エピソード

  • S2:Episode 22 Generational Family History of Prostate Cancer

    S2:Episode 22 Generational Family History of Prostate Cancer
    2025/11/29
    Dr. Jordan Smith, host of the "Teach Lead and Expire" podcast, shares a deeply personal and candid account of his decades-long battle with prostate cancer, using his experience to highlight the critical importance of proactive screening and lifestyle changes, especially for men with a family history of the disease. Main Topic: Dr. Smith's journey through prostate cancer, from early abnormal PSA levels to diagnosis, treatment, and recovery, serves as a powerful call to action for men to prioritize their prostate health and get screened regularly. Key Arguments and Events: Generational Risk: Dr. Smith was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2023 at age 68 (nearly 69). He realized his father, brother, and maternal grandfather all had prostate cancer, with his father and grandfather dying from it, indicating a strong family predisposition he initially ignored. Early PSA and Biopsy Experiences: Began PSA testing at age 50, with consistently elevated (above 3.2, often 6-10) but "normal" PSA for 15 years, often dismissed or attributed to other factors like sexual activity. Underwent his first prostate biopsy early in his teaching career (around age 50/51). He described the procedure as extremely painful and embarrassing, involving 12 tissue samples. Suffered significant post-biopsy bleeding (urine, semen) for 4-5 weeks, which created psychological stress and logistical challenges in a shared public high school bathroom. The initial biopsy results were "abnormal" but not cancerous, leading to a false sense of security and a lack of proactive discussion with doctors about prevention. Prioritizing Work Over Health: Due to financial needs (supporting extended family, master's degree for teaching qualification under "No Child Left Behind") and professional commitment, Dr. Smith repeatedly delayed addressing his health issues. He scheduled subsequent biopsies (six total over 15 years) during school breaks to avoid missing work, enduring pain and embarrassment. Compounding Health Issues & Caregiving: Stress from work, family responsibilities, and financial pressures led to increased alcohol consumption, weight gain, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and unexplained numbness in his legs and hands. He also became a full-time caregiver for his wife, who was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer (2017-2019), leading to extreme sleep deprivation and witnessing the devastating effects of metastasized cancer. Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Decision: His persistent leg numbness prompted him to demand an MRI, which finally revealed a lesion on his prostate. An ultrasound-guided biopsy confirmed Stage 1 prostate cancer with a Gleason score of six. Presented with options (prostatectomy, radiation beads, external radiation), he initially chose "watchful waiting" again, driven by his dedication to his students. A turning point occurred when a community friend was diagnosed with metastasized prostate cancer, triggering memories of his wife's illness. This spurred him to choose external radiation therapy. Radiation involved a painful procedure to implant markers for targeted treatment and was conducted secretly during the summer. Post-Treatment Complications and Additional Surgery: Radiation successfully lowered his PSA, but he later developed severe urinary issues, including splitting urine streams and passing hundreds of uric acid "pebbles" from his bladder. Emergency consultation with a new urologist led to a CT scan and eventually a cystoscopy, which revealed his bladder was filled with uric acid stones, requiring surgery. He underwent a laser procedure to break up the stones and a TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) procedure to relieve pressure on his urethra due to an enlarged prostate. Recovery from this surgery was also painful, involving a catheter and prolonged bleeding, forcing him to take emergency leave. Transformative Lifestyle Changes and Current Health: Inspired by his experiences, Dr. Smith retired from teaching and committed to radical lifestyle changes: daily cardio and strength training, increased water intake (72 oz/day), improved diet, and a regimen of nutritional supplements (Melaleuca Peak Performance Pack, Prostavan for prostate, Vigor for testosterone). These changes have led to remarkable health improvements: PSA down to 0.1, blood pressure 115/64, resting heart rate 55. He also prioritizes skin care and general well-being. Urgent Call to Action: Dr. Smith passionately urges all men, especially those with a family history of prostate cancer, to get annual PSA tests, starting before age 40 if there's a history. He emphasizes that testing can be affordable ($50-60) even without full insurance, and can prevent years of pain, suffering, and potential loss of life. He specifically addresses his sons and grandsons, urging them to get tested. Future Discussions: He hints at upcoming episodes focusing on his journey with PTSD and strategies for achieving better sleep,...
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    1 時間 6 分
  • S2:Episode 21 - Why I Have Been A Wellness Customer Since 1991

    S2:Episode 21 - Why I Have Been A Wellness Customer Since 1991
    2025/11/29
    Dr. Jordan Smith, a long-time Melaleuca customer since 1991, explains his unwavering loyalty to the company, focusing on how its products have positively impacted his health and finances. He challenges the notion that Melaleuca is expensive by distinguishing between "price" (what you pay) and "cost" (what it takes from you), asserting that cheaper, toxic store brands ultimately cost more in health and well-being. Main Thesis: Melaleuca offers superior, non-toxic products that provide significant health benefits and long-term financial savings, making it a "priceless" choice for a healthier, safer home, especially when compared to the hidden costs of conventional products. Key Arguments and Benefits: Personal Health Transformation (Initial Motivation): Post-Gulf War Health Decline: After returning from the first Gulf War, Dr. Smith experienced severe sinus issues, skin reactions, and sensitivities triggered by common household products (e.g., Dawn, Tide, Febreze), which he later linked to burn pit exposure and chemical toxins. Melaleuca as a Solution: In 1991, he discovered Melaleuca products, which were the first in years that did not trigger his immune system. His breathing improved, sinuses calmed, and skin cleared, making his home feel safe again. Long-Term Health Improvements: He attributes ongoing benefits—less inflammation, better nighttime breathing, fewer sinus flare-ups, improved skin, consistent energy, better sleep, and support during prostate cancer recovery and PTSD management—to Melaleuca's cleaners, lotions, vitamins, and supplements. Price vs. Cost Philosophy: "A cheap product with toxins or toxic ingredients is the most expensive thing in your home." The true "cost" of cheap products includes health deterioration, energy drain, lost sleep, doctor's visits, and unexplainable reactions. Melaleuca, by contrast, "stopped costing" him, leading to health improvements and ultimately saving him money by reducing health-related expenses. Comprehensive Savings and Rewards System: Melaleuca Rewards Visa Card: Earns up to 6% cashback on Melaleuca purchases, 4% on gas, groceries, and dining, and 2% on all other purchases, deposited as loyalty shopping dollars. Loyalty Shopping Dollars: Dr. Smith earns over $1,000 annually in loyalty shopping dollars from purchases, not selling or recruiting, simply by redirecting his spending. Cost Per Use Efficiency: Melaleuca products like dish soap (Lemon Brite) offer up to 500 uses per bottle compared to 150-180 for competitors, making them cheaper, safer, and longer-lasting. Similar efficiency applies to laundry packs, cleaning concentrates, and personal care items. New Member Value Packs: Exclusive, heavily discounted bundles for new customers (e.g., Home Conversion Pack saves $200) allow sampling various products and can be tax-deductible for certain individuals. "Hacks" for Maximizing Rewards: Ordering over 44 "points" per month to receive a $10.42 credit. Participating in "Learn to Earn" videos to receive coupons and shopping dollars. Leveraging the Melaleuca Deals app for local savings on travel, dining, and entertainment. Shopping through Melaleuca's Retail Partners (e.g., Old Navy) for additional cashback into the loyalty account. Switching Services: Switched from ADT to Melaleuca's home security (saving $25/month) and from Norton to InfoGuard, demonstrating more ways to save by utilizing Melaleuca's ecosystem. Specific Product Highlights & Personal Testimonials: Peak Performance Packs: Comprehensive AM/PM supplement bundles tailored for specific health needs (longevity, heart, brain, women, glucose support, weight management). Dr. Smith personally uses the longevity pack for men 50+, citing significant savings ($151.79) compared to buying individual supplements. He provides personal data showing improved testosterone and cholesterol levels. Vigor FT & Omega-3 Supplements: Used for testosterone and cholesterol management, respectively, with positive personal results. Fiberwise Drink: Successfully resolved severe constipation issues for himself and his partner, emphasizing the importance of gut health. Cleaning Products: Biodegradable and safe, providing peace of mind for allergy sufferers and families with children. Sei Bella Skincare: Positioned as premium, skin-safe, zero-disruptor, zero-fragrance, zero-irritant skincare that is 30-40% cheaper per use than most department store brands. Commitment and Guarantee: Dr. Smith views Melaleuca as a "total wellness program" and "preventive medicine." The company offers an "empty bottle guarantee," allowing returns within 90 days if a product doesn't meet expectations, including a 90-day challenge for Peak Performance packs. Conclusion: Dr. Smith reiterates that his 34-year loyalty stems from the "priceless" value Melaleuca offers: a safe home, a chance to heal, and a way to live better without spending more, ultimately fostering a healthier life at a lower cost through ...
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    29 分
  • S2-Episode 20 - Music Production Secrets

    S2-Episode 20 - Music Production Secrets
    2025/11/09
    This transcript features Dr. Jordan Smith and Jordan III, discussing a range of topics from personal technology and teaching experiences to detailed insights into music production, book publishing, and a new venture aimed at tackling student loan debt. The core theme revolves around building a "generational wealth machine" through various entrepreneurial endeavors and mentorship. Here's a breakdown of the key points: I. Podcast Introduction & Personal Anecdotes: The podcast, "Two Generations, One Mission," features a Marine Corps dad (Dr. Jordan Smith) and his Army veteran son (Jordan III) discussing life, legacy, and leadership. Initial conversation includes lighthearted discussions about iPhone models (titanium vs. aluminum cases), the surprising number of photos stored on phones (Dr. Smith with 13,000, Jordan III with 3,000), and the benefits of a teacher's schedule (long holidays and summer breaks) which Dr. Smith valued while raising his children. II. Music Production Insights: Journey to Original Music: Dr. Smith initially used karaoke tracks for singing but realized the legal complexities and costs associated with licensing cover songs. Legal & Licensing: ASCAP: Essential for live performances of cover songs and receiving royalties for original renditions. Cover Song Licenses (e.g., Harry Fox Agency/Songbank): Required to legally record and distribute another artist's song, ensuring the original creators receive their cut. Critique of Cover Songs: Jordan III humorously criticizes Taylor Swift's cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's "September," calling it the "audible epitome of putting raisins in potato salad." Finding Original Material: Dr. Smith moved to platforms like Rocket Songs, where composers sell unpicked-up songs from major artists, often allowing for exclusive rights. AI Music Production: Discovered an AI music app (rhymes with "Juno") that allows for creating original songs. Learned to use the software by going through tutorials, leveraging his experience with AI and his vocal range. The app allows for crafting lyrics, adding musical elements (e.g., John Legend-style piano intro), and manipulating song structure (verse, chorus, bridge) which alters the accompanying music. It allows users to extend song length and split instrumental and vocal tracks. Cost Efficiency: A one-year license for the AI app was significantly cheaper ($200) than the $200-300 per song Dr. Smith previously paid for production. Distribution Process: Dr. Smith uses platforms like "Landar" to upload and distribute his songs. He self-masters tracks using equipment and software like WavePad (for noise reduction and dynamic compression) before uploading. Goals: Market songs on all streaming networks (Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music) to generate streams and income. His song "The Student Loan Trap" (registered with ASCAP and ISRC code) is an example. III. Book Publishing & "Shattered Chains": ChatGPT as an Assistant: Dr. Smith utilized ChatGPT (which he has trained over two and a half years with his writing style and existing books) to go from initial concept to a published book in seven days. "Shattered Chains": A book about student loan debt, specifically focusing on teachers and veterans, and the idea of young people realizing the long-term debt burden. Marketing & Reviews: Emphasizes that book sales are driven by reviews, and he leverages his experience (having done over 1200 book reviews in the past year) to generate reviews for his own work. Audiobooks: Acknowledges the shift towards audiobooks and plans to delegate audiobook production rather than doing it himself. IV. The "Generational Wealth Machine" & Student Loan Solution: Teach Lead Inspire App: Dr. Smith has developed an app and a "Debt-Free University" within it, offering various income streams and mentorship. Mentorship Programs: Book Publishing: Teaches how to publish a book on Amazon in seven days. Music Production: Mentors on the process of creating and distributing music. Course Structure: Each area is offered as a course with video lessons, and one-on-one coaching is available for an additional fee. Pricing: Pre-launch "founder" access (lifetime access, feedback opportunities, help setting up their own apps) is $997, increasing to $1497 and $1997 in subsequent weeks. Coaching is an additional $997. Student Loan Debt Program: Target Market: Primarily teachers and veterans struggling with student loans. Critique of Competitors: Student Loan Planner: Charges $595 for consultation, advises lowering payments (e.g., from $1000 to $200) and investing the difference for 25 years. Dr. Smith sees this as merely relocating money and potentially leading to commissions from financial products. Student Loan Tutor: Charges $150 for an initial interview, then $2500 for the first-year plan, and $600 annually to manage it, also focusing on lowering payments for a 25-year payoff. Dr. Smith expresses skepticism about the long-term ...
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    53 分
  • S2-E19-Self Publishing Music

    S2-E19-Self Publishing Music
    2025/11/09
    This transcript features a conversation between Dr. Jordan Smith and his son, Jordan Smith III, for their podcast "Teach, Lead, and Inspire." The discussion centers on entrepreneurship, music, marketing strategies, and building a lasting legacy. Main Topic: The core theme is the critical importance of defining a target market for effective marketing and monetization across various ventures, including music, books, and digital products, all within the framework of building generational wealth and a personal legacy. Key Arguments and Ideas: Student Loans as a Catalyst: Dr. Smith introduces a song and an upcoming book he's developing about the student loan "trap," inspired by a website his son shared. The transcript begins and ends with a poignant poem/song detailing the struggles of being "chained to loan principals" and the "student loan trap," highlighting deferred dreams and a lifetime of debt. The Power of a Defined Target Market: A central lesson emphasized is that "you can't market to everybody; if you try to market to everybody, you reach no one." Dr. Smith illustrates this with his past DJ experience, where he learned to observe audience reactions to music to curate playlists that specifically engaged club-goers, particularly women, to keep the dance floor full. He also applied this to serenading his wife, Carolyn, by learning her musical preferences to create 100 personalized songs. He now recognizes these songs and their story can target other women who appreciate such romantic gestures. His current student loan-focused song and book are also intentionally targeting a specific market. Understanding the Music Industry and Artist Monetization: "Industry Plants": Jordan III introduces the concept of "industry plants" – artists like Jelly Roll, Teddy Swims, and Sexy Red, who seemingly emerge from nowhere with tailor-made songs, pushed into the spotlight by corporate interests rather than organic talent or underground rise. This contrasts with authentic talent and aims to further a corporate agenda. Cover Songs and Royalties: Dr. Smith explains that performing cover songs requires a cover license and involves paying royalties to songwriters through organizations like ASCAP. He shares how legendary musician Ike Turner, despite personal struggles, continued to earn residual income from his songwriting through such royalties, even decades later, demonstrating a form of generational wealth in music. Beyond Streaming Revenue: Artists typically launch with singles, not full albums. Record labels often provide advances in exchange for rights, leading to artists receiving only a small percentage of earnings. Streaming offers minimal income (e.g., $0.004 per stream), making merchandise, live shows, tickets, and direct fan engagement (e.g., photo ops) the primary revenue streams for artists. Music as a Vehicle for Connection: Music serves as an instrument to attract a target market, but the true value lies in collecting contact information (email, phone numbers, social media) to build a direct relationship with fans, as "the money is always in the list." Dr. Smith's Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Offerings: Investment in Knowledge: Dr. Smith details his extensive investment in various online courses (Audio Income Academy, attraction marketing, marketing funnel, app development, book marketing), totaling $15,000-$25,000, to acquire diverse entrepreneurial skills. "Teach, Lead, and Inspire" App: He has developed and launched a free app, "Teach, Lead, and Inspire" (rebranded from "Romance in Motion"), available on Google Play and Apple App Store. The app provides valuable resources on topics like student loans, generational wealth, and music. The strategy is to offer the app for free, gather user feedback, and continuously update it to maintain engagement through push notifications. Lead Generation: Dr. Smith has established a system that generates 5-7 leads (name and phone number) daily, leveraging platforms like Instagram ("Teach Lead and Expire," "Debt Free Playbook") and Facebook. Mentorship and System Access: Recognizing the time and cost involved in acquiring these skills, Dr. Smith offers to "plug" others into his established system for $1500, allowing them to bypass the extensive learning and setup required to create apps, write books, produce music, and market effectively. Podcast Future and Monetization: The podcast aims to complete 25 episodes for Season 2. Monetization plans include: advertising slots on the podcast, YouTube channel monetization (which already has 3,200 subscribers), and leveraging the "Teach, Lead, and Inspire" app for product/service sales and course offerings. The conversation highlights Dr. Smith's journey from personal passion (music for his wife) to developing a comprehensive entrepreneurial system, emphasizing the power of targeted marketing and direct engagement to build a lasting legacy and generate multiple income streams.
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    1 時間 3 分
  • S2- Episode 18 - Self-Publishing Mindset

    S2- Episode 18 - Self-Publishing Mindset
    2025/11/09
    Dr. Jordan Smith, co-host of the "Teach, Lead and Expire" podcast, shares his transformative journey into self-publishing, emphasizing the power of mindset, resilience, and intentional living to build a lasting legacy. Here's a breakdown of his insights and experiences: I. The Power of Mindset and Early Influences Starting Point: Dr. Smith initially struggled with the idea of writing a book but simply started writing, focusing on his experiences at Annapolis. Brain Power: He highlights the brain's power, asserting that filling it with negative thoughts leads to negative realities. Napoleon Hill's "Law of Success": Mentions this book as influential, noting that successful individuals like Elon Musk and Donald Trump shared common traits: a definite chief aim, daily affirmations, and a strong belief in their ability to create wealth—a "wealthy mindset." Critique of Traditional Upbringing: Contrasts this with the common advice he received: "get a good education, get a good job," which he found led to a loss of rights (e.g., free speech in the Marines) and exposure to systemic racism. II. Personal and Professional Transformation Through Writing "Annapolis Creed": Writing this book had an unexpected positive impact on his perspective and performance as a teacher, leading to his recognition as a leader. Involuntary Transfer and Its True Purpose: He was involuntarily transferred from his math department head position at a high school to a continuation school, initially believing it was due to a principal who disliked his influence. He later discovered the superintendent moved him due to his 97% math passing rate on the California High School Exit Examination, which was causing a district-wide graduation crisis under the "No Child Left Behind Act." His technological proficiency and background as a disciplined Marine (with a master's and working on a doctorate) made him the ideal candidate to address the academic challenge. Gettysburg Leadership Program: His success led to the district sponsoring him for a $7,000, week-long leadership program in Gettysburg, where he studied Union and Confederate generals, further cementing his leadership development. III. Venturing into Self-Publishing Discovery of Amazon: Realizing he couldn't open a bookstore, he discovered Amazon's self-publishing platform. Investment in Education: He paid $2,000 for the "Audio Income Academy" course, which taught him how to publish books on Amazon in various formats (paperback, audiobook, hardback) and market them. Learning Curve and Formats: Initially, he self-edited and used Word, leading to frustrating formatting errors. He learned to use Amazon's "Kindle Create" for easier ebook formatting and export. Each format (ebook, paperback, audiobook, hardback) requires slightly different image specifications. Importance of Reviews: He realized the critical role of reviews for book sales, similar to how he evaluates products like blenders on Amazon (preferring items with thousands of reviews). IV. Financial Growth and Strategic Reinvestment Initial Earnings: Started with small deposits ($6, $8, $35) for his first book. Significant Growth: After writing his second book, "11 Effective Strategies for Teaching Mathematics," and re-engaging with the course, his earnings grew to $60, $120, $235, $500, and eventually $900 per month. Delayed Payments: He learned that Amazon pays in arrears (e.g., July sales paid in October), meaning consistent effort builds future income. Reinvestment: Once earnings became substantial, he reinvested them to hire professional ghostwriters (e.g., "The Urban Writer") and editors, likening it to how established authors like James Patterson utilize ghostwriters and how doctoral candidates hire statisticians and editors for dissertations. Tax Advantages: Emphasizes that expenses like courses, ghostwriters, and advertising become tax deductions, benefiting his overall financial strategy. V. Leveraging AI for Writing ChatGPT as an Assistant: He now uses AI tools like ChatGPT as an assistant to generate book outlines, plot ideas, and even draft chapters. Human Oversight is Crucial: He stresses that AI is not perfect and requires human input, editing, and critical review to ensure quality, coherence, and accuracy. An AI can provide a rough draft, but human expertise shapes it into a polished product. VI. Current Projects and Legacy Building "Against the Odds Chronicles of Resilience": A four-book historical fiction series based on true stories of students overcoming obstacles at the continuation school. The series covers pre-pandemic, during-pandemic, post-pandemic, and post-election periods. "Shattered Chains": The fourth book in the series, it focuses on student loan debt, immigration, and teaching math through real-life examples, motivated by a viral social media post. Viral Student Loan Post: A personal social media post about student loans has garnered significant organic reach, with over ...
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    31 分
  • S2-Episode 17 - How We Got Screwed By Not Talking About Money

    S2-Episode 17 - How We Got Screwed By Not Talking About Money
    2025/11/09
    This podcast episode of "Teach, Lead and Expire" explores the significant impact of the lack of financial education within families, particularly concerning money management and student loans, leading to detrimental long-term financial consequences. Here's a breakdown of the key points: Absence of Financial Conversations: The hosts lament that crucial discussions about money, debt, and financial traps rarely occur at home before individuals enter the workforce. This absence leaves people vulnerable to making poor financial decisions. Common Financial Traps: Car Depreciation: A primary example is buying new cars and quickly being "upside down" on loans due to rapid depreciation. The hosts highlight how this cycle of debt is often passed down through generations. Jordan III's Experience: Jordan III shares his personal decision to downgrade a sports car to a truck for practical reasons (living in the country, home maintenance) and improved financial standing (equity in the sports car, lower truck payment). The "Ramsey Rule" for Cars: Dr. Jordan Smith proposes a strategy: pay off a car, save the amount of potential car payments, drive the well-maintained car for years, and then use the savings and trade-in value to pay cash for a 2-year-old (or older) used car, repeating the cycle. This method aims to build a fund to buy new cars every five years for life, all with cash, by avoiding depreciation costs. The Student Loan Crisis and Generational Wealth: Viral Post & Motivation: A social media post by Dr. Jordan Smith about veterans being "ripped off" by student loans went viral, reaching nearly 180,000 views organically, motivating him to delve deeper into the issue. Alarming Statistics: The average US teacher carries $58,000 in student loan debt, with 1 in 5 considering quitting their job to pay it off. The average time to pay off student loans is 21 years. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans over 60 still carry student loan debt, either their own or co-signed for family, often facing higher interest rates on parent plus loans. The number of people over 60 with student loan debt has quadrupled in the past 15 years and increased sixfold since 2004, largely due to rising education costs. Unpaid student loans can lead to garnishment of Social Security checks. Impact on Generational Wealth: Dr. Jordan Smith emphasizes that student loan debt prevents older generations from accumulating wealth to pass down. If someone pays $1,500/month for 10 years on a student loan, that's $180,000 that could have been saved or invested, potentially doubling to $360,000 with good investment returns. This lost potential means no inheritance for future generations, trapping them in the same financial struggles. "Shattered Chains" - A New Book & Movement: Book 4 in a Series: Dr. Jordan Smith announces his new book, "Shattered Chains," releasing on Monday, which is a raw, realistic fiction addressing student loans and the education system. Raw Language: Inspired by authors like David Goggins ("Can't Hurt Me"), the book uses direct, uncensored language to reflect the reality of conversations in schools and homes, aiming to grab attention. Math Education's Purpose: The book's premise centers on a math teacher who tells students that the main purpose of learning math isn't just to "solve for X," but to understand numbers well enough "to recognize when you're getting screwed" financially. The "Debt Free Playbook": In the book, students create an app called the "Debt Free Playbook" to educate peers on how to avoid financial scams and student loan pitfalls, encouraging side hustles to fund college without debt. This concept is being adopted as the new branding for the podcast's social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok). Solution-Oriented: Dr. Jordan Smith is developing a webinar and a model system to help people get out of debt quickly, aiming to pay off his own loans within three years. Podcast's Mission & Future: The "Teach, Lead and Expire" podcast, along with its growing social media presence (all organic), aims to be a "lifeline" for people, sharing solutions on how to save money and get out of student loan debt. Future plans include an app, monetization of social media channels, and working with "Internet millionaires" to structure the brand and introduce new income opportunities. Download the Teach, Lead, and Inspire App, available on Apple Store, and Google Playstore
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    39 分
  • S2 - Episode 16 - Technology Flashbacks & Car Sales Experience

    S2 - Episode 16 - Technology Flashbacks & Car Sales Experience
    2025/11/09
    This episode of the "Teach, Lead and Expire" father-son podcast features Jordan and his son discussing the evolution of technology, personal career paths, and the dynamics of car sales. The conversation highlights the changing landscape of work and technology across generations, emphasizing values, resilience, and intentional living for building a lasting legacy. Here's a breakdown of the key points: I. Technology Flashbacks and Adaptability Early Technology Experiences (Dr. Jordan Smith): Recalls using chalkboards, then overhead projectors with plastic transparencies. Describes the laborious process of mimeograph machines in the Marines, where retyping full documents for edits was common. His pioneering role in adopting early computers in the Marine Corps (circa 1970s), leveraging his prior programming knowledge (Basic programming in 1972) to introduce word processing and printing. His first personal computer in Okinawa (Japan) cost $1300 and used cassette tapes for storage, followed by "Trash 80s" with floppy disks (5.25" then 3.5"), and later CDs. He learned to build computers from scratch to avoid proprietary hardware issues from brands like Dell, HP, Compaq, and Apple. This hands-on experience gave him an edge in understanding computer systems beyond just the graphical user interface (GUI), proving invaluable when he started teaching at age 50. Modern Technology (Jordan III): Built his own high-performance gaming PC, featuring a 2TB hard drive, 64GB RAM, i7 processor, and a 3070 graphics card. His computer building skills led to a tech support job at Apple, providing support for iOS devices, and later moving into workforce management. II. Career Reflection and Sales Philosophy (Jordan III) Career Crossroads: Jordan III expresses feeling stagnant and "capped out" in his current role, despite his background surpassing his current responsibilities. Motivation for Change: He seeks higher financial compensation to support his family, fund home improvements, and enable his wife to maintain her independence as a hairstylist and be present for their children. Sales Philosophy: The "Matchmaker" Approach: Views customer service as an integral part of sales. Challenges traditional "brass tax" sales methods, emphasizing a focus on customer satisfaction over personal commission. Believes in being a "matchmaker," connecting customers with products that truly meet their desires. Prioritizes creating a memorable experience and making customers feel valued, understanding that genuine happiness leads to referrals. III. Car Sales Compensation Models and Market Realities Dr. Jordan Smith's Car Sales Experience (1990s): Worked with Toyota, Honda, Cadillac, and Acura. Compensation structure: Typically a 25% commission on the profit margin (retail price minus dealer invoice). "Pack" deduction: An additional amount ($800 in one example) was often deducted from the profit to cover dealership overhead and management overrides. Draw system: Salespeople received an hourly wage (e.g., $8/hour) as a draw against their commissions, meaning they had to sell enough cars to cover their weekly pay. Jordan III's Car Sales Experiences: Hourly + Commission: Worked for an electric vehicle company (now bankrupt) that paid a lucrative hourly wage (e.g., $24/hour) plus commission (5-15% based on volume) for vehicles under $20,000. He once sold 35 electric three-wheeled vehicles in a month, capitalizing on rebates and the influx of environmentally conscious buyers in Oregon. Strictly Commission-Based: Another dealership offered no base pay; income was solely dependent on sales. Draw System: Similar to his father's experience, where an advance was provided until sufficient sales commissions were earned. New vs. Used Car Profitability: Jordan III notes that salespeople typically earn more money selling used cars because dealerships are often "upside down" on new vehicle inventory, leading to less profit margin for new car sales. He emphasizes that current dealership business models are antiquated, forcing customers to pay premiums to cover overhead. Sales Tactics: Both agree that many customers focus solely on the "monthly payment" rather than the overall price or interest rate. Finance managers significantly boost dealership profits by selling "back-end" items like extended warranties and various add-on packages.
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    33 分
  • S2-Episode 15 -Personal Finance Issues

    S2-Episode 15 -Personal Finance Issues
    2025/11/09
    This episode of the "Teach Lead and Expire Father Son" podcast, hosted by Dr. Jordan Smith and his son Jordan III, focuses on candid discussions about personal finance issues and decisions, aiming to build a lasting legacy in health, wealth, and relationships. Key Personal Finance Lessons from Dr. Jordan Smith: Importance of Insurance: Dr. Smith emphasizes maximizing insurance coverage due to personal experiences with the unexpected deaths of his parents, who left behind minimal assets or insurance. He highlights his consistent choice to take the maximum SGLI (Service members' Group Life Insurance) during his military service and prioritize employer-provided insurance when available, especially before he had significant savings. Prioritizing Savings: He candidly admits living paycheck to paycheck for his first 40 years of working. A pivotal change occurred after age 50, leading him to implement forced savings (like the military's allotment system) by having money automatically deducted from his pay, creating a "Murphy's Law account" for emergencies. He stresses the "pay yourself first" principle and regrets not starting earlier. Homeownership Protection: When buying his first home, he purchased a house warranty ($600-700 annually) to cover major appliance repairs (e.g., AC, water heater), requiring only a $75 deductible per incident. Vehicle Maintenance: He advocates for buying used cars (to avoid initial depreciation) and proactively maintaining them to extend their life and save money. Jordan III's Experiences and Insights: DIY Skills: Jordan III maintains his bikes but finds his lifted truck difficult to work on himself. He acquired practical skills like automotive repair, woodworking, and plastics in high school, recognizing the value of these for saving money. "Worst Job" & Military Spouse Challenges: He recounts working undesirable, inconsistent jobs through temp agencies during a period as a military dependent. He highlights the difficulty military spouses face in finding stable employment due to frequent relocations. He suggests civil service jobs or internet-based businesses (like Mary Kay or Avon, if they have international shipping capabilities) as potential solutions for portable income. Business Ventures and Financial Strategies: Debt-Free Business Model: Dr. Smith mentions a cousin who chose Amway to build a business without incurring significant debt. He also explores small business loans for veterans/minorities and the liability protection offered by an LLC, but he personally aims to build his business debt-free. Book Writing as a Business: He discusses his process of writing books, transitioning from self-editing to hiring professional ghostwriters and editors ($1,500-$3,000 per book) for quality. These expenses are legitimate business write-offs, allowing him to legally offset income. Critical Discovery: Student Loan Interest and Payments: Viral Post on Loan Forgiveness: Dr. Smith shares a viral social media post about a veteran denied student loan forgiveness because her automatic payments were consistently "one penny short" for nine years, nullifying all those payments. Daily Interest Accrual: A major personal discovery for Dr. Smith was that student loans accrue interest daily. He found that paying his loan later in the month resulted in more money going to interest and less to the principal balance. Auto-Payment Pitfalls: He discovered that his own automatic payments, set for the 11th of the month, were incurring 10 additional days of interest (approximately $160 per month based on his loan's daily interest calculation of $16.43). This additional interest far outweighed the 0.25% interest rate reduction offered for setting up auto-payments. Customer Service Frustration: He faced significant difficulty trying to change his auto-payment date online or through customer service, encountering a representative who initially misunderstood his concern about the amountof interest paid versus the fixed interest rate. New Mission: Dr. Smith declared a new mission to educate people about daily interest accrual on student loans and the importance of paying on the first of the month to minimize interest and accelerate principal reduction. Conclusion: The episode concludes with an update on Jordan III's arm injury recovery, emphasizing resilience. Dr. Smith reiterates the podcast's mission to foster a lasting legacy in health, wealth, and relationships, strongly urging listeners with student loans to scrutinize their payment history and interest calculations. The episode features a spoken-word piece reflecting on the burdensome nature of student loan debt.
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