The Big Money Lies That Keep Entrepreneurs Trapped - Mike Brown # 157

In this episode, Paul sits down with former Navy pilot and entrepreneur Mike Brown to redefine what “wealth” actually means—beyond money, status, and the endless chase for more. Mike shares how a wildly successful business exit didn’t deliver the happiness he expected, and how an “all-in” investment mistake later (losing $100k per month) forced him into a deep personal debrief: how did I get here, and what does a rich life really look like?

Together, they explore the entrepreneur’s “never enough” story, the fear of losing your edge through inner healing, and why true wealth is ultimately about freedom—health, relationships, time, mind, and soul. The conversation also touches privilege with real honesty, including the stark contrast between visiting a prison and then stepping into a life of extraordinary abundance—and what that reveals about freedom, choices, and the starting hands we’re dealt.

Key discussion points:

• Why a big exit can trigger an existential crisis instead of relief • “Never enough” as the hidden operating system behind high achievement • The difference between pain vs. suffering—and why it matters • Achievement = love: how early conditioning can fuel success (and later suffering) • The fear of “losing your edge” if you heal—dirty fuel vs. clean fuel • Why entrepreneurs pursue money but are really pursuing freedom • Mike’s 5 pillars of freedom: health, relationships, time, mind, and soul • Why time is the only non-renewable resource—and how money is meant to serve it • The trap of being “wealthy on paper” while having no liquidity or peace • “If I can’t access it, it’s not real money”: liquidity as optionality • Defining your “enough number”: escape loss, stability, and escape velocity • The ideal day/week exercise—and why most people are closer than they think • Privilege, perspective, and what prison reveals about freedom and circumstance • Why the richest lives are often built through simplicity, connection, and service • Why “retirement” is the wrong word—and what work-optional really means

About the Guest — Mike Brown

Mike Brown is a former Navy pilot and entrepreneur who now helps founders and high achievers build what he calls “unbreakable wealth”—a richer definition of success rooted in freedom, alignment, and inner wellbeing. After selling his company in 2019, Mike’s own post-exit challenges led him into deep study, coaching, and inner work—shaping his framework around values, presence, service, and financial clarity. He writes a long-form weekly newsletter on what makes a rich life and hosts the Money Stories podcast, where he explores money, meaning, and fulfilment with successful founders.

Find Mike: unbreakablewealth.com Twitter/X & Instagram: @mbrownco

About the host:

Paul Ryan is an entrepreneur, 8-figure business owner, mentor, podcaster and creator of the 1-Hour CEO and Life Code programs. As a CEO, Paul brings deep real-world experience of what it takes to succeed in business without losing yourself in the process.

Work With Paul

If you’re ready to build a business and life that’s aligned, intentional, and deeply fulfilling, explore The Life Code and The 1-Hour CEO — mentoring, frameworks, and tools for high-performing entrepreneurs who want peace, purpose, and freedom alongside success.

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