This is a milestone moment. In episode 500, host Chris Anderson pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to stay consistent for nearly a decade of podcasting, the relationships that changed the trajectory of his business, and the biggest announcement in the show's history: the Elevate Media Podcast is officially becoming The Upgraded Man Podcast.

Chris gets candid about starting in the corner of his living room with Captain America kid headphones and a laptop mic, interviewing millionaires before he ever looked the part. He shares why most podcasters quit before episode eight, what 500 episodes of guest conversations have taught him about building a real life, and why the show is narrowing its focus to serve the audience that kept showing up: men who refuse to stay complacent.

Chris also introduces the five pillars that will anchor every future episode and invites listeners into a community built around becoming better tomorrow than you are today.

In this episode:

• Why consistency beats talent every single time, and how showing up weekly compounds into something bigger than you imagined
• The relationships-over-revenue principle that opened doors Chris never expected
• Why "done is better than perfect" is the only way to actually start something
• The embarrassing early days of the podcast, from kid headphones to a built-out studio
• How to recognize when you're stuck on autopilot in business, marriage, health, or finances
• Why the Upgraded Man is a journey, not a destination, and what that means for listeners
• The official announcement of the podcast rebrand and what's changing (and what isn't)
• A preview of the five pillars that will shape every future episode and conversation
• Practical ways to stop coasting and start evolving in your nine-to-five, your workouts, and your relationships
• Why Chris believes the next 500 episodes will matter more than the first

Whether you've been listening since the living room days or you're finding the show for the first time, this episode is a reset, a thank-you, and an invitation. Hit follow so you don't miss episode 501 and the first full episode of The Upgraded Man Podcast.

Host: Chris Anderson, founder of Elevate Media and host of The Upgraded Man Podcast (formerly the Elevate Media Podcast).

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most men don't lose their relationships because they stopped trying — they lose them because they never understood what actually creates lasting attraction and respect. In this episode, Chris sits down with A.D. the Kingmaker Dunbar, a former engineer who invested over $200,000 and years of study into understanding relationship dynamics from every angle imaginable — from Muslim men with multiple wives to former pimps and pickup artists. What he found will challenge almost everything men have been told about love, leadership, and being a "good guy."

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The three types of men — peasants, good guys, and kings — and which one you're currently operating as
• Why "happy wife, happy life" is a trap that produces some of the most miserable men alive
• The power dynamic hiding in every relationship — and how men unknowingly hand over control without realizing it
• Why your woman can't respect you more than you respect yourself — and how self-investment changes everything in a relationship
• The midlife crisis reframe — why A.D. says men should "have the crisis now" instead of waiting until 50
• The difference between leading and controlling — and why sexual attraction is the only real dividing line between the two
• Why men are getting more mediocre results while doing more — and the business analogy that makes it undeniable
• How to flip a failing relationship dynamic — including the one conversation A.D. says you should be having every month
• Why testosterone is dropping across all species — and what it means for modern dating and marriage
• How to love without attachment — and why being willing to walk away is actually the most loving thing a man can do

Whether you're single, in a relationship, or a husband looking to reignite what's been lost, this conversation is a wake-up call. A.D. doesn't do shame — but he does make you feel something that leads to a decision.

Connect with A.D. the Kingmaker on all platforms: @adthekingmaker Resources for husbands and wives: thethirtydayfix.net/husband | thethirtydayfix.net/wife

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you been doing everything right — putting in the work, staying consistent — but you still can't break through to the next level? This episode is for you.

Chris Anderson shares the timeless "Three Feet from Gold" story from Napoleon Hill's Think and Grow Rich and unpacks what it means for every entrepreneur, business owner, and father who's on the verge of walking away.

In this episode:

• 📖 The full "Three Feet from Gold" story from Napoleon Hill
• 🧠 Why most people quit right before their breakthrough
• 🔍 The power of seeking wise counsel when you're stuck
• 💡 How failure and defeat are tests — not final verdicts
• 🔄 Knowing when to push through vs. when to pivot

If you're close to giving up on your business, share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Jim Ferry of Volition Capital pulls back the curtain on growth equity — the often-misunderstood middle ground between venture capital and private equity. If you're a founder wondering whether outside capital is right for your business, this is a must-listen.

What you'll learn:

• The difference between venture capital, growth equity, and private equity (and where you fit)
• The 3 reasons founders seek growth equity investment
• What investors are really evaluating when they meet you
• How to talk about your competition without killing the deal
• What a 5–7 year investment partnership actually looks like
• Why Shark Tank is NOT an accurate picture of how deals work
• The founder traits that correlate with successful outcomes

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you know 15 to 20% of the population has dyslexia, yet most schools are still failing these students? In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, host Chris Anderson sits down with Russell Van Brocklen, a dyslexia educator and researcher with over a decade of experience helping students overcome learning differences through a brain-based approach rooted in Yale research.

Russell breaks down exactly why the traditional school system is built for a brain that dyslexic students simply don't have and what to do instead. He walks through his step-by-step writing method that can take a child writing random, misspelled words to producing well-structured sentences with correct grammar in a single session. He also shares how he's helping students with dyslexia, ADD, and ADHD find their "specialty" (their narrow area of deep interest) and use it as the engine for advanced academic achievement, including peer-reviewed research and AI-era career readiness.

Whether your child is struggling in school, you suspect dyslexia in yourself, or you're just fascinated by how different brains learn, this episode will change the way you think about intelligence, education, and potential.

Connect with Russell and access a free guide: dyslexiaclasses.com

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with Chanda Coston, business strategist, CEO, and founder of the HEB Foundation, to explore how high-achieving entrepreneurs can regain control of their time and focus on what truly moves the needle. Chanda shares her proven methods for calendar audits, time blocking, task batching, and the “automate, delegate, eliminate” approach to simplify business operations and reduce overwhelm.

They dive deep into finding clarity amidst distractions, setting boundaries, avoiding burnout, and leveraging AI without losing the human connection that drives business growth. Whether you’re balancing a 9-to-5, a growing business, or family responsibilities, this episode provides practical insights to help you take focused action, increase productivity, and design a business that aligns with your life and legacy.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you building a business… or did you accidentally build a job?

In this episode of the Elevate Media Podcast, Chris Anderson sits down with entrepreneur and investor Chaz Wolfe to break down how to build a business that doesn’t own you. From mindset shifts to delegation, hiring, systems, and profit planning, this conversation is a blueprint for entrepreneurs who want freedom without sacrificing growth.

Chaz shares how he scaled multiple businesses, built a multi-million dollar construction company without swinging a hammer, and why clarity, intentionality, and profit on purpose are non-negotiables for long-term success.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why owner dependency is killing your growth
• The mindset shift required to build systems early
• How to know when to hire your first team member
• The difference between hustle culture and intentional growth
• Why profit must be planned — not hoped for
• Balancing family, faith, and entrepreneurship
• Building businesses with exit potential
• How to think bigger even if you’re just getting started

If you want to stop being the hero in your business and start building something scalable, this episode is for you.

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Chris sits down with digital marketing expert Shane Barker to break down the real impact of reviews on Amazon and beyond. Shane shares practical insights on managing negative reviews, building brand trust, and why reputation management is no longer optional for modern businesses. Whether you sell on Amazon or rely on online reviews to drive growth, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies you can apply immediately.

Main talking points:

• Why negative and critical reviews matter more than positive ones
• How Amazon reviews impact long-term brand trust
• Common mistakes businesses make with review management
• Expanding reputation strategy beyond Amazon to Google and social platforms
• Where to follow Shane for ongoing Amazon and marketing insights

This episode may or may not be sponsored. Some product links are affiliate links, meaning we'll receive a small commission if you buy something.

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⚡️ PODCAST: Subscribe and listen on all major platforms

⚡️ Want to be a guest on The Upgraded Man? Apply here ➡ https://upgraded-man.com/guest

⚡️ For support or business inquiries, email us ➡ chris@upgraded-man.com

Our mission at The Upgraded Man is simple — help men upgrade every area of their life through real conversations, honest stories, and actionable insight from men who have done the work.

The content on The Upgraded Man is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not constitute professional legal, financial, medical, or therapeutic advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on information discussed on this podcast.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.