Wake Up with Chris Donnelly

How do you build a $100 million creator business from scratch? This week, Chris sat down with Jordan Schwarzenberger, the man behind the Sidemen’s explosive business empire. From YouTube videos to burger chains, clothing brands, and viral drinks, Jordan has helped turn a group of creators into a $100M+ powerhouse. In this episode, he breaks down: - How the Sidemen scaled from content to commerce -...

Ever wondered why your perfectly logical idea still flops? Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, thinks logic is the real enemy of innovation. In this episode, Rory dismantles everything you thought you knew about business, branding, and consumer behaviour. From pricing psychology to irrational decision-making, he shows why people don’t buy what's logical, they buy what feels right. And if you...

Ever wondered what it takes to go from $0 to $100 million? Davie Fogarty did that with 1 product in 1 year. After 7 failed startups, Davie finally cracked the code, and built The Oodie, one of the fastest-growing eCommerce brands in the world. In this episode, he shares his exact formula: • How to find the right product • His Facebook ad strategy that generated $1M in a day • Marketing, sales, and...

What does it really take to turn your audience into a multi-million dollar company? Nathan Barry went from broke blogger to the founder Kit, a bootstrapped SaaS powerhouse generating $45 million a year in subscription revenue. This episode is more than just a story. It’s a masterclass in how creators can build real, scalable businesses, without investors, hype, or burnout. We cover: • How Nathan g...

No one teaches you how to embrace failure, but what if that’s the only way to truly succeed? Today, I’m sitting down with Elizabeth Day, bestselling author, journalist, and host of the How To Fail Podcast, the hit podcast that’s changed how millions of people think about setbacks. Elizabeth opens up about the moments that shaped her: growing up in Northern Ireland, feeling like an outsider at scho...

You don’t need more motivation. You need mastery. In this episode, I sat down with ‪Master Shi Heng Yi  one of the world’s most respected voices on self-discipline, inner strength, and mental clarity. He’s not here to give you life hacks. He’s here to teach you how to face the uncomfortable truth: that most of us are running from ourselves. We unpack what it really means to live with presence, pow...

You don’t need to shout to be heard. You don’t need to win every argument to be respected. And you don’t need to fear difficult conversations, if you know how to lead them. In this episode, trial lawyer and #1 speaking coach Jefferson Fisher shares the communication frameworks that have made him one of the most trusted voices online for navigating conflict, setting boundaries, and speaking with co...

This episode might change the way you think about mindset forever. At just 17, Maya Raichoora was diagnosed with a chronic illness that left her unable to walk, eat, or even attend school. Doctors told her she’d never recover fully. But what changed everything wasn’t just treatment — it was visualisation. Maya shares the exact moment her healing journey began, how she used mental imagery to rewire...

No one teaches you how to walk into Soviet negotiations on a tourist visa and walk out with one of the biggest gaming deals in history. Today, I’m sitting down with Henk Rogers, the entrepreneur who brought Tetris to the world and outplayed billion-dollar corporations to secure the rights. His journey is a masterclass in risk-taking, negotiation, and reinvention. We dive into: - How Henk convinced...

Social media is hijacking your brain. Dopamine overload is killing your focus. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are wrecking your body. The modern world is designed to keep you addicted, distracted, and exhausted. So how do you take back control? In this episode, neuroscientist TJ Power explains the science behind dopamine, addiction, and productivity. The author of DOSE: The Brain Chemistry That Driv...

No one teaches you how to build a £50 million business from your university bedroom, but getting it right can change everything. Today, I’m sitting down with Sara Davies, entrepreneur, investor, and former Dragons' Den star. Sara started as a young founder, juggling imposter syndrome, tough decisions, and relentless pressure. Now she’s built an empire, invested in countless businesses, and even da...

No one teaches you how to be a great leader, but getting it wrong can make or break your career. Today, I’m sitting down with Heather Elkington, the Gen Z leadership coach who’s helped thousands step up with confidence. Heather started as a young manager at Harrods, struggling with imposter syndrome, tough feedback, and impossible workloads. Now she’s trained leaders at American Express, Abercromb...

Manifestation isn’t just wishful thinking, it’s a science-backed process that can completely transform your life. But most people are doing it all wrong.  In this episode, Roxie Nafousi, bestselling author and the leading voice in modern manifestation, reveals the 7-step formula that has helped thousands turn their dreams into reality. Plus, she gives us an exclusive deep dive into her brand-new b...

This week on Wake Up, we’re doing things a little differently. I’m giving you an unfiltered look into a day in my life as a busy founder and CEO. No fake hustle, no highlight reels, just the real grind of juggling multiple businesses, coaching, and live shows while making time for deep work, a workout, and a beer at the end. And it’s a packed one. The day starts with a deep-dive consultant session...

James Smith, bestselling author and performance coach, shares the key lessons he’s learned about confidence, productivity, and the truth behind Ozempic & TRT. In this episode, James dives deep into the psychology of self-belief, how to break free from procrastination and become a productivity machine, and what most people get wrong about Ozempic,  weight loss & TRT. He also reveals the big...

GIVEAWAY! Sahil just launched his new book, The 5 Types of Wealth, and we’re celebrating with a giveaway! Win a signed copy of his book + a free ticket to his event in London on February 13th! Here’s how to enter: 1. Comment on Sahil’s podcast on my YouTube with your biggest goal for 2025. 2. Sahil will pick 5 winners to receive a signed book and a ticket to his exclusive event at the Royal Geogra...

GIVEAWAY! Simon just launched his new book What’s Your Dream? and we’re celebrating with a giveaway. If you comment on this YouTube video with your dream and tell us what it is!  Simon will personally pick three winners from the comments to receive a signed book with £500 inside.  How to Enter 1.  Comment below with your dream on Simon’s podcast on my YouTube 2.  Simon will pick three winners to r...

Eric Partaker, the world’s leading CEO coach, shares powerful insights on building resilience, achieving peak performance, and thriving in today’s fast-changing business environment. From his near-death experience that sparked a life-changing epiphany to his actionable strategies for becoming anti-fragile, Eric reveals how leaders can turn challenges into opportunities and create businesses that n...

In this exclusive first interview of 2025, Daniel Priestley shares why this year marks the most exciting time in history for entrepreneurs. From groundbreaking insights on the rise of AI to actionable advice on building an AI-powered business, Daniel breaks down how companies of any size can double their revenue by embracing artificial intelligence. Whether you’re looking to future-proof your busi...

In this episode, Nischa breaks down the biggest financial mistakes people make and reveals strategies to take control of your money. Whether you’re debating saving vs investing, wondering how to buy a car the smart way, or trying to avoid budgeting pitfalls, this video is packed with practical tips to help you thrive financially. From building wealth to managing debt, Nischa covers it all, making...

In this eye-opening episode of Wake Up, I sit down with Rob Moore, a property mogul and entrepreneur, to uncover the truths about building wealth, the mindset shifts that create success, and the lessons he’s learned from interviewing 23 billionaires. Rob doesn’t hold back as he critiques Tate’s influence, and reveals his formula for becoming property-rich. Whether you're just starting out in prope...

In this episode of Wake Up , Chris Donnelly is joined by Lara Acosta entrepreneur, LinkedIn expert, and millionaire by 26. Known for challenging societal norms around work-life balance and inspiring a new generation of professionals, Lara shares unfiltered insights on mental health struggles, the power of personal branding, and scaling success on LinkedIn. Whether you’re looking for a job, buildin...

Could understanding the workplace dynamics of toxic bosses, red flags in interviews, and the art of negotiating pay raises finally unlock the secret to thriving in modern careers? In this episode of Wake Up, Chris Donnelly is joined by Ben Askins, entrepreneur, content creator, and voice for the underappreciated employee. Known for tackling issues like quiet quitting, toxic workplaces, and leaders...