Hey there, Well Diggers! Have you ever wondered if your follow-up game is holding you back in business? Join us as John and Vikki dive deep into the art of follow-up in Episode 43 of "Dig the Well." This week, Vikki shares her personal journey and the pivotal role follow-up has played in my success across various ventures, especially in direct sales. We explore Vikki's five key components of follow-up, including why you should embrace "no's" as stepping stones to success and how the "bathtub" an...
Aug 07, 2025•49 min•Ep. 43
Ever wondered how to seamlessly blend family life with entrepreneurship? Or how to create a business that stands the test of time? Join us, as we dive deep into these questions in this week's episode of Dig the Well. We share our personal journey from the LAPD to entrepreneurship, revealing how our side hustle became a full-fledged family legacy. Discover why we believe starting a business before kids can pave the way for smoother family integration and why teaching our children about money from...
Jul 31, 2025•45 min•Ep. 42
What if you could break free from societal labels and step into the starring role of your own life? In this transformative episode of Dig the Well, I'm joined by the inspiring Natalia Jansen, a powerhouse entrepreneur and motivational speaker. Together, we dive deep into her journey from Slovakia to the U.S., where she discovered the transformative power of theater and learned to embrace her true potential. Natalia shares her incredible story of personal growth and how acting helped her explore ...
Jul 17, 2025•52 min•Ep. 41
Are you curious about how to juggle multiple business ventures while staying true to your passions? In Episode 40 of the Dig the Well podcast, hosts John and Vikki Downey sit down with the dynamic Joy Rika Miyatake, a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur with a knack for diversifying income streams. From her family's rich legacy in photography to her innovative yoga therapy business and real estate ventures, Joy shares her secrets to creating fulfilling and sustainable business models. Discover how Jo...
Jul 10, 2025•40 min•Ep. 40
Ever wondered how a casual Fourth of July barbecue can become a golden opportunity for business growth? In this episode of Dig the Well, join us as we spill the beans on turning social gatherings into networking goldmines without losing the essence of genuine connection. Inspired by Dale Carnegie's timeless wisdom, we're diving deep into the art of meaningful conversations. Forget the sales pitches; it’s all about genuine interest and making others feel valued. Discover why swapping contact info...
Jul 03, 2025•41 min•Ep. 39
Ever wondered how light can transform your health? In Episode 38 of Dig the Well, we dive into the world of holistic wellness with Roksana Zaya, owner of the Light Therapy Lounge. Join us as Roksana reveals her groundbreaking fusion of eastern holistic practices and western science to tackle stress, sleep disorders, chronic pain, just to name a few. Discover how a heart rate variability monitor can personalize your wellness journey and why addressing root causes is crucial. Roksana shares insigh...
Jun 26, 2025•32 min•Ep. 38
Are You Stuck in an Employee Mindset? Ever wondered what it takes to truly think like an entrepreneur? In this episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey from an employee mindset to embracing the entrepreneurial spirit fully. Why do so many aspiring entrepreneurs struggle to break free from trading hours for dollars? We share a compelling story of coaching a woman with multiple businesses who was stuck in this very mindset. Discover the secrets to building residual income and why outs...
Jun 19, 2025•41 min•Ep. 37
Are you ready to master the art of negotiation in both business and personal realms? Join us as we unravel the secrets to successful contract negotiations, revealing how to dodge hidden costs and secure favorable deals. Ever wondered how to handle unexpected expenses in a business renovation or the best way to negotiate car prices? Vikki kicks off with a cautionary tale of a friend's renovation woes, setting the stage for a deep dive into negotiation strategies. From leasing business spaces to c...
Jun 12, 2025•47 min•Ep. 36
Ever wondered how ethical practices can transform business landscapes? In Episode 35 of Dig the Well, we have the pleasure of chatting with the inspiring Khryzza Kelley. Khryzza is not just an entrepreneur; she's a powerhouse of purpose-driven innovation! Join us as we delve into her ventures, CoWorq Group and Isla & Co., both of which are redefining business norms with heart and integrity. Khryzza shares how CoWorq Group is revolutionizing outsourcing by connecting businesses with fairly co...
Jun 05, 2025•46 min•Ep. 35
Ever wondered how Memorial Day's true meaning extends beyond barbecues and sales? Join us in Episode 34 of "Dig the Well" as we delve into the profound significance of this day, honoring the sacrifices of military and police personnel. With John's 25-year service in the LAPD, we share personal insights on the importance of remembering those who have died in service. But that's not all! We pivot to entrepreneurship, exploring how it can be a path to financial independence and personal fulfillment...
May 29, 2025•39 min•Ep. 34
Are external challenges derailing your business focus? How do tariffs and political noise impact your bottom line? Join us as we dive into the art of maintaining business momentum amidst chaos. We tackle the common pitfalls of using external factors as excuses, from tariffs to political opinions, and how they can cloud your business vision. Ever felt overwhelmed by personal crises? We share our own experiences, including the emotional toll of losing a pet, and reveal how having robust systems ca...
May 22, 2025•32 min•Ep. 33
Ever wondered what it takes to transform dormant vines into a bottle of fine wine? In Episode 32 of Dig the Well, we, chat with Nicol Duffy, the brilliant mind behind Optima Wines, right from the heart of Sonoma Valley. Nicol takes us on a journey through her fascinating entry into the wine world, alongside her husband, Mike Duffy, who founded the Optima Winery, who’s celebrating his 48th harvest! From the science of sugar content and pH levels to the art of fermentation and oak barrel aging, Ni...
May 08, 2025•27 min•Ep. 32
Ever wondered how companies like Apple and Tesla transformed their industries? Or how Netflix foresaw the streaming revolution? Join us in episode 31 of Dig the Well as Vikki and I dive into the world of innovation and entrepreneurship! Broadcasting from the enchanting Gaylord Texan Hotel, we reminisce about childhood adventures and draw parallels to the magic of innovation. From Apple's iPhone revolution to Netflix's streaming foresight, and Amazon's e-commerce dominance, we explore the visiona...
May 01, 2025•37 min•Ep. 31
Have you ever wondered if there's a safer, needle-free alternative to Botox and fillers? Join us in this episode of Dig the Well, as we broadcast from the beautiful Tulum, Mexico, to unveil a groundbreaking anti-aging product that could change everything! We're diving into the world of traditional treatments, discussing their risks, and introducing you to a revolutionary, plant-based topical treatment that promises to naturally lift and boost collagen by a staggering 1223%! Curious about joining...
Apr 24, 2025•11 min•Ep. 30
Are you ready to revolutionize your networking game? In Episode 29 of Dig the Well, Vikki takes the spotlight as she and John explore the art of networking beyond the digital realm. How do traditional methods like joining chambers of commerce stack up against online platforms? What makes paid networking groups more effective than free ones? Vikki shares her personal journey, from La Habra to global networks, and offers invaluable insights into choosing the right groups and maximizing your networ...
Apr 17, 2025•38 min•Ep. 29
Are you ready to transform your business with exceptional hospitality? In Episode 28 of Dig the Well, Vikki Downey sits down with hospitality expert Žana DeVine to uncover the secrets behind world-class service. Ever wondered why some restaurants feel like a second home while others fall flat? Žana, with her rich background in upscale hotels and restaurants across the globe, reveals the magic of attentiveness and training in creating unforgettable customer experiences. From understanding cultura...
Apr 10, 2025•56 min•Ep. 28
Ready to revolutionize your entrepreneurial journey? Episode 27 of Dig the Well with John and Vikki Downey is packed with insights and strategies to transform your business! We asked Chatgpt what the 7 most trending questions were among business owners. Then we answered them for you! Dive into the global AI race and discover how to attract eco-conscious consumers using sustainable packaging. We also explore the booming world of social commerce and the magic of genuine engagement. Learn why build...
Apr 03, 2025•59 min•Ep. 27
Are you ready to transform your business travel game? In Episode 26 of Dig the Well, we reveal our top strategies for making travel both efficient and cost-effective. Ever wondered whether it's better to chase the cheapest airfare or stick with one airline for those coveted perks? We dive into this debate, sharing insights from my years of travel experience. Learn about the elusive "Goldilocks window" for booking flights and how to navigate the complex world of airfare pricing. Plus, we explore ...
Mar 27, 2025•47 min•Ep. 26
What happens when truth becomes a commodity? In episode 25 of Dig the Well, we tackle the slippery slope of misinformation in media and its ripple effects on personal and business decisions. Drawing from my own experiences as a former Los Angeles police officer, we share eye-opening stories of media misreporting and its consequences on public trust. We contrast the golden age of journalism with today's sensationalism-driven news, questioning the integrity of information we consume daily. But it’...
Mar 20, 2025•41 min•Ep. 25
What does it really take to transform a side hustle into a thriving full-time business? In episode 24 of "Dig the Well," join us as we, dive deep into the art of sacrifice and dedication necessary for entrepreneurial success. From my days as a Los Angeles police officer to Vikki's journey as a best-selling author, we've experienced firsthand the power of prioritizing business over leisure. We share the gritty details of our early years with Prestige Motoring Accessories, where six-day workweeks ...
Mar 13, 2025•39 min•Ep. 24
Ever wondered if luck really plays a role in success, or if it's all about hard work and seizing the moment? Join us for Episode 23 of "Dig the Well," where we debunk the myth of luck in both business and life. We kick off by sharing our own journey from my early retirement from the LAPD to turning our side hustle into a thriving full-time venture. We dive into cultural perceptions of luck, like those surrounding Saint Patrick's Day, and contrast them with our belief in preparation and decisiven...
Mar 06, 2025•30 min•Ep. 23
Ever wondered how you can transform a side hustle into a life-changing full-time business? Join us in this episode as we share our journey from skepticism to success, all while soaking up the sun at a beautiful resort in Tulum, Mexico. Thirteen years ago, Vikki took a chance on Neora's anti-aging product, and our lives haven't been the same since. John even retired nine years early from the LAPD! Curious how we did it without any special sales skills? It’s all about a simple, effective system an...
Feb 27, 2025•36 min•Ep. 22
Ever wondered how to blend business success with a life of travel and adventure? In Episode 21 of "Dig the Well," join us as we unravel our journey from early retirement to a life of freedom and exploration. Broadcasting from the stunning beaches of Tulum, Mexico, we share the perks of our business with Neora, a direct sales company that has awarded us with countless incentive trips and even a Lexus car bonus! Tune in as we reveal the secrets behind nomadic entrepreneurship and how you, too, can...
Feb 20, 2025•29 min•Ep. 21
How do you integrate faith into your business practices? In Episode 20 of Dig the Well, join us as we explore the powerful intersection of Christianity and entrepreneurship. We share how our faith has been a cornerstone in both our marriage and business ventures. Discover how prayer and divine guidance have led to unexpected opportunities and helped them navigate challenges with grace. We dive into the importance of ethical practices, the art of discernment in hiring, and overcoming setbacks wit...
Feb 13, 2025•35 min•Ep. 20
Ever wondered how to turn your side hustle into a thriving full-time business? In this episode of Dig the Well, Vikki and John reveal the secret sauce: the "90 day run." But what is it, and how can it transform your business? Join us as we delve into this intense, three-month sprint where dedication and strategy collide to yield remarkable growth. Discover how John retired early from the LAPD, and why family support is crucial during this transformative journey. We'll share our playbook for sett...
Feb 06, 2025•31 min•Ep. 19
Ever wondered how to keep the spark alive in a 36-year marriage while running a business together? Join us on Dig the Well as John and Vikki Downey reveal the secrets behind their successful partnership in both love and work. In this episode, we dive deep into the art of communication and conflict resolution. Discover why listening might just be the ultimate superpower in any relationship and how to handle disagreements without turning your home into a battlefield. We also explore the balancing ...
Jan 30, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 18
Ever wonder how an entrepreneurial upbringing can shape an Olympic weightlifter? Join us on Dig the Well as Vikki and John dive deep into a fascinating conversation with their son, John Downey. Discover how their unique approach to parenting, with monetized chores and flexible schedules, laid the groundwork for John's journey from aspiring police officer to national champion weightlifter. John opens up about the financial challenges of pursuing weightlifting in the U.S. and how he found a creati...
Jan 23, 2025•57 min•Ep. 17
Ever wondered how to transform challenges into triumphs and build a thriving business network? In Episode 16 of Dig the Well, Vikki Downey chats with Sandra Yancey, the dynamic founder of eWomenNetwork. Sandra's journey from Dayton, Ohio, to becoming a beacon for business women is nothing short of inspiring. She reveals how her upbringing with a single mom shaped her resilient spirit and entrepreneurial drive. Discover how Sandra turned initial struggles in Dallas into the flourishing eWomen Net...
Jan 16, 2025•39 min•Ep. 16
Ever wondered how to transform your side hustle into a thriving full-time business? In Episode 15 of Dig the Well, Vikki and John dive into the secrets of maintaining momentum, even when the world seems to slow down. Why do some people double their efforts during the holiday season while others relax? We explore this intriguing mindset shift and reveal how setting goals at the start of the year can keep you on track. Join us as we unpack the FORM method—Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Messag...
Jan 09, 2025•54 min•Ep. 15
Ever wondered how to turn your New Year's resolutions into real success stories? In this episode, join us as we dive into the art of setting and sticking to goals, not just in fitness but in business too! We start with holiday cheer and reflections on the swift passage of time. Discover how we transitioned from my career as a Los Angeles police officer to running a thriving home-based business, allowing me to retire early and spend more time with family. We share the secret sauce of forming genu...
Jan 02, 2025•24 min•Ep. 14
