The Journey

Morgan Latimore grew up in East St. Louis. He served in Afghanistan. He came back not with PTSD — but with a decision to let trauma be a catalyst. This conversation covers the full picture: where Morgan came from, what the Marine Corps actually taught him about discipline, why most people buckle under pressure, and what he means when he says we're all "human doings" instead of human beings. There's a line in here about looking inward first — before fixing your business, your team, or your relationships — that's worth sitting with.Morgan coaches endurance athletes and life clients, but what he actually does is something simpler: he asks why. Not once. Repeatedly. Until the person sitting across from him hears something they've never been asked before.If you're building something — a business, a team, a better version of yourself — and you keep spinning your wheels, this is probably the episode to start with. The answers aren't outside you.They never were. Follow Morgan on Instagram and connect with him through Augusta.🎙️ The Journey Podcast is built for builders, creators, and people in motion. Subscribe for new episodes every week.00:00 Intro01:57 Meet Morgan Latimore: the people's coach04:11 Why you keep looking in the wrong place for answers05:33 What separates high-capacity people from the rest07:05 The emotional pain most coaches never address09:13 Using trauma as fuel, not an anchor14:36 What the Marine Corps actually teaches you17:29 The real definition of discipline20:38 How to diagnose your own lack of discipline22:15 The coaching courtship: curious not judgmental25:53 Owner mindset vs. employee mindset34:04 Human doing vs. human being39:07 The one word that unlocks everything43:12 Turning "why" into a daily practice───────────────────────────── FIND ME EVERYWHERE 📺 YouTube → youtube.com/@thericardovargas 📸 Instagram → instagram.com/ricardovargas174 🎵 TikTok → tiktok.com/@r.vargas174 🐦 Twitter/X → twitter.com/ricardov174 🧵 Threads → threads.net/@ricardovargas174 🎙️ Podcast → The Journey on Apple Podcasts ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Six figures in six months… sounds clean on paper.This episode isn’t the highlight reel — it’s the real timeline: the wins, the mistakes, the pressure, and the discipline it took to keep going.Mark breaks down how he started flipping products on Amazon, what changed when he began treating it like a real business, and the parts nobody warns you about: account risk, IP complaints, margins, and learning (the hard way) to track your numbers. We also get into the deeper stuff — identity, faith, insecurity, the people around you, and what “making it” is actually supposed to feel like.If you’re building from zero, subscribe and follow the journey. More long-form conversations and real breakdowns like this are coming.00:00:00 Intro00:02:08 The Jump: Flipping On Amazon + Big Goals Early00:05:29 Discipline > Motivation: Staying Consistent On Bad Weeks00:10:28 Origin Story: Early Hustles, Dropshipping, Learning To Sell00:15:38 The Amazon Playbook: Sourcing, SellerAmp, Product Research00:20:35 Scaling Up: Wholesale, Approvals, And The Long Game00:32:46 Risk & Reality: IP Complaints, Deactivations, Money Locked Up00:40:21 The Numbers Lesson: High Sales… Negative Profit00:46:05 Work Ethic & Resilience: Toyota Days, Gym Discipline, Staying In The Fight01:09:29 Environment & Identity: Your Circle, Family Pressure, Degree Debate01:30:55 Outro───────────────────────────── FIND ME EVERYWHERE 📺 YouTube → youtube.com/@thericardovargas 📸 Instagram → instagram.com/ricardovargas174 🎵 TikTok → tiktok.com/@r.vargas174 🐦 Twitter/X → twitter.com/ricardov174 🧵 Threads → threads.net/@ricardovargas174 🎙️ Podcast → The Journey on Apple Podcasts ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Every season of your life leaves a mark.Some lift you higher than you ever imagined —and others break you down until all that’s left is the truth.This is a chapter about understanding the rhythm of life.The highs don’t last.The lows don’t last.But the person you become in the middle of all of it… that’s permanent.We grow the most in the quiet moments —the boring victories no one sees,the days we show up even when we don’t feel like it,the nights we try again despite not believing in ourselves.And when you look back, you realize the struggle wasn’t punishment.It was the preparation.If you’re in a season that feels heavy, slow, confusing, or unfair…just remember: the season always turns.It always has.It always will.And when it does, you’ll look back and see that this was the moment that shaped you.00:00 Nothing Lasts Forever04:52 The Quiet Victories09:10 The Emotional Weight of Growth13:36 The Beauty of Looking Back───────────────────────────── FIND ME EVERYWHERE 📺 YouTube → youtube.com/@thericardovargas 📸 Instagram → instagram.com/ricardovargas174 🎵 TikTok → tiktok.com/@r.vargas174 🐦 Twitter/X → twitter.com/ricardov174 🧵 Threads → threads.net/@ricardovargas174 🎙️ Podcast → The Journey on Apple Podcasts ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Most people talk about winning.This conversation is about the cost of trying to win too fast — and what it takes to build a life that can actually hold the weight of the business.In this episode of The Journey, Ricardo sits down with Caleb for a raw, practical talk that moves from the realities of scaling a lawn care/home service business (systems, hiring, leadership, money) into the parts nobody wants to admit out loud: relationship standards, emotional discipline, and the seasons where you feel “locked in”… but you’re actually breaking your foundation.If you’re a builder, creator, entrepreneur — or a man trying to grow without losing yourself — this one is a watch-to-the-end episode. Subscribe for more long-form conversations like this, and keep following The Journey.00:00:00 Intro00:01:53 Meeting Caleb00:09:59 The Locked In Trap00:29:53 You Can't Skip The Foundation00:36:02 The Laundry Basket Test00:45:54 Stop Tolerating Low Standards00:56:09 The Weekly Test01:01:56 Write It Down01:11:53 The 3-Part Relationship Filter01:17:57 Your standards At Home Show Up At Work01:23:53 Separating Your Life From Business01:31:58 Every Business Becomes A People Management Company01:39:57 Flashy Goals Vs Real Authority01:47:55 Documenting The Grind───────────────────────────── FIND ME EVERYWHERE 📺 YouTube → youtube.com/@thericardovargas 📸 Instagram → instagram.com/ricardovargas174 🎵 TikTok → tiktok.com/@r.vargas174 🐦 Twitter/X → twitter.com/ricardov174 🧵 Threads → threads.net/@ricardovargas174 🎙️ Podcast → The Journey on Apple Podcasts ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Most people think the hard part is getting clients.The harder part is keeping trust—especially when you leave town, the phone won’t stop ringing, and your business starts exposing every crack in your life.In this episode, Parker Charles Hodge and I talk through what it actually looks like to build a lawn care/landscaping business in real life: the seasons that blindside you, the marketing mistakes you only make once, and the moment you realize growth doesn’t just require more work—it requires better leadership.We get into door hanger marketing, “Mulch Madness,” hiring and training crews, the difference between training vs micromanaging, and what burnout feels like when you push past your personal capacity.Then we take it where most business conversations don’t: marriage, compromise, communication, and what it costs when entrepreneurship starts taking your weekends. If you’re building a service business, chasing excellence, or trying to become the kind of man who can carry more without losing himself—this one is for you.Watch to the end for the leadership and “long game” lesson that reframes what dedication really looks like. Subscribe if you’re following the journey, and check the channel for more long-form conversations on business, discipline, and growth.00:00 Intro01:22 The Episode That Almost Didn’t Happen03:38 Competitors As Allies10:43 Mulch Madness14:05 Door hangers & $20K Months16:21 Training Is Culture23:35 Business Reflects You30:05 Compromise & Boundaries39:43 Leading From the Front───────────────────────────── FIND ME EVERYWHERE 📺 YouTube → youtube.com/@thericardovargas 📸 Instagram → instagram.com/ricardovargas174 🎵 TikTok → tiktok.com/@r.vargas174 🐦 Twitter/X → twitter.com/ricardov174 🧵 Threads → threads.net/@ricardovargas174 🎙️ Podcast → The Journey on Apple Podcasts ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

This episode is a deep conversation with Bristol about mastery, discipline, and what it really takes to build a career — and a life — you’re proud of.From falling in love with the craft, to hitting ceilings, to teaching others how to level up, this isn’t a highlight-reel conversation. It’s about the slow, earned process of becoming undeniable.We talk about:• Mastery before money• Discipline over motivation• Teaching others without ego• Loneliness at higher levels• Confidence built through repetition• Identity, self-trust, and responsibilityIf you’re a barber, creator, entrepreneur, or anyone trying to turn skill into something lasting — this episode will hit close to home. Nothing here is rushed. Nothing here is fake. Everything here is earned.Links:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

Every man has a season that happens in silence.A season with no applause, no validation, no audience.A season where the world gets quiet enough for you to hear your own doubts… and your own potential.The Lonely Chapter is where transformation begins.You’re not who you used to be, but you’re not who you’re becoming either —you’re suspended in the middle, building a life no one sees yet.It’s the early mornings, the empty rooms, the internal battles.It’s the grind that doesn’t show up online.It’s the chapter you must survive alone…so you can emerge as someone new.This is the price of entry.And this chapter is where you pay it.Links:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

Michael Bekele returns for a deep, unfiltered conversation about growth, discipline, pressure, and the responsibility that comes with becoming more than you used to be.This episode isn’t about hype or shortcuts.It’s about what happens after ambition, when motivation fades and the weight of consistency sets in.We talk about: • The pressure of growth • Discipline over motivation • Loneliness at higher levels • Identity, ego, and self-trust • The real cost of mastery • And why most people quit right before things compoundIf you’re building something, becoming someone, or carrying more responsibility than you ever have before — this conversation will hit.Nothing here is theory.Everything here is earned.00:00:00 Intro00:01:24 Re-Entering The Arena00:08:50 Early Ambition & Naivety00:18:45 The First Real Weight00:29:40 Discipline Over Emotion00:40:10 Loneliness At The Next Level00:51:00 Identity, Ego, & Self Trust01:01:30 The Cost Of Mastery01:11:55 Perspective That Only Comes With Time01:22:10 What Comes NextYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

There are seasons in a man’s life that don’t make it onto a calendar.No dates. No celebrations. No applause.Just quiet work, silent battles, and a version of you nobody else ever meets.This video is the beginning of that journey.We start with The Lonely Chapter —the season where nothing feels certain,where you’re stuck between who you used to beand who you’re desperately trying to become.The grind is invisible. The progress is slow.But this is the price of entry for any man who wants to grow.Then we move into The Mirror Stage,where you finally see yourself without filters, excuses, or validation.This is where the truth catches up to you —your insecurities, your motives, your ego.It’s uncomfortable, but necessary.From there, The Season Always Turns.The highs and lows come and go,and you learn that nothing — good or bad — lasts forever.The struggle that once felt heavyslowly becomes something beautiful in hindsight.And finally, we reach The Weight of Wanting —the chapter where ambition stops being a fantasyand becomes a responsibility.You start to understand the cost of chasing big goals,the sacrifices behind masteryand the difference between wanting “more”…and appreciating “enough.”This video is the intro to all of it.A story of growth, loss, clarity, evolution, and becoming.Every version of you had to die so the next one could live.And it all starts here…The Lonely Chapter.Links:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

Everyone throws the word “discipline” around like it’s easy.Like it’s simple.Like it’s just “showing up.”But in this video, I’m breaking down the real side of discipline — the part nobody posts on Instagram.This is the kind of discipline that’s built at 5AM, when the bed is warm and the world is quiet.The kind that shows up in business when the day goes wrong, clients cancel, stress piles up, and quitting feels easier than starting.The kind that doesn’t look glamorous or motivational… but changes who you are.In this episode, I talk about:🔥 The first time discipline actually showed up in my lifeNot when I was motivated — but when I wasn’t.🔥 The real difference between motivation and disciplineWhy one fades and the other becomes identity.🔥 My weak spots and the battles I still faceBecause discipline isn’t perfection — it’s awareness.🔥 What it feels like when you enter flow state and stop relying on motivationThat moment when your identity takes over.🔥 The price you pay when you lose disciplineMissed momentum, broken promises, and rebuilding trust with yourself.🔥 The peace that discipline gives youNot success, not fame — peace.🔥 The storm analogyWhy discipline is like driving through a thunderstorm…and why pushing through the worst parts is what makes you unshakable on the other side.This isn’t a hype-up speech.It’s not a tutorial.It’s a conversation — raw, honest, earned.If you’ve ever struggled with consistency, burnout, self-doubt, or losing momentum… this one is going to hit home.

Fifty episodes. Most creators don’t make it past twenty-one… but I pushed through that wall on purpose. Not to brag, but to prove to myself that this podcast isn’t a phase — it’s something I love, something I’m committed to, and something I’m still getting better at every single time I hit record.Over these 50 episodes, I’ve met 19 guests — all from different backgrounds, different levels of success, different battles. But they all share one thing:A desire to be better.Not one of them was “comfortable” with where they were. And that’s the part that inspires me the most. No matter how big or small the win, they wanted more — so they did the work.This video is a reflection on:The lessons I’ve learned from these conversationsThe golden nuggets you find even in episodes you don’t expectHow listening has made me a better thinker, a better question-asker, and honestly… a better personWhy staying open-minded is one of the most underrated skills for entrepreneursWhat 50 episodes has taught me about storytelling, growth, and the grindI’m nowhere near being a “master conversationalist,” but this journey has shown me that I don’t have to be — I just have to keep going.To every guest who has sat across from me: you guys rock. And to everyone watching… we’re just getting started.Links:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

This one’s personal.No fancy edits, no gimmicks — just lessons and frameworks that shaped me.🔹 A lot of people wait for perfect conditions to start, not realizing that starting is the perfect condition.🔹 If you live in the future, you’re anxious. If you live in the past, you’re depressed. If you live in the now, you’re happy.🔹 Life is like the gym — there’s always someone ahead of you and someone who’d kill to be where you are.🔹 Trees don’t hang around in the grass even though they both started on bare dirt.🔹 You don’t rise to your standards when no one’s watching — you fall to them. The real work is the work no one sees.🔹 The difference is I can starve for as long as it takes, because I won’t settle for fast food.🔹 God will never let what you lost be the best you ever had.Then there’s escape velocity — that moment when everything clicks after years of pressure, doubt, and failure.People call it “overnight success.” But it’s really the reward for everything you endured when no one was clapping.This video is a reflection, a reminder, and a conversation — from me to you.Because chasing success isn’t the goal. Becoming who you’re meant to be is.—🎙️ Subscribe for more raw thoughts, frameworks, and stories on business, mindset, and life.#TheRicardoVargas #Mindset #Entrepreneurship #Growth #Lessons #Motivation #MowBlowGo #thejourney Links:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

At just 18 years old, Bryson Turner has built what most people spend a lifetime chasing — a $500,000 business in just 2 years. 💰In this episode, we dive deep into his journey from zero to half a million, how he started, the mindset and discipline behind his success, and the lessons every young entrepreneur can learn from his story.We talk about:🔥 How Bryson started his first business at 16💼 Scaling fast while balancing school and life💡 The key habits that separate doers from dreamers📈 What it really takes to grow a blue-collar business in today’s worldIf you’re young, hungry, and chasing success — this one’s for you.🎙️ The Journey — where real entrepreneurs share real stories, lessons, and mistakes on the road to $1M and beyond.Links:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

In this conversation, Jason shares his journey from being a talented young soccer player to navigating injuries that ended his athletic career. He discusses the importance of health and fitness, especially as one ages, and emphasizes the need for building healthy habits early in life. Jason recounts his educational experiences and the entrepreneurial spirit that led him to start a successful sanitation business. He also reflects on his faith journey, which unexpectedly led him to become a pastor. The conversation concludes with insights into the challenges of recycling and the future of sustainable practices. In this conversation, JB and Ricardo Vargas explore the complexities of scaling a business, the importance of customer service, and the challenges of managing people. They discuss the significance of feedback and continuous improvement in business operations, as well as the balance between family life and professional responsibilities. The dialogue also delves into faith, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's beliefs and the essence of true faith anchored in the resurrection. They share practical steps for maintaining faith amidst busy lives and reflect on personal growth through storytelling and current ventures in real estate and media.Jason's Links:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Whatthehelldoiknowjb⁩  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_jason_beckerPodcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-the-hell-do-i-know-w-jb/id1728578858Links:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

In this episode, we sit down with up-and-coming pastor Bruce Jones to talk about faith, scripture, and the true meaning of leadership. 📖Bruce shares his passion for God’s Word and what it looks like to prioritize faith above career, success, and even other important aspects of life. We dive into what it means to be a man of faith, how to lead with strength and humility, and the daily challenges of putting God first in a world full of distractions.This is a conversation for anyone looking to realign their priorities, strengthen their walk with Christ, and step into the role of a true leader.https://www.youtube.com/@UCLB2elyHgxdWZay0zYc9jNA Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848🔥 Scripture. 🙏 Faith. 💪 Manhood.

In this episode, we sit down with Pastor John Arevalo from City Light Church to explore faith, purpose, and what it truly means to be a Christian. 🌟John opens up about his spiritual journey, how his relationship with God shapes his daily life, and why faith is more than just belief—it's a calling. We dive deep into the role of men in today’s world, how to live with integrity, and what leadership looks like through a biblical lens. Whether you're curious about Christianity or looking for a deeper sense of purpose, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.🙏 Faith. 💪 Responsibility. 🔥 Calling.🔔 Subscribe for more transparent business updates, lessons, and real growth stories.https://www.youtube.com/@UCLB2elyHgxdWZay0zYc9jNA Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848

This year didn’t start perfect—and that’s exactly why it’s setting us up for long-term success.In this video, we open up about the real business mistakes we made earlier this year. From strategy slip-ups to operational oversights, we break down where things went wrong, what we learned, and how these hard-earned lessons are reshaping our path forward.If you’re building a business, managing a team, or just trying to avoid the same pitfalls—we’ve got insights you’ll want to hear.🎯 Topics covered: • Missteps that cost us time and money • How we pivoted and improved • Mindset shifts that changed everything • Why failure is sometimes your best teacher🔔 Subscribe for more transparent business updates, lessons, and real growth stories.https://www.youtube.com/@UCLB2elyHgxdWZay0zYc9jNA Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thericardovargasInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ricardovargas174Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@r.vargas174?_t=8lJxUUN4SD5&_r=1Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/ricardov174Threads: https://www.threads.net/@ricardovargas174Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey-from-zero-to-a-million-and-beyond/id1734802848