Overview:

In today’s episode, Daniel sits down with John Gigante—a husband, father, entrepreneur, former Division 1 soccer player, and USA Today bestselling author of With Intention. With over $500 million in closed sales under his belt, John’s professional record is impressive, but it's his internal journey—overcoming personal battles, facing mental health challenges, and committing to living with purpose and intention—that truly sets him apart.

Daniel and John dive deep into John’s upbringing in a hardworking immigrant family, the formative experiences that set the stage for both his successes and struggles, and how generational patterns shape our views on vulnerability and love. John opens up about grappling with identity, the immense pressure of performance (from the soccer field to the boardroom), and his turning point moments—including brushes with anxiety, therapy, and ultimately, faith.

Together, they explore themes like emotional intelligence, the importance of curiosity, the messy reality of personal growth, and the value of intentional relationships—especially marriage. If you’ve ever felt caught between performing and showing up authentically, or you’re looking to bridge the gap between knowing and doing, this heartfelt conversation is for you.

Stay tuned for John’s honest insights, actionable advice, and a reminder that it’s never too late to rewrite your story—with intention.

Time-Stamped Overview:

00:00 "John Gigante: Intentional Success Journey"

09:18 "Dad's Disappointment Over Dinner"

15:05 "Parents' Divorce and Baseball Bat"

17:30 Reflecting on Past Sports Success

22:50 "Intense Team Roster Competitiveness"

31:04 Missed Opportunities in Sports

34:42 "Navigating Survival Mode Mindset"

37:25 Career Pivot to Media Passion

43:20 "Habits, Freedom, and Influence"

51:59 "Coaching: Building Trust Through Dialogue"

55:58 Pro Coffee Chat with Darius

01:01:23 Emotional Breakthrough in Workshop

01:03:46 "Finding Healing with Christian Therapy"

01:11:01 "Finding Faith Amid Uncertainty"

01:13:51 "Embracing Past for Genuine Growth"

01:20:23 Identifying with Righteousness Over Sin

01:27:54 Balancing Trust and Personal Expression

01:30:33 Facing Public Speaking Anxiety

Resources:

Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleyx/

Newsletter: https://divinepotential.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleypodcast/

Jon’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jongiganti/

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@daniel.kelley

Overview:

What if obedience cost you everything—but gave you more than you imagined?

In today’s episode, Daniel sits down with Josh Link, founder of Visionary Meals—a seven-figure, software-driven meal prep company born from grit, conviction, and a four-burner stove in a modest apartment. Raised on a farm in Ohio, Josh shares how discipline, hard work, and his close-knit family shaped the entrepreneur he’s become. The conversation explores Josh’s journey from college football and the police academy to stepping out in obedience toward a God-given calling, ultimately building not just a business, but a meaningful culture where people feel deeply valued and challenged to grow.

Dive in as Daniel and Josh talk about staying grounded in faith during tough times, leadership lessons from setbacks, and the power of seeing potential in others—even when they can’t see it themselves. From navigating the pressures of entrepreneurship to re-centering vision in years of uncertainty, Josh opens up about leading with love, making tough decisions, and why "no one's watching" became his company’s guiding mantra for 2025. Whether you’re chasing a calling or grappling with your sense of purpose, this honest and inspiring conversation is packed with wisdom and practical takeaways you won’t want to miss. Let’s get started!

Time-Stamped Overview:

00:00 Roots of Discipline and Accomplishment

09:43 Social Media's Storytelling Power

10:54 "Prioritizing Employee Development"

17:07 Dual Entrepreneurship Challenges

21:48 From Cop Dream to Meal Prep

27:18 "Business Began on Stovetop"

31:47 Future of Business Degrees?

39:52 AI Guidance Concerns and Legal Actions

46:03 "2025: Building Beyond Perception"

49:58 Overdrawn Beginnings

57:29 "Identity and Pursuit of Stability"

01:00:11 Perseverance and Purposeful Persistence

Resources:

Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleyx/

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleypodcast/

Josh’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/josh.link.visionary/

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@daniel.kelley

Overview:

In this episode of The Daniel Kelley Podcast I sit down with Alex Heiden—an entrepreneur making serious waves in the software and creator economy space. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Alex shares his inspiring journey from flipping shoes and working at tennis courts to building SaaS companies and diving deep into no-code development. He gets real about the highs and lows: dropping out of college, moving across the country, handling explosive business growth, and navigating major setbacks.

Alex opens up about his drive to become financially independent, the lessons learned from failures, and how personal branding and networking changed the trajectory of his career. He also discusses the rise of performance-driven creator marketplaces, why it's easier than ever to make money online, and his passion for leveling the playing field for creators of all sizes. And in a candid conversation, Alex shares how faith and resilience helped him weather some of his toughest entrepreneurial storms.

This episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, tech, or making an impact in the rapidly changing digital world. Tune in for a raw, motivating look at what it really takes to build success—and why sometimes, the biggest breakthroughs come right after the hardest hits.

Time-Stamped Overview:

00:00 Ready to Work Again

10:12 Dropping Out: Seeking Professor's Advice

10:42 Unhelpful Academic Advisor Experience

20:34 90s Brand Revival Through Celebrities

24:21 "Escaping Instant Gratification's Traps"

31:06 "TikTok Shop's Rapid E-commerce Impact"

32:41 Creators Revolutionizing Brand Growth

41:30 Investing in Performance Coaching Pays Off

42:24 Evolving Business Landscape and AI Impact

50:38 Side Hustle Income Opportunities

57:44 Payment Processor Shutdown Woes

01:02:57 Embracing Anxiety to Work Harder

01:07:27 Miami: Flashy, Superficial Lifestyle Critique

01:09:26 Entrepreneurs as World Changers

Resources:

Daniel’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleyx/

Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleypodcast/

Alex’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocode.alex/

Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@daniel.kelley

Overview:

On this episode of The Daniel Kelley Podcast, Daniel sits down with Joshua Weir—husband, father of seven (soon to be eight!), and co-owner of Transform Construction, a Columbus-based general contracting business Joshua has built since 2002. But behind the numbers and the business accolades lies a truly remarkable story of radical faith and transformation.

Joshua opens up about his unconventional beginnings, from being born to a 15-year-old mother and growing up between hippie communes and divided households in Phoenix and Columbus, all the way to navigating childhood trauma and the impact it had on his life. He dives deep into hard-earned lessons from running a business through the challenges of debt, growth pains, and the financial crash of 2008—all while balancing roles as a pastor, entrepreneur, and father.

In this candid and insightful conversation, Joshua and Daniel explore the reality of overcoming adversity, the misunderstood nature of success, what it truly means to persevere, and how to stay anchored through the toughest seasons of life. If you’re looking for a raw, honest take on faith, business, family, and personal growth, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

Time-Stamped Overview

00:00 Mentorship and Friendship Dynamics

05:23 Generational Patterns of Infidelity

06:39 "Uncovering Trauma After 30 Years"

10:16 "Reflecting on Therapy's Importance"

15:53 Post-College Family and Financial Struggles

16:23 Trusting the Process

21:25 Wave of Unexpected Emotions

24:55 "Pain is Relative"

26:10 Youthful Ambition and Reflection

30:38 Endurance: Pain as a Teacher

34:50 "System Change and Challenges"

35:44 Debt-Free Project Focus

40:19 Embracing Pressure and Perseverance

43:32 "Seeking Guidance for Ambition"

48:10 "Unresolved Issues Affect Life Satisfaction"

50:52 "Pursue Virtue for Happiness"

54:55 "Post-College Pressure Concerns"

57:18 "Wavering Entrepreneurial Journey"

01:00:05 Podcast Farewell and Updates

Resources

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleyx/

https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleypodcast/

Joshua's email: joshua@transformgc.com

Overview:

Welcome back to The Daniel Kelley Podcast! In this powerful episode, Daniel sits down with Shawn Cunix—a Columbus, Ohio native whose life story is equal parts inspirational and deeply human. From humble beginnings marked by financial struggle and family challenges, Shawn's entrepreneurial spirit led him from selling Jolly Ranchers in high school to building one of the largest Verizon dealerships in the nation, generating nearly $100 million in revenue with over 70 stores and 350 employees. But Shawn's accolades don’t stop in the business world—he's also a passionate car enthusiast, the owner of Toy Barn (Columbus’s premier exotic car dealership), and a professional poker player who has won over $2 million.

What sets this conversation apart is its heart-stirring honesty. Shawn shares how his journey has been shaped not only by grit and business acumen, but also by resilience, faith, and family—along with a commitment to giving back and inspiring others. Daniel and Shawn go deep, exploring everything from the impact of childhood adversity and hard-earned business lessons, to the importance of forgiveness, vulnerability, and restoring faith during life’s darkest moments.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a fellow traveler through life’s highs and lows, or simply in need of a story about the power of redemption and purpose—this episode is for you. Get ready to hear how Shawn’s unwavering drive, generosity, and renewed commitment to gratitude are helping him write what he calls “the biggest second half” of his life. Grab your notebook—there’s a wealth of wisdom (and heart) packed into this extraordinary conversation.

Time-stamped overview:

00:00 - Introduction

08:49 - Self-Made Millionaire's Flexible Lifestyle

12:52 - Jolly Rancher Sales in Highschool

21:44 - Reframe Sales Rejection Positively

23:03 - Overpaid Stock Boy Tales

30:50 - Choosing Entrepreneurship Over Employment

34:49 - Escaping the Rat Race Mindset

40:16 - Prioritizing Employee Growth

44:35 - Financial Transparency with Employees

49:04 - Boosting Sales with Social Media

55:46 - Money Can't Buy Happiness

01:00:27 - God's Unfilling Presence

01:08:35 - Paul's Impactful Testimony

01:13:35 - Spiritual Awakening Journey

01:16:40 - Revelation Through Movie Reflection

01:24:58 - Collective Prayer and Divine Presence

01:26:36 - Guidance from a Mentor

Resources:

Newsletter: https://divinepotential.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleyx/

Daniel's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-kelley-3174a9211/

Shawn's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawncunix/

Overview:

Welcome back to another episode of Divine Potential. Today, we sit down with Jacob Yates, a remarkable individual with a profound story of transformation. Growing up in Columbus, Jacob faced numerous challenges, including the incarceration of his father and a troubled home life. By the age of 12, Jacob was entrenched in the streets, engaging in illegal activities from a young age. Despite having the odds stacked against him, his journey took a significant turn after a series of personal trials and a pivotal spiritual awakening. Now, Jacob is not only an incredible father and an entrepreneur, but also a testament to the redemptive power of faith and determination. Join us as Jacob shares his compelling story of resilience and how he turned his life around.

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 "Father's Broken Promise"

06:48 Childhood Revelation: Father's Incarceration

14:39 "Quick Exchange Instructions"

16:21 Unsupervised Freedom

23:20 Overcoming Adversity and Finding Success

30:33 Spiritual Turmoil and Descent

35:47 Consequences of Ignored Decisions

41:42 Conflicted Beliefs in Prison

42:42 Finding Peace Through Growth

49:14 "Reality Check: Earning Respect"

55:11 "Finding Purpose Through Honesty"

58:41 Life-Changing Realization in Jail

01:05:00 From Streets to Spiritual Transformation

01:09:51 Friendship Appreciation Expressed

1. 1. A Divine Meeting – Daniel and Jacob’s friendship began at a worship night, later discovering they shared the same gym, reinforcing the idea that God aligns relationships for a purpose.

   2. A Challenging Upbringing – Growing up in Columbus with an incarcerated father, Jacob was exposed to instability, addiction, and the influence of street life from an early age.

   3. The Trap of the Streets – Introduced to drug dealing at just 10 years old, Jacob was shaped by older influences, leading to escalating illegal activities, poor school performance, and dangerous consequences.

   4. Rock Bottom and Redemption – The deaths of loved ones, prison time, and repeated struggles forced Jacob to confront his life choices, ultimately leading him to seek faith and transformation.

   5. Faith as the Foundation for Change – Through an invitation to church, Jacob encountered God, breaking free from his past and building a legitimate business, now using his story to inspire others seeking a way out.

Resources:

Divine Potential's Free Newsletter: https://divinepotential.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Divine Potential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divineptnl/

Jacob's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamjacobyates/

Overview

Welcome to episode 14 Divine Potential! Today we have an inspiring story of resilience and entrepreneurial wisdom with Nate Kennedy. Nate is a digital marketing expert and a serial entrepreneur who has successfully built and sold seven online businesses, spending over a hundred million dollars on paid ads. After facing bankruptcy in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, Nate pivoted from being a mortgage broker to navigating the digital space, ultimately leading to the creation of a million-dollar agency. He now focuses on building high-value newsletters and media companies, sending millions of emails a month while mentoring others on this path. Not only is Nate a seasoned entrepreneur, but he is also a devoted husband and father who has learned valuable lessons from his journey about true time and financial freedom. In this episode, Nate shares insights on the power of newsletters, the importance of owning your audience, and his thoughts on faith and resilience in business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, there's something in this story to inspire and guide you towards your own divine potential. Join us as we delve into Nate Kennedy's remarkable journey and discover the key elements of building successful businesses and living a fulfilling life.

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 "Own Your Audience with Newsletters"

06:19 Monetizing Niche through Ads or Sales

07:10 Niche Market Advertising Strategy

13:21 Affiliate Marketing in Education

15:17 Entrepreneurial Journey in Mortgage Sales

20:07 Overcoming 2008's Mental Stagnation

21:28 Unstoppable Resilience

26:11 "Masterminds: Relationships Over Tactics"

27:32 Young Success Inspires Established Attendee

30:22 "Work Intrudes on Milestone Birthday"

35:03 Audience Value in Newsletter Growth

36:30 Minimizing Friction for Subscribers

39:48 Faith and Hypocrisy Observed

44:34 Authenticity Attracts More People

45:39 Church and Authenticity Dilemma

49:33 "Faith Beyond Church Walls"

52:51 Overcoming Self-Doubt Barriers

• The Power of Owning Your Audience – Building an email list provides stability and control compared to relying on social media, allowing for stronger relationships and trust with your audience.

• Growing and Monetizing a Newsletter – Choosing the right niche, leveraging paid ads, and using tools like Beehive and Morrow Post are key strategies for scaling and profiting from a newsletter.

• Lessons from the 2008 Financial Crisis – Nate’s journey through bankruptcy and rebuilding his career highlights the importance of market awareness, focus, and adaptability in business.

• The Value of Masterminds & Networking – Surrounding yourself with the right people can accelerate growth, but not all mastermind groups are created equal—relationships matter more than tactics.

• Balancing Business, Faith, and Personal Growth – Nate emphasizes the role of faith, mindset, and perseverance in overcoming fear, achieving success, and maintaining alignment between business and personal values.

Resources:

Divine Potential's Free Newsletter: https://divinepotential.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Divine Potential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divineptnl/

Daniel's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielkelleyx/

Nate's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natekennedymd/

Overview:

In episode 13 of Divine Potential, host Daniel Kelley welcomes Davey Blackburn, the founder of Nothing is Wasted Ministries, to explore a profound journey of faith and forgiveness. Davey shares the heart-wrenching story of his tragic loss—his wife Amanda, who was pregnant, was murdered in a home invasion. This episode dives into how Davey navigated unimaginable grief, the path towards radical forgiveness, and transforming pain into purpose. Despite overwhelming sorrow, Davey found a way to channel his pain into a ministry that helps others overcome their darkest valleys. This episode not only underscores the power of faith in the face of tragedy but also reflects on the roles forgiveness and healing play in uncovering divine potential. Join us for an inspiring conversation that promises to touch your heart and encourage your spirit.

Timestamped Overview:

00:00 "Compelling Experience of Jesus"

06:12 Journey to Faith and Purpose

13:31 Crime Spree Hits Neighborhood

17:30 Faith and Loss in Crisis

21:43 Divine Judo: Flipping Evil for Good

28:17 Integrated Being: Mind, Heart, Soul

34:57 "Believing God's Promises"

39:08 Premonition of Looming Tragedy

42:37 "Facing Fear with Faith"

46:56 Discovering Empowerment Through Triggers

54:25 Unrequited Pursuit and Writing Deadline

01:00:17 "Faith, Love, and Ministry Journey"

01:03:24 "Inspiration Behind 'Nothing is Wasted'"

1. Faith is a Muscle That Grows Through Trials

   • Davey’s journey illustrates how faith is tested and strengthened through life’s challenges. From his early struggles with church to experiencing profound loss, he learned that faith deepens through hardship.

2. Radical Forgiveness is a Choice, Not a Feeling

   • After the tragic loss of his wife, Davey confronted the necessity of forgiveness. He realized that true forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongs or immediate reconciliation but releasing vengeance to God and choosing healing over bitterness.

3. Unresolved Pain Can Manifest Physically and Spiritually

   • Emotional trauma and bitterness are not just spiritual battles; they can impact physical health. Research shows that unresolved emotions can be stored in the body, reinforcing the importance of processing pain through faith and healing.

4. Fear is a Trigger for Growth, Not a Sign to Retreat

   • The metaphor of ‘running toward the roar’ teaches that fear and emotional triggers are opportunities for deeper healing. Facing pain head-on, rather than avoiding it, leads to true freedom and transformation.

5. God’s Redemption Story is Bigger Than Our Tragedies

   • Davey’s journey to finding love again with Christy, along with the ministry of Nothing is Wasted, highlights that even in the darkest moments, God is writing a greater story of redemption, healing, and purpose.

Resources:

Divine Potential's Free Newsletter: https://divinepotential.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Divine Potential Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divineptnl/

Davey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daveyblackburn/