Cut The Tie | Own Your Success

By Thomas Helfrich

1st - Define success on your terms

2nd - Cut The Tie to whatever is holding you back

Cut The Tie is not just a podcast; it's a movement. Hosted by Thomas Helfr

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How many episodes does Cut The Tie | Own Your Success have?

The podcast currently has 302 episodes available.

Cut The Tie | Own Your Success episodes:

April 07, 2025Veteran? Don’t “Transition”—Transform. Lisa Ducharme Explains Why
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Lisa Ducharme, retired Air Force veteran and Executive Director of the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce, joins Thomas for a powerful conversation on veteran identity, entrepreneurship, and learning how to stop apologizing for your past. Lisa shares how she helps other veterans embrace their experience, stop trying to fit in, and start building with purpose.
About Lisa Ducharme:
Lisa is a retired U.S. Air Force veteran with over 20 years of service. As the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Veterans Chamber of Commerce, she supports veteran, military, and military spouse entrepreneurs from the idea stage to exit. Lisa is also a speaker, author, and advocate for shifting how we transition and support veterans in the civilian world.
In this episode, Thomas and Lisa discuss:
Cutting the Tie to Civilian Expectations
Lisa shares how she realized she didn’t need to “fit in” as a civilian—she needed to own her identity as a veteran and build from there.
The Transition Trap
She explains why the traditional military transition process sets veterans up to become civilians rather than teaching them how to embrace being veterans.
The Moment It Clicked
After clashing with another veteran about their identity, Lisa had an epiphany: many veterans are trying to become something they’re not instead of growing into who they are.
How Veteran Values Shape Business
Discipline, clarity, and purpose—Lisa talks about how her military mindset now drives how she supports others through education, leadership, and directness.
Key Takeaways:
You Don’t Have to Fit In
Your power comes from owning who you are, not masking it to be accepted.
Veterans Need a New Playbook
We shouldn't train service members to become civilians—we should teach them how to live powerfully as veterans.
Reflection Creates Freedom
Lisa’s advice: take time to reflect, let go of bitterness, and cherish every moment.
Find Your Real Why
The first step in starting any business is knowing who you want to serve and why it matters to you.
"The last line of my obituary won’t say ‘I wish I worked more.’ It will say ‘Cherish each moment. I did.’"
— Lisa Ducharme
CONNECT WITH LISA DUCHARME:
Website: https://www.massvcc.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaducharme
Instagram: @lisaducharme2020 / @massvcc2023
CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:
X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn:
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11min
March 28, 2025 Welcome to Cut The Tie (New Listeners Begin Here)
CUT THE TIE is the no-fluff, high-impact podcast designed for everyday entrepreneurs who are ready to cut the tie to what’s holding them back and take control of their future.

Hosted by Thomas Helfrich, we talk to real entrepreneurs who built their own success—without a boss, without permission, and without excuses. Each episode is packed with straight-to-the-point strategies, real talk, and actionable insights to help you escape the 9-to-5, start your own thing, and actually make money doing it.

Just real stories, real strategies, and real results.

🔥 What You’ll Get:
✅ Short, 15-minute episodes—no fluff, just value
✅ The Cut the Tie Moment—guests reveal what they had to leave behind to succeed
✅ Actionable strategies you can use right now to start your entrepreneurial journey
✅ Rapid-fire questions that cut to the chase on success, failure, and making it happen

🚀 It’s time to stop waiting for permission and start building your own path. Subscribe now and Cut the Tie to your corporate past!

👉 Join the movement at CutTheTie.com
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2min
March 27, 2025From #1 in the World in Racquetball to Starting Over— Sudsy Monchik's Next Move
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Racquetball legend Sudsy Monchik joins Thomas for a deeply personal and surprisingly funny discussion about life after pro sports, the mindset of elite athletes, and what it really means to cut the tie with your former self. From dominating courts to leading at Frank Hotels, Sudsy shares how competition, purpose, and relationships shaped his journey.
About Sudsy Monchik:
Sudsy is a five-time pro racquetball world champion and one of the most iconic names in the sport. After retiring, he transitioned into business leadership and now serves as COO at Frank Hotels. He’s also a speaker, coach, and family man redefining what success looks like off the court.
In this episode, Thomas and Sudsy discuss:
Choosing Your Own Path
Sudsy talks about leaving mainstream sports for racquetball and how tuning out the noise helped him make decisions that aligned with his competitive drive.
Letting Go of the Old Identity
He shares the emotional moment he realized he no longer had the fire to compete and what it took to walk away from something that defined his entire life.
Translating Sports Lessons into Business
Discipline, urgency, and situational awareness—Sudsy reveals how high-level sports prepared him for leadership and problem-solving in the hotel industry.
Why Relationships Matter More Than Titles
The real win wasn’t the medals—it was the people, the connections, and the life opportunities that racquetball made possible.
Key Takeaways:
Cutting the Tie is Hard, but Necessary
The biggest life shift often requires walking away from what once gave you meaning.
You’re Always Being Watched
Whether it's kids, colleagues, or strangers—you’re setting an example, so show up well.
Stay Humble, Stay Aware
Greatness is fleeting. Relationships and awareness are what carry you forward.
Make Better Decisions, One at a Time
Sudsy lost weight, found clarity, and built a new life by making small, consistent changes.
"I'm not smarter than you. I just messed up more—and figured out how to fix it."— Sudsy Monchik
CONNECT WITH SUDSY MONCHIK:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RacquetballGuy?
Instagram: @sudsymonchik
YouTube: Sudsy Monchik
Hotel Offer: https://frankhotels.com — Use promo code SUDSY for a discount!
CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com
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57min
March 26, 2025Can You Be a Great Mom and an Entrepreneur? Coach Nar Smart Proves It’s Possible
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Coach Nar Smart joins Thomas for a raw, empowering conversation about motherhood, entrepreneurship, and purpose. With her baby daughter Emma joining as the first infant guest on the show, Nar shares how she reshaped her identity, challenged social norms, and created impact through coaching and homeschooling.
About Nar Smart:
Nar is a transformational coach, pod leader, and founder of Bad Moms Media and the Women's Portal. She helps women shift from making excuses to stepping into their purpose, often while balancing motherhood and leadership. Her coaching group, Purpose Over Excuses, empowers women to find clarity, faith, and community.
In this episode, Thomas and Nar discuss:
Rewriting the Mom Narrative
Nar explains how she went from "bad mom" to "badass mom," showing others that motherhood and ambition can coexist.
Cutting the Excuse-Fear Cycle
She unpacks the mindset patterns that hold people back and emphasizes the importance of trading comfort for clarity.
Finding Faith & Inner Resources
Nar shares her personal journey from atheism to faith, and how reconnecting with God helped her find direction and self-belief.
Building a Micro-School Movement
Through her homeschool pods and advocacy work, Nar has impacted dozens of families by providing alternative education rooted in values and freedom.
Key Takeaways:
Excuses Steal Time
Every excuse delays growth; action is always the better investment.
Your Path Starts with You
No one else can validate your worth—self-awareness is your starting point.
Faith Replaces Fear
Trusting in a higher purpose gives strength when external support is lacking.
Lead by Example
Nar’s journey shows that doing the hard, messy work as your authentic self inspires others to step up too.
"Be exactly who you're supposed to be. Don't cover. Don't mask yourself. Just do the work." — Nar Smart
CONNECT WITH NAR SMART:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/badmomsmedia
Coaching Group: Purpose Over Excuses (via The Women’s Portal)
CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com
Support the show
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31min
March 25, 2025LinkedIn Automation & AI: Casey O'Toole on the Future of Smart Outreach
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Casey O'Toole, founder of LinkyBot AI, joins Thomas to discuss how automation and AI can elevate—not cheapen—your LinkedIn outreach. He shares how he transitioned from real estate to tech founder, the nuances of ethical automation, and how to stay ahead in a constantly shifting digital landscape.
About Casey O'Toole:
Casey is the founder of LinkyBot AI, a platform that deploys always-on AI sales assistants directly into LinkedIn messaging. With a background in data science and real estate, Casey bootstrapped his company by solving his own lead-gen problems—and now helps thousands do the same.
In this episode, Thomas and Casey discuss:
AI That Feels Human
Casey explains how his tech uses trained AI personas to keep LinkedIn DMs personalized and natural, avoiding the spam trap.
From Getting Fired to Getting Focused
Casey shares how being fired (twice) led him to real estate, and eventually to automation as a solution to outbound fatigue.
Scalable Outreach for Multiple Brands
Thomas and Casey dive into how to separate messaging by brand and campaign using Sales Navigator and segmented AI assistants.
Building a Sustainable Tech Stack
Casey breaks down the tools behind LinkyBot—OpenAI, GoHighLevel, Zapier—and how they integrate to deliver contextual, brand-aligned replies.
Key Takeaways:
Smart AI Beats Spammy Sequences
Ask better questions, avoid blasting links, and let AI follow up only when there’s real engagement.
You Still Need Strategy
Even great automation fails without proper targeting, profile optimization, and positioning.
White Labeling is the Future
Agencies can scale services by layering on AI-backed execution with personalized support.
Speed Matters
With streamlined onboarding, clients can launch custom LinkedIn AI assistants in as little as 2-3 days.
"Sharpen the axe before chopping the tree. Automation only works when everything else is dialed in."
— Casey O'Toole
CONNECT WITH CASEY O'TOOLE:
Website: https://linkybot.ai
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thecaseyotoole/

CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:
X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com
Support the show
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45min
March 24, 2025Franchise Strategy & Success: James Hilovsky on Choosing the Right Opportunity
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Franchise expert James Hilovsky breaks down how to navigate the franchise buying process, debunk common myths, and find models that match your lifestyle, goals, and personality.
About James Hilovsky:
James is the founder of The FranDream, a franchise consultancy helping professionals and athletes find businesses that align with their personal and financial goals. With decades of experience in restaurants and franchise growth, James guides aspiring entrepreneurs from interest to ownership.
In this episode, Thomas and James discuss:
What a Franchise Really Is
A franchise isn't just fast food—it’s a proven system with support, peers, and structure across industries from plumbing to fitness.
Franchise Fit: Personality + Lifestyle
Choosing a franchise should match your lifestyle, time availability, and personality. James shares stories of both NFL players and corporate couples navigating different paths.
How to Vet and Validate Franchises
James explains the step-by-step process: from franchise disclosure (FDD) to calls with other franchisees to understand risks, returns, and support systems.
Funding Your Franchise
From SBA loans to using your 401(k), James unpacks the most common ways people finance their franchise and what each path involves.
Key Takeaways:
The System Works—If You Follow It
Most franchise failures come from not following the playbook or underestimating the work involved.
Support is a Game-Changer
Franchises offer ongoing training, peer advice, and help when problems arise—something you won’t get doing it solo.
You Can Negotiate
Territory size, payment timelines, and even royalties can sometimes be negotiated, especially for multi-unit deals.
Bet on Yourself
If you’ve spent your life making someone else rich, franchising might be your turn to build wealth on your own terms.
“You’ve made other people rich. Now it’s time to bet on yourself.”
— James Hilovsky
CONNECT WITH JAMES HILOVSKY:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jhilovsky/
Email: [email protected]
CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com
Support the show
Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System
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53min
March 21, 2025Entrepreneurship & Self-Reflection: John Hall on The Power of Mindset Shifts
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
John Hall, a former tech executive turned transformational coach, shares how a personal crisis sparked his evolution into a leader helping others navigate stress, burnout, and limiting beliefs through breathwork, mindfulness, and self-reflection.
About John Hall:
John is the founder of a coaching practice centered on the BPM Framework (Breath, Physiology, Mindset). Drawing on a 25-year tech career and a deep personal transformation, John now helps leaders expand their capacity to handle chaos, process trauma, and become more grounded and self-aware.
In this episode, Thomas and John discuss:
A Life-Altering Wake-Up Call
John reflects on the moment he passed out and hit his head—an event that became a wake-up call for personal transformation and stepping out of an abusive relationship.
Rewiring Childhood Beliefs
He explains how childhood chaos shaped limiting beliefs and relationship dynamics, and how uncovering and dissolving these patterns changed his life.
The BPM Framework
John introduces his coaching model (Breath, Physiology, Mindset) that helps clients regain control during stress, tap into calm, and shift identity through deeper awareness.
Surrender and Identity Work
He talks about the power of intentional surrender—not giving up, but letting go of outdated beliefs—and how true transformation happens when your actions align with your identity.
Key Takeaways:
Your Body Holds the Clues
Awareness of physical reactions to stress, such as breath and tension, can help intercept emotional spirals and ground your focus.
Uncover and Release Limiting Beliefs
You don't have to fight your beliefs—awareness alone often causes them to dissolve.
Identity Drives Change
Real change happens when your actions align with who you believe you are—not just what you want to do.
Self-Work Beats More Strategy
The most valuable coaching doesn't come from more tools—it comes from doing your own deep internal work.
“We defend the beliefs we fight for—even if they’re hurting us.”
— John Hall
CONNECT WITH JOHN HALL:
Website: https://johnhallcoaching.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnthomashall/

CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com
Support the show
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54min
March 20, 2025Communication Mastery: Turning Introversion into a Strength with Anna Scoby
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Anna Scoby, corporate trainer, author, speaker, and founder of Project Be You, shares how introverts can develop confidence, find their voice, and communicate effectively. She challenges misconceptions about introversion and explains how learning the right skills can empower anyone to speak up and lead.
About Anna Scoby:
Anna is the founder of Project Be You, a program designed to help children and young adults develop confidence, communication, and leadership skills. She is passionate about empowering introverts to thrive in a world dominated by extroverted communication styles.
In this episode, Thomas and Anna discuss:
Managing Nervousness
Acknowledging nervousness helps speakers manage their emotions and perform better.
Introverts as Strong Communicators
Introverts can be exceptional communicators by leveraging their listening and preparation skills.
Building Confidence Through Reflection
Self-reflection and tracking personal growth are key to building confidence.
Teaching Communication Early
Teaching communication skills to kids early helps them become future leaders.
Key Takeaways:
Nervousness is Normal
Labeling emotions like nervousness makes them easier to control.
Introverts Have a Communication Edge
Introverts excel in communication when they embrace their natural strengths.
Confidence Comes from Self-Reflection
Confidence is built through self-reflection, not external validation.
Early Training Leads to Lifelong Success
Early training in communication empowers children for lifelong success.
"Your story is someone’s survival guide. Don’t be afraid to share it."
— Anna Scoby
CONNECT WITH ANNA SCOBY:
Project Be You: https://projectbeyou.com/
Book: https://www.annascoby.com/book
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annascoby
CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com
Support the show
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58min
March 19, 2025AI for Retail: Why Most Implementations Fail (And How to Fix It) with Kurt Johnston
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Kurt Johnston, founder of Pallet Analytics, shares how businesses can use data to optimize retail assortment, pricing, and decision-making. He explains why understanding data in context is crucial for long-term success.
About Kurt Johnston:
Kurt is the founder and CEO of Pallet Analytics, a retail optimization firm that helps businesses refine their product selection, pricing, and inventory strategies using AI-driven analytics.
In this episode, Thomas and Kurt discuss:
The Power of Context in Data
Data alone isn’t enough—interpretation is everything. Kurt explains how companies often misread their own data, leading to poor decisions and wasted resources.
From Home Depot to Entrepreneurship
Kurt's career started at Home Depot, where he gained first-hand experience with optimization at scale. Over time, he realized smaller retailers lacked the same data-driven decision-making power, leading him to start Pallet Analytics.
Breaking into Retail Analytics
Unlike big data firms chasing major brands, Kurt built his business to serve mid-sized retailers who lacked the resources for traditional analytics. He discusses how solving overlooked problems created a niche for Pallet.
The Fallacy of AI in Retail
AI can’t replace expertise. Kurt shares how generative AI lacks the ability to predict retail trends accurately and why relying solely on automation without human insight can be a mistake.
Key Takeaways:
Data Needs Business Context
Numbers can tell any story you want—but only when paired with business acumen do they drive real results.
Retail Optimization is More Than Pricing
Success in retail comes from understanding inventory, demand, and pricing dynamics, not just lowering prices.
Small Businesses Can Benefit from Analytics
You don’t need an enterprise budget to use data effectively. Pallet Analytics provides affordable solutions tailored for mid-sized retailers.
"Data without context is just numbers. The real power comes from knowing what to do with it." — Kurt Johnston
CONNECT WITH KURT JOHNSTON:
Website: https://www.paletteanalytics.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-johnston-61824137/

CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:
X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
CutTheTie.com
Support the show
Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System
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52min
March 18, 2025Building a Skincare Brand: Charles Mayfield on Launching Farrow
Cut The Tie Podcast with Thomas Helfrich
Charles Mayfield, founder of Farrow Skin, shares how an unexpected discovery turned into a thriving business. From regenerative farming to using pig fat for skincare, Charles breaks down his journey of innovation, challenges, and scaling his business.
About Charles Mayfield:
Charles is the founder and CEO of Farrow Skin, a pioneering brand using pig fat (lard) as a natural skincare solution. He also works in risk mitigation and insurance, blending his passion for health, farming, and business into his entrepreneurial journey.
In this episode, Thomas and Charles discuss:
From Farming to Skincare
A brutal sunburn led Charles to experiment with lard, and the results were astonishing. What started as curiosity became the foundation for Farrow Skin, leveraging the benefits of pig fat for skin health.
The Science Behind Lard-Based Skincare
Pig fat is biologically similar to human skin, allowing it to absorb quickly without clogging pores. Unlike commercial skincare loaded with preservatives, lard-based products naturally balance pH and provide essential nutrients.
Scaling a Unique Product
Charles shares the challenges of growing a niche skincare brand—from handcrafting products to considering large-scale production while maintaining quality.
The Business of Clean Ingredients
Unlike mass-market skincare, Farrow focuses on ethically sourced ingredients. Charles emphasizes the importance of sustainable farming, explaining how animal health directly impacts product quality.
Faith, Family, and Entrepreneurship
Building a business while managing a divorce and parenting isn’t easy. Charles reflects on how faith helped him navigate personal and professional challenges, keeping him grounded during growth.
Key Takeaways:
Nature Knows Best
Lard is the most bio-compatible fat for human skin, providing deep nourishment without artificial chemicals or preservatives.
Slow Growth = Quality Growth
Charles prioritizes quality over speed, ensuring every batch meets high standards before expanding into larger markets.
Consumer Education is Key
Most people don’t associate pig fat with skincare, so education is crucial. Charles uses storytelling and direct customer interaction to shift perceptions.
"I started this company because lard worked on my sunburn. I’m still here because it works on everything else."
— Charles Mayfield
CONNECT WITH CHARLES MAYFIELD:
Website: https://farrow.shop/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-mayfield-34a5972/
CONNECT WITH THOMAS HELFRICH:

X (Twitter): https://x.com/CutTheTieX
Facebook: http://facebook.com/groups/CutTheTie
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cutthetiecommunity/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cutthetie
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cutthetie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomashelfrich/
Support the show
Serious about LinkedIn Lead Generation? Stop Guessing what to do on LinkedIn and ignite revenue from relevance with Instantly Relevant Lead System
...more
54min

FAQs about Cut The Tie | Own Your Success:

How many episodes does Cut The Tie | Own Your Success have?

The podcast currently has 302 episodes available.