Members Room

Building a Personal Brand in 2026: Copywriting, AI, and the Power of Connection

In this episode, we sit down with Mia Meltzer - Social Content Manager for F1 Arcade and a seasoned voice in digital marketing to discuss the evolution of storytelling in a tech-driven world. Mia shares her journey from a college PR major to managing organic social strategy for one of the most exciting hospitality brands in the country. Mia explains how the role of a copywriter has shifted from simply writing descriptions to becoming a "human filter" in an AI-saturated market. From the psychological impact of parental encouragement to the strategic use of AI as a "glorified assistant," we explore how staying authentic is the only way to win the battle for attention. We dive deep into the reality of content creation for the "built environment" of hospitality, why personal branding is essential for founders, and the life lessons Mia learned from her father, entrepreneur David Meltzer. Mia’s insights prove that while technology can make us more efficient, the most successful brands are those that lean into human emotion, humor, and community engagement. What to Expect: * The "Human" Element of Copywriting: Why AI can write text but can’t replicate the "flirty, out-of-pocket" personality that makes modern consumers stop scrolling. * AI as a Supplement, Not a Replacement: How Mia uses AI platforms to break through creative blocks and save hundreds of hours without losing her unique voice. * The F1 Arcade Strategy: A behind-the-scenes look at why "Lo-Fi" iPhone content often outperforms high-production video by making the guest experience feel attainable and real. * The "Bud Light" Approach to Branding: Why putting a face to a company is the ultimate way to build trust, and how founders can leverage personal brands to attract investors. * Gratitude and Accountability: Life lessons from David Meltzer on why waking up with "thank you" can fundamentally shift your business trajectory and personal happiness. The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos. Guest – Mia Meltzer * INSTAGRAM: /@miameltzer * LINKEDIN: /in/mia-meltzer Host – Alex Thiakos * INSTAGRAM: /@alexthiakos Members Room * INSTAGRAM: /@membersroom

Real Estate is a Rich Man’s Game - Blockchain is About to Unlock It

In this episode, we sit down with Matthew A. Schneider—Founder and CEO of Building, Inc. and a leading voice in PropTech—to discuss the radical modernization of the "built environment." Matthew shares his journey from day trading and fiction writing to identifying the massive data fragmentation that makes real estate a "rich man's game." Matthew explains how Building, Inc. is creating a "Carfax for buildings," replacing archaic paper boxes with a secure data platform anchored by blockchain. From the shifting geopolitical power of the BRICS nations to the urgent need for Gen-Z to embrace "boring" but essential careers like civil engineering, we explore how verifying the truth about our properties can move civilization forward. We dive deep into the reality of tokenization, why "Building Certified" assets will drive the next wave of institutional capital, and how to stay competitive in an era where infrastructure and energy are the ultimate currencies. Matthew’s insights prove that the most successful founders are those who ground disruptive tech in the hard reality of bricks, mortar, and verifiable data. What to Expect: The "Carfax for Buildings": How Matthew is using blockchain as a digital notary to create a "golden copy" of property data that banks, insurers, and developers can finally trust. Tokenization vs. Hype: Why tokenization isn't just about crypto—it's about the ultimate verification of real-world assets (RWAs) like deeds, contracts, and private equity. Global Wealth Transfer: A look at why Saudi Arabia and Dubai are leading the race in digital deeds, and what the weakening of American hegemony means for the next 20 years. The Infrastructure Gap: Why the AI race isn't limited by software, but by energy—and how China is quietly outpacing the U.S. in producing the engineers and power needed to win. Building as a Verb: A call to action for Gen-Z to pivot from "sensationalist" careers toward the architects and engineers who will build the next century of infrastructure. The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey—hosted by Alex Thiakos. Guest – Matthew A. Schneider INSTAGRAM: /@realmattschneider X (TWITTER): /@mattschneid3r YOUTUBE: @building-inc WEBSITE: building.inc Host – Alex Thiakos INSTAGRAM: /@alexthiakos Members Room INSTAGRAM: /@membersroom TIKTOK: /@membersroom

From the NFL to Recovery: Rebuilding Identity, Purpose & Sobriety

In this powerful episode, we sit down with former Glenn Derby as he shares his raw and honest journey through life in the NFL, the battles that followed, and the work it took to rebuild his life. Glenn opens up about his struggles with addiction, the anger and trauma that shaped many of his early years, and the turning point that ultimately led him to sobriety. Throughout the conversation, Glenn reflects on the highs and lows of his football career, what life looked like behind the scenes during and after the NFL, and how confronting his past became the first step toward lasting change. Today, he channels those experiences into helping others—mentoring young people and supporting individuals who are searching for sobriety, direction, and purpose. This episode is a candid look at resilience, accountability, and the power of transformation. Glenn’s story is a reminder that no matter how difficult the road becomes, it’s always possible to rebuild, heal, and use your experiences to lift others up. The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey, hosted by Alex Thiakos. Guest – Glenn Derby INSTAGRAM: @gderby794 WEBSITE: Glennderby@mac.com FACEBOOK: From the Line to the Light Host – Alex Thiakos INSTAGRAM: @alexthiakos Members Room INSTAGRAM: @membersroom TIKTOK: @membersroom

"Speed Kills": How to Network with the Top 1% in Miami

In this episode, we sit down with Pedro Avila Jr, a Chicago-born, Miami-based podcaster and content creator, to discuss the relentless pursuit of growth in your 20s. From his transition from a psychology major to a full-time interviewer, Pedro explores the "speed kills" mentality of the Miami networking scene and the discipline required to build a digital brand from scratch. We dive deep into the mechanics of viral clipping, the monetization of bilingual content, and why the biggest risk in your youth is playing it safe. What to Expect: - The "Speed Kills" Networking Strategy: How Pedro landed a podcast with Cousin Jay (Nelk Boys) within 10 minutes of a TikTok Live interaction by being authentic and fast. - The Quantity vs. Quality Debate: Why Pedro advocates for a "quantity first" approach for new creators to build consistency and find their voice before obsessing over production value. - Monetizing the Niche: Insights into the lucrative bilingual market, the reality of TikTok's Creativity Program payouts, and how to scale a clipping business. - The Psychology of the "Inner Circle": A breakdown of the Miami mindset vs. Chicago's "quiet money" and why your energy level is more valuable than your bank account at 25. The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey, hosted by Alex Thiakos. Guest – Pedro INSTAGRAM: @inyour20sofficial & @vote_4pedrooo YOUTUBE: In Your 20s Show TIKTOK: @inyour20s_ Host – Alex Thiakos INSTAGRAM: @alexthiakos Members Room INSTAGRAM: @membersroom TIKTOK: @membersroom

The Internal Operating System: Mastering Identity & High-Performance Psychology

In this episode, we sit down with Jesse Hoffman, a performance psychologist and mental coach for C-suite executives, to discuss upgrading your "internal operating system" for elite success. From his roots in sports psychology to mentoring high-ticket entrepreneurs, Jesse explores how identity-based growth and the "Being to Become" framework can bridge the gap between your current reality and your idealized self. We dive deep into the biological power of visualization and why the fear of success is often more paralyzing than the fear of failure. What to Expect: The "Being to Become" Framework: Why you must exist as the person you want to be in the present tense to wire your brain for future achievements. The Science of High-Ticket Sales: Mastering the 90% of non-verbal communication,including tone, silence, and posture, to convert through clarity and conviction rather than pressure. Energy Management vs. Burnout: A breakdown of the four quadrants of energy (Physical, Emotional, Cognitive, and Social) and why "burnout" is often just stagnant energy that needs to flow. The Motivation Loop: Why dopamine-driven motivation is more powerful than raw discipline, and how to use operant conditioning to spark massive action in your daily routine. The Members Room is a space for founders, creators, and business owners to share their journey, hosted by Alex Thiakos. Guest – Jesse Hoffman INSTAGRAM: @jessehhoffman YOUTUBE: Jesse Hoffman Host – Alex Thiakos INSTAGRAM: @alexthiakos Members Room INSTAGRAM: @membersroom TIKTOK: @membersroom