Episodes

  • S2:Episode 24 -Protecting Your Family From Germs

    S2:Episode 24 -Protecting Your Family From Germs
    Dec 3 2025
    This transcript features Dr. Jordan Smith discussing his experience with Melaleuca products and the company's business model, emphasizing personal wellness, financial savings, and an opportunity for residual income, particularly aimed at educators. Here's a summary of the key points: I. Main Topic & Thesis: Dr. Jordan Smith advocates for Melaleuca as a comprehensive solution for improving personal health and financial well-being. He shares his personal journey of health improvements using Melaleuca products and outlines a business model centered on customer loyalty, product education, and referring "power shoppers" to generate significant residual income, with a specific mission to help teachers pay off student loan debt. II. Key Arguments & Ideas: Melaleuca's "Learn to Earn" Program: The company offers a "learning library" with short videos that educate customers on wellness topics. Watching these videos earns "loyalty shopping dollars" and coupons, encouraging customers to learn about and purchase products. Dr. Smith claims to have saved $41 in one session by watching videos and claiming coupons. Personal Health Transformations with Melaleuca Products: Allergies & SoluGuard: As a Gulf War veteran with sinusitis and rhinitis, Dr. Smith uses SoluGuard botanical disinfectants, which do not flare up his allergies like conventional cleaners containing chlorine, bleach, or quaternary disinfectants. He highlights that traditional disinfectants can irritate skin, eyes, lungs, reduce lung capacity, and trigger asthma. SoluGuard uses natural ingredients like thymol (from thyme) and citric acid. Skincare & Sei Bella: He shares his experience with SayBella skincare, noting the importance of choosing products based on skin type. He found a cost-effective "charcoal" line suitable for his oily skin and received compliments on his "glowy" face after incorporating a regimen including vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and night/neck creams. His wife's consistent skincare regimen is also cited as an example of maintaining youthful appearance. Peak Performance Pack & Overall Health: He highlights the "Freiburg study" which demonstrated the pack's effectiveness in reducing free radicals and inflammation. The study showed significant improvements in cholesterol (total, HDL, LDL), triglycerides, blood pressure, heart rate, nitric oxide levels, blood sugar spikes, and insulin response. Dr. Smith personally uses the Peak Performance Pack and notes its role in his overall health. Vigor FT & Testosterone: He personally attests to using Vigor FT, a natural testosterone-supporting supplement, and shares his medical results showing a 39.9% increase in testosterone levels after one month. The product uses botanical extracts like fenugreek, Longjack, and horny goat weed. Prostavan & Cancer Battle: Having battled prostate cancer and undergone radiation, Dr. Smith attributes the significant drop in his PSA levels (from 10 to 0.1) to taking Melaleuca's Prostavine supplement, combined with exercise and a wellness lifestyle. Cholesterol Management: He notes that his cholesterol (down to 122 from 250) and triglyceride levels have improved, allowing him to discontinue statin medication. Hydration & R3 Program: He emphasizes consistent water intake using a timed water bottle and mentions Melaleuca's R3 weight loss program. Vitamin D3: He highlights the need for D3, suggesting supplements as a safer alternative to sun exposure which carries skin cancer risks. Understanding Free Radicals: A video explains that inflammation and free radicals devastate health, causing aging and degenerative conditions (heart disease, Alzheimer's, cancer, diabetes). Free radicals are constantly produced by metabolism, acting like tiny, cumulative damage (compared to raindrops on a mountain). Antioxidants significantly curb free radical activity. Melaleuca's patented "oligo process" makes minerals more absorbable and reduces free radical activity in supplements. Melaleuca's Financial Benefits & Business Model: Credit Card Rewards: The Melaleuca credit card offers 6% cashback on Melaleuca purchases, 4% on gas/electric/grocery/dining, and 2% on all other purchases. Cashback is applied as loyalty dollars to reduce future Melaleuca costs. Shipping Rewards: Orders over 44 points receive shipping costs back in loyalty shopping dollars. Customer Satisfaction: 100% money-back guarantee within 90 days, even on empty bottles, eliminating risk. Referral Program for Residual Income: Dr. Smith focuses on "attraction marketing," providing value and information rather than chasing sales. He aims to attract "power shoppers" (spending 300+ points/month) who are serious about health and financial well-being. His goal is a "million-dollar a year income" by developing a system to help 10 other people make $100,000 annually. A personal "calculator" tool is being developed to help individuals project their potential savings and residual income based on ...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 16 mins
  • S2:Episode 23- Why I Was Afraid to Go To Sleep At Night: PTSD, Nightmares, and the Fight for Rest

    S2:Episode 23- Why I Was Afraid to Go To Sleep At Night: PTSD, Nightmares, and the Fight for Rest
    Dec 1 2025
    Dr. Jordan Smith, a veteran and educator, shares a deeply personal account of his severe sleep disturbances, which he ultimately identified as stemming from undiagnosed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He outlines his journey from debilitating fear and ineffective solutions to discovering a comprehensive, system-based protocol that restored his sleep. He then extrapolates this "system thinking" to address another pervasive issue: the overwhelming student debt faced by teachers, nurses, and veterans. The Sleep Crisis: A Personal Nightmare Symptoms: Dr. Smith experienced intense nightmares, yelling, talking, cursing, kicking, and thrashing in his sleep, often waking disoriented and ashamed. These episodes terrified him more than past combat or cancer. Impact on His Wife: His wife, Carolyn, sacrificed her own sleep, constantly on guard to "tap" or wake him when he was trapped in a nightmare. Initially, she refused to sleep separately due to fear of what might happen to him if she wasn't present, demonstrating profound love and sacrifice, reminiscent of his caregiving for his late wife. Personal Fears: He feared he was losing his mind or experiencing early dementia, a deep-seated anxiety given his love for intellectual pursuits and problem-solving. Ineffective Solutions: Melatonin: Unbeknownst to him, his 5mg nightly dose was exacerbating the problem, intensifying REM sleep and emotional dream content, which is detrimental for trauma survivors. Therapy: A licensed therapist suggested affirmations and journaling, but these didn't address the root cause, and his affirmation method (describing unwanted dreams) was counterproductive. Lifestyle Changes: He tried CBD, sleep noises, Nyquil, special pillows, adjusting room temperature, and significantly reducing alcohol intake (after accidentally hitting his wife in his sleep, leading him to discard all alcohol). Sleeping Arrangement: He bought a king-size bed for more space, fearing he might inadvertently harm his wife, but this only heightened his anxiety. Key Discovery: Through a casual comment from his wife and subsequent research, he realized that sleeping on his back, which he did 95% of the time, was the worst position for someone with PTSD. It left him feeling exposed, vulnerable, and hyper-alert, keeping his nervous system in "Marine Corps watch mode." The Breakthrough: AI-Assisted System Design ChatGPT as a Tool: Leveraging his background as a technology innovator, Dr. Smith turned to ChatGPT. He provided his medical history and symptoms, seeking logical pattern recognition rather than magic. Identifying Root Causes: ChatGPT helped him identify the multifaceted causes of his sleep issues: PTSD hyperarousal, nervous system dysregulation, magnesium deficiency, REM overactivation, trauma memory wiring, fragmented sleep cycles, back sleeping, and melatonin overdose. Crucially, this wasn't dementia or aging but a treatable nervous system imbalance. The PTSD-Informed Sleep Protocol (The System) Dr. Smith's protocol, a "PTSD-informed sleep framework," consists of several synergistic components: L-Theanine: A "PTSD sleep game-changer," it increases alpha brain waves (like deep meditation), signaling the amygdala to "stand down." This reduced shouting, talking, nightmares, night fight responses, lowered adrenaline, and stabilized sleep cycles without side effects or dependency. Magnesium Glycinate: Addresses magnesium deficiency common in PTSD. It calms the body and nervous system, blocks stress hormones, relaxes muscles, prevents nighttime jerks/thrashing, and supports deep, non-REM restorative sleep. Mellow Out (Proprietary B6 + Magnesium Formula): This specific supplement (not available on Amazon) regulates natural melatonin production, avoiding the overload caused by external melatonin. It smooths dream intensity, reduces REM chaos, supports serotonin, and prevents micro-awakenings. Weighted Blanket: Acts as "body armor for the nervous system." It lowers adrenaline, activates deep pressure receptors, signals safety to the trauma brain, and physically reduces jerks and thrashing. Side Sleeping: The "safety position." It protects the chest, reduces vulnerability and adrenaline, prevents loud vocalizations, and keeps the nervous system calm, directly counteracting the negative effects of back sleeping for PTSD. Immediate Results and Broader Implications The results were immediate: calm on the first night, deeper sleep by the second, and peaceful sleep for his wife by the third. With the weighted blanket, sleep talking vanished entirely. This transformation was attributed to physiology and trauma-informed sleep science—a systematic approach. Applying System Thinking to Debt: Dr. Smith realized that the "system thinking" he employed to solve his sleep issues could be applied to other systemic problems. He highlights the "nightmare" of student loan debt, particularly for teachers, nurses, and veterans, whose public service often leaves...
    Show More Show Less
    35 mins
  • S2:Episode 22 Generational Family History of Prostate Cancer

    S2:Episode 22 Generational Family History of Prostate Cancer
    Nov 29 2025
    Dr. Jordan Smith, host of the "Teach Lead and Expire" podcast, shares a deeply personal and candid account of his decades-long battle with prostate cancer, using his experience to highlight the critical importance of proactive screening and lifestyle changes, especially for men with a family history of the disease. Main Topic: Dr. Smith's journey through prostate cancer, from early abnormal PSA levels to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, serves as a powerful call to action for men to prioritize their prostate health and get screened regularly. Key Arguments and Events: Generational Risk: Dr. Smith was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 at age 68 (nearly 69). He realized his father, brother, and maternal grandfather all had prostate cancer, with his father and grandfather dying from it, indicating a strong family predisposition he initially ignored. Early PSA and Biopsy Experiences: Began PSA testing at age 50, with consistently elevated (above 3.2, often 6-10) but "normal" PSA for 15 years, often dismissed or attributed to other factors like sexual activity. Underwent his first prostate biopsy early in his teaching career (around age 50/51). He described the procedure as extremely painful and embarrassing, involving 12 tissue samples. Suffered significant post-biopsy bleeding (urine, semen) for 4-5 weeks, which created psychological stress and logistical challenges in a shared public high school bathroom. The initial biopsy results were "abnormal" but not cancerous, leading to a false sense of security and a lack of proactive discussion with doctors about prevention. Prioritizing Work Over Health: Due to financial needs (supporting extended family, master's degree for teaching qualification under "No Child Left Behind") and professional commitment, Dr. Smith repeatedly delayed addressing his health issues. He scheduled subsequent biopsies (six total over 15 years) during school breaks to avoid missing work, enduring pain and embarrassment. Compounding Health Issues & Caregiving: Stress from work, family responsibilities, and financial pressures led to increased alcohol consumption, weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and unexplained numbness in his legs and hands. He also became a full-time caregiver for his wife, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer (2017-2019), leading to extreme sleep deprivation and witnessing the devastating effects of metastasized cancer. Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Decision: His persistent leg numbness prompted him to demand an MRI, which finally revealed a lesion on his prostate. An ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed Stage 1 prostate cancer with a Gleason score of six. Presented with options (prostatectomy, radiation beads, external radiation), he initially chose "watchful waiting" again, driven by his dedication to his students. A turning point occurred when a community friend was diagnosed with metastasized prostate cancer, triggering memories of his wife's illness. This spurred him to choose external radiation therapy. Radiation involved a painful procedure to implant markers for targeted treatment and was conducted secretly during the summer. Post-Treatment Complications and Additional Surgery: Radiation successfully lowered his PSA, but he later developed severe urinary issues, including splitting urine streams and passing hundreds of uric acid "pebbles" from his bladder. Emergency consultation with a new urologist led to a CT scan and eventually a cystoscopy, which revealed his bladder was filled with uric acid stones, requiring surgery. He underwent a laser procedure to break up the stones and a TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) procedure to relieve pressure on his urethra due to an enlarged prostate. Recovery from this surgery was also painful, involving a catheter and prolonged bleeding, forcing him to take emergency leave. Transformative Lifestyle Changes and Current Health: Inspired by his experiences, Dr. Smith retired from teaching and committed to radical lifestyle changes: daily cardio and strength training, increased water intake (72 oz/day), improved diet, and a regimen of nutritional supplements (Melaleuca Peak Performance Pack, Prostavan for prostate, Vigor for testosterone). These changes have led to remarkable health improvements: PSA down to 0.1, blood pressure 115/64, resting heart rate 55. He also prioritizes skin care and general well-being. Urgent Call to Action: Dr. Smith passionately urges all men, especially those with a family history of prostate cancer, to get annual PSA tests, starting before age 40 if there's a history. He emphasizes that testing can be affordable ($50-60) even without full insurance, and can prevent years of pain, suffering, and potential loss of life. He specifically addresses his sons and grandsons, urging them to get tested. Future Discussions: He hints at upcoming episodes focusing on his journey with PTSD and strategies for achieving better sleep,...
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • S2:Episode 21 - Why I Have Been A Wellness Customer Since 1991

    S2:Episode 21 - Why I Have Been A Wellness Customer Since 1991
    Nov 29 2025
    Dr. Jordan Smith, a long-time Melaleuca customer since 1991, explains his unwavering loyalty to the company, focusing on how its products have positively impacted his health and finances. He challenges the notion that Melaleuca is expensive by distinguishing between "price" (what you pay) and "cost" (what it takes from you), asserting that cheaper, toxic store brands ultimately cost more in health and well-being. Main Thesis: Melaleuca offers superior, non-toxic products that provide significant health benefits and long-term financial savings, making it a "priceless" choice for a healthier, safer home, especially when compared to the hidden costs of conventional products. Key Arguments and Benefits: Personal Health Transformation (Initial Motivation): Post-Gulf War Health Decline: After returning from the first Gulf War, Dr. Smith experienced severe sinus issues, skin reactions, and sensitivities triggered by common household products (e.g., Dawn, Tide, Febreze), which he later linked to burn pit exposure and chemical toxins. Melaleuca as a Solution: In 1991, he discovered Melaleuca products, which were the first in years that did not trigger his immune system. His breathing improved, sinuses calmed, and skin cleared, making his home feel safe again. Long-Term Health Improvements: He attributes ongoing benefits—less inflammation, better nighttime breathing, fewer sinus flare-ups, improved skin, consistent energy, better sleep, and support during prostate cancer recovery and PTSD management—to Melaleuca's cleaners, lotions, vitamins, and supplements. Price vs. Cost Philosophy: "A cheap product with toxins or toxic ingredients is the most expensive thing in your home." The true "cost" of cheap products includes health deterioration, energy drain, lost sleep, doctor's visits, and unexplainable reactions. Melaleuca, by contrast, "stopped costing" him, leading to health improvements and ultimately saving him money by reducing health-related expenses. Comprehensive Savings and Rewards System: Melaleuca Rewards Visa Card: Earns up to 6% cashback on Melaleuca purchases, 4% on gas, groceries, and dining, and 2% on all other purchases, deposited as loyalty shopping dollars. Loyalty Shopping Dollars: Dr. Smith earns over $1,000 annually in loyalty shopping dollars from purchases, not selling or recruiting, simply by redirecting his spending. Cost Per Use Efficiency: Melaleuca products like dish soap (Lemon Brite) offer up to 500 uses per bottle compared to 150-180 for competitors, making them cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting. Similar efficiency applies to laundry packs, cleaning concentrates, and personal care items. New Member Value Packs: Exclusive, heavily discounted bundles for new customers (e.g., Home Conversion Pack saves $200) allow sampling various products and can be tax-deductible for certain individuals. "Hacks" for Maximizing Rewards: Ordering over 44 "points" per month to receive a $10.42 credit. Participating in "Learn to Earn" videos to receive coupons and shopping dollars. Leveraging the Melaleuca Deals app for local savings on travel, dining, and entertainment. Shopping through Melaleuca's Retail Partners (e.g., Old Navy) for additional cashback into the loyalty account. Switching Services: Switched from ADT to Melaleuca's home security (saving $25/month) and from Norton to InfoGuard, demonstrating more ways to save by utilizing Melaleuca's ecosystem. Specific Product Highlights & Personal Testimonials: Peak Performance Packs: Comprehensive AM/PM supplement bundles tailored for specific health needs (longevity, heart, brain, women, glucose support, weight management). Dr. Smith personally uses the longevity pack for men 50+, citing significant savings ($151.79) compared to buying individual supplements. He provides personal data showing improved testosterone and cholesterol levels. Vigor FT & Omega-3 Supplements: Used for testosterone and cholesterol management, respectively, with positive personal results. Fiberwise Drink: Successfully resolved severe constipation issues for himself and his partner, emphasizing the importance of gut health. Cleaning Products: Biodegradable and safe, providing peace of mind for allergy sufferers and families with children. Sei Bella Skincare: Positioned as premium, skin-safe, zero-disruptor, zero-fragrance, zero-irritant skincare that is 30-40% cheaper per use than most department store brands. Commitment and Guarantee: Dr. Smith views Melaleuca as a "total wellness program" and "preventive medicine." The company offers an "empty bottle guarantee," allowing returns within 90 days if a product doesn't meet expectations, including a 90-day challenge for Peak Performance packs. Conclusion: Dr. Smith reiterates that his 34-year loyalty stems from the "priceless" value Melaleuca offers: a safe home, a chance to heal, and a way to live better without spending more, ultimately fostering a healthier life at a lower cost through ...
    Show More Show Less
    29 mins
  • S2-Episode 20 - Music Production Secrets

    S2-Episode 20 - Music Production Secrets
    Nov 9 2025
    This transcript features Dr. Jordan Smith and Jordan III, discussing a range of topics from personal technology and teaching experiences to detailed insights into music production, book publishing, and a new venture aimed at tackling student loan debt. The core theme revolves around building a "generational wealth machine" through various entrepreneurial endeavors and mentorship. Here's a breakdown of the key points: I. Podcast Introduction & Personal Anecdotes: The podcast, "Two Generations, One Mission," features a Marine Corps dad (Dr. Jordan Smith) and his Army veteran son (Jordan III) discussing life, legacy, and leadership. Initial conversation includes lighthearted discussions about iPhone models (titanium vs. aluminum cases), the surprising number of photos stored on phones (Dr. Smith with 13,000, Jordan III with 3,000), and the benefits of a teacher's schedule (long holidays and summer breaks) which Dr. Smith valued while raising his children. II. Music Production Insights: Journey to Original Music: Dr. Smith initially used karaoke tracks for singing but realized the legal complexities and costs associated with licensing cover songs. Legal & Licensing: ASCAP: Essential for live performances of cover songs and receiving royalties for original renditions. Cover Song Licenses (e.g., Harry Fox Agency/Songbank): Required to legally record and distribute another artist's song, ensuring the original creators receive their cut. Critique of Cover Songs: Jordan III humorously criticizes Taylor Swift's cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's "September," calling it the "audible epitome of putting raisins in potato salad." Finding Original Material: Dr. Smith moved to platforms like Rocket Songs, where composers sell unpicked-up songs from major artists, often allowing for exclusive rights. AI Music Production: Discovered an AI music app (rhymes with "Juno") that allows for creating original songs. Learned to use the software by going through tutorials, leveraging his experience with AI and his vocal range. The app allows for crafting lyrics, adding musical elements (e.g., John Legend-style piano intro), and manipulating song structure (verse, chorus, bridge) which alters the accompanying music. It allows users to extend song length and split instrumental and vocal tracks. Cost Efficiency: A one-year license for the AI app was significantly cheaper ($200) than the $200-300 per song Dr. Smith previously paid for production. Distribution Process: Dr. Smith uses platforms like "Landar" to upload and distribute his songs. He self-masters tracks using equipment and software like WavePad (for noise reduction and dynamic compression) before uploading. Goals: Market songs on all streaming networks (Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music) to generate streams and income. His song "The Student Loan Trap" (registered with ASCAP and ISRC code) is an example. III. Book Publishing & "Shattered Chains": ChatGPT as an Assistant: Dr. Smith utilized ChatGPT (which he has trained over two and a half years with his writing style and existing books) to go from initial concept to a published book in seven days. "Shattered Chains": A book about student loan debt, specifically focusing on teachers and veterans, and the idea of young people realizing the long-term debt burden. Marketing & Reviews: Emphasizes that book sales are driven by reviews, and he leverages his experience (having done over 1200 book reviews in the past year) to generate reviews for his own work. Audiobooks: Acknowledges the shift towards audiobooks and plans to delegate audiobook production rather than doing it himself. IV. The "Generational Wealth Machine" & Student Loan Solution: Teach Lead Inspire App: Dr. Smith has developed an app and a "Debt-Free University" within it, offering various income streams and mentorship. Mentorship Programs: Book Publishing: Teaches how to publish a book on Amazon in seven days. Music Production: Mentors on the process of creating and distributing music. Course Structure: Each area is offered as a course with video lessons, and one-on-one coaching is available for an additional fee. Pricing: Pre-launch "founder" access (lifetime access, feedback opportunities, help setting up their own apps) is $997, increasing to $1497 and $1997 in subsequent weeks. Coaching is an additional $997. Student Loan Debt Program: Target Market: Primarily teachers and veterans struggling with student loans. Critique of Competitors: Student Loan Planner: Charges $595 for consultation, advises lowering payments (e.g., from $1000 to $200) and investing the difference for 25 years. Dr. Smith sees this as merely relocating money and potentially leading to commissions from financial products. Student Loan Tutor: Charges $150 for an initial interview, then $2500 for the first-year plan, and $600 annually to manage it, also focusing on lowering payments for a 25-year payoff. Dr. Smith expresses skepticism about the long-term ...
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • S2-E19-Self Publishing Music

    S2-E19-Self Publishing Music
    Nov 9 2025
    1 hr and 3 mins
  • S2- Episode 18 - Self-Publishing Mindset

    S2- Episode 18 - Self-Publishing Mindset
    Nov 9 2025
    Dr. Jordan Smith, co-host of the "Teach, Lead and Expire" podcast, shares his transformative journey into self-publishing, emphasizing the power of mindset, resilience, and intentional living to build a lasting legacy. Here's a breakdown of his insights and experiences: I. The Power of Mindset and Early Influences Starting Point: Dr. Smith initially struggled with the idea of writing a book but simply started writing, focusing on his experiences at Annapolis. Brain Power: He highlights the brain's power, asserting that filling it with negative thoughts leads to negative realities. Napoleon Hill's "Law of Success": Mentions this book as influential, noting that successful individuals like Elon Musk and Donald Trump shared common traits: a definite chief aim, daily affirmations, and a strong belief in their ability to create wealth—a "wealthy mindset." Critique of Traditional Upbringing: Contrasts this with the common advice he received: "get a good education, get a good job," which he found led to a loss of rights (e.g., free speech in the Marines) and exposure to systemic racism. II. Personal and Professional Transformation Through Writing "Annapolis Creed": Writing this book had an unexpected positive impact on his perspective and performance as a teacher, leading to his recognition as a leader. Involuntary Transfer and Its True Purpose: He was involuntarily transferred from his math department head position at a high school to a continuation school, initially believing it was due to a principal who disliked his influence. He later discovered the superintendent moved him due to his 97% math passing rate on the California High School Exit Examination, which was causing a district-wide graduation crisis under the "No Child Left Behind Act." His technological proficiency and background as a disciplined Marine (with a master's and working on a doctorate) made him the ideal candidate to address the academic challenge. Gettysburg Leadership Program: His success led to the district sponsoring him for a $7,000, week-long leadership program in Gettysburg, where he studied Union and Confederate generals, further cementing his leadership development. III. Venturing into Self-Publishing Discovery of Amazon: Realizing he couldn't open a bookstore, he discovered Amazon's self-publishing platform. Investment in Education: He paid $2,000 for the "Audio Income Academy" course, which taught him how to publish books on Amazon in various formats (paperback, audiobook, hardback) and market them. Learning Curve and Formats: Initially, he self-edited and used Word, leading to frustrating formatting errors. He learned to use Amazon's "Kindle Create" for easier ebook formatting and export. Each format (ebook, paperback, audiobook, hardback) requires slightly different image specifications. Importance of Reviews: He realized the critical role of reviews for book sales, similar to how he evaluates products like blenders on Amazon (preferring items with thousands of reviews). IV. Financial Growth and Strategic Reinvestment Initial Earnings: Started with small deposits ($6, $8, $35) for his first book. Significant Growth: After writing his second book, "11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Mathematics," and re-engaging with the course, his earnings grew to $60, $120, $235, $500, and eventually $900 per month. Delayed Payments: He learned that Amazon pays in arrears (e.g., July sales paid in October), meaning consistent effort builds future income. Reinvestment: Once earnings became substantial, he reinvested them to hire professional ghostwriters (e.g., "The Urban Writer") and editors, likening it to how established authors like James Patterson utilize ghostwriters and how doctoral candidates hire statisticians and editors for dissertations. Tax Advantages: Emphasizes that expenses like courses, ghostwriters, and advertising become tax deductions, benefiting his overall financial strategy. V. Leveraging AI for Writing ChatGPT as an Assistant: He now uses AI tools like ChatGPT as an assistant to generate book outlines, plot ideas, and even draft chapters. Human Oversight is Crucial: He stresses that AI is not perfect and requires human input, editing, and critical review to ensure quality, coherence, and accuracy. An AI can provide a rough draft, but human expertise shapes it into a polished product. VI. Current Projects and Legacy Building "Against the Odds Chronicles of Resilience": A four-book historical fiction series based on true stories of students overcoming obstacles at the continuation school. The series covers pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, post-pandemic, and post-election periods. "Shattered Chains": The fourth book in the series, it focuses on student loan debt, immigration, and teaching math through real-life examples, motivated by a viral social media post. Viral Student Loan Post: A personal social media post about student loans has garnered significant organic reach, with over ...
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • S2-Episode 17 - How We Got Screwed By Not Talking About Money

    S2-Episode 17 - How We Got Screwed By Not Talking About Money
    Nov 9 2025
    This podcast episode of "Teach, Lead and Expire" explores the significant impact of the lack of financial education within families, particularly concerning money management and student loans, leading to detrimental long-term financial consequences. Here's a breakdown of the key points: Absence of Financial Conversations: The hosts lament that crucial discussions about money, debt, and financial traps rarely occur at home before individuals enter the workforce. This absence leaves people vulnerable to making poor financial decisions. Common Financial Traps: Car Depreciation: A primary example is buying new cars and quickly being "upside down" on loans due to rapid depreciation. The hosts highlight how this cycle of debt is often passed down through generations. Jordan III's Experience: Jordan III shares his personal decision to downgrade a sports car to a truck for practical reasons (living in the country, home maintenance) and improved financial standing (equity in the sports car, lower truck payment). The "Ramsey Rule" for Cars: Dr. Jordan Smith proposes a strategy: pay off a car, save the amount of potential car payments, drive the well-maintained car for years, and then use the savings and trade-in value to pay cash for a 2-year-old (or older) used car, repeating the cycle. This method aims to build a fund to buy new cars every five years for life, all with cash, by avoiding depreciation costs. The Student Loan Crisis and Generational Wealth: Viral Post & Motivation: A social media post by Dr. Jordan Smith about veterans being "ripped off" by student loans went viral, reaching nearly 180,000 views organically, motivating him to delve deeper into the issue. Alarming Statistics: The average US teacher carries $58,000 in student loan debt, with 1 in 5 considering quitting their job to pay it off. The average time to pay off student loans is 21 years. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans over 60 still carry student loan debt, either their own or co-signed for family, often facing higher interest rates on parent plus loans. The number of people over 60 with student loan debt has quadrupled in the past 15 years and increased sixfold since 2004, largely due to rising education costs. Unpaid student loans can lead to garnishment of Social Security checks. Impact on Generational Wealth: Dr. Jordan Smith emphasizes that student loan debt prevents older generations from accumulating wealth to pass down. If someone pays $1,500/month for 10 years on a student loan, that's $180,000 that could have been saved or invested, potentially doubling to $360,000 with good investment returns. This lost potential means no inheritance for future generations, trapping them in the same financial struggles. "Shattered Chains" - A New Book & Movement: Book 4 in a Series: Dr. Jordan Smith announces his new book, "Shattered Chains," releasing on Monday, which is a raw, realistic fiction addressing student loans and the education system. Raw Language: Inspired by authors like David Goggins ("Can't Hurt Me"), the book uses direct, uncensored language to reflect the reality of conversations in schools and homes, aiming to grab attention. Math Education's Purpose: The book's premise centers on a math teacher who tells students that the main purpose of learning math isn't just to "solve for X," but to understand numbers well enough "to recognize when you're getting screwed" financially. The "Debt Free Playbook": In the book, students create an app called the "Debt Free Playbook" to educate peers on how to avoid financial scams and student loan pitfalls, encouraging side hustles to fund college without debt. This concept is being adopted as the new branding for the podcast's social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok). Solution-Oriented: Dr. Jordan Smith is developing a webinar and a model system to help people get out of debt quickly, aiming to pay off his own loans within three years. Podcast's Mission & Future: The "Teach, Lead and Expire" podcast, along with its growing social media presence (all organic), aims to be a "lifeline" for people, sharing solutions on how to save money and get out of student loan debt. Future plans include an app, monetization of social media channels, and working with "Internet millionaires" to structure the brand and introduce new income opportunities. Download the Teach, Lead, and Inspire App, available on Apple Store, and Google Playstore
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins