In this episode of The Potentializer Podcast, Lance Edwards sits down with Bart Merrell—international entrepreneur, author, and the “Side Hustle Samurai.” Bart is on a mission to help people create financial security by monetizing what they already know, already do, and already love.

From growing up on a pig farm in New Mexico, to DJing as a teen, to bungee-jumping in Japan, Bart has turned life’s opportunities (and even its setbacks—including the amputation of his leg) into income streams. His philosophy is simple but powerful: when life gives you lemons, build a lemonade stand and sell the stuff.
In this conversation, Bart and Lance explore:

• Why everyone needs a side hustle (or three).
• How to recognize overlooked opportunities right under your nose.
• The biggest mistake people make when choosing a side hustle.
• How Bart transformed personal tragedy into a way to serve others.
• The “Acres of Diamonds” story that will change how you see your own opportunities.

Episode 5: After two decades in high-level roles at Microsoft, Dell, and Schwab, Bryan Hancock stepped into the world of private investing—without quitting his corporate job. In this episode, Bryan joins Lance to share how high-income professionals can use oil & gas, real estate, and smart tax strategies to unlock financial freedom without walking away from their careers. Learn how to shift your mindset, build alternative income streams, and take control of your wealth future—on your terms.

About This Episode:

In Episode 4 of The Potentializer, Lance Edwards sits down with small apartment investor Shelly Schilson for a candid, vulnerable, and powerful journey of transformation. From a one-two punch of a cancer diagnosis and job loss to owning a notorious 13-unit former motel, Shelly shares how she rebuilt from the ground up—both financially and personally.

She reveals the mindset shifts that took her from “I’m just a bookkeeper” to a confident investor scaling toward 100+ units. Along the way, you’ll learn how faith, grit, and the courage to evict toxic tenants turned a cash-flow drain into a stabilized asset. If you've ever felt unqualified or overwhelmed, this episode shows how to potentialize adversity into growth, impact, and legacy.

In Episode 3 of The Potentializer, Lance Edwards breaks down the essential mindset shift from owning isolated properties to building scalable small apartment businesses through platforms. He explains why the one-man-band landlord model leads to burnout and plateau, and reveals how adopting a platform approach — leveraging systems, partnerships, AI, and credible teams — unlocks sustainable growth and freedom. Featuring real-life stories from his network and a glimpse into his own transformation, Lance equips listeners with the tools and mindset to multiply their impact, income, and authority by building scalable platforms rather than just chasing deals.

In Episode 2 of The Potentializer, Lance Edwards explores the outdated and exhausting model of the 'one-man-band landlord' and introduces a smarter, scalable alternative: the Small Apartment Symphony. Drawing from real examples and his own journey, Lance illustrates how collaboration, platforms, partnerships, and AI create the leverage necessary to scale without burnout. Whether you’re just getting started or already in the game, this episode lays out the structure needed to grow your income, authority, and freedom—without doing it all alone.

In this episode, Lance Edwards explores the vital role of private money in real estate success with expert Alan Cowgill. Alan shares his journey from corporate America to private lending, explaining the difference between private and hard money lenders and offering tips for finding private lenders. He also discusses deal structuring and provides a free e-book for new and seasoned investors. Tune in for valuable insights to elevate your real estate investing game.