Most people think success—whether in health or business—requires an all-or-nothing approach. But the truth? It’s about structure, consistency, and the right plan. In this episode, Joshua Santiago from BrightHEALTH and BrightFIT shares how sustainable fitness and nutrition habits mirror smart marketing strategies. Learn why doing less (but smarter) leads to long-term results in both your health and your business. Watch the full episode on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform!

The Power of a Home: More Than Just Four Walls

Owning a home has always been about more than just real estate. It’s about legacy, security, and creating a space where memories are built. But let’s be real—homeownership today isn’t as simple as it once was. Between rising interest rates, fluctuating markets, and shifting buyer priorities, finding and building the perfect home has become an intricate process.

For many, a home is the biggest investment they will ever make. It’s not just a financial decision but an emotional one. It’s the place where birthdays are celebrated, holidays bring families together, and children take their first steps. A home is the backdrop to life’s most precious moments, which is why the process of finding or building the right one requires careful thought and planning.

Just like building a home, growing a business or personal brand follows a similar journey. You start with a foundation—your core values, mission, and goals. Then, you carefully choose the materials that will support and strengthen your structure—whether it’s the strategies you implement, the audience you serve, or the messaging you use. Every detail matters because, just like a home, a strong brand needs to stand the test of time.

At Heart of the Hustle Studio, we believe storytelling is just as essential to success as location is to real estate. Your brand’s story is what connects you to your audience, builds trust, and establishes you as a leader in your industry. And if you’re not telling your story in a way that resonates, you’re missing a huge opportunity.

Finding Your Dream Home With Merit Homes: The Insider's Guide to North Texas Real Estate

Moving to a new home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re relocating across the country or just across town, finding the right home in the right neighborhood is more than just checking off boxes—it’s about building a lifestyle. That’s why I sat down with Matt Braun of Merit Homes on the Heart of the Hustle podcast to talk about the booming North Texas real estate market and how to navigate it like a pro.

Why North Texas? The Secret’s Out!

If you’ve been paying attention to the real estate market, you already know that North Texas is one of the hottest places to live right now. Cities like Frisco, Prosper, Plano, and McKinney are experiencing rapid growth, attracting families, professionals, and investors alike. But what makes this area so special? It’s more than just the booming housing market—it’s about the quality of life, affordability, and opportunities that North Texas offers.

Booming Job Market and Business Growth

One of the biggest draws to North Texas is its expanding job market. The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has become a magnet for businesses relocating from high-cost states like California and New York. With major corporate headquarters—including Toyota, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual, and Charles Schwab—setting up operations here, employment opportunities are abundant across industries such as technology, finance, healthcare, and logistics.

The job growth has fueled an increase in housing demand, as professionals seek neighborhoods that offer both convenience and lifestyle amenities. Unlike more densely populated areas with high commuting times, North Texas provides the best of both worlds: job accessibility with suburban comfort.

Authenticity in Action: Elaine’s Story

When Elaine started in comedy, she thought she had to be a certain type of funny. She watched other comedians, studied their styles, and tried to fit into a mold of what she thought a stand-up comic should be.

And guess what?

It didn’t work.

Audiences weren’t connecting with her because she wasn’t bringing herself to the stage—she was bringing a version of herself she thought people wanted.

The moment she started telling her real stories—her struggles, her quirks, her awkward life moments—that’s when people started to laugh, relate, and engage.

That’s when her career took off.

And that is exactly how marketing works.

Dr. Sara Mahmood: How Integrity Built a Thriving Business

One of the best examples of integrity in business is Dr. Sara Mahmood, founder of Brush 365 and a guest on Heart of the Hustle.

She didn’t build her dental practice by following traditional industry norms.

She built it by focusing on ethical business practices, patient trust, and honesty—even when it wasn’t the “easiest” way to do business.

💡 Instead of pushing unnecessary treatments, she gives honest recommendations based on what patients truly need.
💡 Instead of prioritizing high-profit procedures, she focuses on patient-first care and long-term health.
💡 Instead of using hard sales tactics, she built a practice centered on education, prevention, and ethical decision-making.

And guess what?

📢 Patients trust her.
📢 Her business keeps growing.
📢 Her brand reputation speaks for itself.

This is what happens when integrity becomes your marketing strategy.

Because at the end of the day, trust is the best form of marketing there is.

How Dr. Alex Santiago Built Her Brand Through Authenticity

In my episode with Dr. Alex Santiago, she shared her journey of breaking away from the traditional healthcare system to build something better.

She runs Bright Health, a direct primary care practice in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Instead of forcing patients through the headache of insurance, she offers a simple monthly fee that gives them direct access to care.

And let me tell you—this model is a game-changer.

Dr. Santiago didn’t start Bright Health to follow a trend. She did it because she saw a massive problem in the healthcare industry.

She saw patients frustrated with long wait times, surprise bills, and doctors who barely had time to listen.
She saw physicians burning out trying to keep up with the demands of insurance-driven healthcare.
She knew there had to be a better way—so she built it.

And THAT is the kind of authenticity that attracts loyal clients and raving fans.

The hustle is real—but what if success wasn’t just about working harder? In this episode of Heart of the Hustle, I sit down with Bob Healey, a business owner, politician, world traveler, and fellow podcaster. Bob’s journey spans from running a global manufacturing company to teaching yoga, and his perspective on success challenges the traditional grind.

In this blog, we’ll explore Bob’s entrepreneurial path, his unique approach to leadership, and how storytelling at Heart of the Hustle helps redefine success for business owners.

Bob Healey – From Boats to Business Empires

Success is rarely accidental, and for Bob Healey, business acumen ran in his veins. Growing up in New Jersey, he was immersed in the world of manufacturing and entrepreneurship from an early age. His family’s business wasn’t just any business—it was a powerhouse in the yacht manufacturing industry. Over time, the company evolved into the world’s leading sportfish yacht producer, an impressive feat built on decades of commitment, innovation, and perseverance. But like any forward-thinking entrepreneur, Bob knew that success wasn’t about staying comfortable—it was about expansion and evolution.

Are you preparing for surgery and feeling overwhelmed by everything that comes with it? From understanding medical jargon to planning your recovery, the process can feel like an impossible maze to navigate. That’s why working with a patient advocate for surgery preparation can make all the difference.

Recently, on Heart of the Hustle, I interviewed Sara Lemert, founder of Platinum Patient Advocates. Sara is an expert in guiding patients through the healthcare system, ensuring they feel empowered and supported during surgery and recovery. In this blog, we’ll dive into how a patient advocate can help reduce stress, improve outcomes, and make the surgical process far more manageable for you and your loved ones.

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What is a Patient Advocate?

A patient advocate is your go-to guide for navigating the complexities of the healthcare system. Think of them as your translator, organizer, and biggest cheerleader. They ensure you receive the best care possible while eliminating confusion.

What Does a Patient Advocate Do?

• Clarifies Medical Terms: Doctors often speak in technical jargon, leaving patients unsure of their next steps. A patient advocate translates this information into clear, actionable language.

• Organizes Your Care: They handle logistics like scheduling appointments and ensuring follow-ups, so you can focus on healing.

• Supports You Emotionally: Surgery isn’t just physically challenging—it’s emotionally draining too. Advocates offer reassurance every step of the way.