Alison Bladh was told, like many of us growing up, that what you eat has nothing to do with your hormones. Turns out, that advice wasn't just wrong. It was harmful.

In this episode, the nutritional therapist and hormone health expert breaks down how endocrine disruptors in ultra-processed foods affect everything from your energy and mood to your skin and metabolism. She shares her personal story of struggling with acne, misinformation, and eventually finding healing through food.

Kevin Palmieri was told, “Why don’t you think less?”—a dismissive response to his deep self-reflection during a personal crisis. In this episode, he shares how that moment collided with suicidal thoughts, external success, and a drive for meaning. Instead of shutting off his mind, Kevin leaned into self-awareness, using it to build a purpose-driven business and a healthier life.

In this episode, Allan shares how embracing, and eventually outgrowing,that advice led him to become one of the most influential voices in the accounting world. It’s a story about finding your lane, then building a whole new highway.

In this episode of The Worst Advice I Ever Got, Kelly opens up about the damaging pursuit of perfection. From early praise that reinforced unrealistic standards to the hidden toll it took on her mental health, she shares how striving to be flawless actually helped her succeed... and why that made it even harder to let go.

This one’s for anyone who’s ever felt like their worth depends on never messing up. 

Jeff Hilimire was told to “dream big.” Sounds like great advice—until it nearly burned him out.

In this episode, Jeff shares how chasing massive goals led to overextension, failed ventures, and a lesson he now lives by: dream small. Focus on what matters. Build with purpose. And grow from there.

From launching startups to founding 48in48, Jeff’s story is a masterclass in scaling back to move forward.

In this episode of The Worst Advice I Ever Got, Jamie shares why traditional business plans can be a trap for creative entrepreneurs. From freelance life to launching multiple ventures, he talks about embracing uncertainty, staying agile, and why “figuring it out as you go” isn’t failure—it’s freedom.

Whether you’re a planner, a dreamer, or somewhere in between, this episode will make you rethink the way you start something new.

New episodes every Friday. Subscribe and follow to never miss a bad idea turned good.

In this episode, Anita shares how she rebuilt her business with a minimalist mindset—focusing on fewer, high-value clients instead of chasing constant growth. We talk about the cost of hustle culture, the power of clarity, and how success looks different when you're actually enjoying the life you're building.

In this episode of The Worst Advice I Ever Got, Evren shares how achieving the kind of success most people dream about left him feeling empty, addicted, and disconnected from what really mattered. It took one powerful moment with his son to change his life—and inspire a journey toward real meaning.

From corporate highs to completing a 100-mile ultra-marathon in the mountains of Turkey, Evren’s story is a lesson in what happens when we stop outsourcing happiness and start living with intention.

In this episode, DePriest shares how generational expectations shaped his early career path, why he eventually walked away from corporate success, and how he found purpose in nonprofit leadership. From the weight of bad advice to the freedom of finding your “why,” this conversation is about more than just work—it’s about redefining what success really means.

Follow The Worst Advice I Ever Got for new episodes every Friday. Powered by our friends at Smith + Howard.