- 53 minutes 47 secondsYou Know Better, You Can Do Better, But You Haven't Done Better Yet | S2S 556
You know better. You can do better. But you haven't done better yet. And that's your 242: the place where you know what needs to change but haven't produced better yet. This week, the crew breaks down accountability that actually works.
ET explores the difference between reputation and character. Reputation is a shadow. It's who you want people to think you are. Character is who you actually are. And when your character is on the line, you can't promote a health supplement at 242 pounds or talk about transformation while avoiding the area you know needs to change. Not because of vanity, but integrity.
CJ gets real about being a true two man. Not a one in waiting looking for his moment, but someone whose light is connected to yours. He shares how he stepped aside at a speaking engagement so ET could go first. Someone accused him of dimming his light, but they couldn't understand that CJ and ET's destinies are tied together. Winning means doing whatever it takes, not whatever makes you look good.
The crew unpacks why consistency without quality is rehearsed failure, why people want to win their way instead of simply winning, and why real accountability goes beyond someone saying you're getting big. It's someone asking for your blood pressure every day. The 52-day challenge isn't about weight loss. It's about the area where you know better, can do better, but haven't done better yet.
ET also breaks down his home game versus away game strategy, how the Peloton app keeps him accountable on the road, and how CJ pushed him back to intermittent fasting. Nobody said a word when he was eating honey buns and Cheetos, but now that he's fasting, everybody's worried about his electrolytes.
This episode will challenge how you think about accountability, partnership, and being a two man. Because you don't want to be a two man. You're a one in waiting. Until you deal with that, you'll keep doing 52 days alone. Stop trying to win your way. Do what it takes to win. Your 242 is waiting, and it starts with your heart.
CHAPTERS
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: Reputation is a Shadow, Character is Who You Are
- 00:01:38 Welcome and Airport Lotion Drama - The TSA Struggle is Real
- 00:04:11 The Sprinkler System Scam and Mr. Perfect's Lawn
- 00:07:09 Pool Equipment: The Money Pit That Never Stops Breaking
- 00:09:23 17 Years and 21 Years: Celebrating Partnership Milestones
- 00:10:37 The Speaking Engagement Story: When Your Light is Attached to Someone Else's
- 00:13:43 Consistency Without Quality is Rehearsed Failure
- 00:16:49 I Just Want to Win: The Philosophy That Built an Empire
- 00:17:18 You're Not a Two-Man, You're a One in Waiting
- 00:19:11 The Secret to Success Mission: Bringing Souls to Christ
- 00:20:23 White Men Can't Jump: Would You Rather Look Good and Lose?
- 00:24:44 Being a Two-Man in the 52-Day Challenge: What Accountability Really Looks Like
- 00:26:45 The Blood Pressure Metric: Why Accountability Needs to Be Tangible
- 00:27:56 The Jerk Chicken Confession: When You Eat Wrong and Your Numbers Show It
- 00:31:51 Reputation vs Character: The Connection That Changes Everything
- 00:41:53 The Dentist Analogy: Imagine If You Had to Go 52 Days Straight
- 00:45:12 You Know Better, Can Do Better, But Haven't Done Better Yet
- 00:46:27 Home Game vs Away Game: The Peloton App Solution for Travel
- 00:47:17 The 24-Hour Fast: When Accountability Pushes You Beyond Your Limits
- 00:49:15 Introducing the Build 52 Challenge: Your 52-Day Transformation Starts Now
- 00:49:57 Live Staff Meeting with Moose: Registration Deadlines and Pricing
- 00:53:07 Closing: Transformation Not Just Information
JOIN THE BUILD 52 CHALLENGE
Free registration ends soon. Transform the area you've been ignoring in 52 days.
https://www.build52challenge.comJOIN US LIVE ON PATREON
New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam.
https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney. Available November 3rd.
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Instagram: @s2spodcastABOUT THE PODCAST
The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, and becoming your best self.27 August 2026, 10:00 pm - 24 minutes 49 secondsA moment for Forever
Want to learn more about Forever Forward? Join us live this Thursday at 7:00 PM EST for a Forever First Look - a special event preview. Register using the link below!
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/HIHEuTfrRGqd05VzP8FR1A
You want to travel the world with your spouse. You want to be around other couples who actually like each other. You want to celebrate your marriage instead of fixing it. And that's exactly what Forever Forward is for. October 29th in Cancun, the crew is inviting less than 50 couples to a marriage bliss retreat. Not a conference. Not counseling. A celebration. This week CJ and Candis, Jemal and Camille get real about why this retreat isn't for the struggle marriage. It's for the couples who are already in love, already healthy, already doing the work. Because here's the truth most people don't want to hear: the healthy couples always end up being the source of strength for all the weak couples. And where do they go to get filled back up?Candis confesses she used to say no to vacationing with other couples. She wanted quality time with CJ, not group hangouts. But exposure changed everything. Not because they sat around doing marriage counseling, but because they observed. They watched how Jemal and Camille showed affection, how they communicated, how they celebrated anniversaries. And it challenged them to level up without anyone saying a word. The crew breaks down why iron sharpens iron applies to marriages too. Why being around other couples in bliss rejuvenates you. Why you need community, not just for business or faith, but for your marriage. And why this retreat is about building a tribe of couples who actually enjoy being together. Jemal drops the unk word about the attack on marriage nobody talks about. The quiet period. The phase after the baby showers and birthday parties where nobody invests in their marriage anymore. Life becomes about the kids, the job, the ladder. And years later, the divorce phase hits. Not by chance, but by neglect. Because divorce doesn't happen overnight. It's years of not working out, not investing, not putting anything back into the marriage. This episode is about the small foxes that destroy the vine and the small steps that build marriages. If you want to succeed in your marriage as bad as you want to breathe, this is your moment. Forever Forward. October 29th. Cancun. Let's celebrate love.
CHAPTERS
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: Traveling the World Together as Couples
- 00:01:29 Welcome and Forever Forward Announcement - October 29th in Cancun
- 00:04:29 This Ain't For the Struggle Marriage - Who Forever Forward Is Really For
- 00:05:32 Why Iron Sharpens Iron Applies to Marriages Too
- 00:08:26 The Exposure That Changes Everything - Why Community Matters for Couples
- 00:14:07 Candace's Confession: I Didn't Want to Vacation With Other Couples
- 00:15:49 It's Never Turned Into Marriage Counseling - The Power of Observation
- 00:17:13 The Forever Forward Experience - What to Expect in Cancun
- 00:18:44 Unk Jamal's Word: The Attack on Marriage Nobody Talks About
- 00:22:13 The Small Foxes That Destroy the Vine - Why Small Steps Build Marriages
FOREVER FORWARD MARRIAGE RETREAT October 29th in Cancun, Mexico. Less than 50 couples. A celebration of marriage with the S2S crew and their wives. https://www.foreverforwardmarriage.com
JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam. https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120
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ABOUT THE PODCAST The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, and becoming your best self.
24 August 2026, 10:00 pm - 56 minutes 11 secondsYou're Winning in Some Areas But Losing in 1 (And It's Costing You Everything) | S2S 555
You're winning in some areas but losing in one. And you know it. Your marriage is strong. Your kids are thriving. Your career is on fire. Your faith is solid. But that one area? The one you keep avoiding? That's the one that's about to cost you everything.
This week ET gets brutally honest about the conversation that changed everything on June 1st. The moment God rebuked him on the pulpit while he was preaching. The moment he realized he was about to be the weakest link. Because when CJ told him the supplement was finally ready, ET knew he couldn't come out with a health product at 242 pounds. Not because of vanity. Because of integrity.
ET breaks down why he avoided the scale for years. Why he justified being strong in four out of five pillars. Why he told himself his blood work was good enough. And why God had to step in and say, you're not industry standard in this area, son. You're about to destroy what you said you wanted to build.
The crew unpacks why most people resist the one area they need to fix the most. Why we justify being great in four areas while ignoring the fifth. Why embarrassment isn't about what other people see, it's about knowing you're better than this. And why the first step isn't exercise or diet, it's changing your heart.
ET shares how he lost 17 pounds in 52 days without obsessing over food or workouts. How he put on the black suit jacket from 2012 that used to have tension and now fits perfectly. And how God said pre won't stay pre. Your body is a temple. And if you don't treat it like one, you won't be around to celebrate the legacy you're trying to build.
This episode will challenge everything you think about success. Because you can be number one in four areas and still be losing. Stop justifying the one thing you know needs to change. What's your 242? The area you've been ignoring? The thing you know you're better than? It's time to fix it. And it starts with your heart.
CHAPTERSChapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: You're Winning in Four, Losing in One - And You Know It
- 00:01:32 Welcome and Happy 17th Anniversary - The Milestone Moment
- 00:04:46 June 1st: The Conversation That Changed Everything
- 00:05:47 The Scale You're Avoiding: Why We Don't Face Reality
- 00:07:53 God's Rebuke on the Pulpit: When Your Calling Exposes Your Weakness
- 00:10:07 Four Out of Five Strong: The Dangerous Justification
- 00:22:15 The Embarrassment of Needing Someone Else to Tell You
- 00:24:17 The Supplement Revelation: You Can't Be the Weakest Link
- 00:37:43 Changing Your Heart First: Why Exercise and Diet Come Second
- 00:42:01 Your Body Is a Temple: The Principle You Know But Don't Live
- 00:44:42 Pre Won't Stay Pre: The Wake-Up Call About Your Future
- 00:47:16 Introducing Build52Challenge.com: Your Free Transformation Starts Now
- 00:51:36 The Black Suit Jacket: From Tension to Triumph
- 00:53:50 17 Pounds Down, 52 Days to Build: The Quick Work God Promised
- 00:55:14 Closing: What's Your 242? The Area You've Been Ignoring
JOIN THE BUILD 52 CHALLENGE
Completely free. 52 days to transform the area you've been ignoring.
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New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam.
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PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
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ABOUT THE PODCAST
The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, and becoming the best version of yourself.20 August 2026, 10:00 pm - 55 minutes 49 secondsYou Want the Reward Without the Relationship (And That's Why You're Stuck) | S2S 554
You want the reward without the relationship. You want the breakthrough without the process. You want the book without knowing the author. And that may be exactly why you're stuck. This week, the S2S crew breaks down why so many people chase information, access, and outcomes without building the relationships, discipline, humility, and belief required to sustain them.
ET explains why motivation still matters, even if discipline is the goal. Most people need something to get them moving before discipline can take over. The crew also unpacks what it means to have a contrite spirit, become truly coachable, stop defending your way, and become a student again.
ET reads his Day 50 journal entry from the 52-Day Challenge and shares how discipline helped him improve his fitness while staying present with his faith and family. The guys break down the five pillars: faith, family, finance, fitness, and freedom, and how to work on all five without giving each one equal time.
They also revisit Nehemiah rebuilding in 52 days what had been broken for 140 years, why what bothers you may be pointing toward your calling, and why belief matters when there is still no visible evidence. The bottom line: stop chasing the reward. Build the relationship. Get coachable. Stay connected. The fruit will follow.
CHAPTERSChapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: You Want the Reward But Not the Relationship
- 00:01:21 Welcome and The Motivation vs Discipline Debate
- 00:05:08 The Contrite Spirit: Broken and Humiliated
- 00:05:35 Give Up Everything and Become a Student
- 00:06:17 The Real Estate Lesson: When You Ignore the Coach
- 00:06:55 Carl's Smile and The Community Person Revelation
- 00:08:09 Being Coachable: The Film Room Mentality
- 00:09:37 The Five Pillars: Faith Family Finance Fitness Freedom
- 00:10:38 Nehemiah's 52 Days: What 140 Years Couldn't Do
- 00:12:03 What's Bothering You: The First Sign of Your Calling
- 00:19:45 Working All Five Pillars Daily Without Equal Time
- 00:21:30 ET's Fitness Journey: Combining Pillars While Running
- 00:22:31 The Imbalance Confession: When Marriage Affected Fitness
- 00:24:03 Day 50 Journal Entry: ET Reads His Transformation
- 00:29:30 Blood Pressure Results and The AARP Podcast Joke
- 00:30:18 The Pace Pillar: Why ET Started Journaling
- 00:32:16 Carl's Walking Commitment: No Alarm Clock Needed
- 00:43:25 Belief Over Feelings: The Real Application
- 00:36:58 Relationship Over Reward: The Book and The Author
- 00:47:47 The Vision Keeper: Seeing It When There's No Evidence
- 00:52:38 Designed to Win: The Final Word
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PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
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ABOUT THE PODCAST
The Secret to Success Podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission. Real conversations on faith, family, business, discipline, relationships, and becoming the best version of yourself.13 August 2026, 10:00 pm - 46 minutes 42 secondsYou Don't Want the Advice, You Want the Reward | S2S 553
You don't want the advice. You want the reward. You want the championship without the discipline. You want the breakthrough without the breaking. You want the results without the process. And that's why you're stuck. Because the advice is free. The reward costs everything.
This week the crew breaks down why most people reject the very thing that could save them. ET opens up about the difference between motivation and discipline. Why the dude who studied discipline and went through the military has the right to say motivation is whack. But most people aren't there yet. Most people need something to get them going. That's why he asks, what's your why? Because that part works. It worked for the Denver Nuggets when they won the championship. It worked for Texas A&M when they went undefeated. The first level is motivation. But you can't stay there.
They also get into the LeBron versus Jordan debate. Not the stats, not the rings, just the question: who's better? And why that conversation never gets old. Plus, ET tells the story of breaking the law, getting caught on video, and still trying to argue it was racism. Spoiler: he lost in court. But the videotape don't lie.
CJ shares why he went through the 10 items or less line with 17 items and had a full stare down with the grocery store clerk. Was he fair or foul? The crew weighs in. And ET admits he's a lawbreaker when it comes to waiting. Because the hip hop preacher ain't got time for lines.
This episode is about the gap between wanting success and doing what it takes to get it. Because everybody wants the reward. But most people don't want the advice. They don't want the discipline. They don't want the process. And that's why they stay stuck. Stop asking for shortcuts. Start doing the work.
CHAPTERS
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: Discipline vs Motivation - The First Level You Need
- 00:01:16 Welcome and Team Introductions: Clark Atlanta Bound
- 00:02:57 LeBron vs Jordan: The Debate That Never Gets Old
- 00:03:22 Fair or Foul: The 10 Items or Less Grocery Store Standoff
- 00:03:48 The Grocery Shopping Philosophy: Why Delivery Isn't an Option
- 00:07:43 Breaking the Law When It Makes Sense: The Practical Approach
- 00:08:06 The Stop Sign Story: When ET Fought the Law and the Law Won
- 00:09:30 The California Stop Defense: Why Context Matters in Rule Breaking
- 00:09:56 Marriage Talk: The 30-Minute Conversation That Revealed Society's Problem
JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON
New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam.
https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney.
https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5DSUBSCRIBE
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Instagram: @s2spodcastABOUT THE PODCAST
The S2S podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, the Bajan Sensation, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.6 August 2026, 10:00 pm - 1 hour 7 minutesLeBron or Jordan? The Argument That Got Heated (S2S 552)
LeBron or Jordan? It's the debate that never dies. And this week, the crew dove headfirst into it. Fresh off the mastermind weekend, they came in ready to talk personal development. Instead, they ended up in the most heated sports argument they've ever had on this podcast. Because LeBron just signed with the Sixers. And now the conversation is back on the table. Is he the GOAT? Or is Jordan still untouchable?
The guys break down the stats, the rings, the eras, the dynasties, and the longevity. They argue about whether LeBron's four championships in 23 seasons stack up against Jordan's six in 15. They debate whether losing in the finals is worse than losing in the first round. They unpack whether the COVID championship counts the same. And they go back and forth on who had better help, who faced tougher competition, and whether switching teams makes you less of a legend or just smart.
They also break down why the NBA has become the portal. Why player movement is out of control. Why LeBron might get a statue in Cleveland but probably not in LA or Miami. And why even Michael Jordan said it's disrespectful to call anyone the GOAT when there are legends who came before him.
This episode is not about personal development. It's about passion. It's about what happens when four friends who love sports sit down and argue like they're on First Take. And it's hilarious, it's heated, and it's exactly they needed after three straight days of mastermind intensity.
Plus, CJ shares the story of meeting Magic Johnson at 13 years old and riding around with Bill Russell for an entire day. ET opens up about why he thinks LeBron winning in Philly would be incredible for the culture. And they announce the big news: Forever Forward Marriage Retreat is officially happening in Cancun. Less than 50 couples. No breakout rooms. Just a celebration of love.
CHAPTERS
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: The LeBron vs Jordan Debate Heats Up Immediately
- 00:01:43 Welcome and Catching Up: Fresh Off the Mastermind Weekend
- 00:04:55 LeBron to the Sixers: Why This Move Changes Everything
- 00:07:38 The NBA Portal Problem: Why Player Movement Is Out of Control
- 00:11:21 The Statue Debate: Where Does LeBron Belong?
- 00:13:54 Is LeBron the Best Player We've Ever Seen?
- 00:16:32 Breaking Down the Stats: Scoring, Defense, and Longevity
- 00:19:27 The COVID Championship: Does It Count the Same?
- 00:21:10 Six for Six vs Four for Twenty-Three: The Finals Record Argument
- 00:23:28 Jordan Fan Logic: Why Only Talk About the Championship Years?
- 00:27:37 The Dynasty Question: Who Did They Beat and Who Beat Them?
- 00:31:03 Longevity vs Peak Dominance: What Matters More?
- 00:34:32 The Scottie Pippen Factor: Who Had Better Help?
- 00:41:40 The Generational Argument: Bill Russell, Magic, and Kareem Enter the Chat
- 00:45:52 The Final Verdict: Can They Agree on Anything?
- 00:50:00 Jordan's Answer: The Most Respectful Take on the GOAT Debate
- 00:53:50 Magic Johnson Stories: When ET Met a Legend at 13 Years Old
- 00:56:02 Can They Do a Sports Show? Testing the Chemistry
- 00:56:29 Detroit Lions Window: Is It Already Closing?
- 00:59:57 Forever Forward Marriage Retreat: Big Announcement
- 01:04:02 Behind the Scenes: Photo Shoot Prep and Patreon Love
- 01:06:06 Closing: LeBron the GOAT with Love - See You Next Week
FOREVER FORWARD MARRIAGE RETREAT
Cancun, Mexico. Less than 50 couples. A celebration of love with the podcast crew and their wives
https://www.foreverforwardmarriage.comJOIN US LIVE ON PATREON
New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam.
https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney.
https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5DSUBSCRIBE
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The Secret to Success Podcast, hosted by Dr. Eric Thomas (ET), CJ Quinney, Karl Phillips and Jemal King, is one of the most impactful personal development podcasts in the world. Each week the team breaks down real conversations around success, discipline, wealth, leadership, relationships, and entrepreneurship. If you want to succeed as bad as you want to
breathe, this is the podcast for you.30 July 2026, 10:00 pm - 41 minutes 49 secondsPrayed About It But Still Stuck? Here's Why | S2S 551
You prayed about it. You asked God for direction. You're waiting. You're believing. But you're still stuck. And the reason why isn't because God didn't answer. It's because you're not listening. Or worse, you're listening but you're not moving.
This week ET and CJ break down why prayer without action is just noise. Because here's the truth most people don't want to hear: God's voice is clear. His directions are clear. The problem is your filters are messed up. You're so stuck in your own way of doing things, so locked into what you know, that you can't hear what God is trying to tell you. And even when you do hear it, you come back the next day asking the same question like y'all didn't just have that conversation yesterday.
ET opens up about why he told people to stop praying. Not because prayer doesn't work, but because some people use prayer as a crutch. They pray for Peter to be released from jail while Peter is at the door knocking. They're so busy praying they can't see the answer is already here. He breaks down the formula of prayer, the one he learned when he was homeless. Give us this day our daily bread. Forgive us as we forgive others. With thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. It's not just about asking. It's about listening. It's about doing what God tells you to do.
What do you do when you feel like you didn't hear God clearly? What do you do when your mind is so cluttered with anxiety, stress, and worry that you can't process what God is saying? You can't get directions when you're moving. You have to stop. And once God gives you the directions, don't come back asking for the same directions again. Move.
They also unpack why most people only see God as a provider instead of a relationship. Why your prayer life should be you and God just kicking it, reminiscing on the good old days, talking about what you're grateful for. Not just showing up with a list of demands. And why the people who get closest to God, like Enoch and Moses, are the ones who walked and talked with God until they literally glowed with his presence.
This episode will challenge everything you think about prayer. Because prayer is not just talking. It's listening. It's doing. Stop asking God to bless the mess. Start doing what he told you to do. The pit stop only works if you stay in the car and let God do what only he can do. But you still got to drive.
CHAPTERS
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: God's Got a Thousand Ways You Know Nothing About
- 00:01:45 Welcome and the Prayer Controversy: Did ET Really Say Stop Praying?
- 00:03:52 Prayer Is Not Your Only Tool: The Hammer and Wrench Analogy
- 00:05:42 The Cell Phone Confession: Why Being Homeless Made ET's Prayer Life Stronger
- 00:06:43 Prayer Is a GPS System: You Can't Get Directions While Moving
- 00:07:53 Stop Coming Back to God Without Doing What He Told You
- 00:09:48 You Know God's Voice Because You Talk Every Day
- 00:11:24 It's Not That God Isn't Clear, Your Filters Are Messed Up
- 00:13:19 The 3 AM Walk: Why ET Changed His Prayer Time to Avoid Distractions
- 00:16:39 Reminisce With God: Talk About the Good Old Days
- 00:19:42 Stop Putting God on Hold: Let Him Talk Back to You
- 00:21:27 The Formula of Prayer: What ET Learned While Homeless
- 00:23:47 Give Thanks Before You Get What You Want
- 00:25:03 Moses, Jonah, and Ruth: Listen and Follow the Instructions
- 00:25:48 Some Things You Have to Change, Not God
- 00:26:31 Tithes and Offerings: The Windows of Heaven Principle
- 00:28:02 Walking and Talking With God Is Not Just Religious Tradition
- 00:29:25 Moses Spent 30 Days With God and Came Back Glowing
- 00:31:47 I Never Came to Michigan to Stay: The Master's Degree Plan
- 00:34:43 Prayer Is Your GPS System: You Have No Clue Where You're Going
- 00:35:12 The NASCAR Pit Stop Revelation: Don't Wait Till the Wheels Fall Off
- 00:37:12 God Tells You When to Pull Over Before You Even Know You Need It
- 00:38:20 You Don't Have to Get Out the Car: Stay in and Let God Handle It
- 00:38:42 Moses Died at 120 at Peak, Enoch Left Earth at Peak
- 00:39:10 How a Small Group From Lansing Changed the World
- 00:40:05 Closing: Going at Peak Is 52 Days, Not 52 Years
JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON
New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam.
https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney.
https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5DSUBSCRIBE
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Instagram: @s2spodcastABOUT THE PODCAST
S2S is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.23 July 2026, 10:00 pm - 1 hour 10 minutesYou're Working Hard for the Wrong Reason, and It's Breaking You | S2S 550
You're working hard for the wrong reason, and it's breaking you. Not because you're lazy. Not because you're not talented. But because what's driving you isn't God. It's trauma. It's fear. It's pride. And until you deal with that, all the work in the world won't save you.
This week the crew brings their wives to the table. Candis and Dede join CJ, ET, and Karl for one of the most transparent conversations about faith, work, and what it really means to let go and let God. Because here's the truth most people don't want to hear: you can have the title Christian, but the devil can still be driving you.
Candis opens up about working herself into the ground at GE. Senior management, six figures, the whole dream. But she was miserable, burnt out, crying in the closet. When CJ told her to quit, she was ready to walk. But ET stepped in with something that changed everything: your job isn't to influence her, it's to get her to talk to God. So Candis went to a hotel for two days. Just her and God. And God told her three things: be still, have peace, be humble. Everything shifted. Not because she quit, but because she stopped letting fear drive her.
Dede gets real about thinking she had the backup plan. The insurance, the retirement, all of it figured out. Until God started breaking the stuff off of her that was keeping her from trusting him. Because brokenness isn't God trying to destroy you. It's God breaking the trauma, the pride, the self reliance off of you so he can multiply you. And the multiplication only comes after the breaking.
They also unpack the AI love letter. A man sent his wife a heartfelt message using ChatGPT. She loved it, until he admitted he used AI. Now she's upset because it wasn't really from him. Dede's response is priceless.
This episode will challenge everything you think about work, faith, and trust. Because faith without works is dead. But works without faith is empty. Stop letting your backup plan replace God. Stop letting your job be your security. And stop thinking brokenness means you're broken. God isn't breaking you. He's breaking that stuff off of you.
CHAPTERS
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: Which One Do You Want Sir - AI or the Real Thing
- 00:01:20 Welcome and Introducing the Queens: Candis and Dede Join the Pod
- 00:09:09 Fair or Foul: The ChatGPT Love Letter Debate
- 00:11:45 Computer Love: When Your Heart Message Comes From a Machine
- 00:17:29 The Real Question: Faith Without Works or Let Go and Let God
- 00:19:33 Before You Work With God You Got to Know God
- 00:22:26 Candis Revelation: The Only Work God Wants Is Belief
- 00:25:16 Be Still Doesn't Mean Stand Still: Redefining Stillness
- 00:29:03 How to Hear From God When You Don't Hear Audibly
- 00:32:11 The Cheat Code Confession: When Your Spouse Has a Deeper Walk
- 00:33:43 Don't Compare Storms: Your Hurricane Versus Someone Else's Rain
- 00:34:55 Candis GE Breakdown: Working Crazy Hours and Missing Peace
- 00:43:35 The Two-Day Hotel Revelation: When God Said Be Still, Be Humble, Have Peace
- 00:46:46 CJ's Obedience Test: When Quitting Would Have Been Easier
- 00:49:20 The Financial Security Idol: When Insurance Becomes Your God
- 00:50:35 Dede's Confession: I Will Burn the Bridge to Prove I Can Swim
- 00:54:01 The Mental Weight That's Breaking You: It's Not the Work, It's What's Driving It
- 00:54:20 What's Driving You: When Trauma Becomes Your God
- 00:55:27 The 3am Question: What's So Evil About You That You'd Rather Suffer
- 01:04:24 Does God Get Glory From What You Do: The Jealousy of God
- 01:06:00 Didi's MS Story: When God Has to Stop You From Your Disobedience
- 00:58:31 Brokenness Isn't Breaking You: It's Breaking Stuff Off of You
- 01:01:04 The Multiplication Comes After the Broken: Stop Running From It
- 01:08:21 Closing: Join A Place to Change Ministry and Get Community
JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON
New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam.
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Instagram: @s2spodcastA PLACE OF CHANGE MINISTRY
Join the women's ministry with Candace and Dede. Follow @apocministry on Instagram or visit www.aplacetochangeministry.orgABOUT THE PODCAST
The S2S podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, the Bajan Sensation, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.16 July 2026, 10:00 pm - 1 hour 3 minutesYou're Getting Paid Exactly What You're Worth | S2S 549
You're getting paid exactly what you're worth. Not what you think you deserve. Not based on your degrees, your loyalty, or how hard you work. You're getting paid exactly what you believe about yourself. And until you deal with that, nothing changes.
This week the crew breaks down why most people resist coaching even when they're losing. ET opens up about why he had his kids leave his company to go work under someone else. Not because he didn't want them around, but because he refused to insulate them from the growth they needed. Karl gets transparent about working out with a trainer who pushed him 14 more reps than he thought he had left, just by watching his muscle instead of listening to his excuses. Jemal brings the NBA Finals breakdown and why the Spurs lost a 29 point lead in the second half. Not because they weren't talented, but because they didn't have sustainable systems. And CJ delivers the truth about Kobe and Mike: 11 championships between them, zero without Phil Jackson.
They also unpack why people follow relationships instead of truth. Why your grandma's way of doing things might not be God's way. Why Diddy told ET at 16 that she wasn't trying to win mother of the year, and how that one conversation set him free from trying to be everything to everybody. And why some of you are 60 years old still struggling with the same issues you had at 30 because you never submitted to coaching.
The crew gets real about marriage, parenting, and why CJ and Candace went to Australia when their daughter was five months old. Not because they're bad parents, but because coaching taught them that a strong marriage creates the foundation for strong kids. They break down why ET got two kids in 14 years with zero accidents, and why that's not luck, it's coaching. And why Jemal told people in his circle they can't be around him without owning real estate.
This episode will challenge everything you think about accountability, growth, and what it really takes to win. Because you can have all the talent in the world, but without the right coach, you're the Spurs blowing a 29 point lead. You're Kobe and Mike with zero rings. Stop resisting the coaching that's trying to save your life. You don't need more information. You need to apply what you already know. And if you're getting paid what you're worth right now and you don't like it, the problem isn't the market. The problem is you.
CHAPTERS
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: Who Not How - The Tyranny of Trying to Figure Everything Out
- 00:00:59 Welcome and the Age Realization: When You're Older Than Everyone
- 00:06:37 The NBA Finals Lesson: How the Spurs Lost a 29-Point Lead
- 00:13:50 Zero Championships Without Phil Jackson: Why You Need Elite Coaching
- 00:15:04 Marriage Coaching Saved My Life: Chuck, Moni, Ian and Dede's Impact
- 00:22:53 The Coaching Tree: How Great Coaches Create Great Coaches
- 00:23:33 Australia at Five Months: Why We Left Our Baby for Two Weeks
- 00:19:17 God, Marriage, Kids: The Order That Saves Your Family
- 00:19:57 Separate the Piano From the Person: Stop Taking Feedback Personally
- 00:20:53 F Them Kids: Dede's Line That Changed ET's Parenting
- 00:22:11 Mike Brown vs Phil Jackson: Why Experience and Coaching Matters
- 00:36:06 Two Kids in 14 Years: The Power of Intentional Family Planning
- 00:27:28 Relationship Over Truth: Why You Follow Your Grandma Instead of God
- 00:27:58 Pastor Willis Spoke My Vision Before I Had One
- 00:46:07 Character Development Boot Camp: Why ET Made Us Pray All Day
- 00:55:45 You're Getting Paid Exactly What You're Worth Right Now
- 00:53:59 The Muscle Twitch Story: How Tommy Got 14 More Reps Out of CJ
- 00:56:37 Maul the Builder: He Doesn't Just Build Houses, He Builds People
- 00:51:52 The 12-Year Overnight Success: Maul's House Goes Viral Now
- 00:59:31 Closing: Get in the Mastermind and Stop Making Excuses
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New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam.
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The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney.
https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5DSUBSCRIBE
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Saturdays 11am EST on YouTube. www.apocministry.orgABOUT THE PODCAST
The S2S podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, the Bajan Sensation, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.9 July 2026, 10:00 pm - 1 hour 6 minutesYou're Doing the Work But Still Stuck, Here's Why | S2S 548
You're doing the work. You're showing up. You're praying. You're trying. But you're still stuck. And the reason why isn't what you think it is.
This week the crew breaks down the difference between working hard and working with God. Because here's the truth most people don't want to hear: your faith is in your hands, not in God. You've been doing so much that you've made yourself an idol. And God is saying stop. Not because you're not capable. But because the work you're doing is getting in the way of what he's trying to do.
ET opens up about why he's been telling people to stop praying. Not because prayer doesn't work, but because some people use prayer as a crutch. They pray for Peter to be released from jail while Peter is at the door knocking. They're so busy praying they can't see the answer is already here. Karl gets transparent about 3 weeks of waking up at 5:09 every morning and making one commitment: don't ask God for anything. Just be in his presence. And how in those 3 weeks, every area of his business got uncomfortable. Every direction he thought was the answer, God closed. Because the answer wasn't more work. The answer was stop.
Jemal brings the 100 year plan. What are you building that your great great grandkids will benefit from? What seed are you planting that you'll never taste the fruit of? Because the person who plants the seed doesn't get to taste the fruit. But they're satisfied knowing what's coming. And CJ breaks down why most people quit right when the breakthrough is about to happen. Because they're measuring in their own strength instead of letting God be the structural engineer.
They also unpack why your problems aren't problems, they're preparation. Because if you can't handle one rental property stressing you out, you can't handle 10. If you can't handle one difficult conversation, you can't handle the next level. God isn't punishing you. He's preparing you.
This episode will challenge everything you think about work, faith, and what it really means to let go. Because you can't build the next level version of yourself in your own strength. You've tried that. It didn't work. The 52 days don't start when you work harder. They start when you stop.
CHAPTERS
Chapters
- 00:00:00 Opening: Get a Scale and Stop Wearing Jogging Pants
- 00:01:27 Before You Work With God, You Got to Know God
- 00:02:05 The Rodent Story: Calling the Right People to Fix Your Problems
- 00:04:52 Carl's Breakthrough: Stop Working, Start Walking With God
- 00:07:37 Your Problems Are Your Preparation
- 00:10:41 The Jesse Room Story: 52-Day Reframe in Action
- 00:12:55 There's No Limits in God: The Sky Analogy
- 00:14:11 The Tokyo Trip That Didn't Happen: When God Protects Your Plans
- 00:16:49 ET's Transformation: From Flight Attendant to All Four Quadrants
- 00:18:42 The Pace Ministry: Slowing Down to Reach More People
- 00:19:22 Christ Put Me Around Better People
- 00:20:44 Stop Praying Like Peter's at the Door
- 00:21:23 Jamal's Testimony: God Already Said Yes to Little J
- 00:25:31 Your Faith Is in Your Hands, Not in God
- 00:26:15 Prayer Can Be an Idol: Get Up and Open the Door
- 00:26:46 The Stress of Lying: Why Truth Sets You Free Immediately
- 00:27:29 I'd Rather Fight the Bear Right Now
- 00:29:40 The Pilot Wasn't in the Pilot Seat
- 00:31:23 Dede Goes Public: When Your Partner Activates Your Calling
- 00:33:38 Don't Bow Out, Level Up
- 00:36:26 Stop Treating Life Like a Hobby
- 00:39:20 The Economy Shift: Seven Streams of Income Aren't Optional
- 00:41:11 Get on the Scale Every Day: The One Thing That Changes Everything
- 00:43:07 Stop Wearing Jogging Pants in Your Real Life
- 00:44:17 What Changed at 46: Carl's Shift Wasn't New Information
- 00:47:25 It's Not God That Changed, It's Your Belief Level
- 00:50:15 Do You Believe? The Question Before Every Miracle
- 00:52:42 Write the Vision, Make It Plain: No More Emotional Conversations
- 01:02:14 The 100-Year Plan: Mall's Millionaire Moment at 49
- 01:04:31 Closing: Patreon, Bliss Conference, and Next Week
JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON
New audio every Tuesday, video every Wednesday, plus live recordings with the S2S fam.
https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120PRE-ORDER "WE IS GREATER THAN ME"
The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney.
https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5DSUBSCRIBE
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Instagram: @s2spodcastAPOC VIRTUAL CHURCH
Saturdays 11am EST on YouTube. www.apocministry.orgABOUT THE PODCAST
The S2S podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, the Bajan Sensation, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, real conversations on faith, family, business, and the work it takes to build a life that lasts. New episodes every Thursday.2 July 2026, 10:00 pm - 1 hour 5 minutesYou Think They Had Something You Don't. You're Wrong | S2S 547
You look at people who made it and you assume they started with something you didn't. A better childhood. More talent. Some edge you never got. ET spent his whole life proving that is a lie, and in this episode he takes the excuse away from you.
The fellas get into what ET means when he says "I'm you." Not the polished version on the stage, the same flesh, the same doubts, the same fight. He breaks down why the only real difference between where you are and where you want to be is not talent or background, and why most people stay stuck holding onto an excuse that was never true.
Jemal shares walking into the Obama Library opening, surrounded by billionaires and legends, and the question that hit him in that room about what he is actually building. CJ pushes on how you do the work and still get out of your own way.
This one is a confrontation. The kind you need.
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We record live every week with our Patreon family. Come be in the room.
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If this one hit you, leave us a rating and review. It helps more people find the show.CHAPTERS
PRE-ORDER WE IS GREATER THAN ME
The new book from ET and CJ.
https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5DAPOC VIRTUAL CHURCH
Saturdays 11am EST on YouTube.
www.apocministry.orgABOUT THE PODCAST
The S2S podcast is hosted by Eric Thomas, Karl Phillips, CJ Quinney, and Jemal King. Four friends, four journeys, one mission, to help you believe in your own potential and build a life that matters.25 June 2026, 11:00 pm - More Episodes? Get the App