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TDC #083 Part 4: The "Contrarian Canon" (Continued)

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque makes the case for storytelling as THE differentiator in a post-AI world—and shares a practical toolkit you can apply immediately.

You'll learn the three story types every creator needs, five contrarian tips for compelling stories, and how his kids flipped a $169 parka for $329 on eBay in 20 minutes using nothing but storytelling.

Question of the Day

What's one story from your life or business that you've never told publicly—but probably should? Drop it in the comments.

Key Take-aways

• Storytelling is becoming the ultimate differentiator in a post-AI content landscape
• Raw, imperfect moments create tension—polished AI content can't replicate that
• Three story types give you a framework for any situation
• Stories sell faster than features (a $130 profit in 20 minutes proves it)
• OpenAI launching ads in ChatGPT—predicted back in Issue 20

Timestamped Outline

0:00 – Introduction: The Contrarian Canon Part 4
0:08 – Embarrassing mistake: Getting "canon" wrong
0:46 – ChatGPT can't make human mistakes
0:52 – OpenAI launches ads (predicted in Issue 20)
1:08 – Kids building retail arbitrage business
1:27 – $130 profit in 20 minutes using stories
1:54 – How stories made the sale happen fast
2:06 – Focus: Storytelling and selling your stuff
2:26 – Most scalable post-AI business skill
2:35 – Why storytelling creates connection
2:44 – Polished AI content vs. raw human stories
3:00 – Bear in the woods: Raw moments create tension
3:13 – Three story types breakdown
3:24 – Practical storytelling toolkit for business
3:37 – Link to full issue in description
3:46 – Closing thoughts and sign-off

Links & Resources

• Issue 056 of The Digital Contrarian – "Why Storytelling Might Be the Most Scalable Post-AI Business Skill" → https://ryanlevesque.net/storytelling-the-most-scalable-post-ai-business-skill/
• Issue 056 Video → https://youtu.be/emJpLp9bLvk
• Issue 020 of The Digital Contrarian – "Going Analog: Contrarian Business Strategy 2025" (OpenAI Ads Prediction) → https://ryanlevesque.net/going-analog-contrarian-business-strategy-2025/
• Return to Real Book Waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/
• The Digital Contrarian Newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA

Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Join 100,000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan Levesque's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque © 2026 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 082: Part 3: The "Contrarian Cannon" (Continued)

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque tackles the dilemma every entrepreneur eventually faces: Do you build for the hyper-engaged 100, the silent 100,000, or orient everything around a single person?

You'll discover why optimizing for scale creates drift, why over-serving your superfans leads to burnout, and why centering around "the one" sharpens your message and simplifies every decision.

Question of the Day

Who is YOUR "one"? The specific person you're really building for? Drop their name (or describe them) in the comments.

Key Take-aways

• Optimizing for scale often means building for the lowest common denominator
• Over-serving your hyper-engaged 100 can quietly lead to burnout
• Centering around "the one" gives you a clear lens for every decision
• This approach sharpens your message while still serving everyone else
• The right question isn't "who's my audience?"—it's "who am I really building for?"

Timestamped Outline

0:00 – Introduction: Contrarian Canon Part 3
0:07 – Back from Colorado, deep in book editing mode
0:34 – Beta reader opportunity coming soon
0:48 – Today's topic: Who are you really building for?
1:19 – Issue #47: The scale optimization trap
1:31 – The core dilemma every creator faces
1:38 – Building for the 100 (hyper-engaged followers)
1:40 – Building for the 100,000 (silent majority)
1:45 – Building for the one (single real person)
1:56 – Why optimizing for scale creates drift
2:05 – Why over-serving the 100 leads to burnout
2:10 – The reframe: Centering around the one
2:26 – How this approach sharpens your message
2:29 – Clear lens for deciding where attention goes
2:39 – Reflection questions for immediate alignment
2:45 – Link to full issue in description
2:52 – Back to manuscript editing
2:58 – Remember to hug the ones you love

Links & Resources

• Issue 047 of The Digital Contrarian – "How to Decide Who You're Really Building For" → https://ryanlevesque.net/the-100-the-100000-or-the-one/
• Issue 047 Video → https://youtu.be/fvbgBrYyxFs
• Return to Real Book Waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/
• The Digital Contrarian Newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA

Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Join 100,000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan Levesque's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2026 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC #081: The “Contrarian Cannon” (Part 2) & The Surprising Nature of Breakthroughs.
The moment you feel most stalled might be the exact moment you're closest to your next big shift.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque explores the surprising pattern behind how breakthroughs actually happen—and why they rarely arrive when you're grinding hardest.

You'll learn why creative block often precedes insight, what a 200-year-old sugar maple teaches about adversity, and three reflection questions to turn your current setback into your next breakthrough.

Question of the Day:

What's a recent setback you've faced—or a breakthrough you've just experienced? I'd love to hear from you in the comments.

Key Take-aways

• Feeling stuck is often a signal you're close to a breakthrough, not far from one
• Breakthroughs appear after frustration—sometimes only when you finally let go
• Moderate adversity strengthens us (the science proves it)
• Creative block frequently precedes your biggest insights
• Looking at the problem from a new angle unlocks what grinding couldn't

Timestamped Outline

0:00 – The Surprising Nature of Breakthroughs
0:29 – Trudy Ederle's Story: Courage, Grit & Breakthroughs
0:44 – My Recent Manuscript Breakthrough (Return to Real)
1:10 – The Open Heart Surgery Phase of Editing
1:32 – Focus: The Contrarian Canon Part Two
2:00 – How to Turn Your Setback Into Your Next Big Breakthrough
2:26 – When Feeling Stalled Means You're Close to a Shift
2:40 – Setbacks, Flow & Detaching from the Outcome
3:02 – Why Creative Block Frequently Precedes Insight
3:29 – Engagement Prompt: Share Your Setback or Breakthrough
3:40 – Back to Manuscript Editing: No Food, No Water, Just Words
3:48 – Remember to Hug the Ones You Love

Links & Resources

• Issue 051 of The Digital Contrarian – "How to Turn Your Current Setback Into Your Next Big Breakthrough" → https://ryanlevesque.net/setbacks-breakthroughs/
• Issue 051 Video → https://youtu.be/XQTjQZ6cwf8
• Return to Real Book Waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/
• The Digital Contrarian Newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA

Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

Join 100,000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan Levesque's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Credits:

Host: Ryan Levesque © 2026 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC #080 - The Contrarian Canon (Part 1): 5 Overlooked Frameworks for 2026

What if the most powerful business ideas aren't the newest ones, but the ones you missed?

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares five overlooked frameworks from the "Contrarian Canon"—powerful concepts buried in past newsletter issues.

You'll learn how to optimize around permanence instead of change, why struggle creates satisfaction, and discover advanced pricing psychology that increases both clarity and conversion.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's YOUR Word of the Year for 2026? (Ryan's is "Flywheel"—he explains why)

Key Take-aways

• Anchor your business around things that DON'T change rather than chasing trends
• "Difficulty is the currency of meaning"—the struggle often IS the solution
• Become antifragile: design systems that get stronger from disruption
• Price is never evaluated in a vacuum—it's always relative to comparison points
• Over-index on megatrends with contrarian angles for asymmetric opportunity

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Introduction: The Contrarian Canon & Word of the Year
00:47 – The two-book revelation & why Ryan was blocked
01:25 – Gaining clarity & the plan for January 2026
01:46 – Introducing the Contrarian Canon concept
02:28 – Idea #1: Optimize around things that don't change
03:35 – Idea #2: The optimal effort-to-reward ratio
04:44 – Idea #3: Becoming antifragile for what's coming
05:33 – Idea #4: Advanced pricing psychology & strategy
06:42 – Idea #5: Over-indexing on the right megatrends
08:05 – Which framework will you choose?
08:42 – BONUS: Ryan's Word of the Year: "Flywheel"

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue 031 of The Digital Contrarian – "Cultivating Influence vs Chasing Attention" → https://ryanlevesque.net/cultivating-influence-vs-chasing-attention/
• Issue 032 of The Digital Contrarian – "Hidden Pricing Psychology" → https://ryanlevesque.net/hidden-pricing-psychology/
• Issue 034 of The Digital Contrarian – "How to Become Antifragile" → https://ryanlevesque.net/how-to-become-antifragile/
• Issue 035 of The Digital Contrarian – "Why the Struggle is the Solution" → https://ryanlevesque.net/why-the-struggle-is-the-solution/
• Issue 037 of The Digital Contrarian – "Wake Up Call: The Illusion of Permanence" → https://ryanlevesque.net/wake-up-call-the-illusion-of-permanence/
• Issue 079 of The Digital Contrarian – "The Tension Between Resistance & Productive Procrastination" → https://ryanlevesque.net/the-tension-between-resistance-productive-procrastination/
• Return to Real Book Waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2026 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 079: The Tension Between Resistance & Productive Procrastination: How to Know When It's Time to Ship

When productive procrastination crosses the line into destructive resistance—and the simple test to know when you must finally ship.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into the critical tension between productive procrastination and destructive resistance.
You'll learn how to distinguish between creative incubation and fear-based avoidance, discover why original thinkers are "quick to start but slow to finish," and uncover a simple litmus test for knowing when your creative window is closing.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's the one project you've been "productively procrastinating" on—and if you're honest with yourself, has it crossed the line into resistance?

Key Take-aways

• Productive procrastination is idea incubation, not laziness—it's where creative magic happens
• Original thinkers feel doubt but keep it pointed at the idea, not themselves
• There's a thin line where incubation quietly turns into avoidance and resistance
• Creative windows don't stay open forever—market conditions change and energy wanes
• Simple test: Is your procrastination producing new insight or just new excuses?

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Introduction: The tension between resistance & productive procrastination
00:27 – My biggest unfinished project: The Return to Real book
01:00 – Why I've been procrastinating (my string of excuses)
02:31 – At some point you just need to ship the damn thing
03:19 – James Clear: "Writing a book is not good enough is good enough"
03:48 – The power of productive procrastination
04:28 – Adam Grant's core argument: Idea incubation
05:20 – The truth about creative work and windows
06:15 – How do you know when it's time to ship?
07:27 – When resistance rears its ugly head
08:15 – The simple litmus test: Insight vs. excuses
08:56 – Three rules of thumb for when to ship
09:52 – Pressfield's rally cry: The more scared, the more sure
10:07 – Your pep talk: Get your butt in gear and ship
10:34 – Holiday wishes & winter solstice message
11:02 – January 8th Town Hall event announcement

Links & Resources 🔗

Issue 060 of The Digital Contrarian – "Inside a Room with 40+ Million-Copy Bestselling Authors" → https://ryanlevesque.net/inside-a-room-with-40-million-copy-bestselling-authors/

Issue 027 of The Digital Contrarian – "Building Your Strategic Content Ecosystem" → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-content-ecosystem/

Join the Return to Real Book Waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/

Apply for Return to Real Agency (February 2026 Cohort) → https://www.ryanlevesque.net/apply

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits
Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2026 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 078: 12 Days, 12 Takeaways: Lessons from Austin That Will Change How You Think About Business & Life

The last mile is the one that matters most—and why most entrepreneurs quit right before their breakthrough.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares his biggest lesson from each of 12 days spent in Austin, Texas—covering five back-to-back events, dozens of private dinners, and nearly 50 hours of sessions.

You'll learn why the coming AI backlash requires immediate brand strategy shifts, discover the 4-step plan for raising multi-millionaire kids, and understand why hosting dinners beats Facebook ads for ROI.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's one habit that's keeping you small right now and no longer serving who you want to become?

Key Take-aways

• Standing ovations happen in the last 60 seconds—most people remember sentences, not books
• A committed group will raise the average together when focused on shared improvement
• The AI backlash is coming as 162,000+ layoffs create anti-AI sentiment—prepare your brand now
• Hosting dinners for friends offers better ROI than spending the same cash on Facebook ads
• If it requires daily discipline, it's a badly designed system—successful people need less willpower

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Introduction: 12 Days, 12 Takeaways
00:54 – Day 1: The Last Mile Matters Most
02:42 – Day 2: A Committed Group Raises the Average
03:25 – Day 3: Laugh at Yourself in Public
04:15 – Day 4: Enjoy the Mess Before It's Gone
05:00 – Day 5: The AI Backlash is Coming
06:18 – Day 6: Dinners Beat Facebook Ads
07:11 – Day 7: Heart, Humor, Humanity & Hilarity
08:05 – Day 8: How to Raise Multi-Millionaire Kids
10:28 – Day 9: What Strengthened, Surprised & Needs Evolution
11:00 – Day 10: No Deal Goes in a Straight Line
12:34 – Day 11: Daily Discipline = Bad System Design
13:17 – Day 12: A Man Admits His Mistakes
14:56 – Closing Thoughts: Who Needs Your Hug?

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #077 of The Digital Contrarian – "True Self vs. Strategic Self"
  → https://ryanlevesque.net/true-self-vs-strategic-self/
  → https://youtu.be/Va41rZ3TJCM
• Work with Ryan's agency to build your Strategic Content Ecosystem → https://www.ryanlevesque.net/apply
• Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2026 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 077: The 4 Types of Driven Entrepreneurs (And Why You're Secretly Seeking Validation)

Four archetypes, one painful realization, and 14 words that could change everything.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares a vulnerable story from Front Row Dads Live about a moment he's not proud of as a father.

You'll learn the difference between your True Self and Strategic Self, discover which of the four archetypal patterns drives your behavior, and uncover how childhood wounds show up in your business today.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Which of the 4 archetypes do you most identify with—The Lone Wolf, The Fighter, The Knight in Shining Armor, or The Achiever?

Key Take-aways:

• Your True Self serves your needs; your Strategic Self serves others—there's no Choice C
• Four archetypes emerge from childhood: Lone Wolf, Fighter, Knight, and Achiever
• The Achiever pattern drives hyper-performance while burying parts you learned to hate
• The ASK Method can cause you to lose yourself by always serving market needs first
• "When you're busy seeking validation of the few, you cannot impact the many"

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Introduction: True Self vs Strategic Self

00:50 – This episode will be different (more personal)

01:25 – A question to begin all questions

02:07 – Front Row Dads Live event context

02:41 – Something I did as a dad I'm not proud of

04:04 – Your True Self vs Strategic Self explained

05:49 – The four archetypes for coping with unmet needs

07:11 – My pattern: The Achiever playbook

09:25 – Philip McKernan's 14 words to live by

10:37 – Final thoughts & wrap-up

Links & Resources 🔗

Issue #044 of The Digital Contrarian – "Top 10 Contrarian Business Frameworks" → https://ryanlevesque.net/top-10-contrarian-business-frameworks/

Issue #067 of The Digital Contrarian – "3-Part RTR AI Business Model Opportunity" → https://ryanlevesque.net/3-part-rtr-ai-business-model-opportunity/

Related video: "3-Part RTR AI Business Model" → https://youtu.be/HhystvcW2B8

Issue #074 of The Digital Contrarian – "The First Trillion-Dollar Thought Leader" → https://ryanlevesque.net/the-first-trillion-dollar-thought-leader/

Related video: "The First Trillion-Dollar Thought Leader" → https://youtu.be/Sz4ZKYT2yRw

Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2026 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 076: Worldviews from Viewers: Real Perspectives On How to Make Sense of this Post-AI World...

World views from readers reveal what's really shaping how thoughtful people navigate today's chaos.

Episode Summary

In this special episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares thought-provoking reader responses to last week's worldview challenge.

You'll discover seven diverse principles shaping how people make sense of this moment in history, explore frameworks for navigating complexity, and hear perspectives that might challenge your own assumptions.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Which of these seven worldview principles resonates most with you? Where do you agree or disagree?

Key Take-aways

• Your body often knows the truth before your mind admits it—physical responses reveal when you're performing vs. being authentic
• Historical patterns repeat; understanding the past helps us recognize dangerous parallels in current events
• Humans aren't inherently good or evil but have capacity for both—the need to belong drives most decisions
• 99% of people are kindhearted when encountered one-on-one; hate comes from creating "us vs. them" dynamics
• Nothing in the universe happens randomly—everything is cause and effect, we just haven't found the pattern yet

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – World views from readers introduction
00:42 – Why today's episode is different
01:40 – Principle #1: Brad Did - When your body tells the truth
02:10 – Principle #2: Kurt Varner - Those who forget history
02:45 – Principle #3: Kristen Carter - Neither all good nor all evil
03:45 – Principle #4: Andrew Skinner - 99% of people are kindhearted
04:17 – Principle #5: Randall Porter - Nothing happens at random
05:03 – Principle #6: Damien Bowler - Tribe 2.0 and vertical economies
05:51 – Principle #7: Jane Olinder - A new balance is coming
08:01 – Final thoughts and invitation to reflect

Links & Resources 🔗

👉 Issue 076 of The Digital Contrarian: "How to Craft Your Worldview with AI"

📄 https://ryanlevesque.net/how-to-craft-your-worldview-with-ai/

🎥 https://youtu.be/tOjQruLODlM

Book mentioned: "1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History" by Andrew Ross Sorkin → https://www.amazon.com/1929-Inside-Greatest-History-Shattered/dp/0593296966

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 075: How To Craft Your Worldview With AI

What I learned at Tony Robbins and Dean Graziosi's $250,000 private mastermind this week.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into building a comprehensive worldview and why it's your hidden operating system.

You'll learn how to surface your existing beliefs, discover the three levels of reality that shape decisions, and explore a six-step AI-assisted process for crafting worldviews that drive real results.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's one principle that deeply shapes how you see the world, and where did it come from?

Key Take-aways

• Your worldview is the combination of what you believe is true, patterns you notice, and how you act
• The world operates cyclically not linearly—learn the cycle and phase to predict what's next
• Energy is the base layer of everything; capitalism is just turning energy into useful stuff
• There are three levels of reality: objective, subjective, and inter-subjective
• Green fruit marketing focuses on nurturing prospects over time, not just picking ripe fruit

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Cold open & hook
00:39 – Your hidden operating system: why worldviews matter
02:38 – Deep convictions loosely held: three lenses
04:11 – The world operates cyclically, not linearly
06:47 – Energy is the base layer of human experience
07:52 – Three levels of reality: objective, subjective, inter-subjective
09:01 – Lessons from a $40 million product launch
11:23 – How to build your worldview with AI
11:52 – Step 1: Surface what you already have
12:33 – Step 2: Articulate 5-10 strong beliefs loosely held
13:26 – Step 3: Choose your faculty of thinkers
15:00 – Step 4: Stress test with dissonance
15:48 – Step 5: Connect worldview to real decisions
17:14 – Step 6: Create a review rhythm
18:24 – Your turn: one principle reshaping your worldview

Links & Resources 🔗

👉 Issue 046 of The Digital Contrarian: "Brace for Impact"

📄 https://ryanlevesque.net/brace-for-impact/

👉 Issue 022 of The Digital Contrarian: "How to See Hidden Patterns"

📄 https://ryanlevesque.net/hidden-patterns-others-completely-miss/

👉 Issue 028 of The Digital Contrarian: "The Return to Real Movement"

📄 https://ryanlevesque.net/the-return-to-real-movement/

👉 Issue 042 of The Digital Contrarian: "How to Keep Your Head Straight…"

📄 https://ryanlevesque.net/how-to-keep-your-head-straight/

👉 Get on the waitlist for "The Return to Real": https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/

👉 Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter: https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Each week, I share frameworks and contrarian strategies for finding meaning and building resilience in both business and life.

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

View Details

TDC 074: The First Trillion Dollar Thought Leader: Being Known for How You Think, Not What You Consume

Why being known for how you think beats influence every time.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into the critical distinction between influencers and thought leaders in the AI era.

You'll learn why chasing followers is the wrong game, how thought leadership transforms ideas into equity, and discover the unsexy immediate next step to start building your own trillion-dollar personal brand.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Are you planting fruit trees or ordering DoorDash with your content strategy? What's one idea you could turn into an email this week?

Key Take-aways

• Influencers rent attention from algorithms; thought leaders build mental real estate in decision-makers' minds
• Markets already treat certain personal brands as multi-billion dollar assets (see: Elon Musk's pay package)
• Thought leadership lives in the "important but not urgent" quadrant—it's fruit tree behavior, not DoorDash behavior
• Most people never build one because they chase quick hits instead of planting for generations
• Start with one email about one idea you have energy around right now—then do it weekly for 12 weeks

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The trillion dollar thought leader shift
00:21 – Influencers vs thought leaders: The wrong game
01:36 – Elon Musk's trillion dollar personal brand
02:06 – What thought leadership actually buys you today
02:22 – Company value and deal flow (Edelman LinkedIn data)
03:31 – Optionality: When opportunities find you
04:07 – Talent magnetism: Attracting operators who think
04:34 – Durability: Personal anti-fragility
05:32 – Why doesn't everyone build one?
05:47 – The fruit tree vs DoorDash behavior
07:06 – The "no shortcuts across the green" rule
08:20 – Your small unsexy immediate next step
09:34 – Closing thoughts

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #022 of The Digital Contrarian – "How to See Hidden Patterns Others Completely Miss" → https://ryanlevesque.net/hidden-patterns-others-completely-miss/
• Issue #028 of The Digital Contrarian – "The Return to Real Movement" → https://ryanlevesque.net/the-return-to-real-movement/
• Issue #042 of The Digital Contrarian – "How to Keep Your Head Straight…" → https://ryanlevesque.net/how-to-keep-your-head-straight/
• Issue #046 of The Digital Contrarian – "Brace for Impact: 3 Converging Forces…" → https://ryanlevesque.net/brace-for-impact/
• Strategic Content Ecosystem Service → https://www.ryanlevesque.net/apply
• "Return to Real" book waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

View Details

TDC: The Efficiency vs. Resiliency Dilemma

What's the biggest vulnerability in your business right now?

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque explores the dangerous trade-off between efficiency and resiliency in business.

You'll learn why single-channel dependency threatens your business survival, discover how the Irish Potato Famine reveals critical marketing insights, and explore how to build an antifragile strategic content ecosystem that can weather any storm.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Where is your business most vulnerable right now? Are you overly dependent on a single traffic source, platform, or channel?

Key Take-aways

• Efficiency often comes at the expense of resiliency, creating massive business vulnerability
• 77% of mobile Google searches now result in zero clicks, effectively killing SEO as a traffic source
• Single-channel dependency in the post-AI world is an existential business threat
• Strategic content ecosystems provide the diversification needed for business antifragility
• You can achieve resiliency without complexity by hiring teams to manage your content ecosystem

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Introduction: The efficiency vs. resiliency dilemma
00:31 – The efficiency-resiliency spectrum explained
01:46 – Farm optimization: Why we choose resiliency over efficiency
02:12 – The Irish Potato Famine: A warning about monoculture dependency
03:18 – The shocking truth about global food biodiversity loss
03:41 – The zero-click reality killing SEO
04:28 – Why single-channel dependency is a business death sentence
04:48 – The strategic content ecosystem alternative
05:38 – Understanding the resiliency trade-off
06:24 – How to achieve resiliency without the complexity
06:54 – The Digital Contrarian content ecosystem model
07:19 – Final thoughts & CTA

Links & Resources 🔗

• Strategic Content Ecosystem Service Priority Waitlist → https://www.ryanlevesque.net/apply
• Issue #003 of The Digital Contrarian – "The Zero-Click Reality" →https://ryanlevesque.net/decision-making-framework-for-entrepreneurs/

Connect & CTA 🎯

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque © 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 072: How to Become A "Category of One" Thought Leader.

Three questions that separate thought leaders from everyone else in their market.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque reveals the Category of One framework that's made his consulting practice oversubscribed and generated 24 speaking invitations in 18 months.

You'll learn the three critical questions that establish thought leadership positioning, discover why timing and novelty matter more than credentials, and understand how to make all roads lead naturally to you.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Which of these three questions is hardest for you to answer powerfully in your market?

Key Take-aways:

• Category of One positioning requires answering three questions in your market's mind
• "Why now?" establishes urgency by showing the old paradigm is obsolete
• "Why this?" positions your novel solution against conventional approaches
• "Why you?" creates natural authority where no other provider is worth considering
• Strategic content ecosystems can syndicate across 37 formats and channels

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:53 – Results from the framework approach
01:14 – Agency work and strategic content ecosystems
02:09 – The three questions framework introduction
02:13 – Question 1: Why NOW?
02:29 – Question 2: Why THIS?
02:47 – Question 3: Why YOU?
03:05 – Reflection prompt for your business

Links & Resources 🔗

• Priority waitlist for agency clients → https://www.ryanlevesque.net/apply
• Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 071: How to Get Your Website to Show Up in ChatGPT…

The 2025 version of ranking #1 on Google—master these AI concepts before your competition does.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) and the advanced AI concepts determining which brands get recommended by ChatGPT.

You'll learn how to optimize for vector embeddings instead of keywords, discover entity graph gap analysis techniques, and master information gain rate principles that make AI systems choose your content over competitors'.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Have you tested whether ChatGPT recommends your brand when asked questions in your niche? Try it and share what you discover in the comments!

Key Take-aways

• ChatGPT usage doubled to 16 min/day while Google search time declined to 18.2 min/day
• Optimize content for concepts and semantic meaning, not just keywords
• AI models often stop after reviewing just 100 lines of content
• Vector embeddings measure semantic similarity using cosine angles between text
• Entity graphs reveal how AI connects your brand to relevant concepts and competitors

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Cold open & hook
01:14 – The data proving ChatGPT is eating Google's lunch
02:09 – Why AEO is the new SEO
03:01 – Key Concept #1: Vector Embeddings explained
04:22 – The paradigm shift: Keywords → Concepts
04:53 – Key Concept #2: Entity Graphs
06:33 – How to do an Entity Graph Gap Analysis
07:00 – Key Concept #3: Information Gain Rate & Time to Answer
08:46 – How to optimize IGR and TTA for your content
09:30 – Final thoughts: The first mover advantage
10:22 – Building your strategic content ecosystem

Links & Resources 🔗

• Apply for Strategic Content Ecosystem → https://www.ryanlevesque.net/apply
• Google Natural Language API → https://cloud.google.com/natural-language
• Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com
• Private Advisory (7-8 figure business owners) → https://ryanlevesque.net/1-1-vip-waitlist/
• Strategic Mastermind (6-7 figure entrepreneurs) → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-advisory-group-mastermind-waitlist

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 070: Seven "Non-Obvious" Email Lessons I've Learned Writing This Email Newsletter Each Week.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque reveals the seven most impactful lessons from writing 70 consecutive weekly newsletters by hand.

You'll learn how less AI usage led to higher engagement, why creative volume beats perfectionism, and discover the custom dashboard metrics that actually matter for email success.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Which of these 7 lessons resonates most with you? Drop a comment and let me know!

Key Take-aways

• Custom AI dashboards beat vanity metrics – track engagement scores, not just opens and clicks
• Less AI in writing process correlates directly with higher reader engagement scores
• Creative fecundity is essential – you never know which piece will break through
• Buffer days between writing and sending prevent newsletter stress and missed deadlines
• Make it great before you make it grow – optimize for impact, then scale

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

01:26 – Lesson #1: Let data drive decisions (AI dashboard reveal)
05:03 – Lesson #2: Less AI = More engagement (the shocking data)
06:38 – Lesson #3: Creative fecundity is the key to success
08:38 – Lesson #4: Keep your cutting room floor
09:20 – Lesson #5: Build in a buffer day
11:25 – Lesson #6: Make it non-negotiable (decide to win)
13:25 – Lesson #7: Make it great before you make it grow
14:26 – All 7 lessons recap

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue 001 of The Digital Contrarian – "An Embarrassing Confession" → https://ryanlevesque.net/authentic-business-communication-confession/
• Issue 027 of The Digital Contrarian – "Your Strategic Content Ecosystem" → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-content-ecosystem/
• Issue 058 of The Digital Contrarian – "Bombshell Week in AI" → https://ryanlevesque.net/bombshell-week-in-ai/
  • Related video: "Bombshell Week in AI" → https://youtu.be/BAnNrTQC47M
• Issue 062 of The Digital Contrarian – "Is the AI Bubble Bursting??" → https://ryanlevesque.net/is-the-ai-bubble-bursting/
  • Related video: "Is the AI Bubble Bursting??" → https://youtu.be/153Y_LP2oYc
• Issue 066 of The Digital Contrarian – "A Crazy Person's Guide to Living Life" → https://ryanlevesque.net/a-crazy-persons-guide-to-living-life/
  • Related video: "A Crazy Person's Guide to Living Life" → https://youtu.be/tbDx0R2j0GQ
• Private Advisory (7-8 figure business owners) → https://ryanlevesque.net/1-1-vip-waitlist/
• Strategic Mastermind (6-7 figure entrepreneurs) → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-advisory-group-mastermind-waitlist

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 069: The Circular AI Money Shell Game?? | What To Do About The AI Bubble That May Soon Be Coming To an End

The AI bubble may be closer to popping than you think—and the evidence is hiding in plain sight.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque goes into the current state of the AI bubble and where we might be on the hype cycle curve.

You'll learn why enterprise AI adoption is actually declining, discover the circular money shell game happening between major AI players, and uncover a potential opportunity hiding in OpenAI's recent job postings that could rival the early days of Facebook Ads.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Where do YOU think we are on the AI bubble curve? Share your perspective in the comments below!

Key Take-aways

Enterprise AI adoption has fallen from 14% to 12% between June and August 2025—unprecedented for any new technology
The NASDAQ curves from the dot-com bubble (1998-2001) mirror today's AI-driven market almost identically
Circular AI deals between OpenAI, Nvidia, and AMD echo the financial engineering that preceded past bubble crashes
A single ChatGPT algorithm change wiped out $8 billion in Reddit's market value by reducing citations 86%
OpenAI's recent job postings suggest an ad-supported model may be coming sooner than expected

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The AI bubble question everyone's asking
00:08 – Why you can't see bubbles from the inside
01:40 – Where are we on the AI hype cycle curve?
02:12 – The late-stage bubble evidence piling up
03:04 – The circular AI money shell game explained
04:07 – Why 95% of enterprise AI pilots are failing
04:42 – The anti-bubble argument (and why it matters)
06:41 – Unprecedented volatility: AMD up 35%, Reddit down 22%
07:36 – The neuroscience of staying calm in chaos
08:23 – OpenAI's next move: The biggest opportunity since Facebook Ads?
08:59 – New agency service announcement

Links & Resources 🔗

Issue #068 of The Digital Contrarian – "Why Your $20/month AI tool is about to cost $500..." → https://ryanlevesque.net/your-20-month-ai-tool-is-about-to-cost-500/

Issue #039 of The Digital Contrarian – "Right Thesis, Wrong Timing?" → https://ryanlevesque.net/right-thesis-wrong-timing/

Derek Thompson's "This Is How the AI Bubble Will Pop" → https://www.derekthompson.org/p/this-is-how-the-ai-bubble-will-pop

Bloomberg's circular AI money flow diagram → https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-10-08/the-circular-openai-nvidia-and-amd-deals-raising-fears-of-a-new-tech-bubble

Return to Real Agency waitlist → https://go2.bucketforms.com/sf/8a8a42b9

1:1 VIP Client waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/1-1-vip-waitlist/

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 068: Your $20/month AI tool is about to cost $500: The Coming AI Price Shock...

The coming AI price shock that could destroy your business model overnight.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque exposes the broken economics behind OpenAI's $500 billion valuation and the entire AI sector.

You'll learn why venture-capital subsidized AI pricing is unsustainable, discover the shocking financials that reveal AI companies lose money on every transaction, and understand why a 25x price increase is inevitable when the subsidy ends.

Question of the Day 🗣️

How dependent is your business on artificially cheap AI tools? What's your contingency plan if prices increase 25x?

Key Take-aways

• OpenAI loses $1.35 for every dollar of revenue despite its $500 billion valuation
• The AI sector exhibits textbook bubble behavior with negative unit economics
• Current AI pricing is artificially low, subsidized by venture capital funding
• A 25x price increase (like Netflix's evolution) is inevitable when subsidies end
• Build contingency plans now before your AI-dependent business model breaks

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The $500 AI price shock is coming
01:04 – Inside the town hall: What we covered
01:58 – OpenAI's terrifying financials revealed
03:13 – The math problem that makes no sense
03:58 – When the AI subsidy ends
05:30 – What this means for your business
06:03 – The Netflix playbook: $8 to $200/month
07:22 – Build your contingency plans now

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #062 of The Digital Contrarian – "Is the AI Bubble Bursting??" → https://ryanlevesque.net/is-the-ai-bubble-bursting/
• Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

View Details

TDC 067: 3-Part "RTR" AI Business Model Opportunity

The market is shifting beneath our feet and most people have no idea it's happening.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque reveals a massive shift taking place in the market right now that connects falling Meta ad costs, massive AI infrastructure deals, and the future of digital business.

You'll learn about six major market observations Ryan's been tracking, discover why paid media costs are finally coming back to earth, and uncover the three-part RTR AI business model opportunity that most entrepreneurs are completely missing.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Have you noticed any shifts in your market over the last few months? What are you seeing that others might be missing?

Key Take-aways

• Paid media costs on Meta are at their lowest levels in over a year for the first time in nearly two years
• Major AI infrastructure deals (300BOracle−OpenAI,300B Oracle-OpenAI, 300BOracle−OpenAI,100B NVIDIA-OpenAI) signal a fundamental market shift
• A three-part RTR AI business model opportunity exists for those who take action now
• Most entrepreneurs are unaware of this shift, creating a major competitive advantage
• Live town hall registration is capped at 300 attendees and expected to fill quickly

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Welcome to Episode 67
00:33 – Six major market observations taking shape
00:58 – Paid media costs finally coming back to earth
01:40 – Major AI infrastructure deals reshaping the landscape
02:25 – The market shift most people are missing
02:58 – Announcing live town hall event
03:25 – Three important registration details
04:05 – Keeping today's episode short

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #064 of The Digital Contrarian – "Surprising (Non-AI) Trend Taking Shape" → https://ryanlevesque.net/surprising-trend-taking-shape/
• $100 Billion OpenAI deal with NVIDIA → https://www.cnbc.com/2025/09/24/nvidia-openai-investment-in-cash-mostly-used-to-lease-nvidia-chips.html
• Meta's 'Vibes' Short-Form Video Feed of AI Slop → https://techcrunch.com/2025/09/25/meta-launches-vibes-a-short-form-video-feed-of-ai-slop/

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review.

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque

© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 066: A Crazy Person's Guide to Living Life in an AI World

Each ChatGPT usage category reveals what humans are desperately craving in an AI-saturated world.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into OpenAI's first-ever ChatGPT usage study.

You'll learn how each AI usage category reveals human hunger for authentic connection, discover the "Return to Real" opportunity hiding within seven major verticals, and uncover why the world needs more heart, humor, and humanity and not more artificial intelligence.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Which of the seven wedges resonates most with YOUR life right now? Where are you craving more "real" and less "artificial"?

Key Take-aways

• Every AI usage category reveals where people are yearning for what's deeply human and authentic
• Personal writing (18%) shows hunger for genuine voice—opportunities in storytelling and book clubs
• Tutoring (10.2%) reveals desire for someone who sees you—think micro schools and apprenticeships
• Health/fitness (5.7%) shows craving to feel alive—outdoor adventure travel is fastest growing tourism
• The subtext of all AI usage: people want more time doing what's really meaningful and precious

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – A crazy person's guide to living in an AI world
01:16 – OpenAI's groundbreaking usage study revealed
02:30 – The overlooked angle everyone's missing
03:27 – Why each AI vertical reveals human hunger
04:08 – Wedge #1: Personal Writing (18%) - Heart, Humor, Humanity
04:50 – Wedge #2: Tutoring (10.2%) - Hands in the Dirt
05:06 – Wedge #3: How-To Advice (8.5%) - Going Analog
05:46 – Wedge #4: Health & Fitness (5.7%) - Best Things Don't Scale
06:17 – Wedge #5: Translation (4.5%) - Oxytocin Over Dopamine
07:03 – Wedge #6: Programming (4.2%) - Category of One
07:51 – Wedge #7: Products (2.1%) - Between Death and Danger
08:26 – The real subtext behind all AI usage
09:03 – Why I stay up past midnight beating this drum
09:42 – Your call to action: Bang your drum

Links & Resources 🔗

OpenAI ChatGPT Usage Study (NBER Working Paper) → https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w34255/w34255.pdf
The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.
🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits
Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 065:The AI Battle Brewing Beneath the Surface Plus 27 Vermont Farm Mastermind Takeaways

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into the $1.5 billion Anthropic settlement and its implications for content creators.

You'll learn why we may be exiting the "Napster era" of AI, discover the contrarian content strategy behind our first viral YouTube video, and explore 27 transformative insights from the Vermont Farm Mastermind Experience.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's your biggest takeaway from the 27 Vermont insights? Which one could transform your business?

Key Take-aways

• The $1.5 billion Anthropic settlement signals a shift from the "Napster era" to the "Spotify era" of AI
• YouTube may be the next AI battleground as the last non-AI powered search engine
• Single source of truth content can generate viral breakthrough results (27K+ views in 18 weeks)
• Strategic content ecosystems outperform shallow algorithm gaming every time
• Vermont Farm Mastermind revealed 27 transformative business and life insights

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The AI battle brewing beneath the surface
00:48 – $1.5 billion Anthropic settlement breakdown
02:15 – From Napster era to Spotify era of AI
03:40 – YouTube as the next AI battleground
04:30 – Town Hall announcement: October 2nd
05:35 – Unexpected YouTube breakthrough explained
06:35 – Vermont Farm Mastermind experience
07:25 – 27 takeaways from Maeve Ferguson's perspective

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #055 of The Digital Contrarian – "My Contrarian YouTube Strategy" → https://ryanlevesque.net/podcast/tdc-055-my-contrarian-youtube-strategy-building-a-strategic-content-ecosystem-part-2/
• Issue #031 of The Digital Contrarian – "Cultivating Influence vs. Chasing Attention" → https://ryanlevesque.net/cultivating-influence-vs-chasing-attention/
• Vermont Farm Mastermind Takeaways → https://maeveferguson.substack.com/p/27-takeaways-from-ryan-levesques
• Check if your videos were scraped → https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2025/09/youtube-ai-training-data-sets/684116/
• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → http://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 064: The Market Shift Nobody Sees Coming (While You're Distracted by AI)

Paid media costs are dropping to 18-month lows—here's what this unexpected trend could mean for your business.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares a surprising market observation from his Vermont farm as he prepares to host the first Return to Real mastermind.

You'll discover an unexpected shift in paid media costs, learn why this contradicts conventional wisdom, and explore what this opportunity means for digital entrepreneurs who are paying attention.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Are you seeing any unexpected shifts in your paid media costs recently? Comment "TOWN HALL" if you'd be interested in a deeper dive into this market trend!

Key Take-aways

• Paid media costs on Meta are hitting 18-month lows, defying expectations
• This shift represents a potential major opportunity for businesses paying attention
• The market dynamics are different from last year's "Great Sea Change"
• Strategic timing matters when everyone else is distracted by AI trends

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Cold open & surprising non-AI trend
01:00 – The unexpected paid media cost shift
01:42 – Why this contradicts last year's predictions
02:18 – Balancing multiple commitments and gauging interest
03:06 – Digital Contrarian podcast update and gift
04:00 – Final thoughts from the farm

Links & Resources 🔗

• Digital Contrarian Podcast (all episodes) → https://ryanlevesque.net/podcast/
• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA 🎯

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 063: 5 AI Infographics That Will Blow Your Mind

Five shocking AI infographics reveal hidden truths about data centers, jobs, and what AI is doing to your brain.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares five mind-blowing AI infographics from his personal collection.

You'll discover hard evidence that AI is killing jobs for young people, learn why data centers now consume more power than entire countries, and see shocking MIT research on what ChatGPT does to your brain connectivity.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Which of these five infographics impacts you most, and how are you preparing for the changes they reveal?

Key Take-aways

• Data centers are consuming more electricity than entire countries, creating unprecedented infrastructure demands
• First hard evidence shows AI is disproportionately eliminating entry-level jobs for young workers
• MIT study reveals 83% of ChatGPT users can't recall sentences they wrote minutes earlier
• Ten core skills emerge as essential for thriving in the 2030 economy
• AI training relies heavily on Reddit data, creating potential accuracy and bias issues

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Five AI infographics that will blow your mind
00:48 – My infographic collection obsession
02:15 – Data centers consuming more power than countries
03:40 – First hard evidence AI is killing young jobs
05:35 – Ten core skills to master by 2030
06:35 – Your brain on ChatGPT: the shocking study
08:30 – AI gets 40% of facts from Reddit problem
09:15 – Which infographic impacts you most?

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #062 of The Digital Contrarian – "Is the AI Bubble Bursting??" → https://ryanlevesque.net/is-the-ai-bubble-bursting/
• Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA 🎯
👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend:*https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits
Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 062: Is the AI Bubble Bursting? My Keynote Insights + MIT's Shocking 95% Failure Rate
While 65% of all VC flows into AI, the real opportunity lies in the barbell approach.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into AI bubble dynamics and enterprise failure rates.

You'll learn why 95% of AI projects fail, how billionaire investors view current market concentration, and discover the barbell strategy for hedging against bubble conditions while maintaining human competitive advantage.

Question of the Day 🗣️

How are you balancing AI automation with maintaining the human elements that make your business unique?

Key Take-aways

• 95% of enterprise AI projects are failing according to new MIT research
• 65% of all venture capital now flows into AI—the highest sector concentration in history
• Geographic distance kills AI effectiveness in most business applications
• The barbell approach protects your human core while deploying strategic AI assists
• Lead with humanity first, then layer in AI where ROI is obvious

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Is the AI bubble bursting?
00:48 – Newport Global Summit keynote insights
02:15 – The shocking MIT study: 95% AI failure rate
03:40 – Sam Altman's market manipulation timing
05:35 – Venture capital hyper-concentration warning
06:35 – Data center overinvestment analysis
07:25 – Why geographic distance kills AI effectiveness
08:30 – The barbell approach: Human core + AI assists
09:15 – 4-step practical implementation framework
11:30 – 30-day sprint you can start Monday
13:15 – The big takeaway: Lead with humanity

Links & Resources 🔗

• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Connect & CTA 🎯
👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend:https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits
Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 061: The Personal Branding Paradox in the Age of AI

The more AI you use to scale your personal brand, the less personal it becomes.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, Ryan Levesque explores the personal branding AI paradox and why scaling with AI often flattens your voice.

You'll discover the "Personal Brand Power Law," learn the three-part "Fewer, Deeper, Less" framework for standing out, and understand why small rooms beat trying to be everywhere.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Which of the three moves (Fewer, Deeper, Less) do you find most challenging to implement in your personal brand strategy? Share in the comments below!

Key Take-aways

• The Personal Brand Power Law: only a tiny handful capture most attention while everyone fights over scraps
• The AI Paradox: more AI in your brand makes it less personal and harder to stand out
• "Fewer, Deeper, Less" beats trying to go big and be everywhere
• One weekly "source of truth" content piece trumps dozens of AI-assisted posts
• Small strategic rooms create more opportunities than mass-market approaches

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Intro: Birthday reflections and farm life
00:42 – Recent events and AI developments
02:30 – The Personal Brand Power Law explained
03:29 – The Great AI Paradox revealed
04:23 – The "Fewer, Deeper, Less" framework
05:12 – Move #1: Source of Truth content strategy
06:05 – Move #2: Show your struggle to build trust
06:58 – Move #3: Small rooms and strategic absence
09:11 – Personal Branding AI Summit invitation

Links & Resources 🔗

• Get on the Return to Real Farm Event waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/vermont-farm-mastermind-waitlist/
• Register for Mike Kim's Personal Branding AI Summit → https://youarethebrand.ai/join?am_id=robby397
• Issue 025 – "Tipping Points" → https://ryanlevesque.net/half-baked-ideas-contrarian-advantage-ai-era/
• Issue 027 – "Your Strategic Content Ecosystem" → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-content-ecosystem/
• Issue 035 – "Why the Struggle is the Solution" → https://ryanlevesque.net/why-the-struggle-is-the-solution/
• Issue 055 – "My Contrarian YouTube Strategy" → https://ryanlevesque.net/my-contrarian-youtube-strategy/
• Issue 056 – "Storytelling: The Most Scalable Post-AI Business Skill?" → https://ryanlevesque.net/storytelling-the-most-scalable-post-ai-business-skill/
• Issue 060 – "Inside a Room With 40+ Million-Copy Bestselling Authors" → https://ryanlevesque.net/inside-a-room-with-40-million-copy-bestselling-authors/

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Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 060: Inside a Room With 40+ Million-Copy Bestselling Authors

Seven powerful lessons from the literary equivalent of the NBA All-Star team.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares profound insights from his private gathering with 40+ million-copy bestselling authors including James Clear, Jamie Kern-Lima, and Hal Elrod.

You'll discover why good enough isn't good enough for books, learn the secret to short-form content success, and understand why there's no single "right way" to achieve massive success.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Which of the seven quotes hit you the hardest? Leave a comment to let me know!

Key Take-aways

• There are many things where good enough is good enough, but writing a book isn't one of them
• The secret to short-form video is using series, not just stories
• You're robbing the world of yourself if you pretend to be someone else
• Every person has 5-7 defining pivot points—pick one to start your story
• Above all else, optimize for transformation in your work

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – My invitation to the literary "Dream Team"
01:39 – The standing ovation keynote (and plaid shirt controversy)
02:27 – James Clear on writing excellence
02:43 – Pat Flynn's secret to short-form content
02:58 – Dr. Mike Bechtel on authentic living
03:06 – Don Yeager's storytelling framework
03:20 – Hal Elrod's powerful health decision
04:00 – Alex Witkowski on what makes books readable
04:16 – Joseph Wynn on optimizing for transformation
04:38 – The surprising truth about million-copy success
05:30 – What this means for your path forward

Links & Resources 🔗

• Get on the waitlist for Return to Real book → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/
• Books mentioned: Atomic Habits, Worthy, Building a Story Brand, Launch, Profit First, Two Weeks Notice, Limitless, Don't Believe Everything You Think, The Miracle Morning

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Credits
Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 059: Live Wild or Die Boring: The Urgent Case for Reconnecting with the Natural World (Part 1)

Why nature isn't just good for your soul—it's essential for survival, creativity, and breakthrough innovation.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque shares insights from recording his upcoming book Return to Real and reveals shocking research about our digital lifestyle.

You'll discover how concrete environments increase early death by 12%, learn why nature walks boost creativity by 60%, and understand why tech founders won't use their own products.

Question of the Day 🗣️

When was the last time you spent a full day in nature without digital devices? What did you notice? Share in the comments!

Key Take-aways

• People in concrete environments are 12% more likely to die early than those surrounded by nature
• Children with limited nature access are 55% more likely to develop depression later in life
• Four-day wilderness trips boost creativity and problem-solving by 50%
• Nature walks increase innovative thinking by 60% compared to indoor walking
• World-changing inventions like Velcro and bullet trains were inspired by nature

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Live wild or die boring
00:32 – My experience recording Return to Real
02:10 – How the modern digital way of life has left us dumbed down
04:02 – Rewild your life, rewire your brain
04:49 – The shocking health impacts of nature deprivation
06:22 – Why your next breakthrough will come from nature, not screens
08:18 – The science of nature's effect on creativity
10:09 – Why tech founders don't use their own products
11:43 – The real solution to digital addiction

Links & Resources 🔗

• Get on the waitlist for Return to Real book → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/
• Issue 053 of The Digital Contrarian – "Between Death and Danger is the Path"
• PLOS One wilderness creativity study
• Stanford walking and innovation research

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Credits
Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 058: A Bombshell Week in AI and an Eventful Week on the Farm

Microsoft's groundbreaking AI job impact research reveals which careers are most vulnerable.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque breaks down Microsoft's explosive AI job impact research paper analyzing over 200,000 AI interactions.

You'll discover which jobs are most at risk from AI displacement, learn about satisfaction scores that predict future automation, and hear about Ryan's eventful farm accident that landed him in an ambulance.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Are there any surprises to you on Microsoft's lists of jobs most and least vulnerable to AI? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Key Take-aways

• Microsoft analyzed 200,000+ AI interactions to identify vulnerable occupations
• AI satisfaction scores predict which jobs will be displaced first
• Tasks people are most satisfied with AI handling face highest displacement risk
• Healthcare research, legal research, and document editing top the vulnerable list
• Quality evaluation and client consultation remain AI-resistant tasks

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Bombshell week in AI and farm mishaps
00:44 – Context: Our Agentic AI intensive
02:03 – Microsoft's AI job impact research paper
02:53 – The most revealing data: AI satisfaction scores
04:14 – Top 40 jobs most vulnerable to AI
04:22 – Top 40 jobs least vulnerable to AI
04:41 – How to think about this data strategically
05:51 – The farm accident that landed me in an ambulance

Links & Resources 🔗

• Get on the waitlist for Return to Real book → https://ryanlevesque.net/return-to-real-book/
• Microsoft AI job impact research paper (full study)
• Chris Ducker interview on Apple Podcasts
• Chris Ducker interview on Spotify

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Credits
Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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TDC 057: The Rise of the Generalist: An Unexpected Side Effect of the AI Era

Why AI might reverse 200 years of specialization and reward cross-domain thinking.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque explores a counterintuitive insight from Lex Fridman's interview with Google CEO Sundar Pichai.

You'll discover why AI may favor generalists over specialists, learn how cross-domain connections create unique value, and understand why your "non-productive" interests might be your secret weapon in the new economy.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What seemingly unrelated interests or skills have you combined in a way that created unique value? Share in the comments below!

Key Take-aways

• The industrial revolution created specialists; the AI revolution may reward generalists
• AI makes specialized knowledge accessible to anyone curious enough to learn
• Humans excel at making non-obvious cross-domain connections that AI cannot
• Your diverse interests outside your professional domain may be your competitive advantage
• The winners of the new economy will be cross-domain pattern spotters

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The rise of the generalist in the AI era
00:56 – Lex Fridman's insight on de-specialization
01:56 – How AI transforms access to specialized knowledge
02:28 – The human advantage: cross-domain connections
03:15 – Book recommendation: "Range" by David Epstein
03:31 – Permission to pursue diverse interests

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue 022 of The Digital Contrarian – "How to See Hidden Patterns Others Completely Miss" → https://ryanlevesque.net/hidden-patterns-others-completely-miss/
• Book: "Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World" by David Epstein

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Credits
Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#056: Storytelling: The Most Scalable Post-AI Business Skill Worth Mastering

In a world of AI-generated content and fractured attention, your ability to tell compelling stories may be your greatest competitive advantage.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into why storytelling is the most scalable post-AI business skill worth developing.

You'll learn how stories create deeper connection than any other content, discover the three story types you need to master, and find five contrarian tips for telling better stories that cut through the noise.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Where might you tell a story instead of simply dropping more content this week?

Key Take-aways

• Stories travel and stick while other content gets forgotten quickly
• While the best things in life don't scale, stories absolutely do
• Three story types needed: first person (you), second person (someone you know), third person (out there)
• Start with maximum tension, not context or setup
• The parts you're tempted to skip are what audiences crave most

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The most scalable post-AI business skill
00:08 – Face-to-face with a bear (in crocs with socks)
01:13 – Why stories create deeper connection than any other content
03:51 – What 145 stories taught me about scale and connection
04:55 – The Winnie the Pooh effect: why stories scale across generations
09:30 – The power of shared stories as connective tissue
10:36 – Harari's insight: how stories built human civilization
13:00 – What makes a story captivating (not just nice)
18:19 – The three story types you need to master
24:44 – Five contrarian tips for telling better stories
28:18 – The one question to ask yourself this week

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #023 of The Digital Contrarian – "The Secret Power of Being Unprepared" → https://ryanlevesque.net/the-power-of-being-unprepared/
• Issue #054 of The Digital Contrarian – "The Breakdown of Shared Reality" → https://ryanlevesque.net/the-breakdown-of-shared-reality/
• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#055: My Contrarian YouTube Strategy: Building a Strategic Content Ecosystem

My contrarian YouTube strategy creates 500K+ annual views with just ONE piece of original content per week.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into the evolution of his strategic content ecosystem six months after first introducing it.

You'll learn how one weekly "source of truth" piece creates a sustainable content system that respects family time, discover the long-form leverage strategy for YouTube, and find how to cultivate influence versus chasing attention.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's ONE original piece of content you could create weekly that would serve as your "source of truth"?

Key Take-aways

• One original source of truth piece of content becomes the cornerstone for everything else
• Long-form content builds relationships while short-form only garners views
• Strategic content ecosystems can generate 500K+ annual views organically
• True influence is about intentional, meaningful connection, not mass-produced volume
• Second mountain entrepreneurs need depth over breadth in content strategy

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – My contrarian YouTube strategy
00:48 – Strategic content ecosystem: Six months in
02:15 – Your single source of truth approach
03:40 – Why quality over quantity actually works
05:35 – The long form leverage strategy
06:35 – Short form syndication (10–12K weekly views)
07:25 – Why I'm not trying to be Mr. Beast
08:30 – Second mountain entrepreneurs
09:15 – Using AI without compromising authenticity

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #027 of The Digital Contrarian – "Strategic Content Ecosystem" → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-content-ecosystem
• Issue #031 of The Digital Contrarian – "Cultivating Influence vs. Chasing Attention" → https://ryanlevesque.net/cultivating-influence-vs-chasing-attention/
• Issue #049 of The Digital Contrarian – "Why Oxytocin = The New Dopamine" → https://ryanlevesque.net/why-oxytocin-the-new-dopamine/
• Vermont Farm Mastermind waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/mastermind/
• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#054: The Breakdown of Shared Reality: AI's Most Dangerous Unintended Consequence

Nobel Prize winner Geoffrey Hinton warns that AI-driven personalization is destroying our collective understanding of what's real.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into the breakdown of shared reality caused by AI-driven hyper-personalization and its profound implications for business and society.

You'll learn why isolated algorithmic realities undermine strategic thinking, discover the concept of the "Promethean Transition" we're navigating, and find how to choose between being a tunnel digger or pathfinder in our AI future.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Are you building your strategy on isolated AI-generated information or seeking out shared human experiences?

Key Take-aways

• Hyper-personalized feeds create isolated realities that destroy our shared understanding
• AI fabrications are impossible to verify when you're the only person seeing the response
• Strategic blindness results from building business decisions on distorted data bubbles
• The Promethean Transition requires preparing for multiple potential AI futures
• Pathfinders seek shared experiences while tunnel diggers retreat into echo chambers

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The breakdown of shared reality and something special coming soon
00:03 – My 72-hour water fast and the clarity it provided
01:36 – The loss of shared experience
01:43 – Geoffrey Hinton's warning: The breakdown of shared reality
03:39 – Hyper-personalization's strategic blind spot
05:04 – ChatGPT's fabrications: Can you spot the real interview?
05:37 – The Promethean Transition we're navigating
07:43 – Tunnel Diggers vs. Pathfinders: Two responses to AI
09:18 – How I'm preparing my own kids for multiple futures
09:41 – A special opportunity coming to my Vermont farm

Links & Resources 🔗

• Ryan's 72-hour water fast experience → https://www.facebook.com/ryan.levesque/posts/pfbid02CPYojxmJszkrL6ryQ4AN3rwX5qqqDSqPcSSfuFNibSmgUuaPaBpqoSXAckUdjNfJl
• Return to Real | Vermont Farm Mastermind Experience waitlist → https://ryanlevesque.net/vermont-farm-mastermind-waitlist/
• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#053: Between Death and Danger: Wilderness Wisdom from the Grand Canyon

Between death and danger lies the path up the mountain—a profound insight revealed during my life-changing vision quest.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into a deeply personal father-son Grand Canyon journey that became the catalyst for his upcoming book "Return to Real".

You'll learn why reconnecting with nature isn't just a luxury but essential for breakthrough thinking, discover the symbolic message from a desert pocket mouse and California condor, and find how God-made things offer clarity in our AI-driven world.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Where do you find clarity when facing life's biggest questions?

Key Take-aways

• Between death and danger lies the path up the mountain
• Time in nature provides breakthrough clarity for life's difficult questions
• God-made things are more important than man-made things in our post-AI world
• The condor represents a bridge between humans and the divine
• Return to Real explores building financial success while embracing authenticity

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – My life-changing father-son Grand Canyon journey
00:47 – The vision quest that revealed a profound truth
01:54 – The symbolic message from the wilderness
03:04 – God-made Things vs. Man-made Things in a post-AI world
03:59 – The breakthrough clarity that comes from nature
05:36 – The core question at the heart of "Return to Real"
06:53 – How you can provide feedback on my book

Links & Resources 🔗

• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/
• The Happy Hustler podcast interview: "Contrarian Entrepreneurial Strategies to Win Life"

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#052: Category of One: A $10 Million Business Blueprint

After a decade building a highly profitable $10M/year consulting and software company, I reveal the contrarian framework that made it all possible.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into what it really means to create a "Category of One" business and why it's the only type worth building.

You'll learn how to position yourself where no direct comparison exists, discover the exact framework for charging premium prices, and find the three-phase growth strategy that took his company from zero to over $1M/month.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What unique combination of forces in your market could you identify and label to position yourself as the only logical choice?

Key Take-aways

• The only business worth building is one that puts you in a category of one
• Competition is for losers—eliminate it by making yourself incomparable
• Identify a confluence of 3–5 forces creating your customer's pain
• Attach a unique label to the problem that resonates at a deep level
• Map your solution's features back to each converging force

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Introduction and Grand Canyon trip
00:34 – The beginning of The Digital Contrarian newsletter
01:21 – Creating a category of one
02:22 – Getting into the top 0.3% of CEOs
03:27 – The biggest lesson from growing to $10M
04:20 – What is a category of one business?
05:11 – The business benefits of being in a category of one
06:15 – The framework for building your own category of one business
07:25 – Step 1: Establish a problem as a confluence of forces
08:05 – Step 2: Introduce your contrarian approach
09:20 – The power of this framework for positioning
10:10 – The one additional factor: Being authentically you
10:30 – Final thoughts and invitation

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #001 of The Digital Contrarian – "An Embarrassing Confession" → https://ryanlevesque.net/authentic-business-communication-confession/
• Issue #020 of The Digital Contrarian – "Going Analog" → https://ryanlevesque.net/going-analog-contrarian-business-strategy-2025/
• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#051: Setbacks and Breakthroughs: Why Feeling Stuck Might Mean You're on the Brink

What if your greatest setbacks are actually seeds for your most meaningful breakthroughs?

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into the nature of setbacks and breakthroughs through personal farm stories and neuroscience research.

You'll learn why breakthroughs often cluster after prolonged setbacks, discover how moderate adversity builds resilience, and find three reflection questions to help you prepare for your next breakthrough.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's one small action you can take today to be ready when your next breakthrough opportunity presents itself?

Key Take-aways

• Breakthroughs often cluster after prolonged setbacks, like sunshine after weeks of rain
• Setbacks in one area create space for breakthroughs somewhere else in your life
• Moderate adversity builds stronger resilience than no struggle or overwhelming amounts
• Seeds need pressure, roots need resistance—growth requires some friction
• Sometimes breakthroughs come from consistency and showing up, not forcing results

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The 200-year-old sugar maple and setbacks as seeds for breakthroughs
00:52 – When nature laughs at your plans: 11 weekends of rain in Vermont
01:54 – The explosion of farm breakthroughs after sunshine returned
02:35 – Flow theory: detaching from outcomes and focusing on process
03:12 – Why breakthroughs often cluster after prolonged setbacks
04:19 – The injury that gave me my garden back (pickleball story)
06:13 – When the breakthrough shows up on the page (creative writing struggles)
07:02 – How The Digital Contrarian newsletter became a forcing function
08:23 – Book update invitation and catching up on email replies
09:27 – The science behind why setbacks work
10:01 – Research on adversity and resilience
11:00 – Post-traumatic growth and bouncing forward
11:25 – Neuroscience of creativity and breakthrough patterns
12:40 – Seeds need pressure, roots need resistance
13:07 – Coming back to the standing maple tree
13:29 – Final thoughts and call to action

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #035 of The Digital Contrarian – "Why the Struggle is the Solution" → https://ryanlevesque.net/why-the-struggle-is-the-solution/
• Issue #046 of The Digital Contrarian – "Brace for Impact: 3 Converging Forces" → https://ryanlevesque.net/brace-for-impact/
• Issue #049 of The Digital Contrarian – "Why Oxytocin is the New Dopamine" → https://ryanlevesque.net/why-oxytocin-the-new-dopamine/
• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#050: Courage for the Rest of Us: Giving Up Good to Go After Great

Most of us aren't afraid of failure—we're afraid of other people seeing us fail.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into the true nature of courage and why giving up "good" to go after "great" is so difficult.

You'll learn why the opinions of others hold more power over us than our own fears, discover Brené Brown's "Square Squad" technique to silence the noise, and find a simple 30-day experiment to build courage.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's one decision you know you need to make, but just need the courage to finally make it?

Key Take-aways

• We fear losing the image of our life more than losing the life itself
• If people call you "crazy" at a crossroads, you're probably doing something right
• Only people who fit on a one-inch square of paper get a vote in your decisions
• Courage is a deeply personal act, not a heroic one
• Living minimally teaches you how little you need to be truly happy

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Why this video is a "contrarian quickie"
01:33 – The real fear that stops most people (not what you think)
03:00 – Why being called "crazy" is often a good sign
03:25 – Brené Brown's "Square Squad" technique
04:30 – The science of courage (preview from upcoming book)
05:15 – China-to-Texas transition story
06:30 – Austin-to-Vermont farm transition
07:05 – The 30-day minimalist experiment to build courage
08:00 – The question you need to ask yourself today

Links & Resources 🔗

• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#049: The Trust Molecule: Why Oxytocin (Not Dopamine) Will Define the Post AI Era

In a world built around dopamine hits, oxytocin might just be the brain molecule that matters most for your business.

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into the neuroscience of trust and why oxytocin will become your greatest competitive advantage.

You'll learn about the four key happiness chemicals and why oxytocin stands apart, discover the "Global Oxytocin Deficit" creating both crisis and opportunity, and get three science-backed strategies to strategically elicit oxytocin in your business.

Question of the Day 🗣️

How might you strategically build for oxytocin in your business to create deeper customer connections and trust?

Key Take-aways

• While dopamine fuels the chase, oxytocin builds the bond that transforms customers into communities
• Efficiency kills oxytocin – the further we abstract from human contact, the more we starve trust systems
• Oxytocin can't be hacked or automated, making authentic connection your ultimate competitive moat
• True personalization goes beyond name insertion – it requires feeling seen, understood, and valued
• In-person interactions build emotional memory and imprint loyalty in ways no funnel ever could

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The brain molecule that matters most
02:32 – The four happiness chemicals explained
04:04 – The Global Oxytocin Deficit
07:08 – The business case for oxytocin
08:43 – Three strategies to strategically elicit oxytocin
14:14 – The Oxytocin Paradox
16:16 – Why this matters for your business

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #020 of The Digital Contrarian – "Going Analog" → https://ryanlevesque.net/going-analog-contrarian-business-strategy-2025
• Issue #027 of The Digital Contrarian – "Your Strategic Content Ecosystem" → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-content-ecosystem
• Issue #035 of The Digital Contrarian – "Why the Struggle is the Solution" → https://ryanlevesque.net/why-the-struggle-is-the-solution
• Issue #048 of The Digital Contrarian – "Truth. Hell, and the Lie They Believe" → https://ryanlevesque.net/truth-hell-the-lie-they-believe

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Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#048: Truth, Hell, & The Lie They Believe: A 12-Part Framework For Owning Your Category

What if your most powerful business advantage isn't just what you know, but understanding the lie your audience believes?

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque dives into a complete 12-part strategic framework for differentiating yourself in any market.

You'll learn how to identify your audience's "hell" and the lie they believe, discover why contrarian truths create more impact than incremental improvements, and get a strategic blueprint you can apply to any major project or business repositioning.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What was your biggest aha moment from this framework, and what are you most intrigued by from Ryan's early glimpse into "The Return to Real"?

Key Take-aways

• Your big idea should frame the tension and articulate the problem you're uniquely qualified to solve
• Great marketing mirrors unspoken pain – describe their hell better than they can themselves
• The lie they believe sets up the tension that your truth and framework will resolve
• Different is better than better, but only is best – define your category of one
• Even the most meaningful message needs a sustainable business model behind it

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Introduction and spring on the farm
00:56 – Why this framework matters for any big idea
02:02 – The 12-part framework overview
02:41 – Step 1: Your Big Idea
03:53 – Step 2: Your Category
04:54 – Step 3: Your Big Goal
05:40 – Step 4: Your Champagne Moment
06:32 – Step 5: Your Bullseye Reader
07:53 – Step 6: Their Hell
09:48 – Step 7: The Lie They Believe
10:57 – Step 8: Your Truth
12:29 – Step 9: Your Signature System
14:43 – Step 10: Your Category of One
15:25 – Step 11: Why They Recommend Your Work
15:57 – Step 12: Your Monetization Path & ROI
16:07 – How to apply this framework to your work

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #021 of The Digital Contrarian – "The Life-Changing Magic of Strategic Obsession" → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-obsession-business-transformation
• Issue #031 of The Digital Contrarian – "Cultivating Influence vs. Chasing Attention" → https://ryanlevesque.net/cultivating-influence-vs-chasing-attention
• Issue #047 of The Digital Contrarian – "The 100, The 100,000 or 'The One'" → https://ryanlevesque.net/the-100-the-100000-or-the-one
• Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

Next Steps & Subscribe 🚀

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100,000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend:
https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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#047: Who Are You Really Building For: The 100,000, The 100, or The One?

Are you diluting your message by trying to please everyone instead of focusing on your ideal customer?

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque explores the strategic dilemma of who entrepreneurs should truly optimize their business for.

You'll learn why chasing scale often leads to diluted messaging, how focusing on "The One" ideal customer creates authentic resonance, and discover why bestselling authors write for specific real people rather than abstract audiences.

Question of the Day 🗣️

Who is the one person in your business or life that you're truly building for?

Key Take-aways

• When you optimize for scale (the 100,000), you often end up building for the lowest common denominator.
• The 100 who engage most frequently may not represent your ideal customer who drives your business forward.
• Building for "The One" real person creates clarity, focus, and paradoxically helps you reach more people.
• The best books and businesses are designed for specific individuals, not abstract customer avatars.

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – The scale trap: Optimizing for the wrong audience
00:37 – An inbox overflowing with thoughtful replies
01:48 – The tension: Scale vs. depth in business
02:19 – Three audience options: 100,000, 100, or The One
03:49 – Who is "The One" in my business?
04:32 – The danger of optimizing for algorithms
06:32 – Centering your business around The One
07:51 – How focusing on depth helps you reach more people
09:10 – A call to reflection: Who is your One?

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue 046 of The Digital Contrarian – "Three Converging Forces Reshaping Our World" → https://ryanlevesque.net/brace-for-impact/
• Issue 021 of The Digital Contrarian – "The Life-Changing Magic of Strategic Obsession" → https://ryanlevesque.net/strategic-obsession-business-transformation
• Subscribe to The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com

Next Steps & Subscribe 🚀

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100,000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend:
https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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046: What happens when three unstoppable forces converge and rewrite the rules of modern life?

Episode Summary

In this episode of The Digital Contrarian, host Ryan Levesque unpacks three seismic shifts reshaping civilization.

You’ll discover Ray Dalio’s “Big Cycle” of American decline, understand AI’s existential threat to human meaning, and learn how the end of infinite growth is fuelling a worldwide “return to real.”

Question of the Day 🗣️

What will still matter a decade from now—and which of these three forces hits closest to home for you?

Key Take-aways

• Dalio’s Big Cycle signals late-stage empire decline—debt, polarization, institutional drift.
• AI’s rise threatens not just jobs but humanity’s sense of purpose.
• Infinite growth meets finite energy: Hagens’ Great Simplification sets hard limits.
• A cultural “return to real” favours tangible skills, local community, grounded choices.
• Adaptive entrepreneurs prioritise meaning over metrics to build resilience now.

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Context: today’s accelerating uncertainty
01:03 – Three forces reshaping life as we know it
01:36 – Force #1: Dalio’s Big Cycle & U.S. decline
03:37 – Force #2: AI vs human meaning
05:27 – Force #3: The end of infinite growth
08:10 – Where they converge: the Return to Real
09:31 – Personal reflections from the Ozarks
10:41 – The question that matters most

Links & Resources 🔗

• Issue #033 of The Digital Contrarian – “The Coming Collapse” → https://ryanlevesque.net/the-coming-collapse/

Next Steps & Subscribe 🚀

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan’s “Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently” every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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In this inaugural episode of The Digital Contrarian podcast, host Ryan Levesque announces the launch of the audio edition of his popular weekly newsletter.

You'll learn what to expect from this new format, discover some of the most popular past issues we'll be exploring, and find out how this podcast serves digital entrepreneurs building meaningful businesses in our AI-driven world.

Question of the Day 🗣️

What's one contrarian insight you're hoping to explore as we navigate this rapidly evolving digital landscape?

Key Take-aways

• The Digital Contrarian podcast is the "audio book" edition of Ryan's weekly newsletter
• Each episode explores the intersection of digital business, strategic thinking, and authentic entrepreneurship
• Content designed for entrepreneurs who think differently in an increasingly noisy digital world
• Episodes cover strategic content ecosystems, category of one businesses, and the return to real movement

Timestamped Outline ⏱️

00:00 – Welcome to The Digital Contrarian podcast
00:18 – What The Digital Contrarian newsletter explores
00:32 – Why we're launching an audio version
00:49 – Popular past issues we'll be covering
01:07 – Who this podcast serves
01:26 – What to expect moving forward

Links & Resources 🔗

• The Digital Contrarian newsletter → https://thedigitalcontrarian.com/

Next Steps & Subscribe 🚀

👉 Enjoyed this? Subscribe & leave a review on Apple Podcasts.

🎁 Join 100 000+ digital entrepreneurs who get Ryan's "Strategic Insights for Digital Entrepreneurs Who Think Differently" every weekend: https://ryanlevesque.net/join-the-digital-contrarian/

Credits

Host: Ryan Levesque
© 2025 RL & Associates LLC. All rights reserved.

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We explore the future of online education with course education expert Michelle Falzon and the shifts course creators must make to stay competitive in 2023. We look at the latest trends and how short-form courses will stand out in a crowded market. Join us for a LIVE training by clicking here https://askmethod.com/predictions to discover how you can use the power of Bootcamps and virtual events to generate insane business revenue in 2023 and beyond. 

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In this episode, we'll be discussing the trend of immersive experiences in the coaching industry and how you can use VIP days and bootcamps to scale your business in 2023. Our guest Stephanie Licata, Director of Coaching at The ASK Method, will share her expertise on how to leverage this trend to reach a global audience and increase your revenue. She'll also share her predictions for the future of the coaching industry and the opportunities arising in the B2B market. Join us for an engaging and informative episode that will give you the tools you need to take your coaching business to the next level. Tune in now!

Join us for a LIVE training by clicking here https://askmethod.com/predictions to discover how you can use the power of Bootcamps and virtual events to generate insane business revenue in 2023 and beyond. 

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Join us for this groundbreaking episode featuring Jocelyn Robertson, The ASK Method’s very own Virtual Event Manager, as she shares her insights into the world of virtual events and how to take advantage of the hybrid model in 2023 and beyond. In this episode, Jocelyn discusses the power of virtual events, Zoom and Webex’s new interactive features and functionalities for hosting and communicating, and how to use hybrid events to maximize your business success. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to get ahead in the virtual event world!

Join us for Bootcamps on Bootcamps by clicking here https://askmethod.com/predictions to discover how you can use the power of Bootcamps and virtual events to generate insane business revenue in 2023 and beyond.

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In this episode, we dive into the ever-expanding world of influencers and the role they play in the world of affiliate marketing. Aidan Booth, the #1 Affiliate Marketer on Clickbank, shares his predictions for the future of affiliates and how to succeed in the influencer marketing.

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In this episode, we explore the top 5 trends and predictions for digital entrepreneurs in 2023. Ryan Levesque, ASK Method Founder and CEO, shares his insights on the most controversial topics facing business owners in the coming year, including the upcoming recession, how to take advantage of new opportunities in the knowledge economy, the role of AI in business, the most effective social media platforms for lead generation and conversion, and the most important thing to focus on as a business owner in the digital age. Tune in for practical tips and actionable advice on how to launch, grow, and scale your business in the coming year and beyond.

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Wondering what to charge? Here's the go-to rule for high-ticket pricing, and the 6 secret ingredients of a winning high ticket offer.

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If you swing between needing more clients and being too busy to take them on, we'll talk about how to get out of the 1:1 Client Trap for good.

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If you have a small audience, the BEST offer to sell is probably a high ticket offer. Discover our simple high-ticket funnel to get highly-qualified clients banging down your door.

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Discover our signature framework to determine what the high ticket opportunity in YOUR market is. Explore the 3 types of high ticket buyers, and discover the story behind Ryan's very first high ticket offer.

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Let's talk about the 3 biggest reasons why people believe high ticket won't work for them - and bust those myths so that you can launch your high ticket offer right now.

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On this episode, you'll hear from Jennifer Gaynor-Yaker, the founder of Joytopiacoaching.com. Jennifer is a relationship coach with an incredible back story and a knack for sticking with it. She now helps people discover how to experience incredible relationships.  Jennifer is a joy to speak with and we know her story is going to encourage you on your own journey to building the digital business of your dreams.  If you are interested in inquiring about our ASK Business Coaching program, then shoot Trey an email at trey@askmethod.com as we have a few spaces opening up this fall.

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On this episode, hear from Anne LaFollette as she discussed losing her corporate job unexpectedly and finding her true calling in her art education business online. Anne is a joy to speak with and we know her story is going to encourage you on your own journey to building the digital business of your dreams. You can connect with Anne by visiting: AnneLaFolletteArt.com. If you are interested in inquiring about our ASK Business Coaching program, then shoot Trey an email at trey@askmethod.com as we have a few spaces opening up this fall.

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On today's episode, Trey Sheneman interviews Stephanie Licata, the Director of the ASK Method Business Coaching Program. In the discussion, Stephanie clues us in on what the program is all about and what the 10K Club is exactly. Stephanie has a rich background in business coaching and she brings a stability and level of professionalism to the program that inspires our clients to pursue even more than they thought possible. If you are interested in learning more about the program, then email Trey Sheneman at Trey@askmethod.com and we will get you connected. 

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On this episode, Ryan Interviews Shaa Wasmund MBE. Shaa is a successful entrpereneur and business executive several times over. She is also running a QUIZ Funnel in her business and she stopped by to give an update on how that is going (hint hint, it is crushing it). Shaa is also hosting an upcoming training that we wanted to make sure our listeners know about - From NOW to 10K. This training is on July 24th at 3PM US CT. Sign up here: www.askmethod.com/shaa In this free event, Shaa is going to cover how to have a 10K mindset, model, marketing, and money flow! Our team will be there learning, and we hope you will join us! 

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Welcome to Season 2 of the KickASK Podcast! While Season 1 was all about QUIZ Funnels and our Customer Success Stories around Quizzes, in Season 2 we are shifting gears to feature our ASK Business Coaching program and the incredible Success Stories of entrepreneurs who are using what we teach to build and scale their businesses! Follow along with us as we hear from these Business Coaching students in “The Race to 10K!” Let’s get started! As always, please remember to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you’d like to learn more about The ASK Method Company, visit us online at AskMethod.com or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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On this episode, ASK Method Founder & CEO Ryan Levesque interviews Dayna Abraham, whose digital business centers around helping parents with challenging kids go from surviving to thriving. A few years ago, Dayna quit her job as a teacher to start a business while homeschooling her kids. She later joined the Business Coaching program and has step-by-step built a $1M+/year business. Listen to Dayna’s story to find out how she did it. And please remember to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you’d like to learn more about The ASK Method Company, visit us online at AskMethod.com or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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On this episode, Ryan interviews Jodi Daniels, Founder and CEO of Red Clover Advisors, a data privacy consultancy. Jodi left the corporate world after 19 years to start her own her own business from scratch. She went from making $18/hour as a freelancer to joining the Business Coaching program and making $1M in revenue last year (AND she’s on track to double that this year). Listen as Jodi shares what propelled her to where she is right now in her business. After listening, please remember to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you’d like to learn more about The ASK Method Company, visit us online at AskMethod.com or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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In this bonus episode, Trey and Ryan announce the open enrollment period for the once-per-year QUIZ Funnel Masterclass 3.0. Students get access to 6 weeks of live training, over $40k in incredible bonuses, and your own QUIZ Funnel built by our team. Enrollment ends on 6/26/2022 at midnight PT. After listening, please remember to leave us a review and subscribe so you never miss an episode! And if you’d like to learn more about The ASK Method Company, visit us online at AskMethod.com or follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear about Carrie Green's QUIZ Funnel. Carrie has built a business that does $245k a month in member subscriptions all from her QUIZ Funnel. You don't want to miss this content. And, if you want to build a QUIZ Funnel of your own, check us out THIS week for our live QUIZ Funnel Workshop. Use promo code NOW at quizfunnel.com/NOW and save $100!

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from about Justin Tupper and his "Swing Killers" QUIZ Funnel. Justin ended up getting almost half of all of the avid golfers in America on his list before selling his business to NBC for a SUBSTANTIAL sum of money. You don't want to miss this content. And, if you want to build a QUIZ Funnel of your own, check us out THIS week for our live QUIZ Funnel Workshop. Use promo code TREY at quizfunnel.com/TREY and save $100!

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from Ryan Levesque, the Founder and CEO of the ASK Method Company and Bucket.io. Trey was with Ryan in Austin recently and they decided to record an interview around Ryan's personal story. It is amazing to see all that He and the team have built as our company has now hit the INC 5000 list 4 out of the last 5 years. And, it all started in Ryan's living room. If you want to know more about how to get involved with and build out QUIZ Funnels, then attend our upcoming QUIZFunnel Workshop for free: go to www.quizfunnel.com/RYAN and use promo code RYAN to get $100 OFF!

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from Jodi Daniels, founder of Red Clover Advisors. Jodi is a friend of The ASK Method Company, as she is our compliance advisor and a coaching student. Her business, Red Clover Advisors, has grown tremendously since she became our customer, and she shares why. If you want to be able to build a funnel like what Jodi has done, then join us at our upcoming QUIZ Funnel Workshop. Tickets are normally $100, but if you use Promo Code: JODI at www.quizfunnel.com/jodi then you can get your ticket for free. 

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from Adam Willngham, a marketing consultant who is selling QUIZ Funnels to clients. As a matter of fact, wait till you hear how much he sold his very one for, long before he even know how to built one! Talk about being an entrepreneur! If you want to know more about how Adam is doing and to learn about QUIZ Funnels, then we would love to invite you to our upcoming QUIZ Funnel Workshop. Tickets are normally $100, but if you use code ADAM at QuizFunnel.com/Adam then you can get $100 off and come for free!

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from Ryan Levesque, the founder and CEO of The ASK Method Company as he interviews Mark De Grasse, President of DigitalMarketer--arguably the leading authority on training digital marketers today. DM recently built a quiz funnel with our help as they wanted to learn more about the nuances between the various types of marketers and professionals they serve. On this episode, Ryan walks through that quiz with Mark, and goes over some of the early findings and opportunities. If you want to get a quiz built, then join us on our upcoming training. Use code DigitalMarketer at www.quizfunnel.com/digitalmarketer and get $100 off. 

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from Marvin Leaventhal, a retired technology executive who found a second career in building QUIZ Funnels for clients. His very first quiz was a rocket ship, creating 10 CENT LEADS, and he has followed that up[ with other successful quizzes since. The rest is history! If you want to learn more about how to do something similar in your business, then check out our upcoming QUIZ Funnel Workshop. This event is a week-long training on how to revolutionize your business using the power of quizzes! The workshop is normally $100 a person, but if you use code MARVIN at QuizFunnel.com/MARVIN then you can get the workshop for free!

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from Alisha Das, a Counselor and Life Coach who has used a QUIZ to absolutely transform her business, to the tune of 85,000 leads in just ONE YEAR. The rest is history. If you want to learn more about how to do something similar in your business, then check out our upcoming QUIZ Funnel Workshop. This event is a week-long training on how to revolutionize your business using the power of quizzes! The workshop is normally $100 a person, but if you use code ALISHA at QuizFunnel.com/Alisha then you can get the workshop for free!

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from Donna Schwartz, a music teacher who uses the power of online courses and content to teach students all over the world. She got her start in social work and traditional education before making the move to online education. The rest is history~ If you want to learn more about how to do something similar in your business, then check out our upcoming QUIZ Funnel Workshop. This event is a week-long training on how to revolutionize your business using the power of quizzes! The workshop is normally $100 a person, but if you use code DONNA at QuizFunnel.com/Donna then you can get the workshop for free! 

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today you get to hear from Maeve Ferguson. Maeve spent her life in the corporate world building businesses for others. Then, an illness struck and she had to pivot. Now, she is building a multi six figure business while staying at home as a mom! She has a powerful story and I cannot wait for you to hear it. If you want to find out more about how to do what Maeve is doing, I encourage you to join us for our upcoming QUIZ Funnel Workshop. It is normally $100 to attend, but if you use coupon code MAEVE at QuizFunnel.com/Maeve and we will let you come for free!

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket. Today you get to hear from Raffaele Dibennardo, the founder of LeadGraal. His story is powerful! During the pandemic, he used the power of a QUIZ to radically transform one of his client's e-commerce businesses. Now, he has 10Xed his retainers for his own agency as a result! If you want to find out more about what QUIZ Funnel is right for you, then head on over to www.AskMethod.com and take the free quiz on our homepage!

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today's episode is our first customer success story. You'll meet Jo Formosa. Jo is a natural health practitioner from Australia and she is radically changing her business using the power of QUIZ Funnels. After you enjoy her story, feel free to check out which type of funnel might work best for you by taking our free quiz found at AskMethod.com. Look for the big orange button. 

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Welcome to The KickASK Podcast, where we teach everyday people how to transform their knowledge into income, unlock their true potential, and build the digital business of their dreams. The podcast is sponsored by The ASK Method Company, a 4-Time INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company from 2017-2021. The company teaches entrepreneurs how to build digital businesses using the power of QUIZ Funnels. Core services include live, virtual training and certification events and the ASK Method Coaching program. The organization currently serves clients on 5 continents and employs a team of nearly 80 people around the world. The KickASK Podcast is hosted by Trey Sheneman, CMO of The ASK Method Company and its sister technology company, Bucket.io. Today's episode is a discussion about all of the changes going on in digital marketing around privacy, data, trust, and advertising. If you like what hear and you have more questions, feel free to join our upcoming free symposium called The Web 3.0 Future . Sign up at GetWeb3Ready.com

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