The Cheat Code to Connections

Summary

Podcast Summary: Earn Your Leisure – "The Cheat Code to Connections"

Episode Date: August 11, 2026
Hosts: Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings
Podcast: Earn Your Leisure (iHeartPodcasts)

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Episode Overview

In this episode, the Earn Your Leisure hosts dive into the pivotal role relationships and networking play in the pursuit of wealth and opportunity—specifically how the culture of golf serves as a “cheat code” for connections and dealmaking. They discuss golf’s present and future, its evolution in popular culture, and their personal and business experiences in the sport. Highlights include a deep dive into their experience at Invest Fest and upcoming initiatives designed to expand access and influence in the business of golf.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Golf as the "Cheat Code" for Building Connections

• Golf’s Unique Networking Power

  • Golf isn’t just recreation—it’s where business relationships flourish.
  • Being on the golf course breaks down barriers, allowing access to decision-makers for extended periods.
  • Quote:

    “There are no gatekeepers. ...You can actually get five hours of [a CEO’s] time if you know how to play golf.” (B, 02:37)

  • You don’t have to be good at golf; you just need to keep up with the pace and etiquette.
  • Spending time on the golf course is about nurturing relationships, not immediate transactional gain.

• Anecdote: $2 Trillion on the Fairway

  • A host shares meeting a top partner at Mizuho Bank on the course, learning they manage $2 trillion—showcasing access to high-level global finance players.
  • Quote:

    “He said $2 trillion. I was just like, oh, okay. ...That’s a relationship there, right? That, if we do need to, or if it does make business sense, you can kind of grow and develop.” (A, 03:33)

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Evolution and Future of Golf

• Changing Culture: Technology and Inclusion

  • Golf is becoming more inclusive and tech-savvy, with the rise of entertainment hybrids like Topgolf.
  • Tomorrow Golf League: New formats like arena-based play that use simulators and changeable greens are drawing younger, more diverse crowds.
  • Quote:

    “They built this arena from the ground up. ...The green can change elevations, and the shape shifts every time you play it.” (A, 06:16)

  • Dress codes are loosening; tournaments are introducing music and relaxed rules.
  • The game’s culture is evolving with the next generation, thanks in large part to Tiger Woods as a disruptor.
  • Quote:

    “Tiger was someone that really came out there and just poured his emotions out...and that’s what we could relate to.” (A, 08:40)

• Future Athlete Needed

  • The hosts believe golf needs another unapologetic, magnetic athlete to propel the sport fully into modern culture.

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The Power of Representation & Community Engagement

• Invest Fest Experience

  • The hosts recount the scale and cultural impact of Invest Fest, expressing pride in showcasing diversity and financial empowerment.
  • Quote:

    “That was the biggest crowd that I’ve ever spoken in front of...so many people in the room that look like us and just so many diverse people...” (B, 12:54)

  • The event highlighted not just business, but culture, connectivity, and the breaking of barriers.

• Expanding the Game: Community Days

  • Upcoming “Community Day” initiatives in multiple cities: Augusta, Jacksonville, Memphis, Detroit, and Atlanta.
  • Free tee times, lessons, food, and starter experience provided to introduce golf without financial intimidation.
  • Quote:

    “We want your first interaction on a golf course to have nothing to do with finances.” (A, 15:55)

  • Efforts to demystify golf’s costs and access, including leaving rental clubs for free use at courses.

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Eastside Golf’s Vision and 2024 Goals

• Growth of the Brand & Representation in Fashion
  • Plans to show at New York Fashion Week, push presence in Paris, and expand the Eastside Golf brand’s influence beyond sports.
  • Continued mission to raise awareness and break stereotypes around golf and business accessibility.
  • Strengthening networks and business opportunities through ongoing events and community outreach.

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Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• On the Power of Golf Connections:

  “There are no gatekeepers. ...You can actually get five hours of [a CEO’s] time if you know how to play golf.” (B, 02:37)

• Recalling a High-Level Encounter:

  “He said $2 trillion. I was just like, oh, okay. ...That’s a relationship there, right?” (A, 03:33)

• On Golf’s Culture Shift:

  “Tiger was someone that really came out there and just poured his emotions out...and that’s what we could relate to.” (A, 08:40)

• On Representation at Invest Fest:

  “That was the biggest crowd that I’ve ever spoken in front of...so many people in the room that look like us and just so many diverse people...” (B, 12:54)

• On Lowering Barriers to Golf:

  “We want your first interaction on a golf course to have nothing to do with finances.” (A, 15:55)

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Key Segments & Timestamps

• Introduction, Sponsor Breaks: 00:00–02:20 (skipped as per instructions)
• Golf as Business Networking "Cheat Code": 02:21–05:08
• The Future of Golf & Technology’s Role: 05:08–08:54
• Invest Fest Reflections and Impact: 12:35–15:49
• Eastside Golf’s Community and Industry Goals for 2024: 15:49–17:46

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Memorable Moments

• Learning global finance scale on a golf cart (03:33)
• Describing how Topgolf and Tomorrow Golf League are changing the game (06:00–07:00)
• Celebrating representation and unity at Invest Fest (12:54–14:19)
• Commitment to breaking down economic and cultural barriers for new golfers (15:55–17:13)

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Conclusion

This episode underscores how deeply business, culture, and everyday opportunity intersect on spaces like the golf course. The hosts use personal anecdotes and current trends to illustrate how intentional networking, cultural inclusion, and changing perceptions—both on the greens and in the boardrooms—create pathways for diverse financial success. The conversation flows with humor, humility, and passion for changing the game, both literally and figuratively.

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Transcript

[A]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human earners.

[B]

What's up?

[C]

Look, building wealth isn't just about making money. It's about knowing where your money is working for you. That's why we partner with Empower. Empower is all about helping you invest well so you can go out and live a little. Their free Empower Personal Dashboard gives you a complete view of your financial life in one place. Track your net worth, monitor your budget, analyze your investments, set retirement goals, and more. You've worked hard for your money, now make sure it's working hard for you. Download the Empower Personal dashboard or visit empower.com, not an empower client, paid or sponsored.

[D]

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[C]

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[A]

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[D]

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[A]

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[C]

We talk about this a lot and we try to get people interested in golf because we see a lot of business deals and a lot of business flow happens there. I wonder for you guys, how's that Been for you, right? Like you're in the world of golf. How many business deals are being negotiated for y' all through your travels on the course?

[B]

All of them. All? Yeah, all.

[C]

Every horn.

[B]

All of them. Most of them. I mean, I mean, even some of our partnerships, I just got hit up today. Couldn't even make it because we're traveling. But they're inviting us out to go play golf just to, you know, talk, you know, where you guys heads. Like, what do you guys have coming up next? How can we be involved? Like, I mean, they're inviting us out to the nicest country clubs, trying to honestly sometimes earn our business, you know, I mean, this is how the game works. I mean, there are no gatekeepers. There are no people that say, I mean, no, you can't talk to this person. No, you can eventually talk to them. Just stay out there on the golf course. I mean, you'll eventually have that time to where you've been wanting that CEO's time, five minutes, a coffee or something like that. But you can actually get five hours of their time if you know how to play golf.

[A]

Don't have to be good.

[B]

Like Angie says, just keep up with the pace of play. Keep up with the pace of play.

[A]

That's right. I mean, I was recently planning this event on the Nexus cup where I met Tiger woods at. And I'm in the cart when he. It was my partner and last name is Resurgeo. And he is. He's like a partner at or runs the US For Mizuho Bank. I'm not sure if you ever heard of Missoula bank, but I hadn't. Right. And so I'm asking an inquisitive question like, oh, how much is under management? You know what I mean? He used a number I never even heard anyone use. He's out their mouth. He said $2 trillion. I was just like, oh, okay. So I'm sitting on a cartoon with a guy that's like top level at a bank, a global bank. It's a based in Japan called Mizuho. And they manage $2 trillion. Like they lend to like AT&T, like all these big Fortune 500 companies. Like, they do the lending to them. And so it wasn't like they automatically did our lending. Right. That's not what I'm trying to say. But that's a relationship there, right? That if we do need to, or if it does make business sense, that, that you can kind of grow and develop. So it's never a thing where it's like an Instant. Oh, you go to the golf course, it's gonna immediately mean that you get something. Cause then it becomes like very transactional. But it's like the people that you meet, the opportunity, the time you get to spend with them, you know. Cause I hear you talk about all the time is relationships. One thing we talk about here is relationships. So being able to again nurture those relationships and, and getting to spend quality time with busy people is, is golf. It's, it's a cheat code.

[B]

So how do you see the future of golf? Because you know we have topgolf, which has become very popular.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And we see like a lot of hybrids of different sports that's taking place. We just had Rich Klein here and he was talking about lacrosse. We got like the street ball lacrosse going.

[A]

So golf is a sport that is

[B]

still a time consuming sport.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And we live in a culture that really appreciates things that's fast paced. So do you see like a hybrid, faster pace type, mini miniature golf. Adam Sandler on his type thing happening

[A]

potentially in the future?

[B]

I mean like I said, topgolf is actually like.

[A]

Yeah, no, it's booming driver. It's a billion dollars, like a driving

[B]

range, like of sorts. But yeah, you see a world where extreme golf.

[A]

I don't know if you get extreme. They got this thing coming out top of the year called Tomorrow Golf League where it's literally played in an arena. So you're gonna hit into a simulator and then when you get to a certain yardage, you actually hit a real shot. And so they built this arena from the ground up. You got Tiger Woods.

[C]

I'll say this sounds like Tigerston.

[A]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[B]

But it's so, I mean it's so technology savvy like I heard. Yeah, well so. Yes. But then they have it to where the green can change elevations and like so under the, under the turf like you have this machine that makes it into this shape shifting type of place to where it changes into a different hole every time you play it. You know what I'm saying? You just, I mean it might only be like I think 150 yards, but you're going to hit your first shot. The hole might be 500 yards. Going to get your first shot into a actual simulator. Then when you get 150 yards in, that's when you'll hit your real shot. But it changes and makes shifts every time when you get down to that 150 yards.

[A]

Yeah. So I mean it's, it's happening now. Like you got that Happening now and then I think, I think where it is headed though is you're the culture is headed for golf, right? Like, and that's clear. And so I think you'll, you're going to see. I think one of the biggest things I think we'll see too is like the dress code really loosening up over the years, right? Cause like, at one point in time, like for the PGA Tour, you could not wear shorts. Like, you had to wear pants, period. Period. And you still have to wear pants. I believe in the tournament you could just wear shorts during the practice round now. So it's starting to, like, really loosen up. You're starting to have, you know, folks playing a little bit more music now. That sort of thing that's always kind of been like a little tabooish. Like, don't play your music, don't play loud. So it's, it's evolving. I think you're gonna need a sport. You need that one athlete that just comes in and it's just unapologetic. And he's just that nice. That can really move the needle, you know what I mean? Cause like, you gotta understand too, man, like, shout out to Tiger woods because he brought that level of intensity. Like, remember, everybody was doing this. He was out there like fist pumping. Like that was his mantra. And people didn't really like that. Like, that wasn't, you know, a thing that everyone was just like, oh, great, Tiger woods. You fist pumping and excited and showing emotion. That wasn't something that, you know, we were ever, I know for me specifically, and I think we taught it like you were trained not to be emotional. Like you're trained to be like very like stoic, like focused. I'm like, like, you know, I'm thinking like a ninja type vibe, like a Zen S, you know what I mean? And Tiger was someone that really came out there and just poured his emotions out and they were. You could see that. And that's what we could, you know, relate to. You know what I mean? We used to people getting upset. That's real. Yeah.

[D]

Well, quick one before you jump back in, you're listening for ways to help teams move faster, make sharper decisions and turn scattered context into work they can use. ChatGPT for Business can help. ChatGPT for Business gives teams a shared workspace with admin controls, permissions and access to work and codecs. In ChatGPT, this means your business can move from question to answer and code to rollout quicker. Join over 10 million business and enterprise users worldwide already using ChatGPT for work. Download the ChatGPT desktop app or contact Sales to learn more.

[C]

Ernest what's up? Look, building wealth isn't just about making money. It's about knowing where your money is working for you. That's why we partner with Empower. Empower is all about helping you invest well so you can go out and live a little. Their free Empower Personal Dashboard gives you a complete view of your financial life in one place. Track your net worth, monitor your budget, analyze your investments, set retirement goals, and more. You've worked hard for your money, now make sure it's working hard for you. Download the Empower Personal dashboard or visit empower.com not an empower client, paid or sponsored. We talk a lot about ownership, and one of the most important assets you can own is your digital real estate. Too many entrepreneurs rely on social media platforms they don't control. Your website should be the center of your business. Framer helps you build a professional website without all the friction. It's more than a website builder. It's a complete website platform. Your entire team can collaborate in real time, make changes instantly, and publish updates in minutes instead of days. Framer's AI agents work alongside your team to create content, refine pages, manage your cms, and optimize your SEO all in one place. And because everything stays editable on the same canvas, you maintain complete control over what goes live. That's why everyone from startups to Fortune 500 companies and and brands like Perplexity and Miro trust Framer to power their websites. Learn how you can get more out of your site from Framer Specialists or get started building for [e-mail] earn for 30% off a Framer Pro annual plan. That's Framer.com earn for 30 percent off Framer.com earn rules and restrictions may apply. Earners what's up? Look, you may have heard about BILT as the loyalty program that lets you earn points on rent wherever you live. Well, they just leveled up even more. As of 2026, homeowners can also earn up to 1.25x points on their mortgage payments. This is thanks to Bilt's three new credit cards, the Palladium card, Obsidian card, and Blue Card. All three turn your housing payments, rent or mortgage into flexible rewards, so you can choose the card that fits your lifestyle without missing out on points and exclusive benefits. Build Points can be redeemed at top airlines and hotels, Amazon.com purchases, future rent payments, and more. Build Points have also been ranked by top publications as the industry's most valuable point currency. Your housing payment is already your biggest expense. Make it your most rewarding. Find the card that fits your lifestyle and apply today at joinbuilt.com leisure. That's J O I N B I L T.com leisure. Make sure you use our URL so they know we sent you. Terms and limitations apply, subject to approval and eligibility. Built cards are issued by column NA member FDIC, pursuant to license from MasterCard International Incorporated. Talk about showing up everywhere you guys were at Invest Fest this year.

[B]

Yes, sir.

[A]

Yes. Yes. Unbelievable.

[C]

I'm interested to hear your takeaway and thank you for showing up.

[A]

Thanks for the invite.

[C]

We get to include y' all especially because it's culture, right? It's bigger than business. It's bigger than financial literacy is about culture, and y' all definitely a part of it. So talk about your experience being part of the historic and legendary Invest Fest.

[B]

No, it was, man. I mean, first off, thank you, guys, man. That was. That was definitely dope. That was the biggest crowd that I've ever spoken in front of. You know, we were on the Fidelity stage with Corey and Sarah.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Over there. And, I mean, we got to tell our point of view on what we're doing and why we're doing it. You know, it was empowering because it was so many, of course, so many people in the room that look like us and just so many diverse people that were just looking for. Honestly, sometimes looking for guidance or a different way of thinking about things, you know, and just looking for that push, you know, so for them to look to us and for us to be up on that stage and. And I mean, I'm honored to give these people, you know, how I got to where I am. You know, I'm honored to tell them how relationships work and how to be successful and to work within a company, you work within a conglomerate that can push forward and be seen as something that is successful like this. It's very hard to do at the end of the day, of course, if you guys know. But at the end of the day, I mean, it was. I'm glad we got to do it because it showed just how connected that we were and in pushing this game forward, that. But at the end of the day, that it wasn't about us. It's about how far can we take people within this game of golf and what they can actually use it for. So I'm glad we. I'm glad we could show that.

[A]

Yeah. No, I agree. It was mind blowing, man. I walked in there and I Told you. I mean, you know, y' all hear the numbers, right? It's like 20,000. 20,000 people get your tickets now, and literally, it might be 21,000. Like, I walked in that room, I'm like, yo, and it's crazy, too, because. And kudos to you, man. You guys deserve your flowers because you really have created a moment. Like, we were staying at the Club Windham, and they have a rooftop, and it's literally right across from, like, that park. And I could see it's like a sea of people, like, either walking, going, and I'm just like, wow. Like, y' all really have, like, created a culturally relevant moment. Like, people are like, are you going to Invest Fest? You got to be at Invest Fest. You got to be on stage. Like, it's a thing now, right? Like, you guys are converging all of this, and to see that, to be a part of it, it's. It's been unbelievable for us. So, I mean, we. And again, you guys have the, you know, the wherewithal to be, like, not just thinking, oh, it's a golf brand. I don't know if they can fit our demo or, you know, because most people may not look at it that way. You know what I mean? Just off the surface, Eastside Golf. Oh, we're only gonna invite them to golf events. You know what I mean? But it's like, nah, you're like, no, they have a voice. They have a perspective. And so we appreciate y', all, but I was blown away and, you know, kind of sent for next year, put our bid in now. You heard?

[B]

So what's up for you guys? End of this year, 2024. What's on the vision board? What, do you have plans?

[A]

Yeah, no, 24 is going to be a very packed year. We got. I mean, it's already kind of booked up, which is good. You know, I mean, we're excited about that. You know, we have a lot of events that we did last year. One of the biggest things is going to be our community day. So in the city of. We have four different cities that we'll be hitting this year. So last year, we beta tested in Memphis. And the goal beyond around our community day is we want your first interaction on a golf course to have nothing to do with finances. So come out, meet the founders of Eastside Golf. But also, you'll get free tee times all day for folks to go play. We'll have lessons going. If they're on the driving range, we'll have free food. And again, you get opportunity to probably grab some of the gear. But you get opportunity to meet people, connect, and you realize, oh, a bucket of balls may only be $10. Oh, they have rental sets in there for free that I can rent clubs or rent just one club. And if you don't, we want to leave rental clubs. So we're going to. We have a couple of them. The city of Augusta, we're going to Jacksonville, we're going back to Memphis, we're going to Detroit, and then the biggest one, you know, back to the crib at the A. So we got five community days that we're doing. You know what Khaled say still, you

[C]

know, yeah, that's still, you know, let's go golfing.

[A]

Let's go gol we got the invitational coming again, and we really. I think what I'm most excited about, too, is just the clothes, man. Like, the clothes is going to be. We really, the team really, you know, they did it. They did an amazing job in stepping that up. And we gonna be, you know, fashion shows, New York, Fashion Week. We definitely gonna be there strong this year. You know, we still gonna be out in Paris. The show not gonna be there yet, you know.

[B]

Oh, oh, oh, thank you.

[C]

That's just the research, man. What'd you say? We.

[D]

Before you sign off, you tuned in for ways to help teams move faster, make sharper decisions, and turn scattered context into work they can use. ChatGPT for Business can help. ChatGPT for Business gives teams a shared workspace with admin controls, permissions and access to work and codecs in ChatGPT, this means your business can move from question to answer and code to rollout quicker. Join over 10 million business and enterprise users worldwide already using ChatGPT for work. Download the ChatGPT desktop app or contact sales to learn more earnest what's up?

[C]

Look, building wealth isn't just about making money. It's about knowing where your money is working for you. That's why we partner with Empower. Empower is all about helping you invest well so you can go out and live a little. Their free Empower personal Dashboard gives you a complete view of your financial life in one click place. Track your net worth, monitor your budget, analyze your investments, set retirement goals, and more. You've worked hard for your money, now make sure it's working hard for you. Download the Empower Personal dashboard or visit empower.com not an Empower client, paid or sponsored. When traveling for events or festivals throughout the country, every dollar matters. We compare flights, prices, hotel rates, and restaurant options so why wouldn't we compare rides? Personally, I always check Lyft before booking a ride. Prices can change throughout the day depending on traffic, weather and what's happening in the city. If you're headed to a concert, out to dinner or catching up with your friends on a Friday night, taking a few seconds to check Lyft could leave you with more money to enjoy the experience. Save money. Check Lyft hi, Ryan Reynolds here for Mint Mobile. Are you looking for a beach read this summer?

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[D]

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[A]

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