Most of us do exactly what we were told to do: we work hard, climb the ladder, check the boxes, and live the life we set out to build. From the outside, it looks like success. But inside, many of us wrestle with the same silent question: “Is this it?”

In this conversation with Justin on Grody and Unprofessional, I go back to the beginning of my story—the moment I realized I had everything I thought I wanted, yet felt empty inside. We talk about:

Why I call myself a dude from the internet and why people trust me with the things they’ve never said out loud to anyone else.

The four-year arc from “Is this it?” to “My work here is done”—and how I finally had the courage to make The Trade.

The guilt and shame that comes from “having so much but feeling so little”—and why you’re not broken if you feel this way.

The 753 Rambles I’ve had with people at the edge of change, and the patterns that show up in every one of those conversations.

What leaders really want: not more money, but freedom, purpose, and a voice that sounds like their own.

Why “never lose your art” might be the most important advice you’ll ever hear.

This isn’t theory—it’s real life. And if you’ve ever looked around and wondered if you were meant for more, this episode will help you see that you’re not crazy, you’re not alone, and you’re one decision away from a radically different life.

Let’s be up to something.

🔁 What’s Next?

If this episode speaks to you, this is an invitation to join the growing Normal 40 community to connect with like-minded individuals. Whether through a free Ramble, Lon's Insider group, or his bestselling book 'The Trade,' this episode is your call to action to start designing your next chapter.

Find it all right here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein

Connect with Justin McMenamy here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-mcmenamy-59a6087a/

Find the Grody & Unprofessional podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grody-unprofessional/id1761211065

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit normal40.substack.com