Shifts & Giggles is the personal growth podcast that helps you make intentional, lasting change, one small mindset shift at a time. Each episode blends practical tools, self-awareness strategies, and a healthy dose of humor to help you take action and grow on purpose. Rooted in the S.I.M.P.L.E. Method, a 6-step framework for real, sustainable change, this show delivers real talk, personal transformation, and mindset shifts that lead to big results. Whether you're feeling stuck or simply read ...
…
continue reading
Jr | Mindset Coach | Speaker Podcasts
This podcast, created and hosted by Antonio T. Smith, Jr. and includes frequent guest host Deaunna M. Mitchell, COO of the The ATS Jr Companies, is designed to help you develop an excellent attitude, enhance your self-esteem, develop your creative genius, set and achieve goals, harness your mind's power, and explain the elements of personal growth. In addition, this podcast dissects, observes, and gives pratical guidance to the critical success factors such as writing skills, public speaking ...
…
continue reading
Are you a B2B entrepreneur ready to break free from the commodity trap, differentiate your business, and achieve exponential growth—without sacrificing your well-being? The Level Up Business Podcast is your go-to resource for actionable marketing, sales, and leadership insights tailored to B2B entrepreneurs in financial services, technology, and professional services. Hosted by James Robert Lay, a two-time bestselling author and global keynote speaker, this podcast brings you real-world stra ...
…
continue reading

1
The Ripple Effect: How Elevating Others Sparks Exponential Growth with David Trent
43:41
43:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:41Too many entrepreneurs let fear and self-doubt keep them from starting the thing they know they’re called to do—whether it’s launching a business, writing a book, or simply sharing their story. In this episode, we’re joined by David Trent—entrepreneur, coach, and author of Elevate Others—to explore how we break through that inertia and take bold ac…
…
continue reading

1
Fixed Mindset vs Growth Mindset: Why Your Words Reveal Everything
25:10
25:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:10Got a question or comment? Send us a text! What if the story you've been telling yourself is the only thing holding you back? In this episode of Shifts and Giggles, Rafer shares how he went from hating running to training for a half marathon—and how that unexpected journey revealed a deep truth about mindset. This episode dives into the difference …
…
continue reading

1
Coaching with Clarity: The Mindset, Tools, and Energy Behind Business Growth with Matt Curry
43:14
43:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:14As a former third-generation owner of a successful family produce business, Matt Curry shares the pivotal moment when he went from being “just a sales guy” to running a $40M company overnight after his father’s passing. That experience sparked his passion for helping entrepreneurial teams lead with clarity, confidence, and energy. Now a coach to gr…
…
continue reading

1
The Gift of Failure: Why Falling Short Is the Key to Growth
20:24
20:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:24Got a question or comment? Send us a text! Why do we fear failure so much—and how is that fear keeping us stuck? In this powerful episode of Shifts and Giggles, Rafer shares a heartfelt story about watching his son struggle (and succeed) through the hardest level of a video game—and uses it to unpack why failure isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s the p…
…
continue reading

1
Obligated or Committed? A Simple Test That Can Transform Your Life with Daniel White
39:00
39:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:00Are you running your business—or is it running you? In this episode, JR Lay welcomes back Daniel White to explore a simple but powerful framework that can transform how B2B entrepreneurs operate: the difference between obligation and commitment. Too often, entrepreneurs feel stuck, drained, or overwhelmed because they’re acting from a sense of obli…
…
continue reading

1
5 Practical Ways to Build Emotional Intelligence (Even If It Feels Hard)
20:49
20:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:49Got a question or comment? Send us a text! In this powerful follow-up to last week's emotional intelligence episode, Rafer unpacks how to build emotional intelligence—not just why it's important. Emotional intelligence isn’t a personality trait—it’s a skill. Rafer shares raw and relatable stories, including a vulnerable moment with his son and a hi…
…
continue reading

1
Your Unique Wisdom Is the Brand: How to Stand Out in B2B with Joe Pulizzi
51:09
51:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:09Joe Pulizzi—entrepreneur, author, and founder of The Tilt and CEX—shares the truth most B2B entrepreneurs miss: success starts with belief and is sustained by purpose. Drawing from the highs and lows of his own journey, Joe unpacks how to find your tilt—the unique combination of experiences and insights that sets you apart in a noisy, AI-driven mar…
…
continue reading

1
The 1% Mindset: Wisdom, Wealth, and the War for Time — with Dr. George C. Fraser and Antonio T. Smith Jr."
56:41
56:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:41The 1% Mindset: Wisdom, Wealth, and the War for Time — with Dr. George C. Fraser and Antonio T. Smith Jr." In this exclusive masterclass disguised as a podcast, Antonio T. Smith Jr. sits down with Dr. George Fraser — global thought leader, networking titan, and elder of legacy — for a conversation that spans orphanhood to empire, trauma to triumph,…
…
continue reading

1
Why Emotional Intelligence Is a Skill You Can’t Afford to Ignore
21:02
21:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:02Got a question or comment? Send us a text! In this episode of Shifts and Giggles, we’re getting real about emotional intelligence. Rafer shares the moment he realized he was unintentionally gaslighting his wife—and how learning to name his emotions like “dismissed” and “anxious” saved his marriage and shifted his entire life. Emotional intelligence…
…
continue reading

1
Becoming a Dream Architect: Build the Business and Life You Truly Want (with Bryan Sweet)
29:50
29:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:50Are you feeling stuck in the chaos of the day-to-day grind, unsure of what the future holds for you as an entrepreneur? In an era of rapid change, uncertainty, and AI disruption, many entrepreneurs lose sight of their vision, forget their worth, and fall into the trap of complacency. That’s why this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast is a mus…
…
continue reading

1
Three Days in the Dark: A Wake-Up Call for Entrepreneurs on the Edge
52:14
52:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
52:14What happens when the business you built starts to break you? Shannon McLay, founder of Collective Wellness Revival and former CEO of The Financial Gym joins JR Lay for a conversation that goes far beyond entrepreneurship. After 12 intense years of building a business and raising over $14 million in funding, Shannon found herself at rock bottom—bur…
…
continue reading

1
What Happens After the Goal? How to Keep Growing
17:52
17:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
17:52Got a question or comment? Send us a text! You made progress. You hit the goal. You felt the shift. But now you feel… stuck again. This episode dives deep into the final step of the Simple Shift Method: Evolve Continuously. Because winning once doesn’t mean you’ve finished. And transformation isn’t a mountaintop—it’s a mindset. If you’ve ever asked…
…
continue reading

1
The RIDE Framework: How to Reflect, Ideate, Design, and Experiment Your Way to Growth (with Rory Sylvia)
40:10
40:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:10Rory Sylvia, founder of The Ways We Work, joins JR Lay to explore how leaders can create more human-centric, adaptive teams in the face of exponential change. Rory unpacks his RIDE framework—Reflect, Ideate, Design, Experiment—as a practical, repeatable rhythm for modern leadership. Together, they discuss why traditional top-down management models …
…
continue reading

1
Beyond Content: The ROI of Human Connection in B2B Podcasting with Robb Conlon
51:38
51:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:38When your podcast feels transactional, it shows. You miss the chance to build real trust—and in B2B, that trust is everything. Especially now, when AI-generated “slop” is everywhere and people crave something real. Robb Conlon, founder of Westport Studios, joins JR Lay to break down why authentic connection is your podcast’s secret weapon. They tal…
…
continue reading

1
Feel Stuck? This Mindset Shift Will Change Everything
18:38
18:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:38Got a question or comment? Send us a text! When life doesn’t go as planned, most people either give up or keep doing what’s not working—hoping it magically changes. In this episode of Shifts and Giggles, we dive into Step 5 of the Simple Shift Method: Learn and Adjust. Rafer shares what 75 Hard taught him about progress, personal growth, and the mi…
…
continue reading

1
Values, Vision, Velocity: What 365 Days in Business Really Teaches You with Chris DuBois
29:09
29:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:09What does the first year of business really look like—without the highlight reel? In this episode, JR Lay sits down with Chris DuBois, founder of Dynamic Agency OS, to unpack the real lessons from year one of building his business. Chris doesn't hold back. He shares the wins, the struggles, and the mindset shifts that helped him go from nearly taki…
…
continue reading

1
From UPS to CEO: The Unseen Power Behind Entrepreneurial Growth with Roderick Walker
40:52
40:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:52Most entrepreneurs today are chasing the latest technology -AI, automation, analytics- believing it’s the key to scaling. But what if the most powerful tool in your business doesn’t live in the cloud... but in your mind? In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR Lay is joined by Roderick Walker, Owner & CEO of Tavros Care, who shares his…
…
continue reading

1
When a $20M Near Miss: How to Rebuild Your Mind, Brand, and Business with Steve Patti
50:22
50:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:22What would you do if your $20 million business exit collapsed just 30 days before closing? That’s exactly what happened to Steve Patti, a seasoned B2B marketing leader who has built and scaled companies across 12+ industries. In this episode, Steve shares the hard-earned wisdom from that moment and how it transformed his approach to business, brand…
…
continue reading

1
Stop Waiting, Start Practicing: How Consistency Changes Everything
16:27
16:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
16:27Got a question or comment? Send us a text! In this episode of Shifts and Giggles, Rafer dives into Step 4 of the Simple Shift Method: Practice Consistently. If you've ever been paralyzed by the "what ifs"—what if it doesn't work, what if I'm not good enough, what if I fail—this episode is your breakthrough. Rafer shares how to break free from fear …
…
continue reading

1
The Dollar Is Dead: Why Your Money Starts at -$1.45
1:52:30
1:52:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:52:30In this legendary episode of the Antonio T. Smith Jr. Podcast, you're not just listening to wealth-building advice. You're being handed the keys to the real system — the one built behind the illusion, the one only 0.01% ever understand. Antonio reveals how the modern dollar is a trap — and how to escape it, not through labor, but through leveraged …
…
continue reading

1
Hope Isn't A Strategy: Build A Plan That Works
20:36
20:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:36Got a question or comment? Send us a text! In this episode of Shifts and Giggles, Rafer unpacks Step 3 of the Simple Shift Method — Make a Plan — and explains how creating small, specific goals can lead to massive progress. Through a powerful story about paying off $54,000 of debt, Rafer shows how SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Rele…
…
continue reading

1
From the NFL to Entrepreneurship: Redefining What Wealth Really Means with Cory Procter
39:43
39:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:43Wealth is often measured in dollars. But what if the real scoreboard for success tracks something far more meaningful? In this episode JR Lay is joined by Cory Proctor, a former NFL offensive lineman turned entrepreneur and founder of Pro Capital Wealth Management. Cory brings a no-fluff perspective to what it really takes to grow a business, prote…
…
continue reading

1
The Entrepreneur’s Edge: Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual Growth (with Michael Pine)
30:58
30:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:58Ever feel stuck as an entrepreneur—like you’ve hit a wall that no strategy, system, or scale tactic can break through? The truth is, your business growth is limited by your personal growth. Growth-minded entrepreneur Michael Pine, Managing Partner and Co Founder at thinkWealth, LLC, joins JR to unpack how investing in yourself—mentally, emotionally…
…
continue reading

1
The Tools That Got You Here Won't Get You There
21:49
21:49
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
21:49Got a question or comment? Send us a text! In this episode of Shifts and Giggles, Rafer Owens Jr. breaks down step two of the Simple Shift Method: Identify Tools and Resources. Whether you've been using outdated habits, trying too many things at once, or skipping over the resources that are right in front of you, Rafer shows you how to choose the r…
…
continue reading

1
From Chaos to Clarity: What Every Entrepreneur Needs to Hear
43:02
43:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:02Feeling stuck, scattered, or like you’re not where you “should” be by now? You’re not alone—and you’re not done. In this episode of The Level Up Business Podcast, JR Lay sits down with Darren Violette, a financial advisor and B2B entrepreneur who opens up about his long road from insecurity and failure to clarity and growth. Darren shares how he sp…
…
continue reading

1
How to Turn Your Hard Lessons into a Scalable Business Model as a B2B Entrepreneur with Ron Cuff
32:03
32:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:03What if the lessons you’ve learned as a B2B entrepreneur could become a powerful new income stream and help others avoid the painful pitfalls you’ve already overcome? In this episode of The Level Up Business Podcast, JR Lay is joined by Ron Cuff, Co-Founder of Forge, to explore how authentic, hard-earned wisdom can be transformed into real systems …
…
continue reading
Got a question or comment? Send us a text! In this episode of Shifts and Giggles, Rafer dives into the first step of the Simple Shift Method—See the Challenge—and explores the power of building awareness in your life. With honesty, humor, and a powerful story about his relationship with his son, Rafer unpacks how self-awareness can unlock real chan…
…
continue reading

1
Thriving Together: How Entrepreneurial Couples Can Build a Bigger Future with Less Chaos
27:21
27:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:21Entrepreneurs often live in chaos—either dragging it from business into the home or vice versa. This lack of alignment leads to communication breakdowns, emotional disconnection, and stalled dreams. Left unchecked, this chaos breeds unresolved conflict, financial stress, and even resentment. Eventually, couples find themselves completely out of syn…
…
continue reading

1
Why Most B2B Brands Are Stuck—and How to Break Through with Megan Bowen
27:01
27:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:01Megan Bowen, CEO of Refine Labs, joins JR Lay to break down how forward-thinking B2B brands can embrace change through adaptability, strategic reflection, and an evolved demand gen model. From redefining brand, demand, and expansion strategies to building internal change management discipline, this conversation offers a path forward to those ready …
…
continue reading

1
The Simple Shift Method: How Small Steps Create Big Change
20:55
20:55
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
20:55Got a question or comment? Send us a text! In this episode, Rafer Owens Jr. breaks down The Simple Shift Method—the six-step framework that helped him transform his life and can help you do the same. Learn how small, intentional shifts lead to lasting change and how you can start applying the method in your own life today. Thanks for tuning in to S…
…
continue reading

1
Unlocking Your Genius: Why Conflict Is the Key with Matthew Abrams
46:57
46:57
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:57Think conflict is something to avoid? Think again. In this episode, JR Lay and Matthew Abrams, Certified EOS Implementer & Coach, blow up the myth that conflict is bad for business — or for you. The truth? Conflict is where your next big breakthrough is hiding. They dive deep into how early life experiences secretly shape how you lead today, why mo…
…
continue reading

1
Energy Management Secrets Every Entrepreneur Should Know (Introducing the Kolbe A Index with Audrey Cannata)
35:12
35:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:12Entrepreneurs often experience unexpected energy drain, friction, or stagnation — not just within themselves, but also within their teams and collaborations — without understanding why. Left unchecked, this misalignment can silently sabotage momentum, drain confidence, and create persistent bottlenecks that prevent business growth. Entrepreneurs ma…
…
continue reading

1
Shift Happens: Welcome to Shifts and Giggles
11:07
11:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:07Got a question or comment? Send us a text! Welcome to Shifts and Giggles! In this first episode, Rafer Owens Jr. shares the heart behind the show, his personal journey of life change through small, intentional shifts, and what you can expect from this season. Get ready for relatable conversations, practical steps, and a whole lot of encouragement t…
…
continue reading

1
From Corporate Burnout to Joyful Entrepreneurship with Lori Pine
25:29
25:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:29Entrepreneurship is rising — but what happens when your career success still leaves you feeling empty? In this inspiring episode, host JR Lay talks with Lori Pine, executive leadership coach and former corporate VP at Anheuser-Busch, Coca-Cola, and Campbell’s, about what happens when you've checked all the boxes... but life still feels off. Lori sh…
…
continue reading

1
The Ageless Entrepreneur: How to Rejuvenate Your Health, Energy, and Purpose with Reagan Archibald
35:47
35:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:47As entrepreneurs, we often chase the future by sacrificing the very thing that powers us—our health. In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, host JR Lay is joined by Regan Archibald, founder of East West Health and leading voice in peptide therapy and regenerative medicine. Together, they explore what it truly means to create an ageless f…
…
continue reading

1
Why Most B2B Brands Are Forgettable—and How to Fix Yours with Bobby Gillespie
30:56
30:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:56In the noisy world of B2B marketing, most brands are forgotten the moment after a prospect scrolls past their feed. Why? Because they’re focused on features, price, and parroting the same tired messages—without ever truly standing for something. Instead of building real connection and recognition, they blend into the crowd. If your brand feels invi…
…
continue reading

1
From Scarcity to Scale: The Inner Work Behind Sustainable Business Growth with Jeremey Newberg
34:46
34:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:46Too many entrepreneurs grind through frustration, stuck on the revenue rollercoaster—growing fast, crashing hard, then repeating the cycle. That’s exactly where Jeremey Newberg, CEO of Capital Access, found himself at 50. Stagnant. Burned out. And wondering what it would take to break through. In this episode, Jeremey shares how he transformed from…
…
continue reading

1
Your Thoughts Are Not Your Friends: How to Reclaim Control of Your Mind
35:10
35:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:10What if the real threat to your business isn’t the market... but your own thoughts? In this vulnerable and high-impact episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR Lay sits down with Ben Ward, bestselling author of Pluck the FUD and CEO of Forward Leadership, to explore how fear, pride, and ego can sabotage even the most successful entrepreneurs—fr…
…
continue reading

1
Breaking the Financial Ceiling: How Your ‘Deserve Level’ Is Holding You Back
39:01
39:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
39:01What if the reason you're stuck isn’t strategy… but your subconscious? In this powerful episode, JR sits down with wealth coach Lisa Smith, who helps six- and seven-figure entrepreneurs break through self-imposed financial ceilings and reach early retirement—without sacrificing their soul or sanity. Together, they unpack the concept of your “deserv…
…
continue reading

1
You Don’t Need to Suffer to Succeed: Reprogramming Your Beliefs with Chris Walker
48:54
48:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
48:54Most B2B entrepreneurs have been sold a lie: that success must come through struggle, sacrifice, and suffering. But what if the very mindset that got you here is the same one keeping you stuck? In this powerful and raw conversation, JR Lay sits down with Chris Walker—Founder & CEO of Passetto—to explore the deep inner work that unlocks true freedom…
…
continue reading

1
Mind-Body-Spirit Alignment for Entrepreneurial Breakthroughs with Daniel White
32:16
32:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:16What if the real reason you're stuck isn’t your strategy—but your energy? In this deeply insightful episode, JR Lay welcomes Daniel White, entrepreneur, spiritual healer, and author of Financial Freedom System. Daniel shares how an Olympic dream cut short led him on a transformational path—from mastering the mind-body connection to diving deep into…
…
continue reading

1
Endless Customers: Becoming the Most Trusted Brand in Your Industry with Marcus Sheridan
33:41
33:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:41Today’s buyers are more skeptical, impatient, and independent than ever before. They don’t want to talk to a salesperson until they're ready. They want pricing upfront, control over their buying journey, and total transparency from the brands they engage with. In this episode, JR Lay is joined by marketing visionary and best-selling author Marcus S…
…
continue reading

1
First Impressions in the Age of AI: Are You Sending the Wrong Signal? (with Chris Gillett)
38:54
38:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:54In a world dominated by digital impressions, most B2B entrepreneurs are unknowingly sabotaging their personal brands with inauthentic, AI-generated content....and headshots! And here’s the danger—people can feel it. Whether consciously or not, your prospects, clients, and peers pick up on subtle facial cues and expressions that signal confidence, t…
…
continue reading

1
Breaking Through Mental Barriers to Build a Thriving Business with Natasha Schiffman
34:46
34:46
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:46Many entrepreneurs struggle with self-doubt, limiting beliefs, and the constant pressure to "push harder" in their business. These mental roadblocks—often rooted in childhood experiences—can create frustration, burnout, and a sense of stagnation. In this episode, Natasha Schiffman, entrepreneur and coach, joins host JR Lay to explore the psychologi…
…
continue reading

1
Navigating the Entrepreneurial Triad: Business, Family, and Finances with Michael Pallozzi
29:07
29:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:07Entrepreneurs often excel at building businesses and making money, but when it comes to managing their personal finances, succession planning, and creating long-term wealth, many fall short. In this episode, Michael Pallozzi, President of HFM Investment Advisors, shares insights on how business owners can navigate the intersection of business, fami…
…
continue reading

1
Fully Invested: Unlocking Entrepreneurial Commitment with Chad Willardson
25:28
25:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:28Are you fully invested in your business, your relationships, and your life? In this episode, Chad Willardson, Founder & President of Pacific Capital and creator of Platinum Elevated, shares his philosophy on what it means to go all in—and why most entrepreneurs hold themselves back out of fear. Chad’s journey from leaving a secure career at Merrill…
…
continue reading

1
From Force to Flow: Releasing Blockages to Propel Your Business Forward
33:59
33:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:59What if the biggest barrier to your business growth isn’t strategy, but the energy behind it? In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, I’m joined by Jordan Bonifas, founder of Boniface Coaching, to explore how shifting from force to flow can unlock exponential success. We dive deep into the unseen blocks that hold entrepreneurs back, uncov…
…
continue reading

1
You Sold a Billion-Dollar Company… Now What?
26:03
26:03
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:03After co-founding Digital Insight and selling it to Intuit for $1.35 billion, Paul Fiore found himself in an eight-year search for his next big thing. The entrepreneurial high was gone, and he realized that chasing success without meaning leads to frustration and stagnation. In this episode, JR Lay and Paul Fiore unpack how entrepreneurs can redefi…
…
continue reading

1
Building Authority, Deepening Relationships, and Closing Deals Through Podcasting
28:01
28:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
28:01Many B2B entrepreneurs are stuck in a cycle of relentless marketing activity, struggling to turn conversations into real business opportunities. Damien Stevens, Founder & CEO of Servosity and host of the MSP Mindset podcast, faced this same challenge—until he discovered a better way. In this episode, Damien shares how implementing the Level Up Busi…
…
continue reading

1
Transforming Tough Times: Lessons from a Business Divorce and Beyond
34:43
34:43
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
34:43Entrepreneurship isn’t always smooth sailing—just ask Rusty Bynum. With 25+ years in the financial world, Rusty opens up about one of the toughest challenges he’s faced: a “business divorce.” He shares the raw lessons he learned, how he rebuilt his mindset, and why having the right people in your corner makes all the difference. They also dive into…
…
continue reading