In this episode we sit down with Ken to unpack the real journey of becoming an entrepreneur — from college lessons that don't pay off, to partnerships that implode, to finding smarter, low-risk ways to build a thriving business.

You'll hear Ken's unfiltered take on:

• Why grades and degrees don't guarantee success in the real world

• The hidden danger of 50/50 partnerships (and what to do instead)

• How to start lean, lower risk, and still aim for huge upside

• Finding the right people to work with and protecting your equity the smart way

• Balancing family, life and entrepreneurship without losing yourself

• Lessons learned from early failures and what Ken would do differently now

If you're a founder, future entrepreneur, or someone dreaming of leaving the 9-to-5, this conversation is full of insights that could save you years of trial and error.

🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on building a business, taking smart risks, and designing a life you actually want.

Born in New Zealand, raised in Tonga, and recruited off a rugby pitch—Steven "Venny" Pāea fought his way from being a sixth-string JUCO walk-on to becoming a second-round NFL Draft pick for the Chicago Bears.

In this episode of the Bigger Life Podcast, Venny shares the raw truth behind his journey:

• Leaving rugby behind and stepping into American football at 15

• Culture shock, learning English, and gaining 65 lbs to earn a shot

• How "burn the ships" became his mantra at Snow College

• Breaking the NFL Combine bench press record with 49 reps of 225 lbs

• Draft day nerves, playing alongside legends like Brian Urlacher, Julius Peppers, and Devin Hester

• Why faith and family—not football—are his true peak

• His mission now: mentoring youth, guiding athletes, and building a life of impact after the league

This is a story of grit, humility, and perspective—from small islands to the biggest stage in sports.

Watch, listen, and be inspired to chase your bigger life.

On today's episode of the Bigger Life Podcast, Ben sits down with Justin Manning — entrepreneur, creator, and CEO of Empire Strategies.

Justin opens up about his path from wedding videography to running multiple ventures, the viral Instagram video he made with his dad that racked up over 12 million views, and the hard lessons he learned about trying too many businesses at once. He shares the turning point that came through an intense breathwork experience, how it reshaped his faith and clarity, and why building a focused "true north" has transformed his life.

We dive into:

• The $60k risk Justin's dad took that changed his family forever

• What going viral taught him about content and creative strategy

• Why juggling too many businesses almost held him back

• The importance of focus, faith, and family in entrepreneurship

• How Empire Strategies blends creative and ads to deliver real results

This conversation is packed with laughs, stories, and powerful takeaways on living a bigger life with clarity, faith, and focus.