Episodes

  • The Boredom Trap: Why You Quit Right Before It Works | Ray Edwards and Robert Plank

    The Boredom Trap: Why You Quit Right Before It Works | Ray Edwards and Robert Plank
    Sep 1 2026

    The Boredom Trap: Why You Quit Right Before It Works

    I sat down with Robert Plank — longtime podcaster, host of Marketer of the Day, and a man with more than 1,600 episodes behind him — to talk about why podcasting still works as a growth strategy for thought leaders, and why most people abandon it right about the time it starts paying. I include myself in that indictment. We also got practical about using AI without surrendering your voice, and how a podcast quietly builds relationships, referrals, and opportunities that no ad campaign can buy.

    Robert's "Done For You Podcasting" Service: https://www.dfypodcast.com/

    Timestamps

    00:00 — I introduce Robert Plank and his podcasting mission
    02:14 — Why podcasting is still the best place to start a platform
    03:08 — Why interviews feel more alive than solo monologues
    04:20 — The boredom trap, and why your audience is always behind you
    05:47 — Consistency, routines, and showing up on schedule
    08:08 — Changing tactics without abandoning your strategy
    09:05 — Why AI-generated content so often feels fake
    10:54 — What good AI-assisted filmmaking and writing can look like
    12:09 — Human judgment, cleanup, and the "AI pass"
    13:36 — Using AI drafts while protecting your own voice
    14:37 — Why you still have to review the output
    15:48 — What 1,600+ episodes actually teach you
    16:16 — The structure that makes interviews easier and better
    18:40 — The relationship value that lives outside the interview
    19:22 — Using podcasting to land one client instead of chasing vanity metrics
    20:49 — Pre-calls, post-calls, and deliberate follow-up
    22:33 — Why podcast relationships turn into real opportunities
    24:13 — Shallow interviews versus true connection
    25:28 — Letting referrals happen instead of forcing the sale
    26:26 — What to do if your last podcast attempt flopped
    27:05 — Why podcasting is easier now than it's ever been
    28:02 — Reconnecting with old contacts and preserving good conversations
    30:03 — Why recording video is worth it even with a simple setup
    31:41 — How video deepens relationships over time
    32:28 — The discipline of actually listening to your guest
    33:54 — Why good banter makes a show worth hearing
    34:11 — Robert's done-for-you podcasting service
    35:24 — What his team handles behind the scenes
    36:09 — My closing endorsement of Robert

    Quote I keep coming back to

    "Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." — Henry Ford

    What I'd do with this

    • Treat your podcast as a relationship-building tool, not a broadcast channel.
    • Hold your core strategy steady long enough to actually see results.
    • If you use AI, review and refine it until it sounds like a human wrote it — because one should have.
    • Build a simple interview structure so your guest relaxes and the conversation stays on the rails.
    • Follow up after the episode. The real value usually shows up after you stop recording.
    • Repurpose every recording into video, audio, clips, and posts. One conversation, many assets.
    • Reach back out to people you've lost touch with. A podcast is a great excuse to revive a relationship worth having.
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    26 mins
  • Why You're Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It) | Michael Hyatt

    Why You're Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It) | Michael Hyatt
    Aug 24 2026

    In this episode, Michael Hyatt shares how AI is transforming productivity and leadership, emphasizing the importance of working according to your design and becoming an AI architect to enhance capacity and fulfillment.

    Key Topics

    • AI as a tool for productivity and fulfillment
    • Training AI to work for you, not against you
    • Using AI to analyze websites and improve conversions
    • Personality assessments and the MAPS profile
    • Aligning work with your natural wiring and passions
    • The concept of the desire zone and drudgery zone
    • Building startups with AI on a bootstrap budget
    • The importance of working according to your design

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and guest background

    00:31 Michael Hyatt's life philosophy and sabbatical practice

    01:41 AI as a tool for increasing productivity and human flourishing

    02:58 Training AI to handle routine tasks and email management

    04:33 Using Claude AI for workflow automation and website optimization

    06:57 Training AI to respond in your voice and style

    08:55 AI's impact on team capacity and leadership

    11:02 Displacement fears and the opportunity to become an AI user

    11:58 Starting with AI: experimentation and startup opportunities

    13:56 AI transforming business operations and outsourcing

    16:02 Reflective thinking and AI analysis of websites

    17:01 Creating and building websites with AI

    18:52 AI in digital marketing and the newsletter offering

    20:29 New project: The MAPS profile for personality assessment

    22:00 Understanding yourself through AI-driven personality synthesis

    24:02 Using personality insights to improve team dynamics

    26:02 Working according to your design and the desire zone

    28:04 Conclusion: working in your strength and fulfillment
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    30 mins
  • Raleigh Norton Jumped From a Plane. His Chute Failed. HE LIVED!

    Raleigh Norton Jumped From a Plane. His Chute Failed. HE LIVED!
    Jun 20 2026
    In this episode, Raleigh Norton shares his incredible story of a skydiving accident (just a few months ago!), the lessons learned from adversity, and how intentional mindset shifts can transform your life and business. Discover insights on mastering craft, the importance of a clear 'why,' and navigating AI's impact on creativity. 00:00 The Skydiving Incident: A Life-Changing Experience 06:16 Lessons Learned from Adversity12:50 Raleigh Norton's Journey: From Hawaii to Scaling.com19:56 The Importance of a Proper 'Why' in Business 27:29 Transformative Mindsets: Learning from Life's Challenges 37:17 Transforming Challenges into Opportunities 38:05 Navigating the AI Landscape 39:58 AI's Dual Nature: Shadow and Light 44:38 The Role of Human Creativity in an AI World 50:19 Mastering Craft in the Age of AI 57:23 Building in Doses: The Path to Mastery 01:05:08 Believing in Your Potential CONNECT ON SOCIAL → instagram | / rayedwards → facebook | / rayedwardsonline → twitter | / rayedwards → tiktok | http://tiktok.com/therayedwards → linkedin | / therayedwards THE AUDIO PODCAST 🎧 The Ray Edwards Podcast |https://rayedwardspodcast.com Subscribe for all the new videos from Ray | https://www.youtube.com/user/RayEdwar... - My NEW book: Read This or Die! Persuade Yourself to a Better Life | https://amzn.to/40X32s8 My COPYWRITING Book: How to Write Copy That Sells | http://amzn.to/2BSgrc9 W A T C H M O R E HOW PROSPERITY HELPS EVERYONE: • How Prosperity Helps Everyone 5 REASONS YOU AREN'T GETTING THINGS DONE: • 5 Reasons You Aren't Getting Things Done HOW TO GET OUT OF OVERWHELM • How to Get Out of Overwhelm
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • My #1 Client (and the $30M+ Sales Letter) | Ray Edwards Ep 687

    My #1 Client (and the $30M+ Sales Letter) | Ray Edwards Ep 687
    Jun 8 2026

    Join Ray Edwards and Joe Barton as they explore faith, entrepreneurship, health, and the transformative power of trusting God through life's challenges.

    And yes - the $30M sales letter will be revealed! (Or is it - the $100M sales letter???). Discover how faith influences business decisions, health journeys, and personal growth in this inspiring conversation.

    CHAPTERS

    • 01:14 Meet Joe Barton: A Journey of Faith and Family
    • 03:02 The Birth of Barton Publishing and Its Success
    • 06:08 From Ladybugs to Kidney Stones: The Start of a Business
    • 09:01 Faith and Entrepreneurship: A Divine Connection
    • 11:52 Health Challenges and Personal Growth 1
    • 4:54 Childhood Context: A Story of Healing and Faith
    • 23:41 The Impact of Family and Faith on Business
    • 26:33 Current Business Landscape and Future Aspirations
    • 30:35 Navigating Affiliate Marketing and E-commerce Challenges
    • 33:52 The Impact of Advertising Changes on Business
    • 38:19 Facing Financial Hardships and Tough Decisions
    • 40:37 Shifting Perspectives on Business and Life
    • 49:02 The Responsibilities of Wealth and Generosity
    • 54:04 Building Temple: A New Venture in Health and Faith

    Barton Publishing - https://bartonpublishing.com/
    Build Templ: Let Your Training Be Worship - https://buildtempl.com/

    CONNECT WITH JOE BARTON ON SOCIAL

    • → LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joebarton
    • → Twitter - https://twitter.com/joebarton
    • → Website - https://www.joebarton.com

    CONNECT WITH RAY ON SOCIAL

    • → instagram | http://instagram.com/rayedwards
    • → facebook | http://facebook.com/rayedwardsonline
    • → twitter | http://twitter.com/rayedwards
    • → tiktok | http://tiktok.com/therayedwards
    • → linkedin | http://linkedin.com/in/therayedwards

    LISTEN TO THE AUDIO PODCAST 🎧 The Ray Edwards Podcast | https://rayedwardspodcast.com Subscribe for all the new videos from Ray | https://www.youtube.com/user/RayEdwardsTV?sub_confirmation=1 - My NEW book: Read This or Die! Persuade Yourself to a Better Life | https://amzn.to/40X32s8 My COPYWRITING Book: How to Write Copy That Sells | http://amzn.to/2BSgrc9 W A T C H M O R E HOW PROSPERITY HELPS EVERYONE: https://youtu.be/NhDLNJjxfkY 5 REASONS YOU AREN'T GETTING THINGS DONE: https://youtu.be/ztREI-7Jn5k HOW TO GET OUT OF OVERWHELM https://youtu.be/EOD7sdBP-Ws ___ S N A I L M A I L Ray Edwards Ray Edwards International, Inc 2910 E 57th Ave Ste 5 PMB 330 Spokane, WA 99223 Inquiries | support@rayedwards.com ___

    W E L C O M E Welcome to the Ray Edwards Podcast and YouTube Channel. We are here to help you write the "words that sell". Sell more of your products, services, and ideas. My name is Ray Edwards, and I'm the author of How to Write Copy That Sells. I'm also an internationally-recognized public speaker, entrepreneur and marketing strategist. Discover more details at https://rayedwards.com/about/

    Subscribe to my YouTube Channel for regular (FREE) videos: https://www.youtube.com/user/RayEdwardsTV?sub_confirmation=1 -

    DISCLOSURE: Thank you for trusting me to bring you truthful and reliable opinions on any products I recommend. I always disclose affiliate or sponsored information - to be safe, just assume I stand to benefit from any recommendations I make. As a friend, you permit me to earn a small commission if you make a purchase through my affiliate/referral links. This doesn't affect you in any way in the checkout process (unless I've arranged a discount for you). Thank you for supporting this channel!
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    58 mins
  • Going Broke Made Me Rich

    Going Broke Made Me Rich
    Jun 4 2026
    How Going Broke Made Me Rich A while back, I lost everything. Not "everything" the way people say it after a rough quarter. I mean I opened my banking app one day and saw a number with no digits in front of the decimal. Zero. The kind of zero that makes you sit very still for a minute. I'd been earning a million dollars a year. And then I wasn't earning anything at all. Here's the strange part, and it's the reason for this post and the episode it goes with: losing it might be the best thing that ever happened to me. If you've ever been afraid of losing what you've built — or you're in the middle of losing it right now — stay with me. "The recent unpleasantness" I've started calling it that, with a little wink, "the recent unpleasantness" (what's that movie? Anyone know?). It began with Parkinson's. Then the pandemic, which was not a gentle season for anyone running a business. Then shoulder surgery. Then brain surgery — and I want you to notice I just dropped "brain surgery" in next to "shoulder surgery" like I was listing errands. Add a few business decisions I'd love to have back, some personal ones I'd file in the same drawer, medical bills that arrived looking like phone numbers, and overhead that had grown to the size of a small kingdom. Underneath all of it, quietly, a crisis of faith. Not a wobble. A genuine dark night of the soul, the kind St. John of the Cross wrote about, where God seems to have left the room and shut the door, and you stand in the dark wondering if any of it was ever real. At the bottom of it, I declared bankruptcy. I'm not telling you this to perform my suffering. I'm not complaining. We're rebuilding, and I'm a new man — by the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and I mean that as plainly as I can say it. So here's the question I had to ask myself. When I say going broke made me rich, is that just a clever line? A copywriter's sleight of hand? Or can a man say a thing like that and be telling the truth? It's true. Here's how. What was actually load-bearing When you get stripped all the way down, you find out what was holding the house up. I'd built a life with a lot of stuff in it. Income. Status. A reputation in my corner of the marketing world. The comfort of knowing the bills were handled and then some. None of that is wrong. I'm not here to tell you money is the problem and poverty is the cure — that's a sermon people preach when they've never actually been broke, and it's nonsense. What happened was simpler. Everything that wasn't essential got taken away, and I was left holding only what was. And the list of things that are truly essential turns out to be far shorter than the list of things I'd convinced myself I couldn't live without. Corrie Ten Boom said it better than I can: you don't learn that Jesus is all you need until the day He's all you have. I used to read that as a needlepoint-pillow kind of line. Then I lived it, and it stopped being a pillow and became the floor I was standing on. Because when you've got nothing left but God, you find out fast whether God is enough. He is. Not because I read it somewhere — because I tested it against the wall, with nothing to fall back on, and it held. What grew in the low place I spent a lot of that season on my knees. I mean that literally, not as a figure of speech. Some mornings I was flat on my face on the floor, talking to God. Sometimes not even talking. Just there. Out of words, out of plans, out of the energy it takes to keep pretending you've got it handled. And in that low place, things grew that had never had room before. Real humility — the kind that comes from running out of options and realizing you were never as in control as you thought. A habit of seeking God's will before a decision instead of after, when I just needed Him to bless what I'd already chosen. A patience I did not previously possess; ask anyone who knew me in the old days. I became a better husband, a better parent, a better friend, a better follower of Jesus. Not better than you, or anybody — better than the man I used to be. That's the only fair comparison there is. And the new one is a better creature. A reborn one. That's not a marketing claim. It's a report from the field. A different kind of builder I'm rebuilding the business now, with a few good people helping me, and it's going well. But it's going well in a completely different way. Before, I built fast and big. I added overhead like it was a hobby. If something looked like it might work, I threw money and people at it and sorted the details later. This time it's slow, methodical, almost annoyingly careful. Not because I've gotten timid — because I've become a different kind of business person. The fast-and-big version of me was running on a need to prove something, to be impressive, to outrun a fear I couldn't have named at the time. That guy got retired during the unpleasantness, and the fellow who replaced him builds differently. Going back through my old ...
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    13 mins
  • Scars Are the Curriculum: The 5-Phase Blueprint for Building a Business They Can't Take From You

    Scars Are the Curriculum: The 5-Phase Blueprint for Building a Business They Can't Take From You
    May 29 2026
    The last few years handed me a stack of things I never ordered — Parkinson's, brain surgery, a pandemic, and financial pressure I've talked about openly in older episodes and on YouTube. In this brand-new, unedited, "live-to-drive" relaunch of The Ray Edwards Show, I'm not going to rehash the wounds. I'm going to do something more useful: I'm going to hand you the scars. Because the scars, as I've come to see it, are the curriculum. And what I learned in that fire has rewired everything I teach about building a business in this strange, contracting, AI-rewired moment — including why nearly every entrepreneur I meet is trying to build a personal brand in exactly the wrong order.. Here's a peek at what you'll discover when you press play: The tight little phrase I now use to describe my current state of freedom — and the brutal price I paid over the last few years to earn the right to say it.The disease: "out-of-sequentialism". You probably have it -- becuase it's quietly killing almost every coach, consultant, and creator online right now (my friend Armand Morin gave it the name) — and the embarrassingly simple test that tells you in 30 seconds whether you've got it.The Tony Robbins example about a dog and a kid named Johnny — and what it reveals about why your message isn't landing, no matter how much copy you rewrite.The dollar-store habit I credit with saving more of my best ideas than any AI tool, app, or "second brain" system ever has — and the three reasons it still humiliates your phone in 2026. (Hint: Alex Mandossian was right.)The single Bible verse I call "the entire permission slip" you need to stop hiding your gift from the marketplace — and how to read it without the religious baggage that's kept you small for years.Why "the ultimate sacrifice" wasn't REALLY the ultimate sacrifice — and the surprisingly mercenary reason Jesus did what he did, according to the Book of Hebrews. (Some pastors will not love this segment. I'm at peace with that.)The Casey Neistat number proves you don't need to be famous, funded, or follow-rich to build a business that buys back your life. (He started $200,000 in debt. With a camcorder.)The difference between Mission and Vision — confused by 95% of the entrepreneurs I've coached — and the single reason their goals never compound into anything bigger than a to-do list.The deceptively simple Destiny Formula that turns vague mission statements into something you can actually wake up and execute on Monday morning.Why "fair" does not mean "equal" — and how getting this one distinction wrong will keep you stuck in quiet resentment for the rest of your business career.The "interruptibility test" I use to decide whether a business is actually worth building — and why most "successful" entrepreneurs fail it without realizing it.A coffee shop in Spokane called Revel 77 — and the one thing it does that quietly destroys generic competitors without ever undercutting them on price. (You can steal this for any business, in any niche, this week.)Why marketing is NOT what you think it is — and the three-word definition that makes it 10x easier to do, even if you've never written a sales letter in your life.The Earl Nightingale "fireplace" line that exposes why most entrepreneurs are quietly broke. (You've made this exact mistake. Probably this week.)The reverse-engineering math that turns a $104,000 income goal into one doable, repeatable weekly task — no hype, no hustle-bro nonsense, no hopium.Why "lead magnets are dead" is one of the dumbest things being said online right now — and the value-first sequence that still prints money in 2026 (and will print more of it in 2027).The three traits every piece of marketing must have to spread on its own. The War of Art has all three. Your Best Year Ever has all three. Yours probably has one — at best.The "modern elder" our culture has discarded — and why being over 50 may be your single biggest unfair advantage in the AI era. (At 60, I'm making the case.)The four questions you must answer about your customer — in this exact order — before you write a single piece of sales copy, run a single ad, or post a single piece of content.The one phase that, when skipped, makes every other phase collapse — and the surprisingly philosophical question you must answer to nail it. (Most entrepreneurs would rather do anything than sit with this question. That's the tell.)What "destiny" actually means, etymologically — and why you can change yours today, even if today turns out to be the only day you have left. Press play. Pull out the pen and notebook I'll tell you to grab anyway. And get ready to find out exactly which phase you've been skipping. 🎧 Listen now → [The Ray Edwards Show, Episode 686] 📄 Grab the free companion report that walks through all five phases in detail: rayedwards.com/5pillars
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    56 mins
  • What A.I. Cannot Take From You

    What A.I. Cannot Take From You
    Apr 14 2026
    A.I. has stripped all value from generic content. Content is not only abundant, it's become practically infinite and worthless. So, where does that leave us mere mortals? There are 5 things you have that you might not recognize as assets, but they absolutely are. This week, I'll give you the breakdown of 5 things that you have that AI can never replicate. Key Insights Seth Godin's Talking Dog metaphorDon't Dismiss the Miracle ... and don't give it everythingNate B Jones: When AI makes building free, the question becomes "Do I own something structural that AI cannot replicate?"When AI makes everything abundant, the scarce things become infinitely more valuableContent, code, images, research, first drafts...essentially free and infiniteWhat things can AI not manufacture or copy Trust: AI cannot manufacture the trust you've built with your audienceContext: Providing AI with your body of work can help it replicate your thinkingDistribution: Content is not scarce. The value of generic content is 0. Your list (email, podcast, customers) - the direct lines you control are extremely valuableYour Taste: AI has no point of view. Your ability to look at 100 options and know which one is right is something you've built through years of experienceAccountability: Somebody has to be responsible. Your name carries weight.My "Personal Knowledge Architecture" - Keep your context, notes, and knowledge organizedGet on the waiting list!This week: AI Accelerator Summit- Get your Free Ticket Here Links Seth Godin - The "Talking Dog"Nate B Jones - Insightful strategistThe AI Accelerator Summit (Starts 4/15!): Grab your FREE ticket and join me an 14 of my most respected, successful colleagues as we break down how AI is changing our businesses. If you want to skip the hype and get down to the brass tacks of what tools some of the top entrepreneurs are using, this is where you want to be! How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show. Questions or comments?Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramVisit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    12 mins
  • How To Build An Audience Without Showing Your Face

    How To Build An Audience Without Showing Your Face
    Apr 9 2026
    I've coached a lot of people to "start making videos". It's an essential part of building your brand and attracting the right people. Putting your personality on display will weed out those you don't click with and strengthen the bonds with your fans.​​That's all true, but the fact is...Not everyone can physically do this.As a person living with Parkinson's, I have windows of time where my body is willing to cooperate with me and do what I need it to. Some days those windows are very short...Other days they're nonexistent. ​​There are millions of people with physical and mental challenges that make it difficult or impossible to be on camera. This week, I want to prove to you that you're not out of the game because of these limitations. You have options! ​Key Insights The notion that the only pathway to success for a content creator is through a lens is falseIf you have a condition (ADHD, Parkinson's, Anxiety) that makes it hard or impossible to be on camera, AI has given you optionsThis is not "cheating"Be open and transparent. This will enhance your credibility with your audienceRomans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose"Your physical limitations do not disqualify you from participatingThe gatekeepers are gone. AI has kicked the gate wide open!Life is not happening to you…it's happening For you. Links AI Accelerator Summit - Happening next week! (4/15-4/17) Join Ray Edwards, Bryan & Noelle Switalski, and 14 World-Class Experts for 3 Days That Could Change How You Work Forever. This live event is 100% FREE: Get your ticket here! Video And Transcript How You Can Help Subscribe to the show in Apple Podcasts or on Spotify, and give us a rating and review. Make sure you put your real name and website in the text of the review itself. We will definitely mention you on this show.Questions or comments?Connect with Ray on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramVisit Ray's community on Facebook – This is a friendly group of writers, entrepreneurs, and coaches who share ideas and helpful advice.
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    19 mins