Why Would They? — Episode 11: Two Phones and No Vacation (Jessica “JLo” Perez)

Why Would They? — Episode 12: Curiosity Killed the Cat (Shauna Mucklow)

What would make a proven entrepreneur—someone who’s started and scaled “real” businesses—say yes to network marketing? In Episode 012, Jami Williams interviews Shauna Mucklow, a Midwest entrepreneur who had already built multiple companies with big startup costs and big responsibility… but behind the scenes felt strapped, shackled, and quietly wondering, “Is this what the next 20 years is going to look like?” Shauna shares the honest turning point: she was skeptical, had strong opinions about the industry, and almost backed away the moment she realized the product was sold through a network marketing model. But curiosity got the best of her—and what she discovered surprised her: a publicly traded company, real customer-driven revenue, and the option for people to simply be customers (not forced into “pay to play”). From there, Shauna breaks down what it actually looked like to build while life was full—two kids, another business still running, and zero extra time. Her approach was simple and real: 15-minute pockets, lunch hours, quick conversations, and a few evening hours after the kids went to bed. Less than a year later, she sold her other business and went all-in. This episode also goes deeper than business—into identity, confidence, and what happens when you start outgrowing old beliefs around money and what you “deserve.” And of course, the fun part: the unexpected perks, friendships, and experiences that came with building alongside other people. In this episode, you’ll hear: * Why Shauna resisted network marketing at first (and what changed her mind) * The “publicly traded + customer revenue” detail that flipped her perspective * How she built with a full life (without sacrificing her marriage or kids) * The internal battle: letting go of guilt and old money mindsets * Why proximity, community, and personal growth become the real advantage If you’ve ever felt stuck in success—or like your life looks good on the outside but feels heavy on the inside—this one will hit home.

Why Would They? — Episode 11: Two Phones and No Vacation (Jessica “JLo” Perez)

Ever hit a point where you realize you’re doing everything “right”… and you’re still capped, stressed, and stuck? In Episode 011, Brandon Cunningham sits down with Jessica “JLo” Perez—a former high-profile city manager in Tampa who oversaw 200+ employees and 30+ facilities, lived on two phones, and learned the hard way that “stable” doesn’t always mean secure. Jessica opens up about the moment she hit the ceiling in her career, why she walked away, and how a surprise setback (getting let go from a nonprofit role) became the exact turning point that pushed her to lean into network marketing—when it was never part of her original “blueprint.” She breaks down what changed everything: trusting the right person, getting coached, avoiding comparison, and building enough momentum to create real breathing room fast—then eventually stepping into the kind of flexibility and income that let her upgrade her life, support her family, and pursue work she truly cares about. In this episode, you’ll hear: * What it feels like to be “successful” and still suffocating * How Jessica created $2,500/month in breathing room within 6 months * Why comparison kills momentum (and how she flipped the mindset) * The truth about the rollercoaster—and how to reset without quitting * Why mentors, systems, and community are the real advantage * Her advice for anyone on the fence: take the leap—and get honest about where you want to be next year If you’ve ever wondered “why would they do network marketing?”—Jessica’s story makes it real.

Why Would They? — Episode 10: From Kailua to Global Impact (Mark Shinsato)

What would make someone with an MBA, a solid career path, and a “good life” choose network marketing—and then stick with it when it got hard? In Episode 010, we sit down with Mark Shinsato, a kid from Kailua, Oahu who became the first in his family to go to university, built a traditional career, and eventually realized the “safe route” was quietly stealing the one thing he couldn’t buy back: time. Mark opens up about the moment fatherhood hit him—bringing his first daughter home, feeling the joy… and then the fear of “How am I going to create a great life for her?” He talks about the grind of salary life (early mornings, late nights), and why he started searching for a better way—what he calls building an economic engine that can create leverage. He also shares the honest truth about his early mindset: he didn’t think network marketing was for him. He had the same assumptions most people do—until real-world exposure flipped the switch. From there, Mark breaks down the exact “checklist” he used to evaluate the profession and the company, why he finally said yes, and what it really took to build momentum. Then comes the moment that will hit every parent in the gut: while Mark was in Japan building, his daughter told him, “You lied to me.” He promised more time… and it felt like he had less. Mark shares what happened next, why he almost quit, and how he talked himself back into the work—because he knew going back to the old path would only create more of the same. Today, Mark and his wife lead and support teams internationally, and this episode is a masterclass in belief, resilience, and building something that can outlast your schedule. In this episode, you’ll hear: * Why the “safe job” can become the riskiest plan long-term * The checklist Mark used to evaluate network marketing (and avoid hype) * The real cost of building in the beginning—and why most people quit too early * How Mark handled the guilt, the pressure, and the pivot point that almost ended it * Why “freedom” isn’t a feeling—it’s something you build If you’ve ever wondered, “Why would they do this?”… Mark’s story answers it in a way that’s real and relatable.

Why Would They? — Episode 09: Proximity Pays (Why Events Matter in Network Marketing)

Network marketing isn’t a “know everything” business… it’s a get around the right people business. In Episode 009, we break down why events, trainings, and community are the real accelerators—because belief is contagious, skill is transferable, and momentum usually comes from proximity. We also talk about the funny side of it (yes, sometimes it can feel like a “timeshare spiel” at first)… and how to tell the difference between hype and a real culture that builds people. If you’ve been stuck, doubting yourself, or doing this alone in your head—this episode is your reminder: you don’t need a new personality… you need a better environment. In this episode, you’ll hear: * Why the room changes your confidence faster than another YouTube video * How to use events to recruit, retain, and rebuild belief * The simple “connection strategy” that turns strangers into teammates * What to listen for so you can avoid hype and find real leadership Plus, we answer a quick listener question about where to watch “The Favorite.”

Why Would They? — Episode 08: No $100 in the Bank (Patti Goolsby)

What would make someone who’s already working nonstop—multiple jobs, constant stress, and barely staying afloat—still choose to build something on the side? In Episode 008, host Brian Highfield sits down with Patti Goolsby, who spent 26 years in the dental field and knew what hard work looked like long before adulthood. Patti shares a powerful story of survival mode—divorce, raising her daughter, juggling extra jobs, and chasing a better option while trying not to miss the moments that mattered most. Then in 2010, right as her daughter was preparing for college, Patti reluctantly walked into a meeting (arms folded, sitting front row)… and saw what she’d been searching for her entire life: true leverage. Even with less than $100 to her name, she found a way to start—and soon after, life tested her again when she lost her job and had to cash out her 401(k) just to stay afloat. But she kept showing up. Kept building. Kept learning. And over time, that decision helped her family create stability, pay for college without student loans, rebuild financial ground, and create flexibility she now uses to care for loved ones and support the next generation. In this episode, you’ll hear: * The difference between “working hard” and building leverage * How Patti pushed through fear, doubt, and outside opinions * Why community and mentorship matter more than talent * The long-game truth: rebuilding finances and confidence takes time—but it’s worth it * A strong challenge for anyone on the fence: get honest about where you are and what needs to change