#913 We're more connected than ever, yet something like getting coffee with a friend feels nostalgic. Playing videogames in the same room with another person feels nostalgic. This is a weird thing to say in an age where we have instant access to everything and everyone. So how do we leverage our modern tools to combat disconnection and bring people together both online and in person? In this episode, I share the story behind my Podfest keynote and the lessons learned from not having things go according to plan. I stepped outside my comfort zone, only to come out with an even deeper appreciation for community and in-person events on the other end. I'm also diving into some of the results I'm seeing from people currently participating in our 30-day video challenge. There are definitely interesting patterns emerging and some important dos and don'ts that separate people reaching milestones from those who are struggling. Tune in! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session913.

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#912 Perfection is out. Authenticity is in. As the world is flooded with polished content and AI noise, this is becoming increasingly true every day. That's why the more you edit yourself, the more you'll blend in. It's also why, if you show your real self, you'll stand out and attract a community of superfans! So how do you fight back against the slop and build a personal brand? In this episode, I look at the countermovement emerging in response to our artificial modern landscape. In fact, my inspiration for this episode comes from Medieval Mindset on YouTube labeling this as the Second Renaissance. I love that idea because it means that now is the best time to show up and lead the charge. You'd do exactly that by participating in something like my 30-day video challenge. So tune in because, when you don't overproduce, reality seeps in and you attract the right people! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session912.

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#911 Instagram stands out as maybe the top platform for converting attention into sales. That said, alternating Reels, Stories, carousel posts, DMs, and everything else is confusing. What does a good content strategy on this app even look like? In this episode, I'm joined by Instagram master Brock Johnson to answer that question! We discuss what you should focus 80% of your creative drive on, the optimal post schedule, the top content formats for 2026, automating monetization, and more. Brock and I cover most of what you need to set yourself up for success and avoid the mistakes that can stop your profile from taking off. Informed by interviews he's hosted with the heads of Instagram and Instagram for Business, Brock's insights come from the very top. He delivers an absolute masterclass on turning strangers who might come across your Reels into superfans who watch your Stories, DM you, and buy from you. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session911.

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#910 What if I said your decision to listen in on today's episode will determine your success or failure as a creator? In a split second, you're making up your mind on whether this session is worth your time or not. That's also the exact thought process your audience members go through every time they come across your content. In 2026, this is why your hooks make or break your reach and engagement online! Not optimizing the first moments you have with a potential viewer, reader, or listener is a major disadvantage in the age of distraction. That's why I want to walk you through my powerful HOOKS formula today. This is the step-by-step process I use to fix my content, create curiosity, trigger emotion, and connect with the right people. I have plenty of examples to inspire you and elevate your posts, so don't miss out. Enjoy! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session910.

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#909 This is how to gauge if something is worth posting. If people can get the same information from ChatGPT, your content isn't good enough! That's because what worked in the past doesn't cut it anymore. Tips, tricks, and how-tos are everywhere. And now, AI models are eating up our knowledge and sharing it with no intention of ever driving traffic to real creators. So, what is the key to audience growth in 2026? How do we build brands that stand out in the age of AI? And essentially, how do we not get replaced? In today's episode, I address these questions and share the mindset shift required to create content with viral potential. Listen in, and don't miss the opportunity to take action right away with my free 30-day video challenge. This is the best way to start posting and go into the New Year winning! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session909.

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#908 Like me, thousands of people started online businesses after getting laid off in 2008. In fact, there were hundreds of us specifically teaching entrepreneurship around that time. But why am I one of the few who are still around in this space now? The answer is actually really simple. I just never stopped showing up. That's right. For the most part, talent and luck will never beat consistency. It's the one thing we have complete control over and the top factor that determines if we succeed or fail. That's why today's episode contains a hard truth you need to hear. As we're going into 2026, I'll give you the tough love that can help you avoid quitting too soon. So don't miss this session and my 30-day video challenge for a chance to prove you have the persistence it takes to succeed! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session908.

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#907 What do you want to achieve? Figuring this out in exact terms is part one of this six-step goal design session. If you follow me through this powerful exercise, you'll have a clear roadmap on how to double your success in 2026. I'm not just talking about your business targets, either. From entrepreneurship to physical health, you can leverage today's episode to crush any goal and have your best year ever! I'll especially want you to uncover and go deep on your top three goals using the SMART system. You'll zero in on your first steps and the triggers that will support you in taking real action. And if you've been keeping an eye on my Lean Learning content this year, you know that's all you need to get moving. You don't have to have everything figured out on day one to win big! So listen in to create your blueprint for a successful 2026! Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session907.

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#906 Quick wins and small steps create massive results. Still, how do we take that all-important first leap when faced with big projects? In this episode, I share why challenges stand out as one of the most powerful tools that help people move toward their goals. For years, I've watched students consume content and buy courses without ever taking real action. That's when I started pairing my educational content with challenges, and it made all the difference. I was finally able to inspire people to act! Today, I want to help you do the same for your followers. Don't miss this session because I discuss the seven rules of crafting effective challenges! From setting achievable targets to celebrating wins, I'll cover everything in this episode. I'll also share a first look at my upcoming short-form video challenge. Thousands of people have been asking for help with TikTok, Shorts, and Reels, so this is my way of making it easy to turn strangers into superfans on these platforms. Show notes and more at SmartPassiveIncome.com/session906.

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