Podcast
Living The Red Life
Hosted by Rudy Mawer · EN
Living The Red Life is your ticket to learning from The King Of Ads himself, Rudy Mawer AKA “The Man in Red''. From building an unshakable business foundation (and unstoppable team), to scaling your brand to 8-figures+, Living The Red Life is the go-to podcast for entrepreneurs & online business owners who are ready to level up their business and build a lasting legacy. Each week discover lessons from Rudy to help you scale your business and expand your thinking to new levels of success.
156episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
From Dancer to 7-Figure Global Dance Empire
May 2600:24:44Summary readyShe was told dance wouldn’t last. That it wasn’t a “real career.” But instead of walking away, she rewrote the rules of the industry. In this episode, a former professional dancer turned entrepreneur, Menina Fortunato reveals how she built a global platform and seven-figure business by combining talent with strategy, branding, and bold reinvention. From performing with icons to mentoring the next generation, she breaks down the real business of dance, the mindset required to stay relevant, and how to create opportunities instead of waiting for them. This is a masterclass in turning passion into profit, navigating industry shifts, and building a sustainable creative career in a digital world.Key Takeaways• Talent alone isn’t enough. Business skills, branding, and marketing create real career longevity• The dance industry has shifted from auditions to social media driven opportunities• Building a sustainable career requires learning how to package and sell your skillset• Reinvention is essential when industries change or setbacks happen• Passion becomes powerful when it’s paired with strategy and monetizationNotable Quotes• “Talent is only a part of the equation.” • “You have to learn how to package and market yourself.” • “There’s no other you on the planet.” • “Life is a dance. When you hit a roadblock, pivot.” • “You can build a seven-figure business doing what you love.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryFrom Gas Station Kitchen to Global Franchise Empire
May 2600:27:30Summary readyHe starts with nothing but grit, faith, and a vision—and builds something far bigger than a restaurant. Muhieddine El-Hamawi, founder of Big Mo’s Kitchen, shares how he transforms a 400 sq ft gas station concept into a fast-growing restaurant franchise with global reach. Through relentless consistency, system building, and a deep focus on company culture, he reveals the mindset behind scaling a food business in today’s competitive market. This episode dives into entrepreneurship, leadership, and the real strategies behind building a brand that lasts. But the biggest lesson isn’t about food—it’s about purpose, pressure, and the decisions that define your future.Key Takeaways • Why starting small creates a stronger business foundation • The real role of culture in scaling a restaurant franchise • How consistency and patience outperform talent • Why most entrepreneurs fail at decision-making and systems • The strategy behind testing before expanding globallyNotable Quotes • “Consistency, patience, and a whole lot of faith.” • “It’s not about the dish—it’s about the purpose.” • “Entrepreneurship is money managing and decision making.” • “If you don’t like what you do, stop doing it.” • “You have to connect to what you’re doing.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryFrom Police Brutality to Youth Justice Disruptor
May 2400:19:12Summary readyWhat does it take to turn trauma into power and build something that disrupts broken systems? In this episode Kendra Van de Water, a youth justice advocate and founder, reveals how authenticity, resilience, and fearless leadership became her edge in navigating racism, systemic injustice, and the realities of working with underserved communities. From early experiences that shaped her mission to building a nonprofit that challenges the legal system, she shares how bold decisions, energy, and conviction create real change. This conversation dives into youth empowerment, social work, and what it really takes to lead when the odds are stacked against you.Key TakeawaysAuthenticity builds trust, influence, and long-term successTurning trauma into purpose creates unstoppable driveReal leadership requires setting boundaries and protecting your energySystems don’t change without bold, disruptive actionYouth empowerment starts with access, tools, and accountabilityNotable Quotes“Being authentic has opened so many doors for myself.”“I’ve taken my story and built something that nobody else has.”“I often refer to myself as a storm that gets things done.”“This program ain’t going to work for you if you don’t work the program.”“People don’t need to be saved, they need tools and opportunities.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryFrom Math Teacher to 33 Deals in Year Two
May 2400:21:41Summary readyHaley Jones starts as a high school math teacher questioning the system, then walks away to build something entirely her own. In this episode, a real estate entrepreneur and host of the Big Orange Business podcast reveals how she turned uncertainty into momentum using digital marketing, YouTube, and relentless consistency. From early self-doubt to scaling to 33 transactions in year two, she breaks down the mindset shifts, resilience, and strategy behind her growth. Along the way, she shares how endurance sports, self-talk, and embracing discomfort shaped her ability to win in business and life. This is a raw look at what it actually takes to create your version of the Red Life.Key TakeawaysChoose your struggle: staying stuck or finding a way outConsistency in digital marketing compounds results over timeBrutal honesty builds trust and closes more dealsResilience is built through repeated personal challengesYour self-talk directly impacts performance and outcomesNotable Quotes“Choose the struggle of staying stuck or the struggle of getting out.”“You don’t have to accept your current situation.”“I am not pushy until it’s time to turn it on.”“Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room and move forward.”“What you say to yourself changes your outcome.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryFrom Welfare to Millionaire Boss Blueprint
May 2400:15:59Summary readyTimeka Washington goes from food stamps and survival mode to building multiple businesses and becoming the first millionaire in her family. In this episode of Living The Red Life, Timeka Washington shares the mindset, strategy, and emotional resilience behind her rise. From navigating motherhood at 17 to leading an empire through faith, discipline, and vision, she reveals how the “Bossy Blueprint” was born. This conversation dives into women in power, leadership identity, and building legacy-driven businesses while staying true to yourself. It is not just about success. It is about becoming the version of yourself that can hold it.Key TakeawaysSuccess starts with identity before strategyTurning pain into purpose creates unstoppable driveBuilding systems is the key to scaling a businessWomen must own their power unapologeticallyReal success is peace, alignment, and legacyNotable Quotes“If I wasn’t much, I wouldn’t have much.”“I didn’t just build a business. I built a blueprint.”“You have to channel in your inner beast.”“Success is peace in my spirit and power in my presence.”“I became the blueprint I never had.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryThe Lawyer Who Turns Businesses Into Exit Machines
May 2400:16:49Summary readyMost entrepreneurs build businesses that trap them instead of freeing them. In this episode Rocco Cozza, a seasoned business attorney and entrepreneur, reveals how to systematize, scale, and structure companies for high-value exits. Drawing from decades of experience working with companies of all sizes, he breaks down why most founders wait too long to think about selling and how to build a business that runs without you. From SOPs and leadership gaps to mergers and acquisitions strategies, this conversation uncovers the real playbook behind building a sellable company and maximizing valuation.Key TakeawaysBuild your business to sell from day one, even if you never exitSystems and SOPs are the foundation of scalable companiesLeadership and operational gaps are the biggest value killersThe best time to plan an exit is 5 to 7 years in advanceAcquisitions can accelerate growth faster than organic scalingNotable Quotes"Set your business up to sell, even if you never exit.""If you fix the people problem, you fix the process problem, profit takes care of itself.""Build the company from the start without you.""Most people think about selling when it's too late.""If it's listed for sale, there's probably a reason why."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryFrom Abuse to Power: Reclaiming Your Life
May 2300:21:35Summary readyAfter years of narcissistic abuse, trauma bonding, and survival mode, this holistic trauma healer now helps others reclaim their power. In this episode, Sherry Lou Canino breaks down the truth about narcissistic relationships, how childhood trauma shapes partner choices, and why most people unknowingly repeat destructive patterns. Through her journey of arrest, emotional awakening, and rebuilding her life, she reveals the mindset shifts and healing strategies that changed everything. From equine therapy to holistic healing, her unconventional approach challenges traditional methods and offers a new path forward. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about boundaries, identity, and breaking free.Key Takeaways:• Why people unknowingly choose narcissistic partners• The difference between healthy and malignant narcissism• How childhood trauma shapes adult relationships• Why healing requires more than just talk therapy• The role of boundaries in reclaiming personal powerNotable Quotes:• "We’re picking them. They’re not picking us."• "They want you to think you have nothing without them."• "We all have to have healthy narcissism."• "Just because someone calls you something doesn’t make it true."• "Burn the boxes. Nobody puts you in one again."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryFrom PT to Telehealth Empire Builder
May 2200:16:48Summary readyJessica Lynne White didn’t set out to disrupt healthcare—but by reverse engineering a broken system, she built a blueprint others now follow. In this episode, a 26-year physical therapist turned entrepreneur reveals how she transitioned into telemedicine, scaled GLP-1 weight loss brands, and created a model that allows everyday entrepreneurs to launch national health businesses. From influencer marketing to patient acquisition funnels, she breaks down how branding, automation, and strategy intersect in today’s booming telehealth industry. But behind the growth is a deeper story—imposter syndrome, financial risk, and the relentless pursuit of building something bigger than a paycheck.Key TakeawaysHow telemedicine businesses can be launched without being a doctorWhy starting with marketing gives you a competitive advantageThe real reason most telehealth brands fail to scaleHow GLP-1 and wellness trends created a massive opportunityWhy simplicity and systems outperform complexity in businessNotable Quotes"I reverse engineered it and figured out what I needed to do.""You don’t have to be a provider to build this kind of business.""It’s not just about money—it’s about transforming lives.""When you're growing, you realize how much you don’t know.""I’ve drained my credit cards just to make payroll."Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryFrom Bankrupt to Mountain Empire Builder
May 2200:28:00Summary readyAfter losing everything and going bankrupt, Spencer Christensen rebuilds from zero and creates a business empire in one of the harshest environments imaginable. In this episode of Living the Red Life, a mountain lodge owner reveals how systems, relentless work ethic, and unconventional thinking turned failure into opportunity. From door-to-door sales to scaling a pest control company and acquiring a 130-year-old lodge, he shares the mindset behind building multiple revenue streams and operating in extreme conditions. This conversation dives into entrepreneurship, systems, and creating experiences that attract high-level clients seeking clarity, growth, and connection beyond the noise of modern life.Key Takeaways• Systems and SOPs are the foundation of scalable businesses• Environment and culture shape performance and success• Failure is often the fastest path to clarity and opportunity• High-level clients pay for experiences, not just services• Simplicity and checklists prevent costly mistakes in businessNotable Quotes• “Systems is everything.” • “If you forget one thing, it could be the one thing you needed.” • “The world we live in is so artificial.” • “People have a deep need to connect with nature.” • “We need to prioritize the most critical things and ignore the rest.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
SummaryFrom Shih Tzus to CEO: Scaling Through Chaos
May 2200:18:00Summary readyShe didn’t start with a polished business plan. She started with fear, uncertainty, and a single step forward. In this episode of Living the Red Life, Barbara Parker breaks down how she turned small beginnings into expanding ventures across empowerment coaching, podcasting, and business growth. As she builds infrastructure, launches new verticals, and steps into leadership, she reveals the mindset shifts behind real entrepreneurial momentum. From marketing on Craigslist to scaling operations and building a personal brand, this conversation dives into empowerment, networking, and business strategy. It’s a raw look at what it takes to grow while still in the middle of the climb.Key Takeaways • Small, imperfect starts build real entrepreneurial confidence • Empowerment grows through collaboration and like-minded environments • Scaling a business requires constant reinvention and delegation • Networking exposes blind spots and accelerates growth • Personal energy management is critical for long-term successNotable Quotes • “The person you are today is going to be thankful for all the crap you had to claw through.” • “When you get into a room of like-minded people, you feed off each other.” • “I just keep finding new jobs after I give away the old ones.” • “Dating is a numbers game. Business is too.” • “Take care of yourself so you can take care of others.”Connect with Rudy Mawer:LinkedInInstagramFacebookTwitter
Summary