Welcome back to The Pulse of the Midwest—a mini-series on The Eric Mueller Show spotlighting elite creators and changemakers rising straight out of the heartland.

In Episode 2, we sit down with powerhouse fitness and nutrition expert Vusa Bentley, whose mission blends physical endurance with purpose-driven action.

From Navy SEAL-inspired workouts to raising money across all 50 states, Vusa is redefining what it means to push limits from the inside out. Her “United We Plank” tour isn’t just about holding a world-record plank. It’s about creating space for growth, community, and personal transformation.

Certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Vusa combines deep emotional resilience work with a mind-body-soul approach through her FitNut program. Whether she’s speaking to organizations, training clients, or raising two incredible boys, Vusa leads with strength, presence, and purpose.

This is a conversation about finding your “why,” honoring your body, and living with fierce intentionality. Tap in, because the Midwest is showing up strong, and this story will move you.

“Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.” - Vusa Bentley

Highlights of the episode:

● Training mental and emotional endurance—not just physical

● The deeper mission behind Vusa’s United We Plank tour

● Her journey to “Nomad’s Land” during a plank session

● The role of loss, legacy, and love in building resilience

Additional resources:

• United We Plank
• @fitnutsimplifiedbyv
• @fitnutsimplified
• FitNutSimplified.com
• [email protected]

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• Apple Podcasts
• EricRMueller.com
• Spotify

Welcome to the first-ever installment of Pulse of the Midwest—a brand-new mini-series on The Eric Mueller Show spotlighting elite creators emerging from the heartland.

We’re kicking it off with a powerhouse: Pelly—a genre-bending rapper whose story proves that even the quietest towns can create the loudest impact.

From small-town silence to viral explosion, Pelly's journey is one of perseverance, passion, and staying true to your why. His track “Goku,” inspired by his love for anime, simmered in the background for years—until TikTok launched it into the stratosphere with over 550,000 shares. Add in 15M+ streams, NBA/NFL placements, and collabs with Twista and T.I., and you’ve got a story you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Pelly found his voice through anime, rap legends, and Midwest roots

• What it really takes to break through when there’s no scene around you

• The moment “Goku” exploded—and how it reshaped his future

• Why the next level isn’t always upward—it’s inward

• Discovering your why and freeing yourself from creative limits

• The evolving music and creator culture in the Midwest

• Do you really need to move to a “music Mecca” to make it as an artist

We get real about ego, purpose, and the pressure to relocate for success. Pelly drops gems on staying grounded while building global momentum—and how Redemption, Game Time, and Winner’s Win aren’t just tracks, but a mindset.

Catch the Pulse—because the Midwest is rising.

Additional resources:

• Connect with Pelly
• Pelly on Spotify
• Pelly on YouTube

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• Apple Podcasts
• EricRMueller.com
• Spotify

Serena Baleja is part strategist, part connector, and all about the human touch in a world of automation.

With 8+ years of experience leading influencer campaigns for luxury travel and billion-dollar consumer tech brands, she knows what works—and what’s just noise. Now, as the founder of Socialite CRM, she’s on a mission to bring powerful, ROI-focused influencer tools to the small biz world...without the bloated price tag.

Highlights of the episode:

• How to find creators who actually convert
• What a social media self-audit looks like (and why it matters)
• Why automation should never replace authentic relationships

Additional resources:

• Socialite
• Socialite ROI Calculator
• Connect with Serena

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• Apple Podcasts
• EricRMueller.com
• Spotify

In this special re-release, I want to honor the memory of Bob Kierlin by sharing the very first interview on The Eric Mueller Show—it was also his first time on a podcast. Bob’s wisdom, humility, and generosity left a lasting impact on me, and I hope his words continue to inspire you as well. Thank you, Bob, for your kindness and leadership. I’ll always cherish this conversation. Rest in peace.

“Success is the ability to bring out the potential in other people.” – Bob Kierlin

Bob’s obituary:

• https://www.fawcett-junkerfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Bob-Kierlin?obId=36549016

Share a memory in Bob’s tribute book:

• https://www.tributebook.com/domains/ec59793a-fedf-47db-a110-4c78c2f9e634/obituaries/36549016/book#

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• Apple Podcasts

• EricRMueller.com

• Spotify

Are you ready to break down the barriers to entrepreneurship? In this episode, we sit down with Claudia Scott, Head of Underserved Entrepreneurship at Startup Junkie, to explore how anyone—regardless of background—can turn their business dreams into reality.

Claudia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, from helping entrepreneurs secure Kiva microloans to providing no-cost consulting services for startups. She shares her journey of empowering underserved communities, navigating cultural differences, and staying grounded in her passions.

Claudia’s story will inspire you to embrace your entrepreneurial spirit and believe anyone can start a business.

Highlights of the episode:

• What is a Kiva microloan, and how can it help aspiring entrepreneurs?

• Overcoming language barriers and bridging cultural gaps in business.

• Understanding your passions and working within your limitations.

Additional resources:

• Startup Junkie

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• Apple Podcasts

• EricRMueller.com

• Spotify

Are you ready to cut through the noise and create a brand that truly stands out? This week, I’m joined by Pia Silva, a powerhouse entrepreneur, speaker, and author dedicated to helping small branding agencies scale their businesses while working less.

As the founder of No BS Agency Mastery, Pia has coached countless entrepreneurs to build profitable, efficient businesses. She’s the author of the bestselling book Badass Your Brand, a TED speaker, and the driving force behind Worstofall Design, a branding agency known for crafting “Badass Brands without the BS.”

Pia’s journey is packed with insights on turning expertise into profit and building authentic confidence in business. Whether you’re a branding professional or an entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level, this episode is for you.

Highlights of the episode:

• The 50-25-25 Rule to Profit & Freedom

• How to niche down based on data, not guesswork

• Why scarcity mindset limits generosity and growth

• Strategies to grow your brand without the BS

Additional resources:

• No BS Agencies

• Badass Your Brand: The Impatient Entrepreneur’s Guide to Turning Expertise into Profit by Pia Silva

• Pia’s FREE Audiobook Offer

• Worstofall Design

• No BS Agency Mastery – Book a Call with Pia

• Watch Pia’s TED Talk

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• Apple Podcasts

• EricRMueller.com

• Spotify

What does success mean to you? For author, personal development expert, and motivational speaker Kayla Logue, it’s about you defining success on your own terms. In this episode of The Eric Mueller Show, Kayla shares her powerful journey from the real estate industry to founding her non-profit, Move Into Words, where she advocates for self-discovery, growth, and confidence through the transformative power of journaling and sustainable health habits.

Kayla’s new book, Always Squeezing Lemons, is a guide to turning life’s challenges into opportunities. Through "lemon drops" and reflective journal prompts, she empowers readers to break free from societal expectations and discover what success truly means for them.

Tune in as Kayla opens up about her journey, shares the key habits in her Success Portfolio, and reveals how you can start living life on your own terms. Whether you’re looking for a fresh perspective on personal development or need that motivational spark, this episode is packed with inspiration, wisdom, and practical tips you don’t want to miss.

Discover how to squeeze the most out of life’s lemons!

Highlights of the episode:

• “Your mental narrative is your greatest asset or your Achilles’ heel”

• The more you help people, the more success comes with it

Additional resources:

• Always Squeezing Lemons by Kayla Logue

• KaylaLogue.com

• MoveIntoWords.com

• The Gap and the Gain

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• Apple Podcasts

• EricRMueller.com

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Are you ready to bust some crypto myths? I’m joined by Dr. Tonya M. Evans, a powerhouse in blockchain, intellectual property, and cutting-edge tech. Dr. Evans isn’t just any expert—she’s a professor at Penn State Dickinson Law, a 2023 EDGE in Tech Athena Award winner, and a sought-after consultant who’s testified before Congress on crypto regulation. We’re diving deep into the uncharted waters of Web3, breaking down the legal and regulatory hurdles that entrepreneurs face, and uncovering the truth about digital assets.

If you’re curious about what it takes to navigate the crypto world and want insights from someone who’s at the forefront of innovation, you won’t want to miss this episode!

Highlights of the episode:

Additional resources:

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Dive deep into the world of lead generation and business growth with Philip Smith, founder of All In One Marketing. Philip has achieved remarkable success, making the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies five times—as a solopreneur. He’s partnered with Shark Tank’s Kevin Harrington, revolutionizing how brands approach marketing.

In this episode, Philip shares invaluable insights on how to prepare for challenges without letting fear hold you back, the importance of owning your company's data, and why he believes “sales solves all problems.”

Tune in to hear the story behind his partnership with Kevin Harrington and gain practical tips for scaling your business the smart way.

Highlights of the episode:

• How Phil partnered with Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank

• Planning for what could go wrong without expecting failure

• “Sales solves all problems”

• “If you want to own a company, own the data that they need to grow”

Additional resources:

• PhilipFSmith.com

• Connect with Phil & Kevin Harrington

• NoWorkFriday.com

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• Apple Podcasts

• EricRMueller.com

• Spotify

How can you not only survive but thrive through life's toughest challenges? What happens when you break free from subconscious barriers holding you back?

Dr. Lise Janelle is a renowned growth accelerator coach and the creator of the groundbreaking Heart Freedom Method. Her method facilitates rapid transformation by dismantling the hidden blocks that prevent success. With appearances on CBC News and CTV’s Canada AM, Dr. Janelle has helped countless individuals overcome inner resistance and unlock their full potential.

From her early days as a top-earning chiropractor to founding the Centre for Heart Living, Dr. Lise’s journey is marked by resilience and passion. As a former championship rower and pioneer in women’s Ice Canoeing, she embraces challenges like scaling Kilimanjaro and La Haute Route in Switzerland. Now, she’s channeling that same energy into guiding others toward their own success.

In this episode, you'll experience “The Heart Freedom Method” live, witness how challenges can make you stronger, and learn what it takes to truly thrive in the face of adversity. Whether you're navigating a difficult time or seeking to elevate your life, Dr. Lise’s insights will inspire you to reach your full potential.

Highlights of the episode:

Additional resources:

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