In this episode we sit down with Ken to unpack the real journey of becoming an entrepreneur — from college lessons that don’t pay off, to partnerships that implode, to finding smarter, low-risk ways to build a thriving business.
You’ll hear Ken’s unfiltered take on:
Why grades and degrees don’t guarantee success in the real world
The hidden danger of 50/50 partnerships (and what to do instead)
How to start lean, lower risk, and still aim for huge upside
Finding the right people to work with and protecting your equity the smart way
Balancing family, life and entrepreneurship without losing yourself
Lessons learned from early failures and what Ken would do differently now
If you’re a founder, future entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of leaving the 9-to-5, this conversation is full of insights that could save you years of trial and error.
🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on building a business, taking smart risks, and designing a life you actually want.
9 Sept 2025
From Tonga to the NFL: Steven “Venny” Paea's Iron Mindset
Born in New Zealand, raised in Tonga, and recruited off a rugby pitch—Steven “Venny” Pāea fought his way from being a sixth-string JUCO walk-on to becoming a second-round NFL Draft pick for the Chicago Bears.
In this episode of the Bigger Life Podcast, Venny shares the raw truth behind his journey:
Leaving rugby behind and stepping into American football at 15
Culture shock, learning English, and gaining 65 lbs to earn a shot
How “burn the ships” became his mantra at Snow College
Breaking the NFL Combine bench press record with 49 reps of 225 lbs
Draft day nerves, playing alongside legends like Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers, and Devin Hester
Why faith and family—not football—are his true peak
His mission now: mentoring youth, guiding athletes, and building a life of impact after the league
This is a story of grit, humility, and perspective—from small islands to the biggest stage in sports.
Watch, listen, and be inspired to chase your bigger life.
2 Sept 2025
From Viral Videos to Empire Strategies w/ Justin Manning
On today’s episode of the Bigger Life Podcast, Ben sits down with Justin Manning — entrepreneur, creator, and CEO of Empire Strategies.
Justin opens up about his path from wedding videography to running multiple ventures, the viral Instagram video he made with his dad that racked up over 12 million views, and the hard lessons he learned about trying too many businesses at once. He shares the turning point that came through an intense breathwork experience, how it reshaped his faith and clarity, and why building a focused “true north” has transformed his life.
We dive into:
The $60k risk Justin’s dad took that changed his family forever
What going viral taught him about content and creative strategy
Why juggling too many businesses almost held him back
The importance of focus, faith, and family in entrepreneurship
How Empire Strategies blends creative and ads to deliver real results
This conversation is packed with laughs, stories, and powerful takeaways on living a bigger life with clarity, faith, and focus.
Inside a recent episode
From Rebel Billionaire to Long-Haul Visionary: Navigating the Entrepreneurial Journey with Shawn Nelson
Published 1 Jan 2024 · Transcript excerpt
[…] We have the biggest growth years we've ever had Who could have predicted that but for at least a few weeks it was absolutely terrifying And we were batting down it and no one was screaming and nobody was losing their cool One of the chapters stay cool and be kind If you have a top team You stay cool like top leaders stay cool and be kind I talk about in the early days of my entrepreneurship. I was a total hot head Because it was cool to be like Steve Jobs and like berate people and like that's what like real leaders do right No I didn't need to be that way. I could have been more effective. Not anyway. […]
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