Father, Mentor & Best Friend: Lessons From the Best Salesman I Ever Met ft. Richard Bryson - Ep. 27

This special Father’s Day edition of the Grit Rising podcast features Richard Bryson, whom Trent calls “the greatest salesman he has ever met.” Richard is...

This special Father’s Day edition of the Grit Rising podcast features Richard Bryson, whom Trent calls “the greatest salesman he has ever met.” Richard is the president and founder of Bryson Financial Group, one of the nation’s largest independent insurance brokerages. A former All-American athlete at CSULB, he is also a dedicated community leader and philanthropist. His numerous honors include the Junior Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and the National Boys and Girls Foundation Golden Boy Award. Bryson remains deeply connected to both his alma mater and the Long Beach community. Don’t miss this heartfelt episode, as a father reflects on his life and the lessons he’s learned and shared with his son.

Worth More Than Gold: Measuring Success Differently ft. Adam Nelson - Ep. 26

Adam Nelson is a three-time Olympian and the 2004 Olympic gold medalist in the shot put but that’s not how the story began. He originally...

Adam Nelson is a three-time Olympian and the 2004 Olympic gold medalist in the shot put but that’s not how the story began. He originally left Athens with a silver medal, only to be named the true gold medalist eight years later after the winner was disqualified for doping. His long-awaited medal ceremony? It happened at the Atlanta airport, next to a Burger King. In this episode, Adam shares the remarkable journey behind that medal, how the silver shaped his drive for excellence, and what it meant to finally be recognized years after the moment had passed. Don’t miss this unforgettable story about perseverance, purpose, and measuring success differently.

Private Equity Demystified ft. Jamie Elias - Ep. 25

Jamie Elias has been a cornerstone of Trivest Partners for nearly 30 years, bringing deep expertise to every aspect of private equity. From sourcing investment...

Jamie Elias has been a cornerstone of Trivest Partners for nearly 30 years, bringing deep expertise to every aspect of private equity. From sourcing investment opportunities and leading acquisitions to managing fundraising, portfolio oversight, and firm operations, Jamie has seen it all. As a member of the Investment Committee and a board member for numerous portfolio companies, his insights into business growth are invaluable. In this episode of Grit Rising, Jamie pulls back the curtain on the private equity world, sharing what firms look for in entrepreneurs, how they operate after investing, and offering key insights into how the process works. If you’ve ever been curious about private equity and how it can shape your business, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Turning Tragedy Into Triumph ft. Chris Waddell - Ep. 24

In this episode of Grit Rising, host Trent Bryson sits down with Paralympic legend Chris Waddell to discuss resilience, overcoming obstacles, and pushing limits. From...

In this episode of Grit Rising, host Trent Bryson sits down with Paralympic legend Chris Waddell to discuss resilience, overcoming obstacles, and pushing limits. From winning 13 Paralympic medals to becoming the first paraplegic to summit Mount Kilimanjaro unassisted, Chris shares his journey of grit, determination and redefining success.

Unlocking Trillions in Economic Opportunity by Disrupting the Aviation Industry (LIVE) ft. Tom O'Leary - Ep. 23

The first live recording of the Grit Rising podcast features Tom O'Leary and is proudly sponsored by Entrepreneur Magazine. Tom is the CEO and co-founder...

The first live recording of the Grit Rising podcast features Tom O'Leary and is proudly sponsored by Entrepreneur Magazine. Tom is the CEO and co-founder of Jet Zero, where he's leading the charge in revolutionizing aviation with a mission-driven mindset. Prior to this, Tom played a pivotal role at Tesla as an early senior executive, serving as Director of Sales and Marketing, and was instrumental in building the innovative market-facing infrastructure that helped the company become a trailblazer. With a career that spans multiple pioneering companies, including Autoweb.com, eBay Motors, and other industry disruptors, Tom has mastered the art of taking startups from their early stages to transformative success. At Jet Zero, Tom and his team are tackling one of the most ambitious challenges in aviation—designing an ultra-efficient Blended Wing Body jet that promises to reshape the future of air travel. Partnering with the US Air Force, NASA, and the FAA, they're on track for an entry-into-service by 2030. The Jet Zero Blended Wing will be the biggest leap in commercial aircraft design since the start of the jet age, with 100% SAF compatibility and the capacity to eventually support zero-carbon hydrogen. It’s a testament to Tom’s unwavering grit and determination to push the boundaries of what's possible, aiming for a future where aviation is fully sustainable.  

How Accountability and Urgency Can Build World Class Products ft. Tim Berry - Ep.22

Tim Berry is the head of manufacturing and quality at Jet Zero. He previously worked at SpaceX on the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon and...

Tim Berry is the head of manufacturing and quality at Jet Zero. He previously worked at SpaceX on the Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, Dragon and Starship rocket programs as well as Starlink. After decades of working with rockets, he transitioned to commercial aviation and Jet Zero’s mission to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Leveraging Vulnerability and Authenticity in Relationships ft. Keith Ferrazzi | EP. 21

Keith Ferrazzi is a #1 NYT bestselling author, who wrote Never Eat Alone, Who’s Got Your Back, Leading Without Authority, and his most recently published book Competing in...

Keith Ferrazzi is a #1 NYT bestselling author, who wrote Never Eat Alone, Who’s Got Your Back, Leading Without Authority, and his most recently published book Competing in the New World of Work. He’s an entrepreneur, Founder & Chairman of Ferrazzi Greenlight and an executive team coach to some of the most prominent organizations in the world. He’s a thought leader and frequent contributor at publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Wall Street Journal, and Fast Company.

Underdog to Olympic Champion ft. Henry Cejudo | EP. 20

Henry Cejudo tell us about his inspirational story on his journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and transitioning to from wrestling to the UFC....

Henry Cejudo tell us about his inspirational story on his journey to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and transitioning to from wrestling to the UFC. He was known for being the youngest American Olympic gold medalist in wrestling history at the time, winning the 2008 Summer Olympics at age 21. After retiring from wrestling in 2012, he began fighting in MMA and made his UFC debut in December of 2014. He has gained over 15 wins throughout his MMA career including becoming a UFC Flyweight Champion and Bantamweight Champion.   

Navigating a Successful Family Business ft. Rachel Fine Wilson | EP. 19

Rachel Fine Wilson has more than 10 years of experience in franchised business management with supplemental education companies. She has worked in television for a...

Rachel Fine Wilson has more than 10 years of experience in franchised business management with supplemental education companies. She has worked in television for a number of years as well, hosting multiple TV shows for Howard Stern and as a ghost hunter on The Travel Channel. Rachel directed the build-out of the flagship Gigglewaters and was its first General Manager. She built the brand and drove operational and marketing strategy from day one.

From Social Worker to Entrepreneur ft. Shawn Meaike | Ep. 18

Shawn Meaike talks about his entrepreneurial journey and how he works to help the people around him succeed.

Shawn Meaike talks about his entrepreneurial journey and how he works to help the people around him succeed.

Sales, Setbacks, and Billion-Dollar Achievements ft. Jonathan Cronstedt | EP. 17

Welcome to Episode 17 of Grit Rising! In this captivating installment, join us for an extraordinary conversation with Jonathan Cronstedt, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and...

Welcome to Episode 17 of Grit Rising! In this captivating installment, join us for an extraordinary conversation with Jonathan Cronstedt, a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, and executive leader. Get ready to embark on a journey through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship as Jonathan shares his remarkable story of resilience, growth, and billion-dollar achievements. Jonathan's journey begins with humble beginnings in sales, where he took unconventional approaches, such as leaving business cards on fancy cars, until he found a mentor who guided him toward success. But as is often the case in the world of entrepreneurship, challenges arose, leading Jonathan to the brink of bankruptcy. However, this setback was just a turning point in his story. Jonathan's tenacity and determination led him to play a pivotal role in scaling the company Kajabi to a billion-dollar valuation. His insights into leadership, strategy, and the entrepreneurial mindset are invaluable for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of business. In this episode, we explore the rollercoaster of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and the strategies that have propelled Jonathan to the pinnacle of success. Join us as we uncover the lessons learned on the road from business cards to billion-dollar achievements with Jonathan Cronstedt on Grit Rising!

Balancing Health, Fitness, and Diets ft. Bre Thomas | EP. 16

Welcome to Episode 16 of Grit Rising! Join us for an enlightening conversation with Bre Thomas, the visionary owner of Nutrivenience, where nutrition seamlessly meets...

Welcome to Episode 16 of Grit Rising! Join us for an enlightening conversation with Bre Thomas, the visionary owner of Nutrivenience, where nutrition seamlessly meets convenience through plant-based meals delivered throughout Orange County, California. In this episode, Trent and Bre delve into the realms of health, fitness, and diets, discussing the transformative impact of making conscious dietary choices. Bre's expertise shines as she shares insights on navigating the challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in today's fast-paced world. Discover the essence of Nutrivenience's mission as Bre unveils the philosophy behind plant-based nutrition and how it aligns with the demands of modern living. Through authentic conversations, we explore the intersection of health and convenience, unveiling practical strategies to achieve well-rounded well-being. Whether you're an avid fitness enthusiast or curious about adopting a more health-conscious approach to your diet, this episode offers valuable insights, inspiring stories, and actionable tips to empower you on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life. Join us as we explore the delicate balance of health, fitness, and diets with Bre Thomas on Grit Rising!

Exploring AI, Entrepreneurship, and Business Leadership ft. Rajeev Kapur | EP. 15

Welcome to Episode 15 of Grit Rising! Join us for a dynamic conversation with Rajeev Kapur, a Global Business and Technology Leader, and CEO known...

Welcome to Episode 15 of Grit Rising! Join us for a dynamic conversation with Rajeev Kapur, a Global Business and Technology Leader, and CEO known for propelling growth and profits through innovative go-to-market strategies and leadership. In this episode, we dive deep into the realms of entrepreneurship, business leadership, and the transformative power of AI. Rajeev shares his wealth of experience as a visionary leader, discussing his journey in reinventing and resuscitating business cultures to achieve multimillion-dollar growth for companies. With insights garnered from over 20 countries, Rajeev outlines the importance of building global teams that foster collaboration and inspire purpose-driven engagement. We explore his passion for repairing broken market strategies, cultivating positive company cultures, and unlocking new business opportunities. Join us as we uncover the power of innovative go-to-market strategies, leadership, and the evolving landscape of AI with Rajeev Kapur on Grit Rising!

Inspiring Marketing and Entrepreneurship Stories ft. Erik Huberman | EP. 14

Welcome to Episode 14 of Grit Rising! Join us for an authentic and inspiring conversation with Erik Huberman, the Founder of an outsourced CMO company...

Welcome to Episode 14 of Grit Rising! Join us for an authentic and inspiring conversation with Erik Huberman, the Founder of an outsourced CMO company called Hawke Media. We dive into the fascinating world of marketing and entrepreneurship. In this episode, we'll hear about Erik's remarkable journey and how he achieved success in the ever-changing marketing landscape. Learn from his experiences and innovative strategies, and discover the social aspects of his business that empower communities and drive meaningful connections.

The Future and Exponential Technologies ft. Nancy Giordano | EP. 13

Join Trent Bryson as he sits down with Nancy Giordano, an Exponential Strategist with an impressive career history at some of the most influential ad...

Join Trent Bryson as he sits down with Nancy Giordano, an Exponential Strategist with an impressive career history at some of the most influential ad agencies in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. For over a decade, Nancy has been the Founder and CEO of Play Big Inc., a strategic inspiration company. Her expertise ranges from A.I. to reinventing the internet, and all of her projects have a key common denominator: transitioning away from outdated business thinking that no longer holds up, to create more sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic solutions for the future. In this episode of Grit Rising, Trent and Nancy dive deep into the emerging intersection of tech, business, and society, covering a range of topics from current events to new ways of thinking about the future. Listen in as they explore how to build a more equitable and inclusive world.

The Mind and Body Connection ft. Kelly Noonan Gores | EP. 12

Kelly Noonan Gores, a Los Angeles native, started Elevative Entertainment in 2012 with the intention of creating conscious media that informs, inspires, and empowers. Kelly...

Kelly Noonan Gores, a Los Angeles native, started Elevative Entertainment in 2012 with the intention of creating conscious media that informs, inspires, and empowers. Kelly is the writer, director, and producer of HEAL, a documentary about the mind-body connection and the body's innate ability to heal.

The Reconciliation of Pablo Escobar ft. Juan Pablo Escobar | EP. 11

Juan Pablo Escobar, now known as Sebastián Marroquín, is the son of drug lord Pablo Escobar. He had different views and intentions on the future...

Juan Pablo Escobar, now known as Sebastián Marroquín, is the son of drug lord Pablo Escobar. He had different views and intentions on the future that he wanted for himself. After his father's death, he was strong enough to separate himself from the very wealthy but violent lifestyle that his father created and is now living as close to a normal life as possible as an architect in Argentina.

Turning Nothing Into Something ft. Juan Huizar | EP. 10

Long Beach Real Estate Broker, Juan Huizar, shares the inspirational story of his journey from Mexico to the U.S. and how hard work and determination...

Long Beach Real Estate Broker, Juan Huizar, shares the inspirational story of his journey from Mexico to the U.S. and how hard work and determination played a vital role in overcoming the challenges he and his family faced.

From Ultimate Highs to Extreme Lows ft. Lauren Abraham | EP. 9

TV host, fitness model, and professional athlete, Lauren Abraham, shares her insane story of battling with drugs, abusive relationships, violence and injuries during her career. 

TV host, fitness model, and professional athlete, Lauren Abraham, shares her insane story of battling with drugs, abusive relationships, violence and injuries during her career. 

Feel Sexually Empowered, Experience Greater Sexual Awareness, & Improve Your Sex Life Ft. Liz Dubé | Ep. 8

Liz Dube', a Certified Sex Therapist, Coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, loves working with people who want to better understand themselves sexually and...

Liz Dube', a Certified Sex Therapist, Coach and Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, loves working with people who want to better understand themselves sexually and feel sexually empowered. She has a private practice in Long Beach, CA as well as an on-line coaching program for women who want to reignite their sexual desire or feeling sexually empowered. She's helped thousands of men, women, and couples feeling stuck sexually and is working her ass off to save the world one bedroom at a time. Website: www.lizdube.com Tiktok: @talksexwithliz For all her past podcasts and to connect with Liz: https://linktr.ee/talksexwithliz

Succeeding When The Odds are Against Him and Publishing a Children's Book Ft. Miles Davis| Ep. 7

Miles Davis is from Long Beach, California and worked for the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach in 2017 where he got to coach...

Miles Davis is from Long Beach, California and worked for the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach in 2017 where he got to coach basketball for the first time. Even when the odds seemed to be against him he always found a way to remain positive and inspire himself to chase his dreams. He is now the author of the brand new children's book called, "A Basketball Story" which is based on a true story of his own personal experiences in basketball. The book uses basketball to teach kids life skills that are very important in being successful. Listen to Miles talk about his life, his involvement in the Boys and Girls Club of Long Beach, and his work ethic that helped him turn his life around and strive towards greatness. 

The Journey to Becoming a Professional Golfer and The Mental Toll of Competing at The Highest Level Ft. John Mallinger | Ep. 6

John Mallinger is a professional golfer who competed on the PGA Tour from 2007 to 2014. Listen to John talk about his work ethic and...

John Mallinger is a professional golfer who competed on the PGA Tour from 2007 to 2014. Listen to John talk about his work ethic and his mental toughness that allowed him to succeed on and off the golf course. 

Running a Global Beauty Company with Innate Adaptability and Die-Hard Work Ethic Ft. Alex Dastmalchi | Ep. 5

Born and raised amid a war-torn Iran, Alex Dastmalchi grew up seeing a lot of heartache in his country — although he’ll be the first...

Born and raised amid a war-torn Iran, Alex Dastmalchi grew up seeing a lot of heartache in his country — although he’ll be the first to tell you that he was one of the “lucky” ones. Alex is now the beauty entrepreneur behind VanityPlanet, a global company offering a robust portfolio of innovative lifestyle, beauty tech. Alex taps his innate adaptability and die-hard work ethic to provide these innovative products that improve others' lives. He also makes a personal commitment to give back and volunteer with charities, advancing social justice and helping the vulnerable in our backyard and beyond. 

Incubating and Launching Global Beauty Brands for Celebrities Ft. Tracy Holland | Ep. 4

Tracy Holland is a founder, investor, Executive Chairman, and entrepreneur who is an authority on beauty and wellness with a global track record of incubating...

Tracy Holland is a founder, investor, Executive Chairman, and entrepreneur who is an authority on beauty and wellness with a global track record of incubating and launching brands. Tracy has dedicated her career to creating new brands and success stories by spotlighting innovation, amplifying authentic and celebrity voices in beauty and personal care, and nurturing promising talent--especially other women entrepreneurs.  After holding executive positions at numerous standout companies, Tracy co-founded the HATCHBEAUTY brand accelerator in 2009. She has since led highly successful development strategies and launches for popular brands including: Naturewell by Jewel, Nuance by Salma Hayek, BLISS color, FOUND Active, and Orlando Pita Haircare. In the process, she built HATCHBEAUTY from a startup to a recognized global leader in beauty and wellness brands. Her awards and honors include 2019 Fashion and Beauty Award for Beauty Service Provider of the Year, EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2017, and election to The Committee of 200, an organization of the most successful women business leaders globally.

From Leaving West Africa to Starting a Beverage Company with $1000 Ft. The Diallo Brothers | Ep. 3

Mohammed and Rahim Diallo are true definitions of Grit Rising. They left Guinea, West Africa at a young age and now run a beverage company/cafe...

Mohammed and Rahim Diallo are true definitions of Grit Rising. They left Guinea, West Africa at a young age and now run a beverage company/cafe that they started years ago. In 2015, after years of research and development, the brothers created Ginjan, a cold-pressed beverage made from pure and organic ginger named after their lunchtime beverage as children. Ginjan can be consumed hot, cold, or mixed into a cocktail. It is currently available at 90 stores in the New York City metro area, as well as Whole Foods Market stores across NYC and Long Island. The beverage is also sold on drinkginjan.com in six- and 12-pack quantities along with a monthly subscription option. The opening of The Ginjan Cafe in Harlem, New York marked another milestone for the brothers. The cafe showcases local and African-made products including coffee, juices, beer and wine, and some food offerings.

Becoming a Professional Athlete at the Highest Level with Jim Edmonds | Ep. 2

Jim Edmonds is an American former professional baseball center fielder and a broadcaster for Bally Sports Midwest. He played for the California/Anaheim Angels, St. Louis...

Jim Edmonds is an American former professional baseball center fielder and a broadcaster for Bally Sports Midwest. He played for the California/Anaheim Angels, St. Louis Cardinals, of Major League Baseball. Listen to Jim chat with Trent on what it takes to compete at the highest level in a sport and in business, raising kids, and the fight to make it that no one sees. 

Inspiring Others to Seek the Positive with Daniel Kasidi | Ep. 1

Daniel Kasidi has a natural attunement for vision & leadership with the business acumen to execute branding, partnerships, international distribution, eCommerce, and retail distribution to...

Daniel Kasidi has a natural attunement for vision & leadership with the business acumen to execute branding, partnerships, international distribution, eCommerce, and retail distribution to name a few. He is the founder of Rastaclat, which has been recognized by Inc5000 for the past 4 years as one of the Fastest Growing Privately Held Businesses in America (ranked 166 in California and 1,397 in America).  Also, Daniel has built a global brand community with millions of followers in the USA, China, and Southeast Asia. Acquired over 10 million customers forging partnerships with licenses including the Olympics, NBA, MLB, NCAA, NASA, Hello Kitty and Bruce Lee to name a few.