Podcast
Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast
Hosted by Rory & AJ Vaden · EN
Welcome to The Wealthy and Well-Known Podcast — hosted by Rory Vaden and AJ Vaden, co-founders of Brand Builders Group.
This is the show for mission-driven messengers who want to build reputation and revenue at the same time. Whether you're launching a book, scaling a business, or trying to become a recognized expert in your space, you'll learn how to craft a Monetized Personal Brand™ that drives massive impact.
Each episode features real coaching, case studies from our 1-on-1 clients, and insider strategies from 8-figure entrepreneurs, viral speakers, New York Times bestselling authors, and trusted BBG partners. You'll hear directly from the minds behind some of today's most influential personal brands.
Subscribe and turn on notifications — because your message matters, and the world needs to know your name.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why Less Qualified People Make More Money Than Experts
6d ago00:36:29Tap to summarizeWhy Less Qualified People Make More Money Than Experts
Transcribe →Your Logo Can't Shake Hands: Why Founders Must Be the Face of the Brand
2w ago00:34:25Tap to summarizeYour Logo Can't Shake Hands: Why Founders Must Be the Face of the Brand
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Followers Don't Pay the Bills: The Real Formula for Wealthy & Well Known Brands
3w ago00:32:17Tap to summarizeFollower count can go up while revenue stays flat. That gap is usually a trust gap. In this episode, Rory and AJ break down the real formula behind brands that grow and convert over time. They explain what drives trust faster than vanity metrics, what to track if you care about revenue, and why the creators who look "effortless" often have teams, budgets, and systems working behind the scenes. They also answer a community question from someone who has posted consistently for eight months, hit 800 followers, and feels stuck. Rory and AJ reframe the problem, clarify what progress looks like, and explain what tends to move the needle next.
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The Fastest Way to Become a True Thought Leader (Hint: It's Not More Content) with Jason Dorsey
4w ago00:34:15Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Rory Vaden sits down with Jason Dorsey to break down why original research has become a competitive advantage for personal brands and entrepreneurs. They explore how statistically valid data builds credibility, earns media attention, and positions you as the source people cite in an era flooded with opinions and AI-generated content. They also walk through what makes research legitimate, why polling your own audience has limits, and how to turn one study into a long runway of assets that drive leads, speaking opportunities, and trust at scale. If you want to own a space instead of blending in, this is a practical path forward.
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How to Create an Audiobook That Moves People with Tavia Gilbert
Apr 1400:41:54Tap to summarizeAudiobooks create a different kind of connection than print. This episode shows you how to use that connection well. Rory sits down with audiobook creative director Tavia Gilbert to talk about what separates an audiobook that people finish from one that people feel. They break down the shift from "reading" to "performing," why emotional delivery builds trust, and how audio can deepen impact in a way that stays with a listener long after the chapter ends. If you're writing a book and considering audio, this episode will help you make smarter decisions before you hit record.
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The Truth About PR No One Tells You (And Why It Matters More Than Ever) with Danielle Finck
Apr 700:52:46Tap to summarizePR in 2026 runs on trust, timing, and relationships. AJ sits down with Danielle Finck to unpack what public relations actually is today, why earned media is gaining leverage as AI reshapes search and discovery, and how smart authors and founders approach PR with clearer expectations. They also discuss the shift from transactional pitching to building cultural moments, what it takes to create a story that reporters come to you for, and how to choose the right strategy for the season you are in. This episode is a practical reset for anyone who wants long-term credibility and real demand, not a short spike of attention. Subscribe for more weekly insight on building trust, strengthening your reputation, and growing your impact.
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Quit Now! If You Won't Invest in Your Dream…
Mar 3100:34:55Tap to summarizeThis episode is for the person who feels discouraged and tempted to quit. Rory and AJ break down why the brain defaults to safety, how conditional commitment keeps dreams in hobby territory, and why consistency is built through work habits, not emotional momentum. If you have been drifting or stuck in a start-stop cycle, this conversation will help you reset your mindset, tighten your commitment, and recommit to the fundamentals that compound over time. Subscribe for weekly insights on personal branding, discipline, and building a business with integrity.
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More Money, More Problems? How Entrepreneurs Prevent Burnout
Mar 2400:47:37Tap to summarizeGrowth changes the game for entrepreneurs. The business gets bigger, the decisions stack up, and stress starts showing up in places it never used to. In this episode, Rory and AJ talk through why burnout often hits when the business looks like it is "working," and what to do before it becomes a breaking point. They cover the leadership shift that happens as you move from doing everything yourself to actually operating like a CEO, plus the routines and priorities that help you protect your energy and make better decisions under pressure. This is a practical conversation for founders who want more revenue without losing their health, clarity, or peace in the process. Subscribe for more weekly episodes on personal branding, leadership, and building a business that lasts.
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YouTube in 2026: How Smart Business Owners Turn Content Into a Business Asset
Mar 1800:53:58Tap to summarizeTo schedule a FREE CALL with Rory's Team: https://freebrandcall.com/podcast/ In this episode, Rory Vaden sits down with YouTube strategist and author Sean Cannell to break down how smart business owners approach YouTube in 2026. They unpack why YouTube behaves like a searchable content library, why older videos can keep generating views for months or years, and why long-form attention builds trust in a way most short-form platforms cannot replicate. They also address the frustration many entrepreneurs face after posting for a long time without meaningful growth. Sean explains why progress often comes down to planning and packaging, not effort alone. Topic selection, title clarity, and thumbnail strategy are the leverage points most business owners underinvest in. If you want content that keeps working after you hit publish, this episode gives you a clear framework to build a YouTube engine that supports your brand and revenue. Guest Links Mentioned: Free YouTube class / Think Media courses Think Media YouTube Sean Cannell YouTube Think Media Podcast Sean's free YouTube book page: BRAND BUILDERS GROUP Links: Schedual a FREE CALL
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Follower Rich, Dollar Broke? The 4-Step Trust Funnel That Actually Converts
Mar 1000:51:46Tap to summarizeFollower Rich, Dollar Broke? The 4-Step Trust Funnel That Actually Converts
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