Sleepless Knights Podcast

In this episode, David sits with Harry to decode the exact system behind AI discovery and ranking. They unpack how search actually works under the hood, why most businesses don’t show up when AI scans the web, and the mistakes founders make when they assume talent or a good idea equals visibility.You’ll learn the practical side of authority signals, digital PR, indexing, competitor comparison behavior, and financial reality inside service-based businesses. They also hit the leadership and scaling lessons that come from building teams across borders, managing margins, and making marketing work in a world where AI is the new search engine.

In this solo episode, David breaks down the 10 essential pillars that determine whether you will succeed or fail when you try to build something of your own. He digs into the mindset shift required to bet on yourself, why so many people quit out of fear, and what it really takes to survive the early stages of business when nothing seems to be working.He explains why ideas do not matter without execution, how to spot real problems instead of chasing cool products, and why knowing your audience can make or break your entire plan. David also simplifies the financial side of business such as revenue, cost, profit, margins, and cash flow so you finally understand where your money is going and why you might not be seeing results.You will also learn the importance of marketing, attention, branding, systems, processes, and the network around you. This episode gives you a clear and honest framework for what you must master if you want to go from a job and a dream to building something real.

Usher got burned after loaning $1.7M for a building that was never purchased and the fallout teaches every entrepreneur a major lesson. In this Social Proof episode, David Shands and Donni Wiggins break down the real mistakes behind failed partnerships and the 5 lessons that can protect your money, your relationships, and your business.

Eddie Wilson, entrepreneur, investor, and creator of the Empire Operating System, sits down with Social Proof to break down the blueprint behind scaling, buying, and exiting companies at the highest level.In this episode, he reveals:• How he sold 76 companies in a single year• The Empire Operating System phases: Startup, Perseverance, Viability, Scale, Succession• How he identifies distressed vs. high-opportunity companies• The “Brick” KPI that grows every business• Why the Aspire Tour “loses money” on purpose• How he built a $400M portfolio in under 3 years• How he balances fatherhood and entrepreneurship• Why most founders fail at leadership• His mission to fund orphanages, clean water projects & global educationIf you’re building a business, trying to scale your first million, or want to understand how real private equity plays work — this is required watching.

In this powerful Social Proof episode, host David Shands sits down with Kim Lewis, founder and CEO of CurlMix, the Black-owned natural hair care brand that nearly went bankrupt after raising over $10 million and generating $40 million in lifetime sales.Kim opens up about how she reached a breaking point — with –$18,000 in her account, investors backing away, and a community of loyal customers who’d been with her since Shark Tank. Instead of hiding, she made the bold choice to go public, launching the #ProtectCurlMix campaign: a plea for 20,000 orders by December 31st to keep her factory open and her Chicago team employed.Throughout the conversation, Kim and David unpack what it means to lead transparently under pressure: • Why venture-backed startups can grow fast but still be unprofitable. • The tension between doing good for the community and surviving as a business. • The mental toll of leadership, failure, and staying authentic when everything’s on the line. • How CurlMix customers literally own 50% of th

Millions of Americans are panicking right now as EBT and food stamp benefits are being delayed or cut during the government shutdown.If you’re wondering “how am I supposed to feed my family?” this episode is the answer you’ve been looking for.In this honest and powerful conversation, Donni Wiggins and David Shands share real stories, real numbers, and practical strategies for surviving when the system stops working.From food stamps to financial freedom, this episode is about taking control when everything feels out of your hands.In This Episode:- Donni shares how she rebuilt after hitting rock bottom- David explains the mindset shift that changes everything- Real strategies to make money fast when EBT runs out- How to turn your pain into purposeThis isn’t just motivation. It’s a manual for anyone struggling right now and ready to take control of their future. Whether your benefits were cut, delayed, or you’re just tired of depending on the system, this conversation will show you a way forward.Watch the full e

From 2 Chainz to $500K in Donations — Charlie Jabaley “Delusional” Blueprint for MiraclesBefore the cameras even started rolling, Charlie Jabaley told David Shands something unforgettable:“Something huge is going to happen today.”That moment set the tone for a conversation about faith, delusion, and undeniable action.Charlie breaks down how he manifested a half-million-dollar Hasbro deal, turned a Christmas sweater with 2 Chainz into a $2.1 million viral brand, and why he believes the craziest people often make the biggest impact.This is the real story behind The Most Delusional Man in the Room — how confidence, creativity, and a little bit of “crazy” turned dreams into tangible wins.

Entrepreneurs are obsessed with “working hard”… but what if effort isn’t the problem? What if the real issue is ineffective effort?

The dating industry has been monetizing human connection for centuries — from arranged marriages to Tinder swipes.

It started with Ayesha Curry — but it’s not about her.It’s about anyone who’s ever supported someone else’s dream while feeling unseen.In this episode of The Social Proof Podcast, David Shands and Donni Wiggins dive deep into what happens when one person gets the spotlight — in marriage, business, or friendship — and the other plays the background.You’ll hear:

Most entrepreneurs are building with grind, not leverage.In this episode, we break down how to use business credit the right way to access funding, scale faster, and stop relying solely on your cash flow.You’ll learn:How to structure your business for credit approvalsSteps to qualify for $50K–$100K in funding without a personal guaranteeThe difference between consumer and business credit (and how to protect both)How to turn credit into leverage, not debtReal examples of entrepreneurs who used credit to grow their businessIf you’ve been stuck hustling for cash, this episode shows you how to build credit that funds your dream and your freedom.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Most fans think artists make millions from sold-out arenas—but the truth is, the music industry is built on cuts, fees, and middlemen. Chris Brown flipped the script with a bold $1,000 meet & greet play that turned photos into $4.5M in pure profit.In this video, we break down:

David Shands and Donni Wiggins get raw about the highs and lows of their business partnership. From planning My First Million Live to debating whether dropping $200,000 into an event is smart, the two unpack:The challenges of mixing money with friendshipWhy partnerships succeed (or fail)Their real feelings about public criticismHow they navigate conflict without breaking trustThis episode is a masterclass in collaboration, entrepreneurship, and communication. Whether you’re thinking about going into business with a friend, or just curious about how top entrepreneurs handle money and ego, you’ll want to watch this all the way through.

Can entrepreneurs really say what they want… or does every opinion come with a price?

In this solo episode of the Social Proof Podcast, David Shands opens up about the biggest pivot of his entrepreneurial journey.He explains why he intentionally cut his income, shut down parts of his business, and even started “bleeding money” in order to build something scalable—a company with the potential to exit for $100 million.This is a transparent look at entrepreneurial maturity, sacrifice, and what it takes to think beyond short-term income toward long-term equity.Whether you’re scaling your first hustle or thinking about your legacy, this episode will challenge you to think bigger.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/SOCIALPROOFAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Stormi Banks shares how she turned a $50,000 loss into a grant-writing empire that’s secured millions for businesses. In this powerful interview, she breaks down how to win grants, scale debt-free, and unlock funding most entrepreneurs don’t even know exists.If you’re serious about business growth, this is the playbook.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

David Shands and Donni Wiggins sit down to challenge the way entrepreneurs think about startups, evolution, and solving problems. They share personal stories, practical frameworks, and global examples of innovation that prove real success comes from tackling big problems—not chasing trends.This episode covers:The truth about “founders” vs “entrepreneurs”Why your business evolution is a strength, not hypocrisyReal-world lessons from innovators solving life-or-death challengesHow to measure your market (TAM, SAM, SOM)The courage to think past risks and go bigTune in to hear why solving problems around money, health, and mindset will always be the foundation for building world-changing businesses.Our Sponsors:* Check out Indeed: https://indeed.com/SOCIALPROOFAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ever met someone who claims they “run ads”… but really, they just shoot videos?

To every struggling entrepreneur… this one’s for you.You’re calling it a business, but the truth is you might just need to get a job. That’s not failure. That’s survival. Are you chasing the dream or is it time to face reality? Comment below and let’s talk truth.Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE if you’ve ever turned hate into motivation.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/social-proof-podcast/id1374373035Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...https://open.spotify.com/show/5QM1w9IfjTza1wwHR06WaR?si=7c3bcc1c3b954bb9

At Podcast Summit 2025, Ace Metaphor sits down for a fireside chat with David Shands to reveal the raw truth about touring, collaborations, and building an ecosystem around your brand.From the hidden costs of live events to creating multiple revenue streams beyond ticket sales, Ace breaks down how he scaled Tonight’s Conversation into a powerful movement.