Living Your Legacy
Rudy Mawer
A podcast that brings you closer to the individuals who have built the brands, businesses, and movements that inspire us all. Each episode features an in-depth conversation with one of the dynamic entrepreneurs from all walks of life, offering listeners a front-row seat to their journeys, insights, and expertise. Through candid dialogue, discover how these innovators turned their ideas into thriving enterprises, the challenges they overcame, and the lessons they learned along the way. From behind-the-scenes stories of building their legacies to actionable advice on leadership, marketing, mindset, and more, this podcast is your guide to applying their wisdom to your own path. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or simply someone hungry for inspiration, These Conversations will deliver the motivation and tools to fuel your ambitions. Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered to leave your own legacy.
Recent Episodes
20 episodesFrom Addiction to CEO in a Male Industry
Rachel Blatt, founder of Royalty Logistics, builds her business in one of the most male-dominated industries in America while confronting the personal battles that nearly derailed her future. From a turbulent childhood and years of addiction to being abruptly fired from corporate life, every setback becomes fuel for reinvention. Now leading a logistics company rooted in grit, integrity, and human connection, she challenges the belief that business has to be cold to succeed. As she scales, she reveals the emotional reality behind entrepreneurship, the pressure of leadership, and why growth often feels like failure before it becomes success.Key TakeawaysBusiness struggles are normal, even when they feel deeply personalAdversity can be transformed into leadership strengthScaling a company requires emotional resilience, not just strategyThe human element remains critical even in logistics and AI-driven industriesAuthenticity and identity can be an advantage in male-dominated spacesNotable Quotes“When you’re growing and scaling a company, you feel like crap sometimes… it’s all normal.”“Business does not have to be cold hearted.”“I don’t want to look like a man. I want to look like a woman because that’s what I am.”“Nobody says this… you think it’s all you.”“A company isn’t just me… a company is its people.”
She Almost Lost Her Life Building Mercy
In this deeply raw episode Shabana Markar, a humanitarian entrepreneur and founder of a global mercy-driven mission, opens up about the moment she nearly lost everything and what pulled her back. From building a purpose-led business model rooted in compassion to redefining success beyond money and status, this conversation explores mental health, self-compassion, and the true meaning of legacy. Her vision blends nonprofit impact, food innovation, and community outreach, but it all begins with one question: how do you keep going when you lose hope?Key Takeaways• Success is not defined by money, status, or awards• Self-compassion is the foundation for helping others• Pain, if unprocessed, can silently build to breaking points• Small acts of kindness can create massive impact• Purpose-driven businesses can combine profit with global impactNotable Quotes• “I actually almost lost my life over the podcast.” • “It’s okay not to be okay.” • “The difference is not how much money you make.” • “When you realize your worth, that’s where mercy begins.” • “Make it through the next moment.”
How Listening Differently Became Her Superpower
Most people think they’re good listeners. But what if that belief is exactly what’s holding them back?In this episode Christine Miles, a CEO and founder of EQuipt, shares how a childhood shaped by unseen pain led her to develop a rare ability: listening to understand what others miss. From navigating family trauma to overcoming career setbacks and rebuilding after a life-altering injury, she reveals how this overlooked skill became the foundation of her success.Through real-world stories and practical frameworks like the Listening Path, she breaks down why communication fails, how leaders miss critical insights, and what it actually takes to build meaningful human connection in business and life.Key Takeaways • Why most people misunderstand listening and how it impacts success • The difference between listening to respond vs listening to understand • How empathy-driven leadership uncovers real problems and solutions • The Listening Path framework and its practical application • Why better listening leads to stronger relationships, trust, and resultsNotable Quotes • “Most people focus more on talking than understanding.” • “There’s no listening education, yet it’s the most fundamental skill.” • “We live in a world of misunderstanding.” • “Listening is a soft skill with hard outcomes.” • “When you give the gift of understanding, everything changes.”
From Fitness Goals to Identity Transformation
Most people think they want a physical transformation. That’s where Erin Kapp starts. But what begins as fitness quickly turns into something much deeper. As the founder of Kapp Legacy Group, Erin Kapp guides clients through mindset work, emotional breakthroughs, and radical self-honesty that challenges everything they thought they were. Drawing from her own personal pain and reinvention, Erin reveals how confidence, identity, and alignment are built from the inside out. This episode explores the hidden layers behind transformation, the power of vulnerability, and why becoming your true self requires stripping away everything that isn’t real.Key Takeaways:• Physical transformation is often just the entry point to deeper identity work• Real change happens when you confront the narratives you tell yourself• Authenticity creates permission for others to be themselves• Pain can become a powerful tool for growth and leadership• Different people require different approaches to reach the same goalNotable Quotes:• "I can get almost anybody really fit really fast."• "You’re unbecoming all the things you never really were."• "If you can’t be real, you can’t get anywhere."• "Everything I teach comes from my own personal pain."• "The more you are yourself, the more freedom others feel."
From Abandoned Child to Healing Others’ Trauma
In this episode, a trauma survivor and founder of Deep Waves Life Coaching, Tasha Day shares how she transformed years of pain, generational trauma, and loss into a mission to help others heal. From dropping out of school and navigating toxic relationships to discovering purpose through healing work, her journey reveals what it really takes to reclaim your voice. This conversation dives into emotional healing, mindset shifts, and the power of rewriting your story—before it’s too late to change it.Key Takeaways • Your pain can become your purpose if you choose to use it • Awareness is the first step to healing emotional trauma • Generational trauma can be identified and broken • Boundaries are essential to reclaiming your power • Healing starts when you take responsibility for your storyNotable Quotes • “Your story could possibly save someone’s life one day.” • “You are not alone—so many people are struggling with abuse and addiction.” • “Awareness is number one. If you don’t know what you’re suffering with, how can you fix it?” • “Let’s get rid of that old story and rewrite a new one.” • “You may think you’re disqualified, but that’s only someone else’s perspective.”
From Military Discipline to Curing the Impossible
From a childhood shaped by loss, chaos, and constant change, Molly McGlaughlin learns to read people, adapt fast, and build resilience early. That foundation follows her into military leadership, biotech innovation, and ultimately the mission to transform personalized medicine. In this episode, she breaks down how mRNA technology, gene editing, and advanced biomanufacturing are reshaping what’s possible in healthcare. But behind the science is a deeper story about discipline, adversity, and the relentless pursuit of impact. As she navigates failed ventures, investor pullouts, and uncertain markets, she continues pushing forward with one belief: even saving one life changes everything.Key Takeaways • Resilience built in chaos can become your greatest leadership advantage • Military discipline translates directly into high-stakes business execution • Personalized medicine is redefining the future of healthcare • Innovation requires patience, especially in science and clinical trials • True impact is measured one life at a timeNotable Quotes • “Even if we save one life, it’s one life saved.” • “It is about a promise… a future where we can solve most illnesses.” • “You have to make sure the hardcore science is right.” • “We are focusing on personalized medicines for people where nothing else has worked.” • “The future is treating genetic disorders before they take over a life.”
From Stroke to Spiritual Awakening and Purpose
After decades of success in corporate America, everything changes in an instant. Michelle Warnica’s life is cracked open by a stroke that forces her to confront identity, purpose, and the truth she had been avoiding. What follows is not a straight path, but a journey through health crises, spiritual awakening, and surrendering control to something greater. As she leaves behind stability to rebuild her life in Mexico, she begins to uncover a deeper calling through healing, retreats, and transformation. This episode explores how pain becomes a catalyst, how purpose is revealed through adversity, and why true legacy is built from within.Key TakeawaysLife-altering events can become the gateway to discovering true purposeSurrendering control can unlock unexpected clarity and directionPhysical illness can be a signal of deeper misalignmentReinvention is possible at any stage of life, even after 50Legacy is created through the lives you impact, not just achievementsNotable Quotes“I didn’t choose the stroke, but I chose every day to surrender to it.”“Dis-ease is a message, not a malfunction.”“Clarity doesn’t come from thinking, it comes from deep listening.”“When you align with your soul, life begins to conspire with you.”“What we speak, we bring.”
From Injured Athlete to Real Estate Power Broker
She was on track to become the next big name in college basketball—until everything changed. After a career-ending injury and the struggle of not finding her place post-graduation, she faced a crossroads that would define her future. Instead of giving up, she pivoted into real estate, discovering not just a career, but a mission. Today, she’s a real estate broker, entrepreneur, and educator helping underprivileged communities break the cycle through financial literacy, credit education, and homeownership. In this episode, she shares the mindset shifts, painful lessons, and bold decisions that transformed her path—and how others can begin building wealth and legacy through real estate.Key Takeaways • Pivoting after failure can unlock entirely new opportunities • Financial literacy and credit are the foundation of wealth building • Homeownership is a stepping stone, not a final destination • Real estate can create generational wealth when used strategically • Teaching others multiplies impact and creates lasting legacyNotable Quotes • “You have to be able to pivot and transition.” • “It is possible for them to have home ownership.” • “I never quite recovered, but I found something better.” • “I teach them how to break the cycle.” • “It’s not over until I win.”
From “Different” to Unstoppable: Turning Adversity Into Legacy
What if everything that made you feel different was actually your greatest advantage?In this powerful episode, a UK-born entrepreneur and author of the Being Different book series Jill E. Hersch shares how adversity, identity struggles, and generational influence shaped her mission to help others unlock their true potential. From a childhood rooted in storytelling and resilience to building businesses and launching a purpose-driven brand, her journey reveals the mindset behind lasting legacy and intentional living.Through lessons passed down from her grandmother, she explores how embracing change, stepping outside your comfort zone, and trusting your path can redefine your future. This is a story of resilience, personal growth, and the courage to stand apart.Key Takeaways • Being different is not a weakness but a unique advantage • Early influences and mentorship shape lifelong confidence and identity • True legacy is built through values, not just success or wealth • Stepping outside your comfort zone unlocks growth and opportunity • Adversity can be transformed into purpose and impactNotable Quotes • “You’re not different. You are unique.” • “Never ever lose your confidence.” • “Take the road less traveled.” • “If it’s not how it should be, it’s not always bad.” • “You have a superpower—it’s all about embracing it.”
How a Broke Mom Built a Multi-Million Design Empire
What does it really take to build a multi-million dollar design-build company in a male-dominated industry? In this episode, Suzanne Porter, founder of Retreat & Co, shares the unfiltered journey from scraping by with no savings to leading a design-driven construction business. Through real estate, interior design, and relentless grit, she redefines what success looks like in construction. This conversation explores the daily grind behind building a business, the mindset required to lead with vision, and the power of staying faithful to small steps. For entrepreneurs chasing financial freedom, innovation, and legacy, this episode reveals what it truly takes to turn vision into reality.Key Takeaways • Success is built through daily discipline, not one defining moment • Design-led construction can disrupt traditional building models • Financial struggle can become the foundation for long-term freedom • Vision allows you to see potential where others see problems • You cannot succeed while playing the victim mindsetNotable Quotes • “It’s just putting in the time and being disciplined.” • “You can’t play the victim.” • “Anything is possible. You can fix anything.” • “It’s really just the daily grind.” • “Design drives the build, not the other way around.”
From Heartbreak to Building a Real Estate Legacy
What happens when personal devastation becomes the foundation for a bigger purpose? In this episode of LIVING YOUR LEGACY, Northeast Ohio real estate entrepreneur and Lokal Real Estate co-owner Kayla Carosella opens up about the heartbreak, rebuilding, and mindset shifts that transformed her life and business. From navigating loss and rebuilding her confidence to creating a human-centered real estate brokerage focused on mentorship, investing, and generational wealth, Kayla shares the lessons that shaped her journey. She breaks down how real estate investing, passive income, networking, leadership, and mindset helped her rise through adversity while empowering agents to build businesses rooted in authenticity, confidence, and community. This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing, resilience, and purpose can become the blueprint for lasting impact.Key TakeawaysSuccess is built through consistency, not talent aloneHealing and personal growth directly impact leadership abilityReal estate investing can create long-term passive income and generational wealthBuilding culture and mentorship matters more than scaling headcountNetworking and putting yourself in the right rooms creates opportunityNotable Quotes“How are you going to make me successful?”“We’re going to teach you how to create passive income and build wealth.”“Your stomach doesn’t know the difference between nerves and excitement.”“Healing is part of the hustle.”“I don’t just bounce back. I rise higher.”
How a San Francisco Founder Plans to End Homelessness
Born and raised in San Francisco, Rosemary Mogannam turns a streetwear idea inspired by tattoo art into a humanitarian movement designed to transform how cities approach homelessness. In this episode of LIVING YOUR LEGACY, the founder of iHeartSF shares how personal adversity, divorce, motherhood, education, and decades of community involvement shape her mission to create transitional housing through a self-sustaining business ecosystem. From launching a podcast and augmented reality clothing line to pursuing a revolutionary housing model for homeless families, Rosemary reveals the mindset shifts, painful lessons, and relentless consistency driving her vision. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, humanitarian leadership, perspective-taking, transitional housing, San Francisco culture, and the future of community-driven impact.Key TakeawaysPerspective changes can completely transform a person’s life trajectory.Consistency and discipline create long-term personal and professional growth.Entrepreneurship can become a vehicle for humanitarian impact.Transitional housing needs sustainable systems, not temporary fixes.Personal adversity can unlock creativity, clarity, and purpose.Notable Quotes“When you change your perspective, you can change your life.”“I’m going to break the cycle of homelessness.”“Consistency. My whole life has been consistency.”“I’m a humanitarian, not a philanthropist.”“Don’t change the world. Change your world.”
From 42 Felonies to Mission-Driven Leadership
After being charged with 42 felonies while working for the Department of Corrections, Justin Watts faces a moment that could have destroyed everything. Instead of giving up, he rebuilds his life through discipline, fatherhood, military resilience, and a mission bigger than himself. In this episode of Living Your Legacy, Justin opens up about serving in Afghanistan, surviving generational trauma, raising two daughters as a single father, and building Veterans Last Mission LLC with purpose at the center. From combat security missions overseas to navigating entrepreneurship and personal failure, he shares the mindset shifts that helped him keep moving forward. This conversation explores leadership, accountability, resilience, real estate investing, and the drive to create a legacy that changes lives.Key TakeawaysHow Justin rebuilt his life after being charged with 42 feloniesWhy fatherhood became the driving force behind his transformationThe military mindset shifts that shaped his leadership and disciplineHow generational trauma influenced his approach to parenting and legacyWhy he believes real estate and storytelling are part of his bigger missionNotable Quotes“It ended up being one of the most powerful blessings of my life.”“Before life gives me a problem, it has already given me a solution.”“I run through fire with gasoline draws before I did that to them.”“The will to want to do it is where you find the power to get it done.”“I really feel like my story is powerful enough to change lives.”
How a Tax Expert Manifested His Dream Life
From balancing numbers to building a purpose-driven life, entrepreneur and DJ Charlie Sacco shares how he transformed his mindset, scaled his tax business, and turned manifestation into daily practice. In this episode of LIVING YOUR LEGACY, Charlie reveals how meditation, law of attraction, and relentless action helped him leave behind a stable corporate career, grow Sacco Tax Accounting LLC, and create a life on his own terms. He breaks down practical tax strategies for entrepreneurs, lessons from surviving uncertainty, and how focus and belief reshaped his future. This conversation explores entrepreneurship, manifestation, small business taxes, and personal growth while showing how ambition and mindset can work together to build a meaningful legacy.Key TakeawaysCharlie explains how manifestation and action worked together to transform his life and careerEntrepreneurs learn practical tax strategies for LLCs, S Corps, and recordkeepingMeditation and mindset helped Charlie leave his corporate job and grow his businessHe shares how he combined DJing and accounting into one personal brandThe episode explores how belief, focus, and consistency shape long-term successNotable Quotes“It’s not over until I win.”“Your thoughts create your reality.”“You have to take action because the universe could drop what you want right in front of your face.”“The more you do it, the more you believe.”“If you don’t think you’ll ever make a million dollars, you’ll never make a million dollars.”
From Single Mom to Lash Empire Builder
Jennifer Wahl, founder of Lash Divas Day Spa, shares the raw journey behind building one of Washington’s most recognized lash studios while surviving toxic relationships, financial collapse, lawsuits, divorce, injury, and life-altering health challenges. What begins with a YouTube video and a dental chair quickly turns into a thriving lash extension business, custom lash product line, and apprenticeship program helping women launch careers of their own. Jennifer opens up about female entrepreneurship, online hate, building a loyal client base through word of mouth marketing, and the sacrifices required to grow a beauty business from nothing. Through setbacks that would break most people, she continues pushing toward creating a lasting empire while empowering others to succeed alongside her.Key TakeawaysBuilding strong client relationships matters more than chasing quick moneySuccess in entrepreneurship often comes from consistency and hustle behind the scenesWord of mouth marketing can outperform expensive advertising when trust is builtHardships, failures, and setbacks can become the foundation of long-term resilienceEmpowering employees and future entrepreneurs creates a lasting legacyNotable Quotes“I always tried to be the boss that I never had.”“If you can’t beat them, join them.”“The biggest revenge is my success.”“Nothing has ever held me back.”“Believe in yourself always. Having self doubt will defeat you quicker than anything.”
How a Golfer Built a Cigar Empire
What starts as a casual golf outing turns into a business idea that disrupts an entire industry. In this episode of LIVING YOUR LEGACY, serial entrepreneur and Greenside Cigar Company founder Ty Murphy opens up about building a golf cigar brand from scratch, scaling through influencer marketing, and creating a direct-to-consumer business model that challenges traditional cigar distribution. He shares the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship, the mindset required to persevere through uncertainty, and how following “the little voices” led him to unexpected success. From golf culture and branding psychology to cigar experiences and product market fit, Ty reveals how an average guy turned a simple observation into a thriving company.Key TakeawaysHow Ty Murphy identified a gap between golf culture and cigar cultureWhy disrupting traditional distribution created massive growth opportunitiesThe power of influencer marketing in the golf industryHow branding and “gamification” increased cigar sales at golf coursesWhy entrepreneurship requires perseverance through uncertainty and self-doubtNotable Quotes“Committing to something and persevering through stuff changes everything.”“Golf is four hours with the same four people. A lot of business happens there.”“It’s not about smoking cigars. It’s about the experience I’m having.”“We disrupted an entire distribution chain.”“Sometimes that little voice in your head is worth listening to.”
From Accountant to Island Designer Brand
After 30 years in a family business built on high-end craftsmanship and accounting precision, Erika Preuss walks away from comfort to rediscover herself. What begins as a sailing trip to the Virgin Islands turns into a complete reinvention, leading to the creation of Ola Kala Bags, a luxury handbag brand inspired by island living, craftsmanship, and personal transformation. In this episode, she shares how COVID, burnout, and losing herself forced a reset, and how she turned Excel sketches into a physical product sold globally. This is a story about slowing down, cutting the noise, and having the courage to change your course before life makes the decision for you.Key Takeaways• Reinvention is possible at any age if you are willing to leave comfort behind• Slowing down creates clarity that busy routines destroy• You can build a brand even with zero experience in the industry• Creativity often exists where you least expect it• Courage to change direction is the real competitive advantageNotable Quotes• “When you stop the noise, you start to find yourself again.”• “It’s never too late to start over at any age.”• “Look within and take note of the course you’re on.”• “I buried the adventure girl inside me for years.”• “Life is a journey, it’s a marathon, not a sprint.”
From Mormon Mom to Spiritual Awakening Leader
Amanda Joy Loveland shares the deeply personal journey that transformed her from a devoted Mormon mother and multimillion-dollar business owner into a spiritual teacher, shamanic guide, and bestselling author helping others navigate grief, identity shifts, and spiritual awakening. In this emotional episode of LIVING YOUR LEGACY, Amanda opens up about religious deconstruction, divorce, entrepreneurship, healing trauma, and channeling her upcoming book Weavers of the New Earth. Through raw conversations about faith, loss, business, intuition, and embodiment, she reveals how pain became the catalyst for purpose. This episode explores spiritual awakening, divine embodiment, grief healing, and the courage required to rebuild your life from the inside out while learning to trust your inner truth.Key TakeawaysGrief and heartbreak can become catalysts for transformation and self-discovery.Amanda left religious conditioning to reclaim her authentic identity and spiritual truth.Entrepreneurship became a pathway for rediscovering her confidence and inner power.Spiritual awakening often begins when old identities and systems collapse.True legacy comes from helping others remember who they truly are.Notable Quotes“You worship the saviors outside of you, but you sacrifice the one inside.”“We’re going to die anyways, so might as well just full send.”“Pain pushes until the soul calls.”“I help people remember who they are and help them come back home.”“Your light is not gone. It’s waiting for you to return to it.”
From Single Mom to Million-Dollar Laundromat
After being told a single mother with two children would never become successful, Candice Bourne refuses to accept that future. Originally from Jamaica, she builds her career in the travel industry, becoming a top sales performer before realizing she no longer wants to stay trapped on a hamster wheel. With banks rejecting her nine times, Candice risks everything, cashes in savings, and buys her first coin laundry business in 2012. What follows is a relentless journey filled with fire damage, triple shifts, employee struggles, and moments that test her discipline and belief in herself. In this episode of LIVING YOUR LEGACY, the founder of Candy Clean Laundry shares how grit, consistency, community service, pickup and delivery innovation, and real estate investing helped her transform a failing laundromat into a million-dollar business while raising two children alone.Key TakeawaysSuccess requires going all in, not halfwayConsistency and community visibility build long-term business growthRejection from banks does not define your futureEssential service businesses can create massive opportunities during difficult timesDiscipline and resilience can turn survival into generational wealthNotable Quotes“I did not want to be a hamster on a wheel.”“You have to go all in or nothing.”“They’re gonna learn how to fight.”“I love what I do.”“It’s not an easy road.”
From Single Mom to DirtBoss Empire Builder
What does it take to build a multimillion-dollar construction company while raising three children, surviving melanoma, and rebuilding your life through heartbreak, burnout, and betrayal? In this episode of LIVING YOUR LEGACY, Australian entrepreneur and “DirtBoss” Kim-Louise Liddell reveals the raw truth behind leadership, resilience, and high-performance living. From sailing across the Atlantic on the STS Young Endeavour to becoming one of the few women leading major civil construction projects, Kim shares how mental resilience, meditation, entrepreneurship, and values-led leadership transformed her life. She opens up about burnout, surviving the pressure of business ownership, raising an Olympian son, and why true legacy is about what you ignite in others. This conversation explores female leadership, emotional sustainability, mindset mastery, and the courage to rebuild from the ground up.Key TakeawaysBuilding a multimillion-dollar business without a blueprint or safety net is possible through grit and consistency.Mental resilience and mindset training are essential for leadership and entrepreneurship.Burnout is not weakness; it is a signal to rebuild differently.Women can lead powerfully in male-dominated industries without sacrificing authenticity.Legacy is not about titles or money, but about the impact you leave in others.Notable Quotes“I created this business so I could create something different.”“The river of pain allows the joy to flow through.”“We are meaning-making machines.”“You can’t be what you can’t see.”“Legacy isn’t what you leave behind. It’s what you ignite in others.”