Sleepless Knights Podcast

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.

To all the haters watching… this one’s for you.

In today's conversation we speak on scaling, focus and thinking bigger.

David Shands and Donni Wiggins talk about how they can better serve "My First Million Conference" attendees.Tune into the conversation to find out about how this event may happen in 2025.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

This conversation outlines the present reality and importance of forward thinking within black culture. Though the culture isn't new to forward thinking there are many variables that come into play as it relates to navigating relationships and intellectual property. It's time to be in the know now more than ever. There are people who are great examples as forward thinkers. Find out more within this conversation.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

In today's vlog, Jeezy stops by to show us a side of him that not many may know. Donni and I also go through some behind the scenes info while planning an upcoming event.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

In this conversation with Weston Hill of Ceo The Tax Biz shows interested individuals how to start their own tax business. He started out generating a quarter million under mentorship for only a portion of the profits. Then he moved on to his own tax business and generated the same at a full profit. Business has gone up from there. Not only does his business provide tax services but they also teach others how to do the same.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

In today's Podcast Explained, we looked at Ryan Pineda's studio!Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

This conversation with Jeezy reveals his true character. Even though his journey involved some illegal activity he used that journey to learn principles that polished him. Jeezy used music to help him to rise out of that life. He did the work on himself. He released the traumas. Now he's refined and doing great business. We are now witnessing his transformation in many ways. Check out the entire conversation as he speaks on his personal journey. 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

The Airbnb Story. This is a story that illustrates how renting an air mattresses along with breakfast has grown into a multi-million empire. This is the ultimate example of insanity meets creativity. After hitting a brick wall in the business it was realized that they needed testimonials and reviews to help build trust in prospect clients. Roadblock sprouted as more city regulations formulated. Then Covid came this actually decreased business by 80%. Airbnb has made through all these obstacles and more and has become one of the largest travel companies serving millions of clients. For many, Airbnb is preferred over hotel stays.Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...

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

We usually use the past to determine our present. Also, we often use our present to determine our future. Well, Dr. Benjamin Hardy speaks about how to use the future to determine your present in an effort to scale exponentially. Tap in to this conversation as we discuss this perspective. Subscribe to the Social Proof Podcast:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GT6Vgj...