Take The Power Back

The Take The Power Back Podcast is where ambitious students, founders, and future leaders bypass outdated career systems and go straight to the source. Hear from entrepreneurs, sales leaders, and innovators who share unfiltered stories about building careers, launching ventures, and shaping their futures on their own terms. No gatekeepers. No red tape. Just real conversations that help you take back control of your path and build future you aspire.

Skip the gatekeepers. Take The Power Back brings students, founders, and future leaders unfiltered stories and direct advice to shape your career on your terms.

Powered by Team TTPB — follow @TeamTTPB on TikTok, Instagram, and LinkedIn for clips and updates.

Episodes

Apr 19, 2026

47 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #21
 
Most people want success, but very few are willing to push through the hard times in order to get there.
 
In this episode, I sat down with Chase Gruening, who shared his journey from starting as a solo sales agent knocking on doors to building a growing business through recruitment, leadership, and discipline. We break down what qualities someone needs to push past mediocrity, like a competitive mindset, and a drive to build from the ground up, showing how consistent effort and a commitment to excellence can evolve into leadership and long-term success.
 
Chase Gruening:
https://www.youtube.com/@coachg_chasegruening 
 
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ 
 
For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/ 
 
Chapters:
00:00 - That Inner Fire
00:53 - What Is Gruening Health & Wealth?
02:13 - Platform Model
03:05 - Door Knocking & Early Sales Hustle
05:48 - Coaching To Insurance Career
08:17 - Where The Drive Comes From
10:05 - College Football & Work Ethic
13:08 - Commission VS Salary Mindset Shift
15:21 - Going Independent
17:27 - Building Systems
19:06 - Sales Strategy
22:26 - Lead Generation Funnel
25:46 - Scaling Into A Business
29:53 - ROI Strategy
31:05 - Biggest Challenges
32:33 - Leadership
33:44 - Why People Fail In Sales
35:47 - Advice For People In Their 20s
40:00 - Vision, Impact & Legacy
40:51 - Personal Life
43:27 - Motivation
45:09 - Mentors
46:24 - Final Thoughts
47:05 - Like And Subscribe!
 
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Apr 11, 2026

51 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #20
 
It’s one thing to achieve success coming from nothing, it’s another thing to do it twice over.
 
This episode of Take The Power Back features Ricky Carruth, a real estate entrepreneur, investor, and content creator, sharing his journey from manual labor to becoming a top-producing agent and eventually building a massive personal brand through social media. He shares how he went from making millions in real estate to losing everything during the 2008 crash. This led to a period where he was homeless, sleeping in his car, and working various jobs, including on an oil rig, while trying to rebuild his life.
 
The episode delivers a powerful message about resilience, reinvention, and building a brand through value and relationships, showing how long-term thinking and consistent action can turn setbacks into massive opportunities.
 
Ricky Carruth:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCP0h0eOBAg4hj1LHR28T6wA 
 
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ 
 
For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/ 
 
Chapters:
0:00 - Person Of Interest
0:38 - Ricky Caruth
0:56 - Building People Skills
3:13 - College Life
5:00 - Most Agents Fail
9:30 - Market Driven
11:06 - Your Success Role
16:09 - My Mentor’s Advice
18:44 - Balancing Work And People
22:03 - The Big Transition
25:31 - People Don’t Think They’re Worthy
27:54 - Take The Power Back
28:48 - If You Want To Win…
30:49 - The Financial Pivot
33:57 - Becoming The Entrepreneur
34:47 - How To Gain Attention
35:58 - The “It” Factor
38:15 - Formula For Success
42:12 - How Are You Monetizing Your Person Of Interest?
46:07 - Advice For The Youth
50:57 - Like & Subscribe!
 
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Apr 4, 2026

43 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #19
 
Most people think they can change their life by reading the right book. Real success isn’t that simple.
 
In this episode, I sat down with Coach Micheal Burt, where he shares his journey from a young athlete and coach to a high-level business coach and entrepreneur. We break down the real difference between information and transformation, and why mentorship, environment, and execution are what actually change your life.
 
Coach Micheal Burt:
https://www.youtube.com/@Coach-MichealBurt 
 
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ 
 
For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/ 
 
Chapters:
0:00 - Opening Your Mind
0:40 - Coach Micheal Burt
4:56 - Where You Afraid?
6:28 - I Can Go Do That
9:37 - You're An Entrepreneur
11:10 - How Advice Do You Give?
13:10 - Self Development
15:20 - What Gets Somebody To Go?
20:02 - How Do You Coach Around That?
23:37 - Take The Power Back
24:36 - The Greatness Lab
29:00 - Lies About Young People
31:45 - What Do You Tell Parents?
37:00 - Little Successes
39:57 - Find Your Primary Skill
43:19 - Like and Subscribe!
 
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Mar 29, 2026

1hr 6 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #18
 
Most people want a clear plan for their career, but what happens if you don’t have one?
 
In this episode, I interviewed Carolyn Nolan, a financial advisor and entrepreneur who shared her journey from an uncertain college graduate, to building a successful wealth management firm and leadership platform. Starting in a commission-only, high-failure environment, she nearly didn’t make it. Her persistence, curiosity, and willingness to outwork everyone around her changed everything.
 
About The Guest:
Carolyn Nolan is a Private Wealth Advisor, CEO & Visionary of TNG Private Wealth, and a women-led private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial. If you wish the learn more about her practices, you can visit here to watch a couple videos and request a free consultation:
https://www.ameripriseadvisors.com/team/tng-private-wealth/lp/request-contact/1/ 
 
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ 
 
For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/
 
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Mar 21, 2026

1hr 2 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #17
 
Most people are looking for success overnight. What they aren’t ready for, is how much time and effort it actually takes to see growth.
 
Today, I sat down with entrepreneur and wealth strategist Rob Luna, who shares his journey from extreme poverty to building and selling a nearly $1 billion wealth management firm. Rob’s story reinforces the idea that financial success rarely happens overnight, and instead comes from years of disciplined effort, strategic relationships, and continually investing in personal growth. 
 
Rob Luna:
https://www.instagram.com/realrobluna/ 
 
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ 
 
For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/ 
 
Chapters:
00:00 - Exponential Value
01:28 - Who Is Rob Luna?
03:26 - Discovering Finance
05:46 - Cop Who Changed His Path
08:13 - Playing The Long Game
09:10 - College & Wrestling Scholarship
09:59 - Passing The Series 7
12:14 - First Exposure To Wealth
17:02 - Early Entrepreneur Lessons
18:05 - Value VS Paychecks
19:01 - Hedge Fund Experience
21:11 - Building The Retail Business
22:11 - Father’s Death & Quitting
23:01 - Starting His Own Firm
25:11 - First Clients
27:10 - The 10-Year Grind
27:32 - NFL Client Breakthrough
28:29 - Media & TV Exposure
31:23 - Why He Sold The Firm
32:24 - MBA & Exit Strategy
33:27 - Walking Away From A Deal
34:07 - Selling The Business
36:11 - Building Again
37:39 - Moving Up Market
38:47 - Authority Celebrity Exclusivity
41:59 - Delivering For Clients
43:11 - How Wealthy People Think
45:20 - Working With Athletes
48:05 - Wealth Creation VS Management
49:31 - Practitioner VS Entrepreneur
50:07 - What’s Next?
52:38 - Life After An Exit
54:03 - Advice For Gen Z
55:26 - Picking A Skill to Master
57:55 - Competitive Mindset
58:11 - Choosing Learning Over Pay
59:40 - Relationships Over Money
01:00:33 - Entrepreneurship VS Corporate
01:01:14 - Building the Right Team
01:02:02 - Subscribe For More!
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Mar 9, 2026

53 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #16
 
Most people want success, but very few are willing to take the necessary steps in order to get there.
 
In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with Marko Arsic, a top NYC luxury realtor who crossed $300M in transactions this year alone and has surpassed 1 BILLION in career sales. Born into instability and financial hardship, Marko overcame every hardship the world had thrown at him. Through his hard work in building connections and clientele, he has settled into success that others only ever hope to achieve. Watch as he shares the steps he took to surpassing everyone’s expectations.
 
Marko Arsic:
https://www.instagram.com/markonyc/?hl=en 
 
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ 
 
For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/ 
 
Chapters:
00:00 - Don't Be Scared
00:51 - Meet Marko Arsic
03:40 - How Do You Get These Clients?
05:00 - What Makes A Realtor A Luxury Realtor
08:14 - How Do You Manage Your Relationships?
14:24 - Where Did You Learn Your People Skills?
16:50 - What Did You Do For Work When You First Got Here?
21:04 - How Did You Survive The Garage Years?
23:20 - When Was Your Financial Transition?
27:56 - What Made You Relentless?
35:35 - A Day In The Life
37:34 - When Would You Recommend Real Estate To Someone?
40:16 - What Is The End Game?
42:57 - How Do You Manage The Ups And Downs?
46:27 - Do You Have Any Regrets?
50:10 - Words Of Advice
53:30 - Thanks For Watching!
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Mar 7, 2026

54 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #15
 
Most young professionals don’t fail because they aren’t good enough, they fail because they don’t care enough.
 
This episode of Take The Power Back features Daniel “Raps” Huffman, Regional Vice President of Georgia Financial Advisors (GFA), sharing his journey from an immature college frat star to a high-level executive leading nearly 80 advisors across Atlanta and Savannah. 
 
Much of his personal development came from choosing uncomfortable growth over easy paths. He encourages young professionals to avoid settling for stability too early, and to understand that success compounds from small disciplined decisions over time.
 
Daniel Raps Huffman:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-raps-huffman-ffa/ 
 
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ 
 
For insurance agents and financial advisors who want to add serious scale to their business: https://www.greatnesslab.com/ 
 
Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:57 - Meet Daniel “Raps” Hoffman
02:13 - Building Atlanta From Scratch
07:18 - Imposter Syndrome & Panic Attacks
09:23 - Growth Through Discomfort
11:07 - Your First Five Hires Matter
13:41 - “I Get To” VS “I Have To”
14:54 - Why Coaching Changes Everything
17:23 - Investing In Yourself Pays Off
21:56 - From Frat Star To Leader
24:07 - Getting Passed Up & Finding Drive
26:21 - Inspiration For Young Entrepreneurs
28:10 - Why He Chose Financial Advising
32:47 - Breaking Lazy Habits
36:28 - Realizing It Was A Startup
39:15 - Trauma Bonding & Early Grind
42:29 - Fighting to Be In The Room
44:08 - What Is Vision Based Leadership
47:08 - Don’t Choose Comfort
49:05 - A Mom’s Perspective
51:34 - What’s Next for GFA
53:47 - Building Leaders
55:10 - Outro
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
 
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 
 

Feb 20, 2026

58 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #14
There’s a narrative being pushed onto young people today. “Play it safe, follow the system, and hope everything works out”. That’s not how leaders are built.
In this conversation, Jason sits down with investment specialist Emily Richard to break down the mindset and discipline required to take ownership of your future. From paying off nearly $100,000 in student debt to stepping into a high-pressure finance career, her story highlights what happens when you invest in yourself, and refuse to let outside voices define your limits.
 
Emily Richard:
https://www.instagram.com/emilylrichard/ 
 
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/ 
 
Chapters:
00:00 - Paying Off My Student Loans
01:00 - Meet Emily Richards 
02:30 - Breaking Into Private Banking 
04:00 - Leaving Credit Research 
06:30 - Betting On Herself 
09:00 - Pressure Is A Privilege 
11:30 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 
14:20 - First Client Pitch Lessons 
16:30 - Women In Finance 
18:00 - Respond VS React 
20:00 - Working With Ultra Wealthy Clients 
22:30 - Growing Up 
24:30 - Paying For College 
26:30 - Sports & Discipline 
29:00 - The Power Of Routine 
31:00 - Goal Setting Formula 
34:30 - Who Moved My Cheese 
37:00 - Taking Moonshots 
39:00 - Deleting Social Media 
41:00 - Power Of Mentorship 
44:00 - Networking Strategy 
48:00 - Finding Her Purpose 
49:30 - $100K Student Loan Payoff 
52:00 - Ignoring Limiting Beliefs 
54:00 - Embracing the Grind 
57:00 - What’s Next 
58:25 - Thanks For Watching!
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 

Feb 9, 2026

1hr 8 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #13
Most people don’t fail because they aren’t capable, they fail because they choose comfort over growth. By focusing on what’s important, you learn how to tap into your true potential.
In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with Andrew Nigrelli to unpack what it really means to be an entrepreneur. From early career pressure and “safe” financial success to reinvention, this conversation exposes the difference between building a lifestyle practice and building a real business.
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com 
Chapters:
00:00 - Learning From Failure
00:42 - What is TTPB
03:10 - Who is Andrew Nigrelli
06:40 - Off the Results Sheet
09:45 - Learning to Pick Yourself Back Up
13:20 - Trying Again After You Fall
16:15 - Two Ways to Look at Failure
19:10 - Failure as Feedback
22:45 - Perspective Only Comes With Time
26:30 - Learning From Getting Knocked Down
30:40 - Defining the Mission
33:50 - Why the Focus Is on Gen Z
37:54 - Take The Power Back
38:35 - Inspiring Entrepreneurship
42:10 - Introducing Andrew
45:55 - How We First Met
49:30 - Andrew’s Early Career
53:40 - Corporate Experience
57:10 - Reinventing Yourself
01:02:20 - What Sustained Success Really Takes
01:05:40 - Final Reflections and Takeaways
01:08:06 - Thanks For Watching!
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/ 
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool 
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool 
#takethepowerback #failure #learning #growing #entrepreneur #business

Feb 6, 2026

1hr 5 min

Take The Power Back - Episode #12
Most people don’t fail because they’re incapable, they fail because they’re listening to the wrong advice.
In this episode of Take The Power Back, I sat down with Tommy Nickerson to break down what actually separates people who rise into leadership from those who burn out. We unpack the difference between trust and loyalty, why most advice is based on emotions instead of outcomes, and why you should never make life decisions when you’re frustrated.
Tommy Nickerson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tnickerson/
Take The Power Back from the Universities that don't put students first: https://www.ttpb.com/
Chapters:
00:00 - Leadership
02:00 - Tom’s Role At FFA
05:30 - Developing Leaders
08:15 - Trust Respect Loyalty
12:00 - How Leaders Lose Trust
15:30 - Moving To Florida
18:00 - First Days In The Business
20:30 - Culture & Competitive Mindset
24:30 - Working Two Jobs
27:30 - Opening The Orlando Office
31:00 - Jacksonville Breakthrough
35:00 - Belief Over Talent
38:07 - Take The Power Back
38:50 - Why People Burn Out
43:00 - Who You Should Take Advice From
49:00 - Leading Leaders At Scale
55:30 - Advice For Young People
1:00:30 - Final Reflections
1:04:41 - Outro
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Get connected and check out Jason’s other content:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jmickool/
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jasonmickoolofficial
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/jason.mickool
LinkedIn - http://linkedin.com/in/JasonMickool
#leadership #takethepowerback #genz #trust #loyalty #ffa

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