Podcast
Right About Now - Legendary Business Advice
Hosted by The Radcast Network · EN
The #1 Marketing & Business Show on Apple Podcasts
Welcome to Right About Now, where real American business gets a megaphone—and the B.S. gets the boot.
Hosted by marketing disrupter Ryan Alford, entrepreneur, founder, and the guy brands call when they want attention, this show slices through the noise with uncensored insights, hard-earned wisdom, and straight-up truths from the frontlines of business.
Every week, you’ll get two punchy Guest episodes where Ryan talks with legendary business founders, trending authors, and industry titans about what it takes to build a business and some of the most cutting edge tools and services available.
Forget the LinkedIn fluff. This is for doers, builders, and dreamers who want results, not recycled soundbites.
Business the way it really works. Real people. Real wins. Real screw-ups.
No MBA required. Just guts, hustle, and a sense of humor.
Subscribe, listen, and get Right About Now.
Because business isn’t broken—it’s just been boring & stale. Until now.
195episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The $2.5M Problem No One Is Planning For: AI, Aging, and Your Financial Future with Lily Vittayarukskul
May 100:25:27Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Lily Vittayarukskul, founder of Waterlily, to explore the intersection of AI, aging, and financial planning.The conversation highlights how advancements in AI are enabling more personalized predictions around long-term care needs, helping individuals and families better understand future costs and risks.Ryan and Lily also discuss the broader implications of AI on wealth creation, economic inequality, and the importance of adapting to new technologies in order to stay competitive.This episode offers valuable insight for anyone looking to better prepare for the financial realities of the future.🔑 Topics CoveredLong-term care planning and financial riskAI-driven predictions and personalized data insightsWealth building and protection strategiesEconomic impact of emerging technologiesBusiness and entrepreneurship in an AI-driven world🤝 ConnectRyan Alford 👉 https://www.ryanalford.com 👉 https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalfordLily Vittayarukskul 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-vittayarukskul/ 👉 https://waterlily.com
Summary
What Second-Order Effects From the Iran War and AI Mean for Your Business | Ben Johnston with Kaptus
Apr 2800:34:19Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Ben Johnston to explore the current state of the economy and what it means for small business owners.The conversation covers inflation, interest rates, global conflict, and supply chain disruption, offering a grounded perspective on how these forces are shaping business conditions today.Ryan and Ben also discuss the growing role of AI, including how it’s improving efficiency, reducing labor needs, and enabling more individuals to launch businesses independently.Whether you're running a business or tracking economic trends, this episode provides practical insight into navigating uncertainty and staying competitive.🔑 Topics CoveredEconomic conditions affecting small businessesInflation, interest rates, and consumer spendingGlobal supply chain challenges and disruptionsAI’s role in business operations and workforce changesSolopreneur growth and lean business modelsStrategic advice for business owners
Summary
The Mental Blind Spot That’s Costing You Money and Affecting Your Business Decisions | Anders Hansen
Apr 2400:33:33Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford speaks with Anders Hansen about the role of perception, belief systems, and mental conditioning in shaping personal and professional outcomes.The conversation explores how the subconscious mind drives the majority of behavior, how assumptions influence decision-making, and why people often remain stuck in limiting patterns.They also discuss the importance of intuition, the impact of gratitude on mindset, and practical ways to shift perspective to create meaningful, lasting change.🔑 Topics CoveredMental conditioning and subconscious behaviorBeliefs and their impact on resultsIntuition vs logic in decision-makingGratitude and mindset shiftsPersonal transformation strategies🤝 ConnectRyan AlfordWebsite: https://www.ryanalford.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalfordLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalfordTwitter/X: https://twitter.com/RyanAlfordRight About Now Podcast: https://www.ryanisright.comAnders HansenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/realandershansenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/realandershansenCompany / Real Magic: https://www.realmagic.liveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andershansen
Summary
The “Real American Beer” Playbook for Breaking Into a Saturated Industry FAST
Apr 2100:23:13Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Chad Bronstein and Terri Francis to explore what it takes to build a brand in a highly competitive industry.Drawing from their experience launching Real American Beer, the conversation dives into the realities of distribution, the importance of relationships, and the challenges of scaling without massive resources.They also discuss how marketing, culture, and lifestyle integration play a critical role in long-term success—and why understanding your ecosystem matters more than ever in today’s business environment.🔑 Topics CoveredDistribution challenges and the three-tier systemThe role of relationships in business growthScaling a brand without large budgetsMarketing strategies in competitive industriesBuilding a lifestyle-driven brandLong-term growth and ecosystem thinking🤝 Connect with the Hosts & GuestsRyan Alford https://www.ryanisright.comChad Bronstein and Terri FrancisWebsite — https://therealamerican.comhttps://www.realamericanfreestyle.com/Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/drinkrab
Summary
Personal Branding Isn’t Dead: How It Still Drives Real Income in 2026 with Ashley Stahl
Apr 1700:26:02Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Ashley Stahl to explore what it really takes to build a personal brand that creates opportunities.Ashley breaks down the critical difference between credibility and authority, and why many professionals get stuck building experience without ever becoming known for it. She shares how leveraging platforms like TEDx and YouTube can accelerate visibility—and how one well-crafted message can compound over time.This episode is packed with practical insights on positioning, messaging, and how to turn attention into something meaningful—whether that’s clients, speaking opportunities, or long-term brand equity.🔑 Topics CoveredCredibility vs authority in personal brandingBuilding visibility that actually convertsThe role of TEDx and long-form contentWhy messaging matters more than volumeTurning attention into business opportunitiesHow to identify and communicate your unique value🤝 Connect with Ashley Stahlhttps://wisewhisperagency.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ashleystahl🤝 Connect with Ryan Alfordhttps://www.ryanisright.com/https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford
Summary
How Smart Small Businesses Are Actually Using AI to Grow Faster with Dave Charest
Apr 1400:25:20Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford is joined by Dave Charest to discuss how AI is reshaping the way small businesses operate.Dave shares insights from recent research showing that more than half of small business owners are already using AI—and why many are increasing their marketing efforts despite economic uncertainty. The conversation explores how AI improves efficiency, helps business owners make smarter decisions, and enables them to compete at a higher level.They also cover practical strategies around email marketing, social media, and audience building—highlighting why owning your customer relationships is more important than ever.Topics CoveredAI adoption among small businessesEfficiency vs overcomplication with AIMarketing trends and budget shiftsEmail marketing vs social media strategyBuilding and owning your audienceData-driven decision making with AICommon mistakes small business owners makeConnect with Dave Charesthttps://www.constantcontact.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davecharestConnect with Ryan Alfordhttps://ryanalford.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ryanalford
Summary
How Ken Goldin Built a $500M Market: Attention, Hype & the Business of Collectibles
Apr 1000:25:38Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Ken Goldin to explore how collectibles evolved into a massive global market.Ken shares how he built Goldin Auctions by focusing on attention, audience growth, and long-term brand strategy—often prioritizing exposure over immediate profit. The discussion breaks down how value is created through storytelling, positioning, and market psychology.They also examine the risks within today’s market, including speculation, overvaluation, and why vintage collectibles remain the most stable long-term investment.Topics CoveredGrowth of the collectibles marketMarketing vs. product in value creationRisk and speculation in modern collectingVintage vs. modern investment strategyBuilding audience and brand equityHow media expanded the hobbyConnect with Ken Goldinhttps://goldin.cohttps://www.instagram.com/kengoldinhttps://x.com/kengoldinConnect with Host — Ryan AlfordWebsite: Ryanisright.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford
Summary
Why AI Content Isn’t Converting: John Benson on Persuasion, Values & What Actually Converts
Apr 700:26:00Summary readyAI is making content faster—but not necessarily better. In this episode of Right About Now, John Benson joins Ryan Alford to break down what actually makes content convert in the age of AI.From inventing the video sales letter (VSL) to building AI tools that replicate high-converting copy, John shares how persuasion hasn’t changed—even as technology has. The real edge isn’t automation, it’s understanding human values and aligning messaging with what people already believe.They also explore how entrepreneurs should think about AI as a “second brain,” why most AI-generated content fails, and how to use values-driven messaging to attract the right audience—and repel the wrong one.If you’re using AI for content, marketing, or growth, this episode will completely change how you think about what actually works.Topics CoveredThe origin of the video sales letter (VSL) and why it still worksWhy most AI-generated copy fails to convertThe role of human psychology in persuasion“So that you can…” — the most powerful copywriting frameworkHow values-driven messaging attracts better customersAI as a “second brain” for entrepreneursThe future of AI, copywriting, and marketingConnect with Guest — John BensonWebsite: https://bnsn.aiFree Buyer Profile Tool: https://freebuyerprofile.comYouTube: https://johnbenson.com/youtubeConnect with Host — Ryan AlfordWebsite: https://ryanalford.comPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1498865831Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalford
Summary
No One Is Coming to Save You: How Jamil Damji Took Control of His Life & Built a Real Estate Empire
Apr 300:25:30Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with real estate investor and entrepreneur Jamil Damji to unpack a story that starts with rejection—and turns into full ownership of life, business, and purpose. After being denied entry into medical school despite doing everything “right,” Jamil made a decision that changed everything: no one else would control his future again.From his first wholesale deal—turning a $50K opportunity into a life-changing moment—to losing everything during the 2008 financial collapse and rebuilding from the ground up, Jamil breaks down what it really takes to create success on your own terms.The conversation goes deeper than business, touching on addiction, self-discovery, and the internal work required to evolve as a leader, father, and human. Jamil also shares how he’s now using his platform to solve real-world problems—from housing affordability to helping people experiencing homelessness build new opportunities through real estate.This is more than a business story—it’s a blueprint for taking control, making different choices, and building a life you’re proud of.🎯 Topics CoveredWhy Jamil rejected the traditional path after medical school denialThe first wholesale real estate deal that changed everythingLessons learned from losing everything in the 2008 financial crisisWhy success is an “inside job” (mindset, habits, and identity)Addiction, recovery, and rebuilding from withinBuilding a scalable real estate business through relationships (not cold leads)The power of personal branding and TV (Triple Digit Flip)Why real estate investors must take responsibility for housing challengesCo-living, affordability, and solving real-world housing issues 🤝 Connect with Host & GuestRyan Alford (Host)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalfordWebsite: https://ryanisright.comJamil DamjiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JamilDamjiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdamji
Summary
Earning the Commute: What It Takes to Make the Office Worth It Again | Bob Cicero
Mar 3100:25:42Summary readyIn this episode of Right About Now, Ryan Alford sits down with Bob Cicero from Cisco to break down what the future of work actually looks like—and why most companies are still missing the point. As AI begins to take over repetitive tasks, the real value of work is shifting back to human connection, collaboration, and creativity.From the post-COVID workplace reset to the rise of hybrid models, this conversation explores why forcing people back to the office isn’t working—and what companies should be doing instead. The key idea? Offices need to become a magnet, not a mandate, offering real value that employees can’t get at home.Bob shares how Cisco is reimagining workspaces with a “me vs we” model, flipping traditional office design to prioritize collaboration over individual desks. Combined with data, AI, and smarter environments, the workplace is evolving into something far more intentional—and far more human.If you’re navigating hybrid work, managing teams, or thinking about the impact of AI on your business, this episode will completely reframe how you think about where—and how—work gets done.🎯 Topics CoveredWhy AI will amplify human work—not replace itThe shift from remote vs office to hybrid balance“Magnet vs mandate” and why return-to-office policies failThe “me vs we” workplace model and collaborative designWhy human connection and in-person work still matterHow AI is changing productivity and daily work tasksDesigning offices that people actually want to go toThe concept of “earning the commute”How data and AI are shaping the future workplace🤝 Connect with Host & GuestRyan Alford (Host)Website: https://ryanisright.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryanalfordLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanalfordListen to Right About Now: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/right-about-now-with-ryan-alford/id1562875066Bob Cicero (Cisco)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-ciceroCompany: https://www.cisco.comLearn More About Cisco Workplace Innovation: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/collaboration/index.html
Summary