The MaxLife Podcast with Ben Laws

In this rich, no-BS conversation, chef and entrepreneur Ben Bebenroth unpacks his path from ego-driven hustler to values-centered founder. We break down: How military discipline and culinary intensity created early success—and masked deep personal misalignment. The warning signs of overextension and how losing it all during COVID became a gift. The mental and emotional tools that helped him refram...

Steve Distante has built multiple 7- and 8-figure companies and retreats — and he doesn’t work 24/7. In this masterclass, he unpacks how to design a business like a machine (or farm) that thrives without your constant oversight. Inside, you’ll learn: The 3-part team framework Steve uses to scale without micromanaging How to use AI and cloning tech to scale your genius, not your hours Why most lead...

On this episode of MaxLife, financial advisor and author Zac Larson unpacks how generosity isn’t a sacrifice — it’s a strategic advantage. From reframing giving as an investment, to creating a “Live Generously Fund,” to teaching his kids the ripple effects of small, daily generosity — this episode delivers tangible tools to build a richer life beyond just net worth. We explore: Why waiting “until...

Want to build unshakable grit and long-term success as an entrepreneur or high performer? In this high-impact episode, Gary Klaben—West Point grad, elite wealth advisor, and endurance expert—shares the exact mindset and habits that fuel high performance, even in the face of adversity. What you’ll learn: How to develop daily resilience with 6 proven habits The mindset shift from hustle to alignment...

If you're still treating AI like a novelty, you’re falling behind. In this tactical, zero-hype conversation, Evan Ryan—founder of Teammate AI and bestselling author of AI as Your Teammate —breaks down how entrepreneurs can reclaim 5+ hours a week per person by auditing how they work. We unpack: The two biggest myths that keep teams stuck with inefficient workflows How to identify "hidden labor" ea...

What if scaling didn’t mean doing more—but collaborating smarter? Chad Jenkins, founder of CoLAB Partners, unpacks how the fusion of AI and human collaboration is reshaping how high performers build, lead, and scale. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why the “task economy” is dead—and what’s replacing it How to identify friction points and structure smarter partnerships The VCR method to unlock visio...

Money doesn't solve money problems. In this episode, Jesse Mecham—founder of YNAB and pioneer of the “spendfulness” movement—reveals why even high earners feel constant financial friction. You’ll learn: Why clarity beats income when it comes to peace of mind How to turn your spending into a reflection of who you really are The hidden cost of “should-based” saving and debt cycles Five daily que...

In this episode of MaxLife, Mark Gaunya breaks down the step-by-step strategies behind his innovative healthcare model and value-driven life. Learn how he built Captivated Health, empowered his kids to thrive, and why entrepreneurs succeed when they lead with principles. What you'll learn: The 3-part model Mark uses to coach entrepreneurs and parents to own their time. How his firm helped save...

In this masterclass-level episode, Stacy Havener unpacks exactly how she raised over $8B for boutique investment funds—without a finance background or Ivy League degree. If you're an entrepreneur, founder, or coach building credibility from scratch, this episode gives you a tactical roadmap to: Use personal storytelling as your most powerful sales asset Navigate external and internal imposter...

In this episode of MaxLife , bullfighter and leadership facilitator Raymond Ansotegui joins Ben Laws for a raw, high-performance conversation on pressure, presence, and personal power. You’ll learn: Raymond’s 5-step flow-state framework: Breathe. Commit. Get Close. Slow Down. Get Up. How to lead through chaos without losing yourself Why real influence only happens when you move toward the fear Wha...

What does it really take to scale a company from zero to $50M — and why is that only half the story? In this episode, Jay Jacobs shares the bold mindset shifts that helped him: Build and sell a manufacturing company with 300+ team members Reframe leadership around agency , not control Replace limiting beliefs with systems of self-trust Create a second act focused on purpose, play, and deep relatio...

Most leaders optimize their calendars, teams, and tech—but ignore the one system that runs it all: the self. In this raw and revelatory episode, Joey Klein—transformational coach, martial artist, and founder of Inner Matrix Systems—joins Ben Laws to explore: Why personal mastery is the lever that scales your business The inner “operating system” running your emotional reactivity How to train resil...

Aaron Marcum built and exited an industry-shaping business—but not before hitting a wall of burnout, control issues, and missed family moments. In this raw, tactical conversation, we unpack the exact mindset shifts that helped him go from obsessive hustle to harmonious leadership and a 10x financial outcome. What we cover: The 1 mental shift that created exponential growth “Obsessive Passion” vs “...

What if your next level of execution isn’t found in another tactic—but in telling the truth? In this conversation, John Giganti, former sales leader turned executive coach, shares how emotional vulnerability unlocked elite performance in his life and in the high-performing teams he now advises. You’ll learn: The mental shift that saved his career—and marriage Why elite leaders share weakness early...

Garrett Gunderson was making seven figures a year—but it was costing him his health, presence, and peace. In this raw, powerful conversation, he opens up about the moment he said “enough” and chose alignment over accolades. You’ll discover: Why saying “yes” too often is a silent “no” to your values The moment he walked away—from money, partnerships, and misalignment A clear lens to define true wea...

If you think resilience is just about “hustling harder,” think again. Sunny Kaila went from a remote Indian village—no English, no connections—to building a global tech company that now powers 400+ businesses. In this episode, we unpack the pivotal moments that shaped Sunny’s mindset, the exact risks he took, and how he used rejection, poverty, and cultural barriers as fuel to go way beyond surviv...

Craig Hersch was a peak-performing attorney and Ironman athlete… until a sudden triple bypass cracked everything open. In this powerful conversation, Ben Laws unpacks the real transformation—how mortality rewired Craig’s priorities, relationships, and business legacy. If you’re addicted to doing, this episode might just save your life—or your purpose. This is the MaxLife podcast. Guest Bio Craig R...

In this episode of the Max Life Podcast, Ben Laws interviews Joe Schafbuch—entrepreneur, father of seven, and leader of one of the most successful Century 21 franchises in the U.S. Joe unpacks how early adversity became his ultimate leadership advantage—and why the best business builders invest in people, not just strategy. You’ll learn: Why hardship produces better leaders than success ever could...

In this deeply rich conversation, entrepreneur and technologist Lior Weinstein breaks down how to build at scale—without burning out or going numb. From surviving war as a child in Israel to launching ventures across the globe, Lior shares how he’s learned to lead with clarity, process emotion in real time, and design a life that prioritizes joy without sacrificing drive. He and Ben Laws explore t...

What if your brand story could no longer compete with machines? In this high-impact episode of The Max Life Podcast , Ben Laws sits down with Tim Dyer—co-founder of Manifesto and the creative mind behind purpose-driven campaigns for some of the world’s most iconic brands. Together, they unpack the evolving power of storytelling in an AI-driven world—and why today’s entrepreneurs must lead with a d...

In this timely episode, Luke Gromen—known for forecasting global macro shifts—pulls back the curtain to explore how entrepreneurs can navigate truth in a world shaped by AI, liquidity, and narrative-driven markets. Host Ben Laws and Luke trace massive inflection points—9/11, 2008, and today’s tech revolution—and uncover the deeper emotional patterns behind courage, intuition, and self-trust. More...

In this revealing conversation, attorney and entrepreneur Alex Gertsburg shares how deep insecurity—and one pivotal therapy session—shaped his path to success. Host Ben Laws uncovers the emotional habits of high achievers: how fear fuels ambition, how presence builds power, and how telling yourself the truth is the real breakthrough. If you've ever wondered why success doesn't quiet the in...

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode of the Max Life Podcast , Ben Laws sits down with team strategist, author, and Strategic Coach® veteran Shannon Waller to explore the deep connection between leadership, curiosity, and what it truly means to work in relationship . With humor and insight, Shannon shares how her passion for teamwork started early in life and has evolved into a lifelong q...

In this raw and revealing episode of the Max Life Podcast , Ben Laws sits down with speaker, author, and leadership coach Dennis McIntee for a deeply human conversation about grief, growth, and emotional self-awareness. Dennis opens up about a recent personal realization—how unprocessed grief was quietly influencing his risk tolerance, inner dialogue, and overall presence as a leader, husband, and...

In this deeply moving and inspiring episode of the Max Life Podcast , host Ben Laws sits down with serial entrepreneur and purpose-driven leader Steven Neuner . Known for building and scaling multi-million-dollar companies without sacrificing his family or faith, Steven shares the raw, honest story behind his lifelong quest for meaning, clarity, and connection. From childhood trauma and tragic los...