how to align your investments with your values in an increasingly corrupt financial landscape. Barry's forthcoming book, Black Eyes for BlackRock, promises to take this exposé even further. 🔗 CONNECT WITH BARRY DYKE Website: https://www.barryjamesdyke.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryjamesdyke/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thepiratesofmanhattan YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMgvWBPowk4xZ-hcfh9-SUw 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ https://www.facebook.com/impactsamuel⁠ facebook.com/sam.sells.16⁠ ⁠instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists Website: https://grantauthority.org | https://brightstead.com | 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 🔔 Subscribe for weekly conversations with investors, economists, and independent thinkers exposing the truth about money, wealth, and financial freedom. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    28 min

  7. MAR 3

    How to Retire Early With Multifamily Real Estate | Tony Lopes

    What does it take to retire at 44 through real estate — starting with nothing but a W2 job and a willingness to invest? Tony Lopes, CEO of Dirty Boots Capital and bestselling author of Freedom at Risk, spent nearly two decades in the defense industry before achieving full financial independence through small multifamily real estate. Starting with duplexes, triplexes, and quads, Tony built a portfolio that replaced his income and gave him the freedom to walk away from his career on his own terms. In this episode of the Disruptive Capitalists Podcast, Tony breaks down the three types of distress quietly eroding real estate portfolios today — physical distress, operator distress, and renter distress — and explains why understanding all three is critical for any serious multifamily investor. Tony also unpacks the macro forces reshaping the rental market: a 5.25% interest rate spike that triggered a 37% drop in commercial real estate values, immigration policy changes suppressing rents in key Sunbelt markets, the long-term fallout from pandemic-era rent moratoriums, and the declining purchasing power of the US dollar. He also shares practical advice on managing property effectively, raising rents strategically, and building a real estate business with both profitability and purpose. Not sure where to start? Take Tony’s free 2-min Real Estate Personality Test 👉 https://dirtybootscapital.com/real-estate-personality-test/ Looking for more personalized guidance?Book a complimentary strategy session with Tony at https://calendly.com/tonylopes-1 — and as a bonus, you’ll receive a free copy of his bestselling book "Freedom at Risk: How to Protect Your Personal & Financial Freedoms" 🔑 What You'll Learn: ✅ How Tony Lopes retired at 44 using small multifamily properties ✅ The 3 types of real estate distress impacting investors today ✅ Why renter financial distress is the #1 hidden risk in your portfolio ✅ How a 5.25% interest rate hike caused a 37% drop in commercial real estate values ✅ Why Sunbelt rents are under pressure due to immigration policy changes ✅ The property management mistake that costs operators thousands ✅ How to raise rents without losing quality tenants ✅ Why the US dollar's declining purchasing power matters to every landlord ✅ Tony's philosophy on purpose-driven investing and defining real success 🔗 CONNECT WITH TONY LOPES YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DirtyBootsCapital Instagram: https://instagram.com/dirty_boots_capital/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/DirtyBootsCapital LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/tony-lopes-far/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/freedomatrisk_ 🌐 Website: dirtybootscapital.com 📧 Email:tonylopes@dirtybootscapital.com 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ Instagram: instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists Website: https://grantauthority.org 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 🔔 Subscribe for weekly interviews with investors, entrepreneurs, and independent thinkers rewriting the rules of wealth building. #TonyLopes #DirtyBootsCapital #MultifamilyInvesting #RealEstateInvesting #FinancialFreedom #RealEstatePodcast #FreedomAtRisk #PassiveIncome #RealEstateEducation #WealthBuilding #DisruptiveCapitalist #LandlordLife #PropertyInvesting #SmallMultifamily Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    38 min

  8. FEB 23

    The Real Estate Industry Is Broken — She's Fixing It from the Inside | Kevelyn Guzman

    Kevelyn Guzman, Regional Vice President at Coldwell Banker Warburg, joins Sam Sells to reveal why the most successful brokerages treat agents as their primary clients, not an afterthought. Kevelyn shares how a people-first approach has transformed agent performance, client outcomes, and organizational culture, while explaining the devastating consequences when trust breaks down during acquisitions and leadership transitions. The conversation also explores how AI is reshaping real estate post-COVID — from generating property descriptions to streamlining workflows, and why human critical thinking remains essential even as the technology improves. In this episode, you'll hear: → Why agents should be treated as a brokerage's #1 client → How trust is built and broken during organizational transitions → AI's growing role in real estate and its current limitations → Why company culture should put people before profits → A proposed collaboration to connect people with grants and resources 🔗 Connect with Kevelyn Guzman: https://www.instagram.com/kevelynguzman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevelyn-g-055676b 🔗 Connect with Sam Sells: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelsells/ Instagram: instagram.com/thedisruptivecapitalists Website: https://grantauthority.org | https://impactgrowthcap.com | https://brightstead.com 🔗 Follow The Disruptive Capitalists: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/id1644437927 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1I5tdqJNcxCB2Qiu1lfZyJ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@disruptivecapitalists Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BDW71563?ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_PZGDSPN2ASGH1HR8PADY Pandora: https://www.pandora.com/podcast/the-disruptive-capitalists/PC:1001025132 ⭐ Love the show? Leave a rating & review — it helps more people find us! Disclaimer:    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests. The content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Listeners should seek legal or professional advice before making any decisions based on the discussions in this podcast.

    27 min
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5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

The Disruptive Capitalists – Where real estate meets innovation. Hosted by Sam Sells, impact investor and retired Air Force officer. We break down capital-raising, AI-driven investing, affordable housing solutions, and disruptive strategies to build wealth and impact. Featuring conversations with top investors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in commercial real estate, multifamily investing, impact investing, and financial technology. New episodes weekly. Subscribe for real strategies — not theory.

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