In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with entrepreneur and REMory founder Brandon Christian to explore the fascinating science of targeted memory reactivation and the journey of turning that research into a real product.

Brandon discovered the research while searching for ways to help his grandmother after a fall affected her memory. What began as a homemade experiment eventually became a company developing a device that uses scent and audio cues during sleep.

We discuss what the research actually says, why some studies have produced null results, how sleep contributes to memory consolidation, and what people preparing for demanding exams should realistically expect from this technology.

We also explore the entrepreneurial side of Brandon’s journey—from building his first prototype to manufacturing the device himself and turning a personal problem into a potential business opportunity.

If you’re interested in neuroscience, learning, sleep, entrepreneurship, or the process of turning scientific research into a real-world product, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Brandon on : https://www.remory.ca/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with podcast host, journalist, and Auburn University graduate Noah May.

Noah is the host of three podcasts — lethal venom, Southern Reads, and Music Talks — where he explores honest conversations around life, books, music, and the experiences that shape us.

But behind the podcasts is a deeply personal story of overcoming self-doubt, feeling like an outsider, and navigating difficult seasons while continuing to pursue his goals.

We discuss resilience, authenticity, finding your voice, personal growth, and how difficult experiences can become the foundation for helping others.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling like you aren’t good enough or wondered whether your past can become part of your purpose, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Noah on : https://www.noahspodcasts.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with online entrepreneur, investor, bestselling author, and TEDx speaker Mike Swigunski.

Mike helped scale Empire Flippers as employee #4 and was involved in more than $120 million in online business acquisitions. He has since built multiple remote companies, travelled to more than 100 countries, and dedicated his work to helping people earn from anywhere.

We discuss remote work, online entrepreneurship, buying digital businesses, investing, location independence, and what it really takes to build financial freedom outside the traditional career path.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you can build a career or business that gives you more freedom over your time, income, and location, this conversation will give you practical ideas for getting started.

Connect with Mike on : https://globalcareerbook.com/audio/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with leadership expert and creator of Shared Performance, Jess Mitchell.

With more than 20 years of experience leading teams and growing businesses across Australia and New Zealand, Jess explores why some leaders become the person everyone depends on — and how that can quietly limit both business growth and personal freedom.

We discuss leadership, communication, trust, accountability, team performance, entrepreneurship, and how AI is changing the skills that matter most in the workplace.

Jess also shares practical insights on building businesses where responsibility and performance are shared rather than carried by a few.

If you’re a founder, leader, or entrepreneur trying to build a successful business without becoming trapped by it, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Jess on : https://www.jesskmitchell.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Maxwell Ivey, known around the world as The Blind Blogger.

Maxwell’s entrepreneurial journey has taken him from the carnival business and amusement ride brokering to life coaching, online media, podcasting, and becoming an accessibility advocate and consultant.

We discuss digital accessibility, entrepreneurship, inclusion, resilience, self-determination, storytelling, and why businesses should stop thinking about accessibility simply as a compliance requirement.

Maxwell explains how accessibility can improve customer experience, strengthen reputation, open new markets, and create meaningful opportunities for businesses.

We also explore the personal principles that helped Maxwell continue moving forward through adversity: interdependence, self-determination, determined positivity, honest storytelling, and simply refusing to stop.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creator, website owner, or business leader, this conversation will challenge the way you think about accessibility—and show you why designing for more people can ultimately create a better business.

Connect with Maxwell on : https://www.theaccessibilityadvantage.com/home

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with marketing veteran, podcast producer, and founder of But Wait, There’s Moore, Rachel Moore.

With 17 years of experience across content, inbound marketing, and podcasting, Rachel shares her perspective on what it really takes to build trust and meaningful human connections in today’s increasingly digital world.

We discuss podcast marketing, AI, storytelling, omnichannel marketing, audience engagement, and why authenticity may become even more valuable as technology continues to evolve.

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, marketer, or content creator looking to build stronger connections with your audience, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can put to work immediately.

Connect with Rachel on : https://www.butwaittheresmoore.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Shanzila Ahmed, co-founder of ReachLLM, an AI-native Generative Engine Optimization agency.

We explore one of the biggest changes happening in digital marketing: people are increasingly asking AI systems for recommendations instead of relying solely on traditional search.

Shanzila explains why ranking highly on Google doesn’t automatically mean your brand will be recommended by ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Claude, or Google AI Overviews.

We discuss how AI systems understand brands, the importance of credible sources and citations, why content volume isn’t enough, what businesses should measure, and practical steps entrepreneurs can take to improve their AI visibility.

If you’re a founder, marketer, SaaS company, e-commerce business, or entrepreneur trying to understand what AI means for the future of customer discovery, this conversation will give you a practical starting point.

Connect with Shanzila on : https://www.reachllm.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with lifelong business leader, consultant, leadership development expert, and author Ed Doherty.

Ed shares lessons from more than four decades of leadership, consulting, mentoring, and personal growth, drawing from experiences across restaurants, human resources, nonprofits, and business leadership.

We discuss persistence, optimism, leadership, integrity, personal development, and the importance of continuing to pursue meaningful goals at every stage of life.

Ed’s story is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to start something new. After running his first Boston Marathon at 70 and publishing his first book at 72, Ed shows us that success isn’t defined by age — it’s defined by the willingness to keep moving forward.

Connect with Edward on : https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/2KwaLc5/AmbroseArchive

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with transformational coach, speaker, and author Susan Hensley.

After decades in HR and corporate leadership, Susan discovered art journaling during a period of intense stress and major life transition. What began as a creative outlet became a powerful tool for processing emotions, managing chaos, and reconnecting with curiosity and joy.

We discuss creativity, retirement, reinvention, leadership, the inner critic, and how adults can rediscover the playfulness and curiosity that often gets buried beneath the responsibilities of everyday life.

If you’re navigating a major transition or simply feel like you’ve lost touch with the creative side of yourself, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective and practical ways to move forward.

Connect with Susan on : https://susan-hensley.com/

In this episode of 9–5 Exit Plan, I sit down with Dr. Cynthia Coy, founder and CEO of Uncaged Solutions, retired Air Force officer, and executive leadership coach.

Cynthia helps high-achieving women move from overwhelm to overflow by developing the mindset, emotional intelligence, and leadership practices needed to succeed without losing themselves in the process.

We discuss authentic leadership, people-pleasing, boundaries, emotional regulation, mindset, and Cynthia’s F.R.E.S.H. framework — Financial, Relational, Emotional, Spiritual, and Holistic alignment.

If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s possible to achieve more without sacrificing your peace, purpose, health, or identity, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Dr. Cynthia on : https://www.uncagedsolutions.com/