The Built Authority Podcast

There’s a simple phrase entrepreneurs repeat every day—often without realizing the power it holds. In this episode, JR shares a real story from a recent studio session that exposed how the identities we carry can influence the stories we tell, the wisd...

There’s a simple phrase entrepreneurs repeat every day—often without realizing the power it holds. In this episode, JR shares a real story from a recent studio session that exposed how the identities we carry can influence the stories we tell, the wisdom we share, and the impact we make. What unfolded during that conversation revealed something surprising about how entrepreneurs view themselves an...

Is your past an anchor, an apex, or an asset? How you answer that question determines whether your past holds you back—or helps you level up. JR invites you to pause, reflect on your journey, and begin looking at your past through a completely differen...

Is your past an anchor, an apex, or an asset? How you answer that question determines whether your past holds you back—or helps you level up. JR invites you to pause, reflect on your journey, and begin looking at your past through a completely different lens—one that could transform how you see your story, your experiences, and the impact you’re capable of creating moving forward.

No matter how refined your marketing is, how optimized your funnel is, or how disciplined you try to be, your business will always rise — or shrink — to match who you believe you are. If growth feels heavier than it should… if visibility feels uncomfor...

No matter how refined your marketing is, how optimized your funnel is, or how disciplined you try to be, your business will always rise — or shrink — to match who you believe you are. If growth feels heavier than it should… if visibility feels uncomfortable… if you keep saying you’re ready for the next level but somehow stay where you are… the real constraint may not be external. It may be interna...

Drawing from the philosophy of Memento Mori, JR challenges visionary founders to rethink what they’re building and why. In a world where AI can generate endless content and “expertise” is everywhere, JR makes the case that wisdom — earned through lived...

Drawing from the philosophy of Memento Mori , JR challenges visionary founders to rethink what they’re building and why. In a world where AI can generate endless content and “expertise” is everywhere, JR makes the case that wisdom — earned through lived experience — is becoming the rarest and most valuable asset of all.

You’re a visionary entrepreneur who has gained wisdom. You’ve built—or are building—a meaningful business while creating space for faith, fitness, and family. Life is good. And yet... you feel called to something higher. Not from ego or pride, but from your commitment to create an even bigger impact. We believe unique wisdom is within you. Wisdom you’ve earned through lived experience. Wisdom no A...

Most entrepreneurs say they want to write a book. Most never do. In this episode, JR and Audrey unpack the real reason why — and it’s not lack of time, talent, or opportunity. JR shares his own seven-year journey from “Who am I to write a book?” to bec...

Most entrepreneurs say they want to write a book. Most never do. In this episode, JR and Audrey unpack the real reason why — and it’s not lack of time, talent, or opportunity. JR shares his own seven-year journey from “Who am I to write a book?” to becoming a two-time bestselling author, revealing how internal narratives silently slow progress and shrink impact. If you’ve ever questioned whether y...

JR sits down with Dr. Bobby Low, performance psychologist, BYU mental performance coach, and author of Wiring Intelligence: From Reactive to Proactive, to unpack what it really means to become a business athlete.

JR sits down with Dr. Bobby Low , performance psychologist, BYU mental performance coach, and author of Wiring Intelligence: From Reactive to Proactive , to unpack what it really means to become a business athlete .

After one year of building Level Up Business, JR Lay sits down with Operations Lead Audrey Cannata to reflect on what it really takes to turn vision into reality. They unpack the lessons learned from launching a podcast, serving entrepreneurs, building...

After one year of building Level Up Business, JR Lay sits down with Operations Lead Audrey Cannata to reflect on what it really takes to turn vision into reality. They unpack the lessons learned from launching a podcast, serving entrepreneurs, building systems, and staying committed through uncertainty and growth. This conversation goes beyond metrics and milestones, exploring identity shifts, sel...

Kyle McGee —entrepreneur, podcast host, and now bestselling author of Built to Lead —opens up about the moment he knew “someday” was a lie and why the loss of family member lit a fire in him to finally write the book he’d been putting off for years. He...

Kyle McGee —entrepreneur, podcast host, and now bestselling author of Built to Lead —opens up about the moment he knew “someday” was a lie and why the loss of family member lit a fire in him to finally write the book he’d been putting off for years. He shares the story of his rock bottom and why that moment almost didn’t make it into the book. But what followed was a journey of deep personal growt...

From posture and facial expression to the internal identity shifts that power lasting transformation, Chris Gillett breaks down what he calls the “confidence stack”—a layered approach to building unshakable presence from the inside out. JR shares his o...

From posture and facial expression to the internal identity shifts that power lasting transformation, Chris Gillett breaks down what he calls the “confidence stack”—a layered approach to building unshakable presence from the inside out. JR shares his own journey of physical, emotional, and professional growth, and the two get real about insecurity, identity, and how most people are sending the wro...

What happens when the business you built becomes the thing that breaks you? In this powerful episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with Travis Bell — The Bucket List Guy — to unpack the identity collapse, burnout, and deep personal wor...

What happens when the business you built becomes the thing that breaks you? In this powerful episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with Travis Bell — The Bucket List Guy — to unpack the identity collapse, burnout, and deep personal work that led to one of the most recognizable personal brands in the world. Trav shares how success without alignment nearly destroyed him, why depress...

In a world driven by fast answers and automated solutions, what if the real edge in business is asking better questions? In this heart-centered and deeply practical episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR welcomes Colleen Bowler —entrepreneur, adv...

In a world driven by fast answers and automated solutions, what if the real edge in business is asking better questions? In this heart-centered and deeply practical episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR welcomes Colleen Bowler —entrepreneur, advisor, and creator of The Passport Package —to explore why the human side always wins . Together, they unpack what makes a question powerful, why cur...

What happens when the identity that made you successful starts costing you the life you actually want? In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with entrepreneur, developer, and innovator Lance Cox for a raw conversation about ide...

What happens when the identity that made you successful starts costing you the life you actually want? In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with entrepreneur, developer, and innovator Lance Cox for a raw conversation about identity, fatherhood, and the difficult transitions most entrepreneurs never talk about. Lance shares what it really took to stop winning only at work...