Best Merrick Creatives Podcasts (2025)

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Cooking Saved My Life: Breaking Rules, Finding Creative Freedom, & Turning Passion into Product | Ep.253: Chef Jonathon Merrick 1:24:23

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21d ago1:24:23

1:24:23

Discover how Chef Jonathon Merrick turned his obsession for cooking into a powerful creative outlet that reshaped his life and career. In this episode, Chef Merrick breaks down how passion fuels progress—from making a new city home to launching Chef Dust, a bold spice brand built on authentic global flavors. 💼 In this episode, we cover: 🔥 Cooking a…

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“What If You Took the Leap Now?”—Jim Wylie Asks the Question That Changed His Life 29:52

4h ago29:52

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Jim Wylie What if everything you believed about the freedom of entrepreneurship was wrong? In this reflective and powerful episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Jim Wylie, co-owner of experiential marketing agency Envy Create, to unpack the difference between chasing freedom and choosing responsibility…

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[Atlanta Entrepreneur] “I Season Like Your Grandma Did”—Why Nick Kemp Went All-In on Soul Food and Self-Belief 24:37

1d ago24:37

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Nick Kemp What happens when the dream you buried in college won’t stay buried? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Nick Kemp, a former educator who walked away from a 20-year career to go full-time with Grillgasms BBQ—a soul food, smoke-driven brand based in Atlanta. From smoked brisket to shrimp …

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“I Stepped Into the UFC Cage, Then Built a Business That Could Punch Back”—Clifford Starks on Turning Discipline into Entrepreneurship 24:21

3d ago24:21

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Clifford Starks What if the only thing holding you back was the belief that you’re not enough? In this empowering episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Clifford Starks, former UFC fighter turned peak performance coach, to explore what it really means to lead from within. Clifford shares how his journey—from…

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“I Got Tired of the Sales Rollercoaster”—Chaz Horn on Building Predictable Revenue 33:43

4d ago33:43

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Chaz Horn What if the real reason your business isn’t growing… is you? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Chaz Horn, a sales leadership coach and founder of Mastery of B2B Sales, to unpack how ego, fear, and lack of clarity can quietly stall your business—even when you’re doing everything “right.…

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“Your 9 to 5 Will Never Make You Wealthy”—Sherman Merricks on Building Real Freedom 28:14

5d ago28:14

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Sherman Merricks How do you go from college dropout to multiple seven-figure businesses—with no roadmap and no excuses? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Sherman Merricks, founder of Dynasty CrossFit and co-owner of the LASSO Framework, to talk about ownership—of your time, your choices, and you…

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“You’re Throwing Money into a Black Hole Without Digital Audits”—Grace Clemens on Why Strategy Must Come First 27:13

6d ago27:13

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Grace Clemens What if your biggest limitation wasn’t strategy or skills—but the way you see yourself? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Grace Clemens, founder of SGC Marketing, to explore how stepping into your identity as a CEO can completely reshape your business—and your life. After 13 y…

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Why Success is an INSIDE Game: Leaving Corporate and Finding Fulfillment | Ep.254: Adam McGraw 1:04:29

7d ago1:04:29

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What does success really mean when the traditional markers—titles, money, status—don’t bring fulfillment? Adam McGraw knows this firsthand. After years as a top-performing executive at American Express, he faced the limits of conventional leadership and personal burnout. That experience led him to co-found CREW, a community designed to support seni…

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Finding the Joy in Career Reinvention with Michelle Schafer - Ep.331 30:13

7d ago30:13

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Finding the Joy in Career Reinvention with Michelle Schafer - Ep.331 What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened to you? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Michelle Schafer, certified coach, author, and career transition expert. After spending 25 years in what she thought were “secure” corpora…

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“I Went from $80K to $390K in One Year”—Delaney William on the Power of Remote Job Stacking 25:24

7d ago25:24

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Delaney William What if you could triple your income, work fewer hours, and still keep your corporate job title? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich talks to Delaney William, founder of Elevated Tech, about a controversial—but powerful—way to buy back your freedom: remote job stacking. Delaney didn’t want t…

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“It Was Death by a Thousand Paper Cuts”—Dr. Jeremy Weisz on the Slow Burn of Change 27:04

8d ago27:04

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Dr. Jeremy Weisz What happens when your job title no longer reflects your passion—or your purpose? In this powerful episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Dr. Jeremy Weisz, a former chiropractor turned podcast strategist and co-founder of Rise25. After spending two decades in a profession deeply tied to his …

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“We Have Big-Ass Problems”—Why Mitch Francis Decided to Do Something About It 22:11

9d ago22:11

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Mitch Francis Episode 289 What if one entrepreneur could solve the world’s biggest problems—with a business mindset? In this thought-provoking episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Mitch Francis, a serial founder, commercial real estate investor, and now, the author of Badass Solutions. After a personal tra…

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“Delay Is Not Denial”—Why Michael Parks Refused to Rush His Success 28:43

10d ago28:43

28:43

Cut The Tie Podcast with Michael Parks Episode 288 What does it look like to cut ties with comfort and start over—again and again? In this inspiring episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Michael Parks, Air Force veteran, retired federal air marshal, and founder of Daystar Photography. From national security to creative entrepreneur…

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“Take a Hike. Literally.”—How Susan Anderson Found Freedom in the Forest 16:35

11d ago16:35

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 286 What happens when you stop grinding and start walking—literally? In this episode of Cut the Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Susan Anderson, founder of Idlewild Woods and Triumph Communications, to talk about cutting ties with hustle culture and reconnecting with creativity, clarity, and …

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“Comfort Is the Enemy of Growth”—Why Shane Silsby Chose Uncertainty Over a Steady Paycheck 18:01

13d ago18:01

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 285 What does it take to leave a steady government career and build something of your own? In this episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Shane Silsby, a former public sector leader turned founder of Silsby Strategic Advisors, to talk about cutting ties with stability, embracing ambig…

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Rewriting the Rules of Management with Joanne Merrick - Ep.330 30:09

14d ago30:09

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What if the promotion you've been chasing isn’t actually the right move? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Joanne Merrick, founder of The Leadership Recipe and author to explore the deeper layers of leadership, self-liberation, and what it really means to be a manager in today's world. Whether you’re consideri…

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“Burnout Looked Like Success”—Why Angela Belford Cut Ties with Perfectionism 27:34

14d ago27:34

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 284 Angela Belford knows what it’s like to be unstoppable—and still feel like she’s falling short. In this honest and deeply relatable episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with the speaker, coach, and marketing agency founder to talk about cutting ties with perfectionism, toxic productiv…

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“I Started Posting Daily and People Started Listening”—How Jeremy Thone Built a Business on Content 20:26

15d ago20:26

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 283 Jeremy Thone knows what it’s like to build something meaningful outside the safety net of a W2 job. In this episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with the podcaster and content strategist to explore what it means to grow a business from scratch, stay consistent in your craft, and navi…

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“Let Go of the Ego, Keep the Drive”—How Marisa Vallbona Reinvented Her Career 29:43

16d ago29:43

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 282 Marisa Vallbona never intended to start a PR firm—but a surprise layoff while on maternity leave changed everything. In this inspiring episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich speaks with the founder and president of CIM Inc PR about how getting fired became the best thing that ever happened …

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“You’re Not Secure in a W2”—Why AJ Nash Took the Leap into Entrepreneurship 24:36

17d ago24:36

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 281 AJ Nash didn’t set out to be an entrepreneur, but after two decades in U.S. intelligence and years in cybersecurity, his career took a sharp pivot. When private equity reshaped the company he worked for, AJ faced a choice: keep waiting for the “right” role, or start building something of his own.…

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“Prison Taught Me Everything—Now I Use It to Help Others”—Danny Darling’s Second Chance 42:23

18d ago42:23

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 280 After spending 31 years in the California prison system, Danny Darling walked out with more than just his freedom—he carried a new purpose. In this powerful episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich speaks with the founder, prison consultant, and life coach about how he broke free from rage, instit…

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“I Didn’t Want a Promotion—I Wanted My Life Back” — How Christine Sugrue Reclaimed Her Time and Redefined Success 31:25

19d ago31:25

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 279 Christine Sugrue spent 25 years in education as a Brooklyn middle school teacher—but a simple scooter ride changed everything. In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Christine to talk about the leap from classroom to founder, the mindset shift from “just a teacher” to…

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“I Walked Away from a Job I Loved Because It Was Killing Me”—Melissa Brandt’s Path to Comedy 18:55

20d ago18:55

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 278 When burnout hit, Melissa Brandt didn’t just change jobs—she changed her entire life. In this laugh-out-loud yet deeply honest episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Melissa, a former corporate sales rep turned clean stand-up comedian, to talk about walking away from "what you're …

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Transforming Trauma Into Triumph with Carrie KC West - Ep.329 30:25

21d ago30:25

30:25

Have you ever felt like you were just a supporting character in your own life story? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes life story coach and author Carrie KC West, who reveals how rewriting our personal narrative can transform deep-rooted trauma into purpose, power, and peace. Carrie shares her journey from a r…

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“When You Lose the Job, You Find the Calling” — Allison Norris on Turning Setback into Startup 17:27

21d ago17:27

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 277 When Allison Norris had her paycheck pulled without warning and was tossed aside by a startup she helped build, she hit a wall—hard. Depression, doubt, and disillusionment followed. But in the rubble of burnout and betrayal, she made a decision: I’m going to build something of my own. In this epi…

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“If You’re Building Just to Exit, You’re Already Dead”—Aleksandar Svetski Gets Real 22:48

22d ago22:48

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Cut The Tie Podcast Episode 276 What if the system isn’t broken—it’s working exactly as intended? In this thought-provoking episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Aleksandar Svetski, entrepreneur, philosopher, and vocal advocate for sovereign thinking. Aleks challenges the mainstream narrative around money, identity, and power—and u…

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“My Daughter Believed in Me—That Was Enough”—How T Shane Johnson Found His Purpose Again 21:35

23d ago21:35

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 275 What if your six-year-old launched a business, and you backed her all the way to Walmart? In this unforgettable episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with T Shane Johnson, a world-record athlete, Marine Corps veteran, motivational speaker, and co-founder of Big Guns Coffee, to explore…

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“I Thought About Ending It”—Joe’s Battle With PTSD and What Saved Him 30:46

24d ago30:46

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Cut The Tie Podcast Episode 274 What happens when a former police officer turns mental health advocate and entrepreneur? In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich speaks with Joe Smarro—CEO and Owner of Solution Point+—about the urgent need for emotional intelligence, leadership reform, and how the power of presence can change everything…

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“When Life Hands You Chaos, Build a Framework”—How Gregory Shepard Took Control 37:22

25d ago37:22

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Cut The Tie Podcast Episode 273 What happens after you’ve won the game—money, exits, prestige—and still feel like something’s missing? In this episode of Cut The Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Gregory Shepard, a 12-time founder and serial entrepreneur, to talk about redefining success, embracing neurodiversity, and cutting ties with the system…

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“I’m Done Being Shy”—Why Averi Drummer is Owning Her Voice and Vision for the Future 21:41

26d ago21:41

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Cut The Tie Podcast Episode 272 What if your personal story—full of family, faith, neurodivergence, and creativity—was your greatest business advantage? In this episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Averi Drummer (aka Siena Averi Feruzi), a womanist author, coach, and special education advocate who is building a life and business o…

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“You Can’t Do This Alone”—The One Lesson Brigitte Cutshall Wants Entrepreneurs to Hear 26:56

27d ago26:56

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Cut The Tie Podcast Episode 271 What happens when you cut ties with perfection, corporate conformity, and even fear itself? In this episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with Brigitte Cutshall, founder of Gemini Media, two-time cancer survivor, creative entrepreneur, and all-around badass. From a career in publishing to beating aggressi…

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They Built an AI For Business, Found Product-Market Fit, and It Spoke on the Podcast | Ep.252 Mat Giordano, Justin Ballen, & AIDEN 1:05:56

28d ago1:05:56

1:05:56

What does it take to build a multi-purpose AI assistant from scratch—and get it working inside actual businesses? In this episode, Mat Giordano and Justin Ballen share the story behind AIDEN, a telecom-grade AI assistant they built for businesses and Managed Service Providers (MSPs). AIDEN isn’t a concept. It’s already in the market—answering calls…

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From Corporate Layoff to Podcast Success with Tracy Beavers - Ep.328 30:14

28d ago30:14

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What if the very technology that pushed you out of your job became the vehicle for your success? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Tracy Beavers, a seasoned business and sales coach, who turned corporate downsizing into divine redirection. Tracy reveals how her career journey, from climbing roofs as an insur…

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“You Can’t Operate in Fifth Gear Forever”—How Ling Ling Nie Learned to Slow Down Before It Broke Her 41:15

28d ago41:15

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Cut The Tie Podcast Episode 270 What happens when a high-powered attorney walks away from a 20-year career to launch a beauty brand built around healing? In this vulnerable and inspiring episode of Cut the Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with Ling Ling Nie, founder of Tender Cosmetics, a company reshaping how we think about beauty, with product…

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“Stop Waiting to Be Ready”—Melissa Aarskaug’s Message for the Next Generation of Leaders 16:38

29d ago16:38

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 269 Melissa Aarskaug built a successful career in cybersecurity and leadership, but for years she played it safe—showing only the “W-2 version” of herself. In this episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down with the Executive Connect podcast founder to talk about letting go of fear, showi…

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“Every ‘No’ Just Meant Not Yet”—Jayla Siciliano on Building Resilience 27:43

1M ago27:43

27:43

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 268 Jayla Siciliano walked away from the entrepreneurial dream everyone chases—funding, Shark Tank success, high-growth business—only to realize she had built a life that didn’t align with what actually mattered to her. In this raw and relatable episode of Cut The Tie, host Thomas Helfrich sits down …

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“Success Starts When You Stop Playing Safe”—Scott Morris on Ditching the Corporate Script 32:27

1M ago32:27

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 267 Scott Morris knows what it’s like to win on paper—and still feel completely lost. In this powerful episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with the exited founder, investor, and startup advisor to talk about cutting ties with identity, ego, and the illusion that achievement equals fulfi…

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"You’re Not Stuck—You’re Just Scared"—Corinna Zennig on Starting Before You’re Ready 24:22

1M ago24:22

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 266 Corrina Zennig is not your typical analyst—and she doesn’t want to be. In this episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas Helfrich sits down with the founder of The Lazy Analyst to talk about cutting ties with the pressure to overperform, overwork, and constantly prove your worth. Corrina shares how she went…

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“I Don’t Want More. I Want Meaning.”—How David Steele Redefined Wealth Beyond Numbers 26:22

1M ago26:22

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 262 In this introspective and powerful episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas sits down with David Steele—entrepreneur, investor, restaurateur, and founder of One Wealth Advisors—to unpack a career built on service, reinvention, and emotional intelligence. From growing up poor to managing over $1.1 billion i…

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“Strategy Alone Won’t Save You”—Alexander Veach on Building Real Systems with VCI 16:23

1M ago16:23

16:23

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 264 Alexander Veach, founder of VCI, joins Thomas to talk about what it takes to break free from perfectionism and analysis paralysis to build something transformative. In this episode, Alex shares how his AI-powered platform is redefining due diligence for private equity and venture capital—especial…

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From $0 to $10K Months: Content & Systems That Scale | Ep.251: Chaz Bademan 1:17:16

1M ago1:17:16

1:17:16

Coaches, creators, and entrepreneurs — if you're stuck in hustle mode or trying to scale your business with scattered systems, this episode is your blueprint. In this value-packed conversation, digital marketer, business coach, and videographer Chaz Bademan breaks down how to grow with soul-aligned strategies that feel good and convert. 🎤 In this e…

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Building a Better Future for Malawi’s Children with Alaina Baker - Ep.327 29:20

1M ago29:20

29:20

Have you ever felt a quiet pull inside, a persistent tug toward something bigger than yourself? Something that keeps showing up, even when you try to take the “safe” path? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell interviews Alaina Baker, Executive Director of Uplift Malawi, to explore what happens when you finally answer that…

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“If Pluto Can Find His Place, So Can I”—How a Kid’s Book Changed Everything for Ishara 16:45

1M ago16:45

16:45

Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 263 At just nine years old, Ishara is already making waves as a podcast host, reader, speaker, and future astronaut-neurosurgeon-author. In this heartwarming and inspiring episode, Thomas sits down with the youngest guest ever on Cut The Tie to explore how books—and big imagination—can unlock confide…

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“Nobody Was Coming to Save Me”—Mike ‘C-Roc’ Ciorrocco on Taking Total Ownership 22:49

1M ago22:49

22:49

Cut The Tie Podcast Mike "C-Rock" Ciorrocco shares how he broke free from a high-paying but unfulfilling career in the mortgage industry and created a media empire by embracing intention, faith, and the power of podcasting. In this energizing episode, Mike dives into how cutting the tie to chase mode led to a life of creation, clarity, and impact. …

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“Comfort Was the Tie I Had to Cut”—Chris Wolstenholme on Betting It All on Mate! 22:10

1M ago22:10

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Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich Episode 261 In this high-energy episode of Cut the Tie, Thomas sits down with Chris Wolstenholme, an Aussie entrepreneur based in Atlanta who went from managing restaurants to founding the world’s first vodka protein water brand: Mate!. Chris shares the real story behind launching a beverage startup without …

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Rock Bottom. Addiction. Redemption. How Faith Brought Him Back | Ep.250: Mark Harris 1:45:53

1M ago1:45:53

1:45:53

Mark Harris had lost everything—his kids, his marriage, his business, and his will to live. Addicted to opioids and fresh out of the hospital, he collapsed at his sister’s house after nearly overdosing. What followed was a supernatural moment, a cry for help, and the beginning of the greatest comeback of his life. In this episode: 🙏🏼 What rock bott…