What if the only thing standing between you and your biggest goals… is your mindset?
In this solo episode, let's dive deep into the power of perspective — and how one small mental shift can change the entire trajectory of your life.
The 3 P's that change everything: Positivity → Probability → Possibility — a simple but transformative framework for creating real momentum toward your dreams. It helps reframe negativity, redirect your energy from fear into action, and build a mindset that makes the improbable feel inevitable.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why your mindset is the true first step toward any goal
- How one negative frame can spiral into stagnation
- How positivity opens the door to real opportunities
- Why probability compounds over time
- A simple daily mindset shift that creates momentum
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
What does it really take to become unshakable - mentally, emotionally, and in business?
For Gary Vaynerchuk, serial entrepreneur and CEO of VaynerX, it started with fear. Growing up an immigrant in a small New Jersey home, he battled the constant anxiety of losing his parents. That fear became fuel. Today, Gary is one of the most influential voices in entrepreneurship, and a leading advocate for emotional strength, self-awareness, and detachment from external validation.
Gary and I unpack how early trauma shaped his resilience, how he stays grounded while operating billion-dollar ventures, and why chasing admiration is the surest way to lose yourself.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction & Childhood Fear
01:19 – Taking Responsibility in Life
01:44 – Gary Vee’s Daily Life Post-COVID
05:16 – Fatherhood & Work-Life Balance
08:51 – Roots, Immigrant Backgrounds & Drive
12:06 – Emotional Intelligence & Detachment from Material Validation
14:18 – Thriving in Adversity & Emotional Strength
16:20 – Childhood Fear as a Superpower
19:54 – Trauma, Adversity & Growth
23:32 – Taking the Wheel of Your Life
27:59 – Spirituality & Oneness
32:30 – Gratitude & Practical Life Lessons
35:26 – Growth, Loneliness & Imposter Syndrome
36:53 – Empathy, Perspective & Closing Thoughts
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
What if the biggest opportunity in AI isn’t in the tech itself… but in the real estate behind it?
As the AI boom accelerates, one thing is becoming crystal clear: every chatbot, every model, every breakthrough needs one thing to exist, power and space. That’s why I’m all in on developing data centers in Florida.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why data centers are the backbone of the AI revolution
- What major companies like Google and OpenAI are paying to lease space
- How proximity to power plants creates a massive competitive advantage
- The difference between hype investing and infrastructure investing
- How developers can win when the AI bubble pops
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
What does it take to raise strong, confident men?
Joel Gandara has spent years building The Brotherhood — a movement where men learn to lead themselves, their families, and their communities with strength, discipline, and integrity.
But Joel’s journey started far from any boardroom or retreat. At just five years old, he was on a crowded boat fleeing Cuba during the 1980 Mariel boatlift — a terrifying, life-defining experience that shaped the man he would become. From those early moments of survival to growing up in poverty in California, Joel’s story is a masterclass in resilience.
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
In this episode, Joel reveals:
- How The Brotherhood is changing the way men support each other
- The habits, mindset, and discipline that build strong leaders
- Lessons in vulnerability, accountability, and family from his personal journey
- Practical tips for raising independent, confident sons
- Why true leadership starts with yourself before anyone else
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopackInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
As someone who’s believed in Florida for over 20 years, I get asked all the time: “Why here?”
The truth is, it’s not just the sunshine. It’s the migration, the opportunity, and the lifestyle that makes Florida unlike anywhere else.
I break down exactly why I’ve bet on Florida for two decades, and how to spot the next Florida before everyone else does. From booming population growth to tax advantages and quality of life, this is why so many people, and their money, are moving here.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why net migration to Florida is over 1,000 people a day
- How tax advantages create massive wealth opportunities
- Why capital from New York, California, and South America keeps flowing here
- How pro-business policies fuel economic growth and job creation
- Why Florida’s school voucher program is a game changer for families
- How I built my real estate career from a single desperate investment
- How to identify the signals of “the next Florida,” before the crowd does
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
#FloridaRealEstate #MigrationTrends #PopacksPlaybook #MoshePopack #FloridaEconomy #ProBusiness #WealthBuilding #RealEstateInvesting #SouthFlorida #OpportunityZones #TaxStrategy #FamilyAndBusiness #GrowthMarkets #InvestingInFlorida
What does it take to protect a city, lead thousands, and stay grounded in purpose?
For Sheriff Rosie Cordero-Stutz, the first elected sheriff in Miami-Dade County in over 60 years, it started with a childhood calling and a single mom who worked three jobs to keep the dream alive. From patrolling high-crime streets in the 90s to leading 4,800 officers through today’s complex emergencies, Sheriff Rosie shares how faith, family, and fierce dedication guide her every decision.
In this episode of Common Denominator, we dive into Rosie’s remarkable rise to becoming one of the most powerful public safety officials in Florida.
What you'll learn:
👮♀️ Why Rosie always knew she’d serve, and how service shaped her from day one
🏙 How growing up in a tough neighborhood taught her empathy, not fear
🧠 Her take on the country’s mental health crisis and the erosion of public dialogue
🙏 The role of faith in decision-making when the stakes are life or death
🚔 What it means to “run toward” danger and hold power with honor
🗳 Why she ran for sheriff, and what kept her up at night about who might take the role
🌪 Lessons from Surfside, hurricanes, and prepping for G20, FIFA, and global events
👩👧 Advice for young women in male-dominated careers, and the power of ignoring the noise
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: A Journey from the Dominican Republic to Law Enforcement
02:58 The Calling to Serve: Law Enforcement and Community Impact
05:55 Navigating Fear and Decision-Making in Law Enforcement
09:04 The Weight of Responsibility: Stories from a Homicide Detective
12:01 Mental Health and Societal Polarization: A Law Enforcement Perspective
15:02 Leadership in Crisis: The Role of Sheriff in FEMA
18:02 Preparing for Major Events: The Challenge of Public Safety
21:04 Gratitude and Family: The Foundation of Success
24:06 Empowering Women: A Message from Sheriff Rosie
Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
As a father of eleven and an entrepreneur leading multiple ventures, I get asked all the time: “How do you balance it all?” The truth? It’s not perfect, but it’s deeply rewarding.
In this episode, I share the mindset shifts, daily habits, and core values that help me show up fully for both my family and my business.
Here's what you'll learn:
👨👩👧👦 Why parenting and leadership mirror each other
🧘♂️ How presence, not control, is the key to growth
💬 The exact way I empower my kids and my team to take ownership
🧠 Why empathy is my greatest tool in business and life
📉 Why micromanagement never works long term
📅 How I use daily prioritization to stay focused on what really matters
⚡ Why I actually thrive in chaos—and how you can too
🔁 How I build trust with consistency, not perfection
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
What does it really take to lead through uncertainty, and turn life’s disruptions into momentum?
For Dr. Patrick Leddin, author, professor at Vanderbilt, former U.S. Army Ranger, and co‑author (with James Patterson) of Disrupt Everything, it started with a simple question: “Are you living a good life?” From elite military jumps to boardrooms and classrooms, Patrick maps how purpose, relationships, and the right roles help leaders navigate chaos and create impact. We unpacks the research behind “positive disruptors,” the five roles leaders can choose in any moment, and the practical moves that keep teams calm, clear, and effective when stakes are high.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🔥 How to find your “fire inside” (purpose) and choose the right role for the moment
🧭 The five roles of positive disruptors, and when to switch between them
🤝 Why relationships create headwinds or tailwinds (and how to reshape them)
🧪 27 “positive disruptor moves,” including the power of “check your receipts”
🛑 A 3‑step calm formula from FranklinCovey: Pause → Clarify → Decide
🧩 How to build teams where diverse behaviors add up to resilience
🎯 Back‑of‑the‑envelope clarity: asking for more, setting odds, and executing
🪂 Military lessons for business: prepare, then adapt, improvise, and overcome
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Purpose
03:03 The Journey of Writing 'Disrupt Everything'
05:57 Key Takeaways from 'Disrupt Everything'
08:46 Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership
12:02 Practical Tools for Clarity and Decision Making
14:54 Lessons from Military Experience
18:00 The Importance of Relationships in Leadership
20:56 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
23:57 Gratitude and Reflection on Life's Journey
26:48 Conclusion and Call to Action
Guest Links:
Follow Patrick: https://patrickleddin.com/
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
Real estate can be one of the best wealth-building tools—but it will also humble you fast.
I break down the biggest real estate mistakes I’ve made (and seen others make) so you can avoid them. From falling in love with a deal to ignoring the market cycle, these lessons cost me time, money, and stress—but they’ll save you from making the same errors.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why emotions can kill a deal (and why numbers never lie)
- The importance of budgeting for hidden costs, theft & CapEx
- How to navigate market cycles and rising interest rates
- Why real estate is a team sport (and how to build the right one)
- The difference between chasing short-term wins vs. long-term wealth
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
What separates the best from the rest? How do elite athletes, top entrepreneurs, and high performers think differently about work, failure, and health?
Dr. Andy Galpin, PhD in Muscle Physiology, uncovers the science of human performance and longevity. From his humble beginnings in rural America to coaching world-class athletes and exploring the future of AI in health, Andy shares his insights on resilience, focus, and optimizing the body and mind.
On this episode of Common Denominator, we explore:
-The “performance anchors” that determine your results at any age
-How elite performers balance skill, toughness, and focus
-The truth about chronic disease, lifestyle, and sleep in modern society
-What AI is really doing for health and where the future is headed
-Lessons from failure, competition, and the value of hard work
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction: The Journey to Elite Performance
08:45 Understanding Resilience and Sacrifice
16:13 Health Focus for the 40-Something Male
19:49 The State of Health in Society
25:49 The Role of AI in Health
32:36 Gratitude and Reflection on Success
➡️ Like this episode? Leave a review here: RateThisPodcast.com/commondenominator
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
Ever feel like you’re just paying rent…to the government? That’s exactly how property taxes can feel, but they don’t have to work against you.
In today’s episode, I break down everything you need to know about property taxes, why they matter, and how real estate can actually help you keep more of your money.
I dive into the frustrations of skyrocketing property taxes, inefficiencies in government spending, and why accountability matters. I reveal how strategic real estate moves—like depreciation, bonus accelerated depreciation, and 1031 exchanges—can protect your income, grow your wealth, and turn those “tax payments” into a tool for long-term financial freedom.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why property taxes feel like renting from the government
- How your taxes fund communities—and where the system falls short
- Smart ways Florida could use tourism to ease the burden on residents
- Real estate tax strategies that keep more money in your pocket
- How to grow wealth over time while legally minimizing taxes
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
What does it really take to turn grief into purpose, and build a life anchored in giving, creativity, and real human connection
For Sarah Akiba, celebrity stylist and founder of the nonprofit “Angel Watching Over Me,” it started with loss. After her father passed away, she built community through support groups, opened safe spaces for girls in public schools, and launched multiple ventures—all rooted in service and soul
In this episode of Common Denominator, we unpack how grief became Sarah’s superpower, how she balances creativity with entrepreneurship, and why alignment, not aesthetics, is what truly connects people.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
💔 How personal tragedy sparked a movement of healing and service
👗 What working closely with Latin music’s biggest stars revealed about fame, trust, and humanity
💡 How to build businesses from a giving, not taking, perspective
☕ Why she’s opening a coffee shop to bring people back to real life connection
🧘♀️ The power of intention, journaling, and walking away from performative hustle
🎯 Why success starts with self-alignment, not comparison
📱 Her rule for using social media without letting it use you
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro: The Power of Giving Back
02:02 Journey into Celebrity Styling
06:02 The Human Side of Artists
11:04 Navigating Trust and Connection
15:03 The Birth of a Nonprofit
20:02 Finding Purpose in Business
24:45 Gratitude and Well-Being
28:42 Consistency and Heart in Entrepreneurship
Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/soakiba/
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
How to Build Wealth Through Real Estate | Financial Freedom & Generational Wealth
Most people chase quick money—but true financial freedom comes from owning assets. I explain why real estate is the #1 path to building long-term wealth and how you can get started today, even without millions in the bank.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Why 70% of worldwide wealth is in real estate
- How property ownership protects you from inflation
- Tax advantages like refinancing, depreciation, and trusts
- Simple ways to start investing (duplexes, FHA loans, house hacking)
- How to think long-term and avoid getting stuck on the sidelines
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
If you found this helpful, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Common Denominator Podcast!
What does it really take to build a business from nothing and design a life you love?
For Emily Frisella, founder of The Paper & Plan Co., it started on a farm. She bought her first house at 19, launched a brick-and-mortar business at 20, and turned early failure into fuel for long-term success. Today, she leads multiple brands with relentless execution, discipline, and heart.
In this episode of Common Denominator, we unpack how resilience, reverse-engineered goals, and paper planning helped Emily go from a $42 bank balance to a thriving entrepreneurial life she loves.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
🌾 How growing up on a farm built discipline, resourcefulness, and work ethic
📉 The cash flow crisis that nearly broke her, and the hustle that changed everything
🧠 Why successful entrepreneurs still use pen and paper to set and stick to big goals
📈 How to diversify your business without losing focus
👩💼 Why women excel in executive roles that require detail and emotional intelligence
🤝 How to build relationship capital that isn’t transactional
🧒 The tools she’s created to help kids learn financial literacy, without screen time
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
Timestamps:
00:00 The Journey Begins: Early Lessons in Entrepreneurship
02:57 Building a Business: The First Steps
05:56 Facing Challenges: The Reality of Entrepreneurship
08:55 The Importance of Adaptability and Resourcefulness
11:56 Diversification: Balancing Multiple Ventures
14:57 Scaling and Forecasting: Strategic Business Growth
17:39 The Power of Goal Setting and Visualization
20:42 Building Genuine Relationships in Business
24:07 Empowering Women in Business
26:51 Giving Back: The Importance of Community Engagement
29:50 Reflections on Success and Gratitude
Guest Links:
Follow Emily: https://www.instagram.com/emilyfrisella/?hl=en
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
➡️ Like this episode? Leave a review here: RateThisPodcast.com/commondenominator
What happens after you sell your company for $500 million?
For Yosef Martin, founder of BoxyCharm, the exit was just the beginning. After scaling one of the fastest-growing beauty subscription brands in the world, he found himself facing a different challenge—reinventing his identity, finding purpose, and building a life beyond business.
I sat down with Yosef to unpack the mindset, momentum, and discipline behind his $500M journey—and what it really takes to grow something big, walk away, and start again with even more clarity.
In this episode of Common Denominator, I unpack:
- How BoxyCharm scaled to 1M+ subscribers and beat legacy giants
- The mindset shifts Yosef made going from founder to post-exit
- The tactical playbook behind his $500M growth strategy
- Why he’s now betting on peptides, biohacking, and human optimization
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
02:00 The Journey Begins: From Israel to Entrepreneurship
03:01 Building BoxyCharm: The Subscription Box Revolution
06:04 Navigating Challenges: The Rollercoaster of Business Growth
09:09 The Exit: Selling BoxyCharm and Life After
11:59 The Next Chapter: Biohacking and New Ventures
14:59 Investing in Startups: What to Look For
17:48 Gratitude and Reflection: Lessons Learned
Follow Yosef: https://www.instagram.com/yflmartin/?hl=en
Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
What does it take to rebuild your life when you’ve lost everything?
At just 21, Shawn Balva went from top football prospect to facing 40 years in prison. But prison didn’t break him, it built him. In solitary confinement, he found faith. In structure, he found purpose. And through it all, he transformed from inmate to mentor.
I sat down with Shawn to unpack how pain, discipline, and spiritual conviction reshaped his identity, and how he’s now helping others find redemption in their own story.
In this episode of Common Denominator, I unpack:
🙏 The first prayer that sparked Shawn’s spiritual awakening
💥 What prison taught him about leadership, identity, and mindset
🧠 Why true change starts with structure and self-respect
📚 How he turned isolation into authorship and impact
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
Guest Links:
Follow Shawn: https://www.instagram.com/shawnbalva/
Buy his book Conviction: https://www.shawnbalva.com/online-store
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: From Promising Athlete to Incarceration
03:06 The Downward Spiral: Addiction and Crime
05:49 The Arrest: A Turning Point
08:55 Life in Prison: A Journey of Transformation
11:43 Finding Faith and Purpose Behind Bars
14:53 Lessons from Solitary Confinement
17:47 Life After Prison: Rebuilding and Giving Back
20:52 The Power of Mentorship and Community
23:45 Writing 'Conviction': Sharing My Story
27:02 Gratitude for the Journey
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: @mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
What if your stress, posture, and productivity all came down to how you sit, breathe, and move, moment to moment?
Turns out, peak performance isn’t built in the gym. It’s built in your living room, your office chair, your breath.
I sat down with Aaron Alexander, creator of The Align Method and movement coach to elite performers like Aaron Rodgers, Usher, and Lance Armstrong. Aaron shares how posture, breathwork, and environment design are the overlooked keys to reducing stress, improving focus, and leading with clarity — without burnout.
In this episode of Common Denominator, I unpack:
- How Aaron can use posture and body language to shift hormones, confidence, and clarity
- The breathwork routine Aaron teaches high performers to calm anxiety fast
- Simple mobility habits that can fit into your day without hitting the gym
- Environment tweaks that make any home or office a performance tool
Like this episode? Leave a review here: https://ratethispodcast.com/commondenominator
Guest Links:
Follow Aaron: https://www.instagram.com/aaronalexander/
The Align Podcast: https://www.alignpodcast.com/
Timestamps:
🎙 Common Denominator Podcast
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
X: https://www.twitter.com/MPopack
Newsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
➡️Like this episode? Leave a review here: RateThisPodcast.com/commondenominator
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Think you’ve mastered success in business, creativity, or life? You might be overlooking the one trait that changes everything.
Russ Ruffino, a business coach, high-ticket strategist, and transformational leader who’s helped over 5,000 coaches and experts generate more than $100 million, reveals why empathy is the ultimate entrepreneurial edge.
On this episode of Common Denominator, I explore how empathy transforms marketing, drives better client results, reframes challenges into opportunities, and fuels lasting growth through gratitude and abundance.
➡️Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:35 The Impact of AI on Film and Acting
05:36 Lessons from Bartending: Understanding Human Behavior
08:24 Empathy in Marketing: Connecting with Your Audience
12:03 The Importance of Life Experience in Coaching
15:21 The Moral Obligation of Coaches
18:48 Strategies for Attracting Clients to Live Events
21:05 Capturing Attention in a Crowded Market
25:58 Gratitude and Success in Business
➡️Show Links:
Website: https://russruffino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/russruffino/?hl=en
Website: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mpopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopack
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopack
X: https://www.twitter.com/MPopack
With CPG brand saturation booming—especially in snacks, wellness, and plant-based products—building a standout brand has never been tougher. So how do you cut through the noise and build a business that truly thrives?
Erica Groussman, founder and CEO of TRUBAR—the plant-based protein bar brand redefining the snack aisle with clean ingredients and a mission-driven approach—opens up about the real journey behind building a CPG brand from scratch. From decoding food labels to landing shelf space at Whole Foods, she shares the unglamorous, unfiltered side of entrepreneurship.
Erica reveals how grit, gratitude, and grassroots hustle helped TRUBAR break through a saturated market—and why staying composed in the face of rejection has become one of her greatest strengths as a founder.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Building a brand around clean, transparent ingredients can be a powerful differentiator in the crowded CPG space.
- Educating consumers—especially around label literacy—can strengthen brand trust and loyalty.
- Every founder faces skepticism and rejection; resilience and persistence are essential to getting past the “no’s.”
- High-performing entrepreneurs share a relentless, resourceful mindset and a bias toward action.
- Strategic relationship-building and strong industry networks are critical drivers of long-term business growth.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
02:47 Understanding Clean Ingredients and Their Importance
06:52 The Journey of a Founder: From Idea to Reality
10:41 Marketing Strategies: Getting TRUBAR into Consumers' Hands
14:47 Scaling Up: Achievements and Future Aspirations
18:40 The Founder’s Superpower and Gratitude in Business
🎙 Common Denominator PodcastWebsite: https://moshepopack.com/podcast/YouTube: @mpopackInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpopackFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoshePopackNewsletter: https://moshepopack.com/newsletter/
“College-football playbooks weren’t half as tough as the leadership drills Marc Nudelberg just put me through.”
Former Division-I coach-turned-performance strategist Marc Nudelberg sat across from me and proved that the grit it takes to build championship teams on Saturday is the exact same grit businesses need at 7 a.m. Monday. From becoming the NCAA’s youngest coordinator at 26, to re-engineering sales cultures with his firm On The Ball, Marc has turned the locker-room 1% rule, get a little better every day, into a bottom-line growth engine that works long after the stadium lights go out.
Marc explains why discipline beats talent once you hit the pros, how to reverse-engineer giant goals into today’s non-negotiable behaviors, and the boundary system he uses to protect his three priorities: self-care, family, and the business.
💡 In this episode, we dive into:
✅ The real 1% rule: translating Tuesday’s invisible reps into Saturday’s visible wins
✅ Preparation • Personalization • Persistence: Marc’s 3-P framework for recession-proof business development
✅ Warren Buffett’s 5/25 filter, and why your to-do list probably needs a shredder
✅ Failure as fuel: what getting fired taught Marc about owning outcomes he didn’t cause
✅ Time blocking like a coach: turning 20 NCAA hours into a masterclass on modern time management
Marc also shares the mindset hack that detaches action from emotion (“Feel tired, run anyway”), reveals how to turn no-pay grunt work into career-defining opportunities, and reminds every leader that caring enough to tell the hard truth is still the ultimate competitive advantage.
Follow along on social media:
Website: https://moshepopack.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/MPopack
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/MPopack
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@mpopack
Subscribe to the Common Denominator podcast on audio:
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/common-denominator/id1565857789
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/49iQi2FZsIYdzZEs0HwM70?si=155631409c70417c
Timestamps:
00:00 Control What You Can Control
02:42 The 1% Philosophy in Leadership
05:49 Goal Setting and Daily Behaviors
08:46 Time Management and Prioritization
11:57 Discipline and Consistency in Performance
14:45 Learning from Failure
20:54 The Importance of Emotional Awareness
23:52 Creating Value Through Hard Work
28:04 On the Ball: Coaching for Improvement
29:52 The Common Denominator of Great Leaders
