Carmichael Lewis: Turning Pain Into Purpose for the Next Generation

Dre Baldwin: How Discipline Becomes Your Competitive Advantage

Most people want 'pro-level' results with beginner habits. In this episode, you’ll learn how to flip that script by mastering discipline, defining your principles, and treating life like the ultimate results-based game. In this episode, Dante and Dre discuss: * Growing up in Philly and a late start in basketball * Creating early basketball content on YouTube and building an audience * Origin and evolution of the “Work on Your Game” philosophy * Discipline as a competitive advantage and lifestyle * Transitioning from pro athlete to entrepreneur and life after sports Key Takeaways:  * Discipline is the foundational competitive advantage because so few people are willing to consistently do the unglamorous work required for long-term success. * Confidence is earned through disciplined preparation; when you repeatedly do the work, performance and self-belief become a self-fulfilling cycle. * Real growth after your early 20s is not automatic; if you’re not intentionally developing yourself, you’re likely stagnating while others keep climbing. * Every choice has an opportunity cost; committing deeply to one path means consciously releasing distractions, options, and habits that don’t serve your desired outcomes. * Long-term success depends on having clear, non-negotiable principles that guide decisions, behaviors, and strategy, especially when circumstances or opinions around you change.   “Anything you commit to doing, the cost of that commitment is everything else that you cannot do.” - Dre Baldwin About Dre Baldwin: Dre Baldwin is the founder of Work On Your Game®, a mindset and performance philosophy focused on discipline, confidence, and strategic execution. A 4-time TEDx speaker, 43-time author, former professional basketball player, and business coach, Dre helps entrepreneurs and high-level professionals strengthen their leadership, scale their businesses, and perform at their highest level through mindset, systems, and consistent action. Connect with Dre Baldwin: Website: https://www.workonyourgame.com/work-on-your-game-is-the-operating-system-for-top-2-performers [https://www.workonyourgame.com/work-on-your-game-is-the-operating-system-for-top-2-performers]   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dreallday/]  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/https://www.danteroyster.com/ [https://www.danteroyster.com/] Epic Mortgage Website: https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 [https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086EpicMortgage1885086 [https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086] Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ [https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/] “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631 [https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/Dante Royster | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterhttps://twitter.com/DanteRoyster [https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster] YouTube: Epic Spotlight  [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicMortgageSpotlight] Email: dante@epic.mortgage [dante@epic.mortgage]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Andrew Bosserman: Surviving IRS Audits and Building a Tax-Smart Business

If the idea of an IRS letter in your mailbox makes your stomach drop, this episode will show you how to prepare, respond, and protect your business. In this episode, Dante and Andrew discuss: * Journey from IRS agent to tax attorney and entrepreneur * Common recordkeeping and documentation mistakes in small businesses * How and why the IRS selects tax returns for audit * Handling IRS notices, audits, and staying compliant * CPAs vs. tax strategists and finding the right tax professional Key Takeaways:  * Poor documentation and sloppy recordkeeping are among the biggest reasons small business owners end up owing more tax after an audit. * Most audits are not random; they’re driven by discrepancies, patterns, or specific IRS projects identified through internal algorithms. * Treating the IRS as an enemy is counterproductive; results often come from remembering there’s a real person on the other side of your case. * Regularly checking both bank statements and IRS transcripts can reveal penalties, errors, or even embezzlement before they spiral out of control. * Investing in a skilled, communicative CPA and, when needed, specialized tax strategists can save far more money and stress than cutting corners on tax help.   “I think the mark of a good professional is they should be able to explain taxes, you know, in a way that you can understand.” - Andrew Bosserman About Andrew Bosserman: Andrew Bosserman knows how the IRS thinks because he used to work there. As a former IRS agent turned IRS defense attorney, he now defends the business owners he once audited. Andrew founded Boss Tax Law to give taxpayers what they rarely get in tax disputes: an advocate who understands both sides of the table, as well as the human side of dealing with the IRS. He’s also a CPA who has prepared hundreds of tax returns and a small business owner who ran a Christmas tree farm. Andrew lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and kids. Connect with Andrew Bosserman: Website: https://andrewbosserman.com/ [https://andrewbosserman.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbosserman/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbosserman/]  Book - The IRS Survival Guide: https://bosstaxlaw.com/the-irs-survival-guide/ [https://bosstaxlaw.com/the-irs-survival-guide/]  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/https://www.danteroyster.com/ [https://www.danteroyster.com/] Epic Mortgage Website: https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 [https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086EpicMortgage1885086 [https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086] Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ [https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/] “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631 [https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/Dante Royster | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterhttps://twitter.com/DanteRoyster [https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster] YouTube: Epic Spotlight  [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicMortgageSpotlight] Email: dante@epic.mortgage [dante@epic.mortgage]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Tiff Thompson: Beyond Meds – Making Neurotherapy a New Standard of Care

Discover how brain mapping and personalized, multimodal neurostimulation are helping people overcome anxiety, depression, and ADHD, and optimize cognitive performance, without relying solely on medication. In this episode, Dante and Tiff discuss: * Career shift from renewable energy to neurotherapy * Neurofeedback vs. neuromodulation and how they work * Mental health treatment limitations and misconceptions * Building a clinic, school, and hardware/software ecosystem * Future of brain science, AI, and personalized neurostimulation Key Takeaways:  * The brain is highly trainable, and noninvasive neurostimulation can help shift entrenched patterns that drive anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other conditions. * Medication can be useful, but often functions as a symptom suppressor rather than addressing root causes in brain function. * Effective neurotherapy requires personalized, data-driven protocols built from detailed brain mapping, not one-size-fits-all devices or weekend certifications. * Intensive, frequent sessions over a short period tend to produce more lasting change than sporadic visits, because they disrupt old neural patterns before they reassert themselves. * The field of neurotherapy is still under-regulated, making high-quality education, rigorous data analysis, and competent clinicians critical for patient outcomes and the future of the discipline.   “I really want to improve the quality of the information, the high-quality computational information about the brain, right? And I want that to be, if anything, I want that to be my legacy, is that we've taken a field and really made it a beautiful, shining example of how to read people's brain data.” - Tiff Thompson About Tiff Thompson: Tiff Thompson, PhD, MFT, QEEGD, R.EEG.T, BCNT, is a clinical neuroscientist, licensed therapist, educator, and technologist, and the founder of the Santa Barbara–based clinic NeuroField Neurotherapy, where she provides QEEG-based functional brain consulting to clinicians. With experience spanning neurology clinics, diverse clinical settings, and teaching from kindergarten through university levels, she brings a multidisciplinary perspective to brain health and education. Tiff has served as Executive Director of the Western Association of Biofeedback and Neuroscience and holds two master’s degrees in Depth Counseling Psychology and Rhetoric, along with a PhD in Psychology focused on the intersection of psychodynamic theory and EEG. She is board-certified in neurotherapy and a licensed diplomate of quantitative EEG. Alongside her husband, Nicholas Dogris, she teaches neuromodulation and neurofeedback courses globally through NeuroField, Inc., organizes an annual neurotherapy conference in Santa Barbara, and leads The School of Neurotherapy, an online platform offering training in quantitative EEG, board certification in neurotherapy, and neuromodulation education, while regularly delivering public lectures on neurodiagnostics and clinical neurostimulation.  Connect with Tiff Thompson: Website: https://www.schoolofneurotherapy.com/ [https://www.schoolofneurotherapy.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiff-thompson-phd-2ab1525/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiff-thompson-phd-2ab1525/]  Email: info@schoolofneurotherapy.com [info@schoolofneurotherapy.com] & tiffthompson@gmail.com [tiffthompson@gmail.com]  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/https://www.danteroyster.com/ [https://www.danteroyster.com/] Epic Mortgage Website: https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 [https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086EpicMortgage1885086 [https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086] Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ [https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/] “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631 [https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/Dante Royster | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterhttps://twitter.com/DanteRoyster [https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster] YouTube: Epic Spotlight  [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicMortgageSpotlight] Email: dante@epic.mortgage [dante@epic.mortgage]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Dante Royster: Don’t Just Listen—Apply: The Discipline That Changes Everything

Stop just consuming motivation and start converting it. This episode walks you through turning inspiration into a real-life transformation. In this episode, Dante discusses: * Turning knowledge into action * Self-auditing and intentional growth * Money mindset and paying yourself first * Systems, discipline, and consistency * Saying yes, embracing discomfort, and seizing opportunity Key Takeaways:  * Growth doesn’t come from more information; it comes from actively applying what you already know with intention. * Regular self-audits, what went well, where you fell short, and what you’ll do differently, create a clear path for continual improvement. * Money is less about math and more about behavior; paying yourself first and making one financial move each week can transform your future. * Systems and consistency outlast short-term motivation; building repeatable habits is what separates the winners from the stallers. * Opportunities often arrive disguised as fear, risk, or discomfort, which is why saying “yes” more and surrounding yourself with driven people is critical.   “The life you want only responds to the version of you you're willing to become.” - Dante Royster Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/https://www.danteroyster.com/ [https://www.danteroyster.com/] Epic Mortgage Website: https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 [https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086EpicMortgage1885086 [https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086] Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ [https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/] “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631 [https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/Dante Royster | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterhttps://twitter.com/DanteRoyster [https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster] YouTube: Epic Spotlight  [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicMortgageSpotlight] Email: dante@epic.mortgage [dante@epic.mortgage]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.

Christian Boucousis: Fighter Pilot Lessons on Leadership, Purpose, and Flawless Execution

If you feel busy but not moving forward, this episode will change how you think about purpose, ownership, and daily reflection. Learn how elite fighter pilot debriefs can transform your work and life. In this episode, Dante and Christian discuss: * How early purpose and identity shape long-term success and direction * Fighter pilot leadership principles applied to business and life * The power of debriefing and intentional reflection for continuous growth * Why investing in weaknesses, not just strengths, creates elite performance * The role of ownership, accountability, and clarity in high-performing teams Key Takeaways:  * Purpose doesn’t have to be grand; it can be found in small, intentional actions. When every action has meaning, it builds identity and consistency over time. * High performers focus on their shortcomings, not just their strengths. Addressing blind spots is what prevents failure and accelerates growth. * Flawless execution isn’t about perfection; it’s about controlling what you can and adapting to what you can’t. This mindset removes excuses and builds resilience. * Debriefing is a powerful tool for self-awareness and improvement. By reflecting daily and making small adjustments, progress becomes inevitable. * Leadership is less about telling and more about asking. When people solve problems themselves, engagement and ownership increase significantly.   “So ownership is simplicity, and when you start owning things, you start to realize I'm owning too many things.” - Christian Boucousis About Christian Boucousis: Christian “Boo” Boucousis is a former fighter pilot, leadership strategist, author, and keynote speaker known for translating elite military performance principles into practical tools for business and life. With years of experience flying high-performance aircraft and leading teams in high-pressure environments, Boo brings a rare perspective on decision-making, accountability, and execution when the stakes are highest. After his military career, he transitioned into leadership development, coaching executives, entrepreneurs, and teams on building clarity, discipline, and resilience. Drawing from fighter pilot frameworks such as mission planning, debriefing, and flawless execution, he helps leaders cut through complexity, perform under pressure, and create cultures of continuous improvement. Boo is also the host of The Few Podcast, where he explores leadership, performance, and personal growth with thought leaders and high performers across industries, and is known for his direct, relatable style that challenges people to raise their standards, take ownership, and lead with purpose both professionally and personally.  Connect with Christian Boucousis: Website: https://www.afterburner.com/ [https://www.afterburner.com/]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christian-boo-boucousis/]  Connect with Dante Royster: Website: https://www.danteroyster.com/https://www.danteroyster.com/ [https://www.danteroyster.com/] Epic Mortgage Website: https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/Epic Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 1885086 [https://bison-primrose-e28y.squarespace.com/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086EpicMortgage1885086 [https://www.facebook.com/EpicMortgage1885086] Epic Mortgage Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/ [https://www.instagram.com/epicmortgage/] “The Ultimate Mortgage Guide” book: https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631 [https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Mortgage-Guide-Secure-Best/dp/1956220631]  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/Dante Royster | LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dante-royster-36b80b5/] Twitter: https://twitter.com/DanteRoysterhttps://twitter.com/DanteRoyster [https://twitter.com/DanteRoyster] YouTube: Epic Spotlight  [https://www.youtube.com/@EpicMortgageSpotlight] Email: dante@epic.mortgage [dante@epic.mortgage]   The 9 states that Epic Mortgage is licensed are: Illinois/Indiana/Michigan/Colorado/Maryland/Virginia/Florida/Georgia/Texas Show notes by Podcastologist: Francine Poblete Audio production by Turnkey Podcast Productions. [https://t.sidekickopen77.com/s1t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lM8dDMPbW2n0x6l2B9nMJN7t5XWPdSD1CW2zq9rs4Y8_jsTmtwR3JwfC-103?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW4mKLS-4fPf-FW3XWJt643Pr3GF4cQb1fmLXp1&si=8000000000242417&pi=a234d7d8-f11b-4fd4-feb6-16232278dc85]You're the expert. Your podcast will prove it.