Hosted by: Brandon Thielk(Performance & Life Coach)

Co-host: Holly Deschenes (Producer)

Are you living for yourself, or for someone else’s approval? In this episode, Brandon and Holly dive deep into the “status game,” the pursuit of freedom, and how to break free from the expectations that keep us stuck. If you’ve ever felt trapped by titles, possessions, or the need for validation, this conversation is your permission slip to start living authentically.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to break free from the status game and societal expectations
• Redefining success and freedom on your own terms
• Navigating midlife transitions and career pivots
• Embracing self-discovery, unlearning, and personal growth
• Finding fulfillment beyond external validation

• 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction: The Status Game and Permission to Be Free
• 01:01 – Why Titles and Status Are Often Meaningless
• 02:07 – The Trap of Chasing Possessions and External Validation
• 04:35 – The Journey of Self-Discovery and Internal Motivation
• 09:08 – Social Media, Numbers, and the Meaning of True Connection
• 10:49 – The Comparison Game and Building a Life That’s Yours
• 14:51 – Detaching from External Validation and Building Inner Worth
• 20:01 – Redefining Freedom: Taking Inventory of Your Life
• 21:26 – The Fear of Starting Over and Embracing Evolution
• 24:54 – Realigning Skills and Making Conscious Transitions
• 27:46 – Surrender, Unlearning, and Letting Go of Labels
• 32:32 – Embodying Change: Taking Action and Building Momentum
• 38:58 – Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection and Authentic Living
• 50:44 – How to Work with Brandon & Upcoming Events
• 52:03 – Group Coaching, Community, and Staying Connected
• 53:46 – Final Thoughts: Challenge the Status Quo & Set Yourself Free

Key Takeaways & Journal Prompts:

• If no one was watching, what would you choose to do?
• Where are you still trading freedom for approval?
• What would life look like if you stopped performing and started living?

Spend some time in solitude reflecting on these questions to connect with your authentic self.

Resources & Links:

Free Strategy Session: https://brandonthielk.com/

Newsletter Signup: https://brandonthielk.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonthielk/

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@bthielk

Upcoming Live Event (Madison, WI): October 25th

Connect with Us:

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