Brett Trainor Unplugged

This isn’t a future-of-work episode. It’s a how-to-work-differently episode.

Paul Shirley returns for his third appearance on the show—and this time, we go deep. We’re talking focus, structure, guilt, failure, personal infrastructure, and why GenX escapees need systems more than strategies.

If you’ve ever felt like:

• You “should be able to do more” but can’t quite get there…

• You’ve got time now, but not the energy or structure to use it…

• You miss having a rhythm but hate the idea of being back in a box…

Then this episode is your reset.

What we cover:

• How Paul’s focus system helped me become 100x more effective

• Why 15 minutes of deep work beats 2 hours of chaos

• The science (and myth) behind your tired brain

• Guilt, failure, and why most productivity advice is toxic

• How rituals become your “Turbo button” for meaningful work

• The connection between food, flow, and freedom

• How to plan your days so you don’t burn out—or break down

This one isn’t about getting more done. It’s about getting the right things done—and feeling good doing it.

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📍 Denver Escapees — Listen Up:

If you’re anywhere near Denver, go visit The Process—Paul’s workspace for focused humans. Not a coworking space. Not a cafe. This is structured productivity, in community. Absolute game changer.

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📚 Paul’s Books:

• The Art of Focused Work (2025) – A must-read manual for modern cognitive athletes

• The Process Is the Product (2020) – The original that started it all

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Connect with Paul:

• theprocess.work

• Instagram @theprocesswork

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🎧 Hosted by Brett Trainor

Helping GenX Escape Corporate and Get Busy Living

• Newsletter + Free Starter Kit → linktr.ee/bretttrainor

• Join The Escapee Collective →https://escapee-collective.circle.so/checkout/escapee-plus-subscriptions 

Feeling stuck between your 6-figure corporate salary and the dream of going solo? You’re not alone—and the fear is real. But the risk? It’s not as big as you think.

In this Cliff Notes solo episode, Brett breaks down “The Salary Gap Illusion”—why so many GenXers stay stuck in jobs they’ve outgrown, and how to start building your bridge to freedom today.

🎯 In this episode:

• Why the fear of replacing your salary keeps you stuck

• The real risk of staying in corporate

• The 3 post-corporate paths: Go Big, Replace Income with Time, or Lifestyle First

• Why you don’t have to pick just one (and how Brett moved between all three)

• 5 steps to get started before you quit your job

• The BAM framework: Belief, Action, Momentum

📥 Mentioned in this episode:

• Free Escapee Starter Kit

• Join The Escapee Collective – Founders Rate Ends Soon

🎧 Whether you’re still in corporate or already on the escape path, this episode gives you a clear, simple starting point—and the mindset shift you need to take the next step.

In this inspiring episode, Brett chats with PR powerhouse Tonya McKenzie, a true OG in the escapee world, having built her own agency nearly a decade ago. Tonya shares the story of how her husband (a fellow escapee) gave her the push she needed to leap from corporate—and how she turned that leap into a thriving PR and media business. From launching a local real estate magazine to running full-service communications and now building a new Substack community, Tonya unpacks what it really takes to go solo and control your own narrative.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why Tonya left a corporate role in frustration over outdated practices

• How her husband gave her the nudge to take the leap

• What she learned from cold calling, local networking, and starting with community

• The critical PR advice solo business owners need (especially GenX escapees!)

• How personal storytelling and vulnerability are your greatest marketing tools

• Why community-driven platforms like Substack are the new PR powerhouses

Key Quotes:

“Listen to hear, not to respond. That’s the foundation of all good PR.”

“Your personal brand will attract the right customers—and repel the wrong ones.”

“Everyone has a story. But not everyone is willing to be vulnerable enough to share it.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Sand & Shores – Tonya’s PR & communications agency

• CTRL the Narrative – Tonya’s Substack community

• Connect with Tonya on LinkedIn

• Ray McKenzie’s past episodes: [Oct 2021] & [Oct 2024]

If you’re ready to get comfortable telling your story and positioning yourself for solo success, this episode is a must-listen. And don’t forget—if you’re looking to join a supportive community of fellow GenX escapees, check out The Escapee Collective.

Shelley McIntyre didn’t just leave corporate—she walked away from a long career in tech and consulting and into something completely unexpected: grief coaching. But as Shelley quickly discovered, grief isn’t just about death—it’s also what we experience when leaving jobs, identities, and entire versions of ourselves behind.

In this candid conversation, Shelley shares her journey of transformation, from leading corporate strategy to coaching GenXers who feel stuck, burned out, and unsure of what’s next. Brett and Shelley talk about grief, imposter syndrome (or why we need to stop calling it that), purpose as a moving target, and the creative rediscovery that often happens post-corporate.

This episode is a must-listen for any GenXer wondering if they’re alone in feeling “done” with corporate life—and what the other side might look like.

What We Cover:

• Shelley’s surprising path from tech to grief coaching to GenX transition work

• Why grief is at the heart of every major life and work change

• The hidden cost of staying in corporate too long

• How to recognize your “hell yes” moments (and why they matter)

• Why imposter syndrome might just be learning in disguise

• Why purpose isn’t a prerequisite—it’s a result of action

• Creativity as a gateway to rediscovery

• What Shelley listens for when helping people “deprogram” their corporate identity

Quotes Worth Sharing:

“All knowledge is rumor until it is in the bones.” – Shelley

“We don’t pathologize a kid learning math…so why do we call it imposter syndrome when we’re learning something new as adults?” – Shelley

“Purpose is a trailing indicator—it’s not something you find on a worksheet.” – Shelley

“You don’t need to pick one path out of corporate. There are many. Just start walking.” – Brett

Connect with Shelley:

🌐 ShelleyMcIntyre.com

🔗 Follow Shelley on LinkedIn

More Free Resources:

🎒 Grab the Escapee Starter Kit

👥 Join the Escapee Collective

🎧 Follow the podcast for more inspiring escapee stories and expert insights

Supersized Episode Alert!

This episode goes deep—and for good reason. Eric Collett didn’t just escape burnout and corporate stress. He rebuilt his life around brain health, longevity, and optimal performance—and now helps thousands do the same.

This two-part-in-one episode blends Eric’s escapee origin story (and the moment he realized he couldn’t go back) with a practical brain health masterclass for GenX escapees looking to stay sharp, focused, and fired up.

Eric’s mission? Save the next million brains.

🧬 BONUS FOR LISTENERS:

Get 30 days of free access to Eric’s A Mind For All Seasons Membership Platform

👉 Visit: amindforallseasons.com

Use code: ESCAPEE at checkout

🎧 What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

Together, they dive into:

• Eric’s escapee journey from burnout, stress, and “golden handcuffs” to full autonomy

• The moment he knew he had to quit—and how his wife’s belief unlocked everything

• The power of partnership and how saying “yes” (and even hearing “no”) opened doors

• Building a business around brain health—and how it’s helping thousands today

• Why your brain is the most important asset as a solo business owner

Eric also shares the B.E.D.D.S.S. Framework for optimizing your brain:

• Brain Training (and why Sudoku doesn’t count)

• Exercise (cardio + strength = brain fuel)

• Diet (cut the sugar and ultra-processed foods)

• Dental Health (yep—this might blow your mind)

• Sleep (your overnight brain cleaning crew)

• Stress Management (plus why you should schedule time to worry)

Whether you’re still in corporate, recently escaped, or want to stay sharp as you build your post-corporate life, this episode delivers the mindset shift and science-backed tips you didn’t know you needed.

🔗 Connect with Eric:

• Website: amindforallseasons.com

• LinkedIn: Eric Collett

👋 Like this episode?

Share it with an escapee who needs to hear it—or leave us a review so more GenXers can Get Busy Living.

In corporate, most of us weren’t really making decisions—we were following them. But out here? As an escapee, every choice is yours. And decision-making becomes one of the biggest levers for building the life and business you actually want.

In this episode, I’m joined by organizational psychologist Dr. Magda du Preez to talk about the hidden skill that separates stuck escapees from the ones who are truly living. We dig into why decisions get harder after corporate, how emotions throw us off track, and the four key biases that sabotage even the smartest solo operators.

This one’s about reclaiming your power to choose—and learning how to do it better, faster, and with way more confidence. Because out here, your next decision might just be the one that changes everything.

We cover:

• Why decision-making feels harder after corporate—and how to fix that

• The four key biases that derail smart people (and how to navigate them)

• How emotions like frustration, fear, and excitement secretly influence your choices

• The difference between accurate confidence and just being loud

• Why thinking clearly is your new competitive advantage in the age of AI

• A decision-making tool built just for escapees and solo business owners

• How to identify which decisions really matter—and which ones don’t

🔗 Learn more about Magda’s work: https://getsense.net 

📍 Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magda-du-preez-phd-932191 

Welcome to the very first Cliff Notes edition of The Corporate Escapee Podcast—a short, sharp, and actionable solo episode designed to help you take your next step toward freedom.

In this quick-hit episode, Brett breaks down the 4-step process every GenXer needs to understand to start making money right now using just their corporate experience—no reinvention, no certification, no fluff.

If you’ve ever thought, “I want out… but how do I actually replace my income?”—this is your roadmap.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why starting with the problem you solve is the key

✅ 5 business models escapees use to monetize their skills

✅ A simple formula to clarify what you do and who you help

✅ How to test your offer without selling (and build momentum fast)

🎯 Action Challenge:

Write down 3 problems you’ve solved in your corporate career, pick a business model that fits your style, and reach out to 3 people in your network to test your messaging. No selling—just start the convo.

📥 Grab the FREE Escapee Starter Kit

This episode is based on one section of the full kit—get worksheets, frameworks, and the full 30-day roadmap to land your first customer:

👉 https://bit.ly/41CqjRw

👥 Join Escapee Plus

When you’re ready to go further, Escapee Plus is where strategy meets support. Weekly sessions, expert help, real feedback, and a network of fellow GenX escapees. Just $20/month.

👉 Join here

More Cliff Notes episodes are on the way—subscribe and follow for bite-sized breakthroughs to help you Get Busy Living. 💥

In this special crossover episode, I sit down with Kyle Knowles on Maker-Manager Money to share my journey from 30 years in corporate to building The Escapee Collective and The Collective Academy. We dive deep into why I walked away from corporate life, how I overcame the uncertainty of going solo, and the powerful mindset shifts that made all the difference.

We discuss:

✅ The moment I knew I was done with corporate for good

✅ Why finding your first client is easier than landing your next job

✅ How to structure your day as a solo entrepreneur (without guilt)

✅ The hidden inefficiencies of corporate—and how small businesses are leveraging fractional and consulting talent

✅ Why GenXers have all the skills they need to go solo (even if they don’t believe it yet)

If you enjoy this discussion, I highly recommend checking out Maker-Manager Money—Kyle has some great conversations with entrepreneurs and business owners.

🎧 Listen to Kyle’s podcast here: Maker-Manager Money

Chapters

00:00 The Journey from Corporate to Freedom

02:52 Finding Balance and Managing Time

05:54 Health and Wellness in Entrepreneurship

08:49 Redefining Success Beyond Money

12:07 The Shift to Small Business Opportunities

14:59 The Power of Networking and Finding Clients

18:02 Building the Corporate Escapee Community

21:12 Navigating the Entrepreneurial Landscape

23:56 Embracing Change and Experimentation

29:50 Surprising Insights from the Community

32:01 The Journey of Corporate Escapees

35:02 Building a Supportive Community

38:27 Networking and Collaboration in Business

40:08 The Corporate Escapee Podcast

41:07 Personal Reflections and Lessons Learned

49:14 The Freedom and Challenges of Entrepreneurship

In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett sits down with Matt Hobson-Rohrer, an early escapee who has been navigating the solo business world for over 13 years. Matt shares how a moment in a Shanghai hotel room made him realize he was missing too much of his daughter’s life—only to have corporate make the decision for him a year later with a layoff (and a farewell gift of pots and pans).

Matt walks us through his transition from a long corporate career in software partnerships to consulting, fractional work, and eventually launching his own digital twin and simulation business. He explains how he leveraged his high-value network to land his first clients, why fixed-price vs. hourly contracts matter, and how he structures his business today—with a team of experienced contractors running projects instead of full-time employees.

Throughout the conversation, Matt and Brett dig into the mindset shift required to go solo, the importance of lifelong learning, and why corporate escapees often undervalue their expertise when pricing their services. They also discuss how solo business models are evolving into ecosystems of independent professionals collaborating without the constraints of traditional employment.

If you’re considering your own escape, Matt’s story is a testament to how building relationships, embracing flexibility, and continually learning can create a sustainable and fulfilling post-corporate career.

🎧 Listen in to learn:

✅ Why your high-value network is your greatest asset when escaping corporate

✅ How Matt structured his business with independent contractors instead of full-time hires

✅ The biggest pricing mistake new escapees make (and how to avoid it)

✅ Why the future of work is shifting toward independent ecosystems

Connect with Matt:

Find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hobsonrohrer/ or visit Roar Simulation to learn more about his work.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 From Corporate to Freedom: Matt's Journey

03:02 Navigating Corporate Life: Lessons Learned

06:12 Building a High-Value Network

09:12 Innovations in the Startup World

11:52 Transitioning to Independence

15:09 Leveraging Networks for Success

17:58 The Evolution of Matt's Business

21:01 Understanding Simulation and Digital Twins

23:21 Exploring Business Structures and Collaborations

25:14 Team Dynamics and Work-Life Balance

27:16 Talent Density and Experience in Teams

31:26 Valuing Experience and Pricing Strategies

33:47 Lessons Learned from the Escapee Journey

34:48 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

37:52 Navigating Career Transitions and Future Planning

39:34 The Shift Towards Teaching and Community Engagement

40:47 Remote Work and the Future of Collaboration

The corporate world is changing, and businesses are no longer defaulting to full-time employees. Instead, they’re building lean, high-performing teams using fractional talent. But what does that actually look like in practice?

In this episode of The Corporate Escapee Podcast, Brett sits down with Ran Harpaz, a former corporate executive turned startup founder, who shares why he built his entire company with independent professionals—and why more businesses are following this model.

Ran, whose background includes leadership roles at PayPal and McKinsey, explains why hiring solo professionals isn’t just about cost savings—it’s about culture, performance, and flexibility. He believes that the future of work is independent, and companies that embrace this shift will outperform those clinging to traditional employment models.

Ran also introduces Lettuce, one of the first platforms designed specifically for solo business owners, which simplifies the financial side of running an independent business—automating banking, payroll, taxes, and compliance so escapees can focus on what they do best.

 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ Why companies are ditching full-time hires in favor of independent professionals

✅ How the “Ocean’s 11” model is replacing outdated corporate team structures

✅ What business owners actually look for when hiring escapees

✅ The key to landing solo work: focusing on your Zone of Genius

✅ How the shift toward high-talent-density teams gives solos a competitive edge

✅ Why Lettuce is making it easier than ever to run a solo business

✅ Insights into the upcoming Solo Summit (Feb 26-27, 2025 Link Below)

If you’re still wondering whether escaping corporate is a smart, sustainable move, this episode paints a clear picture of where work is heading—and how you can be part of it.

Links

Free Virtual Solo Summit Registration: https://tinyurl.com/escapeesolo 

Ran Harpaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranharpaz/

Lettuce.co: https://hubs.ly/Q02XnWz00

🎧 Listen now and position yourself for success in the future of business!

Chapters 

00:00 The Journey of a Corporate Escapee

03:03 The Rise of Fractional Leadership

06:08 Building a Company with Fractional Talent

08:56 The Culture of Flexibility and Commitment

12:10 Maximizing Talent Density in Organizations

14:59 The Importance of Finding Your Zone of Genius

18:01 Shifting Mindsets: From Employee to Business Owner

23:35 Building Intellectual Property as a Solo Expert

25:23 Navigating the Transition to Fractional Work

26:59 Identifying Talent and Skill Sets in Fractional Roles

29:14 The Importance of Agility in Business

31:25 The Rise of Freelancing and Independent Work

34:25 Introducing Lettuce: A Solution for Solopreneurs

41:20 The First Annual Solo Summit: What to Expect