What if your reality isn’t as objective as you think?

What if the way you see the world is being shaped by invisible gaps your brain is constantly filling in?

In this episode, Trevor Houston speaks with René Rodriguez, a renowned expert in behavioral neuroscience. He is a bestselling author and keynote speaker, recognized for his insights into how belief and identity drive human behavior and influence. Rene has helped leaders and organizations understand the subconscious operations of influence and the role of identity in shaping outcomes. His work delves into the ethical considerations of persuasion, especially in the context of AI and social media, making him a leading voice in the field of influence and communication.

In this powerful conversation, we dive into the psychology of influence, identity, and the “narrative gap” the space where assumptions are formed and beliefs are created. From AI to media to personal relationships, you’ll discover how influence operates beneath the surface and how to take back control.

Resources:

• René Rodriguez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/learnwithrene/
• Trevor Houston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorhouston/
• Career Comeback Mastermind: https://calendly.com/tmhouston/mastermind
• Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Trevor Houston is a Financial Advisor offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction to influence, neuroscience, and identity

(1:51) Influence as social manipulation, AI’s role, and psychological manipulation era

(3:51) Success is linked to identity, not just strategy

(4:33) Identity shapes perception and how the brain interprets reality

(6:00) Challenging societal constructs like age and opportunity

(8:16) The role of perception, self-talk, and reframing narratives

(9:37) Data vs. bias: how perception gets distorted

(12:39) Overcoming the belief that you're not enough or too late

(13:17) Embracing failure as a path to growth

(16:36) The myth of influence and what it really takes to lead

(17:37) Ethical influence vs. manipulation

(20:04) The moral responsibility behind influence

(24:21) Emotional triggers and psychology behind influence

(25:44) Questioning sources and credibility

(27:07) Self-awareness in how we are influenced

(30:34) AI’s role in shaping human behavior and decision-making

(32:43) Free will, accountability, and personal responsibility

(33:52) Ownership as the foundation of success

(39:45) Asking “What am I meant to learn here?”

(43:51) Narrative shapes reality and fills perception gaps

(46:15) Controlling the stories you tell yourself

(47:13) The ongoing battle for influence in media and society

(50:10) Social media’s impact on perception and emotions

(53:13) The shift from objective truth to narrative-driven truth

(54:50) Critical thinking as a survival skill

(56:45) The power of words in shaping reality

(59:21) Influence as legacy and living with purpose

(1:00:52) Teaching intentional living to the next generation

Episode Summary:

What if your job disappeared tomorrow? Would your confidence disappear with it?

Many professionals believe they’re safe until layoffs, restructuring, or corporate decisions change everything overnight. In this episode of the Who You Know Show, Trevor Houston sits down with franchise expert Giuseppe Grammatico to break down the real story behind business ownership and why franchising might be one of the smartest ways to build a safety net before you need it.

Discover how franchise ownership can be a powerful strategy for gaining control over your financial future, avoiding job insecurity, and building a legacy. Giuseppe Grammatico shares insights on the realities of franchising, funding options, and how AI is transforming the industry.

But this isn’t a “get rich quick” conversation. This is about leverage, preparation, and building control over your future.

Resources:

Giuseppe Grammatico on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/giuseppe-grammatico/

Trevor Houston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorhouston/

Career Comeback Mastermind: https://calendly.com/tmhouston/mastermind

Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Trevor Houston is a Financial Advisor offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction: The truth about franchising and freedom

(1:33) Why many franchisees buy into misconceptions about quick freedom

(3:30) What brings people to Giuseppe: pain points and aspirations

(4:49) Personal story: breaking through the corporate ceiling for family time

(6:39) Mindset shifts: understanding ROI, risk, and long-term goals

(8:15) The reality of owning a business versus a job

(10:07) How ownership provides control over your career and income

(12:05) The effort required in the first year of franchise ownership

(12:57) Responsibilities and underestimated demands of business ownership

(13:56) The misconception of passive income with franchising

(15:45) Matching your soft skills and network with franchise opportunities

(18:15) When franchising isn't suitable: timing and capital considerations

(19:40) Funding options: SBA loans, retirement accounts, and severance

(21:35) Myth-busting: franchising as a business, not a job

(22:37) Support structures: how franchisees get help and training

(24:30) The importance of network and support systems in franchise success

(27:25) Current popular franchise categories and ideal fits for different personalities

(36:40) How to start building your franchise safety net early

(39:29) The Franchise Freedom Process: a simple, effective step-by-step system

(44:07) Can AI improve the franchise matching and support process?

(59:29) Key lessons from Giuseppe’s book on empowering your franchise journey

(1:02:39) The importance of clarity on your ideal life and daily routine

(1:04:34) Overcoming systemic career patterns and taking control

(1:06:55) Wrap-up: Connect with Giuseppe and start your journey today

Epsode Summary:

You can build the business.

You can lead the team.

You can look successful on the outside…

And still be drowning in fear, anxiety, and quiet burnout.

In this powerful conversation with leadership coach Lauren Schmidt, we unpack the moment everything shifted, the night she realized, “No one is coming to save you.” Not her husband. Not her team. Not success. The breakthrough began when she looked inward and confronted the belief that she wasn’t worthy of help, rest, or more.

If you’re in a career setback, leadership pressure, or midlife transition wondering why you feel exhausted even though you’re “doing everything right,” this episode is your reset.

Resources:

• Lauren Schmidt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenschmidt08/
• Trevor Houston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorhouston/
• Career Transition Summit: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/67/04404igv
• LinkedIn e-book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://online.flippingbook.com/view/714118097/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Trevor Houston is a licensed financial professional offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com

Chapters:

(00:00) Introduction and Lauren's Background

(01:50) The importance of mindset in career and life

(03:43) Lauren's experience with burnout and fear

(06:28) The turning point: No one's coming to save you

(07:33) Root causes: Worthiness and internal blocks

(09:21) Signs of burnout and self-care realization

(11:04) Living for more and overcoming small fears

(12:52) The power of visualization and trusting the process

(15:53) Taking actionable steps towards your goals

(18:05) The role of belief and self-confidence

(20:04) Practicing gratitude and shifting energy

(23:47) The impact of trauma and gratitude after near-death experiences

(27:50) The importance of self-love and knowing your value

(30:56) The power of decision and taking responsibility

(35:12) Overcoming internal blocks and self-doubt

(40:34) The importance of community and support systems

(42:23) No one's coming to save you: The mindset shift

(44:50) Handling rejection and feedback as growth opportunities

(50:01) Starting your day with positive intentions

(55:02) The significance of continuous self-improvement

(58:37) The importance of asking for help and feedback

(01:02:18) Transforming criticism into growth

(01:05:54) Addressing burnout in leadership and society

(01:09:30) Filling your cup and avoiding burnout

(01:10:53) Connecting with Lauren Schmidt for further growth