The Secret To Success With Cj & Eric Thomas | Inspiration | Personal Development | Success

Stop helping. Own the kill. For years, helping felt noble—but that was Level 1. In this episode, Karl opens up about his shift from approval-seeking supporter to hunter: taking ownership, moving first, and letting execution—not permission—set the pace. We break down how that mindset change is transforming his leadership, family life, business, and even real estate strategy. What you’ll get Karl’s real transition: supporter → slayer (ownership over approval) “Move first, figure it out later” — how hunters build momentum Family & legacy: why your people need you leading from the front Real estate lessons (1031s, opportunity zones, scale thinking) you can model Simple systems to keep hunting when motivation dips

Drop your North Star in one sentence below. If you can’t say it in a line, you can’t live it in a year! Are you doing everything and going nowhere? This episode is your wake-up call. We break down why scattered hustle kills credibility, how a single North Star changed our entire operation, and the exact mindset shift to align actions with the goals you keep talking about. The guys get surgical: give up the stage for the mission, put businesses on autopilot (one at a time), value mastery over opinions, and stop letting anxiety grow in the gap between your words and your work. If you want receipts, we’ve got them—KPIs, standards, and the uncomfortable conversations required to level up.

Most people don’t lose because they’re not talented—they lose because they’re scattered. In this episode, the guys break down why doing nine things halfway will never beat doing one thing with ruthless focus. ET unpacks how people-pleasing drains your energy, CJ shows how a single North Star changed their whole brand, and Maul & Karl dive into legacy, parenting, and building skills that outlive you. You’ll learn: Why your focus decides your future How “too many options” quietly kills results The cure for people-pleasing and scattered energy Generational strategy: turning gifts into a family enterprise How to choose one priority and actually finish

In this powerful continuation of last week’s conversation, the S2S crew dives deep into the truth about circles, ego, and why so many people stay stuck.

Parents think the best gift they can give their kids is money. But the truth? Money alone isn’t enough. In this powerful episode of the Secret to Success Podcast, ET, CJ, Karl & TJ unpack the story of Vontrell — a star athlete whose NFL dream collapsed after repeated injuries. Lost and struggling, he fell into security jobs and uncertainty… until Marlon & Camille stepped in. Instead of letting him sink, they gave him something far greater than money: A car to drive. A place to live. His basic expenses covered. In other words, they gave him a margin of error — room to fail, recover, and chase his next dream. That margin led to marriage, a new home, and eventually a million-dollar contract. Here’s what you’ll learn in Part 1: - Why your kids need stability more than a paycheck - How to create room for failure without destroying their future - Why marriages and money collapse when there’s no foundation - The hidden sacrifices that build true legacy - ET’s challenge: how do you stay hungry when you’re already

Chronic stress is silently killing your energy, focus, and health. In this episode, learn how to eliminate stress, gain mental clarity, and thrive. Stress isn’t about your job, marriage, or circumstances—it’s about your perception of them. In this powerful episode, the S2S crew sits down with Lisa Angel Smith to break down the difference between acute stress and chronic stress, why managing stress isn’t enough, and how to actually eliminate it from your life. Lisa shares her journey, how diet and daily routines impact mental clarity, and the formula for reducing stress through Exit, Enter, and Engagement strategies. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck—this is the conversation that will set you free. ✊

This week on the Secret to Success Podcast, the guys go deep on why most people stay stuck financially and personally. From Cracker Barrel’s branding mistakes to the truth about passive income, standards, and self-sabotage—this episode will challenge you to stop listening to the wrong voices and finally become the right person.

If you’re not intentional with money, marriage, or business, you’ll accidentally end up broke.

F* the Anchor. Yeah, we said it. But it’s not what you think. In this episode of the Secret to Success Podcast, ET, CJ, Karl, and Jemal break down why so many people are drifting in life—financially, relationally, and spiritually—because they don’t have anchors holding them steady. The guys talk about: Why margin for error matters in your money, marriage, and health How real estate formulas apply to every area of life Lessons from Little League World Series to building legacy The difference between drifting and being anchored It’s one of the most raw and practical conversations yet—funny, unfiltered, and guaranteed to challenge how you think about success.

You keep praying for a better life — more money, a better marriage, peace of mind — but nothing changes. Why? Because prayer won’t fix stupid habits. You can pray all day, but if you’re still eating like trash, still blaming everybody else, still out of order… don’t expect different results. In this episode, CJ, ET, and Pastor TJ break down why your sequence matters more than your intentions — and why God’s blessings aren’t missing, you’re just out of alignment.

You think staying quiet is keeping the peace — but it’s killing your marriage, your friendships, and your opportunities. In this raw conversation from the S2S Podcast, the guys get brutally honest about the damage caused by holding things in for years, avoiding hard conversations, and expecting others to “just know” how you feel. Learn why unspoken frustrations become resentment, how your silence might be teaching your kids unhealthy patterns, and why the same energy you use to make excuses could have already fixed the problem. From marriage lessons to personal breakthroughs, this episode is a wake-up call to speak up, take responsibility, and stop self-sabotaging the relationships that matter most.

Why do people cut you off even after years of loyalty? In this episode of the Secret to Success Podcast, ET, CJ, Karl, and Jamal break down a truth most people don’t want to face: being loyal isn’t enough if you’re no longer an asset. From Dede’s emotional revelation about feeling unprotected, to the raw talk about marriages, business partnerships, and friendships—this episode will challenge how you see your own relationships and the value you bring.

In this episode of the Secret to Success Podcast, the guys go all in on the mindset shift required to break out of survival mode. They challenge the traditional W2 mentality and expose why playing defense in life keeps you stuck. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but still not getting ahead—this episode is for you. Topics Discussed: Why the W2 mindset is keeping you broke How real wealth starts with real exposure The power of playing offense in your life How Jamal's early moves set up generational wealth Why people criticize your grind but ask to eat from it What it really means to be a value-add in your circle And why you can’t save your family with a small mindset

You’ve got more access to information than any generation in history — so why are most people still stuck? In this powerful episode, the guys break down the real reason proximity to greatness doesn’t automatically lead to results: you’re learning the moves but not adopting the mindset. From million-dollar real estate lessons to spiritual growth, relationships, and health — this one covers what it really takes to win in life.

Dede is back — and she’s not holding back. In one of the rawest episodes we’ve ever recorded, Dede and Candis join CJ and Eric for an unfiltered conversation about walls, wounds, and the real reason trust is so hard to build — especially in marriage and sisterhood. Whether you're dating, married, or simply trying to grow in emotional maturity, this episode is your mirror. From communication breakdowns to spiritual breakthroughs, you'll hear real strategies, vulnerable confessions, and a challenge to finally tear down the bricks we’ve all built.

Karl returns from a life-changing mission trip to Kenya — but what started as a service project turned into a soul reset. In this episode, the guys unpack what it really means to live with less, why simplicity brings peace, and how one week of building a school in the mountains revealed what America often distracts us from. From 400 kids with no phones and no complaints, to laying bricks alongside his kids and a 75-year-old volunteer — Karl shares how being on one accord with strangers unlocked more purpose than years of hustle ever could. ✈️ What you'll hear: Why too many options can steal your joy The truth about mission trips: it’s not about what you give How silence, service, and sacrifice create lasting transformation And the surprising leadership lesson from a brick wall

Most people want the rewards of success, but aren’t willing to do what it takes. In this episode, CJ drops a powerful analogy: the habits of the greats are like broccoli—hard to swallow but life-giving. He shares how adopting “broccoli habits” in fitness, finances, relationships, and business transformed his life from average to avenger-level. ET jumps in with a challenge: stop chasing Krispy Kreme results with cheat-meal commitment. If you're tired of being stuck, this episode will shake your soul.

This week, the fellas take you straight to the Motherland — recording live from Ghana! From the emotional walk through Cape Coast Castle to the powerful reality check about your DNA’s hidden strength, CJ, Jemal break down what it means to truly know your history.They unpack raw lessons about endurance, perspective, and how your ancestors’ survival story is coded in your blood. This episode will challenge you to stop complaining, tap into your generational resilience, and check your circle, because who you build with today shapes your legacy tomorrow.

Are your feelings stopping your future? In this episode, the guys break down why so many people stay stuck — not because of a lack of skill or opportunity, but because they refuse to take feedback. From relationships to real estate, work to worship, it’s time to stop letting your emotions drive the car and start asking the right questions. If you're tired of being in the same place and ready for real growth, this episode is your wake-up call. We’re talking feedback, filters, and finally getting RESULTS.