Episode Summary:

In this motivational episode of The Launch Button Podcast, the host dives into the power of saying yes to new experiences by sharing his journey through a High Rocks fitness race in New York. With just two weeks to prepare, he tackles the physical and mental challenge, drawing lessons on endurance, preparation, and business parallels. From fueling, hydration, and wardrobe mishaps to mindset, teamwork, and closing strong, this episode delivers actionable insights that connect athletic grit with entrepreneurial drive.

Key Highlights:

• Do Something for the First Time
• 
  
• Say Yes Before You're Ready
• 
  
• What is High Rocks
• 
  
• Training Takeaways
• 
  
• Fueling and Hydration
• 
  
• Wardrobe and Gear
• 
  
• Teamwork Matters
• 
  
• Control Heart Rate
• 
  
• Practice the Finish
• 
  
• Chunk the Challenge
• 
  
• Finish What You Start
• 
  
• Take Daily Action

About the Host:

Hugh excels at helping entrepreneurs and executives who are on the path to manifesting their dreams - whether they are on the first steps of a launch or a giant leap forward as they level up their business. His podcast is dedicated to helping trustworthy, integral, and heart-centered entrepreneurs connect to the people who need them most.

Hugh Zaretsky, was an IT executive until his wake-up call came on 9/11. Realizing how short life can be, Hugh transitioned his career to become a real estate investor, international speaker, best-selling author, philanthropist, and advocate for empowering individuals. Hugh started investing in the precursor to Short-Term Rentals back in 2005. His expertise in cash-flowing properties (STR, SFH, and multi-family) has allowed him to successfully train over 12,500 real estate investors and entrepreneurs to complete profitable real estate transactions, launch businesses, or take them to the next level.

Hugh has been a certified real estate continuing education instructor in 4 different states. His latest book "The Launch Button" was an Amazon best seller in 4 categories including all of real estate. He recently spoke at the Humanity Summit in Portugal on the global issue of "Sustainable tourism (including STRs) and how to work with local communities". His dedication to mentoring and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs makes Hugh a highly sought-after speaker. Get ready to be inspired and gain invaluable insights from Hugh's wealth of experience.

http://www.HughZaretsky.com

http://www.thelaunchbuttonpodcast.com - Subscribe and get updates, Swag, etc.

Purchase Hugh’s book, The Launch Button here: http://bit.ly/launchbuttonbook

Private Community: http://www.eframily.com - Want to work, train, or get coached by Hugh?

IG - @hughzwealth

FB - @hughzWealth

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Episode #

TLB049

Episode Title

Overcoming PTSD to finding purpose

Publish Date

Clean/Explicit

Known Edit Points

Known Audiogram Point

Social Hashtags

Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode, Dave joins Hugh for a candid and inspiring conversation about overcoming adversity, building businesses with purpose, and staying grounded through personal transformation. They dive into Dave’s journey from military service to entrepreneurship, the mental and physical battles he faced post-service, and how he built a thriving tax business in South Dallas. Dave opens up about his battle with PTSD, the turning point that led to his fitness transformation, and how he's structured his businesses to prioritize family and freedom. The episode wraps with hard-won wisdom on resilience and integrity in the face of betrayal.

Key Highlights:

• Reconnecting over Dave’s biohacking trip and old friends
• The story behind Dave’s provocative “1%” shirt design
• Dave’s 13-year military journey and shift to entrepreneurship
• A near-death experience and battle with PTSD that sparked major life change
• Building a tax prep business with unique team incentives and community impact

About the Guest

Dave Johnson is a transformative life coach with a mission to empower individuals by fostering mental and physical well-being. Drawing from his own journey of overcoming PTSD and significant personal challenges, including at one point weighing 319 lbs and suffering from severely high blood pressure. Dave specializes in guiding veterans and others facing mental and physical health challenges toward healing, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose. Through powerful communication techniques, a focus on deep self-awareness, and his own commitment to health—having lost nearly 100lbs in 1 year by making drastic lifestyle changes and committing to a consistent gym routine—he helps his clients reclaim their strength and take control of their lives.

A proven multi-preneur, Dave’s achievements extend beyond personal growth. In just 18 months, he founded, scaled, and sold a financial firm to a Fortune 500 company—an accomplishment that underscores his strategic leadership and visionary thinking. Today, Dave runs a thriving seven-figure health and life insurance firm and an eight-figure construction business specializing in government contracts. His ability to build and sustain success in diverse industries reflects his exceptional business acumen and adaptability.

Combining his personal experiences with professional expertise, Dave offers a rare and powerful approach to personal and professional development. He helps his clients unlock their confidence, cultivate mental clarity, and harness their potential to achieve success in every area of life. Whether it’s guiding veterans through PTSD recovery or mentoring entrepreneurs toward exponential growth, Dave is committed to helping others turn challenges into opportunities for lasting transformation.

· IG: @supafucndave

· FB: Dave Johnson

· Tiktok: @supafucndave

https://shorturl.at/IBZ1H

About the Host:

Hugh excels at helping entrepreneurs and executives who are on the path to manifesting their dreams - whether they are on the first steps of a launch or a giant leap forward as they level up their business. His podcast is dedicated to helping trustworthy, integral, and heart-centered entrepreneurs connect to the people who need them most.

Hugh Zaretsky, was an IT executive until his wake-up call came on 9/11. Realizing how short...

In this inspiring episode of The Launch Button, we sit down with two powerhouse first-generation women—Sentou and Avva—who turned personal trauma and adversity into fuel for entrepreneurial success. Sentou, a genocide survivor and trauma coach, shares how she helps others navigate death, divorce, and dying using therapeutic practices—including music. Avva, an AI strategist, discusses her journey of immigrating to the U.S., overcoming language barriers, and building a values-driven B2B tech business. Together, they reveal the raw truths behind launching a business, the importance of integrity, and why just starting is the most powerful step you can take.

Sentou's Healing Journey: From genocide survivor and child war refugee to trauma-informed coach helping others through life’s darkest transitions.

Power of Music: How threshold singing and the healing power of music play a vital role in Sentou’s trauma work.

Avva’s Immigrant Story: The struggles of learning English and building confidence as a young immigrant in the U.S.—and how she turned those challenges into global impact.

Entrepreneurship Tips:

• “Just start—even if you don’t have all the answers.”
• “Live with integrity. Be kind. Leave fast if it doesn’t align.”

Support Systems Matter: Why having cheerleaders, mentors, and encouraging partners is essential in your business journey.

Done is Better Than Perfect: Launching is more valuable than endlessly polishing.

AI for Business: Avva’s insights on integrating tech for smarter, scalable B2B growth.