Normal 40: The Podcast

What happens when you reach the pinnacle of your career only to realize it’s no longer the life you want? In this episode, Lon Stroschein sits down with Parker Hays, a physician who spent 33 years in emergency medicine before making the courageous decision to leave and build a life of purpose and impact. Parker shares his journey, from a pivotal moment in his youth that inspired him to pursue medicine to the realization that it was time to trade his successful career for a new chapter focused on prevention, wellness, and helping others thrive. Through his company, Lasting Impact Wellness, Parker now helps leaders avoid burnout and become the best versions of themselves. This candid conversation is packed with insights about change, courage, and listening to the quiet voice inside that calls you to more. Key Takeaways: A lifelong career can feel out of alignment when your purpose shifts. Deciding to leave success behind is daunting, but the trade-off can lead to clarity, fulfillment, and growth. Stepping into a new chapter isn’t about starting over but rediscovering curiosity and learning with intention. Balance is possible when leaders prioritize self-awareness, wellness, and resilience over the grind of constant achievement. Honor your legacy by living fully: Inspired by his father’s untimely passing, Parker is committed to embracing every moment and living a life of service and purpose. What's Next? This heartfelt conversation is a testament to the courage required to make "the trade" and a call to action for anyone feeling stuck. Whether through a free Ramble, Lon's Insider group, or his bestselling book The Trade, this episode is a call to action to start designing your next chapter. Find all things Lon and Normal 40 here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein  Parker Hays: https://www.instagram.com/drs.hays/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/e-parker-hays-jr-md-facep-6296b2125/ Website https://lastingimpactwellness.com/

At some point, the chaos gets too loud to ignore. In that moment, you will break down or raise up. In Part Two of Brandon Meyer’s story, we start the exploration about what really matters and how you chase it. This episode is about the people who show up when you stop pretending. The friends who bet on you before you bet on yourself. The quiet acts of rebellion that help you remember who you were before the titles, the expectations, and the noise. "I hit it at a young age… and realized it wasn’t the end game I thought it would be." —Brandon Meyer Most of all, we talk about rediscovering your art—not the kind you post, sell, or monetize—but the things you do just for you. The things that make you feel alive again. The things you share with friends, and we find out what happens when we share it. This isn’t about leaving a job. This is about finding the life that fits your soul. It's about rethinking who you are, what you can offer and getting clear on who needs it most. IN THIS EPISODE: The turning point that shook Brandon The friendships that held him steady and called him forward Why you need people who believe in your next chapter—even when you don’t How to remember your art, and why you must The cost of waiting vs. the power of acting What’s Next? 🔗 Connect with Lon and Brandon Lon Stroschein: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein Brandon Meyer: LinkedIn Facebook (Personal) Facebook (Breaking Braces) (Coming soon: BreakingBraces.com)

Brandon Meyer was born three months premature with cerebral palsy. Doctors said he’d never walk. He walked at three. They said he’d never live on his own. He left home, earned degrees, became a husband, a father, and a corporate leader managing $50 million a year. They said he’d never play sports. He played. They said he’d never be free. But the day he broke his leg brace and threw it on the floor — he chose a different story .  This is Episode 1 of Brandon’s two-part story — a conversation about identity, permission, faith, and finding your art. It’s about walking into your purpose, even if you limp. It’s about telling the truth, especially when it’s uncomfortable. If you’ve ever felt the fire to do something more with your life — something real, something yours — this episode will speak to you. Key Takeaways:  You get to choose your weaknesses--they don't choose you. People show up when you need them.  Doing hard things is about the journey--and fitting in. Finding purpose often starts by embracing what makes you unique. Creativity can become a powerful outlet for self-expression and healing. Your best days are in front of you--so long as you chase them. Lon is not a great guitar player.  What’s Next? Enjoy this episode, and stay tuned for Part Two, which is coming soon. Trust us, you won't want to miss the next chapter of Brandon's incredible story! 🔗 Connect with Lon and Brandon Lon Stroschein: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein Brandon Meyer: LinkedIn Facebook (Personal) Facebook (Breaking Braces) (Coming soon: BreakingBraces.com)

What if you had the chance to reclaim your family’s legacy, resurrect a once-iconic brand, and bet everything on a dream?  Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey’s Corporation, joins Lon Stroschein to discuss her unexpected journey from law and public service to buying back an iconic brand her grandfather start in 1937. “You never know when opportunity will knock—but when it does, you have to be willing to bet on yourself, even if no one else will.” – Stephanie Stuckey Taking back a brand and a company is one thing, but what it will demand from you is another. Lon and Stephanie dive into the emotions behind taking the leap when opportunity knocks. She reflects on the moment she got the call that Stuckey’s was for sale, the gut-wrenching decision to invest her savings and the reality of stepping into a role she never planned for. Her story is a lesson in resilience, reinvention, and embracing the unknown.  Key Takeaways Bet on yourself, even when no one else will. Stephanie took a risk when her family and banks said no—because she believed in what Stuckey’s could be. You don’t need to have it all figured out. She didn’t know how to read a balance sheet or run a company, but she learned along the way. Brand value is more than numbers. The emotional connection people had to Stuckey’s was its biggest asset—something you can’t put on a balance sheet. It’s never too late to reinvent yourself. Stephanie was in her 50s when she made this leap—proof that midlife is a time for bold moves, not settling. What's next? Support Stephanie’s mission by purchasing Stuckey’s products! Find them at Hobby Lobby, Rural King, Food Lion, and other retailers—or order directly at Stuckeys.com. Feeling stuck in your own success? Join The Insider at Normal40.com for coaching, insights, and a community of high performers redefining their future. This is your sign—it’s time to take the leap. Find it all right here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein  Stephany Stuckey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniestuckey/

Burnout is everywhere. It's in our board rooms and courtrooms. But now, more than ever, it's also in our operating rooms and emergency rooms. Something has to change.  In this episode, Lon Stroschein sits down with Dr. John Shufeldt — a physician, entrepreneur, attorney, and pilot — to explore his unconventional career journey. From overcoming academic struggles to founding multiple successful ventures, Dr. Shufeldt reveals how curiosity and a mindset of lifelong learning have guided his path--and how he helps others avoid burnout. Lon and John dig into the unspoken challenges physicians face, including the mental health crisis in medicine and why so many doctors struggle with asking for help. John shares his latest mission to address these issues, including a venture fund to help physicians invest in startups and a screenplay to bring awareness to the pressures of the profession. Beyond medicine, John talks about his insatiable curiosity—why he pursued law, aviation, and business alongside his medical career—and what keeps him pushing forward. He also shares his quest to avoid forever the "If Only" look of death.  This episode is a wake-up call for high performers who feel trapped in their success and are wondering what’s next. Key Takeaways Success often starts with failure. Embracing setbacks creates resilience and opens new opportunities. Curiosity is a powerful driver — exploring diverse interests can uncover unexpected career paths. Innovation thrives when you identify problems that are frequent, expensive, and recurring. Living with purpose means taking calculated risks to avoid regrets later in life. What's next? If this episode resonated with you, it’s time to take action. Subscribe to The Insider at Normal40.com for coaching, insights, and a community of high performers navigating their next chapter.  Your best days aren’t behind you—they’re waiting for you to step into them. Find it all right here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein  Stephany Stuckey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-shufeldt/ 

You did everything right. You put in the years, made the sacrifices, and built a career most people admire. But now, there's a feeling you can't shake—one that whispers there's something more for you. But there you sit...waiting. Judgment starts at the moment you even consider doing something new or more. From colleagues, from society, from that inner voice that says, you should just be grateful for what you already have. The self-judgement that leads to the guilt of having so much and then the shame of feeling so little.  This is your podcast.  In this episode, Lon Stroschein sits with Dr. Adam Goodcoff, an ER physician turned social media influencer and entrepreneur. Dr. Goodcoff shares his unique path from traditional medicine to becoming the founder of Medfluencers, a platform revolutionizing how healthcare professionals engage with social media and the digital space. He reflects on the critical moments that defined his life, including overcoming fear, defying expectations, and creating a career that combines his passions for medicine, education, and innovation. In a candid conversation with Lon, Dr. Goodcoff discusses the challenges of juggling a grueling medical residency with building a social media presence that now reaches millions.  Together, they tackle the universal struggle of breaking free from societal expectations, the fear of looking irresponsible, and the courage it takes to act on your instincts. Key Takeaways Act on Your Instincts. If you wait until you're "ready," you may never begin. Start small and adjust as you go. The Power of Saying Yes: Even when the timing seems off, leaning into opportunities can lead to unexpected growth. Redefining Success: Success doesn't have to follow the rules. Dr. Goodcoff's journey shows that traditional career paths can be redesigned to fit your passions and goals. Educate, Don't Sell: As a leader in healthcare social media, Adam highlights the importance of using platforms to educate rather than promote—helping others without compromising integrity. Overcome the Guilt of Change: Transitioning to a new chapter might feel irresponsible, but sometimes the riskiest move is staying where you are. What's Next: Are you ready to take your next step? Subscribe to Lon's free Rambler newsletter for weekly insights on finding clarity, freedom, and legacy. Find it all right here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein  Dr. Adam Goodcoff: https://www.instagram.com/seethemedlife/

What happens when life throws you one curveball after another? How do you rise, rebuild, and find your true purpose? In this episode, Lon Stroschein sits with Kevin Hoover, an elite performer whose life has been shaped by pivotal moments of triumph and heartbreak. From humble beginnings in Mooresville, North Carolina, to a whirlwind career in hospitality, coaching, and real estate, Kevin shares his story with vulnerability and wisdom.  But the real turning point came when his 4-year-old son was diagnosed with cancer—a moment that redefined everything he thought he knew about success and purpose. You expect powerful insights about life’s unexpected turns, the strength of family, and how faith and resilience can help you rewrite your story. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or clarity in your journey, Kevin’s story will move you to take stock and action. It will show you there is life after cancer.  Key Takeaways Transformation doesn’t need to be radical; it can start by identifying the “ingredients” of your ideal life. Faith can be a powerful anchor, offering clarity and strength during life’s most challenging moments. Prioritizing family and relationships over external achievements creates a foundation for true fulfillment. Traveling and stepping out of routine can be deeply healing, offering fresh perspectives and stronger connections. Adversity can become a turning point, pushing us to realign with what truly matters. Inspiring others often begins with sharing your authentic story and lessons learned along the way. What's Next Ready to step into what’s next for you? Start with 'The Trade'—a guide to making the big moves that lead to clarity, freedom, and legacy, or join the Normal 40 Insider Mastermind, where high performers like you can get tailored advice and strategies to navigate your next chapter. It is, and I promise, the most affordable mastermind you'll find.   Find it all right here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein  Kevin Hoover: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nextcrest/ 

In the new life Lon has built, he reserves every Friday to work on what he calls "Other Bets," investments that are outside of Normal 40 but also part of Lon's long-term future. Listen in as Lon Stroschein takes you through a transformative journey from a corporate executive to a lifestyle engineer -- and where his interest in cryptocurrency takes shape. Including the time he lost more money than he wants his wife to know about.  You'll hear the story of Lon's hard lessons in Crypto, and what he does now. As one of Lon's "Other Bets," he is an investor in and advisor to Benaiah Capital, a boutique investment firm that specializes in digital assets. In this Normal 40 Podcast, Lon talks with the founder of Benaiah Capital, Ben Wiener. This narrative isn't just about financial ventures; it's about the personal growth and education required to navigate the complexities of crypto investment.  There is plenty to talk about, but this is NOT a sales pitch. It's just one way Lon shares about how he diversified out of his corporate concentration and into something that is anything but a guarantee. Lon and Ben tackle the common misconceptions surrounding cryptocurrency custody and how Benaiah aims to provide clarity and confidence to those considering integrating high-risk assets into their wealth management strategies.  You can follow Ben Wiener here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-wiener-benaiahco-nrp-holdings/ You can learn more about Lon Stroschein here: https://linktr.ee/lon.stroschein

It takes trust--an awkward amount of trust--to let things simply unfold before you. To let them play out, to see them untangle, to give them space, and to live in that moment, trusting it. This podcast is a conversation recorded from the streets in Quillabamba, Peru. Join Lon Stroschein on a transformative trek through the heart of Peru, where he is joined by a remarkable guide, Carlos...only 72 hours after meeting, but already a mountain of trust. Carlos shares a slice of life from the streets of Quillabamba to the emotional journey back to his family home, which he visited for the first time in ten years--the first time since his mom passed away. This story is about the courage to follow the path less traveled and the power of new friendships to change our lives. Venture with Lon to the Yanatile jungle, where Carlos's life story unfolds. From his childhood in Cusco to the life-altering decision to leave New York and return to his roots, Carlos's tale is one of deep cultural connections and the sacrifices made for his family. His commitment to preserving the Andean values and promoting responsible tourism alongside his partner, Laura Diaz, illustrates a life led by purpose and passion. This conversation touches on the emotional resonance of grief and the resilient spirit that leads to a profound appreciation of life. It culminates with the Gift of Stones, a symbol of the connections we make and the adventures that await. Tune in to experience Peru through the eyes of those who cherish its heritage and welcome you with open arms.