Episode Summary
In this episode of the Comeback Kings Podcast, host Aaron James sits down with Jonathan Nilsen, a Norway-born publisher now living in Phoenix, Arizona. Jonathan breaks down how he built a high-performing publishing business without writing the books himself, turning demand-driven self-help topics into real income through Amazon KDP and TikTok visibility.
But the real tension in this conversation is what happened behind the scenes. While Jonathan’s books were climbing and his numbers were growing, his personal life was under heavy pressure at the exact same time: a renewed custody battle, rising legal costs, a collapsing job situation, and the stress of delayed payouts while bills were due right now.
Jonathan shares what it felt like to carry “cortisol brain,” trying to stay present as a dad while solving money problems, court problems, and business problems all at once. He also explains the emotional shift that happened with his daughter—how he went from being seen as the “bad guy” to being understood as the protector. This is a grounded conversation about fatherhood, resilience, and building a way forward when you cannot afford to stop.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
How Jonathan built a publishing company without being the author.
How TikTok momentum drove Amazon growth and turned into serious monthly royalties.
Why Amazon payout timing can become a major risk when life hits hard.
What it looks like to scale a business while legal bills are draining cash.
How custody stress impacts a parent’s mental bandwidth and decision-making.
Why staying steady as a father matters when your child cannot see the full picture yet.
The difference between reasons and excuses when your life feels stacked against you.
How Jonathan thinks about resilience when you are backed into a corner.
About Today’s Guest: Jonathan Nilsen
Jonathan Nilsen is a publisher and business owner based in Phoenix, Arizona. Originally from Norway, he runs a publishing company focused on self-help topics including emotional intelligence and inner-child healing. His approach centers on identifying market demand, creating solutions through books, and scaling visibility through platforms like TikTok and Amazon.
Where to Find Jonathan
Amazon: Search “Mindful Minds Co”
TikTok: Search “Mindful Minds Publishing”
Instagram: Search “Mindful Minds Publishing”
About the Host: Aaron James
Aaron James is the host of the Comeback Kings Podcast, where authentic conversations help men rise through setbacks, rebuild with purpose, and move forward with strength.
Learn more: cbknetwork.com
The CBK Network – More Than a Podcast
The Comeback Kings Podcast is more than a podcast. The CBK Network is a global resource built for men ready to rise, rebuild, and reign. Inside the app, you’ll find tools, training, and real connections to help you level up mentally, financially, and physically. From exclusive content and community chat rooms to expert resources and member perks, CBK is the hub for men committed to real growth.
Download at cbknetwork.com
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