Épisodes

  • Scars Are the Curriculum: The 5-Phase Blueprint for Building a Business They Can't Take From You
    May 29 2026
    The last few years handed me a stack of things I never ordered — Parkinson's, brain surgery, a pandemic, and financial pressure I've talked about openly in older episodes and on YouTube. In this brand-new, unedited, "live-to-drive" relaunch of The Ray Edwards Show, I'm not going to rehash the wounds. I'm going to do something more useful: I'm going to hand you the scars. Because the scars, as I've come to see it, are the curriculum. And what I learned in that fire has rewired everything I teach about building a business in this strange, contracting, AI-rewired moment — including why nearly every entrepreneur I meet is trying to build a personal brand in exactly the wrong order.. Here's a peek at what you'll discover when you press play: The tight little phrase I now use to describe my current state of freedom — and the brutal price I paid over the last few years to earn the right to say it.The disease: "out-of-sequentialism". You probably have it -- becuase it's quietly killing almost every coach, consultant, and creator online right now (my friend Armand Morin gave it the name) — and the embarrassingly simple test that tells you in 30 seconds whether you've got it.The Tony Robbins example about a dog and a kid named Johnny — and what it reveals about why your message isn't landing, no matter how much copy you rewrite.The dollar-store habit I credit with saving more of my best ideas than any AI tool, app, or "second brain" system ever has — and the three reasons it still humiliates your phone in 2026. (Hint: Alex Mandossian was right.)The single Bible verse I call "the entire permission slip" you need to stop hiding your gift from the marketplace — and how to read it without the religious baggage that's kept you small for years.Why "the ultimate sacrifice" wasn't REALLY the ultimate sacrifice — and the surprisingly mercenary reason Jesus did what he did, according to the Book of Hebrews. (Some pastors will not love this segment. I'm at peace with that.)The Casey Neistat number proves you don't need to be famous, funded, or follow-rich to build a business that buys back your life. (He started $200,000 in debt. With a camcorder.)The difference between Mission and Vision — confused by 95% of the entrepreneurs I've coached — and the single reason their goals never compound into anything bigger than a to-do list.The deceptively simple Destiny Formula that turns vague mission statements into something you can actually wake up and execute on Monday morning.Why "fair" does not mean "equal" — and how getting this one distinction wrong will keep you stuck in quiet resentment for the rest of your business career.The "interruptibility test" I use to decide whether a business is actually worth building — and why most "successful" entrepreneurs fail it without realizing it.A coffee shop in Spokane called Revel 77 — and the one thing it does that quietly destroys generic competitors without ever undercutting them on price. (You can steal this for any business, in any niche, this week.)Why marketing is NOT what you think it is — and the three-word definition that makes it 10x easier to do, even if you've never written a sales letter in your life.The Earl Nightingale "fireplace" line that exposes why most entrepreneurs are quietly broke. (You've made this exact mistake. Probably this week.)The reverse-engineering math that turns a $104,000 income goal into one doable, repeatable weekly task — no hype, no hustle-bro nonsense, no hopium.Why "lead magnets are dead" is one of the dumbest things being said online right now — and the value-first sequence that still prints money in 2026 (and will print more of it in 2027).The three traits every piece of marketing must have to spread on its own. The War of Art has all three. Your Best Year Ever has all three. Yours probably has one — at best.The "modern elder" our culture has discarded — and why being over 50 may be your single biggest unfair advantage in the AI era. (At 60, I'm making the case.)The four questions you must answer about your customer — in this exact order — before you write a single piece of sales copy, run a single ad, or post a single piece of content.The one phase that, when skipped, makes every other phase collapse — and the surprisingly philosophical question you must answer to nail it. (Most entrepreneurs would rather do anything than sit with this question. That's the tell.)What "destiny" actually means, etymologically — and why you can change yours today, even if today turns out to be the only day you have left. Press play. Pull out the pen and notebook I'll tell you to grab anyway. And get ready to find out exactly which phase you've been skipping. 🎧 Listen now → [The Ray Edwards Show, Episode 686] 📄 Grab the free companion report that walks through all five phases in detail: rayedwards.com/5pillars
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    56 min
  • What A.I. Cannot Take From You
    Apr 14 2026
    A.I. has stripped all value from generic content. Content is not only abundant, it's become practically infinite and worthless. So, where does that leave us mere mortals? There are 5 things you have that you might not recognize as assets, but they absolutely are. This week, I'll give you the breakdown of 5 things that you have that AI can never replicate. Key Insights Seth Godin's Talking Dog metaphorDon't Dismiss the Miracle ... and don't give it everythingNate B Jones: When AI makes building free, the question becomes "Do I own something structural that AI cannot replicate?"When AI makes everything abundant, the scarce things become infinitely more valuableContent, code, images, research, first drafts...essentially free and infiniteWhat things can AI not manufacture or copy Trust: AI cannot manufacture the trust you've built with your audienceContext: Providing AI with your body of work can help it replicate your thinkingDistribution: Content is not scarce. The value of generic content is 0. Your list (email, podcast, customers) - the direct lines you control are extremely valuableYour Taste: AI has no point of view. Your ability to look at 100 options and know which one is right is something you've built through years of experienceAccountability: Somebody has to be responsible. Your name carries weight.My "Personal Knowledge Architecture" - Keep your context, notes, and knowledge organizedGet on the waiting list!This week: AI Accelerator Summit- Get your Free Ticket Here Links Seth Godin - The "Talking Dog"Nate B Jones - Insightful strategistThe AI Accelerator Summit (Starts 4/15!): Grab your FREE ticket and join me an 14 of my most respected, successful colleagues as we break down how AI is changing our businesses. If you want to skip the hype and get down to the brass tacks of what tools some of the top entrepreneurs are using, this is where you want to be! How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. Questions or comments?Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramVisit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    12 min
  • How To Build An Audience Without Showing Your Face
    Apr 9 2026
    I've coached a lot of people to "start making videos". It's an essential part of building your brand and attracting the right people. Putting your personality on display will weed out those you don't click with and strengthen the bonds with your fans.​​That's all true, but the fact is...Not everyone can physically do this.As a person living with Parkinson's, I have windows of time where my body is willing to cooperate with me and do what I need it to. Some days those windows are very short...Other days they're nonexistent. ​​There are millions of people with physical and mental challenges that make it difficult or impossible to be on camera. This week, I want to prove to you that you're not out of the game because of these limitations. You have options! ​Key Insights The notion that the only pathway to success for a content creator is through a lens is falseIf you have a condition (ADHD, Parkinson's, Anxiety) that makes it hard or impossible to be on camera, AI has given you optionsThis is not "cheating"Be open and transparent. This will enhance your credibility with your audienceRomans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"Your physical limitations do not disqualify you from participatingThe gatekeepers are gone. AI has kicked the gate wide open!Life is not happening to you…it's happening For you. Links AI Accelerator Summit - Happening next week! (4/15-4/17) Join Ray Edwards, Bryan & Noelle Switalski, and 14 World-Class Experts for 3 Days That Could Change How You Work Forever. This live event is 100% FREE: Get your ticket here! Video And Transcript How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show.Questions or comments?Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramVisit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    19 min
  • AI or Die
    Apr 2 2026
    Imagine you have a disease that is consuming your mobility...your speech. All of the tools you're accustomed to using to communicate with others are taken from you. Perhaps only months ago you were known as a compelling storyteller...a charismatic figure who could light up the room with charming wit. Now a disease has reduced you to blinking once for yes and twice for no. It's a horrible thought, but for some it's an unstoppable reality.​​A.I. is changing this. It's on the verge of freeing many people from this isolation, and that is AMAZING!​​This week, Sean and I catch up on life in the coffee biz, discuss the importance of honesty and transparency, and highlight some of the former science fiction that AI is making possible.​​Incredible things are happening right now. Things that this nerdy kid who was raised on Star Trek never thought he'd live to see...but here we are. In the business world, AI is empowering entrepreneurs to achieve feats that traditionally require teams of high-dollar experts. Not anymore. The playing field is more level than it has ever been in modern times. It's not too late to be one of the "early adopters" who skyrockets to success by mastering a few tools. Don't get sucked into the Luddite, fear-mongering click bait. Focus on the positive impacts this new technology is making and learn how to use it to improve your life and the lives of others. FYI: That is exactly what the AI Accelerator Summit is all about - Successful entrepreneurs showing you how their businesses have been propelled by a few tools that are available to all of us. This is a FREE live event, not to be missed. You don't have to buy a seat, but you do need to claim your free ticket: Click Here to grab a spot. Key Insights An update on Sean's business Stuff you probably didn't know about coffee Flavor descriptions…real or marketing? Spiritual Foundations: Do not lie! White lies are still lies Try to not tell a single lie for an entire week Whatever you achieve by lying, you can only keep by lying Can you be honest without being brutal? Be honest with your customers even if it costs you the sale The "digital me" we're using in marketing (and disclosing that fact) If you're using AI, be up front! The "Cynicism Tax" Consumer fears of AI deception What AI is making possible for those of us with physical challenges Neuralink - Incredible new AI-powered technology gives ALS patient his voice back The AI Accelerator Summit - Free, 3-day event where you will learn from 14 incredible entrepreneurs how they are using AI to accelerate their business Links The AI Accelerator Summit - April 15th-17th Incredible Neuralink Technology allows ALS patient to speak again AI Accelerator Summit Trailer featuring my Digital Clone How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. Questions or comments?Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramVisit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    43 min
  • Create Your Digital Clone
    Mar 27 2026
    At some point in your life you've probably thought something like, "I wish there were two of me to get all of this done!" This week, I'm sharing some material I created for our upcoming AI Accelerator Summit. Why? Because even if you don't attend the summit (you absolutely should), this valuable little snippet will explain why you should be exploring this arena and putting these new tools to work, AND why you shouldn't be focusing on all the negative fear mongering, but instead think about the positive ways you can impact your life and the lives of those around you. Key Insights Don't miss the AI Accelerator Summit April 15th-17thWhich AI?Surround yourself with like minded proponents of AIThe BIG Change - This has simplified everythingUse AI to create leverage (not more work!)The "trust recession" - Be AUTHENTIC and HONESTThe "Human Spark" - AI never had it, never willDon't lose your voiceAI is a powerful partner that can help you organize your thoughts Links The AI Accelerator Summit - April 15th-17th. 14 World-Class Experts for 3 Days That Could Change How You Work Forever How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    12 min
  • 3 Ways Writers Can Win With AI - And Never Be Replaced By It
    Mar 19 2026
    Dear writing pros,Are you afraid that using AI is simply feeding the monster that will ultimately eat your career? This week, I'm looking to change your mind by reminding you of what you have that AI doesn't. By this time tomorrow, you can be more productive, 10x's faster, and a hero to your clients - All while staying irreplaceable.​Key Insights Kris's fears about AI: - AI might not be as good, but it can be good enough- "Brain atrophy" - But...there have always been people who don't want to think for themselvesCourses - Why they're not dead and why YOU still matterWin 1: Use AI as your Research and Ideation Engine - Use AI to generate fresh ideas- Use AI to "stress test" those new ideas ("What's wrong with this plan? Where can it go wrong")- Use AI to study your competitionWin 2: Use AI as your First Draft Accelerator - Three ways to protect your voice when using AI: - Inject your stories and personal experiences - Your specific opinions and convictions (especially the ones you're afraid to share) - Inject your own phrases and vocabularyWin 3: Use AI as a content multiplier- This concept is so powerful, it's built in to our own custom AI - One content piece becomes 5+ pieces customized for the platforms where you're present.AI Summit: Incredible roster of successful entrepreneurs teaching you the ways they're using AI to save time and make more audio FREE - Starts April 15th Links ​AI Summit - Click Here to Join Us on April 15th (FREE) How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show.Questions or comments?Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramVisit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    39 min
  • Fear, Loathing, and A.I.
    Feb 26 2026
    Despite my best efforts to prune the doom and gloom from my feed, the algorithm still serves me plenty of worst-case, "out there" scenarios regarding AI. No doubt many are concerned and perhaps discouraged by this fluff. So, how do you embrace the new stuff in a way that is useful and exciting? This week, I'm giving you three recommendations for AI-powered tools that will improve your business in ways you may not have considered. Key Takeaways Still "doom and gloom" in my feed despite my best efforts (If it bleeds it leads)"Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle" - Ecclesiastes 11:6"We suffer more in imagination than in reality," a principle from Stoic philosopher SenecaAnxiety is high (the news of the day)AI is changing the marketplace regardless of how you feel about itThe repetitive work is drying upAI is *not* 100% reliable...and it may never beAre you a technological optimist?The three fastest, easiest, and most profitable ways to use AI in your business1: AI Powered scheduling and coordinating2: Automate followup and customer care3: AI enhanced offers and sales copyWhat Ray is using (not affiliate links)Use Motion AI SchedulingMembership.ioKajabi Links AI Summit - This upcoming virtual summit features some of the most respected and successful entrepreneurs on the planet. This is your chance to hear the real-world stories about how AI is being used to help grow their empires. Get the Full Lineup and Your Free Ticket Today! How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    27 min
  • Three Levers That Boost Your Revenue
    Feb 19 2026
    Entrepreneurs are never in "total control" of their business. There are too many external factors that will dictate the tactics you employ. ​But there are 3 fundamental principles..."Levers" you can control that will increase your revenue. ​ ​This week, Sean and I are breaking down what these "levers" are, and how to pull them for rapid growth without an army of employees or a huge ad budget. ​ Key Insights Sean's philosophical football commentarySpiritual Foundations: What does "prosperity" mean to you?The 3 Levers that Control Your RevenueYou're never in full control of your business (remember government shutdowns?)Lever 1: More new customersNew customers are expensive to acquireGet better ad targetingReferralsJoint venturesContent MarketingCheck out TicToc's new "Hyper-Local Focus"Make sure your tactics match your brandLever 2: Higher Frequency of PurchaseMake special offers to your existing customersFind a retainer deal if it's a fitShameless plug for Revel 77 coffeeLever 3: Higher PricesHigher ticket per customerOffer add onsA tiny Tangent about Super SizingOffer more stuff related to what you're known forUsing AI to push all 3 leversAI Summit coming soon: Learn from successful, ethical business owners who are using AI to grow their business (FREE!)Embrace the new tools, or go live in a shed in the woods Links AI Summit - How are some of the top entrepreneurs using AI in there business? How are they thriving while others are getting steamrolled? We have an incredible lineup of speakers ready to answer those questions. Click Here For The Lineup And Your Free Ticket Got a comment? - Click Here to record and send it to us! How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. Questions or comments? Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Visit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    30 min