This is the Way Podcast

Artin and Michael
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

We are Artin and Michael, and this podcast is dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs and founders. We focus on entrepreneurship, career growth, and side hustles with a mission to empower you to know more, do more, and be more. Think of us as your guides, sharing four decades of experience working at top-tier companies like Disney and Netflix while pursuing our own entrepreneurial ventures. But we won’t be the only ones sharing insights—our impressive guests, who’ve forged their own paths, will inspire you to do the same. No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, subscribe and join the ride!

  1. OCT 2

    No Skills, No Audience—Still Built a $50K/Month Biz | EP 106

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Todd @ https://x.com/_toddanderson In this conversation, Todd Anderson shares his remarkable journey from being a mechanical engineer to running a successful web development agency generating $50,000 a month. He discusses the importance of persistence, the role of social media in his growth, and how he built a virtual assistant business. Todd emphasizes the need for adaptability in the ever-changing landscape of SEO and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including the importance of starting and sharing their journey online. Takeaways -Todd transitioned from a mechanical engineer to a web developer during COVID. -He built his first website for a family friend, which led to his first paying client. -Social media, particularly Twitter, played a crucial role in his business growth. -SEO is a constantly evolving field that requires adaptability and continuous learning. -Todd emphasizes the importance of not giving up in the face of challenges. -He built a successful virtual assistant business by leveraging his hiring skills. -Feedback from clients is essential for refining business strategies. -Todd's team culture is built on trust and mutual support. -He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to just start and share their journey online. -Mistakes are part of the journey; learning from them is key. Chapters [00:00] Intro [05:48] The Power of Social Media in Business Growth [08:41] Navigating SEO Challenges and Strategies [11:48] Scaling from $500 to $50,000: Key Strategies [17:40] Leveraging Virtual Assistants for Growth [27:27] Exploring AI Training for Home Services [38:51] Navigating Business Challenges and Growth [51:03] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    53 min

  2. SEP 13

    The AI Content Engine That Thinks FOR Him (Steal It) | EP 105

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael Connect with Matt @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattlakajev/ What if you never had to stare at a blank page again? Matt Lakajev built a second brain—a system powered by his own thoughts, voice notes, and lived experience. It now creates his content, improves his sales calls, and scales his personal brand without spending hours “creating.” In this episode of This Is the Way, we break down: How Matt cloned his brain (and how you can too) The exact steps to build your own second brain How to turn voice notes into infinite content Why this system makes your expertise 10x more valuable How far this can scale beyond content 🔁 Whether you’re a founder, coach, or consultant—this episode will flip how you think about content, systems, and leverage.

    57 min

  3. AUG 29

    This Real Estate Model Has No Tenants (But Lots of $$$) | EP 104

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 📌 Connect with Hunter - https://www.linkedin.com/in/hunterpogatchnik/ 📌 Hunter's Program - https://www.selltheearth.com/store 📌 Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes 📌 Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ 📌 Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/ In this conversation, Hunter Pogatchnik shares his unique approach to real estate investing by flipping land instead of traditional properties. He discusses his journey from traditional real estate to discovering the profitability of land flipping, emphasizing the importance of understanding undervalued properties and the benefits of seller financing. Hunter explains his marketing strategies, the significance of building a team, and how technology can streamline the acquisition process. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring investors and shares insights on scaling his business while maintaining a focus on profitability. Takeaways • Hunter flipped over 100 properties in the past year. • He started with traditional real estate before discovering land flipping. • Undervalued land can be a lucrative investment opportunity. • Seller financing is a key strategy in his business model. • Marketing plays a crucial role in selling land effectively. • Building a team allows for better scalability in the business. • Technology can enhance the efficiency of real estate operations. • Aspiring investors can start part-time while maintaining a full-time job. • Networking and learning from experienced investors is essential. • There are numerous opportunities in the land market with low competition.

    47 min

  4. AUG 22

    3 Systems That Help Founders Scale (Without Burnout) | EP 103

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 📌 Connect with Noor - https://www.linkedin.com/in/noorbarrage/ 📌 Noor's free templates - https://nvbcollective.com/nvb-templates/ 📌 Growth System Mentorship - https://www.growthsystems-nvbcollective.com/ 📌 Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes 📌 Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ 📌 Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/   In this conversation, Noor Barrage, known as the 'systems girl', discusses the critical systems that startups and founders need to implement for success. She emphasizes the importance of project management, time management, and prioritization systems, as well as the need for a personal operating system for founders. Noor also shares her journey as an entrepreneur, the significance of metrics in business, and her plans to launch a digital product aimed at helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of running a business. Takeaways • Most first-time founders think systems come later. • A clear project management system is essential for accountability. • Time management is crucial for avoiding burnout. • Prioritization systems help focus on what truly matters. • Founders need a personal operating system to maintain behavior change. • Metrics should be simple and relevant to the business. • Team dynamics are influenced by the founder's behavior. • Entrepreneurship can be a journey of self-discovery. • Building a community is vital for support among entrepreneurs. • Digital products can help scale mentorship and guidance for business owners. Chapters [00:00] Intro [10:25] Mastering Time Management [19:39] Establishing a Prioritization System [25:29] The Personal Operating System [28:31] The Importance of Metrics [35:06] Tools for Success [39:19] Navigating Growth Challenges [45:05] Noor's Journey to Operations Expertise [51:02] Redefining Success and Freedom in Business [56:19] The Courage to Leap into Entrepreneurship

    1h 3m

  5. JUL 31

    How He Turned 75k Followers Into a Biz (& Quit His 9-5) | EP 101

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 📌 Connect with Varun - https://www.linkedin.com/in/vnegandhi/ 📌 Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes 📌 Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ 📌 Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/ What does it really take to leave a stable six-figure job and bet on yourself? In this episode, we sit down with Varun Negandhi, who built a thriving business on the side—growing an audience of 75,000+ on LinkedIn—before making the bold leap into full-time entrepreneurship. But it wasn’t just about followers. It was about systems, self-discipline, and a service-first mindset that turned content into clients. Varun shares: Why the perfect moment to quit rarely exists—and what he looked for instead How he reverse-engineered success on LinkedIn (and why you should too) His “Service Funnel” philosophy that will forever change how you think about sales The real mindset shifts (and mental blockers) that matter after quitting your job Tactical tips on pricing, offers, cohorts, and what actually converts Whether you’re stuck in a job, growing a side hustle, or ready to scale your offer—this episode delivers the clarity and inspiration you’ve been waiting for. 👉 Press play. Your next move might be just one insight away.

    1h 19m

  6. JUL 18

    Tony Robbins' Ex Coach Reveals the #1 Sales Mistake | EP 100

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 📌 Connect with Stephen - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhilgart/ 📌 Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes 📌 Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ 📌 Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/ Ever wonder what it really takes to succeed in marketing and business, especially with the influence of giants like Tony Robbins? In this podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating journey of a martial artist who went from sleeping in his car to becoming a top speaker and consultant for Tony Robbins. Learn about his unique approach to sales, the "identity selling" method, and why focusing on automation over human connection is a huge mistake. Discover the simple yet powerful questions that can immediately boost your revenue and transform your business. This is a must-watch for anyone looking to understand true influence, impactful marketing, and the path to entrepreneurial success. [ 00:00] Intro [02:59] Discovering Tony Robbins [05:46] Shift to Marketing Consulting [08:00] Joining Tony Robbins' Team [11:15] Tony Robbins' Philosophy on Sales and Action [17:27] The Concept of Identity Selling [20:50] The Importance of Understanding the Customer's Problem [24:23] Transitioning from Tony Robbins and Starting "The Path" [30:52] Simple Strategies for Business Growth

    56 min

  7. JUL 11

    How She Scaled & Sold Her Startup in 5 Years | EP 99

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 📌 Connect with Lisa - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisadconn/ 📌 Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes 📌 Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ 📌 Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/ Join us as Lisa, CEO of Gather (formerly Icebreaker), shares her incredible journey of building a company from the ground up. Discover how a product initially called Icebreaker evolved into Gather, navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it found its niche in connecting remote teams and fostering meaningful conversations. Lisa dives into the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the dynamics of co-founder relationships, fundraising strategies, and the valuable lessons learned from building and successfully exiting a company. Founder's Journey: Follow Lisa's path from starting Icebreaker to successfully selling Gather. Strategic Pivoting: Learn how the company adapted its focus during changing market conditions. Fundraising Insights: Get a candid look at attracting investors and navigating different funding rounds. Team Dynamics: Understand the importance of co-founder relationships and emotional intelligence in leadership. Acquisition Lessons: Discover key takeaways and challenges from the M&A process, including a major mistake. [00:00] Intro [02:44] Building the MVP and Early User Validation [06:00] The Unexpected Boost from COVID-19 [13:11] Land and Expand Strategy: New Hire Onboarding Success [18:01] Pivoting to Productivity and Product Adaptation [30:27] Fundraising Journey: Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A Rounds [37:25] Emotional Intelligence as a Differentiator in Leadership [42:43] Navigating Co-founder Conflicts and Operating Frameworks [50:24] The Rules of Venture Money and Different Exit Paths [56:20] Learning from M&A Mistakes: A Major Misstep

    1h 3m

  8. JUN 26

    From Student to $20K/Month in 2 Years with AI | EP 98

    Help us get to 10,000 subscribes. Subscribe to @ThisIstheWaywithArtinMichael 📌 Connect with Ritesh - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ritesh-verma-techpreneur/ 📌 Subscribe to the shorts channel @FounderBytes 📌 Follow Artin @https://www.linkedin.com/in/artinnazarian/ 📌 Follow Michael @https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmichaelmerrill/ Think AI is too technical to make money from? Think again. Ritesh Verma breaks down how he builds and sells AI agents — some with no code — to automate workflows for clients and bring in over $20K/month. Whether you're technical or not, you'll learn how to identify problems, build automation products, and find clients fast using Reddit, YouTube, and smart delegation. Key Takeaways from This Episode: 📌How Ritesh scaled to $20K/month building and selling AI agents — while still working full-time at a Fortune 100 company. 📌The power of delegation: why outsourcing and team-building early can help you grow faster without burning out. 📌Tools like N8N, Make, and Cursor make it possible to build AI agents with little to no code — even for non-technical founders. 📌How to find profitable agent ideas by solving your own problems first — then validating demand through Reddit and YouTube. 📌Why mentorship and personal brand matter — and how Ritesh turned his knowledge into a high-ticket program that tripled his 9-5 salary. Chapters [00:00] Intro [02:58]The Journey from College to Entrepreneurship [09:02] Exploring Web Automation Opportunities [14:55] Mastering Time Management and Delegation [21:34] Balancing Full-Time Work and Entrepreneurial Aspirations [25:42] The Evolution of Entrepreneurial Mindset [26:35] Learning from Corporate Experience [32:01] Starting a Business in the Age of AI [34:21] Finding Problems to Solve in Business [36:47] Marketing and Selling Your Product [42:27] The Future of AI Products [45:02] Building in Public and Personal Branding [46:32] The Journey of Content Creation [49:11] Growth Strategies and Mentorship [56:52] Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

    59 min
See All (101)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We are Artin and Michael, and this podcast is dedicated to aspiring entrepreneurs and founders. We focus on entrepreneurship, career growth, and side hustles with a mission to empower you to know more, do more, and be more. Think of us as your guides, sharing four decades of experience working at top-tier companies like Disney and Netflix while pursuing our own entrepreneurial ventures. But we won’t be the only ones sharing insights—our impressive guests, who’ve forged their own paths, will inspire you to do the same. No matter where you are on your entrepreneurial journey, subscribe and join the ride!

Information

  • Creator
    Artin and Michael
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    This is the Way Podcast