From AI Automation to Mushroom Millions | Benjamin Bressington “The Mushroom Guy” on Building a No-Compromise Wellness Business

Many entrepreneurs chase scale, automation, and shiny new systems—only to end up burned out, disconnected, and trapped in businesses they no longer enjoy. High stress, endless meetings, and bloated infrastructure quietly replace the freedom they set out to build.

Even highly skilled operators fall into this trap. Over-engineering, rushing scale, and listening to expensive “experts” can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and destroy momentum. Meanwhile, consumers are waking up to the limits of pharmaceuticals and demanding real, holistic solutions—but most businesses compromise on quality to chase margins.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Ben “The Mushroom Guy,” a former AI automation and systems expert who walked away from Fortune-100 consulting to build a fast-growing mushroom-based wellness company from an RV. Ben shares how focusing on one mission, one product philosophy, and zero compromise on quality led to selling thousands of units in under 90 days. He breaks down his distributor-led growth model, how AI now reduces costs instead of inflating them, and why freedom comes from consistency, not chaos. This is a real-world lesson in building cash flow, impact, and a business that supports life—not the other way around.

Key Takeaways:

1. How Ben transitioned from AI automation and e-commerce into holistic wellness entrepreneurship
2. Why burnout often comes from scaling too fast, not too slow
3. The power of focusing on 10 sales per day instead of overwhelming revenue goals
4. Why “no fillers, no synthetics” became the company’s biggest competitive advantage
5. How subscription revenue creates momentum and predictable cash flow
6. Why giving away product samples can outperform aggressive sales tactics
7. The distributor “milk run” model and why local human connection still beats algorithms
8. How Ben avoided expensive software by building his own AI-powered CRM systems
9. Why consistency and stability outperform forced growth
10. How true freedom is created by choice, time control, and low pressure—not material excess

About the Guest:

Benjamin Bressington, founder of BareRemedy and the voice behind their 'Medicine Man' persona. After spending a decade advising Fortune 1000 companies on behavior design, Ben discovered the transformative power of medicinal mushrooms during his own health struggles.

Now he's on a mission to help 1 million people reclaim their health using nature's most powerful remedies. Through Bare Remedy, he creates innovative mushroom tinctures and adaptogenic gummies using ancient spagyric extraction methods that capture up to 100% of beneficial compounds – versus the industry standard of just 30-50%.

Links:

https://app.bareremedy.net/store/447447783e6b48f3bd78f109cacb9375

Most people believe real estate investing is impossible without savings, perfect credit, or years of experience. They’re stuck renting, stuck in cubicles, or burned out running businesses—convinced that real estate is only for the wealthy or well-connected.

That belief keeps people trapped. While they wait to “fix their credit” or “save a down payment,” time passes, rents rise, and opportunities disappear. Worse, many were never taught about passive income at all—only how to work harder for money instead of making money work for them.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with David Webb, known as the No Money Millionaire, to break that myth wide open. From growing up in Detroit with a single mother on welfare to being evicted over 15 times, David shares how he learned—through painful trial and error—how to buy real estate using other people’s money (OPM). He explains how he acquired apartment buildings with $0 of his own cash, how to approach investors the right way, and why determination and perseverance matter more than credit scores or capital.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most people are wrongly taught to “work for money” instead of building passive income.

• How David did two no-money deals early on—but still struggled with mindset for years.

• The moment the “light bulb” went off when he bought an apartment building with OPM.

• How to find investors without knowing rich people or attending fancy meetups.

• The exact language to use when asking someone to invest with you (and what not to say).

• Why value-add apartment buildings create faster wealth than single-family homes.

• How 5+ unit properties are evaluated based on the deal, not your personal finances.

• Why seller financing and house-hacking can help people start with bad credit and no cash.

• The difference between competitive vs. creative mindset in building wealth.

• Why time freedom—not just money—is the real goal of financial independence.

About the Guest:

David Webb, known as The No Money Millionaire, went from rock bottom to building a multi-million-dollar real estate portfolio by mastering mindset and leveraging Other People’s Money. Today, he teaches everyday people how to break limiting beliefs and use proven no-money-down strategies to create financial freedom. His story is gritty, real, and proof that wealth isn’t reserved for the wealthy—it’s available to anyone willing to take action.

Links:

https://nomoneymillionaire.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thenomoneymillionaire

https://www.youtube.com/@NoMoneyMillionaire

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “The very first thing I would do is get part of the real estate groups—introduce myself and let people know what I want to do. Then I’d find lenders and ask them bluntly what they need from me. And finally, I’d get active in chambers, meetups, Rotary clubs—anywhere business people are who want to invest but don’t have the time.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Partners. It’s like a marriage, and disagreements in business can be disastrous. You have to be very careful who you partner with.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace Wattles. It completely changed my mindset from competitive thinking to creative thinking.”

4. What is a tool that you...

Most entrepreneurs and professionals feel constantly busy—but rarely deeply productive. Endless notifications, late-night emails, and blurred boundaries with work and clients leave people burned out, distracted, and struggling to make meaningful progress on their biggest goals.

Without intentional boundaries, digital overload quietly steals your time, focus, and mental health. Many business owners mistake constant availability for commitment—answering every message, working nights and weekends, and sacrificing relationships, creativity, and well-being in the process. Over time, this leads to burnout, stalled growth, and a life that looks nothing like the freedom you set out to build.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Kelsey Green, founder of Summit in Six, to explore how digital minimalism, accountability, and intentional boundaries can radically transform your productivity and quality of life. Kelsey shares her journey from environmental science and nonprofit burnout to building a business centered on focus, health, and high-impact work. She explains how her six-month mastermind helps women creatives and entrepreneurs accomplish meaningful goals—without sacrificing mental health or relationships—and why reclaiming your attention is essential to reaching your Freedom Day.

Key Takeaways:

• Why burnout is often a boundary problem—not a motivation problem.

• How Kelsey transitioned from wildlife biology and nonprofit work into entrepreneurship.

• The hidden cost of constant digital availability for business owners.

• Why focus beats hustle when it comes to building sustainable success.

• How masterminds and accountability compress years of progress into months.

• Why phones and screens fracture attention—even when they’re face-down.

• The connection between digital overload and declining creativity, focus, and mental health.

• Why entrepreneurs must set boundaries early with clients—or pay for it later.

• How intentional tech use can support your values instead of sabotaging them.

• Why true freedom includes time, health, relationships, and mental clarity—not just money.

About the Guest:

Kelsey L. Green is an aspiring digital minimalist, strategist, speaker, and community builder on a mission to help people reclaim their focus, creativity, and in-person connections.

She’s the creator of Summit in Six, a high-accountability mastermind where women bring bold, creative projects to life, and How to Build Your Circle, a course about cultivating a meaningful and vibrant community.

Kelsey explores how our digital habits impact our relationships, attention, and sense of fulfillment, and how setting simple boundaries can open space for what really matters.

With humor, insight, and a deep belief in human potential, she reminds people that a lot of the good stuff in life still happens face-to-face and when we strengthen the connection to ourselves.

Links:

https://www.kelseylgreen.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseylgreen/

https://www.instagram.com/kelseylgreen/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “The first thing I would do is continue to focus on my mental and physical health. That’s the foundation of a successful business. Before I tried to drum up clients or anything else, I’d prioritize my mental, physical, and emotional health.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in...

Most people invest their money trusting “financial experts” who profit whether you win or lose. Hidden fees, poor advice, and overcomplicated portfolios quietly steal your wealth—often costing you millions over a lifetime.

The financial industry isn’t built for your success—it’s built for theirs. You work hard for your money, yet your investments might be draining you through unnecessary fees, misaligned strategies, and short-term hype that destroy long-term gains.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Robert Rolih, international investing educator and author of The Million Dollar Decision, to reveal how everyday investors can outperform Wall Street without gambling or day trading. Robert shares his journey from losing his life savings to building a global investing platform that helps people minimize fees, focus on long-term strategy, and achieve financial freedom.

Key Takeaways:

• How Robert went from losing his savings to becoming a global investing mentor.

• Why small fees lead to big losses—and how to stop them from stealing your future.

• The difference between money-making skills and investing skills—and why you need both.

• Why mastering sales, marketing, and negotiation is key to growing your income.

• How ETFs beat most managed funds over the long term.

• The importance of understanding your investments before you invest.

• Why “get-rich-quick” thinking leads to disaster—and how patience wins every time.

• How to avoid scams, bubbles, and media-driven investment hype.

• Why Bitcoin and gold require timing and discipline—not emotion.

• How true financial freedom gives you peace of mind and time freedom.

About the Guest:

Robert Rolih is the international bestselling author of The Million Dollar Decision, a book that has been translated into several languages and featured worldwide. His mission is to expose what the financial industry doesn’t want you to know about investing and to empower everyday people to achieve superior long-term results. Robert has helped more than 7,000 investors in 73 countries simplify their investing approach, reduce risk, and build wealth with confidence.

Links:

https://robertrolih.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-rolih-685a6893/

https://www.facebook.com/robert.rolih

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d start building my personal brand around a niche. Today, it’s all about authority—writing a book, building a following, and becoming known as the expert people trust.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting a printer supplies business just because it looked profitable. I hated it. Never go into a business for money alone—go in because you can solve a real problem.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Key Person of Influence by Daniel Priestley. It’s the best guide to building your personal brand and becoming the go-to expert in your field.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT, Grok, Gemini—all of them. As a non-native English speaker, they’re my co-writers, editors, and idea generators. It’s been revolutionary for me.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Peace of mind and time freedom. Knowing I don’t have to worry about money and can do what I want, when I want, with whoever...

Today’s culture often tells us life should be easy—that struggle is unfair and someone else is to blame when things go wrong. Yet real success still comes from the same time-tested values that built this country: hard work, integrity, and personal responsibility.

Many people feel lost, frustrated, or stuck, chasing quick fixes or blaming circumstances instead of mastering the basics. Without principles and discipline, it’s easy to waste time, repeat mistakes, and lose your sense of direction.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Dr. Mark L. Teague, author of A Working Man’s Guide, about what it really means to live with purpose, accountability, and timeless values. From growing up on a Texas farm to earning a doctorate and leading in banking and manufacturing, Dr. Teague shares lessons that apply to every generation. Discover how to frame life’s problems, own your time, and build a lasting legacy rooted in principle, not preference.

Key Takeaways:

• Why life’s challenges are opportunities—not injustices.

• The two kinds of people: those who take life seriously and those who don’t.

• The importance of knowing your foundation—what you stand on when life tests you.

• How principles outlast trends, cultures, and preferences.

• A simple method to “frame the problem, not the blob” for better decision-making.

• Why who owns your time determines who owns your future.

• Practical steps to reclaim control of your time and build discipline.

• The difference between “getting rich” and building a meaningful legacy.

• How Dr. Teague’s book helps working men (and women) rediscover pride and purpose in work.

About the Guest:

Dr. Mark L. Teague, PhD, is a seasoned executive, business owner, and author. As a champion of the American working class, his professional dedication to traditional values in a modern world position him as a trusted guide for those striving to build a legacy of significance. With a background in banking, finance, and entrepreneurship, he advocates for personal responsibility, resilience, and meaningful goals. Dr. Teague holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and has received numerous accolades.

Links:

https://aworkingmansguide.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DrMarkLTeague

https://www.facebook.com/DrMarkLTeague

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d mortgage my house, rent it out, and invest that money in the stock market to start trading. Then I’d hit the farms, knock on doors, and find land to buy or develop. Once I find the right deal, I’d get the financing, flip it, and repeat until I’m back.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Letting others own my time. Once I learned that whatever owns your time owns your future, I stopped letting people waste it. Time is your most precious resource.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Scriptures—the ultimate book of human wisdom. Then A Working Man’s Guide. And for investors, A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel—it teaches patience and long-term thinking.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “Canva—for creative work—and Excel’s Data Analysis Pack for decision-making. Learn to use your tools deeply; they multiply your effectiveness.”

5. What is your definition of freedom? “Thomas Jefferson called it...

Most people want to follow their dreams, but they’re stuck trading time for money. They tell themselves, “someday I’ll write that book, make that film, or start that business,” but life, bills, and fear keep getting in the way.

Without a plan, passion alone isn’t enough. Too many creative entrepreneurs burn out chasing projects that don’t pay—or worse, they never start at all. They look up years later still waiting for “the right time.”

In this episode, Jeff Kikel talks with Brent Lindstrom—real estate developer, investor, and author of One for the Money, Two for the Soul—about how he turned a $45K salary and a 10-year plan into full financial independence. Brent shares how he used cash flow from real estate to fund his writing and film career, why “clean fiction” is his calling, and how he’s now building a studio that gives young filmmakers real opportunities.

Key Takeaways:

• How Brent went from construction worker to financially free investor and storyteller.

• The 10-year plan that allowed him to quit working for money and focus on creative work.

• Why financial spreadsheets were the key to his freedom.

• How he used real estate development to fund his writing and filmmaking dreams.

• Why he writes “clean fiction” adults can enjoy without worry.

• How he’s building a film studio supported by rental cash flow—so creativity never depends on investors.

• Why giving back through mentorship and student collaboration fuels long-term success.

• How to combine your left-brain (finance) and right-brain (creativity) for a truly balanced life.

About the Guest:

Having spent most of his life in Utah, Brent Lindstrom has been surrounded by a strong community of Christians and is a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A lifelong fan of adventure stories, he grew increasingly frustrated with the excessive profanity and sexual content that pervade much of modern fiction. Determined to create an alternative, he began writing adult novels that deliver the thrill, depth, and excitement of the genre—without the vulgarity.

Believing that readers shouldn’t have to settle for young adult fiction just to avoid inappropriate content, Brent Lindstrom writes stories crafted with adults in mind—clean, engaging, and full of adventure. His passion for storytelling and love of good books inspire him to write whenever time allows, even while maintaining a full-time career.

His goal is to publish at least one novel per year, gradually building a library of uplifting, exciting stories. Looking ahead, he hopes to expand his creative vision into film, bringing his stories to life on the big screen. Guided by the belief that life is too short to ignore one’s passions, he lives by the motto: “Live your dreams!”

Links:

https://www.lightmindedarts.com/

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’d mortgage my house, rent it out, and invest that money in the stock market to start trading. Then I’d hit the farms, knock on doors, and find land to buy or develop. Once I find the right deal, I’d get the financing, flip it, and repeat until I’m back.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Starting a swimming pool company. I thought I knew what I was doing because I’d built pools before—but I lost half a million dollars on that one. Painful, but it taught me a lot.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “Two: Andrew Carnegie by David Nasaw—because it shows how hustle and learning build empires. And Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki—because it’s...

Most people want wealth, health, and happiness—but they’ve been programmed to believe they don’t deserve it. They chase money with the wrong mindset, stuck in debt and self-sabotage, confusing busyness for progress.

From school to social media, we’re conditioned to think small. We’re told money is evil, rich people are greedy, and success requires suffering. The result? Millions trapped in poverty consciousness, living paycheck to paycheck while believing wealth is out of reach.

In this powerful conversation, Jeff Kikel sits down with Randy Gage, entrepreneur, author, and prosperity mentor, to talk about how he went from teenage prison inmate to multimillionaire mentor and creator of the Breakthrough You program. Randy reveals why true prosperity means being healthy, happy, and free, how to destroy limiting beliefs about money, and the secrets to building wealth with purpose and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• How Randy went from armed-robbery inmate at 15 to global entrepreneur and thought leader.

• Why debt-free living isn’t the same as financial freedom—and when “good debt” creates leverage.

• The secret to building multiple streams of income without burnout.

• Why health + relationships + wealth = true prosperity.

• How his Breakthrough You program helps entrepreneurs move from poverty to abundance mindset.

• Why it’s easier to make a large amount of money quickly than a small amount slowly.

• The power of “thinking time” and disconnecting from distractions.

• How his upcoming book Millionaire in the Mirror helps readers see the wealthy version of themselves.

• Why governments and schools are designed to keep people dependent—and how to break free.

About the Guest:

Randy Gage is a Speaker Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and thought leader known worldwide as The Entrepreneur Whisperer. From a jail cell as a teenager to becoming a multi-millionaire entrepreneur, Randy has spent three decades helping people rewrite the mental programming that blocks their prosperity.

He’s the author of 15 books translated into more than 25 languages, including Risky Is the New Safe, Mad Genius, and Radical Rebirth. Randy’s been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Fox News, and SUCCESS Magazine, and has shared the stage with some of the world’s most influential business minds.

Hosts love Randy because he doesn’t deliver theory — he brings bold ideas, provocative stories, and practical strategies that get audiences thinking bigger and acting smarter about money, success, and mindset.

Links:

https://randygage.com/

https://www.facebook.com/randygage/

https://x.com/Randy_Gage

https://www.youtube.com/randygage

https://www.instagram.com/randy_gage

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I start building a list that I own and control—probably an email or text list. Then I go to blogs and podcasts, give away value for free, and trade knowledge for subscribers. That list is the most valuable asset any business has.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Getting seduced by tactics—staying busy instead of strategic. Without a big-picture plan, you confuse activity with achievement.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend?...

Business owners and professionals are overwhelmed—emails, calls, and endless repetitive tasks leave no time for innovation. Meanwhile, AI is advancing at lightning speed, threatening to replace entire job sectors. How can you stay relevant and use technology to your advantage instead of being replaced by it?

IBM just saved over $3.5 billion using AI agents. Amazon has replaced over 14,000 decision-making roles with AI. It’s not science fiction—it’s happening now. Those who resist risk being left behind. But for those who embrace it, AI isn’t a threat—it’s the ultimate competitive edge.

In this episode, Jeff Kikel sits down with Joy Rowland, founder of Clairecroft and AI strategist, to talk about how she helps companies and entrepreneurs deploy intelligent AI voice and task agents that save time, boost profits, and work 24/7. Joy shares her inspiring journey from Nigeria to the UK to Canada—and how she turned her tech background into a mission to help others “AI-proof” their careers and automate success.

Key Takeaways:

• How Joy went from immigrant to IT consultant to AI founder.

• Why IBM and Amazon’s AI investments are transforming business efficiency.

• The difference between simple automation and true AI intelligence.

• Why every business—from medspas to corporations—can benefit from AI agents.

• How AI can book appointments, close sales, and send personalized invoices automatically.

• The risks and opportunities of the 2026 AI adoption boom.

• How to identify the 80% of your business that can be automated today.

• The importance of “AI-proofing” your career with new, in-demand skills.

• Why burnout disappears when tech handles what you don’t love doing.

• How Joy’s company, Clairecroft, is helping businesses adopt WatsonX and IBM’s AI systems.

About the Guest:

Joy Rowland — a mentor, speaker, and top-ranked podcast host who went from surviving childhood abuse and poverty to creating the life she once only dreamed of.

Through her journey of rebuilding confidence, overcoming imposter syndrome, and learning to grow through community, Joy now helps women 40+ reinvent themselves emotionally, socially, and financially.

She brings warm, insightful, and action-oriented conversations that help women stop waiting — and start becoming.

Links:

https://www.joyrowland.com/

https://www.facebook.com/joyrowlandx

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joyrowland/

https://www.youtube.com/@JoyRowlandx

https://www.instagram.com/joy.rowland_

Fast Five Questions:

1. If you woke up and your business was gone, you have $500, a laptop, a place to live, and food, what would you do first? “I’m going to go find a business and build an AI voice agent for them. I know if I can do that, I’ll make all my money back and more.”

2. What is the biggest mistake that you have made in business? “Thinking there was a secret to success. There isn’t. Successful people just fail faster, keep adapting, and never stop moving.”

3. What is a book that you would recommend? “The Science of Getting Rich. It changed how I see wealth creation. Manifestation means nothing without action.”

4. What is a tool that you use every day that you would recommend? “ChatGPT. I’ve trained it to know my voice, my goals,...