ESCAPE isn’t quitting overnight—it’s designing your life.After 25 conversations with people who left the default path, I distilled six lessons I wish I’d known at 26. I call it ESCAPE: • E — Experiment early & often • S — Step into fear • C — Create your own table • A — Assemble your tribe • P — Pair action with rhythm • E — Energy attracts energyChapters00:00 Intro00:58 E — Experiment early & often02:12 S — Step into fear05:56 C — Create your own table08:25 A — Assemble your tribe10:51 P — Pair action with rhythm12:46 E — Energy attracts energy

My tools & resources • Escape 9‑to‑5 Quiz (30s) → https://tally.so/r/nG7ZbQ • I record with Riverside → https://www.riverside.fm/?utm_campaig...• Camera: DJI → https://dji-retail.co.uk/r?id=38ff4g Find me on IG →   / lydiachenlinzi   Find the pod →   / escape9to5_pod  

© 2025 Lydia C. Linzi. All Rights Reserved.

I loved this one. Andrew Wilkinson (co-founder of Tiny and author of Never Enough) and I ended up covering so much—business and life, habits and mental models. We talk about “enough,” when to raise VC vs. bootstrapping, his recent ADHD discovery and how it became a founder superpower, finding the right partner, how he uses AI day-to-day, and legacy. It’s easy to see why Tiny runs the way it does—long-term, buy-and-hold; people often describe it as the “Berkshire Hathaway of the internet.”

Follow the show on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/escape9to5_pod

Where to find AndrewTiny: https://www.tiny.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/awilkinson/X: https://x.com/awilkinson

What we cover– Two Truths & a Lie (including a chance meeting with Steve Jobs)– Leaving a web-design job and starting anyway– Bootstrapped vs. VC: which path, when, and why– ADHD (recently discovered) → how he works– The feeling of “never enough”—and reframing it– Building Tiny with Chris (why partnerships need real work)– AI in Andrew’s daily workflow– Legacy & giving—letting go– Lightning round: books, newsletters, habits

Timestamps00:00 Intro01:49 Two Truths & a Lie – Meeting Steve Jobs10:39 What Now – Current Focus15:47 How to Start a Business: Bootstrapping vs. VC25:26 Having Enough & ADHD33:19 Chris and Zoe — The People on the Journey40:56 How Andrew Uses AI49:29 Legacy & Letting Go57:48 Lightning Round

Free 30-second quiz
Take my “Escape 9-to-5” quiz: https://tally.so/r/nG7ZbQ

About the show
I’m Lydia—ex-banker turned climate-tech founder and podcast host. Escape 9-to-5 explores stories of people who left the default path to build lives of freedom, impact and authenticity. Thanks for listening! 🌱

Anne-Laure Le Cunff thought she’d landed her dream job at Google—until a sudden health scare forced her to rethink everything. In this episode of **Escape 9 to 5**, the neuroscientist-turned-founder of **Ness Labs** explains:- Why burnout can hit people who *love* their jobs- How “Tiny Experiments” and her **PACT** framework turn uncertainty into growth- The power of Kairos moments (wait till you hear the cacao story ☕🌞)- Practical tips for designing a life driven by curiosity—not corporate calendarsFollow Anne-Laure: https://nesslabs.com/*🧭 Take the “Escape 9 to 5” Quiz*Wondering if *you* should leave the default path?Take my free 30second quiz to discover what type of “escapee” you are:👉 https://tally.so/r/nG7ZbQ*✨ Welcome to Escape 9 to 5 — the podcast for curious rebels*I’m Lydia — a former banker turned climate tech founder, nomadic creator, and podcast host. *Escape 9 to 5* is where we explore stories of people who left the traditional path to build lives of freedom, impact, and authenticity.---*🎙 Tools Used to Record This Episode*🎙 Record with Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=lydia-chen🎥 DJI Camera: https://dji-retail.co.uk/r?id=38ff4g🎬 Edit with CapCut Pro (7-day free trial): https://www.capcut.com/capcut_pc_web/fission_receive?code=4kGM2e23925838&lng=en🎵 Epidemic Sound (free music trial): https://www.epidemicsound.com/campaign/invite-a-creator/?_us=Referral&_usx=0glnzs&utm_source=ref_program&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=0glnzs🧠 Notion for episode planning: https://www.notion.com/product?utm_source=affl&utm_medium=lydiachen8604---*🌱 Other Tools I Recommend*📚 Part-Time YouTuber Academy (PTYA): https://go.aliabdaal.com/ptya?ref=lydiaclinzi🧠 LifeOS by Ali Abdaal: https://aliabdaal.com/lifeos/ref/lydiaclinzi/🧘‍♀️ Psycle London Starter Kit: https://psyclelondon.com/pages/register?referral_code=xZpKBB🚲 SoulCycle Invite: https://www.soul-cycle.com/r/7mBwe8c8/💪 ClassPass (£1 trial + 20 credits): https://classpass.com/refer/STTVGMC528?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=raf_pre_reservation&utm_content=MjU4MTk4MzY%3D*(Some of these are affiliate links — thank you for supporting my channel!)*---🌍 **Website**: https://www.lydiaclinzi.com📸 **Instagram**: https://www.instagram.com/lydiachenlinzi🎯 About the PodcastEscape 9 to 5 is for people who’ve left corporate life behind and never looked back. We talk about risk, reinvention, and what it takes to build a life you don’t need a vacation from.Let’s grow and glow together 🌱✨© 2025 Lydia C. Linzi. All Rights Reserved.

Matthew Dicks returns to show us how far we’ve come—and how far storytelling can still take us. In this intimate chat, he shares:

• A real-time founder pitch exercise

• How to use AI (ChatGPT!) without losing your voice

• The Homework for Life habit—now an app!

• Tips on asking better questions

• A playful Lightning Round

When we recorded: I was struck by how different—and deeper—this conversation felt compared to last year. It reminded me that the Escape 9 to 5 journey is about continual growth, reflection, and connection. I learned so much, and can’t wait for you to experience it too.

🕒 Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Hook

01:18 – Ice‑Breaker: “Two‑Minute Life Trailer”

05:22 – Rewind & Reflect: Since We Last Spoke

11:45 – How to Pitch as a Founder – Live Exercise

29:41 – Using ChatGPT to Enhance Storytelling

36:26 – What’s Homework for Life & New App?

44:00 – How to Ask Better Questions

49:39 –  Lightning Round

🔗 Key Links– Watch last year’s conversation with Matthew → https://youtu.be/HWdh3wRo8o0?si=vb4IoX8HWh8ngZEi– 📚 Matthew’s book, Storyworthy https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/37786022-storyworthy– ✏️ Homework for Life app (iOS) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/homework-for-life- Connect with Matthew: https://matthewdicks.com/

What if the success you dreamed of… wasn’t the life you actually wanted?

• 
  
• At just 19, Brian Wong raised $32M and was flying private while his friends were still in college. But behind the headlines was a deeper story—about burnout, traditional expectations, and the real meaning of freedom.
• 
  
• In this episode, Brian shares how he broke free from the script, what first-time founders often get wrong, and why starting your own company might actually be the *real* job security.
• 
  
• 🎙️ We talk about:
• • Growing up with traditional Asian parents
• • Founding a startup at 19
• • Burnout and rediscovering balance
• • What most founders misunderstand about fundraising
• • Letting go of the 9 to 5 mindset
• 
  
• 🔗 Connect with Brian: https://linkedin.com/in/brianwong
• 📬 Subscribe to Lydia's newsletter: [Sunday Not Blue link]
• 🎥 Full video on YouTube: [YouTube episode link]

Derek Sivers has lived many lives: musician, startup founder, TED speaker, minimalist nomad, and author of beloved books like Hell Yeah or No and Anything You Want.

In this conversation, we talk about:

– How to accumulate evidence for the life you want

– Tiny experiments that shape your identity

– Cities of the future, from China to South Korea

– Solopreneurship, uncertainty, and doing what scares you

We also talk about creative reinvention, raising children, and why retirement isn’t the end—it’s just another prototype.

💡 Favorite Derek quote from this episode:

“Whatever scares you—go do it.”

Because when you do, you collect evidence.You’ve done it once. You can do it again.

📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode

• The Art of Asking – Amanda Palmer → https://www.amazon.co.uk/Art-Asking-Learned-Worrying-People/dp/1455581089

• Selling the Invisible – Harry Beckwith → https://www.amazon.co.uk/Selling-Invisible-Field-Modern-Marketing/dp/0446672319

• You Can Negotiate Anything – Herb Cohen → https://www.amazon.co.uk/You-Can-Negotiate-Anything-Cohen/dp/0553281097

🌐 Where to Find Derek Sivers

• Website → https://sive.rs

• YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/user/dereksivers

• X (Twitter) → https://x.com/sivers

⏰ TIMESTAMPS

00:00:00 Intro

00:04:19 Two Truths & a Lie

00:11:29 Identity vs. What You Do

00:22:50 How 15 Years of Music Rewired His Mindset

00:28:38 Finding Your Voice From Scratch

00:43:20 Derek’s Current Goal

00:51:07 Failing Up

01:02:47 Adopting a New Persona

01:29:20 Lightning Round

🎧 LISTEN ON THE GO Spotify · Apple · all links → https://www.dayzeroproduction.com/escape-9-to-5

💌 WEEKLY LETTER – **Sunday Not Blue** Tools, tiny experiments, and behind-the-scenes stories → https://lydia-c-linzi.kit.com/

☕ SUPPORT THE SHOW Buy me a Not-So-Blue Brew → https://lydia-c-linzi.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-not-so-blue-brew

#DerekSivers #Escape9to5Podcast #DoWhatScaresYou #RiskyPath #LifeDesign #Reinvention #CDbaby #TinyExperiments #CareerClarity #DigitalNomad---*

🧭 Take the “Escape 9 to 5” Quiz*Wondering if *you* should leave the default path?Take my free 30second quiz to discover what type of “escapee” you are:

👉 https://tally.so/r/nG7ZbQ*

✨ Welcome to Escape 9 to 5 — the podcast for curious rebels*I’m Lydia — a former banker turned climate tech founder, nomadic creator, and podcast host.

🎯 About the Podcast

Escape 9 to 5 is for people who’ve left corporate life behind and never looked back. We talk about risk, reinvention, and what it takes to build a life you don’t need a vacation from.Let’s grow and glow together 🌱✨© 2025 Lydia C. Linzi. All Rights Reserved.

What if your next career move isn’t about finding the perfect job... but hiring the right one?

In this episode, Bob Moesta — innovation legend, author of Demand-Side Sales and Learning to Build, and co-creator of the Jobs-To-Be-Done framework — joins Escape 9 to 5 to talk about struggling moments, career redesign, and why retirement isn’t the end — it’s just another prototype.

🎧 We dive into:

How to spot your “super ability”

Why people leave jobs they once loved

What makes people truly ready to change careers

Bob’s unexpected burst of productivity after retirement

🔹 Watch this if you’ve ever felt stuck, misaligned, or unsure how to choose your next move.

🎙 Hosted by Lydia C. Linzi | Escape 9 to 5

🔗 Full podcast archive: https://www.dayzeroproduction.com/escape-9-to-5

📚 Where to find Bob Moesta:

• X: https://x.com/bmoesta

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobmoesta/

• Website: https://www.jobmoves.com/

• Podcast: https://pca.st/gg6goo1n

• The Re-Wired Group: https://therewiredgroup.comBooks: https://www.jobmoves.com/

---*🧭 Take the “Escape 9 to 5” Quiz*Wondering if *you* should leave the default path?

Take my free 30second quiz to discover what type of “escapee” you are:👉 https://tally.so/r/nG7ZbQ

---*💌 Join My Newsletter — Sunday Not Blue

*Every week(ish), I share behind-the-scenes stories, tools I love, and insights for building a bold life and braver career — from creative pivots to climate tech breakthroughs.

✨ Join here →https://lydia-c-linzi.kit.com/---

*☕️ Support the Podcast*If you enjoy *Escape 9 to 5*, you can now buy me a Not-So-Blue Brew ☕️ → https://lydia-c-linzi.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-not-so-blue-brew

Chapters

00:00:00 Intro

00:02:57 Two Truths & a Lie

00:04:53 The Impact of Early Experiences on Career

00:05:48 Navigating Challenges and Learning from Failures

00:05:48 The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth

00:10:51 Lessons from Startups and Business Growth

00:14:12 The role of mentorship and growth

00:16:00 Transforming Struggles into Strengths

00:18:10 The Value of Time and Intentional Living

00:25:33 Understanding the Jobs to Be Done Framework

00:27:46 Navigating Career Transitions

00:29:20 Finding Energy in Work

00:34:54 Real-Life Career Transformations

00:42:11 The Importance of Prioritization

00:44:38 Activating Passion for Climate Change

00:46:52 Jobcation: Balancing Work and Life

00:51:27 Embracing Change and Growth

00:52:11 Future Aspirations and Projects

00:54:02 The Role of AI in Innovation

00:57:02 Curiosity as a key skill

#Escape9to5Podcast #BobMoesta #JobToBeDone #CareerChange #DreamJobDesign

✨ Welcome to Escape 9 to 5 — the podcast for curious rebels

I’m Lydia — a former banker turned climate tech founder, nomadic creator, and podcast host. *Escape 9 to 5* is where we explore stories of people who left the traditional path to build lives of freedom, impact, and authenticity.📌

🎙 Tools Used to Record This Episode*

🎙 Record with Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=lydia-chen

🎥 DJI Camera: https://dji-retail.co.uk/r?id=38ff4g

🎬 Edit with CapCut Pro (7-day free trial): https://www.capcut.com/capcut_pc_web/fission_receive?code=4kGM2e23925838&lng=en

🎵 Epidemic Sound (free music trial): https://www.epidemicsound.com/campaign/invite-a-creator/?_us=Referral&_usx=0glnzs&utm_source=ref_program&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=0glnzs

🎯 About the PodcastEscape 9 to 5 is for people who’ve left corporate life behind and never looked back. We talk about risk, reinvention, and what it takes to build a life you don’t need a vacation from.Let’s grow and glow together 🌱✨

© 2025 Lydia C. Linzi. All Rights Reserved.

🎙 The Brain Only Wants One Thing…

Why we get distracted—and how to take our focus back.

In this episode of Escape 9 to 5, I sit down with Nir Eyal, bestselling author of Indistractable and Hooked, to talk about the psychology of distraction, parenting in the digital age, and why time management is really pain management.

🌍 Connect with Nir: https://www.nirandfar.com🛠 Tools & Takeaways from Indistractable →https://www.nirandfar.com/indistractable

We cover:

• How your boss might be breaking your brain (literally)

• The link between discomfort and distraction

• Why quitting the 9-to-5 doesn’t automatically give you freedom

• The myth of “just do it if it takes 2 minutes”

• How to raise Indistractable kids

🎯 This episode is a must-listen if you’re rebuilding your attention, designing your ideal week, or questioning what actually matters.

✨ Take the Escape 9 to 5 Quiz → https://tally.so/r/nG7ZbQ

💌 Join the newsletter → https://lydia-c-linzi.kit.com

☕ Buy me a Flat White to support the show → https://lydia-c-linzi.kit.com/products/buy-me-a-not-so-blue-brew

🎧 Subscribe for more episodes with creators, thinkers & rebels designing bold, intentional lives.

*✨ Welcome to Escape 9 to 5 — the podcast for curious rebels*I’m Lydia — a former banker turned climate tech founder, nomadic creator, and podcast host. *Escape 9 to 5* is where we explore stories of people who left the traditional path to build lives of freedom, impact, and authenticity.*🎙 Tools Used to Record This Episode*🎙 Record with Riverside: https://www.riverside.fm/?via=lydia-chen

Ever felt completely derailed by a setback, only to later realize it was exactly what you needed for your next big breakthrough?

🌟In this inspiring episode of Escape 9 to 5, Lydia sits down with Amy Shoenthal—journalist, author, and expert on turning life's toughest moments into powerful turning points. Amy reveals the secrets behind her book, The Setback Cycle, guiding you through practical steps to reframe challenges, recognize hidden opportunities, and propel your life forward.Whether you're navigating career changes, entrepreneurial ups and downs, or personal hurdles, Amy’s wisdom will change the way you think about setbacks forever.

✨ In this episode, you'll discover:Why setbacks are essential stepping stones to greater success.How to turn your worst career disappointments into your greatest opportunities.Simple techniques to build resilience and clarity when life knocks you down.

👉 Amy Shoenthal has interviewed hundreds of people about their toughest moments, from executives and entrepreneurs to everyday achievers. She distills their stories into actionable lessons for anyone facing a crossroad.Ready to turn your setbacks into success? Hit play, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs a boost today!

🎧 Listen to more episodes of Escape 9 to 5: https://open.spotify.com/show/2DOHX3DL1JQKMQt3jx3CJS?si=20d41baa77184a00🔗 Connect with Amy Shoenthal: https://www.amyshoenthal.com/

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

03:24 Two Truths and a Lie

04:27 Why then?

20:14 What now?

41:48 What's Next?

49:20 Lightning Round

✨ Welcome to Your New Source of Inspiration!Hi, I’m Lydia—a former investment banker turned climate tech enthusiast and personal growth advocate. On this channel, we explore freedom, purpose, and connection through stories, strategies, and life lessons.🌍 Whether you’re:Navigating a career in climate tech,Building your personal brand,Or designing a life you love as a digital nomad,This is your space for actionable insights, personal reflections, and the best moments of life.🎉 Special Offers for You!💪 Get started with my favorite tools:ClassPass: Try £1 trial + 20 bonus credits: Sign Up https://classpass.com/refer/STTVGMC528?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=raf_pre_reservation&utm_content=MjU4MTk4MzY%3DLinkedIn Premium (Free 2-Month Trial):Unlock exclusive insights, search tools, and messaging with LinkedIn Premium Business.🕒 Hurry! Offer expires Jan 23, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PST). Redeem Your Free Trialhttp://www.linkedin.com/premium/redeem/?planType=professional&_ed=9EMbGhaxTfl4N9mdWHJZGrZee1Q&redeemType=REFERRAL_COUPON&upsellOrderOrigin=premium_referrals_my_premiumNotion: Transform your productivity: Get Started https://www.notion.com/product?utm_source=affl&utm_medium=lydiachen8604Epidemic Sound: Find music for your life and videos: 7-Day Free Trial https://www.epidemicsound.com/campaign/invite-a-creator/?_us=Referral&_usx=0glnzs&utm_source=ref_program&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=0glnzs📬 Stay Connected✨ Sign up for my newsletter: The First 60 Days Subscribe https://lydiaclinzi.substack.com/📚 Readwise: Turn book quotes into insights: Try Now📸 Let’s ConnectFollow me on Instagram for daily inspiration: @lydiachenlinziExplore my website: www.lydiaclinzi.com🌟 About MeHey there! 👋 I’m Lydia, a former investment banker with a passion for personal growth, healthy living, and climate tech innovation. Now, I’m dedicated to sharing insights and stories that help you find freedom, build purpose, and make meaningful connections.Join me for a mix of:Career and personal development tips,Wellness and productivity strategies,And the best lessons I’ve learned from London, Hong Kong, and beyond.Let’s grow and glow together! 🌱✨2025 Lydia C. Linzi. All Rights Reserved.

Ever wondered what it takes to walk away from success to seek true meaning?Master Aarya was at the peak of his career, teaching at one of the largest yoga chains in Hong Kong with packed classes and devoted followers. Yet, he knew something was missing. Driven by a deeper calling, he left it all behind to establish Pragya Yog School—a holistic space dedicated not just to physical poses, but to the full wisdom of yogic tradition.In this inspiring episode, Aarya shares openly about:🌱 Why he walked away from a thriving corporate yoga career🧘 The true meaning and practice of "Yog" (Hint: it's deeper than yoga poses!)✨ How yoga can help us reconnect with ourselves and redefine success🕊️ Simple breathing techniques and mindfulness practices you can try right nowMaster Aarya’s journey reminds us that the biggest success comes from aligning our careers with our deepest values and well-being.🔗 Connect with Master Aarya: Website: https://www.pragyayog.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/master_aarya/00:00 Intro02:19 Opening03:33 Two Truths and a Lie7:37 Why Then?17:58 What Now?40:04 What's Next?45:37 Lightning Round✨ Welcome to Your New Source of Inspiration!Hi, I’m Lydia—a former investment banker turned climate tech enthusiast and personal growth advocate. On this channel, we explore freedom, purpose, and connection through stories, strategies, and life lessons.🌍 Whether you’re:Navigating a career in climate tech,Building your personal brand,Or designing a life you love as a digital nomad,This is your space for actionable insights, personal reflections, and the best moments of life.🎉 Special Offers for You!💪 Get started with my favorite tools:ClassPass: Try £1 trial + 20 bonus credits: Sign Up https://classpass.com/refer/STTVGMC528?utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=raf_pre_reservation&utm_content=MjU4MTk4MzY%3DLinkedIn Premium (Free 2-Month Trial):Unlock exclusive insights, search tools, and messaging with LinkedIn Premium Business.🕒 Hurry! Offer expires Jan 23, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PST). Redeem Your Free Trialhttp://www.linkedin.com/premium/redeem/?planType=professional&_ed=9EMbGhaxTfl4N9mdWHJZGrZee1Q&redeemType=REFERRAL_COUPON&upsellOrderOrigin=premium_referrals_my_premiumNotion: Transform your productivity: Get Started https://www.notion.com/product?utm_source=affl&utm_medium=lydiachen8604Epidemic Sound: Find music for your life and videos: 7-Day Free Trial https://www.epidemicsound.com/campaign/invite-a-creator/?_us=Referral&_usx=0glnzs&utm_source=ref_program&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=0glnzs🎥 Must-Watch Next35 Life Lessons at 35: Watch Now https://youtu.be/KlxxLSBqHLI?si=f9lGjbYhdM-yP49jEscape 9 to 5 Podcast Series: Listen Here https://www.youtube.com/@LydiaCLinzi/podcasts📬 Stay Connected✨ Sign up for my newsletter: The First 60 Days Subscribe https://lydiaclinzi.substack.com/📚 Readwise: Turn book quotes into insights: Try Now📸 Let’s ConnectFollow me on Instagram for daily inspiration: @lydiachenlinziExplore my website: www.lydiaclinzi.com🌟 About MeHey there! 👋 I’m Lydia, a former investment banker with a passion for personal growth, healthy living, and climate tech innovation. Now, I’m dedicated to sharing insights and stories that help you find freedom, build purpose, and make meaningful connections.Join me for a mix of:Career and personal development tips,Wellness and productivity strategies,And the best lessons I’ve learned from London, Hong Kong, and beyond.Let’s grow and glow together! 🌱✨2025 Lydia C. Linzi. All Rights Reserved.