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.