Level Up

If you’ve ever felt stuck, behind, or like you’re not living the life you’re meant to, this conversation is for you. Today’s episode is a guide to how you can transform your life – at any moment. Mel sits down with New York Times bestselling author, ultra-endurance athlete, and host of one of the world’s top podcasts, Rich Roll, to reveal the lessons from his three jaw-dropping reinventions. From being an alcoholic who couldn’t make the ends meet, to an overweight lawyer who could barely climb a flight of stairs, to one of the fittest men alive with a global platform inspiring millions – Rich’s story will show you what it really takes to change, not once, but over and over again. You’ll learn: -How to create a new version of yourself at any age -How to discover your authentic self at any age -What most people get wrong about transformation -How to recognize when you’re stuck in the wrong life and listen to the voice calling you forward -The mindset shifts that transform setbacks into catalysts for change -Why patience and self-compassion are essential for long-term reinvention -How to help someone in your life who is struggling This episode is a roadmap for your own transformation and how you can reinvent yourself at any age. Whether you want to break free from old habits, find your purpose, or start living a life you truly want, this episode will prove that you can rewrite your own story – starting now. For more resources, click here for the podcast episode page. If you liked the episode, check out this one next: Are You the Driver in Your Life or Just the Passenger? Connect with Mel: Get Mel’s #1 bestselling book, The Let Them Theory Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Mel on Instagram The Mel Robbins Podcast Instagram Mel's TikTok Sign up for Mel’s personal newsletter Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes ad-free Disclaimer

Most people set goals that sound good but go nowhere. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, learn why most goals fail—and how to make yours stick for life. Paul breaks down the difference between wishful thinking and execution. From his days in law enforcement to building multiple 7-figure businesses, he shares how success comes from clear systems, not hype. Strong goals aren’t loud—they’re specific, aligned, and built into your daily rhythm. 🔑 Key takeaways: Vague goals fade; clear, humble ones stick Success comes from consistent habits, not bursts of motivation Your “why” must matter more than the number on paper Progress is built through daily wins, not big leaps Fall, learn, and keep moving—momentum beats perfection Your dreams don’t need to be perfect—they just need to be real. Build small, move steady, and protect your purpose as you climb. 🎧 Tune in now to discover how to turn your goals into reality one clean step at a time. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQ LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you: 👉 www.CashSwipe.com 📘 FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold – The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The myth of “balance” is breaking entrepreneurs. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, discover a calmer, smarter way to blend your work and life without guilt or burnout. Paul shares his personal evolution from chasing perfect balance to embracing integration—a mindset where work and life flow together instead of fighting for space. Learn how naming your seasons, setting expectations, and creating harmony between ambition and love leads to true peace and productivity. 🔑 Key takeaways: Balance is not a 50/50 split—it’s honest prioritization. Define your seasons: launch, family, learning, or recovery. Communicate your goals and boundaries with those who matter. Stop chasing balance like a scale—create harmony like a song. Success isn’t just achievement; it’s peace with purpose. If you’ve ever felt torn between growth and gratitude, this episode will help you find peace in both. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to lead your business and life with presence, purpose, and power. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQ LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you: 👉 www.CashSwipe.com 📘 FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold – The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grinding harder isn’t the goal—lasting longer is. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, discover how to outwork everyone around you without running yourself into the ground. Paul shares lessons from his days as a detective and an entrepreneur, where burnout nearly cost him his edge. He breaks down how small habits like rest, movement, and focus aren’t signs of weakness—they’re the fuel for sustainable success. 🔑 Key takeaways: Hard work wins only when it’s focused, not frantic Energy management beats time management Discipline and rest are partners, not enemies Outworking others means having clean hours, not longer hours Calm effort always outlasts chaotic hustle If you want to win the long game, you need to learn how to protect your energy while executing at a high level. Success isn’t about speed—it’s about endurance. 🎧 Tune in now to learn how to balance discipline with recovery and outlast your competition the smart way. Your Network is your NETWORTH! Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQ LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you: 👉 www.CashSwipe.com 📘 FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold – The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Scaling too soon can sink you. Holding on too long can drain you. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, learn how to spot the signs that tell you whether to double down—or walk away. Paul shares a powerful story from his early ATM business where pride kept him stuck in a losing location. Once he finally bailed and shifted resources into a winning site, his profits doubled in just one month. That lesson became a blueprint for making clear, data-driven decisions. 🔑 Key takeaways: The difference between real pull (demand, momentum, energy) and fake pull (dread, chasing, draining work) Why bailing isn’t quitting—it’s choosing a better fight How to use numbers, mission, and team energy to decide if something deserves scaling Why scaling is simply repeating what already works—not forcing what doesn’t The bottom line? Courage is seeing things as they are and acting fast. If it’s working, scale with care. If it’s draining you, bail with respect and redirect your focus to better opportunities. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to make cleaner, faster decisions that protect both your peace and your profits. "Your Network is your NETWORTH!” Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQ LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you:www.CashSwipe.com FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold - The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Motivation is overrated. It’s inconsistent, unreliable, and disappears the moment things get tough. If you’re relying on motivation to build your business or chase your goals, you’re already setting yourself up to fail. In this episode of The Level Up Podcast w/ Paul Alex, you’ll discover: 💪 Why discipline—not motivation—is the true foundation of success ⏰ How to take action even when you don’t “feel like it” 🚀 The mindset shift that separates winners from excuse-makers 🔑 The daily habits that build unstoppable momentum The truth? Successful entrepreneurs aren’t more motivated than you—they’re more disciplined. And that discipline is what keeps them consistent, focused, and winning long after others quit. 🎧 Tap in now to learn why motivation fades but discipline lasts—and how you can start showing up like a true winner every single day. "Your Network is your NETWORTH!” Make sure to add me on all SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS: Instagram: https://jo.my/paulalex2024 Facebook: https://jo.my/fbpaulalex2024 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGhDAD1JyGGzSQUPD9lc9HQ LinkedIn: https://jo.my/inpaulalex2024 Looking for a secondary source of income or want to become an entrepreneur? Check out one of my companies below to see if we can help you:www.CashSwipe.com FREE Copy of my book “Blue to Digital Gold - The New American Dream”www.officialPaulAlex.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Hanley sits down with health and fitness expert Ted Ryce to explore the critical transition from your 30s to 40s and how to maintain peak physical and mental performance during the most demanding years of your career.

Gary Forbes is a former NBA player turned entrepreneur, advocate, and mentor. Originally hailing from Brooklyn, Forbes built a storied basketball career, earning conference player of the year honors at UMass before navigating the rigors of professional sports—all while managing Type 1 diabetes. Now, as the founder of Sole Survivors, Gary is dedicated to empowering youth, particularly those facing chronic health challenges, with optimism, resilience, and the unwavering belief that setbacks are just setups for future success. He’s also a published author, devoted father, and passionate motivator, showing that grit, self-belief, and giving back can turn any obstacle into a stepping stone.

Takeaways:

• Turn Challenges Into Fuel: Gary’s journey with type 1 diabetes didn’t stop his NBA dreams; it gave him an extra level of resilience and inspired him to help others facing adversity.

• Stay Rooted in Optimism: Whether facing tough losses, career pivots, or daily struggles, Forbes credits his “superpower” of optimism and his unwavering childhood love for basketball as keys to ongoing growth and reinvention.

• Make Your Story Count: From mentoring the next generation to creating a global platform for children with health challenges, Gary believes your name and legacy are defined by how you show up for yourself and your community.

 Sound Bites:

“Plan B all the way to Z is to make plan A work. Always have that kind of mindset and vision and just that love.”

“Your present situation is not your final destination.”

“You’re a Forbes. You’re supposed to do these things.”

Connect & Discover Gary:

Website:  https://thesolesurvivors.com/about-us/

Book Series: Sole Survivors: New Age of Heros

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-forbes-082b5b267/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garyforbes_/

🔥 Ready to Unleash Your Inner Game-Changer? 🔥

 

Mick Hunt’s brand-new book, How to Be a Good Leader When You’ve Never Had One: The Blueprint for Modern Leadership, is here to light a fire under your ambition and arm you with the real-talk strategies that only Mick delivers.

 

👉 Grab your copy now and level up your life → Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books A Million

  

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Ryan Hanley and Adam Allred discuss the importance of reclaiming masculinity in today's society.

Ryan Hanley and Nick Bravo explore the complexities of intensity, ADHD, and the importance of authenticity in personal and professional relationships.

Americans are living longer than ever. For some, these extra years offer a chance at reinvention and the possibility of a third act in life. Today on the show, WBUR reporter Anthony Brooks talks about the people he's met who've made big life-altering changes later in life often with the hope of doing some good before it's too late.

To hear more of Anthony's reporting on people who reinvented themselves late in life check out his series The Third Act.

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In this inspiring episode, Mick Hunt sits down with Ricky Sapp to explore his journey from a small town in South Carolina to the NFL and, ultimately, to his current role as a motivational speaker and philanthropist. Ricky discusses the importance of hard work, mentorship, and healthy competition, drawing from his experiences on and off the field. He shares how his passion for helping others led to the creation of the Ricky Sapp Foundation and how his motto, "Dream Big, Live Big," influences his life and work. Ricky also emphasizes the need for love and compassion in today's world, especially in teaching the next generation.

Ricky Sapp's Background:

• Grew up in Bamberg, South Carolina, with a passion for football ignited by early experiences and community support.
• He became a high school All-American, Clemson University star and 5th-round NFL draft pick.
• Transitioned from a successful football career to becoming a motivational speaker and philanthropist.

Defining Moments:

• Ricky shares how his work ethic, instilled by watching his parents, shaped his approach to life and sports.
• He discusses the critical role of healthy competition and how it can be a force for positive growth.
• His transition to motivational speaking was influenced by a chance invitation to speak at a high school, which led to his current passion for inspiring others.

Discussion Topics:

• The influence of his upbringing on his work ethic and dreams, including the pivotal moment of seeing South Carolina State Bulldog Stadium.
• His relationship with Gaines Adams exemplifies the importance of mentorship during his time at Clemson.
• The role of competition and how it drives personal and professional growth.
• His journey into motivational speaking began unexpectedly after his NFL career.
• The Ricky Sapp Foundation's creation and goals focus on giving back to the community, especially children.
• His motto, "Dream Big, Live Big," guides his daily life and how others can adopt this mindset.

Key Quotes:

• "If I got air in my lungs and breathing, I can do something big."
• "Whatever you are passionate about, you have to chase it. Your passion will lead you to your purpose."
• "We need love. Love would heal this world. I truly believe that."

Next Steps:

• Explore: Learn more about Ricky Sapp and his work by visiting the Ricky Sapp Foundation and following him on social media.
• Reflect: Consider how you can apply the principles of hard work, mentorship, and competition in your own life.
• Engage: Support Ricky's foundation and contribute to the community initiatives he leads.

Connect & Discover:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rickynsapp
• Instagram: instagram.com/rsappfoundation/?hl=en
• Website: www.therickysappfoundation.com
• Youtube: @TheDancingMotivationalSpeaker

★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

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In this profoundly moving episode, Mick Hunt explores Patrick Young's incredible journey of resilience and transformation. From basketball courts to life's unexpected challenges, Patrick shares his experiences and insights on overcoming adversity, finding new purpose, and helping others through his foundation. Patrick Young's Background: Former SEC Defensive Player of the Year, professional athlete in the NBA, and Euroleague, now a broadcaster and author. Defining Moments: Patrick reflects on the life-changing car accident and his profound realization about identity and purpose beyond physical abilities. Discussion Topics: Patrick's transition from professional sports to overcoming personal adversities, including his paralyzing car accident. His ongoing recovery journey, the launch of his book "Sit to Rise," and the foundation of the PY 4 Foundation aiding those facing life-altering events. Discuss identity, resilience, and his motivational efforts to inspire others facing challenges. Key Quotes: "The pit that you're in doesn't stop your purpose." "Life is full of choices, and despite challenges, we have the power to choose our path." Next Steps: Learn More: Visit the PY 4 Foundation website to discover how you can support those facing life-altering challenges. Reflect: Consider your resilience and the choices that define your path. Engage: Share how Patrick's story inspires you to face your own challenges with courage using #MickUnplugged. Connect & Discover: Instagram: instagram.com/PatricYoung4 Facebook: facebook.com/py4foundation Website: PlayersforGood.com Website: PatricYoung.com X: PatricYoung4 ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Mick Hunt delves into the exhilarating life of Dianette Wells, whose mountaineering and adventure-racing feats mirror her dynamic approach to life and parenting. Dianette discusses the drive behind her daring pursuits and how her experiences have influenced her role as a mother and author, inspiring listeners to embrace challenges with courage and determination. Dianette Wells' Background: Celebrated for conquering the world's highest peaks and embracing extreme adventures while balancing the demands of motherhood. Defining Moments: Reflections on personal challenges and a spirit of adventure have shaped her life's philosophy and parenting style. Discussion Topics: Dianette's accomplishments include summiting the highest peaks on each continent and her profound experiences in adventure racing. The inspirations and motivations behind her relentless pursuit of extreme challenges. Insights into her recent book release, capturing her life's adventures and the lessons learned. Key Quotes: "Facing the summit is like facing life's challenges: daunting yet rewarding." "My adventures taught me resilience, which I pass on to my children." Next Steps: Explore: Check out Dianette Wells' latest book for a deeper dive into her extraordinary journeys. Reflect: Consider your summits and how to conquer them with resilience and vigor. Engage: Share how Dianette's story motivates you to tackle your challenges using #MickUnplugged. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This one study will change how you think about your entire life. Today, you’re getting the definitive answer to this powerful question: What makes a good life? There is nothing more important than this conversation. Because by the time you are done listening, your life won’t be the same. In this episode, you’re getting the research, the secrets, and some very surprising takeaways from an 86-year-long study at Harvard. The Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938 and is the longest study that has ever been done on happiness, relationships, and the human experience. Joining Mel today is the director of that study, Dr. Robert Waldinger, MD. Dr. Waldinger is a medical doctor, professor at Harvard Medical School, and a zen priest. He is here to share all of the groundbreaking research and, more importantly, give you the answers to what you need to do starting today in order to live a good life. You’ll learn the best life advice and lessons from 100-year-olds, the surprising question of whether you can predict if you’ll be healthy at age 80, the simple daily habit that leads to lasting happiness, and more—all backed by decades of research. For more resources, including the link to Dr. Waldinger’s fantastic book, The Good Life, click here for the podcast episode page. This episode is a companion to Mel's brand new free training, Make It Happen. This training is designed to help you make your next 6 months extraordinary.  It includes a 29 page workbook and 2 video trainings that use the latest research to help you get clear about what you want and create a plan to make it happen. And the cool part? It takes less than a minute for you to get started. Just sign up at melrobbins.com/makeithappen Connect with Mel: Get Mel’s brand new free course Make It Happen (which comes with a 29 page workbook and 2 exclusive video trainings) Watch the episodes on YouTube Follow Mel on Instagram  The Mel Robbins Podcast Instagram Mel's TikTok  Sign up for Mel’s newsletter  Disclaimer

Mick Hunt engages with Marcus Ogden in a deeply inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity and the power of resilience. Marcus discusses his journey from the NFL to facing significant personal and financial challenges. He emphasizes the importance of a positive mindset, perseverance, and the ability to adapt and overcome adversity. The episode is filled with powerful insights and strategies for anyone facing life's challenges and looking to rebuild and move forward. Marcus Ogden's Background: Former NFL player, transitioned to a successful career in public speaking and personal coaching.Defining Moments: Marcus shares his personal story of hitting rock bottom and how he rebuilt his life and career. Discussion Topics: The transition from professional sports to life challenges. Overcoming financial struggles and personal setbacks. The importance of resilience, perseverance, and a positive mindset. Strategies for rebuilding life and career post-NFL. Learning from failures and turning them into successes. Key Quotes: "If you want to overcome obstacles, master these three things: resiliency, perseverance, and mindset shift." "Visualize what you want and take action towards it." "Building relationships plus building trust equals loyalty." Next Steps: Explore: Visit Marcus Ogden's Website for more motivational resources. Listen: Check out Marcus's podcast "Get Authentic with Marcus Ogden." Engage: Share your thoughts on the episode using #MickUnplugged and #PowerOfResilience. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, award-winning Harvard-educated journalist and researcher Jenny Wallace is here to discuss “toxic achievement” and the toxic pressure that makes you feel that no matter what you do or what level of success you achieve, it will never be enough. You feel toxic pressure at work, and you feel toxic pressure at home. Jenny Wallace, who just completed a major research study with over 6,000 kids and their parents, is here to tell you this unhealthy pressure is trickling down to your kids, who are buckling under the never-ending demands to measure up. Whether you are sick of spending every weekend racing from one sporting event or club team practice to another, or you are tired of the never-ending video calls that keep you working day and night, one thing is clear: something has to give. Your worth is not determined by the things you achieve. Jenny Wallace is here with the research and the findings that say all this pressure is backfiring because all anyone really wants is to feel like they matter. According to her research, there are seven changes you can make that will boost your kids’ confidence and resilience and get you off this hamster wheel that is leading nowhere. If you struggle with work-life balance and feel burned out, the research will empower you to: Learn the one question to ask your kid that shows you love them. Stop working yourself into the ground to prove your worth. Why you are your harshest critic and the simple things you need to do to become your biggest fan. Snip the tie between achievement and self-worth. Unplug yourself from the stress loop of other people and never get rattled again. The 3 things you can do to show people you love that they matter to you. Stop beating yourself up for not having the perfect home or getting A’s on every test, and prioritize what really matters instead. I want you to get off the hamster wheel and stop being obsessed with achieving, having, and winning. You hold the key to helping yourself and others feel like they matter in this world. It’s time to unlock it. Xo, Mel In this episode: 1:00: Not gonna lie; I started freaking out big time after this conversation. 5:30: What exactly is grind culture? 7:40: The opposite of toxic achievement is healthy achievement. 8:30: How did we get sucked into this way of thinking? 10:00: Harvard survey learned powerful information about parents. 14:00: Students who felt this were more likely to be healthy achievers. 17:25: What is social proof and why is that such a big deal? 18:40: Kids who feel they don’t matter will find ways to prove they do. 20:00: Do this when you don’t feel like you matter. 23:10: The one question you can ask to let your kids know they matter. 25:30: 80% of workers have not heard this from their bosses last year. 27:10: Many people don’t express their gratitude for others because of this. 28:00: Here is what to say to your kid when they get a bad grade. 28:30: A mantra to play on repeat with your family. 30:30: Why good enough is perfect. 32:00: The #1 intervention for any kid, and adult, in distress. 33:30: An incredible study of mothers who met to share their struggles. 37:30: How do we parents erode our kids’ self-confidence? 39:00: Keep this phrase in your head to let your kids know they matter. 40:40: How are household chores helpful for kids? 42:00: Say this to your kids to get them to do their chores. 46:00: Jennifer stopped doing this with her kids after reading the research. 48:20: Focus on these values at home instead. 49:05: Forget the grades and focus on what teachers say about your kids. 50:00: The one question to ask teachers at your next conference. 51:00: We all have a responsibility to do this and it will come back to us. Want more resources? Go to my podcast page at https://melrobbins.com/podcast. Disclaimer

So much of the coverage of hip-hop’s 50th birthday has been congratulatory, in spite of its record of misogyny and anti-LGBTQ sentiment. In this episode of Into It, host Sam Sanders talks to journalist Kiana Fitzgerald about how the women of hip-hop are leading the way today, and he catches up with hip-hop scholar Jason England, who argues hip-hop's midlife crisis has left an empty shell of what the genre once was. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Derek is the fitness educator and entrepreneur behind the "More Plates, More Dates" YouTube channel, podcast, and companion website. www.moreplatesmoredates.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kelly Slater is a professional surfer. He is the youngest and the oldest to win the World Surf League men's title, which he's won a record 11 times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices