Host: Dwan Bent-Twyford
Guest: Dr. Noah St. John

Celebrating One Million Downloads!

Hey everyone — welcome to The Most Dwanderful Real Estate Podcast Ever! I’m your host, Dwan Bent-Twyford, America’s most sought-after real estate investor.

Before diving into today’s amazing episode, I’ve got some incredible news to share — we just hit one million podcast downloads! I can’t tell you how excited I was to see that email come through. A huge thank you to everyone who tunes in, downloads, and shares this podcast. Let’s see how fast we can reach two million because, well… more is always better!

Now, I’m thrilled to introduce today’s guest — Dr. Noah St. John, known as “The Sheldon Cooper of Self-Help.” Trust me, this is going to be a fun and enlightening conversation.

Meet Dr. Noah St. John: The Sheldon Cooper of Self-Help

Dr. Noah St. John is a global success coach, keynote speaker, and best-selling author. You can find him at NoahStJohn.com, where he offers a ton of free resources and books designed to help entrepreneurs and real estate investors achieve more — faster.

As he puts it:

“I help entrepreneurs, particularly real estate investors, make more money in 12 weeks than they made in the previous 12 months — all while winning their lives back.”

Noah’s mission is about working smarter, not harder. He believes your business should serve you, not the other way around. And with his coaching programs, he’s helped clients collectively earn over $3 billion — all while reclaiming time, energy, and freedom.

Why “Winning Your Life Back” Matters

As someone who’s been in the real estate world for decades, I (Dwan) couldn’t agree more. Like many of us raised on that old-school “work until you die” mentality, it took me years to learn that working harder isn’t the answer — working smarter is.

At some point, I realized that saying “no” to others and “yes” to myself wasn’t selfish — it was necessary. And as Dr. Noah explains, that realization is often the first step toward transformation.

The First Step: Understanding Your Inner Game

So, how do you even recognize that you need help?

Dr. Noah offers a free tool called the Inner Game Scorecard, available at MyInnerGame.com. It’s a quick self-assessment that helps you identify where your mindset might be holding you back.

According to Noah, success comes down to two key components:

1. Inner Game – the beliefs, attitudes, and thought patterns that shape your actions.

2. Outer Game – the strategies, systems, and marketing tactics you use in your business.

“Your beliefs affect everything — your health, your relationships, your finances. You can’t see a belief, but you can always see its effects.”

That’s why two people can use the same system or attend the same seminar, but only one thrives — because mindset is the multiplier.

A Real-Life Example: Breaking Income Ceilings

Noah shared a story about Tamisa, a real estate investor from Arizona. Despite doing well and earning six figures, she hit an income ceiling she just couldn’t break through.

After joining Noah’s 12-Week Breakthrough Program, she tripled her investment — in just two weeks. And the fascinating part? They hadn’t even worked on money strategies yet. All the changes came from addressing her inner game — the beliefs silently holding her back.

The Power of Self-Talk and Awareness

We dove deep into the topic of self-talk, which, according to studies, is up to 95% negative for most people.

I shared how, years ago, after attending a Tony Robbins seminar, I started writing down my thoughts every day. The results shocked me — so much negativity! It took years of intentional mindset work to rewire that pattern, but it completely changed my life.

As Noah says, “Your mind can be your worst enemy — or your greatest ally.”

From Poverty to Purpose: Noah’s Journey

Dr. Noah’s passion for self-help comes from a deeply personal place. He grew up poor in one of the richest towns in America — Kennebunkport, Maine. His family lost their home to foreclosure when he was just 15.

“When you don’t have money, you don’t have choices. And without choices, you don’t own your life.”

Determined to change his story, Noah spent years devouring every self-help book he could find — long before the internet or YouTube made personal development mainstream.

Eventually, in 1997, he realized what all those books were missing — and that insight became the foundation for his 25+ published works and coaching systems used around the world.

Why Inner Game Is the Real Estate Investor’s Edge

Noah believes 90% of real estate success happens between your ears.

Sure, sales systems, lead funnels, and marketing strategies matter — but none of it sticks without the right mindset. That’s why mastering your inner game is the real secret weapon of top real estate performers.

Breaking Barriers: Real-Life Stories of Mindset Breakthroughs

Dr. Noah St. John knows the real estate game inside and out — not just because he’s studied success, but because he’s coached some of the best in the business to reach levels they never thought possible.

He shared another story that proves just how powerful the inner game can be.

“I met Brian at a seminar in Boston,” Noah explained. “He was already doing well but just couldn’t break through that income ceiling. We started coaching, and in just 12 days — not 12 months, not even 12 weeks — he earned $95,000 in commissions.”

That’s not a typo.
Twelve days. Ninety-five thousand dollars.

And the story doesn’t stop there — Brian used that success to launch his own podcast and eventually moved from Boston to Aruba.

“Let’s just say,” Noah joked, “Boston to Aruba — you’re welcome!”

I (Dwan) had to laugh at that one. As someone who’s lived through Colorado winters, I can absolutely relate — sunshine wins every time.

The Mindset of “Poor” vs. “Broke”

That story reminded me of my own upbringing. My mom — who I love dearly — grew up very poor. Even after she and my dad reached middle-class comfort, she would still say, “Oh, I can’t do that, I’m poor.”

And I always tell people: there’s a big difference between being broke and being poor.

“Broke” is temporary — it’s about money.
“Poor” is permanent — it’s about mindset.

You can be broke and still have drive, faith, and vision. But if you let that “poor” mindset control you, it becomes your ceiling. And breaking that cycle takes awareness — and work.

When I was a teenager, we’d visit my grandmother in Tennessee. She didn’t even have indoor plumbing until I was sixteen. I’ll never forget having to use an outhouse and thinking, What is this nightmare? When they finally got plumbing, I praised the Lord. It really drove home how much mindset and environment shape how we see what’s “possible.”

Why People Get Stuck — and How to Fix It

So, I asked Dr. Noah the million-dollar question:
Why do people get stuck?

Is it mindset? Surroundings? Lack of exposure?

His answer? It’s a combination — but he breaks it down into three key problems that cause most people to stall out, especially entrepreneurs and real estate investors.

1. Lack of Direction

“Think of your goal like a destination,” Noah explained. “You’re driving from point A to point B. But if you don’t know where you’re going, how can you get there efficiently?”

So many people spin their wheels because they’re driving without a map. The result? Overthinking, endless distractions, and frustration.

And with social media constantly fighting for your attention, it’s easier than ever to lose focus.

2. Lack of Focus

“If you don’t know where you’re going, it’s hard to focus,” he said. “You tell yourself you’ll make calls or shoot videos, but then you end up watching Netflix.”

We’ve all been there. We tell ourselves we don’t have time — but somehow manage to binge a series in one weekend. It’s not laziness; it’s lack of clarity and structure.

3. Isolation and Overwhelm

Entrepreneurship can be lonely — especially for real estate investors.

“You can’t talk to your family about your business,” Noah explained. “They’re working traditional jobs, and when you talk about your challenges, their eyes glaze over.”

Without a solid support system, self-doubt creeps in fast. Before long, you start questioning everything — even your dreams. And that’s where many entrepreneurs give up.

The Three Solutions: Plan, Tools, and Support

Dr. Noah doesn’t just diagnose the problems — he offers the cure.

For every challenge, there’s a matching solution:

1. The Right Plan

The fix for lack of direction is a solid plan.

“Imagine trying to build a house with no blueprint,” he said. “That’s what most entrepreneurs are doing — waking up and slapping boards together, hoping a house appears.”

Without a plan, you waste time, money, and energy. With one, you move with purpose.

2. The Right Tools

The second fix — for lack of focus — is having the right tools for the job.

“When I started in 1997, I had no connections, no experience, and $800 to my name. The only funnels we had back then were funnel cakes,” Noah joked. “But I had one thing — a deep desire to help people.”

Today, with technology and resources everywhere, there’s no excuse not to use the right tools. The challenge is picking the ones that work for you.

3. The Right Support

Finally, the third — and arguably most important — piece is support.

“You’ve heard the saying that you’re the average of the five people you spend the most time with,” Noah said. “That’s absolutely true.”

He explained that growing up poor in a rich neighborhood was eye-opening. He was surrounded by people who expected success — and that rubbed off.

Following Your Inner Guidance

Dr. Noah also shared a deeply personal story that shows what happens when you trust your intuition — even when it doesn’t make logical sense.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, he woke up one morning with a clear message: “You’re supposed to move.”

“I didn’t understand it,” he said. “Everything was fine where we were. But I’ve learned to listen to those promptings.”

The next day, he found a beautiful home just eight minutes away. When he and his wife drove up the driveway, she looked around and said, “I’m packing tonight.”

Twelve weeks later, they were living in what Noah calls “better than my dream home” — a 5,000-square-foot mansion on a hill.

“If I had written down my dream home, it would have been here,” he said, gesturing mid-level. “But this house is here. It’s beyond what I imagined.”

And he didn’t just buy it — he paid off the mortgage 27 years early.

That’s the power of mindset, clarity, and taking action.

Building a Business That Serves You

Dr. Noah’s philosophy comes down to one simple truth:

“Your business should serve you — not the other way around.” Through his 12-Week Breakthrough Program, he’s helped thousands of entrepreneurs and real estate investors transform not just their finances but their entire lives.

And the formula is beautifully simple:
Right Plan + Right Tools + Right Support = Breakthrough Results

The Importance of Support in Real Estate

I (Dwan) couldn’t agree more about the importance of having support.

When I started flipping houses, I did it alone. No real estate friends. No mastermind groups. Just me, my tools, and my determination.

My family thought I was crazy.

“You’re a single mom,” they said. “You need a real job with insurance.”

But deep down, I knew working for someone else wasn’t my path. I had tried it — briefly — right out of high school. I got a job at a factory because that’s what everyone around me did.

I lasted six weeks.
It was hot, miserable, and soul-crushing.

So when I got laid off, I actually said, “Thank you, Jesus!”

That was my sign to start something new. And I knew if I stayed in Ohio, I’d get pulled back into that same “factory job and settle down” mindset. So I left — determined to build my own future.

From Factory Floors to Financial Freedom

When I (Dwan) think back to those early days, I can still picture myself standing on that cold factory floor. My friend Erica turned to me and said, “You’re standing on concrete.”

And I thought — why would people who love me want me to do this for forty years?

I asked my dad once, “Why would you want that for me?” He said, “Well, you work for the man, then you retire, and then you can live your life.”

But that never made sense to me.

When you’re 18 or 19, people in their 60s seem ancient — you can’t even imagine being that age! I remember thinking, “I don’t want to wait until I’m 60 to live my life — I want to live now.”

So, I did something crazy (at least everyone thought so).
I packed my bags and moved to Florida.

I didn’t have a plan, but I had a conviction — whatever I did next, it would not involve a factory.

My friends told me, “You’ll be back.”
And I said, “No, you don’t understand — I’m not ever doing that again.”

Now, decades later, I look at those same friends. They did all the “right” things — the factory job, the 40 years, the retirement — but their bodies are tired, and many never truly lived their dreams.

That’s why I tell people all the time: make the change now. Work for yourself.
If I can do it, so can you.

Why Mindset Matters More Than Money

That’s exactly why I love Dr. Noah’s 12-Week Breakthrough so much.

It’s not just about building a business — it’s about building a mindset.

I can show you every real estate trick in the book, from flipping houses to maximizing profits, but if your mindset isn’t right, you’ll keep hitting that invisible ceiling.

“Your mindset is the number one thing that’ll hold you back,” I told him. “I can teach strategies all day long, but without the right inner foundation, people fall back into old habits.”

And that’s where someone like Dr. Noah comes in.

He helps you reprogram your inner game — the beliefs, fears, and thought patterns that either lift you up or hold you hostage.

So, all my Dwanderful family, if you’re serious about breaking through your next level — whether it’s in real estate, entrepreneurship, or life — you need this kind of mindset training.

Where to Find Dr. Noah and His Work

Dr. Noah St. John offers several amazing free tools and coaching options:

• Inner Game Quiz – MyInnerGame.com
  Take his quick quiz to find out where you’re strong — and where you’re stuck.

• Breakthrough Coaching – BreakthroughWithNoah.com
  Schedule a free 15-minute evaluation call with Noah or one of his coaches. You’ll walk away with three actionable tips you can use immediately to grow your business.

• Books and Trainings – NoahStJohn.com
  Dive deeper into his courses, keynotes, and books about mastering your inner and outer game.

A Glimpse Into Dr. Noah’s World

After the business talk, we had some fun getting to know Dr. Noah a little better!

Favorite Band: Bon Jovi

“There you go,” he laughed, “Bon Jovi, hands down.”

I had to admit — I love Bon Jovi too! I’ve seen hundreds of concerts, but somehow, I’ve never caught them live. That’s on my list next time they roll through Denver!

Favorite Food: Lobster
Well, as a Mainer myself, that earned him extra points. We both agreed nothing beats a buttery Maine lobster roll.

Favorite Time of Day: 6 AM

“That’s when I feel most creative,” he said. “But I’m not one of those hustle-and-grind guys. I work when I feel inspired, then I enjoy life — sit by the fire, feed the koi, watch the deer. Life’s meant to be lived, not just worked away.”

I couldn’t agree more. So many people brag about waking up at 4 a.m. — and I’m like, why? It’s still the middle of the night!

Spreading Empowerment, One Mind at a Time

Dr. Noah’s mission is simple but powerful:

“I want to help people reclaim their power — the power they already have inside them.”

Over the years, he’s seen how easily people give away their power — to fear, to doubt, to other people’s opinions.

That’s why he loves doing keynote speeches, corporate trainings, and coaching programs that help people unlock their full potential.

So, if you’re a team leader, entrepreneur, or organization looking for someone to light a fire under your people — invite Dr. Noah in to speak. You’ll thank yourself later!

The Word of the Week: EMPOWER

At the end of every episode, we do something special here in Dwanderful World — we choose a Word of the Week.

This week’s word, courtesy of Dr. Noah, is EMPOWER.

“Empower means to claim the power that’s already inside you,” he explained.
“For years, I let people walk all over me. I was a doormat. But when I learned to stand up for myself and take my power back, it changed my life. That’s what empowerment truly means.”

And I couldn’t have said it better myself.

So, grab a sticky note, write EMPOWER in big letters, and put it on your mirror. Say it to yourself every morning:
“I am empowered. I am powerful. I am in control of my life.”

Conclusion: Empower Your Mind, Build Your Future

This conversation with Dr. Noah St. John is a powerful reminder that success in real estate, or in any area of life, starts with the right mindset. As Dwan and Dr. Noah discussed, you can learn all the best investment strategies in the world, but without mastering your inner game, progress can feel like an uphill battle. True freedom comes when you stop giving your power away, claim it back, and design a life and business that serve you.

At Dwanderful, we believe in helping you do exactly that, build wealth and independence while living life on your own terms. Dwan Bent-Twyford, a seasoned real estate investor and host of The Most Dwanderful Real Estate Podcast Ever, offers free and paid resources to help you take your next step with confidence.

Get your free copy of “Real Estate Lingo”, the must-have guide for understanding the language of investing, or dive deeper with Dwan’s best-selling book “Five Pillars of Real Estate Investing” to master the foundations of success.

And if you’re ready to find out how you could generate six figures in the next six months, take Dwan’s quick and fun Real Estate Investing Quiz, , it takes less than a minute! Whether you’re buying your first property or your next, you’ll discover the best strategy to reach your goals faster.

Because at Dwanderful, it’s not just about buying properties, t’s about empowering you to build the life you’ve always wanted. Contact us now!