The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan

The Real Jason Duncan

Welcome to The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan—a podcast where I uncover the real stories behind today's most successful entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, artists, and leaders. In every episode, I dive deep into honest, unfiltered conversations that reveal how these trailblazers define success, overcome challenges, and craft transformative strategies to excel in their industries. I'm not just your host—I'm an entrepreneur behind 12 thriving ventures and the founder of The Exiter Club, a mastermind community dedicated to living #TheExitLifestyle. I built XOS™ (The Exiter Operating System) to empower business owners to transition from the daily grind to becoming strategic owner-investors, creating a life that blends professional achievement with personal fulfillment. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, my journey—from an 8th-grade history teacher to a serial entrepreneur—has been fueled by a passion for authentic success. Outside of my business interests, you'll find me enjoying motorcycle rides, RV adventures, and cherishing everyday moments with my high school sweetheart of 30 years and our two grown children. My life, both personal and professional, is guided by unwavering faith in Jesus. Tune in on all major podcast platforms and YouTube for actionable insights, fresh perspectives, and inspirational stories that can spark your own journey toward balanced success. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out in your business, visit businessburnouttest.com to take our Business Burnout Test and get personalized recommendations to reignite your passion and transform your life. 

  1. 6D AGO

    319: From Bankruptcy at 21 to Building Global Brands

    Imagine going bankrupt at 21 with over a quarter-million dollars in debt—only to rebuild and create brands that now reach millions worldwide. That’s exactly what today’s guest, Nick Edmundson, did. Nick is the Founder & CEO of Wandering Weddings, the global hub for adventurous couples who want rule-free, epic celebrations. From washing cars for $6.50 an hour to running multiple successful brands—including a die-cast racing venture called Tiny Track Cars—Nick’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and never letting other people’s limits define his own. In this episode, we dive into: The $250,000 car business disaster that forced him into bankruptcy at 21 How he turned photography into a thriving business and simplified success with his wife Building Wandering Weddings into a worldwide platform Balancing business with family life while protecting his time Why persistence—not intelligence—is the ultimate success key Nick also shares how joining the Exiter Club mastermind shifted his mindset, taught him the power of delegation, and helped him move from being the brand to running the brand. 👉 Whether you’re chasing freedom, rebuilding after failure, or looking for a model of persistence, Nick’s journey will inspire you. Who is Nick Edmundson? Nick Edmundson is the Founder & CEO of Wandering Weddings, an elopement and intimate wedding planning platform dedicated to adventurous couples who value unique, rule-free celebrations in epic landscapes. Based in Poulsbo, Washington, he launched the venture to help couples craft elopements that reflect their passions rather than conforming to tradition. Wandering Weddings operates as both an inspiration hub and a vendor directory—featuring hundreds of couples and specialized service providers like photographers, planners, and florists across the globe. Nick has highlighted how interest in adventure elopements has surged post-pandemic, with daily site traffic climbing from around 30–40 organic clicks to as many as 1,400–1,500 users Nick Edmundson’s Website Link:  wanderingweddings.com Nick Edmundson’s  Social Media Link:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wanderingweddings Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    41 min
  2. AUG 18

    318: The One Thing Napoleon Hill Couldn’t Master—Until He Did ft. Jason Duncan

    In this special solo episode of The Root of All Success, I (Jason Duncan) dive into the life and legacy of Napoleon Hill—one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in personal achievement. Hill interviewed the titans of industry and wrote the frameworks that shaped generations, yet privately, he wrestled with the same issue that destroys countless entrepreneurs today: a lack of self-discipline. I’ll share: Hill’s hidden battle with discipline and the turning point that saved him How self-discipline powers every success principle—from persistence to planning My own story of drifting, losing focus, and how discipline transformed my business Why you can’t out-strategize a lack of discipline in business, marriage, or life If you’re struggling to stay consistent or focused, this episode will hit home. Success doesn’t belong to the smartest or most connected—it belongs to the disciplined. 🌟 Stay Connected with Jason Duncan  📖 Learn more: ⁠therealjasonduncan.com⁠  🎙 Listen to The Root of All Success: ⁠therootofallsuccess.com⁠  🚀 Join the Mastermind: ⁠theexiterclub.com⁠  📱 Instagram: ⁠@therealjasonduncan⁠  💼 LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/therealjasonduncan⁠ 💡 About The Real Jason Duncan Jason helps entrepreneurs #ExitWithoutExiting, freeing them from daily operations while keeping ownership and profits. Subscribe for more strategies on achieving true freedom and living with purpose. 👉 Don’t Forget: ✔ Like, comment, and share this video if it resonated with you.  ✔ Subscribe to the channel for weekly content on entrepreneurship and success. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! ⁠https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast⁠. Jason's Website Link   Jason's Social Media Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    16 min
  3. AUG 11

    317: From Scattered to Scaling: How Focus Saved My Business and Tripled My Revenue ft. Jason Duncan

    What if the thing holding your business back… is you? In this special guest episode, Jason Duncan returns to the Not Your Average Financial Podcast to share how a single decision to focus completely changed the trajectory of his company. From nearly purchasing a truck and RV dealership to tripling membership in his mastermind, Jason breaks down the mindset shift that helped him scale, systematize, and reclaim his time. You’ll hear how he turned Exeter Club into a movement—and why "own it, don’t run it" is more than a motto. It’s a challenge to entrepreneurs everywhere to stop building prisons disguised as businesses. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why "diversification" can be a dangerous lie The real reason most entrepreneurs stay stuck in the grind How Jason’s XOS framework builds scalable, exit-ready businesses The difference between owner-operators, owner-managers, and owner-investors Why attention is more powerful than time How the Bank On Yourself strategy reduces financial stress for founders The most important question Jason would ask if you never heard from him again 🌟 Stay Connected with Jason Duncan  📖 Learn more: ⁠therealjasonduncan.com⁠  🎙 Listen to The Root of All Success: ⁠therootofallsuccess.com⁠  🚀 Join the Mastermind: ⁠theexiterclub.com⁠  📱 Instagram: ⁠@therealjasonduncan⁠  💼 LinkedIn: ⁠linkedin.com/in/therealjasonduncan⁠ 💡 About The Real Jason Duncan Jason helps entrepreneurs #ExitWithoutExiting, freeing them from daily operations while keeping ownership and profits. Subscribe for more strategies on achieving true freedom and living with purpose. 👉 Don’t Forget: ✔ Like, comment, and share this video if it resonated with you.  ✔ Subscribe to the channel for weekly content on entrepreneurship and success. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! ⁠https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast⁠. Jason's Website Link   Jason's Social Media Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min
  4. AUG 4

    316: How This CFO Spots Failing Businesses in 5 Minutes ft. Luke Boyenger

    What if watching your family’s business collapse became the reason you saved dozens of others? In this powerful episode of The Root of All Success, I sit down with Luke Boyinger, a fractional CFO, CPA, and financial strategist who turned personal pain into professional purpose. After seeing his family’s business go bankrupt during the 2008 recession, Luke made it his mission to prevent other business owners from repeating the same fate. Today, through his firm Kruzumi, he helps founders understand their numbers, build strong financial habits, and scale profitably—not just grow blindly. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your financials or unsure how to measure real success, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to lead differently. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why chasing revenue can destroy profitability The danger of over-prioritizing tax savings How misaligned business models kill growth Why financial reviews are more powerful than you think The most common mindset holding founders back How to build profit-first habits that create stability Why most entrepreneurs are leaving 3–5% net profit on the table 📊 Learn more at: www.kruzumi.com 📧 Contact: luke.boyanger@kruzumi.com 🔍 Connect on LinkedIn: Search “Luke Boyinger” — he’s the only one in the world! Who is Luke Boyenger? From witnessing the painful closure of a family business during my high school years, I was driven to master the art of successful business management. This early experience ignited a lifelong passion for business finance and led me to pursue a degree in accounting, secure my CPA license, and gain invaluable insights from global leaders during my tenure as an auditor at EY. In my roles as an auditor, a data analytics coach, and a director of accounting, I've cultivated a robust knowledge base and a versatile skill set that bridge the crucial gap in understanding effective business operations. My diverse experience has equipped me with the tools to provide strategic oversight and actionable advice to business owners striving to avoid the pitfalls that once impacted my family. I am dedicated to empowering small business owners to unlock their company’s full potential by: - Evaluating and enhancing business models to align with strategic visions. - Implementing robust financial review processes to ensure month-to-month accountability. - Coaching on the establishment and pursuit of strategic, long-term goals. - Providing expert advice on profit maximization, cash flow management, and sustainable growth. - As your Fractional CFO, I am eager to apply my expertise to help your business thrive. Luke Boyenger’s Website Link:  cruzumi.com Luke Boyenger’s  Social Media Link:  Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/luke-boyenger Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min
  5. JUL 28

    315: Why This Top Advisor Walked Away From Millions to Help You Build Wealth With Purpose ft. Derrick Kinney

    Would you walk away from millions to help others master their money—and their mindset? That’s exactly what Derrick Kinney did. After building a massively successful financial advisory firm, Derrick realized he wanted more than wealth—he wanted to make an impact. In this empowering episode of The Root of All Success, host Jason Duncan talks with the bestselling author of Good Money Revolution about the deeper purpose behind wealth and how to use money as a force for good. Derrick unpacks how anyone—no matter their income level—can shift from scarcity to generosity and build a life that’s profitable and purposeful. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why Derrick sold his thriving financial firm at the peak The difference between making money and making an impact How your mindset and money beliefs are connected What he teaches millionaires (and what works for everyone) The power of linking giving to growth Why generosity is a business advantage How to design a financial plan aligned with your values What’s really holding people back from wealth Practical steps to escape debt and start building good money habits 👉 Want to build wealth with purpose? 📚 Grab Derrick’s book Good Money Revolution 🎧 Listen to The Good Money Podcast 🌐 Visit: www.goodmoneyframework.com Who is Derrick Kinney? Derrick Kinney is widely considered one of the most engaging and down-to-earth money and business experts in the country. He built one of America’s top financial firms and helped countless clients become millionaires. Then, he sold it to give everyone access to his Middle-Class to Millionaire Playbook. As America’s Financial Educator, he’s a sought-after guest on top podcasts and a go-to expert on FOX, CNN, CNBC, and Yahoo Finance. He’s also the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of Good Money Revolution. Derrick Kinney’s Website Link:  https://successforadvisors.com Derrick Kinney’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickkinney https://www.instagram.com/derricktkinney/ Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    39 min
  6. JUL 24

    314: He Left Wall Street to Help the Underdog Sell Big ft. Scott Weavil

    What if selling your small business felt as strategic—and profitable—as a Wall Street deal? That’s the mission of Scott Weavil, founder of Sierra Pacific Partners and a former corporate M&A attorney who walked away from billion-dollar boardrooms to help small business owners get the exits they deserve. In this episode of The Root of All Success, Jason Duncan and Scott unpack what really happens during the business sale process—from valuation myths and buyer psychology to why most founders unknowingly sabotage their own deals. If you’re thinking about exiting, scaling for sale, or simply want to increase the value of your business, this episode will shift your mindset and sharpen your strategy. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why most businesses aren’t ready to sell—and how to fix it The biggest mistakes owners make when preparing to exit How to position your company for acquisition in the lower middle market What buyers are really looking for (hint: it’s not just your numbers) Why recurring revenue and owner independence drive valuation The “Denali Test” and how it reveals risk in your operations How Scott helps small business owners sell without selling out What every founder should do 1–2 years before they even think about exiting 👉 Ready to explore your exit strategy the right way? 📍 Learn more: www.sierrapacificpartners.com 📧 Connect with Scott: scott@sierrapacificpartners.com 🎧 Listen to this and other episodes on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube Who is Scott Weavi? Jon Ostenson is the Founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, an Inc. 5000 company, and he is a top 1% franchise consultant. Jon is also the author of the bestselling book, ‘Non-Food Franchising’. Jon draws on his experience as a former Inc. 500 Franchise President and Multi-Brand franchisee in helping his clients select their franchise investments. Jon is a frequent contributor to publications such as Forbes, Inc., and Bloomberg on franchising topics. Scott Weavil’s Website Link:  www.sierrapacificpartners.com Scott Weavil’s  Social Media Link:  LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottweavil/ Twitter/X - https://x.com/scottweavil Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@sierrapacificpartners8563 Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    26 min
  7. JUL 22

    313: Why You Shouldn’t Start a Business—Buy One Instead ft. Jon Ostenson

    Think starting a business is the only way to build wealth? Think again. In this episode, Jason Duncan sits down with Jon Ostenson, one of the top franchise consultants in the country and author of Non-Food Franchising, to break the myth that entrepreneurship has to start from scratch. Jon reveals why buying into the right franchise can often be smarter, faster, and far less risky than launching your own idea. He shares what kinds of businesses are booming right now (hint: it’s not restaurants), how his clients are earning passive income while keeping their day jobs, and why the franchise model is becoming the go-to strategy for corporate execs and investors alike. Whether you’re dreaming of your first business or looking to diversify your portfolio, this conversation will open your eyes to a different path to success. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Why franchising beats traditional startups for many entrepreneurs The real reason non-food franchises are exploding What makes a franchise “semi-passive” (and why it matters) Common myths and mistakes around franchise ownership How busy professionals can build wealth without quitting Red flags to avoid when picking a franchise model Industries that are booming (and the ones Jon won’t touch) How Jon helps buyers navigate over 600 franchise options Why franchising is now a hot topic with investors and execs 📘 Grab Jon's book: Non-Food Franchising 🌐 Learn more: www.franbridgeconsulting.com 📥 Free franchise info kit: [Contact Jon directly through his site] Who is Jon Ostenson? Jon Ostenson is the Founder and CEO of FranBridge Consulting, an Inc. 5000 company, and he is a top 1% franchise consultant. Jon is also the author of the bestselling book, ‘Non-Food Franchising’. Jon draws on his experience as a former Inc. 500 Franchise President and Multi-Brand franchisee in helping his clients select their franchise investments. Jon is a frequent contributor to publications such as Forbes, Inc., and Bloomberg on franchising topics. Jon Ostenson’s Website Link:  https://franbridgeconsulting.com/ Jon Ostenson’s  Social Media Link:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonostenson/ https://www.facebook.com/JonOstenson1/ https://twitter.com/Jon_Ostenson https://www.youtube.com/@JonOstensonFBC Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    31 min
  8. JUL 17

    312: The Exit Strategy That Lets You Keep the Business AND the Money ft. Jason Duncan

    What if your business could pay you like an owner—but run without you? In this special episode, The Root of All Success host Jason Duncan flips roles as a guest on the Your Wealth Acceleration Podcast with Wade Reed. They dive deep into Jason’s framework called Exit Without Exiting, designed to help high-performing entrepreneurs step away from the day-to-day without giving up ownership or profits.Jason shares how he built a multimillion-dollar lighting business, exited operations without selling it, and now teaches others how to do the same through his Exiter Operating System (XOS). Whether you’re running a service-based business, a medical practice, or a construction company, this episode will shift your mindset—and show you the path to freedom. 🔑 Key Takeaways:What “exit without exiting” actually meansWhy you don’t have to sell your business to buy your time backHow to stop being the bottleneck in your companyThe 7-stage XOS framework to step away and scaleThe mindset shift from hero to architectHow most entrepreneurs confuse delegation with abdicationThree essential questions every leader must answer when delegatingWhy your brain as an entrepreneur works differently—and how to lead accordingly 👉 Want to reclaim your freedom as a business owner?📘 Learn more and apply to the Exeter Club at therealjasonduncan.com/mastermind🎧 Also listen to Jason’s shows: The Root of All Success and Chisel & Compass Jason's Website Link   Jason's Social Media Facebook Instagram Linkedin Youtube Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review & share! https://therealjasonduncan.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    32 min

About

Welcome to The Root of All Success with The Real Jason Duncan—a podcast where I uncover the real stories behind today's most successful entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, artists, and leaders. In every episode, I dive deep into honest, unfiltered conversations that reveal how these trailblazers define success, overcome challenges, and craft transformative strategies to excel in their industries. I'm not just your host—I'm an entrepreneur behind 12 thriving ventures and the founder of The Exiter Club, a mastermind community dedicated to living #TheExitLifestyle. I built XOS™ (The Exiter Operating System) to empower business owners to transition from the daily grind to becoming strategic owner-investors, creating a life that blends professional achievement with personal fulfillment. Based in Nashville, Tennessee, my journey—from an 8th-grade history teacher to a serial entrepreneur—has been fueled by a passion for authentic success. Outside of my business interests, you'll find me enjoying motorcycle rides, RV adventures, and cherishing everyday moments with my high school sweetheart of 30 years and our two grown children. My life, both personal and professional, is guided by unwavering faith in Jesus. Tune in on all major podcast platforms and YouTube for actionable insights, fresh perspectives, and inspirational stories that can spark your own journey toward balanced success. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed or burnt out in your business, visit businessburnouttest.com to take our Business Burnout Test and get personalized recommendations to reignite your passion and transform your life. 

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