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 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 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 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 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 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 .

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 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 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 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, 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 identity, fatherhood, and the difficult transitions most entrepreneurs never talk about. Lance shares what it really took to stop winning only at work...

In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast , JR sits down with Chris Jarvis —mathematician, financial fixer, and trusted advisor to hundreds of millionaire families and multiple billionaire families—for a conversation that goes far beyond money, math, or strategy. Instead of focusing on accomplishments and credentials, this episode explores the deeper source of influence: perspective, pain,...

Most entrepreneurs don’t think about legal… until it’s too late. In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast , I’m joined by Eric Jeppson , founder of Jeppson Law and the creator of the Clean Legal Bill of Health . Eric shares real stories—including a painful $1.9 million legal battle—that highlight the high cost of not being legally prepared. We dive into the biggest legal blind spots busine...

Most people try to change their lives by changing their actions. But what if the real transformation starts before you ever make a move? In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with Chris Walker to unpack the S cience of Frequency Training — a revolutionary method for rewiring your internal operating system so you can finally achieve lasting transformation. Chris explains wh...

What if the next chapter of your life wasn’t just a continuation… but a complete reinvention? In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR sits down with Toni Haber — a powerhouse in luxury real estate with over $2B in transactions — who’s not slowing down anytime soon. Toni opens up about what it really takes to grow after you’ve already achieved success, why she’s setting an “impossible”...

What happens when a high-achieving leader decides not to chase the next opportunity—but to pause, fast, and be still? In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, JR sits down with Kelly Price —entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the Changing Lives Foundation—to explore what it truly means to slow down in a world addicted to speed. Kelly shares her decision to embark on a 14-day med...

What happens when decades of striving for traditional success leave you feeling empty? In this powerful conversation, JR Lay sits down with Dave Hime , creator of the Gentle Mastery Method and Consciousness Signature™ , to explore what it really means to shift from external success to authentic freedom. After 45 years following the rules of the game, Dave chose to rewrite the script—starting over...

In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR Lay sits down with Jonathan Cotten , entrepreneur, marathoner, and author of The Business of Character . From dropping out of high school to building a mission-driven company that now spans 40+ locations, Jonathan’s journey is a testament to what happens when you lead with integrity and live by faith. JR and Jonathan go deep on integrating faith...

Work-life balance? It’s a lie. In this episode, JR Lay sits down with Chad Willardson —author of Fully Invested —to explore what it really means to go “all in” without losing yourself in the process. You’ll learn how to integrate your values across life and business, why alignment beats balance every time, and how redefining success can unlock greater impact at home and in your company. Whether yo...

What if the very thing you’ve been avoiding or undervaluing is actually your superpower? What if you're unknowingly suppressing your authentic intelligence while chasing artificial solutions? Too many entrepreneurs are trapped doing work that drains them, ignoring the signals of their unique ability, and letting tech drive their business instead of amplifying their voice and vision. In this episod...

In a business world obsessed with artificial intelligence, entrepreneurs are feeling the pressure to automate, scale, and optimize everything—but many are left wondering where the human element fits in. In this episode, JR sits down with Lior Weinstein —AI veteran, blockchain patent holder, and lifelong technologist—to explore how to integrate AI without abandoning what makes your business uniquel...

What happens when the business you’re building no longer fits the life you want to live? In this episode, JR sits down with Nick Bennett , co-founder of Duo, to talk about what it really means to design a business that aligns with who you’re becoming—not just what you’re selling. Together, they unpack the myth of work-life balance, the hidden cost of following everyone else’s blueprint, and why so...

Too many entrepreneurs feel stuck—not because they lack drive or talent, but because they’re operating outside of their Unique Ability . They’ve built businesses on what they’re good at, not what truly energizes them. And over time, that disconnect leads to burnout, self-sabotage, and a loss of clarity around who they really are. In this episode of the Level Up Business Podcast, JR Lay sits down w...