Wins + Lessons Podcast

Don't Fail New Year Resolutions: Be a Work in Progress!

Most New Year’s resolutions don’t fail months into the year — they fail by week one. In this episode of Wins + Lessons, we run an honest 2026 accountability check and introduce a mindset that actually works: stop chasing perfection and become a Work in Progress. We break down why 80% of resolutions fail, how discipline beats motivation, and why waiting for January 1st sets most people up to quit. From 75 Hard (version 1.2) to finances, fitness, faith, relationships, and cutting habits that quietly drain progress, this conversation is about building momentum that lasts — not starting over again. If you’ve ever restarted a goal, fallen off, or felt behind before the year even started, this episode is for you. There are no losses in life. Only lessons.

Once You Understand This About Comparison, You're Free | EP 016

On this episode of Wins + Lessons, we tackle the age-old saying 'keeping up with the Joneses,' exploring how constantly comparing yourself to others can shape our decisions. We dive into the real impact this has on our finances and the money pressure it creates, emphasizing the importance of focusing on individual personal growth over external validation. Discover insights into cultivating peace of mind and protecting your mental health by charting your own course. We appreciate every listener who grows with us each episode.As a thank-you, grab 20% off your Wins + Lessons merch on BrokenTraditions.com [BrokenTraditions.com] — just use code WLPODCAST20 at checkout.Because every win deserves a reminder.If this episode helped you, consider supporting the show on Patreon so we can keep creating independent content: www.patreon.com/BrokenTraditions [www.patreon.com/BrokenTraditions]

How I Learned The Music Industry Doesn’t Pay Artists — and What I Did | EP 015 | Shawn Haynes

We appreciate every listener who grows with us each episode.As a thank-you, grab 20% off your Wins + Lessons merch on BrokenTraditions.com [www.BrokenTraditions.com] — just use code WLPODCAST20 at checkout.Because every win deserves a reminder. If this episode helped you, consider supporting the show on Patreon so we can keep creating independent content: patreon.com/BrokenTraditions Imagine discovering your gift for music in your mid-30s… and then realizing the music industry still pays artists fractions of a penny for their work. In this episode of Wins + Lessons, Leron and Lex sit down with Shawn Haynes, an independent R&B artist, producer, and finance professional who refused to let the industry decide his value. Shawn talks about why he turned away from traditional label deals and streaming payouts, and how he built a direct-to-fan model that lets him keep ownership of his music and his message. Shawn shares: Why streaming royalties don’t add up for most artists How selling watermelon and produce in Long Island helps fund his music career Lessons from almost 30 years on Wall Street and what he’s learned about money, risk, and the economy His views on social media, algorithms, and AI – and why he doesn’t trust platforms with his future A powerful conversation on Black love, partnership, and accountability in real life vs online narratives He closes by sharing his biggest win and most important lesson from navigating music, money, and manhood on his own terms. This episode is for independent artists, creatives, and anyone trying to fund their dream without losing themselves in the process. 🎙 Guest: Shawn Haynes – Independent R&B artist www.shawnhaynes.com [www.shawnhaynes.com] 🎧 Show: Wins + Lessons – where there are no losses in life, only lessons.

Why Every Adult Needs a Third Spot | EP 014

On this episode of Wins + Lessons, Leron and Lex explore the self-improvement concept of the Third Spot — the place outside home and work where adults reconnect with themselves and rebuild community. A third spot can ground you, help you grow, and give you a space that isn’t about responsibility… but about you. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck, isolated, or craving deeper connection in adulthood. We appreciate every listener who grows with us each episode.As a thank-you, grab 20% off your Wins + Lessons merch on BrokenTraditions.com [ww.w.BrokenTraditions.com] — just use code WLPODCAST20 at checkout.Because every win deserves a reminder.

Trademark Forced My REBRAND: This Is How I COMEBACK | EP 013 | Gianni Orisawayi

We appreciate every listener who grows with us each episode.As a thank-you, grab 20% off your Wins + Lessons merch on BrokenTraditions.com [ww.BrokenTraditions.com] — just use code WLPODCAST20 at checkout.Because every win deserves a reminder. When a trademark dispute forces you to shut down, do you quit—or rebuild stronger? Independent perfumer Gianni Orisawayi shares how he closed a brand he spent six years building, why he chose to rebrand, and the mindset that carried him from setback to second launch. We cover the emotional hit of ending “Oluri,” the creative reset that followed, and the practical business math behind indie fragrance: unit costs, packaging, minimum order quantities, and self-funding. Gianni also breaks down the role of mentorship, the power of community at the Black Nose Lab, and the routines that help him balance a 9-to-5 with a 5-to-9. If you’re a founder, creator, or indie brand builder navigating a cease-and-desist, this episode is a playbook for resilience, rebranding, and momentum. Highlights Trademark clash & closing “Allori” Rebrand strategy: document the journey, ship imperfectly Pricing, MOQ, and funding realities for small fragrance brands Mentorship, community, faith, and routines that keep you moving Follow Gianni: @curatedbygianni “This is Wins + Lessons—where we believe there’s no loses in life, only lessons.”