In this unfiltered shit show of an interview, fellow Gracie Humaita black belt Tucker Max explains how he went from being a legendary drunk asshole who banged his way across America to a bestselling author, serial entrepreneur, and surprisingly chill family man who now raises chickens and rolls on mats for fun.

He does not hold back on his thoughts on the absolute clown show of fake personas flooding social media and marketing, basically calling 99% of “goo-roos” the human equivalent of those inflatable tube men on the roofs of car dealerships—lots of flailing, zero substance.

He breaks down why jiu-jitsu is the ultimate bullshit detector: you either tap or nap, no amount of Instagram filters or motivational quotes will save your neck when a 180-pound dude is turning your spine into a pretzel. Real skill beats fake clout every time.

Then he gets real about ditching the fame-chasing circus, how AI is busy turning the internet into one giant hallucination, and why he’d rather shovel goat poop on his homestead than deal with another influencer meltdown.

He also dishes on therapy actually working (who knew?), finally figuring out how to not be a selfish prick in relationships, raising kids without screwing them up too bad, and building companies while changing diapers.

Plus, he drops some jiu-jitsu hacks that’ll make you learn faster, choke better, and shut up that one guy...we all have that one guy.

“On the mats, the truth is going to find you.”

“How can you make things more real?”

"I'm the opposite of Pick Up Artists."

“There is always an appetite for truth.”

"Fame can be exhausting."

"Women want experienced guys."

Tucker Max emphasizes the importance of authenticity in life.

Jiu-jitsu serves as a metaphor for truth and skill.

The rise of fake gurus is a significant issue in modern marketing.

AI has contributed to a culture of fakeness online.

Tucker's journey reflects a shift towards a more authentic lifestyle.

Real connections are becoming increasingly valuable in a digital world.

Tucker's fame stemmed from sharing true stories under his own name.

Tucker agrees with Wes that humanity is the next killer app for connection.

Living authentically leads to a more fulfilling life. Fame can be exciting but also exhausting.

Personal growth often requires facing inner struggles.

Finding the right partner involves self-improvement.

Building a family changes one's perspective on life.

Business success can stem from personal passions.

Therapy can help in understanding oneself better.

Past experiences shape current relationships.

Being the right partner means addressing personal baggage.

Jiu-Jitsu techniques can be adapted for different opponents.

Effective training methods can enhance learning in Jiu-Jitsu.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Tucker Max

03:55 The Reality of Jiu-Jitsu and Authenticity

09:45 The Nature of Gurus and Manipulation

16:51 The Shift Towards Realness in a Fake World

22:40 Tucker Max's Journey to Authentic Living

28:34 Navigating Identity and Privilege

29:37 The Cost of Truth and Authenticity

32:04 Law School Misadventures

35:12 From Law to Writing: A Career Shift

37:56 The Rise of an Internet Writer

42:02 Transitioning to Family Life

48:16 Becoming the Right Partner

51:39 Overcoming Judgment and Embracing Experience

53:59 Jiu Jitsu: Strategy and Mindset

59:57 Exploring Guard Strategies in Jiu-Jitsu

01:02:08 The Importance of Basics in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

01:05:07 Training Dynamics and Sparring Techniques

01:10:59 Innovative Approaches to Jiu-Jitsu Training

01:18:58 The Journey of Writing and Memoir Coaching

https://www.tuckermax.com/

https://www.tellyourstory.academy/

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After three years, I catch up with author and sales expert Ryan Dohrn—Ryan was a guest on The Sales Podcast episode 579— to explore this, that, and the other around sales, marketing, and some personal experiences of that and college football.

We discuss the true meaning of college football tailgating, the challenges faced in sales today, and the importance of effective communication.

Ryan shares outreach techniques and the role of technology in modern sales strategies, while also reflecting on personal anecdotes that highlight the evolution of sales practices. Since we both have sticks up our butts, it is neither informative nor entertaining.

But we do also get into the psychology behind buyer behavior, the importance of personal branding, and how personal experiences, such as practicing jiu-jitsu, can lead to personal growth and improved sales performance. We touch on the balance between health and success in sales, emphasizing the need for movement and mental clarity.

Finally, we reflect on modern distractions and their impact on productivity and focus.

Takeaways

• Sales is harder than ever due to changing demographics.
• Tailgating culture reflects community and engagement.
• Effective communication is key in sales today.
• Using technology can streamline outreach efforts.
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of sales.
• AI tools should not mimic traditional letter writing.
• Respecting clients' time is crucial in sales meetings.
• Building rapport can be done during the conversation.
• Sales strategies must adapt to current market conditions.
• Humor and cultural references can enhance sales interactions. Keep sales messages short and to the point.
• Name-dropping happy clients reduces perceived risk.
• Most buyers are driven by emotions rather than logic.
• Salespeople need to adapt their styles to meet buyers' emotional needs.
• Jiu-jitsu can provide clarity and discipline in life.
• Movement and physical activity are essential for mental health.
• Sales success often correlates with personal health and discipline.
• Finding balance in life can enhance sales performance.
• Modern distractions can hinder productivity and focus.
• Therapy and mental health support can be beneficial for sales professionals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Sports Rivalry

03:01 Experiences with Tailgating and College Football

05:50 Reflections on Natural Disasters and Community Response

09:00 Sales Strategies in a Changing Landscape

11:59 Effective Communication Techniques in Sales

14:56 Leveraging Technology for Sales Outreach

17:53 Personal Stories and Social Dynamics

21:50 The Art of Sales and Personal Connections

24:32 The Evolution of Sales Practices

28:56 Leveraging Technology in Sales

31:59 Understanding Buyer Psychology

35:12 Navigating Emotional and Logical Sales

39:18 Sales Strategies and Personal Experiences

41:34 The Journey of Building a Sales App

42:30 Cultural Accents and Identity

43:48 The Impact of Jiu-Jitsu on Life

47:43 Finding Your Mojo: Movement and Motivation

51:42 Alcohol, Health, and Modern Distractions

55:43 Discipline and Success: The Connection

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandohrn/

https://famous.BJJandBiz.com

Demographics are changing

Cut to the chase.

Don’t need so much rapport.

“What is the project I’m selling?”

Five templates for the prospect list.

“Escape email.”

3x3 format

• Three words in the subject
• Three sentences in the email
• Every three business days

Send a video email via Loom.

Uses MixMax for cold outreach

Engage on LinkedIn

Don’t practice on your clients.

AI tools for outreach are bad. Don’t write emails like letters. Keep messages pithy. Don’t let marketing create your emails.

Talk about your happy clients.

5% Ego, 31% Logical, 64% Emotional buyers.

Every Friday, he surveys about 80 sellers.

How to handle “think it overs”.

Make recommendations.

“The Next Media Conference.” (In Orlando in 2026.)

RyanDohrn.com to get the app.

Why you lose your mojo and how to regain it.

Movement is medicine.

It’s not every day you get to spend an hour with a NASA PhD to understand how his mind works so you can master your own professional development and business growth.

I had the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Alex Mehr, a NASA scientist turned AI entrepreneur who is now the founder of Famous.ai.

Alex discusses the importance of rapid market testing and the value of high output in entrepreneurship. He emphasizes that answers often lie outside oneself and that successful entrepreneurs learn by quickly putting ideas into the market. Drawing on historical figures like Da Vinci and Edison, he illustrates that high productivity correlates with success.

We also got into his escape from California to Puerto Rico (coconuts included), and he shared his journey from Iran to the US, and how he went from working with NASA to launching apps before they were cool.

Alex believes that every human has a hidden talent just waiting to be turned into the next big thing.

So sit up, plug in, and enjoy the ride as we explore the world of tech, entrepreneurship, and a little bit of Jiu-Jitsu. And remember, humanity is the next killer app, so please subscribe, leave a comment, and share this episode with your friends.

Market like you mean it.

Now go sell something.

Soundbites & takeaways

Cashed in his 401 (k) to start Zoosk

You can’t steer a parked car.

Launch often and fast.

Your company is a laboratory.

Your team is comprised of fellow mad scientists.

Don’t die on a hill that doesn’t matter.

Build the right lab with the right people to iterate and launch something great.

Shift and evolve as the world shifts and evolves.

Brian Armstrong, CEO of Coinbase

“Action produces information…”

The answer is outside of you, so launch and iterate.

DaVinci, Edison, Picasso…high volume.

AI apps are today’s 2007 iPhone apps.

Internet…browser…apps…sit on the infrastructure of the internet.

AI was commercialized around 2022.

The Instagram of AI has not been built yet.

Many of us haven’t found our gift/talent, so dig deep.

SuperCool.com for ideas.

Here are my core competencies…give me 10 ideas to productize

Create your MVP in under a week.

So try 50 ideas a year.

Take micro-actions.

“What can we do about it tonight?”

Idea, MVP, Validate, Scale.

You have 1,000 to 10,000 contacts.

Email them!!!

You’re looking for customers, not compliments.

His hit rate is still maybe 33%.

You might be 10% at first.

Should you bring on partners?

Speed of execution is key.

Why Synthetic Intelligence is the key to your AI app development.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexmehr/

https://www.alexmehr.com/

https://famous.BJJandBiz.com

https://www.facebook.com/realDrMehr/

https://www.instagram.com/doctoralex/#

https://www.youtube.com/@dealai

⁨@dealai⁩

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Michael shares his journey to becoming a CEO and selling his business, offering valuable insights into building strategic value. We also touch on the importance of human connection in sales and the evolving landscape of prospecting.

Michael Bush trained in BJJ for 14 years before a neck injury forced him to hang up his gi. He remains a strategic advisor and now author helping professional salespeople, sales managers, business owners, and entrepreneurs sell more, faster, at higher margins, with less stress, more predictably, while having more fun doing it.

Despite being sidelined, I get him to share tips on his favorite BJJ submission!

We also explore business growth strategies, and discuss the role of technology in business operations today.

“Doctor called me a pig.” 6’2” and nearly 270 pounds.

Was traveling almost full-time.

Went from 270 lbs to 225 lbs in 90 days.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelbush/

https://www.growthways.com/guardrailingbook-1

https://famous.BJJandBiz.com

Chapters

Introduction and Background

Michael Bush's Journey

Business Growth Strategies

The Role of Technology

Human Connection in Sales

BJJ Submission Tips

Conclusion and Takeaways

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I dive into business growth and sales strategies with CRO, and purple belt, Rich Bishop.

Rich plays in the private equity space, focusing on the critical early stages of investment and the importance of aligning team goals to enhance productivity and success.

He shares insights on the challenges sales teams face, the importance of effective onboarding programs, and the need for cohesive objectives across marketing, sales, and operations teams.

He’s a ⁨HubSpot⁩ guy like me, so we discuss the challenges of CRM systems and why sales is like BJJ; it’s important to do it face-to-face. We also explore how business events are evolving, drawing parallels between the discipline of martial arts and effective business tactics.

Founder & CEO of Midgame Consulting | Podcast Host - "The Midgame Mindset" | Sales Strategy & Execution | Empowering Chief Revenue Officers | Speaker | Thought Leader | Family Man

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richbishop2/

https://famous.BJJandBiz.com

Takeaways

Private equity typically holds a company for five to seven years.

The first 18 months are crucial for investment and transformation.

Sales productivity issues often stem from inadequate onboarding.

Aligning goals across teams is essential for success.

Misalignment can lead to inefficiencies and poor performance.

Effective onboarding can significantly improve retention rates.

Sales, marketing, and operations must work in harmony.

Clear communication is key to achieving team objectives.

Transformations in private equity aim for better outcomes at the end of the investment period.

Identifying root causes of productivity issues is vital.

Navigating Private Equity: Key Investment Insights

The Importance of Onboarding in Sales Success

Chapters

• Introduction and Business Growth
• CRM Systems and Optimization
• Importance of Personal Connections
• In-Person vs. Digital Interactions
• Jiu-Jitsu and Business Strategies
• Sales Strategies and Market Dynamics
• Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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#BJJandBIZPodcast #BJJ #SalesTraining #personaldevelopment

Adam Marburger is the guest on episode 24 of The BJJ and Biz Podcast.

He's a BJJ Black Belt, owner of 11 businesses, including his BJJ gym, Alton Family Martial Arts, since 2017.

• Black Belt under Kyle Watson

• 7X No Gi World Medalist

• 30X IBJJF Medalist

Owns 11 companies

Film industry

Automative

Dental

Real Estate

BJJ is his favorite

2017 opened his academy

Understand scale and delegation

He's a visionary and hired integrators

Never does a deal without a partner

Started selling cars at 18

His sales manager was a real estate guy

Promoted to finance manager at age 22

"Massive failure "

Invested in a software company in 2017

He loves everyone

He got hosed...bankrupted the business...lost $120k then that he needed.

Trust but verify

It hardened his heart

In a high-level mastermind, Dannel DelGado, the Millionaire Maker

Meet every Tuesday

His last two deals are out of his mastermind

He has 4-5 layers of interviews...have a beer with you...

He gets to know you...

"We marry you. This is not a hire."

How he defines success

Partners, systems, accountability,...

Takeaways

Confrontation can lead to unexpected resilience.

Humility is essential in the face of challenges.

Martial arts teach valuable life lessons.

Unexpected encounters can reveal hidden strengths.

The importance of perseverance in difficult situations.

Humor can be found even in tough moments.

Physical challenges often mirror mental challenges.

Learning from every encounter is crucial.

Resilience is built through facing fears.

Every experience shapes our character.

Titles

The Art of Confrontation

Resilience in the Face of Adversity

"There are ninjas that walk among us."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Adam Marburger

00:10 Finding and Evaluating Business Deals

00:12 The Humbling Nature of Jiu-Jitsu

00:32 Jiu-Jitsu Techniques and Strategies

https://altonelite.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-marburger/

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#BJJandBIZPodcast #12WeeksToPeak #SalesTraining #GoalSetting #PersonalDevelopment

#BJJandBIZPodcast #BJJ #SalesTraining #personaldevelopment

Marine Corps Martial Arts for 10 years

Owned a CrossFit gym for seven years

4 Stripe Purple BJJ

Trains 7 days a week, sometimes 9x a week

Wristlock The World

Bought his BJJ school from his professor

Punch chokes

Member management platform

"What happens when you panic? Someone dies."

"You're never going to outwork me."

Grew up homeless, no power, struggling...

Takeaways

Martial arts can be a powerful tool for personal growth and resilience.

Running a martial arts school requires balancing passion with business acumen.

Customer experience is crucial for retaining members in fitness businesses.

Training frequency directly impacts skill development in martial arts.

Building a strong online presence is essential for attracting new students.

Pricing strategies should reflect the value provided to customers.

Persistence is key in sales, especially in a competitive market.

Understanding your target audience helps in crafting effective marketing strategies.

Networking and building relationships can lead to new opportunities.

Adversity can build character and resilience in both personal and professional life.

Connect With Ben:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-timm/

https://www.wodify.com/

Ben Timm and I explore the intersection of martial arts and business. We discuss Ben's journey from military service to becoming a martial arts instructor and school owner, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, training frequency, and effective sales strategies in the fitness industry. The dialogue also touches on the challenges faced by small business owners, the significance of resilience, and the role of online presence in attracting new students. With a mix of humor and insight, the conversation provides valuable lessons for anyone in the martial arts or fitness business.

Sound bites

"I bought our school from our professor."

"You have to find your identity in business."

"Position over submission is key."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Banter

02:58 Martial Arts Background and Philosophy

05:53 Transitioning from Military to Martial Arts

08:35 Running a Martial Arts School

11:52 Challenges for Small Business Owners

14:29 Sales and Marketing in Martial Arts

17:33 The Importance of Training Frequency

20:24 Customer Experience in Fitness Businesses

23:25 Building Resilience Through Adversity

26:26 Website and Social Media Presence

29:17 Pricing Strategies in Business

32:12 B2B vs B2C Sales Strategies

35:01 Reaching Decision Makers

37:59 The Role of Persistence in Sales

41:01 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

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#BJJandBIZPodcast #BJJ #SalesTraining #PersonalDevelopment

David Rath has trained BJJ for 19 years, with 9 years as a black belt. He's also a CMT and CFA, which is a unique blend in the financial world.

So, he's a seasoned Jiu-Jitsu practitioner and financial advisor, and he sits down with me to explore his journey in martial arts, his philosophy on training, and how it intersects with his career in financial services.

We get into financial market insights, investment strategies, and the importance of adapting to economic changes. David shares his experiences on the mat, the dynamics of sparring, and the lessons learned from both Jiu-Jitsu and finance, emphasizing the balance between tradition and innovation.

Met his wife as a purple belt...she's into Jiu-Jitsu

Connect with David:

https://contwealth.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjrath/

Takeaways

David Rath has trained in Jiu-Jitsu for 19 years, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in both martial arts and finance.

The time to be worried about the economy is when nobody else is concerned, indicating a potential market correction.

David's training philosophy focuses on pressure passing and maintaining dominant positions in Jiu-Jitsu.

He believes in the value of technical analysis in financial markets, despite its controversial reputation.

David's approach to investing is to study market participants and their behaviors, aligning with current trends.

He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a well-rounded skill set in Jiu-Jitsu, including both top and bottom game.

David's experiences on the mat highlight the dynamics of sparring and the importance of camaraderie in training.

He advocates for a balance between tradition and innovation in both Jiu-Jitsu and financial strategies.

David's journey from a high school interest in finance to a successful career in wealth management showcases the evolution of his professional philosophy.

The conversation illustrates the parallels between martial arts and financial services, particularly in terms of strategy and mindset.

Sound bites

"I love a good D'arce."

"It's a never-ending journey."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to David Rath and Jiu-Jitsu Journey

02:55 Martial Arts Training and Philosophy

05:51 Traditions in Jiu-Jitsu

08:52 Transitioning to Financial Services

11:48 Market Insights and Economic Trends

14:30 Jiu-Jitsu Techniques and Personal Style

17:33 Leg Locks and Modern Jiu-Jitsu

20:29 The Dynamics of Jiu-Jitsu Competition

25:37 Training Experiences and Challenges

34:13 Transitioning to Financial Services

35:57 Counterintuitive Investment Philosophies

43:55 Continuum Wealth Advisors: A Balanced Approach

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