This week, Mike welcomes renowned landscape designer Steve Griggs, who shares incredible insights from his over 40 years of experience transforming outdoor spaces into luxurious sanctuaries. They discuss Steve's hands-on approach, his willingness to get 'dirty,' and the importance of earning respect from his team.

Highlighting his achievements, including receiving the Inc. 5000 award twice and appearing on 'Backyard Envy' and 'Good Morning La La Land,' Steve underscores the importance of authenticity and staying true to your roots regardless of your calling in life.

🔥IN THIS EPISODE:
➡️Steve's Journey and Approach to Landscape Design

➡️Memorable Projects and Challenges

➡️Balancing Business and Family

➡️Insights on Building a Trustworthy Team

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:
Listeners will hear unique insights from Steve’s book, Straight Dirt: New York City's Premier Landscape Designer Tells it Like it Is

🚀 PERFECT FOR:
Aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, lovers of landscaping, and anyone ready to turn life experiences into real impact.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Straight Dirt Book

Power Players with Grant Cardone

Connect with Steve:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

Book

Connect with Mike:

Linktree

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

This week, Mike reconnects with Michael Anthony, the author of 'Life is Dope'. Michael shares his riveting story of survival and resilience, from narrowly escaping death in a drive-by shooting to overcoming various forms of abuse.

Michael discusses the importance of flipping perspectives, taking ownership of your life, and defining true success. He emphasizes the power of language, the importance of consistent action, and the significance of designing a life worth living— one you won’t want to take a vacation from!

This episode is a masterclass in perseverance and the transformative journey toward personal greatness.

🔥IN THIS EPISODE:

➡️Reflections on surviving a drive-by shooting

➡️The importance of having no regrets

➡️Unlocking the power of persistence

➡️Lessons on the impact of impostor syndrome

➡️Practical steps for realizing your potential

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:

Michael unpacks many invaluable lessons from his book ' Life is Dope'.

🚀 PERFECT FOR:

Aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, individuals struggling with trauma, and anyone ready to turn life experiences into real impact.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

$0.99 Deal on The Kindle Version of Michael’s Book

Connect with Michael:

Website

Instagram

Michael Anthony TV YouTube

Signs Sights Sounds YouTube

Book

Connect with Mike:

Linktree

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

This week, Mike sits down with Laura G. Patac, founder of Empower Quest and author of Stories with Purpose — a storytelling coach on a mission to turn overwhelm into overachievement.

Once a globe-trotting corporate exec, Laura shares how she traded boardrooms for books and discovered the power of personal narrative. Together, Laura and Mike explore how storytelling, leadership, and emotional intelligence go hand in hand — especially in business and life.

🔥IN THIS EPISODE:

➡️Why your story is your superpower

➡️How to connect with purpose in every interaction

➡️Overcoming the fear of “putting yourself out there”

➡️Lessons from 7 countries and 5 continents

➡️How writing your story can unlock personal and professional growth

📘 BONUS TAKEAWAY:

Hear how Laura’s book Stories with Purpose is helping others find clarity, confidence, and connection — one story at a time.

🚀 PERFECT FOR:

Aspiring entrepreneurs, leaders, and anyone ready to turn life experience into impact.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Stories With Purpose: Your Story Has Purpose Too

Connect with Laura & Empower Quest:

Website

LinkedIn

YouTube

Book

Connect with Mike:

📲 Linktree

SPONSORS:

🦎 Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

🎧 Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

🎥 Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

This week, Mike welcomes generational entrepreneur, franchise expert, and author of Hiding in Plain View, Marcel Clarke, to share his incredible journey from humble beginnings in Philadelphia to achieving remarkable success in multiple arenas. Marcel discusses the challenges he faced, including growing up in a rough neighborhood and navigating the world of entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of having a resilient mindset, taking responsibility for one's decisions, and the value of education.

Marcel also talks about his transition from a commercial cleaning franchise to owning his own business, and his latest venture as a multi-unit operator of Marco’s Pizza. He highlights the significance of generational wealth and teaching his children the value of entrepreneurship. This inspiring conversation provides valuable insights and lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of perseverance, focus, and faith.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Founder

Hiding in Plain View

Connect with Marcel:

Website

Book

LinkedIn

Instagram

Marco’s Pizza

Podcast

Connect with Mike:

Linktree

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Produced by: Social Chameleon

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

This week, Mike welcomes Ryan Chute, AKA the Wizard of Ads, a consulting agency helping ambitious Residential Home Service Contractors and Professional Service Companies 4-10X their revenue profitably with brand-forward sales and marketing solutions. Together, they discuss resilience, entrepreneurship, and the power of overcoming adversity. Ryan explores his journey from a high school dropout to a leading sales and marketing expert, and explores the importance of leveraging your weaknesses as strengths. The conversation unpacks pivotal career moments, the intersection of sales and marketing, and the essence of creating a frictionless and trustworthy brand experience.

Ryan shares his insights on how to transform challenges such as ADHD into unique advantages, emphasizing that the traits that make you different can also be your greatest strengths. He highlights the importance of empathy, active listening, and building trust in sales and negotiations.

This episode is packed with valuable lessons on grit, determination, and the transformative power of self-belief.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Hero Documentary on Amazon Prime

My Hair Went on Vacation

Grant Cardone

How to Win Friends & Influence People 

The Selling Bible: For People in the Business of Selling

No Thanks, I'm Just Looking: Sales Techniques for Turning Shoppers into Buyers

The Straight Dope on Dirty Sales: A Wiseguy’s Guide to the Scams, Cons, and Sleaze of Unethical Selling

Connect with Ryan:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

YouTube

TikTok

Connect with Mike:

Linktree

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

Produced by: Social Chameleon

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

This week, Mike sits down with Jay Owen, CEO of Business Builders and a seasoned entrepreneur who kickstarted his marketing agency at 17. Jay relays his journey from early entrepreneurship to achieving top-tier status in the digital marketing world, highlighting essential lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the transformative power of AI in business. He also delves into the importance of clear, customer-focused messaging as advocated in Donald Miller's 'Building a StoryBrand,' explaining how these principles have significantly contributed to his company's success.

Jay shares personal anecdotes about balancing a demanding entrepreneurial career with family life, including effective communication and boundary-setting strategies. Listeners can expect to gain valuable insights into persevering through business challenges, leveraging cutting-edge tools, and maintaining a harmonious work-life balance. This episode is a treasure trove for current and aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to navigate the complexities of modern business while staying true to their core values.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Business Builders

StoryBrand

Building a StoryBrand Book

Free StoryBrand Course

Free Book

Connect with Jay & Business Builders:

Website

Podcast

LinkedIn

Instagram

Connect with Mike:

Linktree

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

This week, Mike welcomes the author of The Inside-Out Entrepreneur, Mohamed “Mo” F. Ahmed, a seasoned entrepreneur with over two decades of experience in AI and cloud computing. Mo debunks common media myths about entrepreneurship, stressing the importance of a solid mindset and preparation. He delves into the evolution of AI, its rapid growth, and wide-ranging impact on various industries, emphasizing how AI is revolutionizing the landscape by making processes faster and more cost-effective. Mo also discusses the misconceptions about AI's capabilities, clarifying its role as a tool to enhance human creativity and decision-making rather than replacing it entirely. Through real-world examples, he illustrates how AI can aid in marketing, sales, and customer experience, providing valuable insights for entrepreneurs looking to leverage technology in their businesses.

Mo’s experience in helping companies successfully exit comes to the forefront as he shares the foundational elements necessary for entrepreneurial success. He underscores the importance of focusing on building a business rather than just a product, encouraging entrepreneurs to understand the fundamentals of sales, marketing, and customer engagement. With a keen eye on the future, Mo predicts a surge in startups and innovative solutions as AI continues to evolve. The conversation wraps up with advice on maintaining mental health and a balanced lifestyle, crucial for anyone embarking on the challenging yet rewarding journey of entrepreneurship.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

The Inside-Out Entrepreneur: Become the Entrepreneur You Were Born to Be

ChatGPT

Monica

Connect with Mohamed:

LinkedIn

Instagram

X

Connect with Mike:

Linktree

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us

In this heartfelt episode, Mike sits down with Jeremy Joerger, a decorated U.S. Army veteran and former federal special agent turned author and entrepreneur, to discuss his multifaceted journey. Jeremy opens up about his career shifts from high-stakes government roles to founding one of Florida's fastest-growing breweries, and the eventual failures that led him down a path of introspection. Jeremy shares personal stories, including the discipline and rigor of his military and special agent days, his passion for branding and quality control in his brewery business, and how community engagement was crucial to his success.

Jeremy discusses the challenges of operating a business through the pandemic, dealing with Chapter 11 reorganization, and the hazards of picking unwinnable fights. His candid reflections offer invaluable lessons on resilience, knowing when to walk away, and the importance of staying true to yourself.

This episode also dives into his personal struggles, including divorce and suicidal thoughts, but underscores the unwavering support of his family, especially his mom and children. This conversation is an emotional rollercoaster filled with personal anecdotes, family support, and the critical significance of mental health, making it an inspiring listen for anyone facing adversity.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

Business Shit: Lessons Learned from a Blue Collar CEO

Business Shit: Lessons Learned from a Blue Collar CEO

Connect with Jeremy:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Connect with Mike:

Linktree

SPONSORS:

Social Chameleon | Transform Your Podcast

AFFILIATES:

Libsyn: First Month FREE with Promo Code BEGREAT

Riverside | This interview was recorded on Riverside

Want to become a show sponsor or affiliate? Email mike@socialchameleon.us

Copyright © 2025 Mike’D Up! with Mike DiCioccio | For permission to use this content in any way, please email mike@socialchameleon.us