Keep Hustling

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes his lifelong friend, Dan Luxenberg, to discuss the profound journey of personal and professional hustle. Dan shares insights into growing up on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, where success was defined by traditional careers, and how he always knew he was destined for a different path in storytelling. The conversation dives deep into the roots of Dan's ambi...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with Todd Thams, an insurance industry veteran who recently transitioned from running a family insurance business to launching ModAdvisor, a tech-focused start-up. Todd discusses his journey, including the challenges and rewards of making such a significant career pivot. He shares insights on the importance of hard work, resilience, and surrounding oneself w...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes guests David Garfinkel and Jason Parker to explore the transformative role of AI in professional writing. Initially skeptical, Garfinkel shifted his perspective after witnessing AI's capacity to streamline content creation, significantly reducing the time needed for tasks like LinkedIn posts and podcast scripts. Parker, initially using AI out of necessity to...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon and guest Peter Bonney reflect on his journey from aspiring physicist to hedge fund manager, emphasizing the importance of exposure to high achievers despite pursuing a non-traditional path. Bonney contrasts his Ivy League education with his brother's success as a high school dropout turned Boeing employee through Navy-acquired skills, underscoring diverse paths to ac...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes guest Yaakov Langer, who typically serves as a host himself. They delve into Yaakov's upbringing and creative journey, tracing his evolution from creating comics and newsletters to engaging with platforms like Snapchat, WhatsApp, YouTube, and podcasts. Yaakov emphasizes the need for kosher entertainment in the Jewish community and discusses the careful balanc...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with financial sector professional Frank Saraco about the unpredictable nature of career paths and financial decisions. Saraco reflects on his early success in the mortgage industry and the abrupt downturn that forced him to pivot and rebuild his career. He openly discusses regrets, such as not investing in rising opportunities like Bitcoin or restarting his mor...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon chats with Frank Sentner, a revered mentor in the insurance industry with over 50 years of experience. Known as the "Godfather of Insurance," Frank discusses his shift from fee-for-service consulting to equity-for-service, mentoring InsurTech startups. He emphasizes the importance of receptiveness to mentorship and mutual learning, highlighting successful exits and de...

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Dana Ayers, a dynamic professional whose career spans from the White House to military service. Dana shares her journey, discussing her early life influences, her days as a White House intern during 9/11, and how those experiences shaped her drive for public service. She recounts her non-traditional path to joining the military in...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon chats with Aryeh Rephun, a young entrepreneur who has carved a niche for himself in the competitive jewelry industry. Aryeh shares his journey from a mischievous childhood in Queens, NY, to navigating law school and transitioning into jewelry sales. Without the benefit of family connections, he emphasizes the critical importance of building trust with vendors, supplie...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with Matan Slagter, founder of Armadillo, to delve into the intricate journey of building a small business from the ground up. Matan shares his experiences adapting to new roles, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, trust in team members, and the art of delegation. Discover how Matan's diverse career in the insurance industry equipped him with the skil...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with Kenneth Williamson, an emerging leader in the insurance industry. Kenneth shares his unique journey from studying business management and working at Chick-fil-A to becoming a foundational player at Portal Insurance in Alabama. Kenneth's hustle is exemplified by his remarkable feat of obtaining his insurance license in just four days. He discusses his ev...

In this inspiring episode, Aaron Gordon interviews Shawn Fitzgerald, a successful business owner with a background in the Air National Guard. Shawn shares his journey of relentless hustle, influenced by his single mother and early experiences with sports. He discusses his time in the military and the invaluable lessons it taught him, such as leadership, teamwork, and integrity. Shawn also opens up...

In this episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Sean McRae, also known as Sean Frost, who shares his intriguing journey from aspiring musician to successful real estate entrepreneur. Sean discusses his early struggles with a traditional job in healthcare and how he shifted into real estate, leveraging connections and continuous learning. He talks about finding passion and fulfil...

In this episode, host Aaron Gordon chats with Syd Roe, an inspiring endurance athlete. Syd shares her transformative experience at the Lake Placid Ironman, overcoming mental and physical challenges, including a demanding moment around miles 14-15. Despite moments of doubt and physical discomfort, she found a surge of energy, leading to a powerful finish. Syd reflects on the importance of persevera...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon speaks with Juan Lopez, who shares his innovative approach to insurance marketing by combining education and entertainment. Lopez recounts the initial skepticism he faced and the industry's traditional views but emphasizes persistence and ingenuity. He highlights his strategy shift from "hunting" to "farming," focusing on lasting engagement and personal connections, u...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes guest Torund Bryhn to discuss breaking free from corporate constraints to discover personal gifts. Torund shares her journey of overcoming anxiety, the pressures of traditional work culture, and her passion for personal branding. She highlights the modern era's unique opportunities for fame and the importance of authenticity. Bryhn's pivotal moments, includin...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon welcomes Rabbi Dr. Josh Joseph, his mentor and friend, to discuss his unconventional career journey from Wall Street to the nonprofit sector. Josh emphasizes the significance of focusing on results over recognition, inspired by Harry Truman's quote on accomplishments. He shares stories from his varied career, his financial audit during his transition, and how importan...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon sits down with RJ Burr, a third-generation oil and gas industry expert. They delve into the complexities of the oil market, the impact of inflation on the cost of essential goods, and the critical role of small, independent oil companies in U.S. production. Burr shares insights on the industry's resilience during downturns, the importance of oil in everyday life, and...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with  Zalman Pollack about the impact of fully committing to one's passion. Pollack, a wedding singer, recounts his journey from childhood dreams of joining the Miami Boys Choir to performing professionally. He emphasizes the perseverance needed to succeed in music, sharing how early auditions and family influences sparked his hustle. Pollack discusses the emoti...

In this episode,  host Aaron Gordon sits down with Barbara Weaver Smith, founder of The Whale Hunters and author of " Whale Hunting: How to Land Big Sales and Transform Your Company ." Barbara shares her journey from an academic career, where she rose to the rank of Dean, to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses the importance of self-belief, the impact of her supportive upbringing, an...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon speaks with Michael Stawicki, a prolific author from Poland. Michael discusses the critical role of setting achievable daily goals to build lasting habits and debunks the 21-day myth, pointing to research suggesting 66 days. He attributes the failure of New Year's resolutions to a lack of self-awareness. Michael shares his journey from a dissatisfied IT professional t...

In this episode of "Keep Hustling," Aaron Gordon speaks with Lenny Wood, the podcast's first international guest, about his career journey from retail to becoming a successful business owner. Lenny delves into his early experiences working at a video game store and a hardware chain in the UK, which helped shape his social and professional skills. He details his transition into marketing, ignited b...

In this episode of Keep Hustling, Aaron Gordon chats with Dr. James Taylor, a chiropractor and former aspiring professional rugby player. James shares his unique journey from a baseball-loving kid in Minnesota to a chiropractor for a professional rugby team in Dallas. He discusses his family's blue-collar background, his father's unfinished journey in chiropractic school, and his challenges in col...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with Caroline Hershey to discuss her extraordinary journey of motherhood and perseverance. Caroline shares the challenges she faced when her twins were born three months premature, weighing just a pound each and their subsequent four-month NICU stay. She talks about the realities of raising twins, especially in a bustling city like New York, and her decision to...

In this episode, Aaron Gordon talks with entrepreneur Justin Gerena about his unconventional career trajectory. Justin shares his decision to avoid the corporate grind by starting his own business with his partner in 2004, embracing a remote-first approach long before it became popular. They discuss the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, highlighting the critical moment of losing a major...