In this episode, Scott sits down with Danielle Adams—a powerhouse productivity strategist and executive operations expert—on a mission to help overworked entrepreneurs reclaim their time without sacrificing income or impact. If you’ve been feeling stuck, scattered, or burnt out, this conversation offers clarity, structure, and real hope.

✨ What you’ll learn:

• Why hustle fatigue is real—and how to reconnect with your deeper “why” to find fulfillment again
• The difference between rest and escape, and why knowing yourself is the key to recharging
• How to stop being the bottleneck in your business by building systems that run without you
• Why being productive isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what matters most
• What Danielle means by “schedule the life you want,” and how to start doing it today

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If you’re ready to finally scale your business and protect your peace, Danielle has the blueprint.

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) -

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

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Danielle's Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/thedanielleadams
Website - www.divineinsp.com

David Peterson—better known as Coach P—joins Scott to unpack how a Zoom call born out of pandemic necessity exploded into a powerful coaching movement that's reshaped the way agents grow, lead, and connect. In this candid conversation, David reflects on the growth of Coach P, the power of community, and why culture—not commissions—is what drives real results.

🔥 What you’ll learn:

• How a makeshift virtual meeting during COVID became one of the most impactful coaching platforms in the industry
• Why creating a culture of love, trust, and recognition is David’s #1 job as a leader
• How Coach P is using AI, video libraries, and real-time roleplay to build better teams
• Why some agents thrive—and others burn out—even when given the same tools
• How David uses hugs, trips, and leaderboard motivation to build deep, lasting relationships with his people

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Whether you're leading a team, building an agency, or just trying to level up, this episode is a masterclass in leadership with heart.

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(0:55) - How Coach P Started: From COVID Calls to Coaching Movement
(2:35) - Evolution: Building Structure, Incorporating Team Voices, and Using AI
(4:30) - Community, Connection & the Power of the Leaderboard
(7:25) - The Most Fulfilling Moments of the Journey
(8:20) - The Frustration of Wanting Success More Than Others Do
(10:30) - Best Practices for New Members of Coach P
(12:10) - Why Reminders Matter Just as Much as New Ideas
(14:10) - The Real Role of an Agency Owner: Building Culture
(17:00) - Incentives, Life-Changing Trips & Unexpected Gifts
(18:35) - Leadership Through Human Connection and Physical Presence
(22:20) - What Keeps Coach P Motivated to Keep Growing
(24:00) - Why the Work is Never Done in Insurance
(25:20) - Leveling Up: Seeking New Circles That Push You

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

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David Peterson's Links:
Website - https://www.coachpconsulting.com
Business IG - https://www.instagram.com/coach_p_consulting
Personal IG - https://www.instagram.com/savingwithdavid
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CoachPConsulting

In this episode, Scott welcomes property investor, author, and financial coach Nicole Bremner. From Wall Street to real estate riches (and losses), Nicole’s story is packed with honest insights, hard-won wisdom, and a powerful mission to make financial advice accessible for everyone. Whether you're just starting out or scaling your business, this episode offers both strategy and soul.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• Why Nicole walked away from Wall Street—and how she built a £120M property portfolio from scratch
• How the Brexit vote, tax shifts, and market downturns nearly wiped her out—and what she learned from it
• The problem with “all-in” investing, and how her Prosperity Group is helping underserved individuals find financial stability
• Practical tips for building wealth without sacrificing your values or mental health
• Why she believes in spending her wealth while she’s alive, and the delicate balance of parenting with means

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From money to mindset, this is a conversation about building wealth, staying grounded, and redefining what success really means.

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Meet Nicole Bremner

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

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Nicole Bremner's Links:
IG - https://www.instagram.com/nsbremner
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolebremner
Website - https://www.nicolebremner.com

In this emotional and inspiring episode, Scott sits down with Tennyson Jacobson—author, business owner, and survivor—to unpack her deeply personal memoir, The Mother of All Days. Tennyson shares the harrowing story of a violent home invasion that changed her life forever, and the healing journey that followed. This is about more than trauma—it’s about reclaiming identity, building strength, and finding purpose.

🧠 What you’ll learn:

• The shocking true story behind the title of her memoir—and why it’s not the whole story
• Why healing from trauma requires addressing not just the “big T” moments but the small ones too
• How nervous system regulation, therapy, and daily grounding habits transformed her life
• Her evolution from survivor to business owner—and how intuition guides her leadership today
• Why being present, building relationships, and following your inner voice are more powerful than any business tactic

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This conversation is raw, powerful, and beautifully human. Tennyson’s story will move you—and just might help you reconnect with your own purpose too.

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Meet Tennyson Jacobson
(0:40) - Why Self-Promotion Feels So Unnatural—and Why She’s Doing It Anyway
(5:15) - The Day That Changed Everything: A Mother’s Day Home Invasion
(11:00) - A Bad Feeling After First Break In
(13:00) - Later That Night
(20:30) - What Happened Next: Trauma, Charges, and the Legal Aftershock
(23:30) - Why She Wrote The Mother of All Days
(26:00) - Healing from PTSD and Reconnecting with Intuition
(30:00) - From CrossFit to Insurance: A New Chapter in Business
(34:00) - Intuition in Action: Hiring, Referrals, and Building Relationships
(37:00) - What's Next?
(38:00) - Permission to Just Be: Staying Present Amid Life's Chaos
(41:00) - How to Support Your Nervous System (Without Medication)
(44:00) - Final Thoughts on Gratitude, Purpose, and What’s Next

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

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Tennyson Jacobson's Links:
Book - https://www.amazon.com/Mother-All-Days-Break-Unexpected/dp/0997692375
IG - https://www.instagram.com/tennysonjacobson
Website - https://heyitstenny.com

In this solo episode, Scott answers a listener request (shoutout to Ashley Himes!) and dives deep into one of the most underrated growth levers in your business: team meetings. If your meetings feel like a waste of time, this episode will flip that on its head—and give you a blueprint for energizing, efficient, and culture-building gatherings that actually move the needle.

🧠 What you’ll learn:

• How to break the boring meeting mold and design a format your team actually looks forward to
• The “Win the Day” system Scott uses to drive daily accountability and performance without pressure
• Creative ideas like commission swaps, reverse meetings, and compliment carousels to build connection and momentum
• Why peer-led roleplay, gratitude rituals, and emotional intelligence are performance multipliers
• Simple, scalable ways to turn meetings into your agency’s most important culture builder

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Whether your team meets every day or once a week, this episode will help you lead with purpose, consistency, and energy.

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Scott Grates Links:
Referrals Done Right Book - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local 315 - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates

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The Referrals Done Right Podcast is sharing the secrets to creating infinite opportunities to grow your small business. Hosted by Scott Grates. Scott is the co-founder of Insurance Agency Optimization & owner of multiple insurance agencies.

Kari Hargrave is the definition of grit, creativity, and community. From launching a scratch insurance agency in a town with no stoplights to bagging groceries for free just to meet people, Kari’s story is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and doing things differently. In this conversation, Scott and Kari unpack what it really takes to build a business, a brand, and a life you’re proud of—without losing your humanity along the way.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• Why being told “you’ll never make it” was the fuel Kari needed to prove them all wrong
• Creative, grassroots strategies Kari used to grow her agency from zero to one of the most respected in the country
• The marketing rituals and handwritten habits that still matter in a digital world
• Why she started a true crime podcast—and how it led to winning a Webby Award
• How she’s helping other agents win with her new venture, Ringleaders

This episode is full of laughs, lessons, and real talk from one of the most inspiring agents in the game. Don’t miss it!

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Intro
(1:15) - Welcome + Kari’s Energy and Background
(2:15) - Starting an Agency from Scratch (Literally)
(10:30) - Early Hustle: Grocery Bagging and Grassroots Marketing
(12:30) - Serving the Hispanic Community and Building Loyalty
(16:00) - Marketing That Still Works: Handwritten Cards and Schools
(19:15) - Onboarding, Expectations, and Communication Preferences
(23:15) - Working with Younger Generations & Hiring for Hustle
(27:15) - Traits Kari Looks for in New Hires
(31:15) - Launching a True Crime Podcast and Winning a Webby
(35:15) - Starting Ringleaders: A Business Built to Solve a Real Problem
(39:15) - Female Leadership, Customer Experience, and Team Support
(41:15) - Rapid Fire Questions & Final Thoughts

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

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Kari Hargrave's Links:
FB - https://www.facebook.com/KariHargraveAgency
True Texas Crime Pod - https://open.spotify.com/show/0ct7Pu7GIgyWj3IF7y2b6L

In this electrifying episode, host Scott Grates sits down with Coach DJ Carroll—entrepreneur, speaker, and sales psychology expert—to dive deep into the future of small business, sales, and the explosive power of AI. If you're ready to adapt, grow, and lead in the new world, this episode is your playbook.

🚀 What you’ll learn:

• Why artificial intelligence isn’t coming—it’s already here, and how to use it before it leaves you behind
• How DJ uses AI tools to coach his sales team, create content, and dominate operational efficiency
• The mindset shift small business owners must make to thrive in an AI-driven economy
• Why building a personal brand is now more important than ever—and how to separate it from what you sell
• How Carroll Media is helping small businesses weaponize AI and prepare for the next massive shift

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Introduction to DJ Carroll and the AI Deep Dive
(1:00) - The Power of Local Podcasts and Building a Town Square
(3:00) - The Three Waves: Access, Attention, and Artificial Intelligence
(5:00) - Real-Life Examples of Using AI to Solve Everyday Problems
(7:00) - Practical AI Applications in Business and Personal Life
(8:00) - Uploading Your Knowledge Base to Create a Personal AI Bot
(10:00) - Training Sales Teams with AI: The Future of Coaching
(12:00) - How AI Agents Will Reshape the Customer Experience
(14:00) - Will AI Free Us—or Control Us? Exploring Both Futures
(17:00) - Healing, Family, and How AI Might Change Society
(19:00) - How to Build a Personal Brand in a Digital and AI World
(22:00) - The Shift from Social Graphs to Interest Graphs
(25:00) - Why You Must Become an Attractive Brand, Not a Desperate Seller
(28:00) - People Will Still Pay for Human Experiences
(30:00) - The Critical Role of Sales Psychology in the AI Era
(34:00) - The Acceleration of AI Intelligence—and Why Speed Matters
(36:00) - Why Optimism and Adaptability Are Your Biggest Assets
(38:00) - Universal Basic Income and Potential Future Economic Shifts
(40:00) - How Carroll Media and Coach Carroll Are Preparing Businesses for AI
(42:00) - Rapid Fire Questions with DJ Carroll
(44:00) - Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

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DJ Carroll's Links:
Carroll Media - https://www.carroll.media
Coach Carroll - https://www.coachcarroll.com
IG - https://www.instagram.com/dj_carroll
FB - https://www.facebook.com/salescoachdj
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/salescoachdj

In this episode, Scott sits down with Joe Mindak, founder of Nolodex, to challenge everything you think you know about referrals, networking, and monetizing your connections. Joe shares his no-BS approach to building a scalable, win-win referral economy—and how you can cash in on your network too.

🔥 What you’ll learn:

• How to build a new income stream by doing what you're already doing: connecting people
• How Joe made $85K in his first year just by introducing people (yep, really)
• The awkwardness of referral commissions? Gone—with a smart platform to handle the tracking and payouts
• Why he believes BNI and traditional networking groups are leaving mountains of money on the table
• How Nolodex is flipping the referral script and helping everyday connectors become paid professionals

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Episode Markers:
(0:00) - Scott's Introduction
(1:15) - Why Joe Thinks We Should Be Paying for Referrals
(2:00) - How Joe Accidentally Earned $15K on a Referral
(5:10) - Building a Business Around Being a Connector
(5:55) - Removing the Awkwardness from Referral Commissions
(8:40) - How the Nolodex Platform Works
(11:45) - Tracking Referrals and Payment with Automation
(13:00) - The Power of Niche Communities
(17:40) - Why Nolodex Is the Evolution of BNI
(19:30) - Compensating Networkers Fairly
(22:00) - Breaking the 'Givers Gain' Bottleneck
(23:40) - Platform Pricing Breakdown
(26:30) - Ideal Users for Nolodex
(28:40) - Starting a Business Around a Community
(30:30) - Is Nolodex the Next Linkedin?
(32:00) - The Real Reason Most People Struggle With Networking
(34:00) - Keeping Groups Small and Effective
(35:45) - Where to Learn More
(37:00) - Rapid Fire Round
(39:15) - Final Thoughts & Consistency in Sales

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Scott Grates' Links:
Referrals Done Right Book Pre Sales - https://www.referralsdonerightbook.com
Referrals Done Right FB Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/296359076662332
Insurance Agency Optimization - https://www.agencyoptimization.com
Scott Grates Website - https://www.scottgrates.com
Love Living Local - https://www.instagram.com/lovelivinglocal315
Scott's FB - https://www.facebook.com/scott.grates.1
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottgrates
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@scott.grates

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Joe Mindak's Links:
Website - https://www.nolodex.com
Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joemindak