Right About Now - Legendary Business Advice

AI is making content faster—but not necessarily better. In this episode of Right About Now, John Benson joins Ryan Alford to break down what actually makes content convert in the age of AI. From inventing the video sales letter (VSL) to building AI tools that replicate high-converting copy, John shares how persuasion hasn’t changed—even as technology has. The real edge isn’t automation, it’s understanding human values and aligning messaging with what people already believe. They also explore how entrepreneurs should think about AI as a “second brain,” why most AI-generated content fails, and how to use values-driven messaging to attract the right audience—and repel the wrong one. If you’re using AI for content, marketing, or growth, this episode will completely change how you think about what actually works. Topics Covered The origin of the video sales letter (VSL) and why it still works Why most AI-generated copy fails to convert The role of human psychology in persuasion “So that you can…” — the most powerful copywriting framework How values-driven messaging attracts better customers AI as a “second brain” for entrepreneurs The future of AI, copywriting, and marketing Connect with Guest — John Benson Website: https://bnsn.ai Free Buyer Profile Tool: https://freebuyerprofile.com YouTube: https://johnbenson.com/youtube Connect with Host — Ryan Alford Website: https://ryanalford.com Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1498865831 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Jamil Damji to unpack a story that starts with rejection—and turns into full ownership of life, business, and purpose. After being denied entry into medical school despite doing everything “right,” Jamil made a decision that changed everything: no one else would control his future again. From his first wholesale deal—turning a $50K opportunity into a life-changing moment—to losing everything during the 2008 financial collapse and rebuilding from the ground up, Jamil breaks down what it really takes to create success on your own terms. The conversation goes deeper than business, touching on addiction, self-discovery, and the internal work required to evolve as a leader, father, and human. Jamil also shares how he’s now using his platform to solve real-world problems—from housing affordability to helping people experiencing homelessness build new opportunities through real estate. This is more than a business story—it’s a blueprint for taking control, making different choices, and building a life you’re proud of. 🎯 Topics Covered Why Jamil rejected the traditional path after medical school denial The first wholesale real estate deal that changed everything Lessons learned from losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis Why success is an “inside job” (mindset, habits, and identity) Addiction, recovery, and rebuilding from within Building a scalable real estate business through relationships (not cold leads) The power of personal branding and TV (Triple Digit Flip) Why real estate investors must take responsibility for housing challenges Co-living, affordability, and solving real-world housing issues 🤝 Connect with Host & Guest Ryan Alford (Host) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Website: https://ryanisright.com Jamil Damji YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamilDamji Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdamji

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Bob Cicero from Cisco to break down what the future of work actually looks like—and why most companies are still missing the point. As AI begins to take over repetitive tasks, the real value of work is shifting back to human connection, collaboration, and creativity. From the post-COVID workplace reset to the rise of hybrid models, this conversation explores why forcing people back to the office isn’t working—and what companies should be doing instead. The key idea? Offices need to become a magnet, not a mandate, offering real value that employees can’t get at home. Bob shares how Cisco is reimagining workspaces with a “me vs we” model, flipping traditional office design to prioritize collaboration over individual desks. Combined with data, AI, and smarter environments, the workplace is evolving into something far more intentional—and far more human. If you’re navigating hybrid work, managing teams, or thinking about the impact of AI on your business, this episode will completely reframe how you think about where—and how—work gets done. 🎯 Topics Covered Why AI will amplify human work—not replace it The shift from remote vs office to hybrid balance “Magnet vs mandate” and why return-to-office policies fail The “me vs we” workplace model and collaborative design Why human connection and in-person work still matter How AI is changing productivity and daily work tasks Designing offices that people actually want to go to The concept of “earning the commute” How data and AI are shaping the future workplace 🤝 Connect with Host & Guest Ryan Alford (Host) Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Listen to Right About Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1562875066 Bob Cicero (Cisco) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-cicero Company: https://www.cisco.com Learn More About Cisco Workplace Innovation: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collaboration/index.html

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford brings together some of the sharpest minds in AI, business, and technology to break down what’s actually happening right now—and what it means for your future. The pace of change isn’t just fast, it’s unprecedented, and the gap between those who adopt and those who hesitate is growing by the day. From AI agents that can execute tasks autonomously to tools that can outperform humans in specific functions, this episode explores how business, marketing, and the workforce are being reshaped in real time. The biggest takeaway? AI isn’t just automation—it’s a complete shift in how work gets done and who gets left behind. But this isn’t about fear—it’s about opportunity. Those who learn how to use these tools, think differently, and adapt quickly will unlock massive advantages in productivity, creativity, and scale. If you’re not actively learning and applying AI right now, this episode makes one thing clear: someone else is—and they’re moving faster than you. 🎯 Topics Covered Why AI adoption is happening faster than any technology in history How AI can outperform humans in specific tasks (and what that means) The rise of AI agents and autonomous execution Why “human in the loop” still matters in AI workflows The shift from specialists to multi-skilled operators powered by AI Trade skills vs knowledge economy in an AI-driven world How AI is transforming creativity, marketing, and business strategy Why curiosity and better questions are the real competitive advantage 🤝 Connect with Host & Guests Ryan Alford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Website: RyanIsRight.com

New data shows that nearly 70% of workers feel unprepared for today’s workforce, raising bigger questions about how we define job readiness. In this episode, Ryan Alford sits down with Ryan Lufkin of Instructure to unpack what’s actually broken in education and how AI is accelerating the gap between learning and real-world skills. They explore why AI isn’t replacing expertise but instead demands stronger critical thinking, communication, and human judgment. The conversation also challenges whether schools are teaching the wrong things—or simply teaching them the wrong way. From the rise of lifelong learning to the debate between skills and degrees, this episode highlights what both employers and educators need to rethink to prepare the next generation. What We Covered 70% of workers feel unprepared – What’s driving the growing skills gap in today’s workforce AI in education and work – Why AI requires more expertise, not less Skills vs degrees – Are traditional degrees still the best signal for employers? The problem with modern education – Teaching the wrong things vs teaching the wrong way Lifelong learning – Why continuous upskilling is now required for career growth Breaking workplace “boxes” – How AI is empowering employees to operate across roles Connect with the Guest Ryan Lufkin VP of Global Strategy — Instructure (Canvas) Website: https://www.instructure.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanlufkin Podcast: EduCast3000 Connect with the Host Ryan Alford Host — Right About Now Website RyanIsRight.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/ryanalford

Ryan sits down with life and business coach Kaylor Betts to break down a hard truth: being “awake” isn’t the same as actually winning. In a world full of noise, distractions, and blame, they dive into why personal responsibility—not external factors—is the real key to building a life of freedom, wealth, and fulfillment. The conversation explores the difference between consuming information and actually executing, and why so many people stay stuck despite having access to more knowledge than ever before. Kaylor shares his journey from struggling with depression and a victim mindset to building a thriving online coaching business that creates both income and impact. They also unpack the blueprint for building a modern online business, from solving real problems to leveraging content, attention, and personal branding as the ultimate form of leverage. If you’re looking for clarity, direction, and a push to actually take action, this episode delivers exactly that. 🎯 TOPICS COVERED Why “being awake” doesn’t mean you’re winning Victim mindset vs personal responsibility The difference between education and execution How to build wealth and freedom online Why attention and personal branding = leverage The blueprint for starting an online coaching business Solving problems that people will pay for Why most people stay stuck (and how to break out) The power of discipline, routine, and alignment 🤝 CONNECT WITH THE HOST Ryan Alford Instagram: @RyanAlford Website: RyanisRight.com Guest: Kaylor Betts Instagram: @thekaylorbetts Business: awbiz.com Life Coaching: awlife.com

Generative AI is being adopted faster than almost any technology in recent history. The productivity upside is massive—but so are the security implications. As companies rush to integrate AI into everyday workflows, many are discovering that the biggest risks aren’t always technical—they’re human. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan sits down with Nicole Jiang, co-founder and CEO of Fable Security, to unpack how organizations can embrace AI while protecting sensitive data and minimizing human-driven security risks. Nicole explains why AI adoption is creating a divide between companies moving quickly and those falling behind, and why security strategies must evolve just as fast. They also explore how human behavior often becomes the weakest link in cybersecurity—from employees unintentionally sharing sensitive information with AI tools to organizations failing to clean up messy data systems before adopting new technologies. Nicole shares how companies can rethink security training, why traditional cybersecurity tools miss the human layer, and simple steps individuals can take to practice better AI hygiene in their daily work. Topics Covered Why AI adoption is accelerating faster than most security frameworks The growing gap between AI-enabled companies and slower adopters How human behavior creates new cybersecurity risks What sensitive information employees accidentally share with AI tools Why data hygiene matters before adopting AI systems The rise of AI-powered phishing and social engineering attacks How companies can balance innovation with security Why traditional security tools struggle with human risk The difference between security training vs. real-time coaching Practical tips for building better AI security habits Sponsors Wix Building a website and need a little help? Go to wix.com/harmony. That’s wix.com/harmony. To start your website today! Connect With The Guest Nicole Jiang Co-Founder & CEO, Fable Security Website: https://fablesecurity.com LinkedIn: Nicole Jiang Fable Security builds human-risk security platforms that help organizations identify risky employee behavior and deploy targeted interventions to improve cybersecurity practices. Connect With The Host Ryan Alford Host of Right About Now Website: www.RyanisRight.com Instagram: @ryanalford LinkedIn: Ryan Alford

What separates businesses that scale from those that stall? In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan sits down with Ken Wentworth — also known as “Mr. Biz.” After a successful corporate career at JP Morgan, Ken left the corporate world to become a fractional CFO and business strategist, helping companies uncover hidden opportunities inside their financials. The conversation explores what many founders miss when building a business: strong financial fundamentals, leadership mindset, and the willingness to challenge the way things have always been done. Ken breaks down how improving cash flow, budgeting discipline, and margins can dramatically change the trajectory of a company. He also shares what he sees across the companies he works with — from why many businesses stay stuck at slow growth to how economic downturns can actually create major opportunities. Ryan and Ken also dive into the evolving role of technology and AI in business, the mindset needed to scale companies, and why many entrepreneurs underestimate the value of listening to their team. Topics Covered • Why many business owners are great at their craft but struggle with the business side • Ken’s transition from JP Morgan executive to fractional CFO and strategist • The three financial pillars every company must master: cash flow, budgeting, and margins • Why economic downturns can create major opportunities for growth • How mindset determines whether businesses stagnate or scale • The biggest mistakes companies make when trying to expand locations • Why great companies prioritize employees first • How AI is beginning to impact operations and decision making in business Connect with Ken Wentworth Website: mrbiz.com Instagram: @MrBizSolutions Book: Don't Fake the Funk: F Being Average Connect with Ryan Alford Website: ryanisright.com Instagram: @RyanAlford Listen to Collector Nation

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with leadership coach and author Anniston Riekstins to talk about purpose, personal growth, and the mindset shifts that help people take action in their lives. Anniston shares the inspiration behind her book The Universe Is Hiring and explains why many people spend years consuming personal development content without actually applying it. The conversation explores how self-awareness, service, and small intentional actions can create real change. Ryan and Anniston also discuss how discovering your unique strengths and leaning into what truly lights you up can open new opportunities—both personally and professionally. Topics Covered • The concept behind The Universe Is Hiring • Why personal development only works when you apply it • Re-thinking your relationship with time and priorities • The “authentic self-resume” exercise for discovering your strengths • Overcoming fear and self-doubt when pursuing purpose • Why fulfillment comes from growth and progress • How service can shift your mindset and create momentum • Empowering individuals within organizations Connect With Guest & Host Anniston Riekstins Author — The Universe Is Hiring Co-Host — The InPowered Life Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annistonblairriekstins/ Podcast: The InPowered Life Podcast Book: The Universe Is Hiring: Discover the Role You Were Born to Fill Ryan Alford Host — Right About Now Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with entrepreneur and Wealth Accelerators founder Mike Sancho to unpack the unconventional journey that shaped his business mindset. From getting expelled from both high school and college to hitting rock bottom and rebuilding his life through relentless work ethic, Mike shares how adversity pushed him into entrepreneurship The conversation explores Mike’s early experiences in network marketing, the lessons he learned from losing income streams that weren’t fully in his control, and how those challenges ultimately led him to build his own ventures. Throughout the episode, Mike emphasizes a mindset of resilience, continuous learning, and creating multiple streams of income as the foundation for long-term financial freedom Topics Covered • Mike Sancho’s entrepreneurial journey after being expelled from school • Lessons from hitting rock bottom and rebuilding through work ethic • How network marketing can develop entrepreneurial skills • The importance of diversification and multiple income streams • Amazon wholesale vs drop-shipping business models • Building YouTube Shorts channels through influencer partnerships • Opportunities and risks in NFTs and digital ownership • How the metaverse could impact gaming, commerce, and remote work Mike Sancho Founder — Wealth Accelerators Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themikesancho Website: https://wealthaccelerators.com Ryan Alford Host — Right About Now Website: Ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford

AI isn’t about replacing people — it’s about unlocking productivity and making customer experiences feel more human. On this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Vinod Muthukrishnan, VP & GM of Webex Customer Experience at Cisco, to discuss how AI is transforming customer experience from fragmented interactions into continuous, context-driven conversations. Vinod explains why the purpose of AI in CX is not efficiency alone — it’s humanization. From “concierge agents” that become the face of a brand to agentic systems that orchestrate complex multi-step requests across departments, this conversation explores the end of CX silos and the rise of intelligent, brand-aligned AI interfaces. They also tackle the real question everyone’s asking: is AI taking jobs — or elevating them? Key Takeaways AI should make CX more human. Automation should enhance context, empathy, and continuity — not remove them. Context is the missing link in customer loyalty. Most brands reset conversations every time. AI fixes that. Concierge agents become the brand. They orchestrate backend systems while delivering one seamless customer conversation. Agentic AI moves beyond tasks. It executes complex, multi-step “jobs” across systems over time. AI won’t replace humans — but AI-powered humans will win. Repetitive work declines. Strategic expertise rises. Connect With the Guest Vinod Muthukrishnan VP & GM, Webex Customer Experience – Cisco X: https://x.com/Vinod_CC LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vinodmkrishnan Connect With Ryan Ryan Alford Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-alford

Entrepreneurship isn’t just about growth — it’s about what holds when everything is tested. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with entrepreneur and author Anik Singal about one of the most challenging periods of his career: navigating an extended FTC investigation that forced him to shut down operations just weeks before a major company acquisition. Anik walks through: What an FTC investigation is really like Why compliance and substantiation are critical at scale The dangers of building fast without the right guardrails How reputation and brand can protect you in the worst moments Turning professional setbacks into purpose and clarity This conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn’t defined by how fast you grow — but by how well you’re prepared when things go wrong. Host & Guest Info Ryan Alford Host, Right About Now Website: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Anik Singal Entrepreneur & Author Website: https://dontsaythat.com Compliance Software: https://complylly.com

Most sales training focuses on tactics. Paul Ross focuses on the mind making the decision. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Paul Ross — a former founder of the global pickup and seduction community turned elite subconscious sales trainer for Fortune 500 teams. Paul shares why: People don’t trust themselves to make buying decisions Logic doesn’t close deals — emotion does Focus is the currency of persuasion Asking for the order actually lowers close rates Language creates leadership and compliance Prospects want to be led, even if they say they don’t This conversation reframes sales as influence, leadership, and subconscious trust — not scripts or pressure. Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio? ↳Gemini Crypto – Gemini.com/card Need help building a website? Wix has got you covered! ↳Go to wix.com/harmony. That’s wix.com/harmony. To start your website today! Host & Guest Info Ryan Alford Host, Right About Now Website: https://ryanisright.com Paul Ross Subconscious Sales Trainer Website: https://www.sellwithsuggestion.com/rightaboutnow

Alex Morton has seen every side of success — early wins, massive income, public stages, and personal collapse. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford talks with Alex Morton about the real journey from a broke college kid to multimillionaire, and why the moments no one sees matter more than the highlights. Alex opens up about: Making his first million at 24 — and what it didn’t fix Losing nearly everything after peak success Why network marketing works and why it gets a bad reputation How honesty beats hype in sales and leadership Why confidence and self-image determine outcomes What crypto and financial education really represent How success changes as life evolves This episode is raw, reflective, and grounded — a reminder that the journey is never linear. Host & Guest Info Ryan Alford Host, Right About Now Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Website: https://ryanisright.com Alex Morton Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexmortonmindset YouTube: Alex Morton Mindset

What happens when the brand you build isn’t actually you? In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Jen Gottlieb, co-founder of Super Connector Media and one of Maxim Magazine’s Top Entrepreneurs, to explore the cost of pretending — and the power of authenticity. Jen opens up about her early career on VH1, how playing a character led her to lose alignment with herself, and why that experience shaped her approach to business, PR, and personal branding today. This conversation covers: Why authenticity is the fastest path to authority How rejection builds resilience and confidence The difference between rented credibility and owned credibility Jen’s CIA framework: Credibility, Influence, Authority Why being visible is a responsibility if you want to help people How to reframe “no” into momentum Why you should stop waiting for permission and choose yourself If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, or business leader struggling with visibility, confidence, or imposter syndrome — this episode is a must-listen. Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio? ↳Gemini Crypto – https://www.gemini.com/card?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=right_about_now&utm_content=host_read&_bhlid=160d7f4fc923d552d3acfd8e1b631d57799c5196 Connect with the Host & Guest Ryan Alford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford Website: https://ryanisright.com Jen Gottlieb Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb Company: https://superconnectormedia.com Podcast + Programs: Link in her Instagram bio If this episode resonated with you: Subscribe to Right About Now Leave a review on Apple Podcasts Share this episode with someone who needs to hear it Follow Ryan and Jen for daily insights on branding, visibility, and confidence

AI is no longer just a tool — it’s becoming a business operator. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford talks with Ethan Ouyang, Head of U.S. Operations at DeepWisdom, about the rise of agentic AI and how their platform Atoms enables anyone to build revenue-ready products without writing code or managing teams. Ethan explains how Atoms differs from traditional AI tools by running a full autonomous decision loop — from market research and planning to execution, launch, and SEO-driven monetization. The discussion covers real-world use cases including DTC brands, SaaS products, internal tools, and small-business systems. Topics Covered: What agentic AI actually means Why most AI tools stop at tasks — and Atoms doesn’t How AI coordinates multiple agents autonomously Building MVPs without engineering teams Human judgment vs AI execution Cost efficiency through open-source models Who this technology is really for This episode breaks down why the barrier to building businesses has fundamentally changed — and what that means for founders willing to adapt. Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio? ↳Gemini Crypto – https://www.gemini.com/card?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=right_about_now&utm_content=host_read&_bhlid=160d7f4fc923d552d3acfd8e1b631d57799c5196 🔗 Connect with Host & Guest 🎙️ Host Ryan Alford Website & full episodes: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford 👤 Guest Ethan Ouyang Platform: https://atoms.dev Company: https://deepwisdom.ai X (Twitter): https://x.com/atoms_dev

Entrepreneurship isn’t about shortcuts — it’s about staying disciplined long enough to create your own luck. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Josh Snow, founder and CEO of Snow, for a raw and wide-ranging conversation on adversity, discipline, and what it really takes to build a lasting business. Josh shares how starting his first business at 13 out of financial necessity shaped his mindset, why he bootstrapped Snow into a global brand with over $100M in sales without pulling money out early, and how discipline early in life leads to freedom later. The conversation also explores reinvention, legacy, and why most people quit right before things start working. This episode is for builders who are playing the long game. Topics Covered Why adversity exists at every level of success Burning the boats and reinvesting in yourself Discipline vs. regret — and why discipline always wins How luck is created through preparation Producing vs. consuming in the age of distraction Reinventing yourself without asking permission Transitioning from survival mode to legacy mode Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio? ↳Gemini Crypto – gemini.com/card https://gemini.com/card?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=right_about_now&utm_content=host_read Connect & Learn More 🎧 Follow the Show & Host Ryan Alford Website & full episodes: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford 👤 Follow the Guest Josh Snow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshsnow Snow: https://www.instagram.com/snow Affiliate Marketing: https://affiliatemarketing.com If this episode challenged how you think about discipline, success, and legacy: Subscribe to Right About Now Leave a review Share this episode with someone who’s building for the long term Your support helps us keep bringing real conversations to builders everywhere.

In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford welcomes Sam Dunning, founder of Breaking B2B, for a practical conversation about websites, SEO, and why most companies unknowingly lose leads every day. Sam explains how ego-driven design choices sabotage conversions — from overusing buzzwords to prioritizing aesthetics over buyer clarity. He shares why websites should be treated like full-time salespeople and how even referral-based businesses miss opportunities when their site doesn’t communicate clearly. The episode explores Sam’s journey from retail into digital marketing, lessons learned from early mistakes, and how he now helps B2B brands create sites that drive real results. Ryan and Sam also discuss customer research, homepage fundamentals, proof-based messaging, and how simple changes can dramatically improve inbound leads. This is a must-listen for founders, marketers, and operators who want their website to work harder for their business. Key Takeaways Websites should be built for buyers, not founders Proof converts better than polished language Customer interviews improve messaging fast Clear next steps drive action Bad websites lose invisible revenue 📣 Connect with Ryan & Sam 🎙 Right About Now Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RightAboutNowwithRyanAlford 🌐 Ryan Alford: https://ryanisright.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/ryanalford 🚀 Sam Dunning / Breaking B2B: Website: https://breakingb2b.com LinkedIn: Search “Sam Dunning” Podcast: Breaking B2B Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone rebuilding their website. Sponsors Are you interested in effortlessly growing your bitcoin portfolio? ↳Gemini Crypto – Gemini.com/card

What happens when you stop letting fear decide your future? In this episode of Right About Now, host Ryan Alford sits down with entrepreneur, creative pioneer, and author Scott Scovill for a powerful conversation about fear, failure, and what it really takes to pursue your dreams. Scott opens up about graduating near the bottom of his class, flunking out of college, and being diagnosed with a deep fear of failure — a fear that nearly kept him stuck forever. Everything changed the night he randomly met the touring crew for U2, attended their concert, and realized he’d found the life he wanted — but only if he was willing to try. That moment sparked what Scott now calls tenacity — the relentless pursuit of what matters most. Today, Scott has built multiple companies, led massive live productions for world-class artists, and written a deeply personal book, Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams, sharing the lessons he learned along the way. In this episode, Scott and Ryan dive into: Why fear of failure keeps most people stuck How a single moment can redefine your entire future Why execution matters more than motivation The power of simply showing up How storytelling beats preachy self-help Turning setbacks into momentum Learning that failure hurts far less than imagined If you’re building a business, chasing a creative dream, or just trying to become a better version of yourself — this conversation will challenge you to stop waiting and start moving. 📣 Connect with Ryan & Scott 🎙 Right About Now Podcast: https://ryanisright.com 📸 Ryan Alford: Instagram → https://instagram.com/ryanalford 📘 Scott Scovill: Website → https://scottscovill.com 📚 Tenacious: The Art of Relentlessly Pursuing Your Wildest Dreams Available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and major retailers. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the show.

Building a real brand isn’t about playing it safe — it’s about testing, failing, learning, and trusting your instincts. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Brett Berish, CEO of Sovereign Brands, to unpack how he built global spirits brands like Bumbu, Deacon Whiskey, Bel-Air Rosé, and McQueen Gin by doing the opposite of what the industry expected. Brett explains why he stopped trying to compete with giants like Bacardi or Jack Daniels and instead leaned into authenticity, taste-first product development, and bold packaging. He compares building businesses to comedians refining jokes — constantly reacting to audiences, tweaking the approach, and evolving until something truly lands From navigating America’s rigid three-tier alcohol system to building brands in over 80 countries, Brett shares hard-earned lessons about flexibility, leadership, and believing in products before the market catches up. This episode covers: • Why no one believed in Brett’s brands at launch • How taste matters more than celebrity endorsements • Why packaging is part of the brand experience • How failure shaped his leadership style • Building teams of self-starters, not followers • Why letting products “breathe” unlocked global growth • Turning personal struggle into purpose If you’re building anything — a company, a product, or a personal brand — this conversation offers a masterclass in resilience, creativity, and trusting what makes you different. Connect with Ryan & Brett 🎙 Right About Now Podcast: https://ryanisright.com 📸 Ryan Alford: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 🥃 Brett Berish: https://www.instagram.com/brettbarishceo 🌐 Sovereign Brands: https://sovereignbrands.com Explore Brett’s brands: Bumbu, Deacon Whiskey, Bel-Air Rosé, McQueen Gin, Violet Fog, and Vione France. Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the show.

Success rarely looks the way people expect it to — and almost never happens on a straight line. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Derrick Hayes, founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, for a candid conversation about patience, belief, and the discipline required to build something that lasts. Derrick walks through the early days of entrepreneurship, including failed ideas, long nights, and moments where progress wasn’t visible — even when the work was real. Using powerful analogies and lived experience, Derrick explains why many people confuse movement with momentum, hustle with mastery, and ambition with execution. He shares how learning the business of what you’re building is what separates long-term success from endless grinding. Key Takeaways: Why most people quit before the payoff shows up How patience functions as a competitive advantage The danger of “hobby hustling” Why discipline beats motivation every time How real leaders think about scale and responsibility This episode is for anyone who wants more than quick wins — and is willing to play the long game. Keep up With Ryan and Derrick 🌐 Learn more at https://ryanisright.com 🎧 Subscribe to Right About Now on YouTube & podcast platforms 📸 Follow Ryan Alford on social for clips and insights 🍽️ Discover Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks and Derrick Hayes’ journey nationwide If this conversation resonated, share it with someone building something of their own.

Confidence isn’t something you’re born with — it’s something you build. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Mara Dorn, a leader who has helped build billion-dollar sales organizations and mentor hundreds of young professionals. Mara shares the lessons she learned early: you only get one shot, first impressions matter, and how you show up physically affects how you perform mentally. Drawing from decades of experience, she explains why discipline, posture, energy, and personal standards still matter — even in a world driven by convenience, shortcuts, and AI. This isn’t about appearances for appearance’s sake. It’s about understanding how confidence, credibility, and work ethic are deeply connected to results. In this episode, we cover: Why first impressions are psychological, not superficial How posture and presence affect performance The difference between confidence and ego Why discipline outperforms talent The generational shift in work ethic How to build real confidence without pretending to be perfect Why authenticity still requires standards Mara also opens up about anxiety, imperfection, and how embracing flaws — instead of hiding them — can become a competitive advantage. Listen & Watch Full episodes, video, and show updates: 👉 https://ryanisright.com Check out the BILF Podcast: 👉 https://bilfpodcast.com Follow on Socials Ryan Alford Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalford Mara Dorn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maradorn Website: https://maradorn.com

Most people misunderstand the rental car business. They either assume it’s too risky, too time-consuming, or only works if you’re renting luxury vehicles. Others lump it in with online side hustle hype without ever understanding the actual mechanics behind it. In this episode, Ryan talks with George Madden, founder of Car Rental Coach, about what the rental car business really looks like when it’s built intentionally. George didn’t start with supercars or flashy marketing. He built his fleet around cheap, reliable economy cars, focusing on utilization, insurance structure, and cash flow rather than appearances. Throughout the conversation, George explains: Why economy cars consistently generate better returns than luxury rentals How small fleets can produce steady monthly income What people get wrong about insurance and liability How depreciation and write-offs change the math entirely How much time it actually takes to operate a small fleet Why this business works as both a side hustle and a primary income When scaling makes sense—and when it doesn’t The answers are practical, grounded, and based on real experience—not theory. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand: How small businesses quietly generate cash flow Why “boring” assets often outperform exciting ones What a realistic, system-driven side business actually looks like No hype.No shortcuts. Just a clear look at a business most people don’t fully understand—but probably should.

Most people rush into building a personal brand — and end up stuck with views, likes, and no real business to show for it. In this episode, Marian Esanu breaks down why personal branding should come after you’ve built something real, not before. From fake authority and imposter syndrome to why most creators can’t convert attention into sales, this conversation challenges the way entrepreneurs think about visibility, credibility, and long-term value. If you’ve ever felt pressure to “build your brand” before you’re ready — this episode will change how you approach it. Key Topics Covered • Why starting a personal brand too early can hurt your credibility •The difference between being an expert vs an enthusiast •Why views and followers don’t matter if you can’t convert them into revenue •How real businesses create authentic, scalable personal brands •The danger of building a brand that can’t be sold or exited •How to research competitors instead of reinventing the wheel •Why paid traffic + organic content beats chasing virality •Turning content into an actual business asset Who This Episode Is For Entrepreneurs building (or thinking about building) a personal brand Creators struggling to monetize their audience Business owners tired of “fake guru” branding advice Anyone who wants authority without pretending to be an expert Subscribe to Right About Now! Keep listening and subscribe to our newsletter at RyanIsRight.com Follow @ ryanalford on all social media Keep up with Marian Esanu • Personal Branding Ninja • Momentum Podcast

Most businesses are obsessed with one question: “How do I spend $1 to make $5?” According to Jon Davids , that mindset is exactly what’s holding brands back. In this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with the CEO of Influicity and author of Marketing Superpowers to unpack why the future belongs to brands that build movements, not just marketing funnels. John shares how he learned to capture attention before social media existed, why most influencers are broke despite large followings, and how brands can create demand that doesn’t rely on algorithms or ad platforms. In This Episode, We Cover Why paid ads alone are unsustainable long-term The difference between building an audience and building a movement How community connects content to commerce Why “Minimum Viable Concept” beats “Minimum Viable Product” How to own customer demand instead of renting it What brands must do today to stay relevant in the next 10–20 years If you want to stop chasing customers and start attracting them, this conversation will completely change how you think about marketing. 🎧 Listen now and discover your true marketing superpower.