Capability Amplifier

Ever feel like youre drowning in admin or mundane tasks, knowing you could be focusing on your bigger future?

Dan Sullivan and I have been there.

In this episode of Capability Amplifier, we dive headfirst into the idea of adding Ai to your team a powerful new employee that can handle everything from research to video storytelling.

But the twist?

As Dan and I unpack the nuts and bolts of using Ai tools, we realize something bigger...

Ai can serve as a mirror, helping you reclaim (and reinvent) your PAST so you can power up your FUTURE.

If youve been worried that technology will erase who you really are, think again.

This might just be your ultimate Future-Self Amplifier.

KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

1. Instant MBA-Level Research on Demand
   • Using tools like OpenAIs Operator, Mike can instruct a digital assistant to log into Amazon, gather Dans entire book catalog, reviews, and morein minutes. This replaces days of grunt work and eliminates procrastination.
2. Better, Faster First Drafts
   • By feeding AI your raw ideas, or even transcripts of past content, you can get a cohesive outline or polished script in seconds. Your human team will love you for showing up with clarity and focus.
3. Turning Reflection into a Superpower
   • Dan views AI as a feedback machine that reminds you of your best stories and greatest strengths. Think of it as a living, dynamic mirror that knows your achievementsempowering you to leverage them now.
4. How AI Frees Your Mind (Not Replaces It)
   • Rather than being less busy, Mike uses AI to become more effective. No more friction or mental blocksjust hyper-fast iteration. That kind of momentum can transform your entrepreneurial life.
5. Building Your Future Self from Your Past
   • Dans big revelation: The more you reuse the best parts of your past, the more you know about your future. AI accelerates that discovery by surfacing hidden strengths and forgotten wins so you can deploy them now.
6. Synthetic Storytelling
   • Tools like Invideo can create fully AI-generated videoscharacters, voiceovers, animations. This is ideal for first-draft narratives, brand stories, and even personal mini-documentaries. Youll never look at content creation the same way again.
7. Therapyor a Fast-Track to Knowing Yourself?
   • Knowing how to be who you actually are can eclipse years of therapy. By reconstructing your journeyfailures, comebacks, and big winsyou craft a narrative that not only sells your offer but also reaffirms who you truly are.

TIME STAMPS

[00:00:00] AI as a New Team Member
Mike explains how AI tools crush procrastination and free him to focus on creative (and profitable) work.

[00:01:35] Seeing Your Future Through Your Past
Dan observes how AI helps entrepreneurs mine their personal histories for gold, ultimately boosting confidence.

[00:03:46] Game-Changing Tools
A live demonstration of OpenAIs Operator, pulling reviews and descriptions of Dans books automatically into a Google Doc.

[00:08:00] Reinventing Marketing & Research
Mike shares how AI is like having an on-demand MBA researcherimmediate, iterative, and personalized.

[00:18:06] Why Tech Cant Match Human Complexity
Dan reveals his new book idea: Technology Is Trying Hard to Keep Upan argument about the unmatched power of human consciousness.

[00:30:10] Synthetic Videos & Brand Story
Mike showcases Invideo, an AI tool that generates entire mini-documentariesvoiceovers, characters, and allfrom just a script.

[00:40:38] Your Past as Your Biggest Asset
Dan dives into how collecting your best-of storiesand weaving them into marketingcan be more powerful than therapy.

[00:50:04] The Future-Self Amplifier
A final note on how combining your own internal breakthroughs with AIs external capabilities is the real formula for 10x progress.

If youre ready to harness cutting-edge Ai (without losing your humanity or your personal story), this episode is your roadmap.

Listen now for tangible demos, practical tips, and a major mindset shift thatll help you 10x your productivity and reconnect with the future youve always wanted.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, Your Next Act!
• Book your $1k Cup of Coffee with me (Mike) here.
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

Have you ever thought about tariffs as a "game-changer" rather than just a “political hot button”?

Did you know Japan is quietly investing $1 trillion in U.S. manufacturing—especially in southern and southwestern states? 

That’s right. 

In this new episode, Dan Sullivan and I dive deep into how tariffs, strategic factory moves, and AI-driven audits may soon reduce our taxes (yes, you read that right) while fueling unprecedented economic growth in America.

If that sounds like a Michael Bay movie script, you’re not far off—except this is playing out in real life, right now. We talk about Trump’s “reciprocal tariffs,” Elon Musk’s big-government audit with AI, and why countries like Japan are betting big on producing goods inside the U.S., instead of overseas. 

If you love big-picture, high-stakes drama with real entrepreneurial takeaways, you’ll want to tune in.

KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

1. Tariffs Are Making a Comeback
   • After WWII, the U.S. temporarily abandoned tariffs to rebuild other nations and contain the Soviet threat. Now that era is over, and “reciprocal tariffs” are in play—if you tax American goods, we’ll tax yours. Or you can just move your factories to the U.S.
2. Japan’s $1 Trillion Bet on American Manufacturing
   • Facing a shrinking workforce, Japan decided 30 years ago to build factories where they sell goods. Enter the U.S. south and southwest—lower labor costs, fewer unions, and easier access to American consumers.
3. Moving the U.S. Government to “Warp Speed”
   • Dan and I discuss Trump’s possible plan to use tariffs to fund government operations (hello, “External Revenue Service!”) while simultaneously lowering domestic taxes. If that works, it could trigger an economic boom.
4. AI Audits: Elon Musk’s Government Overhaul
   • Imagine real-time accounting for every federal check ever cut. That’s what happens when you unleash advanced AI to track spending—stopping fraud and inefficiency in its tracks. Lower costs, better governance, fewer excuses.
5. It’s Not Just About Politics
   • The reason these moves are so urgent? The U.S. economy is its greatest weapon and negotiation tool. If the numbers line up, say goodbye to bloated budgets and hello to rapid innovation.
6. The Western Hemisphere Is the New Growth Engine
   • Peter Zeihan’s research suggests that power is shifting west. Europe’s star may be fading, and the big action will be in North and South America—partly because the U.S. can pressure countries with economic, rather than military, force.
7. What It Means for Entrepreneurs (and You)
   • If America becomes the hottest manufacturing hub again, it spells massive opportunity: new factories, high-value jobs, and more disposable income at home. Plus, if government spending shrinks, taxes may drop—fueling startups, scale-ups, and everything in-between.

TIME STAMPS

[00:00:00] Tariffs 101
Dan explains how tariffs helped the U.S. become #1 by 1900, and why after WWII we artificially dropped them to contain the Soviet Union.

[00:03:10] Japan Moves In
The backstory behind Japan’s multi-decade strategy: build factories in America to sidestep both tariffs and a shrinking domestic workforce.

[00:10:44] Economic vs. Military Power
Mike and Dan explore how the real “weapon” now is the U.S. economy—not battleships. This is reshaping alliances, trade, and even the future of space exploration.

[00:14:26] Union vs. Non-Union States
Why overseas giants choose red states over blue to minimize union costs—and how that might transform American politics.

[00:24:19] Elon Musk & Government AI
Trump taps Musk to audit the entire U.S. government using advanced AI. The potential outcome? $3 trillion “lost” dollars suddenly reappear, possibly replacing the income tax with tariffs.

[00:32:57] Europe’s Diminishing Relevance
Dan argues that Europe has become more of a “historic Disney World” than an innovative force, lacking the cultural spark of earlier centuries.

[00:41:00] The Future Is Made in the USA
Why more nations, including the UK, India, and South Korea, may follow Japan’s lead—bringing factories stateside to dodge tariffs and be closer to American consumers.

If you love big ideas and epic plot twists, this episode is basically Netflix’s next political thriller—except it’s happening in real life.

Join Dan and me for a mind-bending conversation on how the world economy could flip in the next few years, and what you can do to position yourself and your business for massive opportunity.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Your Next Act!”
• Book your $1k Cup of Coffee with me (Mike) here. 
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

Ever wonder how simply eating steak (yes, just steak) could boost your energy, reduce inflammation, and strip off stubborn weight you’ve carried for years? 

That’s exactly what Dan Sullivan and I are discussing in this special mini-episode on the Carnivore Diet.

We’re talking “all meat, all the time,” how we navigate restaurants and travel, the surprising drop in food cravings, and the best ways to monitor your health so you know exactly what’s happening in your body. 

Plus, I’ll share why I originally decided to go carnivore after battling colorectal cancer—and how it helped clear my IBS issues for good.

If you’re curious about a diet that strips away the nonsense and might radically improve your blood markers, this is a must-listen. 

Remember, we’re not doctors—just two guys seeing remarkable results.

KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

1. Cravings Disappear
   • Dan noticed that while his meal choices weren’t necessarily the problem, the real weight culprit was all the snacks between meals. Carnivore crushed those cravings almost instantly.
2. Rapid Weight Loss & Inflammation Reduction
   • Dan went from 203 to 183 in about six months, and I dropped from 185–190 down to 167 in ten months. Bonus: visible abs, less puffy face, more muscle definition.
3. Energy & Clarity Skyrocket
   • Surprise: no “meal crashes,” no nap cravings. My mental acuity soared. Dan’s focus remains sharp and consistent, all day.
4. An “Elimination Diet” for Gut Health
   • I used carnivore to address ongoing IBS issues post-cancer. By cutting out everything but meat, I zeroed in on triggers, which turned out to be a game-changer for my digestion.
5. A Simple Routine: Steak & Water
   • My daily go-to is a New York strip in the morning, possibly another at lunchtime, and sometimes a final cut later in the day—salt, pepper, maybe a little butter. Dan just logs his weight daily and keeps it simple.
6. Travel Hacks & Blood Monitoring
   • It’s surprisingly easy on the road (hello, Brazilian steakhouses!). We both get regular lab work and check with our docs. Surprisingly, many markers (including cholesterol) improve.
7. Question the Old Food Pyramid
   • Conventional food guidelines? Often the result of corporate interests. Always do your own research, test with labs, and trust how you feel above all else.

TIME STAMPS

[00:00:00] The Carnivore Backstory: Dan’s 6-month journey, losing 20+ pounds, and the role Dean Jackson & JJ Virgin played in getting him started.

[00:02:57] Cutting Out Cravings: Realizing the biggest weight culprit was snacking between meals, and how pure protein intake solved it.

[00:05:10] Mike’s 10-Month Experiment:  My IBS, post-cancer rationale for going carnivore and how my steady “steak & water” routine obliterated my gut issues.

[00:06:40] Practical Travel Tips: How to manage flights, hotels, and social dinners without falling off the carnivore wagon (butter, grills, and friendly hosts).

[00:09:37] Bloodwork & Energy Levels: Dan’s regular labs look great, I’ve seen improved cholesterol and mental stamina. Turns out no naps required.

[00:10:38] That Food Pyramid Myth: Why government-backed dietary guidelines can be questionable—and why we rely on data from continuous glucose monitors and quarterly blood panels.

If you’ve ever struggled with stubborn weight, nagging gut issues, or endless sugar cravings, the Carnivore Diet might be worth a closer look. Do your homework, talk to a professional, then see how you feel when you sizzle up that next steak.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Your Next Act!”
• Book your $1k Cup of Coffee with me (Mike) here. 
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

You’ve probably heard me talk about the “hub-and-spoke” model.

Where the leader sits in the middle, doing all the heavy lifting and worrying that if they let go of any task, the whole machine breaks.

I’ve lived it. It’s exhausting.

But my friend Keith Ferrazzi—legendary connector, best-selling author (Never Eat Alone, Leading Without Authority), and CEO whisperer—has a game-changing approach to fix this once and for all.

In our latest Capability Amplifier conversation, Keith reveals the simple but powerful shifts that can transform any team from conflict-avoidant and siloed into a culture of true candor, co-elevation, and monthly “sprints” that deliver real results.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re juggling a thousand balls, terrified that even one fumble means disaster, this episode is for you. Trust me: learning to “expect more from your team” isn’t just wishful thinking. It’s the key to freedom, growth, and a whole new level of performance.

KEY INSIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS

1. From Conflict Avoidance to Radical Candor
   • Most teams tiptoe around tough feedback, creating tension and stifling creativity. Keith’s framework calls for mandated “stress testing” sessions where teammates challenge and support each other—because refusing to let each other fail is the highest form of respect.
2. The End of Hub-and-Spoke Leadership
   • Leaders often feel trapped in the center, being the sole accountability hammer. Keith’s model shifts the burden from “the boss” to “the team,” freeing leaders to innovate, strategize, or even launch a new venture.
3. Monthly Sprints & Transparency
   • Keith’s secret sauce: each team member outlines (1) what they achieved, (2) where they’re struggling, and (3) what the next sprint looks like. Then everyone else digs in to offer fresh ideas, challenges, and collaboration. The result? Friction dissolves, and real breakthroughs happen on schedule.
4. Embrace the Challenge Culture
   • Feedback is no longer top-down. It’s peer-to-peer and is given out of genuine commitment to each other’s success. When you institutionalize candid advice—and do it with heart—you’ll see your organization leap from “meh” to unstoppable.
5. The “Co-Elevation” Mindset
   • Keith coined the term “co-elevation” to describe teams that won’t let anyone sink. This goes beyond teamwork. It’s about building an environment where people actively lift each other up. Think radical accountability meets radical empathy.
6. Super-Users for Change (Especially with AI)
   • Instead of forcing top-down training, identify (or create) “black belts” or champions who love new tech, like AI or project management tools. Let them spread the fire from within, and watch adoption skyrocket.
7. Beyond Connections – Keith’s Community
   • If you loved Never Eat Alone, Keith’s got a new community that teaches entrepreneurs, salespeople, and anyone seeking deeper relationships how to integrate authentic connection into all areas of business and life.

TIME STAMPS

• [00:00:00] High-Performing Shifts: Keith introduces the 10 critical shifts for building a high-performing team, starting with moving from conflict avoidance to candor.
• [00:01:16] “Never Lead Alone”: Why Keith’s new book is all about real team success (not just individual heroics) and how it transforms the workplace.
• [00:02:21] From Blue-Collar Beginnings: Keith shares his origin story—how one relationship at a golf course (showing up 30 minutes early!) changed his life trajectory.
• [00:05:36] Candor and Vulnerability: Why the bravest thing a leader can do is create an environment where people speak the truth—even when it hurts.
• [00:07:59] Teams Owning Each Other’s Success: How to shift from hierarchical “hub-and-spoke” management to true teamship, and the monthly “stress test” method that sets a new culture.
• [00:14:03] Agile Sprints & Accountability: The exact practice Keith recommends: 30-day cycles, open sharing of wins, struggles, and next moves, plus peer challenge.
• [00:20:18] The AI Integration Example: Turning friction points into opportunities by creating “super-users” who evangelize adoption from the inside, not via top-down mandates.
• [00:26:55] Open 360° & Coaching Culture: Turning performance reviews into empowering group sessions, where every individual gets supportive critique from the entire team.
• [00:34:41] Beyond Connections Program: Keith’s return to his relationship-building roots—why “Never Eat Alone” fans will find a new home in this eight-week immersion.
• [00:38:29] Expect More, Achieve More: Keith’s biggest revelation: leaders who ask for more from their teams create not just better results, but a culture of freedom and genuine growth for everyone.

If you’re ready to let go of the “hub-and-spoke” hamster wheel, build an unstoppable culture of accountability and authenticity, and still have a life…

Then DO NOT MISS Keith’s new book, Never Lead Alone – you can get it here on Amazon right now. 

If you want to master the art (and science) of deep relationship-building to fuel your business, check out his community at ConnectedSuccess.com.

Additional Resources:

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Ai Accelerator”
• Download your FREE copy of "Your Next Act" here
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS

There are three major “currents” shaping our world in 2025 and beyond:

1. The MAGA movement as an American cultural reset
2. The End of Globalization and why “Made in the USA” (plus Mexico, Colombia, and the rest of the Western Hemisphere) is the new frontier
3. AI Everywhere—how it’s transforming the workforce, but maybe not in the ways you’ve been sold

This episode is a total eye-opener if you’re an entrepreneur, intrapreneur, or just someone who wants to stay ahead of the curve. We talk about how the real opportunities might not be coming out of Ivy League universities, but from trade schools, welding shops, and brand-new AI-augmented careers. If you want to see the forces that will reshape your business and life, this is the conversation you do not want to miss.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

MAGA as a Cultural (Not Just Political) Shift

• MAGA isn’t about party lines; it’s an entire value system favoring hard work, “blue-collar billionaires,” and a distrust of elite arrogance.
• Local manufacturing, working with your hands, and skilled trades are becoming the new American status symbols.

The End of Globalization and the Rise of the Western Hemisphere

• The old global trade routes and supply chains are breaking apart—COVID disruptions and new tariffs blew them up for good.
• The U.S., Mexico, and South America are stepping up to manufacture and trade, keeping the skill sets (and money) closer to home.
• Universities will see competition from specialized trade programs and community colleges as we seek practical, high-paying skills.

The Quiet AI Revolution—But Not the Way You Think

• Despite the trillion-dollar investments, AI breakthroughs aren’t quite matching the hype on corporate balance sheets.
• The real power of AI is happening in everyday life—think personal tutoring, massive content digestion, accelerating product creation, and localizing tasks that used to require big teams.
• AI is an enhancer, not a human replacement. The winners are those who master AI to add value—faster, better, and more affordably than ever.

Broadcast Media vs. Podcast Dominance

• Traditional, scripted media is losing credibility and reach. Meanwhile, long-form podcasts let people dive deep and truly connect.
• Trust is built by spending time, not pushing sound bites. Listeners want 7+ hours of authentic conversation before they buy in.

Why “Blue-Collar Billionaires” Might Shape The Future

• Entrepreneurs like Donald Trump changed the game: he’s arguably the first truly entrepreneurial president since George Washington.
• Love him or hate him, he tapped into a cultural wave that values practical work, personal freedom, and entrepreneurial grit.

TIME STAMPS

• [00:00] MAGA as the New Dominant Culture
  Dan kicks off with why MAGA represents far more than a political slogan—he predicts it’s the wave for the next 50 years.
• [02:00] Winds, Waves & Currents
  We discuss Dan’s analogy of focusing on deeper “currents” (mega-trends) vs. surface-level “news.”
• [03:14] The Three Big Currents: MAGA, AI & End of Globalization
  Dan maps out how these trends intersect and why you need to pay attention.
• [06:52] Shift to Skilled Trades & Apprenticeships
  From welding to HVAC—why college may not be the guaranteed golden ticket anymore.
• [10:35] The Collapse of Old Media
  Podcasts and long-form content are in; top-down “scripted” broadcasts are out. Trust is earned by time, not by titles.
• [19:40] Why the U.S. is Coming Home
  The breakdown of global trade and how manufacturing back in America changes everything.
• [24:55] AI Reality Check
  Trillion-dollar investments, yes—but where’s the killer app? We talk about what’s actually working and where the real opportunities lie.
• [32:18] New Paths to Education & Prosperity
  Personal AI tutors, community college partnerships, trade certs—welcome to the new learning ecosystem.
• [45:52] Solving the Energy Conundrum
  AI demands tons of power. Is portable nuclear the next big push? We explore the possibilities.
• [55:00] A Peek Into 2025…And Beyond
  Why a more entrepreneurial, Western Hemisphere-focused future could bring back trust, pride, and plenty of opportunity.

Additional Resources

• Download your FREE digital and/or audio version of my bestselling book, “Ai Accelerator”
• SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE VIDEOS