The Secret To Success with CJ, Karl, Jemal & Eric Thomas

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.

CHAPTERS
Chapters

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

JOIN US LIVE ON PATREON
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"
The debut book from Eric Thomas and CJ Quinney.
https://www.amazon.com/We-Greater-Than-Me-Highest-ebook/dp/B0GPGXXD5D

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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.

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/S2SPodcast120
PRE-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/B0GPGXXD5D
SUBSCRIBE
https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1
LISTEN ANYWHERE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15
FOLLOW
Instagram: @s2spodcast
ABOUT 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.

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.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
PRE-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/B0GPGXXD5D
SUBSCRIBE
https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1
LISTEN ANYWHERE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX
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.

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/S2SPodcast120

PRE-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/B0GPGXXD5D

SUBSCRIBE
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LISTEN ANYWHERE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15

FOLLOW
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ABOUT 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.

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.
https://www.patreon.com/c/S2SPodcast120
PRE-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/B0GPGXXD5D
SUBSCRIBE
https://www.youtube.com/@S2SPodcastChannel?sub_confirmation=1
LISTEN ANYWHERE
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secret-to-success/id123456789
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GrMsi1Cxj3nipnI9HR1QX?si=f057018bcba44c15
FOLLOW
Instagram: @s2spodcast
A PLACE OF CHANGE MINISTRY
Join the women's ministry with Candace and Dede. Follow @apocministry on Instagram or visit www.aplacetochangeministry.org
ABOUT 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.