Episodes

  • Be Famous to a Few and Forget the Rest | Oversubscribed, Daniel Priestly
    Aug 8 2025

    🎯In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Jon Kovach Jr. dive into one of the most freeing principles from Daniel Priestley’s Oversubscribed: the only people that matter are your people.They break down why chasing everyone dilutes your impact, how to create your own market, and why depth of connection beats surface-level reach every time. From combining passions into a powerful niche to becoming “famous to a few,” this conversation is packed with real-world stories—including how Willie discovered his calling to coach adult dyslexic entrepreneurs and professionals.💡 Key Ideas Covered:Create Your Own Market – Build around existing interest and find the people who already care.You Can’t Serve Everyone – Focus on the few who truly align with your values and mission.Be Famous to a Few – Influence isn’t about the masses—it’s about the right micro-community.Values Attract the Right People – Living authentically draws the right connections and repels the wrong ones.Whether you’re growing a business, building a brand, or simply figuring out who your “few” are, this episode will help you cut through the noise and focus on what—and who—matters most.🎧 Subscribe to Champion Reads for honest, high-level conversations that turn powerful books into action-ready wisdom.🌐 Learn more and join the Champion Circle at: https://www.mychampioncircle.com#Oversubscribed #DanielPriestley #ChampionReads #YourPeopleMatter #AuthenticBranding #MicroCommunity #BeFamousToAFew #ChampionCircle`

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    21 mins
  • Underdogs Win Because They Have Nothing to Lose | Underdog Advantage, Dean Graziosi
    Aug 1 2025

    🎯 In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Ian Stermer dive deeper into The Underdog Advantage by Dean Graziosi—spotlighting one of the most freeing truths: Underdogs have nothing to lose.When you start from the bottom, you don’t carry the weight of expectation. You’re not tied down by perfection or pressure. And that gives you a kind of freedom that most “successful” people forget they once had.💥 Key Topics Covered:The Freedom of the Underdog MindsetNo reputation to protect. No spotlight to perform under. That means you can take bold action without fear of falling—because there's nowhere to fall from.Fail Fast, Learn FasterWhen you’re not afraid of losing something, you move quicker, test ideas faster, and grow with less hesitation. That’s the advantage most overlook.Underdogs Can Be Bold, Not CarefulBig players play defense. Underdogs play offense. You don’t need permission, validation, or approval to go after what you want.🎯 Why You Should Watch:This episode is a rally cry for anyone who’s felt behind or invisible. Coach Willie and Ian break down why having nothing to lose might be the greatest asset you’ve got—and how it can supercharge your hustle, resilience, and creativity.🌱 Practical Takeaways:Start before you're "ready"—because you're never too small to make a move.Use your outsider status to disrupt and surprise—not follow the rules.Embrace failure as the fastest way forward.🎙️ Stay Inspired:Subscribe to Champion Reads for mindset-shifting book breakdowns and honest conversations to help you lead with grit, grow with intention, and turn your underdog journey into your greatest weapon.🌐 Join the Champion Circle community at https://www.mychampioncircle.com🔔 Don’t forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe!#UnderdogAdvantage #DeanGraziosi #NothingToLose #UnderdogMindset #ChampionReads #FearlessAction #FreedomToFail #GrowFromGrit #ChampionCircle

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    30 mins
  • Why Being the Underdog Gives You the Upper Hand | Underdog Advantage, Dean Graziosi
    Jul 25 2025

    🎯 In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Ian Sturmer dive into The Underdog Advantage by Dean Graziosi and explore how being underestimated can actually be your greatest strength. Instead of seeing underdog status as a weakness, this episode shows you how to flip it into fuel—turning every “no,” doubt, or disadvantage into undeniable motivation.💥 Key Topics Covered:Underdog Identity = Built-In DriveLearn why underdogs often work harder, stay scrappier, and build more momentum than those who start ahead.Turning Limitations into LeverageDiscover how what you don’t have—money, connections, approval—can become the reason you succeed, not the reason you fail.Why Underdogs Win More Than You ThinkDean Graziosi breaks down how the world's greatest success stories were born from rejection, doubt, and starting at zero.🎯 Why You Should Watch:If you’ve ever felt behind, overlooked, or like the odds are stacked against you—this episode will reframe your mindset. You’ll walk away with a clearer perspective on how to use every obstacle as a step toward becoming unstoppable.🌱 Practical Takeaways:Own Your Story: Stop hiding your “lack”—make it part of your power.Outwork the Odds: Success doesn’t go to the most gifted—it goes to the most committed.Build from Grit: Tap into hunger, drive, and resilience when others coast on comfort.🎙️ Stay Inspired:Subscribe to Champion Reads for weekly insights that challenge the norm, spark personal growth, and give you the tools to win—no matter where you start.🌐 Join the Champion Circle community at https://www.mychampioncircle.com for more tools to turn your underdog story into your greatest advantage.🔔 Don’t Forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe!#UnderdogAdvantage #DeanGraziosi #ChampionReads #PersonalGrowth #MindsetShift #StartFromZero #UnderdogMindset #Resilience #ChampionCircle

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    31 mins
  • We Rate 10 Books with Our Own Rotten Tomatoes Style!
    Jul 18 2025

    We made it to 100 episodes of Champion Reads! To celebrate this massive milestone, Coach Willie Blake, Ian Sturmer, and John Kovacs Jr. decided to flip the format and have a little fun.Instead of breaking down principles, we picked 10 random books from our first 100 episodes and gave them our very own version of a Rotten Tomatoes–style rating—scoring each one from 1 to 10, no holding back!📚 Which ones got standing ovations?📉 Which ones nearly flopped?🔥 Which ones sparked debate?Let’s just say… you’ll laugh, you’ll learn, and you might disagree with us!💬 Books Featured Include:(We won’t spoil all the names here—but expect some fan favorites, a few hidden gems, and maybe even a surprise letdown or two 👀)🎯 Why You Should Watch:Whether you’re new to Champion Reads or have been with us since episode 1, this is a fun, fast-paced episode packed with personality, laughter, hot takes, and honest reflection on the books that have shaped our journey.✨ What You’ll Take Away:A quick rundown of 10 impactful books we’ve coveredAuthentic commentary from your hosts—no sugarcoating!Suggestions on which books to re-read or skip entirely❤️ Thank You for 100 Episodes:We’re incredibly grateful for our Champion Circle community. This episode is a tribute to YOU—for reading, watching, growing, and sticking with us through 100 powerful episodes.📢 Call to Action:Tell us in the comments—What’s YOUR #1 book we’ve reviewed?And what do you want to see in the next 100?🌐 Join the Champion Circle Community:https://www.mychampioncircle.com — Your go-to for growth, clarity, and becoming the best version of YOU.💡 Like, Share & Subscribe to stay inspired every single week.#ChampionReads #Episode100 #BookRatings #RottenTomatoesStyle #100Episodes #BookReview #LeadershipBooks #PersonalDevelopment #TopBooks #Celebrate100 #ChampionCircle #HotTakes #MindsetBooks #SelfGrowth

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • The Power of Unlikely Books: Lessons from Suess, Gladwell, and Bradford | Beyond Bestsellers Ep. 2
    Jun 27 2025

    In this special Champion Reads episode, Coach Willie Blake, Ian Sturmer, and John Kovacs Jr. each bring a powerful book that transformed their thinking—and possibly their lives. These books may not be what you'd expect in a business or leadership discussion, but the insights inside are unforgettable.From children’s rhymes to leadership blueprints to the psychology of success—this episode is proof that sometimes the most unexpected books carry the most profound lessons.💡 Books We Dive Into:1. Outliers by Malcolm GladwellGladwell breaks down what truly drives extraordinary success—and it’s not just talent. It’s about timing, opportunity, culture, and the 10,000-hour rule.🏆 Key Insight: Success isn’t born—it’s built. The people who rise above often had help, habits, and history working in their favor.2. Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. SeussYes… the children's book. But beneath the rhymes is a timeless message about open-mindedness, trying new things, and the power of persistence.👶 Key Insight: We often resist the unfamiliar—until we try it. Growth happens outside our comfort zone, even if it starts with something green and odd.3. Up Your Game by David BradfordBradford lays out how to build your personal network like a champion, using a relationship-first strategy that turns connection into opportunity.🤝 Key Insight: Success flows from your network—the more you give, the more you grow. Learn to play the "game" with integrity and strategy.🎯 Why You Should Watch:This episode will shift your perspective on success, relationships, and courage. Whether you’re a CEO, coach, parent, or student—there’s something here for you. These books remind us that life-changing lessons don’t always come from where you expect.🌱 Practical Takeaways:Master the Long Game – Like Gladwell says, build habits and keep showing up. The reps matter.Stay Curious – Be like Sam-I-Am. Be willing to try things before you reject them.Nurture Your Network – Give value, follow up, and turn connections into lifelong relationships.🎙️ Stay Inspired:Subscribe to Champion Reads for real conversations and real impact—applying life-changing insights from the world's most powerful books.🌐 Join the Champion Circle:https://www.mychampioncircle.com — Tools, coaching, and community to level up your life and leadership.🔔 Like, Share & Subscribe to fuel your growth.#ChampionReads #BeyondBestsellers #Outliers #GreenEggsAndHam #UpYourGame #MalcolmGladwell #DrSeuss #DavidBradford #MindsetShift #LeadershipBooks #SuccessMindset #ChampionCircle #BooksThatMatter #TryNewThings #NetworkingTips #10kHours

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    38 mins
  • Time Is the Real Profit: First Things First in Life & Business | Profit First, Mike Michalowitz
    Jun 20 2025

    ⏳ In this heartfelt finale to the Profit First series, Coach Willie Blake and Ian Sturmer go beyond the bank account and into the heart. Inspired by the principle of prioritizing profit first in business, they explore how to apply the same mindset to our time, relationships, and priorities.👉 “Men spell love R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Women spell love L-O-V-E. Children spell love T-I-M-E.”💡 Key Topics Covered:Time Is the Real CurrencyJust like with money, are you giving your best time first—or just what’s left over?Start allocating your most valuable asset—your time—to the people and values that matter most.Put the Big Rocks in FirstWillie explains the classic jar analogy—how to fit priorities in your life by focusing on what matters most first.Mindset of MarginIan reflects: “Do we budget our time the way we budget our money?”Creating space and margin isn’t just financial—it’s about intentional time planning.The 1% Time Rule (14 Minutes a Day)Just 14 minutes a day can transform your relationships, faith, and mindset.One hug. One note. One walk. Small actions, big impact.What Regret Really Looks LikeIan shares a touching story of his son waiting on a tricycle. Sometimes, it’s the small moments we miss that we remember most.🎯 Why You Should Watch:This episode is a powerful reminder that how we spend our time is how we live our lives. Whether you're a business owner, parent, partner, or dreamer—this message will help you reset your priorities and recenter your focus on what truly matters.🌱 Practical Takeaways:Time Block What Matters – Schedule family, health, faith, and rest before tasks or work.Apply the 1% Rule – Just 14 minutes a day can change your life.Be Present & Interruptible – When people need you, pause and be fully there.Start & End Your Day Right – Begin and close with gratitude, presence, or connection—not your phone.🧠 Final Takeaway:"Don’t give your loved ones the leftovers. Give them your best."🎙️ Stay Inspired:Subscribe to Champion Reads for life-changing insights from the world’s best books—applying not just to your business, but to your faith, family, and future.🌐 Explore More:Join the Champion Circle at https://www.mychampioncircle.com for tools, coaching, and community to grow with intention.🔔 Like, Share & Subscribe to stay rooted in what matters most.#TimeManagement #ProfitFirst #ChampionReads #FamilyFirst #TimeIsCurrency #BigRocksFirst #PrioritizePurpose #MindsetOfMargin #IntentionalLiving #ChampionCircle #DailyDiscipline

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    29 mins
  • Revenue Is Vanity. Profit Is Sanity. Cash Is Reality | Profit First, Mike Michalowitz
    Jun 13 2025

    🎯In this high-impact episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake, Ian Sturmer, and John Kovacs Jr. break down one of the most important financial mindset shifts every entrepreneur needs—why putting PROFIT FIRST leads to long-term freedom, not scarcity.💡 Key Principles from Profit First by Mike Michalowicz:Constraints Create Clarity and FreedomLike choosing a smaller plate at a buffet, reducing what you “see” available to spend forces you to operate smarter.💬 Quote: “If you don’t want to eat the whole pie, grab a smaller plate.”Take the Profit First—LiterallyAllocate 1%, 5%, or 30% to profit before spending another dime. John shares his system of splitting income across profit, taxes, savings, and more—creating peace of mind, not stress.Mindset Over MoneyProfit First isn’t just about dollars—it’s about behavior.“Out of sight, out of mind” reduces emotional spending by keeping profit and taxes in separate bank accounts.Constraints Drive CreativityJohn tells the story of the 9/11 memorial design: how creative solutions often come because of limitations—not in spite of them.Don’t Let Revenue Fool YouMore sales ≠ more success.Willie shares how a Shark Tank business had strong sales but lost money because of unaccounted-for costs like “free” shipping.💼 Real-Life Applications:Use the 1% Rule: Move 1% of all revenue to a profit account.Delay purchases by 24 hours to avoid impulse spending.Assign every dollar a job with envelope-style budgeting.Prioritize cash on hand over vanity metrics or “paper profit.”🎯 Why You Should Watch:This episode is packed with powerful takeaways for entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and side-hustlers who want to ditch the feast-or-famine cycle and run a business that actually pays them. You don’t need more revenue—you need smarter habits.🌱 Takeaway Quote Recap:“Revenue is vanity. Profit is sanity. But cash… cash is reality.”🎙️ Stay Inspired:Subscribe to Champion Reads for deep dives into the best business books and actionable insights to help you grow your income, mindset, and impact.🌐 Join the Movement:Explore more from the Champion Circle community at https://www.mychampioncircle.com — coaching, tools, and support for purpose-driven growth.🔔 Like, Share & Subscribe for more weekly episodes!#ProfitFirst #MikeMichalowicz #RevenueVsProfit #EntrepreneurMindset #CashFlowMatters #SolopreneurTips #ChampionReads #ChampionCircle #SmallBusinessGrowth #MoneyHabits #FinancialFreedom #ProfitIsSanity

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    34 mins
  • The Mindset Shift That Can Save Your Business | Profit First, Mike Michalowitz
    Jun 6 2025

    🎯 In this episode of Champion Reads, Coach Willie Blake and Ian Sturmer kick off a powerful new book: Profit First by Mike Michalowicz. The duo tackles one of the biggest mindset shifts entrepreneurs must make to create sustainable success:👉 Profit isn’t what’s left over—it’s what comes first.Most business owners live by the outdated formula:Sales – Expenses = ProfitBut this often leads to overspending and no money left in the bank. Profit First flips the script:Sales – Profit = ExpensesMeaning you build profit into your business from day one, and operate with intention and discipline.💡 Key Topics Covered:Profit Is a Habit, Not an EventLearn how to build profit into every transaction—consistently and habitually.Know Your Real NumbersAre you checking your bank account or actually tracking overhead, cash flow, and margins? Most business owners are flying blind.Spending ≠ SuccessIan warns against vanity spending and chasing equipment or tools you don’t need. Spending is not growth—profit is.Cash Flow Beats Paper ProfitMike’s story shows how you can look profitable on paper and still have no money in the bank. Learn why tracking real cash matters more than spreadsheet wins.Pause Before You PurchaseWhether it’s business gear or personal spending, Willie and Ian both practice the 24-hour or 7-day delay tactic—and it saves them every time.Avoid the Shiny Object SpiralMore services doesn’t always mean more success. Adding complexity to your business can drain your time, money, and margin.Intentional Profit = Long-Term FreedomYou don’t stumble into profit. You bake it into your business—with every decision, habit, and dollar spent.🎯 Why You Should Watch:If you're tired of working hard and still feeling broke, this episode is for you. Learn how to stop chasing sales and start building profit into your business with clarity and discipline. This isn’t just a book—it’s a blueprint for financial sanity.🌱 Practical Takeaways:Change the formula: Sales – Profit = ExpensesTrack real cash, not just accounting “wins”Delay spending and eliminate wasteFocus on habits that build actual wealth—not just revenue🎙️ Stay Inspired:Subscribe to Champion Reads for actionable insights from the most practical and powerful business books out there.🌐 Explore More:Join the Champion Circle community at https://www.mychampioncircle.com for coaching, tools, and support to grow a purpose-driven, profitable business.🔔 Don’t Forget to Like, Share, and Subscribe!#ProfitFirst #MikeMichalowicz #BusinessProfit #EntrepreneurFinance #CashFlowMatters #ChampionReads #ChampionCircle #FinancialHabits #SmallBusinessSuccess #ProfitOverVanity #SmartSpending

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    34 mins