The Sidekick Life

Episode 29

Donald Miller: The StoryBrand Framework That Sells Anything

Episode 28

Using Golf to Build an Empire

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we dive into how founder and CEO Wil turned a simple idea with friends into The Back Nine—the fastest-growing golf simulator franchise in America.

Episode 27

Why do Franchises Fail?

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we break down the real reasons franchise brands fail, from bad leadership to broken systems, and show you how to spot the warning signs before you invest.

Episode 26

How to Run a Franchise Part-Time (The Right Way)

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we break down the systems, structures, and mindsets that separate successful part-time franchise owners from the ones who crash and burn.

Episode 25

The Hottest Franchise Brands of Summer 2025

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we reveal the Top 10 Franchise Brands of Summer 2025—the ones clients can’t stop talking about.

Episode 24

Scaling Without Chaos

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we sit down with business growth strategist Ford Saeks to unpack how entrepreneurs can scale their operations without spiraling into chaos.

Episode 23

Boring Business, Big Profits

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we sit down with Dan Claps, CEO of Voda Cleaning and Restoration, to explore how so-called “boring” businesses can unlock massive success.

Episode 22

Is Franchising a Good Idea After a Job Loss?

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we sit down with Nina, a former product marketing expert who turned a sudden layoff into an opportunity to launch her own franchise with Voda Cleaning and Restoration. 

Episode 21

Is Franchising a Scam?

Is franchising a scam? Or is it one of the most misunderstood paths to business ownership? In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen take on the internet trolls and viral hot takes to unpack the truth behind franchising.

Episode 20

Building Wealth Starts with Mindset

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen sit down with Paul Ludacka, founder of Ludacka Wealth Partners, to dive deep into the heart and habits behind true wealth. With decades of experience advising top entrepreneurs and families, Paul shares transformative lessons on money, values, legacy, and identity.

Episode 19

The Truth About Passive Income

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we dive into the truth behind passive income—and spoiler: it’s not about sipping cocktails on a beach while the money rolls in. Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen, break down the myths, the mistakes, and the mindset shifts you need to build true passive income streams.

Episode 18

From Soldier to CEO

Matt Hesse built a wildly successful business after leaving the Army, but a deeper calling pulled him toward serving fellow veterans. In this episode, he opens up about identity loss, finding purpose, and building UHP—a groundbreaking school helping veterans transition into new careers and meaningful lives. His story is a masterclass in vision, grit, and the power of serving something bigger than yourself.

Episode 17

Preserving History and Powering American Jobs

RT Custer turned a college golf course idea into a premium American-made watch brand, Vortic, by converting antique pocket watches into one-of-a-kind wristwatches. He survived a six-year lawsuit from the Swatch Group and went on to create Colorado Watch Company to scale his mission.

Episode 16

From Sonic Employee to Multi-Unit Owner

From sweeping floors to scaling 38 Sonic Drive-Ins, Paul Reiser’s journey is the ultimate American dream. He joins Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen to share how his family bootstrapped one of Sonic’s most successful franchise empires.

Episode 15

The Fastest-Growing Men’s Health Franchise

In this powerful episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen sit down with Evan Miller, founder of Gameday Men’s Health, to explore how a clinical psychologist built one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country. From emotional franchisee stories to the mission of transforming men's health, Evan shares how Gameday became a movement — not just a brand.

Episode 14

Breaking Bad | Should Have Been a Franchise

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen go head-to-head in a fun new segment called It Should Have Been a Franchise, where they debate which Breaking Bad business concept could thrive as a franchise. Will it be Tyler’s Latin-inspired chicken concept with food trucks or Ryan’s legal services model called "Street Smart Lawyers"? Tune in to hear their pitches, expansion strategies, and heated debate — and watch the full episode to find out which concept takes the crown!

Episode 13

How a morning routine turned into millions

Hal Elrod, founder of The Miracle Morning, shares how he turned adversity into a global movement that helps millions start their day with purpose. Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen dive into his journey, uncovering key habits, resilience strategies, and business insights for success.

Episode 12

Winning Beyond Sports

Shawn Johnson East and Andrew East share their journey from elite athletes to successful media entrepreneurs, balancing business and family life. They discuss challenges, growth, and the power of authenticity. Plus, a fun game of "Who Is?" reveals their quirks and competitive sides!

Episode 11

Stop Overthinking, Start Winning

Fear and indecision keep many entrepreneurs from reaching their full potential. In this episode of The Sidekick Life, franchise mogul Josh Skolnick shares how taking action—despite uncertainty—led him to build multiple successful businesses. Learn how to shift your mindset, overcome fear, and make bold moves that drive real success.

Episode 10

Leading Franchise Owners to Success

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Jeff Dudan, CEO of Homefront Brands, shares his journey of scaling businesses, supporting franchisees, and thriving in recession-resistant industries. From young entrepreneur to leader of multiple brands, Jeff reveals how leadership, clarity, and collaboration drive success.

Episode 9

How to Conquer Fear and Burn the Boats

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, Ryan Zink delivers an inspiring presentation at SKIP Summit, highlighting the power of overcoming fear, embracing resilience, and guiding franchise owners toward life on their terms. From personal anecdotes to game-changing strategies, Ryan emphasizes the importance of leadership, momentum, and the "burn the boats" mindset for achieving success in franchising and beyond.

Episode 8

Should MrBeast Burger Have Been a Franchise?

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we explore the rise and challenges of MrBeast Burger, the viral ghost kitchen concept by YouTube icon MrBeast. Could franchising have solved its operational struggles and food quality issues? Tune in to uncover valuable lessons for entrepreneurs navigating the complex world of food franchising.

Episode 7

AI’s Impact on Franchising and Job Roles with Dan Monaghan

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, franchise visionary Dan Monaghan explores how AI is transforming franchising and business, offering insights on leveraging hidden data, overcoming fear, and preparing for an AI-driven future.

Episode 6

Around the Horn: Franchising, Influencers, and VR Adventures

In this special episode of The Sidekick Life, we debut "Sidekick Around the Horn," featuring lively debates on franchising's hottest trends. Join us as we dive into private equity acquisitions, celebrity influencers, vegan franchise concepts, and the future of virtual reality in the industry.

Episode 5

How To Overcome Fear and Live Your Best Life Michelle Poler

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we talk with Michelle Poler, founder of Hello Fears, about her viral 100 Days Without Fear project and how it inspired a global movement to overcome fear and embrace potential.

Episode 4

Building Your Dream Life Through Content Creation with Morgan Rasmussen

This episode of The Sidekick Life explores the inspiring journey of Morgan Rasmussen, a clean beauty leader and entrepreneur, as she and her husband, Tyler Altenhofen, share how intentional living, bold pivots, and a “life by design” philosophy have fueled their business success and enriched their family life.

Episode 3

Building a Billion-Dollar Business with Suneera Madhani

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we sit down with Suneera Madhani, founder of Stax Payments and Worth AI, as she shares her journey from launching a billion-dollar company to empowering small businesses with tools for success, all while balancing family life and her passion for supporting female entrepreneurs.

Episode 2

Creating SUPERHERO Salespeople with Jeremy Miner

In this episode of The Sidekick Life, we sit down with Jeremy Miner, founder of 7th Level, one of the fastest-growing sales training companies. Jeremy shares insights on using human psychology to elevate sales, helping clients solve problems collaboratively instead of just making a pitch. 

Episode 1

Find Purpose in Entrepreneurship with Ryan Zink and Tyler Altenhofen

In the debut episode of The Sidekick Life, the hosts redefine self-interest as a powerful motivator in entrepreneurship. Through personal stories, they reveal how solving problems for others leads to both success and a fulfilling life. This podcast celebrates entrepreneurs who make an impact while building a life on their own terms.