Life Is What We Make It

About Life Is What We Make It

Life Is What We Make It is a podcast for builders. For the entrepreneurs, leaders, fathers, and high-agency individuals who refuse to blame their past, their circumstances, or the market. Hosted by Randy Vlasic — entrepreneur and founder — this show is about ownership. The wins, the failures, the rebuilding, and the discipline required to create a life that actually means something. We talk business. We talk leadership. We talk marriage. We talk faith. We talk about what it really takes to build something from nothing This isn’t surface-level motivation. It’s responsibility. It’s growth. It’s execution. If you’re building a company, a family, or a legacy… Life Is What We Make It.

Publisher

Randy Vlasic

Category

business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

26 Feb 2026

Latest episode

30 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Sept 2026

   Ep. 12: Know Your Calling with Joel Engulu

   Joel Engulu is a Congolese American entrepreneur, marketing strategist, co-founder of Crowned Christian Network, president of Ruth's Home for Children in the DRC, and owner of J Masters Media. Randy and Joel cover finding your identity and calling through the fivefold framework, shifting from asking God for things to asking what He's teaching you, using business to fund philanthropy, discernment in partnerships, and why forgiving fast is how you move forward. Life is what we make it when we know our identity and our calling. 00:00 Cold open 01:03 Meet Joel Engulu 03:23 From the Congo to America 10:11 2022: The crash and the spiral 23:44 A two-way conversation with God 25:21 The fivefold framework and identity 28:14 Why business over public service 30:13 Faith in business 35:58 Building Ruth's Home for Children 40:08 Getting burned and forgiving fast 48:56 Life is what we make it when... Connect with Joel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtime11/ (https://www.instagram.com/jtime11/) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-engulu-mpa-174bbba0/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-engulu-mpa-174bbba0/) Fivefold assessment: https://jmastersmedia.gumroad.com/l/fivefoldministry (https://jmastersmedia.gumroad.com/l/fivefoldministry) Support Ruth's Home for Children: https://www.ruthshomeforchildren.org/ (https://www.ruthshomeforchildren.org/) Life Is What We Make It with Randy Vlasic. Built on five pillars: identity, vision, people, mastery, momentum.

2. 

   22 Aug 2026

   Ep. 11 — Cameron Herold: “Nobody Gives a Sh*t About Your Podcast”

   Guest bio Cameron Herold — Founder, COO Alliance. Former COO, 1-800-GOT-JUNK ($2M → $106M in six years, 3,100 employees). Author of seven books including Vivid Vision, Double Double, Meetings Suck, Free PR, and The Second in Command. Host of The Second in Command podcast. Called “today's CEO Whisperer” by Forbes publisher Rich Karlgaard. Paid to speak in 29 countries on all seven continents. Global nomad for five years — 80 countries, two carry-on suitcases. What we get into Why Cameron refused to take my money when I was at my lowest — and what he made me do instead The three-and-a-half-month reset he ran after 1-800-GOT-JUNK: no email, no meetings, just lifelines and mind maps The four things he found he loved and was good at — and why that's where leverage actually lives How to turn a podcast appearance into third-party credibility instead of a nice hour The two-minute clip rule, press pages, and the SEO play most founders skip “One toilet at a time” — the honest test for whether your personal brand is helping or bleeding you Escape velocity: why the window with your teenagers is closing faster than you think The three-day trip challenge, and how to run it Working from Europe without telling your team you're on vacation Why a written bucket list counts and a mental one doesn't The line that stopped me We should stop the podcast right now and you should go book a flight and go. I'm being serious. Three things you can do today Write the bucket list down. Cameron's rule: it's a yes if it's written, a no if it isn't. His has 241 items — 85 still open. Get your wife and each of your kids to write five cities and five experiences. Book one three-day trip with one kid. They pick the city. They set the agenda. You leave the phone in the room. Build the press page. Every podcast you've been on, linked, on both your personal site and your company site. Ask every host to link back in their show notes. 46% of U.S. workers don't use all their paid time off. Nearly half (49%) of those who don't say it's because they'd worry about falling behind at work. Pairs with the “you'll never be ready to travel” segment at ~46:50. Pew Research Center, Aug 2023 — survey of 5,188 working U.S. adults, Feb 6–12, 2023 pewresearch.org (http://pewresearch.org) 12–18 Time with parents matters more for teenagers than for young kids. Time-diary data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics linked engaged parent time to fewer behavioral problems, better math scores, and lower substance use — with a stronger effect for adolescents (12–18) than children (3–11). This is the stat that kills “I'll do it when they're older.” Milkie, Nomaguchi & Denny, Journal of Marriage and Family, April 2015 nichd.nih.gov (http://nichd.nih.gov) 85 years The strongest predictor of long-term health and happiness isn't money or career success — it's the quality of your close relationships. The Harvard Study of Adult Development has tracked participants for more than eight decades to land on that. Backs the People pillar and Cameron's entire thesis. Harvard Study of Adult Development / Harvard Gazette news.harvard.edu (http://news.harvard.edu)

3. 

   12 Jun 2026

   EP 10: How a Teenager Built 107K Subscribers and a Business Before Graduating High School

   The conversation explores the journey of a young entrepreneur who turned his passion for e-bikes into a successful business. It delves into the power of content-first marketing strategy and the impact of social media on sales and brand building. The guest shares insights on building a YouTube following and the evolution of his business model. Rozzy discusses the rise of e-bikes, business operations, social media monetization, content creation, equipment and technology, video editing tools, YouTube video optimization, influencer connections, business expansion, dreams and aspirations, taking risks, personal interests, advice for young entrepreneurs, supporting young entrepreneurs, future business goals, and milestones and growth on YouTube. Takeaways Passion drives exponential growth in entrepreneurship. Content-first marketing strategy is crucial for business success. E-bikes are on the rise, presenting a new wave of transportation. YouTube monetization and content creation require unique strategies and tools. Chapters 00:00 – Flipping shoes at 13: where it started 08:08 – From 12 subscribers to 107K 16:07 – Why his content drives the sales 21:34 – Inside the operation: inventory, dealers, and the gear 27:17 – Linking up with a 10-million-follower creator 32:43 – Taking big risks young: "ship it and send it" 38:26 – What's next: the brick-and-mortar plan

4. 

   23 May 2026

   Nobody Tells You How Hard Marriage Is. | with Tracy Vlasic.

   The conversation delves into the challenges of marriage and entrepreneurship, exploring the impact of childhood, family dynamics, and financial success on the relationship. It also highlights the struggles of building a business, facing business litigation, and the personal and relationship challenges that arise. The journey of self-improvement and relationship repair is a central theme, along with the establishment of boundaries and expectations in the marriage. The conversation delves into the challenges and growth experienced in a relationship, emphasizing the importance of communication, understanding, and mutual support. It explores the impact of changing roles, competitiveness, and hurtful words, as well as the journey of self-reflection, seeking guidance, and rebuilding trust. The themes of individual growth, partnership, and overcoming challenges are central to the narrative, highlighting the need for open, respectful communication and alignment in vision and goals. Takeaways Marriage struggles Challenges of entrepreneurship Communication is key Balancing individual growth with staying connected in a relationship Chapters 00:00 The Beginning of a Competitive Relationship 05:56 The Early Years of Marriage and Career 11:46 The Challenges of Early Parenthood 18:04 The Impact of Financial Success 24:06 The Impact of Personal Struggles on Marriage 29:51 The Struggle to Overcome Personal and Relationship Challenges 35:59 Establishing Boundaries and Expectations 01:06:25 Rapid Fire Questions

5. 

   10 May 2026

   EP 8: Martin Rowan. A True Healer. The Identity Behind the Business.

   The conversation delves into the journey of self-discovery and the impact of identity on personal and professional life. It explores the significance of vertical alignment with one's identity and the transformative power of discovering God-given identities. The integration of identity in business and the potential for benevolent good in supply chain operations are also discussed. The conversation covers the heartbreaking reality of street children in the Philippines, the pivotal decision to change the company's purpose, the test of culture and commitment during a financial crisis, Reveal's impact on supply chain management, the philosophy of mastery and personal growth, maintaining balance through adventures and reflection, preventing burnout, and finding meaning in life. The rapid-fire Q&A provides insights into Martin's favorite city for speaking engagements, a recommended book for leaders, personal habits, and advice received. Takeaways Identity discovery leads to purpose Vertical alignment with identity opens up opportunities Supply chains can provide key ingredients for water, shelter, and food for kids in need. Learning by doing and leaning into curiosity are essential for mastery and personal growth. Chapters 00:00 The Quest for Identity 06:49 Exploring Identity and False Beliefs 13:06 Living Out the Identity 19:45 Alignment with Identity and Opportunities 25:00 Supply Chain and Benevolent Good 32:18 A Pivotal Decision for Change 37:23 Reveal's Impact on Supply Chain Management 43:33 Mastery and Personal Growth 50:26 Preventing Burnout and Finding Meaning

6. 

   4 May 2026

   EP 7: Momentum Is Earned, Not Granted

   The podcast episode delves into the concept of momentum, emphasizing the importance of earning it, the role of small wins, and the need to rebuild it when lost. It also highlights the connection between faith and momentum, and the broader movement of taking ownership of one's life and using it for good. Takeaways Momentum is earned, not granted Small wins compound into something significant Momentum is never yours to keep Rebuilding momentum requires faith and a strong foundation Chapters 00:00 Building Momentum 05:50 Invisible Foundation of Momentum 11:33 The Trap of Momentum 18:24 Faith and Momentum

7. 

   18 Apr 2026

   EP 6: Mastery Is a Stack, Not a Finish Line

   Randy Vlasic shares his journey through four versions of himself, each demanding a new set of skills. Mastery is a process, not a destination, and discomfort is a sign of growth. The skills from the previous level become the foundation for the next, and every new level feels like starting over. The key is to chase the best and apply their principles to your own vision. Takeaways Mastery is a process, not a destination The skills from the previous level become the foundation for the next Chapters 00:00 The Journey Begins 08:27 Version One: The Salesperson 13:44 Version Three: Building Lumi Logistics 19:00 The Framework of Mastery 24:15 The Stack: Keep Building

8. 

   28 Mar 2026

   Nobody Is Self-Made. That's the Myth.

   Self-made is a myth. It's an ego trip. In Episode 5, I break down why the right people change everything. Your team, your family, your circle. I share what my wife did when I was at my lowest, what Warren Buffett said about his best friend, and why Steve Jobs never builds Apple without the other Steve. Relationships are everything. This episode proves it.

9. 

   23 Mar 2026

   You Don't Have a Vision... You Have a Wish.

   A lot of people don't actually have a vision. They have a wish. They have a dream. Or they have a vibe. And vibes don't build anything. In this episode I'm breaking down Pillar 2, Vision. I'm sharing the exact method that changed how I run my business, how I lead my team, and how I think about my entire life. It's called the Vivid Vision, created by Cameron Herold, the guy who helped scale 1-800-GOT-JUNK from $2 million to $100 million. I wrote a $100 million vision for Liwmi Logistics. We're one year in and tracking $20 million. That's a real gap. And I'm not going to sugarcoat it. But the vision isn't a pass or fail test. It's a tool. Without the document, I wouldn't even know where the gaps are. In this episode I cover the difference between a wish and a real vision, the Vivid Vision method, what's actually inside my 2027 Vivid Vision, the honest check in on where we are versus where we said we'd be, why being off track is okay, and how to start writing your own. Book mentioned: Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold: https://amzn.to/40OkrEX (https://amzn.to/40OkrEX) Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yAjixnH4K9o (https://youtu.be/yAjixnH4K9o) Website: lifeiswhatwemakeit.com (http://lifeiswhatwemakeit.com) Instagram: @randyvlasic If this episode hit, share it with someone who's winging it. They need to hear this.

10. 

    14 Mar 2026

    Identity – Who Are You When Everything Falls Apart?

    Randy Vlasic shares a personal journey of self-discovery and the importance of identity. He emphasizes the distinction between reputation and true identity, highlighting the dangers of building a life solely on external achievements. The episode delves into the impact of identity on mental health, relationships, and personal well-being, offering practical steps for self-reflection and redefining one's identity. Takeaways True identity is not based on external achievements The importance of self-reflection and redefining one's identity Chapters 00:00 The Question of Identity 10:53 The Five Pillars 25:14 Finding True Identity 33:25 The Foundation of Faith 43:37 The Beginning of Change

11. 

    6 Mar 2026

    The Breakdown Behind the Five Pillars

    Before diving into the five pillars that rebuilt his life, Randy shares the breakdown that made them necessary. In this deeply personal episode of Life Is What We Make It, he opens up about losing his identity after career success, being laid off during COVID, battling anxiety, drinking to numb the noise, nearly losing his marriage, and trying to build a business while falling apart internally. What followed was not a quick comeback, but a slow, honest rebuilding — through faith, community, truth, and a new understanding of identity. This episode is the foundation for everything that comes next: identity, vision, people, mastery, and momentum. If you’ve ever looked successful on the outside while feeling lost on the inside, this conversation will remind you that your breakdown does not have to be the end. Sometimes it’s the beginning of the most honest transformation of your life.

12. 

    26 Feb 2026

    Here Comes The Movement - Five Pillars

    The first episode of Life Is What We Make It. The conversation emphasizes the power of 'we-made' and introduces the concept of the five pillars: Identity, Vision, People, Mastery, and Momentum. Each pillar is explored in detail, highlighting its significance in personal and professional growth. Takeaways We-made Five Pillars 0:00 — Here Comes the Movement 1:20 — What This Show Is Built On 3:00 — Pillar 1: Identity 6:00 — Pillar 2: Vision 8:45 — Pillar 3: People 11:30 — Pillar 4: Mastery 13:45 — Pillar 5: Momentum 15:15 — The Movement Starts Now

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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