POWERS

Chris Powers
POWERS
Último episodio

407 episodios

  • POWERS

    #410 - Austin Tunnell - Founder of Building Culture - The Power of Developing Beautiful Buildings

    14/04/2026 | 1 h 21 min
    In this episode, Chris sits down with Austin Tunnell, founder of Building Culture - a real estate development and design-build company based in Oklahoma City specializing in structural masonry construction and walkable, mixed-use urban infill.

    Austin's path to real estate is one of the more unusual ones we've had on the show. He grew up a football player in the suburbs of Houston, went to work at KPMG out of college, hated it, and joined the Peace Corps. A chance meeting with a master mason in Panama changed the trajectory of his life. He returned to the US and apprenticed for two years laying brick by hand for $12 an hour in rural Oklahoma while his wife cleaned houses to support them. Today Austin designs and develops some of the most beautiful residential and mixed-use projects being built in America, including an 18-townhome, live-work, and mixed-use commercial project currently underway in downtown Edmond, Oklahoma.

    Chris and Austin go deep on Austin's philosophy of beauty, the case for building things meant to last hundreds of years, and the policy, financing, and culture obstacles standing in the way.

    We discuss:

    - How a chance meeting with a master mason in Panama changed the trajectory of Austin's life

    - The difference between veneer brick and true structural masonry, and why almost no one in the US builds the real thing anymore

    - Why Austin believes beauty is real, beauty is important, and beauty "connects us to the divine"

    - Five simple brick details any developer can use to make a veneer building look dramatically better for almost no added cost

    - How fire codes, building codes, and Euclidean zoning quietly destroy neighborhoods and push developers toward the same ugly apartment complexes

    - Austin's long-term-hold model for funding new construction infill, inspired by Moses Kagan and ReSeed

    - Missing middle housing, walkability, and why a 30-unit townhome neighborhood can feel more like home than any class-A apartment building

    About the guest: Austin Tunnell is the founder of Building Culture, an Oklahoma City-based real estate development and design-build firm focused on beautiful, durable, human-scale neighborhoods. Building Culture specializes in structural masonry construction, walkable urban infill, and mixed-use development.

    Links:

    Building Culture - https://www.buildingculture.com/

    Austin on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@austintunnell

    Austin on X - https://x.com/austintunnell

    Austin on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-tunnell-2a41894a/

    Topics:

    (00:00:00) - Intro

    (00:02:33) - Austin’s journey with the Peace Corps and how that led him to Masonry

    (00:12:26) - Why we moved away from Masonry and toward wood frames

    (00:15:19) - What drew Austin to Masonry

    (00:19:34) - Learning the craft

    (00:24:25) - Why humans gravitate toward humanely built things

    (00:26:51) - What people can do with brick to get more value from a home

    (00:31:23) - What to ask architects when looking for a Mason

    (00:32:39) - Training Masons

    (00:33:28) - Austin’s project in Edmond, OK

    (00:38:17) - Defining beauty

    (00:50:03) - The impact of over regulation in construction and zoning

    (00:55:50) - Austin on scaling his business

    (00:59:38) - Local, state, and national policies that need to change

    (01:05:03) - Interior beauty in Austin’s world

    (01:09:30) - Tax incentives and capital structures

    (01:16:52) - Building a media business in Real Estate

    (01:18:05) - Live-work real estate

    Support our Sponsors

    Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort

    Chris on Social Media:

    Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast

    LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd

    Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX

    Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/

    Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0

    Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO
  • POWERS

    #409 - Jason McCann - CEO @ Vari - How a Simple Product Became a Global Brand

    07/04/2026 | 1 h 49 min
    Today I sit down with Jason McCann, Co-Founder and CEO of Vari - a company that started when his business partner stood at a cardboard box complaining of back pain and turned that moment into a brand that has shipped millions of desks and transformed over a thousand offices.

    Jason built Vari direct-to-consumer in an industry that had never seen it. He bootstrapped the company while every instinct in the market said raise capital and burn cash. He became the fastest-growing company in Dallas, survived COVID after just putting $15 million into a TV campaign and opening 12 showrooms, and came out the other side as a fundamentally different leader.

    We go deep on what it actually takes to innovate legacy product categories, how he recruited the former Chief People Officer of Southwest Airlines over a cup of coffee, and why an introvert had to learn to over-communicate when hundreds of families were counting on him.

    I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did.

    Links:

    Vari - https://www.vari.com/

    Jason on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mccann-vari/

    Support our Sponsors

    Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort

    Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers

    Topics:

    (00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:29) - How Vari was started(00:08:42) - How entrepreneurs should think about product development(00:11:24) - How Jason approaches AI(00:24:07) - Developing the standing desk(00:36:53) - Jason’s approach to manufacturing(00:47:16) - How Vari develops new products and services(00:56:59) - Bringing on the head of people of Southwest Airlines(01:04:31) - How Vari thinks about innovation vs. leaving products alone(01:14:55) - The future of work in 2026(01:19:50) - The reindustrialization of America(01:23:36) - Jason’s unique leadership style(01:28:47) - Why Jason only wears black(01:31:52) - What a week looks like for Jason(01:40:46) - How vari runs exec meetings

    Chris on Social Media:

    X: https://x.com/fortworthchris

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast

    LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd

    Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX

    Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/

    Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0

    Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO
  • POWERS

    #408 - Jordan Levi - The Largest Cattle Feeder In America

    31/03/2026 | 1 h 43 min
    In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Levi to explore how he’s built a unique edge in the cattle industry by combining deep analytical thinking with real-world market experience. Jordan walks me through how he approaches cattle trading, the key biological and financial variables that ultimately determine profit and loss, and how he developed his framework without growing up in the business. We spend time unpacking how the cattle market actually works, where volatility comes from, and how operators think about risk across the cycle. We also dive into how he’s embracing AI tools and building custom workflows to stay ahead in a fast-moving, data-heavy environment.

    We discuss:

    - How the cattle market works and why volatility creates both risk and opportunity

    - The key drivers of profitability including feed efficiency, average daily gain, and out weight

    - The difference between biological intuition and building a data-driven edge in cattle trading

    - How Jordan processes daily reports and market data to inform trading decisions

    - How he’s building AI agents to summarize information and streamline his workflow

    Links:

    Vote for Jordan to be inducted into the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame - https://cattlefeeders.org/poll/2027-cattle-feeders-hall-of-fame/

    Jordan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-levi-b107182/

    Topics:

    (00:00:00) - Intro(00:02:16) - The Belted Galloway(00:03:51) - The Kosher Cowboy(00:08:05) - Pulling value of the futures forward(00:11:43) - Learning cattle trading(00:16:48) - Daily average gain in cattle(00:18:20) - Jordan’s eureka moment in the cattle industry(00:21:08) - What does trading in animals actually look like?(00:27:05) - How Jordan defines his ROI in trading cattle(00:31:17) - The cattle curve(00:33:37) - The state of the cattle market(00:42:10) - Buying the largest cattle feeder in the world(00:46:09) - Grass vs. grain-fed cattle(00:49:15) - Predictions for the cattle supply over the next 10 years(00:50:54) - The international market(00:53:17) - Trading frequencies and macro thesis(01:00:27) - USA beef vs. international beef(01:05:21) - The cattle supply chain(01:07:32) - The future of auction yards and ranchers(01:09:40) - AI in AgTech(01:12:52) - The biggest problem facing the industry(01:14:42) - Livestock as a commodity that dies and how that impacts trading theory(01:20:51) - Is there a market for new entrants into cattle?(01:21:41) - Beef prices and the impact of a closed border on the industry(01:24:39) - Jordan’s biggest ideas for the industry(01:26:49) - Philanthropic efforts(01:31:24) - A day in the life of Jordan(01:26:42) - Risk management in cattle(01:41:17) - Does what you do show a leading indicator to the broader health of the American economy?

    Support our Sponsors

    Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort

    Chris on Social Media:

    X: https://x.com/fortworthchris

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast

    LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd

    Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX

    Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/

    Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0

    Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO
  • POWERS

    #407 - JB Mauney - The Greatest Bull Rider That Ever Lived

    24/03/2026 | 2 h 55 min
    In this episode, I sit down with JB Mauney to unpack the mindset, discipline, and resilience required to become one of the greatest bull riders in the world. We talk through the realities of competing at the highest level while constantly dealing with injuries, and how mental toughness separates the best from the rest. JB shares how he approached his career with a singular focus, what it meant to fully commit without a backup plan, and how he navigated the abrupt transition out of the sport. This conversation offers a raw look at what it takes to pursue excellence in one of the most physically and mentally demanding professions.

    We discuss:

    - The role of mental toughness in separating elite performers from the rest

    - Why riding through pain was a necessity, not a choice

    - The philosophy of “make plan A work” and going all in on one path

    - How injuries and setbacks compound over a long career

    - Transitioning out of a career with no clear backup plan

    Topics:

    (00:00:00) - Intro(00:03:27) - What does it mean to “work bulls”?(00:06:23) - How can you tell if a bull is good?(00:11:35) - JB’s approach to bull riding(00:16:39) - JB’s early life and bull riding(00:23:07) - Being in control of a bull(00:28:00) - How bulls differ(00:32:07) - What’s happening in the chute?(00:40:44) - JB’s injury list(00:43:10) - What makes the difference between the top bull rider and the 50th best bull rider?(00:51:22) - Mental vs. physical technique(00:55:02) - How much do the bull fighters matter?(00:57:28) - Why causes a rider to be thrown off?(01:01:14) - Riding Bushwhacker and what makes the perfect bull(01:14:35) - When bulls die & retire(01:18:55) - BuckTown(01:22:12) - A typical week for a professional bull rider(01:23:37) - The lacerated liver story(01:30:58) - Why BuckTown is a bull rider’s paradise(01:36:24) - How riding is scored(01:43:43) - How do you “practice” bull riding?(01:51:16) - The cowboy code of riding(01:55:48) - Giving a bull a brand of honor(01:57:55) - How they move bulls around the country for rodeos(02:10:05) - Raising bulls in BuckTown(02:12:46) - JB’s routine(02:16:05) - The ABBI(02:20:37) - The buzz around BuckTown(02:30:20) - When a bull knows who their rider was(02:33:43) - Is there one ride over your career that sticks with you?(02:39:10) - Can a bull get a 50 score?(02:46:55) - Wrapping up

    Links:

    BuckTown on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BuckTown-XV

    BuckTown on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bucktown_xv/

    Support our Sponsors

    Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers

    Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort

    Chris on Social Media:

    Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast

    LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd

    Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX

    Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/

    Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0

    Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO 

    POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/
  • POWERS

    #406 - Carl Edwards - From a $1,500 Race Car to the Hall of Fame (and Why He Walked Away)

    17/03/2026 | 1 h 25 min
    In this episode, I sit down with NASCAR legend Carl Edwards to explore the unlikely journey that took him from a dirt track in Missouri to the highest levels of professional racing. Carl shares how a childhood fascination with his father’s racing career sparked a relentless pursuit that eventually led to NASCAR success. Along the way, we unpack the strategy behind racing, the persistence it took for Carl to break into the sport, and the pivotal moments that defined his career. We also discuss the surprising decision to walk away from racing at the height of his career and the deeper personal transformation that followed.

    We discuss:

    - Carl’s early inspiration from watching his father race and the moment he knew he wanted to drive race cars

    - The persistence and unconventional path it took to break into professional racing and reach NASCAR

    - The strategic complexity of racing, from managing tire grip to communicating with engineers and crew

    - Why Carl chose to retire at the peak of his career and the realization that reshaped his priorities

    - The identity shift, spiritual journey, and life lessons that came after stepping away from racing

    Topics:

    (00:00:00) - Intro(00:04:23) - Carl’s early days racing(00:09:37) - The strategy behind auto racing(00:13:05) - Why isn’t everyone driving a “1st place” car?(00:19:28) - How important is the pit crew?(00:22:13) - What does a typical week look like for a NASCAR driver?(00:23:56) - Carl’s career storyline(00:39:58) - The conversation that led Carl to consider walking away from the sport(00:51:50) - Rebuilding life after NASCAR(01:02:06) - The impact of Cloud Camp & John Marsh(01:17:08) - Being inducted into the NASCAR hall of fame(01:22:15) - What Carl is doing today

    Links:

    Carl's hall of fame speech - https://youtu.be/IQJHH2f9EnI

    Support our Sponsors

    Ramp: https://ramp.com/powers

    Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort

    Chris on Social Media:

    Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepowerspodcast

    LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd

    Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX

    Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/

    Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0

    Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO 

    POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/

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POWERS brings you inside the minds of world-class leaders who have built, battled, and succeeded at the highest levels. POWERS digs beyond the surface with questions driven by curiosity, uncovering stories and insights rarely shared publicly. Each episode delivers timeless wisdom and hard-earned lessons that apply across business and life. The show has earned a reputation for asking the right questions at the right moment. The focus is on timeless principles, proven through years of discipline and risk, not on shortcuts. Each conversation is direct, deliberate, and designed to leave listeners sharper than when they arrived. The aim is simple: to deliver insights that matter and can be carried into business and life. Since its launch, POWERS has drawn a high-caliber audience of builders, investors, and decision makers. Past guests have represented companies such as Starwood Capital, JLL, Hillwood Capital, Chick-fil-A, Morning Brew, Founders Podcast, Tiny Capital, Permanent Equity, Fort, Matthews REIS, Bonobos, and ConvertKit. At its core, POWERS is a celebration of leadership, of work that matters, and of the American spirit that makes it possible.
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