Freedom Nation Podcast

The Decade That Changes Everything | Albert Butler on Family, Leadership, and True Wealth

Most people spend their younger years chasing success without thinking deeply about legacy, leadership, or the impact they leave behind. Then life changes. Parents age. Children grow up. Responsibilities shift. And suddenly, success means something completely different. Many professionals hit midlife realizing they were prepared financially… but not emotionally or spiritually for the transition into leadership within their family and community. The loss of loved ones, changing responsibilities, and the pressure to become the example for others can feel overwhelming. And for many people, these years between 40 and 60 become the most defining years of their lives. In this deeply meaningful episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Albert Butler, CPA, MBA, and business leader, to discuss the lessons that transformed his perspective on success, leadership, and legacy. After losing both of his parents within a relatively short period of time, Albert experienced a major shift in identity and responsibility. That journey inspired him to think differently about family, purpose, and what it truly means to lead. In this conversation, you’ll learn: * Why “life happens between 40 and 60” * How adversity can create growth and maturity * The importance of generational leadership * Why failure and risk are necessary for success * How to think beyond money and focus on impact 👉 If you're serious about building your Freedom Day, this episode will challenge you to think beyond wealth—and toward legacy. Episode Takeaways: • Why Albert believes “life happens between 40 and 60” • How losing both parents changed his identity and leadership role • The difference between financial success and generational impact • Why adversity often becomes the catalyst for growth • The responsibility of becoming the example others watch • Why risk and failure are necessary in entrepreneurship • The importance of stepping into leadership intentionally • How writing became a way to preserve legacy for his children • Why capitalism requires both winners and losers to function properly • How perspective shifts as you enter different seasons of life About the Guest: Albert Butler, CPA, MBA, is the Resident Partner-in-Charge of a national accounting firm, where he has led with integrity, strategy, and purpose for over 25 years. As a father of four, youth coach, and servant leader, Albert speaks from lived experience, transforming personal trials into lessons that fuel resilience, faith, and financial discipline. His philosophy is simple yet powerful: Accounting is the heartbeat of business and the key to personal finance success. Links: https://albertbutler.com/ [https://albertbutler.com/] https://www.facebook.com/people/Albertbutlercpa/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Albertbutlercpa/] https://www.youtube.com/@albertbutlercpa [https://www.youtube.com/@albertbutlercpa] https://www.instagram.com/albertbutlercpa/ [https://www.instagram.com/albertbutlercpa/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I actually take that 500 bucks… So again, it’s not about money. It’s not about money. Business is gone, I’m still smiling, I got my family. So that’s the… I will share this with the audience. I do not work for anybody. I have a career for my family.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “I used to work for Halliburton in Houston. I left Houston… Yeah, I left too soon. I actually left some RSUs on the table.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Besides Life by Albert Butler, I would tell you… Ray Dalio’s Principles. It breaks down what’s really happening from a global perspective, understanding the money cycle. It’s a great, great, great read.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “The biggest tool that I recommend, honestly, is this one right here… Pen and pad, everybody.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “My definition of freedom is walking in your purpose, Jeff… write those things down in that circle. It doesn’t matter what it is… once you write it down, you start to walk toward that dream.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

From Money to Meaning | Jim Sabellico on Success, Fatherhood, and Showing Up for What Matters

You can be successful on paper… and still feel like your life is falling apart. Money is coming in. The business is growing. But your health, your relationships, your family—they’re quietly slipping away. That’s exactly where Jim Sabellico found himself. Working from 3AM to 9PM. Six days a week. Providing everything his family needed… Except himself. Until one moment changed everything— standing in front of a half-eaten birthday cake on his son’s birthday. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Jim Sabellico to unpack the moment that redefined success—and the journey that followed. You’ll learn: * Why traditional success can leave you empty * The hidden cost of “providing” without presence * How to redefine success across ALL areas of life * The 6 “slices” of a complete life * How to start showing up for what actually matters If you’re building wealth but losing yourself in the process… this episode is your wake-up call. 👉 Subscribe to the Freedom Nation Podcast and start building your own Freedom Day the right way. Episode Takeaways: • Success without presence leads to emptiness • The “half-eaten birthday cake” moment that changed everything • Why providing financially is not the same as being present • How burnout can destroy relationships and health • The importance of redefining success personally • The 6 “slices” of a full life: * Professional * Emotional * Relational * Financial * Spiritual * Physical • Why most people skip the step of feeling “seen and heard” before growth • How identity work is the foundation of transformation • Why relationships are the most powerful business tool • Freedom is when work and life feel the same About the Guest: Jim Sabellico is an entrepreneur, marketing expert, and host of the No Half Cakes podcast. After building multiple 7- and 8-figure businesses, he realized success isn’t just about money—it’s about creating a life you won’t regret later. Now, he helps entrepreneurs redefine success, simplify their growth, and build businesses that align with their purpose. Through real stories and actionable insights, Jim empowers high achievers to take back control of their time, energy, and impact. Links: https://nohalfcakes.com/ [https://nohalfcakes.com/] https://www.facebook.com/jsabellico [https://www.facebook.com/jsabellico] https://www.youtube.com/@JimSabellico [https://www.youtube.com/@JimSabellico] https://www.instagram.com/jimsabellico [https://www.instagram.com/jimsabellico] https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsabellico/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimsabellico/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “Find someone to serve… when you actually help people genuinely, business will take care of itself.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking you have all the answers… thinking you know best.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Profit First… understanding how to properly allocate money was very helpful.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Google Analytics… and from a non-technical standpoint—relationships.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “The ability to live a life where people are gonna wonder if you're at work or at play.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Why Freedom Isn’t What You Think | Josh Carr on Responsibility, Growth, and Real Happiness

Many people hit their 30s feeling stuck. They followed the “right” path—career, family, responsibilities—but something feels off. They’re busy… but not fulfilled. Successful… but not free. Life starts happening to you instead of being designed by you. The years go by fast. Goals get buried. Dreams get postponed. And before you know it—you’re living a life you didn’t intentionally choose. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Josh Carr, entrepreneur and self-proclaimed “entrepreneur’s entrepreneur,” to talk about the moment that changed everything. At age 30, Josh found a list of 100 goals he wrote in college—and realized he had barely scratched the surface. That moment sparked a complete shift in how he approached life, business, and freedom. In this conversation, you’ll learn: * Why freedom is NOT the absence of responsibility * How taking control of your life creates real happiness * The mindset shift that separates reactive living from intentional living * How entrepreneurs can redesign their path at any stage If you're serious about building your Freedom Day, this episode will challenge how you think about success and fulfillment. Episode Takeaways: • Why many people drift into life instead of designing it • The impact of revisiting your life goals (and realizing how much you’ve ignored) • Why turning 30 can be a major wake-up call • The difference between reactive living vs intentional living • Why freedom is NOT about doing less—but choosing more • The concept of the hedonism paradox (chasing pleasure vs purpose) • Why taking on responsibility actually increases happiness • How entrepreneurs can redesign their lives at any stage • The importance of aligning your actions with your values • Why controlling your responsibilities = real freedom About the Guest: Josh Carr is the CEO of Echo Water, a pioneering company at the forefront of hydrogen-based wellness. A few years ago, he could barely climb the stairs in his own home due to severe arthritis. After adding hydrogen-infused water to his wellness routine, his symptoms became far more manageable—enough to get his life back. Based on this personal experience, he joined Echo as CEO to champion hydrogen water as a simple and consistent way to improve health. Links: https://echowater.com/ [https://echowater.com/] https://www.facebook.com/echohydrogen/ [https://www.facebook.com/echohydrogen/] https://www.youtube.com/@Echohydrogen [https://www.youtube.com/@Echohydrogen] https://www.instagram.com/echohydrogen [https://www.instagram.com/echohydrogen] https://www.linkedin.com/in/superstar/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/superstar/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? ““I’d probably go back to what I know best—building relationships and finding opportunities where I can add value quickly.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Trying to scale too fast without the right systems in place.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Good to Great… it really shaped how I think about building companies.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “AI tools… especially for marketing and content creation—it’s completely changed how we operate.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “Having control over your time and being able to choose what you work on.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Why Most Real Estate Investors Fail | Hadley Nightingale on Mistakes, Systems, and Building a Scalable Business

Most people get into real estate thinking it’s the “safe” path to wealth… only to make costly mistakes, follow bad advice, and struggle to scale. They chase income, hustle harder, and try to do everything themselves—without systems, without guidance, and without a real strategy. What happens when you make the wrong investment early? You spend years trying to recover. You work longer hours. You burn out… and still feel stuck. And even when you start making money, growth creates new problems—broken systems, hiring struggles, and chaos behind the scenes. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Hadley Nightingale, who shares his journey from dairy farming to building a real estate company through: 1. Market crashes 2. Bad early decisions 3. Scaling challenges 4. And learning the hard way You’ll learn: 1. Why most investors fail in real estate 2. The biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when scaling 3. How to build systems and teams that actually grow your business 4. How AI is transforming operations and efficiency If you want to avoid costly mistakes and build a real, scalable path to your Freedom Day, this episode is a must-listen. Episode Takeaways: • Why “it’s different this time” is a dangerous mindset in real estate • The costly impact of early bad investment decisions • Why working harder is NOT the solution to scaling • The importance of systems before hiring • Why hiring operators too early can hurt your business • How recurring revenue (property management) stabilizes income • The real reason most businesses fail when scaling • Why AI is a game changer for efficiency and operations • The power of focusing on one business before expanding • How struggle builds the foundation for long-term success About the Guest: Hadley Nightingale is the CEO of New Zealand Property Buyers, founded in 2020. Through his leadership, the business has scaled rapidly in just five years! Today, NZPB manages hundreds of properties and has helped hundreds of clients successfully secure investment properties across New Zealand, operating with a remote team across New Zealand and Southeast Asia. Links: https://www.newzealandpropertybuyers.com/ [https://www.newzealandpropertybuyers.com/] https://www.facebook.com/Newzealandpropertybuyer/ [https://www.facebook.com/Newzealandpropertybuyer/] https://www.instagram.com/hadleynightingale/ [https://www.instagram.com/hadleynightingale/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadleyn/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hadleyn/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “going out and selling something… Who do I know? What can I sell?… validate your product before you've spent any time trying to make it.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? ““Going too wide too soon… and… spending a ton of money on sales and marketing without a solid delivery system… basically burning cash.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Dan Martell's Buy Back Your Time… one of the best books… around hiring and buying back your time.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Manus AI… and Claude… we’re pretty AI heavy… they help run reports, build systems, and improve efficiency.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “not having to worry about money… and having the time to spend with your kids and family… freedom to choose what I do.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.

Building Wealth Through Senior Living | Radhika Rastogi on Passive Income, Syndications, and Purpose-Driven Investing

Most professionals work for years building someone else’s dream—trading time for income, missing family moments, and struggling to create true financial freedom. At the same time, traditional real estate investing is becoming harder… higher costs, tighter margins, and fewer opportunities. What if you’re doing everything right… but still not building real freedom? What if the real opportunity isn’t in what everyone else is doing—but in a space most investors overlook? Meanwhile, a massive demographic shift is happening right now: Millions of baby boomers are entering their later years—and the demand for senior living is exploding. In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Radhika Rastogi, co-founder of Relik Capital Group. Radhika shares her journey from healthcare consulting to building a real estate business—without leaving her W2—while raising a family and redefining what freedom looks like. If you’re serious about building your Freedom Day, this episode will change how you think about investing. Episode Takeaways: • Why senior living is NOT just real estate—but a healthcare business • The massive baby boomer demand wave driving long-term opportunity • How syndications allow you to invest passively with $50K–$100K+ • Why returning investor capital early accelerates wealth building • The importance of operators in real estate success • Risks in senior living: legal, staffing, and operations • How strong company culture improves both returns and resident care • Why proximity and mentorship can accelerate business growth • How AI tools are transforming real estate and business operations • Redefining freedom: balancing wealth, time, and family About the Guest: Radhika Rastogi is the Co-Founder of Relik Capital Group, a senior-living real estate investment firm redefining what it means to raise capital in a sector with explosive demographic demand and limited supply. Radhika enjoys speaking about entrepreneurship, business growth, and real estate investing. She also covers senior living fundamentals, capital-raising strategies, operational value creation, and the emerging opportunities available to today’s investors. Links: https://www.relikcapitalgroup.com/ [https://www.relikcapitalgroup.com/] https://www.facebook.com/rastogirad/ [https://www.facebook.com/rastogirad/] https://www.instagram.com/radhika.invests [https://www.instagram.com/radhika.invests] https://www.linkedin.com/in/rastogi-radhika/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rastogi-radhika/] Fast Five Questions: 1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’ll probably open up a Google Doc and start making a list of like 15, 20 people that are very close to me… I would ask them what they need… I would try to just structure a deal and… raise a friends and family round.” 2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Number one mistake was not paying for proximity sooner… I did everything myself… but did not look for growing my network.” 3. What is a book that you would recommend? “$100 Million Offers by Alex Hormozi… learning how to craft an offer that is irresistible.” 4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “I use Claude every day… it’s like a thought partner in my pocket and I use it for everything.” 5. What is your definition of freedom? “It’s being present with people that I love without asking others permission.” About Jeff: Jeff spent the early part of his career working for others. Jeff had started 5 businesses that failed before he had his first success. Since that time he has learned the principles of a successful business and has been able to build and grow multiple seven-figure businesses. Jeff lives in the Austin area and is actively working in his community and supporting the growth of small businesses. He is a board member of the Incubator.Edu program at Vista Ridge High School and is on the board of directors of the Leander Educational Excellence Foundation Connect with the Freedom Nation podcast at https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/ [https://freedom-nation-podcast.captivate.fm/] Connect with Jeff: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/freedomnationpodcast/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeffKikel [https://twitter.com/JeffKikel] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkikel/] Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.